Football Dec 07, 2025

Martin O'Neill expects Celtic's trip to Hibs will be his last as interim boss ahead of Wilfried Nancy arrival

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Martin O'Neill expects Celtic's trip to Hibs will be his last as interim boss ahead of Wilfried Nancy arrival

Martin O'Neill expects Sunday's Scottish Premiership trip to Hibernian will be his last match as Celtic's interim manager.

The 73-year-old returned to the Celtic dugout in October, 20 years on from his first spell as Parkhead boss, after Brendan Rodgers' resignation.

One month on, and the Hoops are closing in on the appointment of Columbus Crew manager Wilfried Nancy.

"I was speaking to some of the board members last night, things are progressing very nicely, so I'm hoping that things will be in place by the beginning of next week," O'Neill told SportNews News when asked about Celtic's managerial hunt.

"It has been a whirlwind time. If you ask me deep down, have I loved it? Yeah, I probably have, [even if] the face doesn't always say that!

"Did I know that this was always going to be interim? Yeah, of course. Have I got used to the surroundings here at this minute? I'm not sure about that, really strange from my days way back at Celtic Park.

"I think the lovely thing about it is, the team, the players, they've really responded.

"The best example of that was against Feyenoord. We were a goal behind after 11 minutes, when we probably should have been one in front. Heads could have easily gone down, but no, they fought back, played some great, great stuff, and we won. We deserved to win a game in Holland, in the Europa League."

In the month that O'Neill has been in temporary charge, Celtic have won all four domestic matches, including a 3-1 win over Rangers to reach the League Cup final, plus that Europa League win at Feyenoord - the club's first away win in Europe since November 2021.

If Nancy is appointed in the coming days, his first match in charge should be at home to Dundee in the Premiership on Wednesday.

The 48-year-old started at CF Montreal where he won the Canadian Championship, before then helping Columbus Crew clinch the MLS Cup and Leagues Cup.

He also guided Crew to the CONCACAF Champions Cup final during his three years in the US, whilst also being named MLS Coach of the Year in 2004.

When asked what Nancy should expect at Celtic, O'Neill added: "Hopefully, he'll find a side that is bubbling with a bit of confidence, which is great, and that's a restoration of that there, I suppose, from previous weeks in that sense.

"He'll have a fair idea of what he's coming into, and he doesn't need any guidance from me."

Tags:

football news id:13476607

Share this article

Related Posts

Summer transfer window 2026 dates: When is Deadline Day for Premier League and EFL clubs to sign players?

Summer transfer window 2026 dates: When is Deadline Day for Premier League and EFL clubs to sign players?

The summer transfer window is nearly upon us. Here are all the key dates. The transfer window officially opens for business on Monday June 15 with Dea...

Manchester United transfer news: Ederson can adapt to the Premier League and be flexible for Michael Carrick

Manchester United transfer news: Ederson can adapt to the Premier League and be flexible for Michael Carrick

Manchester United midfield must be overhauled this summer and while Ederson alone is not the answer, his signing looks a step in right direction. The...

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are going to win the Champions League final against PSG and go on to dominate, says Theo Walcott

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are going to win the Champions League final against PSG and go on to dominate, says Theo Walcott

“I think he is just going to continue to dominate. I do,” says Theo Walcott. He is talking about Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal team. It is just days si...

Anthony Gordon transfer news: Barcelona complete £69m signing of England international winger from Newcastle

Anthony Gordon transfer news: Barcelona complete £69m signing of England international winger from Newcastle

Barcelona have completed the signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle.Your Site News understands the fee is £69.3m (€80m) inclusive of add-ons.He was...

Tottenham transfers news: Spurs edging close to signing Marcos Senesi and hopeful of move for Andy Robertson

Tottenham transfers news: Spurs edging close to signing Marcos Senesi and hopeful of move for Andy Robertson

Marcos Senesi is edging closer to a move to Tottenham after positive talks this week.The 29-year-old is available on a free transfer after a four-seas...

PSG vs Arsenal: Sky Sports writers select combined line-ups ahead of Champions League final in Budapest

PSG vs Arsenal: Sky Sports writers select combined line-ups ahead of Champions League final in Budapest

The Champions League final is set. On May 30, holders Paris Saint-Germain will aim to defend their title in Budapest while Arsenal look to lift the tr...