Wilfried Nancy Is Set to Lead of the Glasgow Giants in the Coming Days - Martin O'Neill

Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach is slated to be in the Celtic dugout during this weekend's Premiership fixture against Hearts.

Columbus Crew's manager has been engaged in advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for almost a week and currently seems poised to finalize a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of temporary gaffer for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers departed, securing six victories in seven games, cutting into Hearts' lead of the league table and guiding the team to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.

The veteran manager, who once coached the club from 2000 to 2005, had previously suggested he expected Sunday's match at Hibernian – which ended in a 2-1 win – was likely to be his final act in his return in charge.

Yet, O'Neill revealed he is to manage Celtic for the midweek league encounter against Dundee prior to Wilfried Nancy takes over.

"He's the person who will be arriving," O'Neill said to TalkSport. "I believed it was over last weekend, however there's some formalities yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be my final game."

A Surreal Spell

"It has been unreal," he added. "It's like a chapter in one's life that makes you wonder 'did that really happen?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Without a doubt."

If the Hoops defeat their opponents while the Jambos see off Kilmarnock on Wednesday, the incoming boss could guide Celtic to summit of the table if they win in his first match in charge.

"It's a decent start for him versus Hearts," O'Neill said. "A good way to start. It is going to be a tough match of course and I wish him well. At least he's getting a team with a bit of confidence."

The team's morale stems from O'Neill's success on the field in the last month or so, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland in the Europa League.

However, the former Irish manager along with his squad subsequently managed to claim a first away win in Europe since 2021 with a win over the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

A Confidence Boost

"We lost to Midtjylland," O'Neill recalled. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks earlier they mauled Forest, so that was difficult. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory away from home was fantastic. We've given the team a chance, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, but that victory in Rotterdam helped restore confidence."

What Comes Next

When asked for his reflections on his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has led to consideration about whether he desires to continue in management going forward.

"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a moment to reflect about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was not simple," he added. "I felt a fear of failure – that is always a big concern. I once joked that I was capable of doing the job equally as badly as many other gaffers."

"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent coaching staff working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration for me in several respects, dealing with young people every day."

A Potential Advisory Position?

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

"That is really for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill stated. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my opinion on things, that is acceptable. If he doesn't, that is perfectly fine either. It's very much his squad the minute he enters the job."

TalkSport host Jim White concluded by asking by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional or sentimental once the final whistle sounded in the Dundee game.

"Are you asking if I will cry?" O'Neill replied. "Please don't be ridiculous."