Martin O'Neill (Co. Derry)

When O'Neill arrived at Parkhead to take over his "dream job" in June 2000, the task of transforming Celtic was expected to be a gradual one.

He said he would do everything he possibly could to bring success to Celtic; few could imagine the immediate impact he would have.

Given the disarray in which he found the club, then, it is all the more remarkable that in his first season he won the treble - the League, League Cup and Scottish Cup.

O'Neill had cut his managerial teeth on a shoestring budget at Wycombe Wanderers and further enhanced his reputation by bringing silverware (a Worthington Cup) and European football to Premiership also rans Leicester City.

Like his opposite number at Hampden, O'Neill played under one of Britain's managerial greats, Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest. He clearly shares that man's ability to get the best out of players.

Not only did he augment the Celtic squad with hugely successful signings - Sutton, Valgaeren, Thompson and Lennon the most notable - he has managed to eke so much more out of the underachievers who were already there. Bobby Petta, Stilian Petrov and Johan Mjallby have prospered hugely under his instruction.

His achievements this season have inevitably attracted attention and it is no surprise that he has been tipped to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

Celtic fans, who can barely remember the last time they had it so good, will pray that the man who professes to have supported Celtic since childhood stays true to his roots.

His second season saw Celtic storm again to the League Title, while enthralling the fans with breathtaking performances in Europe.

The success story has continued with an appearance in the UEFA Cup Final 2003 and some magnificent performances in the Champions League.

Martin also owns 2 million pounds in Celtic shares.

P. Sweeney (Secretary)
Parkhead House,
Dungloe,
Co.Donegal.
Ireland.