Episode Summary
Hosts
Graham Dunn, Jamie Rooney
Martin Ferguson
Guest(s)
Release Date
16 May 2024
Duration
83 min
In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by lifelong Celtic fan Martin Ferguson to revisit one of the club’s most celebrated eras — Martin O’Neill’s Celtic (2000–2005).
When O’Neill arrived at Parkhead, Celtic were still reeling from a decade of turbulence. Within months, he transformed them into a powerhouse. His debut season delivered a domestic treble — a feat not seen since Jock Stein — and reignited belief among a fanbase craving success. The episode traces O’Neill’s meticulous rebuild: his leadership, his psychological approach, and the signings that defined the era — from Chris Sutton and Neil Lennon to the talismanic Henrik Larsson.
The panel relive the drama of Old Firm clashes, the remarkable European nights against Juventus, Liverpool, and Barcelona, and the emotional journey to the 2003 UEFA Cup Final in Seville, where over 80,000 travelling fans painted the city green and white. Though Celtic fell short against Porto, the campaign cemented their reputation for heart, intensity, and fearless football.
The conversation also examines O’Neill’s management philosophy, his man-management genius, and how his Celtic side blended physicality, flair, and unity. Beyond results, this era revitalised Celtic’s global identity — a blend of working-class roots, continental ambition, and spiritual connection between club and supporters that still defines Parkhead today.
Takeaways
Martin O'Neill revitalized Celtic during a challenging time.
The centenary season of 1988 was a pivotal moment for Celtic.
O'Neill's management style focused on motivation and team spirit.
Key signings like Henrik Larsson transformed the team's fortunes.
Celtic's global fanbase is a testament to its cultural significance.
The Seville final was a remarkable yet heartbreaking journey for fans.
Henrik Larsson is regarded as one of the best players in Celtic's history.
Celtic 2000–2005: Martin O’Neill’s True Greats
Between 2000 and 2005, Celtic Football Club experienced one of the most transformative eras in its history under Martin O’Neill — a manager who reignited belief, redefined standards, and restored the club’s place among Europe’s elite.
O’Neill’s arrival signalled instant impact. In his first season, Celtic stormed to a domestic treble, dismantling rivals Rangers 6–2 and announcing the return of the Glasgow giants. His teams were built on passion and precision — powerful yet poetic, with Henrik Larsson as the heartbeat. Larsson’s goals, Sutton’s guile, Lennon’s leadership, and Petrov’s drive combined into a side both ruthless and romantic.
The European adventures defined the era: unforgettable nights at Parkhead, famous victories over Juventus and Liverpool, and the epic 2003 UEFA Cup Final in Seville, where Celtic fans’ behaviour and devotion became the stuff of legend. Even in defeat, their presence elevated the club’s global identity.
O’Neill’s Celtic weren’t just winners — they were believers. Their football fused British steel with continental intelligence, producing some of the most passionate atmospheres in modern football. By the time O’Neill departed in 2005, he had left a cultural and emotional blueprint that future managers could only hope to emulate.
Celtic’s O’Neill years stand as a golden age of modern Scottish football — a reminder that greatness isn’t only measured in trophies, but in how deeply a team moves its people.
Main Topics
Iconic Moments
Martin O’Neill’s appointment and transformation of Celtic
Key signings: Henrik Larsson, Sutton, Lennon, Hartson, Petrov
Treble-winning debut season and domestic dominance
European adventures culminating in Seville 2003
Rivalry with Rangers and cultural significance in Scotland
Treble-winning 2000–01 debut season
Larsson’s double in Seville against Porto
6–2 Old Firm victory at Celtic Park
European wins over Juventus and Liverpool
Emotional farewell to Larsson in 2004
Notable Manager
Martin O’Neill
Notable Players
Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton, John Hartson, Neil Lennon, Stiliyan Petrov, Alan Thompson, Bobo Baldé, Paul Lambert, Didier Agathe, Rab Douglas
Style of Play
3-5-2 Formation, High Pressing, Physical Dominance, Set-Piece Power, Counter-Attacking, Emotional Intensity
Under Martin O’Neill, Celtic were built in the image of their manager — fierce, intelligent, and fearless. Deploying a 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 diamond, O’Neill favoured width from wing-backs and aerial power from his strikers, balancing physicality with technical creativity.
Henrik Larsson was the focal point — lethal in front of goal and instrumental in linking play — supported by Sutton or Hartson’s physical presence. In midfield, Lennon and Lambert anchored the side with discipline, freeing Petrov and Thompson to attack with intensity. Celtic’s approach was direct yet sophisticated: fast transitions, relentless pressing, and set-piece precision.
Defensively, the team was uncompromising. Baldé and Mjällby dominated aerial duels while Agathe and Valgaeren provided pace and recovery. O’Neill’s Celtic didn’t just win — they overwhelmed. The combination of organisation, emotion, and raw willpower made Parkhead a fortress and Celtic one of Europe’s toughest opponents during the early 2000s.
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