Sir Alex Ferguson praises Martin O’Neill as LMA Hall of Fame Honour announced

2026-02-19 · Yahoo Sports

Martin O’Neill has become the latest manager to be honoured with a place in the League Managers Association Hall of Fame, marking another milestone in his long and distinguished career…

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11.02.2026 Celtic v Livingston, Scottish Premiership. Celtic managerMartin O’Neill on the touchline. Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO / News Licensing

The current Celtic boss – who also serves as the LMA’s Chair – is set to oversee the 1,000th match of his managerial career tonight as the Hoops welcome Stuttgart in the Europa League.

By reaching this landmark, he joins an elite group that includes Brian Clough, Sir Bobby Robson, Pep Guardiola and Sir Alex Ferguson, with the former Manchester United manager sending a message of praise to the 73-year-old in recognition of his remarkable achievement.

Sir Alex Ferguson in the stands prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Celtic FC and RB Leipzig at Celtic Park on November 05, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Ferguson said in full via LMA: “Many congratulations on joining the LMA Hall of Fame 1,000 club, Martin, and on a career that combines hard work, success, and longevity. I always enjoyed competing against you and your teams, who undoubtedly gave everything for you and embodied your personality and commitment.”

“Your dedication, from beginning your career in non-league, climbing the ranks to win silverware in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership, and managing regularly in European club football, as well as on the international stage, is a legacy to be very proud of.”

“I am not surprised to see that your enthusiasm for leadership and management continues to shine through today as Celtic manager.”

Martin O’Neill head coach of Celtic FC during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Bologna FC 1909 and Celtic FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on January 22, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan also offered his reaction, adding: “Martin’s induction into the LMA Hall of Fame 1,000 Club is a fitting tribute to a truly impressive career in football management.”

“Martin’s achievements mark him out as one of the game’s outstanding managers. He guided Wycombe Wanderers into the Football League for the first time, gained promotion for Leicester City into the Premier League, and won two League Cups, earning European qualification for the Foxes. In Scotland, he has won three Scottish Premiership titles with Celtic, as well as three Scottish Cups, a Scottish League Cup, and reached the 2003 UEFA Cup Final. That is an exceptional body of work.”

Martin O’Neill watches on. Falkirk v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Falkirk Stadium, 14 January 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

“The LMA congratulates Martin on this prestigious honour and looks forward to formally inducting him into the LMA Hall of Fame 1,000 Club at the LMA Annual Awards dinner in May.”

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order