Nancy Is Set to Lead for the Glasgow Giants This Week - Martin O'Neill

Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for almost a week and now seems poised to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for more than a month ever since the previous manager departed, securing six victories in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead of the league table while also steering the team to League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who once coached Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already said he thought the visit to Easter Road – a 2-1 victory – would be the last game of his return at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he will manage Celtic in Wednesday's Premiership match against Dens Park prior to Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He is the individual who will be taking over," O'Neill told TalkSport. "I believed my time was up last weekend, but there remains formalities yet to be dealt with. Wednesday is certainly my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"This has been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Most certainly."

If Celtic beat their opponents while the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could guide his new club to summit of the Premiership if they win during his first match as manager.

"That's a decent start for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It will be a difficult game of course but good luck to him. At least he's getting a team with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief stems from the positive run in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss at the Danish side in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad subsequently managed to achieve a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We lost to them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was terrific. We have given ourselves an opportunity, with three games left to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

When asked for his thoughts during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he would like to continue in management in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a wee think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt the fear of failing – which is always a major worry. I used to boast that I was capable of doing this job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some great young coaches working with me and it has served as a new lease on life for me in many ways, interacting with young players every day."

Consultancy Role?

On the subject of if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is really for the new boss to make," O'Neill stated. "He should be given full autonomy. Should he desire my advice on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the moment he enters the role."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional when the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."