Celtic have confirmed the return of Martin O’Neill as manager for the remainder of the 2025-26 season following the dismissal of Wilfried Nancy. The 73-year-old veteran coach, who previously led the club to seven trophies between 2000 and 2005, steps back into a familiar role after a brief interim spell last autumn.
O’Neill’s Interim Success and Nancy’s Departure
O’Neill initially took over in October 2025 after Brendan Rodgers’ departure, overseeing eight matches and winning seven of them. He stepped aside in early December to allow Wilfried Nancy to take charge, but the French manager left the club on Monday following a disappointing run of just two wins from eight matches.
“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 with the players,” O’Neill said in a club statement.
He added a note of respect for his predecessor: “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. He is a fine man and I am sure he will go on and achieve success again.”
Focus on Winning and Stability
O’Neill’s immediate priority is clear: restoring Celtic’s winning momentum in the Scottish Premiership. Currently, the club sits second in the league, six points behind Hearts but ahead of Rangers on goal difference.
“For me, I’ve been asked to take this great job on again, and my focus will be to try and get us back to winning ways if we can,” O’Neill explained. “We will need everyone right behind us.”
He will be assisted by Shaun Maloney, Mark Fotheringham, and Stephen McManus, forming a coaching team with extensive knowledge of Celtic’s culture and players.
Past Achievements and Track Record
During his previous tenure from 2000-05, O’Neill won seven trophies, establishing a reputation as one of Celtic’s most successful managers. His return follows a League Cup final defeat to St Mirren, which occurred under Nancy’s tenure; O’Neill had previously overseen Celtic’s semi-final win over Rangers.
Celtic’s interim chairman, Brian Wilson, emphasized the club’s confidence in O’Neill’s leadership:
“By bringing Martin back to the club, we look forward with confidence, giving the team real focus for the challenges ahead. He is a manager the players, staff, and supporters know well, with a peerless reputation in football and a deep commitment to Celtic.”
Support From Club Leadership
Celtic’s principal shareholder, Dermot Desmond, who originally appointed O’Neill in 2000, reiterated his faith in the manager:
“We know exactly what he will bring and we hope that he can do what he has done for us before, giving us that drive and direction as we move into the next part of the season. We all know about his proven track record with the club and hope he can bring us similar success going forward.”
Desmond also noted the club’s respect for Nancy, stating that while his tenure was short-lived, the club wishes him well in future endeavors.
Scottish Premiership Context
Celtic have dominated the Scottish Premiership, winning 13 of the past 14 titles. O’Neill’s return comes at a critical point in the season, with the club aiming to reclaim the top spot and challenge for domestic and European honors.
O’Neill, reflecting on his interim stint last October, said: “Thankfully, I don’t think I messed it up,” signaling optimism about his ability to lead Celtic to success once again.
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