Celtic next manager: Parkhead job offer set to be rejected as Wilfried Nancy’s successor mooted
Martin O’Neill is being tipped for an immediate return to Celtic with the walls closing in on Wilfried Nancy.
The Frenchman suffered yet another defeat as his team were beaten by Dundee United in the Premiership on Wednesday night, and his future has looked bleak in the aftermath of that latest loss.
The likes of Kjetil Knutsen and Robbie Keane are early favourites to take over at Celtic, with Nancy’s position seemingly hanging by a thread following developments on Thursday.
Celtic have a huge home clash against Aberdeen on Sunday, but at the moment, it looks doubtful as to whether the boss will even last long enough to take charge of that encounter.
Martin O’Neill to reject offer of Celtic return if it comes
Reports on Thursday suggested that the Celtic board were in talks with Nancy over a potential dismissal, and while that has since been denied by the club hierarchy, it’s clear that he is on his final chance.
Supporters are affording the Frenchman little breathing room whatsoever amid a dismal start, and speculation is already stirring regarding who could potentially step into his shoes.
Alan Brazil made his preferred candidate perfectly clear during his talkSPORT breakfast show on Thursday, as he revealed that he would be keen to see O’Neill immediately return to the dugout.
That sentiment would undoubtedly be shared by the vast majority of Bhoys supporters, but it may not be as simple as that for the Glasgow giants.
O’Neill has suggested since his departure that he would have stayed on for longer had he been asked to, and as a result, he may now feel differently if he were approached again regarding an interim stint.
The club showed their desire to quickly step away from the 73-year-old and appoint Nancy, which O’Neill could easily view as a slight on his ability, given the way that his successor has performed.
Ultimately, at his age, he has to draw the line somewhere in terms of his managerial career, and he may hold the view that he cannot go back again after his recent exit.
Celtic fans have to move on from O’Neill
Celtic fans understandably adore O’Neill, given everything that he has achieved at their club over the years.
However, they cannot become hung up on turning back towards the veteran boss at every opportunity.
The club need to progress into the future, and that should mean a similarly fresh appointment to Nancy, if they do decide that a change is needed in the coming weeks.
O’Neill’s interim tenure served its purpose, and there is no denying that he did an excellent job in helping to halt the team’s slide on the pitch.
But it is surely now time for the fans to move on and begin looking towards the future of the club, whoever that may be under.