Celtic Archives - Page 6 of 14

Celtic 4-0 Dundee United: Martin O’Neill’s Magic Returns Winning Feeling To Celtic

Celtic won their first game of Martin O’Neill’s second interim spell in charge this season, defeating Dundee United 4-0 at Celtic Park. Two goals in each half were enough for the Northern Irishman’s side, with Hyun-jun Yang and Arne Engels netting in the first period, before Benjamin Nygren and Daizen Maeda completed the rout in the final half hour. It was Celtic’s first match since sacking Wilfried Nancy after 33 days, and they Hoops were able to keep a clean sheet for the first time since what we thought was Martin’s O’Neill’s last game as manager, when the defending champions eked out a 1-0 win over the over side of Dundee at Parkhead. The result temporarily lifts Celtic back into second place, three points behind leaders Hearts and ahead of rivals Rangers on goal difference. Both sides are in action tomorrow, away to Dundee and Aberdeen respectively. The hosts dominated proceedings from the referee’s whistle at kick-off, with he majority of play prevented Dundee United from escaping their own half as their resolute defence eventually caved 27 minutes in. Liam Scales picked out Yang on the edge of the area, and the South Korean’s low rocket flew beyond Dave Richards in the United net to open proceedings. And five minutes later Celtic were two in front. Kieran Tierney delivered a ball from the left flank and Belgian midfielder Arne Engels got first to it, putting daylight between the sides after his left-foot effort sailed into the goal. The Terrors had a glorious opportunity to get themselves back into the game which went begging just a couple of minutes before the half-time break. Teenage forward Owen Stirton took advantage of a slack pass from Austin Trusty, but the American was bailed out by an excellent recovery from his centre-half partner Liam Scales who got in the way of the 18-year-old’s attempt. Celtic were able to equal the intensity on the first half in the second, something they were unable to do in many games throughout Nancy’s forgetful tenure. Benjamin Nygren found himself with space on the six-yard line as the ball broke out to him, and the Swede’s fired home to convert for the 9th time in the league so far this campaign. And the Celtic fans would have to wait an extra minute between goals this time. Daizen Maeda got in on the act six minutes after Nygren, with the Japanese attacker reacting first to a parried effort from Sebastian Tounekti. Richard’s save fell straight to the 28-year-old, who put the ball out of reach to put a ribbon on a heavily sought after three points for Celtic. Dundee United remain outside the top six, sitting seventh in the table with only two wins from their last thirteen games. They host Scott Brown’s Ayr United in the Scottish Cup next Saturday. As for today’s winners, a much welcomed result and performance for Martin O’Neill on his return cuts the gap on Hearts at least until they play Dundee tomorrow. The Bhoys have a game in hand of the capital side, which takes place this Wednesday away to sixth placed Falkirk. CELTIC: Schmeichel 5, Araujo 5 (Donovan 61′ 2), Trusty 5, Scales 7, Tierney 7, Hatate 5 (Nygren 61′ 5), McGregor 6, Engels 7, Tounekti 6 (Forrest 72′ 2), Yang 8 (McCowan 72′ 1) Maeda 6 (Kenny 72′ 1) DUNDEE UNITED: Richards 4, Naamo 4, Sevelj 5 (Eskesen 78′ 1), Graham 5, Keresztes 4, Ferry 3, Stephenson 4, Sibbald 5, Camara 2 (Fatah 46′ 2), Stirton 2 (Strain 61′ 1), Sapsford 3 (Moller 79′ 1)

January 10, 2026

Dundee remain interested in Donovan

Dundee, who were close to signing 19-year-old Colby Donovan last window, are still keeping tabs on the right-back. Steven Pressley was keen on bringing the youngster to Dens and had a deal lined up in the summer, but an injury to Canadian right-back Alistair Johnston meant the deal did not happen. It’s understood that The Dark Blues will make an approach for the Scot, should Celtic show any sign of letting him out. Donovan has made 9 appearances for the Glasgow outfit so far in the Premiership, with 4 of those being starts. The Dees have been active in the January window, bringing in 21-year-old forward Joe Bevan, and Steven Pressley wants to add a left-back, a right-back, and could also look to bring in another midfielder on top of that.

January 8, 2026

Martin O’Neill in as Celtic begin post-Nancy reset

The Celtic great oversaw the team just a matter of weeks before bowing out for Wilfried Nancy is now back in charge. Martin O’ Neill is just off the back of leading the Champions to seven wins from eight matches before Wilfried Nancy’s appointment. And after a complete disaster from the Frenchman, with six defeats in eight, the Celtic hierarchy had no choice but to pull the plug and sack him and the Sporting Director, Paul Tisdale, from their duties. After O’ Neill’s spell as interim manager just a few weeks ago, he said: “The reception I got was fantastic. My backroom staff have been sensational, but the game is still about players. “They’ve turned up and won the matches. We’ve had a number of injuries, and players have stepped up to the plate every single time. I’ve had the time of my life over the last five weeks. It’s five or six weeks that I will never ever forget” Celtic’s season has been one to forget so far, and with Nancy becoming the latest casualty, his departure felt inevitable as the supporters’ frustration was continuing to grow. However, this left pressure on the Celtic board to get the next appointment correct and get back to winning ways. With a packed fixture list approaching, Celtic had no room for any more errors or experiments, and the board have gone down the route of experience to steady the ship as they did after Brendan Rodgers’s departure. With O’ Neill’s attachment to the club already, considering the demands of what it takes to be Celtic boss, it made him the obvious candidate to come in and calm everything down. However, Celtic must now turn their attention to their next league fixture as the club’s search for a new manager comes to an end, with Martin O’Neill appointed to the role.

January 5, 2026

Wilfried Nancy sacked by Celtic

Celtic have announced the dismissal of head coach Wilfried Nancy following 3-1 defeat to Rangers. The Frenchman endured six defeats in eight games, including a defeat in the Premier Sports Cup final to St. Mirren. He leaves the champions six points behind league leaders Hearts. Nancy has now overtaken John Barnes for the unwanted accolade of shortest reigning Celtic manager, with his tenure cut short at 33 days. Nancy took over from interim manager and Celtic legend, Martin O’Neill following Brendan Rodgers resignation. Celtic will now look for their fourth coach of the season in a bid to retain the Scottish Premiership title in what has been a season to forget for Celtic fans. The statement from the Celtic board reads “Celtic Football Club today announces that it has decided to terminate the contract of manager Wilfried Nancy, with immediate effect. The Club thanks Wilfried for his efforts and wishes him and his family well for the future. Wilfried’s assistants, Kwame Ampadu, Jules Gueguen, and Maxime Chalier, will also be leaving the club and they take with them our good wishes. The Club can also confirm that Paul Tisdale has left his position as Head of Football Operations. We thank Paul for the contribution he has made in that role. A further update will be provided to supporters as soon as is practical.” Celtic’s next game comes against Dundee United on Saturday where there is currently no news on who will take charge.

January 5, 2026

‘When Has It Ever Been This Bad?’ – Luke McCowan Despairs Over Celtic’s Horror Form

Celtic midfielder Luke McCowan insists things have never been as bad at Celtic as they are just now, as the defending champions were defeated 3-1 at Celtic Park to bitter rivals Rangers. It is the sixth defeat in only eight games under Wilfried Nancy, who replaced popular interim manager Martin O’Neill at the beginning of December, who won seven of his eight games in temporary charge. And McCowan feels that this is the worst state of affairs at Parkhead in living memory. He said: “Let’s call a spade a spade, when has it ever been this bad? It’s never. “You’re asking fans to react to something for the first time they’re seeing it, and us as players for the first time we’re feeling it. “It’s not nice. I’ll tell you that as a player’s perspective. It doesn’t leave you. It haunts you every minute of every day when you’re not winning. “Getting home, not speaking to anybody, sitting on the couch, not moving, just doing that black screen instead of having the darts or having the football highlights on. “But, as I said, that is what it comes with playing with Celtic. You need to take that pressure on. You need to get there. You need to show personality and at times within games, we’ve not done that good enough.” Manager Wilfried Nancy has faced huge backlash from the Celtic support after his catastrophic start to life, yet former Dundee man McCowan and the squad remain behind the Frenchman. “We have to be [behind him]. He’s the manager. I don’t know what else to say on it, but he is the manager, so what do we do? “We just need to be together collectively, get better together, and know what we did wrong in the second half and go from there.” It was a capitulation of a second half from the Hoops as Rangers equalled their points tally despite being nine behind the reigning champions when Nancy took over. A dominant first half from Celtic seen them one ahead at the break, thanks to a solo goal from winger Hyun-jun Yang. However, a double from Youssef Chermiti and a Mikey Moore effort somehow getting beyond Kasper Schmeichel awarded Rangers their second victory at Celtic Park in as many visits. It is the first time Celtic have been leading a match at home at half-time and went on to lose in 152 matches, which incidentally was also a 3-1 defeat to Rangers in October 2010. A crowd of protestors gathered outside the main entrance of Celtic Park after the match, with fans anger directed mainly towards the club’s hierarchy, as well some towards their new manager, who became the quickest Celtic manager in history to lose four league games. Celtic return to action this Saturday at home to Dundee United who beat them 2-1 less than three weeks ago, with no official announcement on the 48-year-old’s future from the club so far as they now sit six points behind leaders Hearts.

January 4, 2026

Nancy urges patience amid growing pressure

Wilfried Nancy has indicated that he will need to be given the appropriate time to flourish during recent press conference. Nancy has gotten off to an abysmal start as Celtic boss with only two wins to his name after seven matches, but the Frenchman insists that he has been judged far too quickly. And with another defeat to Motherwell on Tuesday evening, the pressure is building rapidly, and supporters will be quick to express their emotions if they fail to get anything from this weekend’s Old Firm derby. Today, during Nancy’s press conference, which lasted an astonishing 25 minutes, he was clear that the criticism has come thick and fast, but believes there is more to come from his side. He said: “Give me time and you’re going to see what I do. You can already see what I did before because I didn’t start yesterday. I’m going to be a liar if I say, everything is happy, everything is good. No, it’s not the case, but I knew that before. “That’s why I’m calm during all the questions you ask me. I’m not pleased to hear people don’t like me, but they have the right to say it because in terms of results, this is not what we want. Tomorrow is a big game. But the context is that I’ve only had 13 training sessions with my team. Usually, we have four weeks of pre-season. “It’s totally normal that you guys kill me, I’m fine with that because I know where I want to go. Judge me in a few weeks or months. If you want to judge me now, you can do it. I didn’t have the results we wanted; it’s a fact, I cannot deny that.” Nancy’s appointment was made with a long-term plan, but the early weeks of his reign have been far from good enough. He expresses that the lack of time on the training ground has had an impact on how he implements his ideas to the squad. But the visit of rivals Rangers, now feels a must win, and Nancy will know that if he can snatch anything from this fixture it would offer some sort of confidence to himself and the team, while on the other hand a defeat would only add to the pressure on his position.

January 2, 2026

Watt’s Rise, Derby Days, and Chasing the Jambos: SPFL Matchday 20 Breakdown

Scottish Premiership football returns for 2026 with an action-packed card on Saturday afternoon. Here are the key talking points to watch out for this weekend. Player to Watch: Elliot Watt Elliot Watt has evolved into a crucial cog in Jens Berthel Askou’s Fir Park machine. Having featured 25 times this term with four goal involvements, the midfielder has emerged as a standout in the Scottish Premiership. Following a loan spell at relegated St Johnstone last season, the former Burton Albion man has flourished for Motherwell, playing with a high level of consistency and maturity. With 2026 now underway, this could be a career-defining year for Watt. While Steve Clarke’s Scotland midfield seems settled, Watt’s current form suggests he could force his way into international contention. As Motherwell host St Mirren on Saturday, Watt will be important for the Steelmen, as they look to reclaim third place. Game of the Round: Celtic vs. Rangers The first domestic fixture of the year sees Scotland’s two powerhouses collide at Celtic Park, yet this episode carries a unique level of wonder, with both clubs in states of transition. Pressure is mounting on Wilfried Nancy. The Celtic boss has endured a chaotic start to his tenure, losing five of his opening seven matches. Despite claiming to see “good stuff” in their recent defeat to Motherwell, Nancy’s side missed the opportunity to move level with leaders Hearts. Conversely, Danny Rohl has steadied the ship at Ibrox. Since his arrival, he has reduced the gap to the summit from 13 points to six. He may have tasted defeat in his first derby during the League Cup semi-final, but a run of just one loss in eleven league matches has reignited a title charge that seemed impossible just months ago. Victory for either manager will be crucial for the remaining months of the season. Team in the Spotlight: Hearts The league leaders return to Tynecastle to host Livingston, desperate to banish the memory of their derby defeat at Easter Road last weekend. Having reached the midway point of the season at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, Derek McInnes will be keen for his side to maintain their challenge in 2026. They face a struggling Livingston side, but will be focused on extending their unbeaten home record. Victory could build further breathing space from the chasing pack, depending on the result at Celtic Park. The home side may be aided by their latest recruit, Spanish right-back Jordi Altena, who officially joined from the Dutch second division on January 1st.

January 2, 2026

Celtic to Make First Signing of Wilfried Nancy Era

Celtic have reportedly agreed a loan deal for Bournemouth right-back Julian Araujo. The Mexican international has made the trip to Glasgow from the South coast tonight as the clubs continue to negotiate a deal before Celtic’s derby clash against Rangers this Saturday. Araujo is said to be keen to register as much game time as possible to remain in contention of making Mexico’s World Cup squad as they host the tournament alongside the USA and Canada. Bournemouth have exceeded the limit of loans out to international clubs, meaning the Premier League side will have to recall someone before Araujo receives the green light for the green and white. It is unknown which loan will be sacrificed for Araujo’s switch to go through, yet Cherries boss Andoni Iraola is keen for the player to move having only played him once this season, in a cup tie defeat at home to Brentford where the 24-year-old was sent off in added time. Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy will be keen to reinforce his squad as quickly as possible after five defeats in his first seven games has seen supporter backing for him reach an all time low. The Frenchman has been aware of Araujo since he emerged as one of the top talents in the MLS when he came through at LA Galaxy, eventually earning a move to Spanish giants Barcelona in 2023 at the same time Nancy was at CF Montreal and Columbus Crew. Araujo, who made one cap for the U.S national side before switching allegiance, signed a 5-year deal with Bournemouth in 2024 for £10m, and made 12 Premier League appearances in his maiden season. Reports have also suggested that Manchester City will be terminating the loan of Jahmai Simpson-Pusey. The right sided centre half has played just once in his time at Celtic so far this season.

January 1, 2026

“When I Was In Columbus, I Wanted To Have Him” – Nancy Hails Celtic Hero

Wilfried Nancy revealed that he tried signing Benjamin Nygren for Columbus Crew this summer before the Swede left Nordsjaelland for Celtic. The attacking midfielder is Celtic’s top goalscorer in all competitions this season, adding a double to his tally this afternoon as he played a starring role in the Parkhead side’s 4-2 victory away to Livingston. And new manager Nancy is delighted to have Swedish international at his disposal. Nancy said: “When I was in Columbus, I wanted to have him. “So I know him really well. I know what he can do. I think that he has a big potential, he hasn’t reached yet his potential. “But I think in terms of a relation, connection, with players, this is a player of relation. He’s not a dribbler, but his ability is to make the runs for his teammate but also for the technique that he has. “So now he knows that he has to be stronger, he has to believe a little more in himself, but I like what I’ve seen so far, but I would challenge him.” Nygren scored his ninth and tenth goals of the season as Celtic came back from behind twice in a game which seen four goals scored in the opening ten minutes, and admitted he was made aware of the interest from his new manager after his arrival. “I think he’s a great manager” Nygren said post-match. “Myself and the whole team will keep on working hard to get better and better. “I heard of it [Columbus interest in summer]. I didn’t know it before but I heard of it when he came.” It is the second consecutive match Celtic have won under Nancy since his arrival after losing his first four, and the Frenchman was pleased with what he seen from his side today. “Good game. A difficult game to play regarding the context, regarding the pitch, regarding the opposition. I really liked the competitive spirit that we had. “We came back twice from behind, and after that we were able to score four goals, could have scored more goals obviously, but I really liked what we did first half. “Second half, I liked it also, but in different ways. Defensively we were strong, we didn’t concede, they attacked a little bit more. “But offensively I think that we could have done better with the ball, to be able to install in their half and to organise to attack. Sometimes I think that we rushed and what happened was a chaotic game.” In all six games managed by Nancy, the recognised striker has failed to score in all six. When asked if a frontman is on his January wishlist, Nancy was coy to delve into specific details about transfer strategy. “When we have a window, the window is an opportunity for each team to improve the team. “So we’ll see what we are going to do, if we are going to take players, what type of player we are going to take and so on. “But step by step we are going to get the answer.”

December 27, 2025

Livingston 2-4 Celtic: Deux in a row for Nancy as Celtic Tame Lions

Celtic cut the gap to three points on leaders Hearts after a 4-2 win over Livingston at the Home of the Set Fare Arena. Fans were treated to four goals inside the opening ten minutes, as both sides traded blows as the end-to-end action resembled something more like a basketball game rather than a football match. Cristian Montano put Livingston into the driving seat just two minutes in before Benjamin Nygren restored parity just five minutes later. Montano got his second of the game a minute after, but this was cancelled out by Celtic’s South Korean Hyun-Jun Yang straight away to complete a berserk ten minute period. Celtic stamped their authority on the contest with a stunner from Nygren, before Arne Engels converted a spot kick to give the Parkhead side some breathing room. It is Wilfried Nancy’s second win in a row as Celtic manager after losing his first four games, whilst David Martindale still searches for his second win of the season as the West Lothian side languish at the foot of the table. The fans were still making their way inside when Livingston opened the scoring inside the first two minutes. Kieran Tierney’s attempted pass across the park was intercepted by Cristian Montano, who drove forward menacingly and thundered the ball high into deputy goalkeeper Vilijami Sinisalo’s near post. Celtic responded five minutes later when Arne Engels’ delivery from a corner was met by Daizen Maeda, who knocked it down for Swede Benjamin Nygren to net his first of the game and 7th of the season. The Lions roared back less than two minutes later ti continue the frantic start to the game. Scott Pittman’s cross from the right flank fell to Montano again in acres of space inside the box, and the Colombian doubled his tally for the afternoon. Then it was Celtic’s turn for a swift reply. Maeda found space down the left and fired a ball across the floor which was failed to be cleared by Danny Wilson. A stramash ensued inside Jerome Prior’s six-yard box, with Hyun-Jun Yang getting the last touch to bring us to 2-2 only ten minutes into the contest. Celtic continued to threaten with chances coming close from Yang and Maeda, and they would get their breakthrough just on the half hour mark. Tierney found Nygren in space and Celtic’s top scorer for the season so far curled one home, clipping off the inside of the post to put the Hoops ahead for the first time this match and score his third goal in two games. And their lead would be doubled less than ten minutes later. Livingston defender Daniel Finlayson was penalised for handball and a penalty was awarded after referee Matthew MacDermid was advised for an on field review. Arne Engels stepped up, and the Belgian sent Prior in the Livi net the wrong way as he rolled the ball into the bottom right corner. Celtic appeared comfortable going into the interval with a two-goal lead, but their advantage was nearly halved with a flurry of chances in the dying minutes. Anthony Ralston got his head on a Lewis Smith cross to concede a corner, which led to deflected efforts for both Smith and Montano who was hunting a first half hat-trick, but both strikes went just over. There were cheers from the home crowd after they thought Auston Trusty had turned the ball into his own net, but the American international had only headed a Macaulay Tait cross behind for a corner. A charge led by Luke McCowan with around twenty-five minutes to play looked like the game was going to be put to bed. The visitors countered after defending a corner in a 4 vs 2. McCowan had options either side of him and went left to Yang, but the ball could have been better which gave Livingston time to regroup. And Celtic’s defensive fragility was continued to be exposed when Tait pounced on a slack pass and could not be caught as he drove forward. He lacked support however, as his pass across goal was easily cleared by Trusty. The result puts leaves Livingston with just one win all season, but it is only the fourth time in eleven defeats that they have lost by a margin of more than one goal. As for Celtic, they can level Hearts point tally on Tuesday if they are to beat Motherwell at Fir Park, with the Edinburgh side losing today’s derby at Hibs and not in action until the new year when they host today’s home side Livingston. LIVINGSTON: Prior 5, Finlayson 4, Wilson 5, McGowan 4, Montano 8 (Brenet 79’ 1), Tait 6 (Lawal 79’ 1), Pittman 6, Sylla 5, May 5 (Susoho 74’ 1), Smith 6, Yengi 5 (Bokila 46’ 4) (Muirhead 46’ 4) CELTIC: Sinisalo 5, Tierney 7, Trusty 7, Ralston 5, McCowan 7, Yang 6 (Donovan 71’ 2), Engels 6, McGregor 6, Nygren 8 (Hatate 71’ 2), Maeda 5, Kenny 5 (Bernardo 82’ 1)