Nancy to take charge of Celtic for Hearts clash with O´Neill getting Dundee farewell

Martin O’Neill has confirmed Wednesday’s meeting with Dundee will be his final game as Celtic’s interim boss, with Wilfried Nancy set to take the reins for the first time on Saturday.

O’Neill returned to the club that he led to three Scottish Premiership titles between 2000-01 and 2003-04 in October, following the resignation of Brendan Rodgers.

Celtic have won six and lost one of their seven games under the 73-year-old, with Midtjylland inflicting his only defeat, in the Europa League.

Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Hibernian took the Hoops within two points of Premiership leaders Hearts, having been eight points adrift of the summit when O’Neill returned.

O’Neill had expected that game to be his last, with Columbus Crew’s MLS Cup and Leagues Cup-winning coach Nancy waiting to take the reins.

But a delay in the finalisation of that move means Nancy will not be in charge until Saturday’s top-of-the-table showdown with Hearts, with O’Neill getting one final game at the helm.

“He is the man that will be coming in,” O’Neill told TalkSPORT when asked about reports linking Nancy with the vacancy.

“I thought it was over on Sunday, but there’s some paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be my final game.

“It’s been surreal. It’s like a part of your life where you think, ‘did that really happen?’ Am I delighted that I’ve done it? Absolutely.”

Martin O’Neill pleased with win at a tough venue for the Hoops

“There’s a really good spirit within the dressing room. Of course, that comes from winning football matches but there’s a great togetherness as well.”#HIBCEL | #CelticFC

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 1, 2025

Nancy oversaw 113 MLS games in charge of the Crew, leading them to victory over Los Angeles FC in the 2023 MLS Cup final.

His 49% win ratio with Columbus (including playoffs) is comfortably the highest of any coach in their MLS history, ahead of Tom Fitzgerald (42%).

And though a meeting with the league leaders will represent a baptism of fire for the 48-year-old Frenchman, O’Neill is confident he will prove up to the test.

“It’s a nice one for him, a nice introduction,” O’Neill said.

“It will be a difficult game, of course, and naturally I wish him well. At least he’s getting a side with a bit of confidence.”