Martin's Absence From US Tour

Last updated : 22 July 2004 By Kevin Smith
Have Faith
Martin O'Neill announced today that he may miss the whole of Celtic's North American Tour, which begins on Saturday. O'Neill had previously stated he would miss the first two games - against Chelsea and Liverpool - but he may now be absent for the full trip.

The reason for his absence is said to be an illness to his wife, he will stay home to be at her side for the duration of the tour, and hopefully, until she recovers.

I cannot believe the nerve of some people who have to cheek to have a go at the Manager for being at his unwell wife's side in times of trouble. Get a grip and give the guy a break - there are more important things in life than four meaningless friendlies.

Once again, a small story sends a minority of the Celtic support into a state of panic.

For the record, Martin O'Neill does not regularly attend Celtic training sessions. They are taken charge by his assistants Stevie Walford and John Robertson - who do a fine job.

Now, friendlies in the US are hardly Group Stage matches in the Champions League, so what is the big need for O'Neill to be out there? Tactically, we will remain the same. Martin O'Neill will pick the teams, and any decisions which have to be made will be left upto Robertson and Walford.

I believe the same scenario would happen if O'Neill had to take a longer time off. There would be no point in giving O'Neill, for example, a year off, bringing in an established manager who would bring with him his preferred coaches, then throwing him out at O'Neill's return. No half-decent manager would settle for this.

So, the US games are not important. Martin O'Neill may not be there for the full tour, but we will be fine without him. He'll be here when the competitive season begins.

Until then, lighten up folks.