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

Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be on the Celtic touchline for Sunday's Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

The manager has been involved in advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for nearly seven days and currently appears ready to wrap up a deal.

Martin O'Neill has been acting as caretaker manager for over a month since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six victories in seven games, reducing Hearts' lead of the Scottish Premiership and guiding the team to League Cup final spot.

The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 and 2005, had previously suggested he thought the trip to Easter Road – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be the last game of his return at the helm.

Yet, O'Neill stated he is to manage the team for the midweek league encounter with Dundee before Nancy takes over.

"He is the man set to be coming in," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I thought my time was up last weekend, however there's some paperwork still to be completed. Wednesday will definitely be my final game."

An Unusual Period

"It's been unreal," he added. "It resembles a chapter of your life where you think 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased that I took the role? Most certainly."

If the Hoops beat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide his new club to the top of the table if they win in his debut game as manager.

"It's a decent start for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A good way to start. It is going to be a challenging fixture of course but I wish him well. At the very least he takes over a side with some confidence."

That confidence stems from the positive run during games over the past five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a 3-1 defeat away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the former Republic of Ireland manager and his players were then able to achieve a first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 by defeating the Dutch club 3-1 last week.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost by Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That was a tough game – a few weeks before they mauled Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to Feyenoord and win away from home was terrific. We have given the team an opportunity, with three matches left to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was key for belief."

Thoughts on the Future

Upon being asked for his reflections during his spell as interim boss, O'Neill stated it has prompted consideration about whether he desires to continue managing going forward.

"I genuinely don't know," he admitted. "I will have a wee think on everything after Wednesday evening."

"It was challenging," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – that is always a big concern. I once joked I could do the job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."

"I've learned a lot. I've got some great young coaches working with me and it's been a new lease on life for me in several respects, interacting with young players every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

On the subject of whether he will stay with the club as an advisor, the former Leicester, Villa and Ireland boss stated this is completely up to Wilfried Nancy.

"That decision is solely for Nancy to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given full autonomy. If he wants my advice on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his squad the moment he enters the breach."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill if he would be emotional or sentimental when the final whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be stupid."