Wilfried Nancy is expected to take charge of Celtic for Sunday’s Scottish Premiership clash with Hearts, interim manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed.
The Columbus Crew head coach has been in advanced negotiations with Celtic for nearly a week, and a final agreement now appears imminent. O’Neill has served as caretaker for more than a month following Brendan Rodgers’ resignation, guiding the club to six wins in seven matches, cutting into Hearts’ lead at the top of the table and securing a place in the Premier Sports Cup final.
The 73-year-old—who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005—had suggested that Sunday’s win at Hibernian would be his final game in charge. However, speaking to TalkSport, he clarified that he will lead the team once more on Wednesday against Dundee before handing over to Nancy.
“He is the man that will be coming in,” O’Neill said. “I thought it was over on Sunday, but there’s some paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be my final game.”
O’Neill described his unexpected return as “surreal,” but expressed satisfaction with the job he has done.
If Celtic defeat Dundee and Hearts beat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could take the club top of the Premiership with a victory in his debut match.
“It’s a nice one for him—a nice introduction,” O’Neill added. “It will be a difficult game of course, and naturally I wish him well. At least he’s getting a side with a bit of confidence.”
Celtic’s renewed confidence is largely due to the team’s impressive turnaround under O’Neill. Despite a 3–1 Europa League defeat at Midtjylland, Celtic rebounded to claim their first European away win since 2021, beating Feyenoord 3–1 last week.
The club currently sit 21st in the 36-team Europa League table with three games remaining—against Roma, Bologna and Utrecht—as they push for qualification.
O’Neill acknowledged the challenges of the role:
“There was a fear of failure—that is always a big concern. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve got some great young coaches alongside me and it’s been a reinvigoration of me in many ways.”
Asked whether he might continue in management, O’Neill said he will reflect on his future after Wednesday. As for remaining at Celtic in an advisory capacity, he stressed that the decision belongs entirely to Nancy:
“He should be given free rein. If he wants my opinion, that’s fine. If he doesn’t, that’s not a problem at all. It’s his team the minute he steps in.”
TalkSport host Jim White closed the interview by asking whether O’Neill expected to be emotional after his final match.
“Do you mean am I going to cry?” O’Neill responded. “Don’t be stupid.”
