Nancy Is Set to Lead of the Glasgow Giants This Week - O'Neill

According to interim boss Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Scottish Premiership fixture against Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in detailed discussions with the Glasgow club for nearly a week and now seems poised to complete a deal.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as temporary gaffer for over a month ever since the previous manager stepped down, notching six wins out of seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead of the league table and guiding the Parkhead outfit to League Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he thought the trip to Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game in his return in charge.

But, O'Neill revealed he will manage the team in the midweek league encounter against Dundee before Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the person that will be coming in," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, however there remains paperwork still to be sorted. Wednesday will definitely be my last match."

An Unusual Period

"It's been unreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a part of your life where you think 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Without a doubt."

Should the Hoops beat Dundee and the Jambos defeat Killie in midweek, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to the top of the Premiership if they win in his first match in charge.

"That's a nice one for Nancy versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A nice introduction. It will be a tough match naturally and I wish him all the best. At least he takes over a team with some confidence."

That confidence comes from O'Neill's success on the field in the last month or so, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss away to the Danish side in the European competition.

Nevertheless, the former Irish national team boss and his players then bounced back to secure a first victory on the road in Europe since 2021 by defeating Feyenoord 3-1 last week.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost by them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a few weeks before they thrashed Nottingham Forest, making it difficult. To travel to De Kuip and win away from home was excellent. We've given the team an opportunity, with three games left to attempt qualification, however, the victory in Rotterdam helped restore belief."

What Comes Next

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

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – which is always a big concern. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some great coaching staff working with me and it has served as a refresh personally in many ways, working with young players daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland manager stated this is entirely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my opinion on things, that's fine. If not, that's not a problem at all. It's very much his team the minute he steps into the role."

TalkSport host the interviewer concluded by asking if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental once the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Don't be silly."