Celtic Interim Boss O'Neill Set for Final Match

Martin O'Neill bids farewell to Celtic with Dundee match

Martin O'Neill to step down as Celtic interim manager after Dundee match. O'Neill's final Celtic match could see team jump to top of Scottish Premiership.

“I have been assured by the board. The new man will come in, I'm not sure the terms of the process, but I know that this is definitely my last game...”

Martin O'Neill is bidding farewell to his interim role at Celtic, with Wednesday's match against Dundee marking his final game in charge. The 73-year-old took the reins five weeks ago after Brendan Rodgers' resignation and has led the team to four consecutive league wins, putting them just two points behind leaders Hearts with a game in hand.

O'Neill's impressive interim stint has sparked speculation about his permanent replacement, with Wilfried Nancy, the Columbus Crew manager, touted to take over. Nancy, who has won the MLS Cup and Leagues Cup, is expected to make his debut against Hearts on Sunday. O'Neill praised Nancy, saying he's confident the Frenchman will do a great job.

Celtic is hosting Dundee on Wednesday, and Martin O'Neill has announced that this will be his final game as interim manager. O'Neill took over the team when they were eight points behind the leaders, but has turned things around, bringing them within touching distance of the top.

Wilfried Nancy, the current Columbus Crew manager, is set to take over as Celtic's new manager. Nancy, a 48-year-old French coach, has had a successful tenure in MLS, winning the MLS Cup and Leagues Cup, and being named MLS Coach of the Year in 2024.

O'Neill's departure was expected, with media reports linking Nancy to the job circulating over the past couple of weeks. Nancy's appointment is pending finalization of paperwork, but he's expected to take charge of Celtic's match against Hearts on Saturday.

Martin O'Neill's brief return to management has been a success, with the 73-year-old leading Celtic to four consecutive league wins. O'Neill, a Celtic legend, previously won three league titles and three Scottish Cups during his five-season spell in charge from 2000-2005. He's happy to be handing over to Wilfried Nancy, citing the team's need for a new direction.

“You will be relieved to know that this is definitely it for tomorrow evening,” O'Neill told reporters.

“I have been assured by the board. The new man will come in, I'm not sure the terms of the process, but I know that this is definitely my last game.”

🏆 "I am genuinely pleased about it.... I must have made some sort of impression."

Martin O'Neill is Premiership manager of the month after guiding Celtic to three league wins in November ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/USeN0uqtCT

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) December 2, 2025

Wilfried Nancy, 48, has a decorated managerial career in Major League Soccer. He started at CF Montreal, replacing Thierry Henry in 2021, and led the team to the Canadian Championship title before moving to Columbus Crew.

Congratulations to @CelticFC's Martin O'Neill, @GlensVodkaLLG Premiership Manager of the Month for November! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/UwXoNlTvJc

— SPFL (@spfl) December 2, 2025

At Columbus Crew, Nancy achieved great success, winning the MLS Cup and Leagues Cup, and was named MLS Coach of the Year in 2024. He's expected to leave for Celtic, where he'll face Hearts in his first game on Sunday.