Martin O'Neill set for Celtic farewell this Sunday at Hibernian
Veteran manager Martin O'Neill expects Sunday’s trip to Hibernian to be the final game of his short-term Celtic spell, as a permanent successor nears confirmation.
Martin O'Neill could bow out with a win this Sunday as Celtic travel to Hibernian. The veteran manager has steered the club through six matches, collecting five victories since stepping in after Brendan Rodgers left the role.
The club are close to appointing Wilfried Nancy, who previously led Montreal and later guided Columbus Crew, as the permanent Celtic boss.
O'Neill indicated there is progress and that a decision should be made early next week, with several board members suggesting the process is moving in the right direction.
Interim spell yields results
During his time in charge, Celtic halted a long European away drought with a 3-1 victory over Feyenoord. He and coach Shaun Maloney also masterminded an extra-time League Cup semi-final win against Rangers.
O'Neill said he has genuinely enjoyed the caretaker stint and highlighted the thrill of winning matches, noting that beating Rangers delivers a particular boost.
His Celtic tenure from 2000 to 2005 saw him win three league titles, three Scottish Cups, and a League Cup, and he guided the club to the 2003 UEFA Cup final. He was delighted by the Feyenoord performance, calling it one of Celtic's best displays of his time in charge.
Before this spell, O'Neill had not managed a club since leaving Nottingham Forest in 2019. He admitted the opportunity to return to Celtic was irresistible and thanked the club’s major shareholder Dermot Desmond for the recall.
Celtic confidence restored amid rapid changes
Defender Liam Scales admitted there was limited knowledge of Nancy when the appointment discussions began, but he believes the new boss will walk into a capable squad after O'Neill's steadying influence.
Scales described the past few weeks as chaotic but ultimately constructive, crediting the interim setup with lifting confidence ahead of a League Cup final and ongoing European and league campaigns. He stressed the need for stability through a permanent appointment, calling it an exciting time for the club.
Expert comment
Expert analysis: A seasoned football analyst notes that O'Neill's leadership has brought immediate assurance to Celtic during a turbulent period. The club now faces the important task of selecting a long-term plan for the next permanent manager.
Summary
Martin O'Neill has delivered stability and positive results during Celtic's leadership transition, heightening expectations as the club nears a permanent appointment. The squad is buoyed by recent European wins and cup progress, with a League Cup final on the horizon. Fans remain optimistic about a return to form in the league under the next coach.
Key insight: O'Neill's interim spell provided immediate stability and strong results as Celtic navigates leadership changes, setting the stage for a clear, permanent appointment. Source: BBC