Celtic next manager candidate is already in Scotland as whereabouts emerge after Wilfried Nancy sack
Wilfried Nancy was sacked by Celtic on Monday after losing six of his eight matches in charge.
The Frenchman was a disaster at Celtic Park, with the 3-1 loss to Rangers on Saturday proving to be the final straw.
Now, with the Hoops six points behind Hearts at the top, it remains to be seen if anyone can come in and rescue the situation.
Martin O’Neill has been a common favourite for the Celtic job after a successful interim spell before Nancy’s appointment.
Now, the former Hoops star could be in for a quick return, with the manager already in Scotland amid Nancy’s departure.
Club Statement
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 5, 2026
Martin O’Neill already in Scotland as Wilfried Nancy is sacked by Celtic
O’Neill oversaw a wonderful time as Celtic’s interim manager earlier this season, as he won seven out of eight matches before handing the reins over to Nancy.
While Chris Sutton has labelled O’Neill’s interim period as “fortunate”, it was no doubt the best time to be a Hoops supporter this season.
Now, Newsquest’s Jonny McFarlane has confirmed via X on 5 January that O’Neill is already in Scotland for an event amid speculation that he could return to the Hoops dugout.
Nancy, his assistants and Paul Tisdale all gone.
— Jonny McFarlane (@jonnyrmcfarlane) January 5, 2026
Celtic clearing house.
Martin O’Neill already in Scotland for an event tonight…
However, it remains to be seen if he takes over the Old Firm side for a second time this campaign.
O’Neill’s interim spell at Celtic explained
O’Neill’s interim spell at Celtic was no doubt incredible.
The manager oversaw multiple memorable victories, including a 3-1 win over Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals and another 3-1 victory away to Feyenoord in the Europa League.
His success made the Hoops the favourite for the Scottish Premiership title once again and put them well on track to win the treble in what had been a poor season.
Martin O’Neill’s interim reign in charge at Celtic was longer than Wilfried Nancy’s permanent tenure 😬#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/Jzr0X11BmP
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) January 5, 2026
However, if he is to return, it remains to be seen if he can reproduce this type of magic, given how out of form Celtic currently are in all competitions.
Hopefully, whoever comes through the door next will not repeat the failures of Nancy, who may go down as Celtic’s worst-ever manager after an appalling 33 days in charge of the Hoops.