February 18, 2026

Martin O'Neill OBE inducted into the LMA Hall of Fame 1,000 club

The League Managers Association congratulates Chair, Martin O’Neill OBE, on his induction into the LMA 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 on Thursday 19th February, Martin will join an elite group of just 40 managers, whose dedication, strategic insight and commitment have left an enduring mark on the game.

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 CBE 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."

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.

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 CBE

- Brian Clough OBE

- Steve Coppell

- Unai Emery

- Sven-Göran Eriksson

- Sir Alex Ferguson CBE

- Dario Gradi

- Pep Guardiola

- Roy Hodgson CBE

- Ian Holloway

- Brian Horton

- Jürgen Klopp

- Lennie Lawrence

- Mick McCarthy

- Lawrie McMenemy MBE

- José Mourinho

- David Moyes OBE

- Martin O’Neill OBE

- Tony Pulis

- Claudio Ranieri

- Harry Redknapp

- Sir Bobby Robson CBE

- Joe Royle

- Denis Smith

- Jim Smith

- Alec Stock

- Graham Taylor OBE

- John Toshack MBE

- Graham Turner

- Neil Warnock

- Arsène Wenger OBE

- Danny Wilson

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