Nancy Will Take Charge for the Glasgow Giants This Week - O'Neill

Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be on the Celtic touchline during this weekend's Premiership clash versus Heart of Midlothian.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in serious talks with the Glasgow club for almost seven days and currently seems poised to wrap up a deal.

O'Neill has served as caretaker manager for more than four weeks since the previous manager resigned, securing six victories in seven games, cutting into the lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also steering the club to Premier Sports Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic between 2000 and 2005, had already indicated he believed Sunday's match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his second stint in charge.

But, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead Celtic in Wednesday's league encounter against Dundee before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man that will be taking over," stated O'Neill to TalkSport. "I thought it was over last weekend, but there's some formalities yet to be sorted. The Dundee game will definitely be my last match."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been unreal," he added. "It resembles a part in one's life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I happy to have taken it on? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents while Hearts overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could lead Celtic to summit of the table with a victory in his debut game in charge.

"It's a nice one for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match naturally and I wish him all the best. At least he inherits a team with a bit of confidence."

That confidence comes from the interim manager's results in matches in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one defeat at Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Nevertheless, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players then bounced back to achieve a first away win on the continent since 2021 as they beat Feyenoord 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We were defeated to them," O'Neill said. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they defeated Nottingham Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to Feyenoord and secure a victory away from home was terrific. We've given ourselves a chance, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his thoughts on his spell as interim boss, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts on if he would like to continue in management in the future.

"I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I will have a moment to reflect on everything after the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt apprehension about failing – that is always a big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing this job just as poorly as many other managers."

"I have learned much. I have had some excellent coaching staff working with me and it's been a reinvigoration personally in many ways, dealing with young people daily."

Consultancy Role?

Regarding whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the ex- Leicester City, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That decision is solely for the new boss to decide," O'Neill said. "He must be allowed his own space. Should he desire my advice on matters, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is okay either. It's very much his squad the minute he steps into the role."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional once the final whistle blew on Wednesday.

"Are you asking am I going to get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be ridiculous."