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

Per the words of interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be in the Celtic dugout for this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been involved in serious talks with the Parkhead side for nearly a week and now seems poised to complete a deal.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for more than a month ever since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six victories in seven games, cutting into the lead at the top of the league table and guiding the club to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The veteran manager, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected the visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his second stint at the helm.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to oversee Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter against Dens Park before Nancy takes over.

"He's the individual that will be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed it was over last weekend, however there remains paperwork yet to be dealt with. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

An Unusual Period

"It's been unreal," he added. "It's like a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that actually occur?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Most certainly."

Should Celtic defeat Dundee while the Jambos defeat Killie in midweek, Nancy could potentially take his new club to the top of the table if they win in his opening fixture in charge.

"It's a decent start for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It will be a challenging fixture of course and I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a team with some self-belief."

That confidence comes from O'Neill's success during games in the last month or so, a period where he suffered just one defeat – a three-one defeat away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss along with his squad were then able to claim a first away win in Europe since 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks before they mauled Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was excellent. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three games left to attempt qualification, but that Feyenoord game helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

Upon being asked for his reflections on his time as interim boss, O'Neill says it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to continue in management going forward.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "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 an ever-present major worry. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent young coaches working with me and it's been a refresh for me in many ways, interacting with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

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

"That decision is solely for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. Should he desire my opinion on matters, that's fine. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine at all. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the job."

Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill if he would be emotional when the full-time whistle sounded on Wednesday.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be silly."