Celtic near Wilfried Nancy appointment as O'Neill wraps up interim spell
Interim Celtic boss Martin O'Neill confirms Wilfried Nancy will take charge this week, with Nancy poised to become the club's new manager after Wednesday's match.
Wilfried Nancy is close to becoming Celtic's next manager, with a formal announcement expected this week. Interim boss Martin O'Neill has signalled the transition is near, setting the stage for a new era at Parkhead. Talks with Nancy have moved into final stages.
O'Neill has led Celtic for just over a month since Brendan Rodgers' departure, guiding the team to six wins from seven outings and helping them stay in contention for domestic silverware while reaching the Premier Sports Cup final.
The 73-year-old coach, who previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had indicated the trip to Hibernian would likely be his last game in this spell. He later confirmed he would also oversee the midweek league clash with Dundee, after which Nancy would take charge.
O'Neill told TalkSport that Nancy is the man for the job, describing the appointment as a natural progression. He added that Wednesday would be his final game, and he wished Nancy well as he inherits a squad brimming with confidence.
Celtic have enjoyed a productive spell in Europe under O'Neill, suffering only one defeat—3-1 at Midtjylland—before bouncing back with a 3-1 win away at Feyenoord. That result helped restore belief within the squad as they shape plans for the next phase of the season.
The next steps depend on results around the league. If Celtic beat Dundee and Hearts win at Kilmarnock, Nancy could sit top of the Premiership in his first match in charge, underscoring the potential impact of the change in leadership.
Looking ahead, Celtic's schedule includes remaining league fixtures that will test the team's momentum as Nancy prepares to implement his ideas on the training ground and in matches. O'Neill emphasised that the incoming manager should be given freedom to set his own plans and personnel, with the current caretaker focusing on a smooth transition until then.
Expert view: Football analysts say Nancy's track record of building attacking teams could suit Celtic's style, while O'Neill's experience should help manage the shift without disrupting momentum. They also note the club's improving form in Europe has boosted belief ahead of the leadership change.
Short summary: Celtic are nearing the official appointment of Wilfried Nancy, with Martin O'Neill set to administer one more match before the change. The interim boss has delivered positive results and cup progress, while Nancy prepares to take over and bring his own tactical approach. The club faces crucial fixtures that could determine their position this season, both domestically and in Europe.
Key insight: Celtic's leadership transition aims to preserve momentum while introducing a fresh tactical direction, as Wilfried Nancy steps in to lead the team after Martin O'Neill's interim period. Source