Martin O'Neill returns as Celtic interim manager after Wilfried Nancy sacking

Goal reported on Jan 05, 2026 that Martin O'Neill has returned to Celtic on an interim basis until the end of the season, replacing Wilfried Nancy after the French coach was dismissed eight games into a two-and-a-half year contract. O'Neill had preceded Nancy at Parkhead, initially holding the fort for an eight-game run when Brendan Rodgers was dismissed in October.

The club noted O'Neill recorded an 87.5% win percentage earlier this season, followed by Nancy's 25% — described as the best and worst in Celtic history one after the other. He will be supported by Shaun Maloney, Mark Fotheringham, Gavin Strachan, Stevie Woods, Greg Wallace and newly hired former defender Stephen McManus.

O'Neill told the club's official website: "I am really pleased, in fact, very honoured to be asked back to manage the team again and I am looking forward to getting back to work again with the players." He added: "I know we would all have hoped for things to have worked out differently under Wilfried and I personally want to wish him good luck with everything he does in the game." Celtic trail Hearts by six points in the Scottish Premiership, increasing the urgency for results.

Key Topics

Sports, Martin O'neill, Wilfried Nancy, Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Hearts