Wilfried Nancy Will Take Charge of Celtic in the Coming Days - Martin O'Neill

Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Scottish Premiership clash versus Hearts.

The manager has been engaged in serious talks with the Glasgow club for almost a week and now looks set to wrap up an agreement.

Martin O'Neill has served as temporary gaffer for over a month since the previous manager resigned, achieving six victories in seven games, reducing the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to a League Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, who once coached the club from 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he thought Sunday's trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

But, the interim boss disclosed he will manage the team for the midweek Premiership match with Dens Park before Nancy assumes control.

"He's the individual that will be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I thought it was over on Sunday, however there's some paperwork yet to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It resembles a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted that I've done it? Most certainly."

Should Celtic beat their opponents and the Jambos defeat Kilmarnock on Wednesday, Nancy could guide his new club to the top of the Premiership if they win in his opening fixture in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A gentle introduction. It is going to be a tough match of course and I wish him well. At the very least he takes over a side with a bit of self-belief."

This self-belief stems from the positive run during games over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat at the Danish side in the European competition.

However, the ex- Irish national team boss and his players then bounced back to claim a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Rebuilding Belief

"We were defeated to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a difficult match – a couple of weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was excellent. We have given the team a chance, with three games left to attempt qualification, however, the Feyenoord game was a restoration of confidence."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections on his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has prompted consideration on if he desires to continue in management in the future.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I will have a wee think about things after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "I felt apprehension about failing – which is an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do the job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned much. I've got some excellent coaching staff working with me and it's been a new lease on life personally in many ways, interacting with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager says that is entirely up to Nancy.

"That is solely for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. Should he desire my input on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the role."

TalkSport host Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be ridiculous."