Desmond salutes a true friend

Owner's view: Dermot Desmond's mind wasn't just on birdies and pars as he traipsed the languid fairways of the Wentworth Club…

Owner's view: Dermot Desmond's mind wasn't just on birdies and pars as he traipsed the languid fairways of the Wentworth Club in Surrey's stockbroker belt in yesterday's pro-am, where his partners numbered Ernie Els and former rugby international and Ireland captain Keith Wood.

The financier's thoughts were also with his friend Martin O'Neill, who yesterday confirmed he would be standing down as Celtic manager after this weekend's Scottish Cup final.

"Martin's a gentleman, a very sincere individual," said Desmond, owner of Celtic, who was informed a month ago of O'Neill's decision to stand down.

"He's dignified in dealing with the personal challenges he faces at this time and he's dignified in the passing on the baton to Gordon (Strachan).

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"In fairness to Martin, he gave us time to plan the succession at Celtic Park and he participated in that succession.

"He's been absolutely first class. I said I employed a manager five years ago and I ended up with a friend.

"We'll always been friends, and he has also been very good with Gordon in giving him his views of the club, how the players are developing, etc.

"I think Gordon's of the same mould as Martin, very independent. He knows football inside out, played at the highest level and won a lot of trophies. He's managed clubs that are not top clubs, if I can say that, in Coventry and Southampton, as Martin did at Leicester and Norwich.

"We feel he's an ideal fit for Celtic."