Celtic manager Martin O’Neill is being inducted into the League Managers Association Hall of Fame 1,000 Club, celebrating his remarkable achievement of managing over 1,000 professional matches in a distinguished career spanning more than four decades. When Celtic host VfB Stuttgart in the UEFA Europa League this Thursday, February 19, Martin will join an elite group of just 40 managers whose dedication, strategic insight and commitment have left an enduring mark on the game. And of those 1,000 games, 301 of them will have been as Celtic manager. Martin’s managerial journey, from his early success at Wycombe Wanderers through his ensuing managerial career at Norwich City, Leicester City, Celtic, Aston Villa, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and internationally for the Republic of Ireland, reflects consistent excellence, as well as a passion for football that continues to inspire players, colleagues and supporters alike. LMA Committee member Sir Alex Ferguson said: “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 manage 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.” LMA Chief Executive Richard Bevan added: “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.” Celtic Chief Executive Michael Nicholson said: “Martin’s life in football has been characterised by some phenomenal achievements and by such longevity, as evidenced by reaching this remarkable milestone. “Almost one third of these matches have been achieved with Celtic and everyone at the club is so grateful for the wonderful contribution Martin has made and continues to make to Celtic. “He has given us and the wider football world so much over so many years and we send Martin our sincere congratulations on reaching this real landmark achievement.” Martin O’Neill, who is the current Chair of the LMA, will be formally inducted into the LMA Hall of Fame 1,000 Club at the LMA Annual Awards dinner in May. LMA HALL OF FAME 1,000 CLUB MEMBERS Sam Allardyce Carlo Ancelotti Len Ashurst Ron Atkinson Dave Bassett Rafa Benítez Steve Bruce Alan Buckley Sir Matt Busby Brian Clough Steve Coppell Unai Emery Sven-Göran Eriksson Sir Alex Ferguson Dario Gradi Pep Guardiola Roy Hodgson Ian Holloway Brian Horton Jürgen Klopp Lennie Lawrence Mick McCarthy Lawrie McMenemy José Mourinho David Moyes Martin O’Neill Tony Pulis Claudio Ranieri Harry Redknapp Sir Bobby Robson Joe Royle Denis Smith Jim Smith Alec Stock Graham Taylor John Toshack Graham Turner Neil Warnock Arsène Wenger Danny Wilson
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