Martin O’Neill says he understands supporters’ frustrations after he and the Celtic board faced around 120 fans at Greenock Celtic Supporters’ Club on Monday night, according to a statement on the club’s website.

The manager joined chairman Brian Wilson, chief executive Michael Nicholson, chief financial officer Chris McKay and other club officials for a two-and-a-half-hour question and answer session, the day after the 2-0 defeat at Falkirk.

“I asked to attend the meeting because I want to meet supporters as much as I possibly can,” O’Neill said.

For more, catch up on the latest Celtic news.

“We have had a few difficult weeks in recent times and I understand our supporters’ frustrations, but my resolve and the commitment of the players is as strong as ever to continue to bring success and progress to the Club as we have done before.”

‘We didn’t expect an easy ride’

Members of the Greenock, Port Glasgow, Gourock, Johnny Doyle, Port Glasgow Hibs and Largs clubs were among those who went along. The club said the issues raised included recruitment, transfer policy, communications, and the club’s ambitions and strategy.

Wilson said: “We didn’t expect an easy ride and didn’t get one, but the meeting was conducted in a constructive and mutually respectful way and the messages delivered by supporters will be taken on board and learned from.”

Nicholson said: “We are grateful for supporters’ input and look forward to continuing to meet with supporters as we work on improving communication and engagement in the weeks and months ahead.”

From inside the room

A supporter who was at the meeting told CeltsAreHere the board told the room it was “open season on any one of them”.

“They were challenged on various topics, called incompetent, slow, lazy amongst various other things,” the supporter said. “This wasn’t a cosy up session but there was respect and that allowed the session to flow till everyone was done.”

The supporter said they’re no “happy clapper”, but came away believing the people in front of them were sincere: “I feel these are genuine guys wanting the best for Celtic.” They weren’t sure the board has the capability to deliver, but added: “I genuinely feel the intent is there from them.”

What it means for Celtic

Sunday’s defeat was Celtic’s sixth in 10 games, and O’Neill’s tone has shifted in 24 hours. At Falkirk he told Sky Sports: “I keep out the noise at the end of it all.” On Monday night he sat in front of it for two and a half hours.

It’s the second time this season his position has been questioned in public. After the derby defeat in September, he said he would speak to the board over the international break, then came back saying he was ready to go.

The club says progress on its new engagement initiative, Celtic Connect, and more Fans’ Forums will be announced soon. Similar sessions have already been held with the Affiliation of Registered CSCs in Glasgow and the Association of Irish Celtic Supporters’ Clubs in Cork.

We’ve nothing against the board meeting supporters’ clubs, and credit to Greenock for hosting it. But about 120 people heard those answers on Monday night. The rest of us got a club statement and a few posts on X.

The tools are there to reach thousands of Celtic fans at once. The club has Celtic Player and its own social channels.

If Celtic Connect is going to mean anything, film the next one and put it out for everyone. Nicholson talked about improving communication, and that would be a decent start. Not every Celtic supporter is attached to a CSC.

We have an open invite to Michael Nicholson and any of the board who would like to come on our channels and get their message out. Sadly, nobody has taken us up on the offer.