Nancy Is Set to Lead of Celtic in the Coming Days - Martin O'Neill

Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Premiership fixture versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in serious talks with Glasgow club for almost seven days and now looks set to finalize a deal.

O'Neill has been acting as interim boss for more than four weeks since the previous manager resigned, notching six wins out of seven games, reducing Hearts' lead of the league table and guiding the club to a League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he believed the match at Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – would be his final act in his return in charge.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he will manage Celtic for Wednesday's league encounter with Dundee prior to Nancy assumes control.

"He is the person who will be taking over," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought my time was up on Sunday, however there's some paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday is certainly my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been surreal," he added. "It's like a chapter in one's life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I happy that I took the role? Most certainly."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee while Hearts overcome Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could lead Celtic to summit of the table if they win in his debut game in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy against Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a difficult game of course but I wish him well. At the very least he's getting a side with a bit of confidence."

This self-belief comes from the interim manager's results during games over the past month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat at the Danish side during Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players subsequently managed to achieve a first away win on the continent since 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We were defeated by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was fantastic. We have given the team a chance, with three games left to try to qualify, but that Feyenoord game helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration on if he desires to carry on managing going forward.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything following Wednesday evening."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – which is always a major worry. I used to boast I could do the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great young coaches alongside me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in several respects, dealing with young people every day."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay at Celtic in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester City, Villa and Ireland boss says that is completely up to Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay at all. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the job."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be stupid."