The Greatest Managers in Celtic FC History: A Deep Dive into the Club’s Legendary Leaders
For over 135 years, Celtic Football Club has stood tall as one of football’s most historic institutions. Through decades of triumph, adversity, European glory, domestic dominance, and cultural significance, one constant remains: great managers have shaped the club’s identity.
Celtic’s managerial pantheon includes pioneering leaders, tactical innovators, and charismatic figures who have carved their names into the heart of Celtic Park. From the formation years under Willie Maley to modern-day triumphs under Brendan Rodgers, these managers did more than win trophies — they shaped Celtic’s culture, ethos, and international reputation.
In this in-depth exploration, we honour the top 10 most successful Celtic managers based on major trophies won, while also assessing their influence on and off the pitch.
- Willie Maley (1897–1940) – 30 Trophies
Trophies:
Scottish League – 16
Scottish Cup – 14
Win Rate: 64.44%
Tenure: 43 years
Legacy and Impact:
Willie Maley was the first man to manage Celtic, and his tenure remains unmatched in terms of longevity and success. Appointed in 1897 at just 29 years old, Maley took over a fledgling club that was only nine years old and transformed it into the dominant force in Scottish football during the early 20th century.
His 43-year spell saw Celtic win 16 league titles and 14 Scottish Cups, building the club’s foundation both competitively and culturally. Maley instilled discipline, tactical understanding, and a sense of purpose that helped Celtic stand apart. He was instrumental in discovering and nurturing Scottish talent, particularly from working-class areas, reinforcing Celtic’s identity as a club for the people.
Maley’s reign saw Celtic win six league titles in a row between 1905 and 1910, an early example of dynastic dominance in domestic football. His legacy extends beyond statistics — he built the ethos and principles that still define Celtic today.
- Jock Stein (1965–1978) – 25 Trophies
Trophies:
European Cup – 1
Scottish League – 10
Scottish Cup – 8
Scottish League Cup – 6
Win Rate: 70.14%
Legacy and Impact:
Jock Stein is a name that transcends Celtic. He is not only one of Celtic’s greatest ever managers — he is one of football’s true icons. Appointed in 1965, he ushered in the most successful period in the club’s history and etched his name into immortality by winning the European Cup in 1967, making Celtic the first British team to be crowned champions of Europe.
That year, the legendary “Lisbon Lions” – made up entirely of players born within 30 miles of Glasgow – defeated Inter Milan in a historic 2–1 victory. It was a triumph of attacking football, community spirit, and tactical brilliance.
Under Stein, Celtic won nine consecutive league titles between 1966 and 1974, as well as numerous domestic cups. He championed attacking, possession-based football, and his managerial style emphasized unity, fitness, and technical skill.
Stein’s charisma, intelligence, and vision made him a transformative figure. Even decades after his passing, his influence on Celtic and the wider game remains profound.
- Brendan Rodgers (2016–2019, 2023–Present) – 11 Trophies
Trophies:
Scottish League – 4
Scottish Cup – 3
Scottish League Cup – 4
Win Rate: 70.34%
Legacy and Impact:
Brendan Rodgers’ arrival in 2016 signalled a new era of dominance for Celtic. His impact was instant and breathtaking — in his first season, Celtic went unbeaten domestically, completing an “invincible treble.” Under Rodgers, Celtic played stylish, expansive football that revitalised the squad and re-engaged the fanbase.
Between 2016 and 2019, Rodgers secured seven consecutive domestic trophies, achieving back-to-back trebles — a feat never accomplished before in Scottish football. After returning in 2023, he quickly added more silverware, becoming the most decorated living Celtic manager with 11 major trophies.
Rodgers also raised standards behind the scenes, modernising the club’s training, nutrition, and data analytics departments. Though his 2019 mid-season exit to Leicester City drew criticism, his second stint has helped restore his legacy, especially as Celtic widened the trophy gap with Rangers.
- Neil Lennon (2010–2014, 2019–2021) – 10 Trophies
Trophies:
Scottish League – 5
Scottish Cup – 4
Scottish League Cup – 1
Win Rate: 70.02%
Legacy and Impact:
A fierce competitor on the field and in the dugout, Neil Lennon’s Celtic career spans decades. His two managerial spells brought 10 trophies, including the completion of the Quadruple Treble in 2020 — four consecutive domestic trebles from 2016 to 2020.
Lennon’s first spell included memorable Champions League nights, such as Celtic’s 2–1 win over Barcelona in 2012. His squads were gritty and resilient, and he maintained Celtic’s domestic dominance during crucial transitional years.
His second stint ended amid disappointment and criticism during the pandemic-hit 2020–21 season, but Lennon’s contributions as both player and manager remain significant in the club’s modern story.
- Billy McNeill (1978–1983, 1987–1991) – 8 Trophies
Trophies:
Scottish League – 4
Scottish Cup – 3
Scottish League Cup – 1
Win Rate: 59.76%
Legacy and Impact:
Billy McNeill will always be Mr. Celtic — the club’s first European Cup-winning captain and a loyal servant both on the pitch and in the dugout. His managerial career saw him lead the club to eight trophies across two spells, including a memorable double in 1987–88 during the club’s centenary season.
While his managerial spells lacked the continental glory of his playing days, McNeill’s leadership, understanding of Celtic’s DNA, and connection with the fans made him a beloved figure throughout his life.
- Martin O’Neill (2000–2005) – 7 Trophies
Trophies:
Scottish League – 3
Scottish Cup – 3
Scottish League Cup – 1
Win Rate: 75.53%
Legacy and Impact:
Martin O’Neill’s tenure was one of resurgence. He brought star quality, European respectability, and a fearless mindset. His signing of players like Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton, and Neil Lennon transformed Celtic into a powerhouse.
The high point was reaching the 2003 UEFA Cup Final, where Celtic narrowly lost to Porto in extra time. Domestically, O’Neill won three league titles and three Scottish Cups, dominating Scottish football and challenging Rangers’ supremacy.
His 75.53% win rate is one of the best in Celtic history — a testament to the consistency and strength of his teams.
- Gordon Strachan (2005–2009) – 6 Trophies
Trophies:
Scottish League – 3
Scottish Cup – 1
Scottish League Cup – 2
Win Rate: 65.02%
Legacy and Impact:
Following O’Neill wasn’t easy, but Gordon Strachan quietly carved his own legacy. His tenure included three league titles, two cup wins, and reaching the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League twice — an achievement few Celtic managers have matched.
Strachan built a compact, disciplined team centred around players like Shunsuke Nakamura and Scott McDonald. While his style wasn’t always thrilling, it was effective and brought consistent results during a period of financial transition.
- Jimmy McGrory (1945–1965) – 5 Trophies
Trophies:
Scottish League – 1
Scottish Cup – 2
Scottish League Cup – 2
Win Rate: 49.70%
Legacy and Impact:
Jimmy McGrory remains Celtic’s all-time top goal scorer, but as a manager, he endured a more modest career. Leading the club for 20 years, he managed just five major trophies, often working under constraints and interference from the board.
Despite that, he helped stabilise Celtic in post-war Scotland and laid groundwork that Jock Stein would later build upon.
**8. Ange Postec