Martin O’Neill expects Sunday’s trip to Hibernian will be his final match as Celtic’s interim manager. The 73-year-old returned to the Parkhead dugout in October, 20 years after his first spell, following Brendan Rodgers’ resignation. One month on, Celtic are close to appointing Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy.
O’Neill said talks with board members were progressing well and he hoped a decision would be in place early next week. He described the past month as intense and admitted he has enjoyed the role, while acknowledging he always understood it was temporary. He also praised how quickly the players have responded to the change in management.
He pointed to the Europa League win at Feyenoord as evidence of that response: Celtic fell behind after 11 minutes but recovered, produced strong football and secured a deserved victory in Holland — the club’s first away European win since November 2021.
O’Neill’s results as interim manager
– Celtic 4-0 Falkirk – Scottish Premiership
– Celtic 3-1 Rangers – League Cup
– Midtjylland 3-1 Celtic – Europa League
– Celtic 4-0 Kilmarnock – Scottish Premiership
– St Mirren 0-1 Celtic – Scottish Premiership
– Feyenoord 1-3 Celtic – Europa League
In the month under O’Neill, Celtic won all four domestic matches, including the 3-1 victory over Rangers to reach the League Cup final, and recorded the notable away European win at Feyenoord.
If Nancy is confirmed, his first match is expected to be the Premiership home game against Dundee on Wednesday. Nancy, 48, began his senior managerial career at CF Montreal (winning the Canadian Championship) before moving to Columbus Crew, where he led the team to MLS Cup and Leagues Cup victories, guided them to the CONCACAF Champions Cup final and was named MLS Coach of the Year.
On what Nancy will inherit, O’Neill said the new manager should find a squad regaining confidence and momentum. He added that Nancy will have a clear picture of the job and that he does not need any advice from him.
Upcoming fixtures
– Hibernian (A) – Scottish Premiership – Sunday – live on Sky Sports
– Dundee (H) – Scottish Premiership – December 3
– Hearts (H) – Scottish Premiership – December 7 – live on Sky Sports
– Roma (H) – Europa League – December 11
– St Mirren (N) – League Cup final – December 14