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Martin O’Neill offers key bit of advice for incoming Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy

Martin O’Neill has warned incoming Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy to stay well clear of the toxic feud that’s going on between the board and fans.  Nancy is set to be appointed as Brendan Rodgers’ replacement after impressing the Celtic hierarchy following a series of talks and could be in the dugout for the home fixture against Dundee next week. Hoops legend O’Neill is in interim charge and has offered some advice to the 48-year-old: “The new manager coming in should divorce himself from all those proceedings. This is a fresh start for him. “He hasn’t been party to anything that’s happened in recent times. “He’s going to step into something that really has been none of his concern. “That’s the way I would be approaching it and it’s not like passing the buck. “It’s just saying, ‘Well, sorry, that’s not of my making — my making is to put Celtic back in the game’. “Let’s say it was me and I’d never manage the football club again. “I’d be saying, ‘Yeah, that’s got nothing to do with me, I have to try and win some football games’.” Jaws dropped when the 73-year-old made his stunning return to the Parkhead club after 20 years and has won four of his five games in charge. The Northern Irishman said he’ll look back on his second spell with fondness and added that he doesn’t know if he would’ve been able to do the job every week: “In a perverse sort of way, I have actually enjoyed it. “Could I really do the job again week in, week out, week in, week out, for months on end? I really don’t know. “Do I have energy and enthusiasm? Yeah, I have those. Is that enough? Not so sure. “I’ve got all of those particular things. Do I have knowledge of the game? Of course, yeah. “When it is over, and I don’t know when that will be, I’ll think, ‘That was actually quite nice’. “It kind of reinvigorates you because you are actually concentrating on something you used to do, and you’d almost forgotten how to do it.”

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November 26, 2025

McGregor’s late strike the difference in Paisley. 

It was the hosts who started off the more threatening. And on 7 minutes they should have been ahead. Declan John did brilliantly and played a ball across goal towards Conor McMenamin, who failed to convert from close range, on the stretch. In the 15th minute, Sebastian Tounekti cut inside onto his right foot and got a shot off, but his curling effort went over the bar. In the 28th minute, Declan John’s corner was cleared by Celtic, but only as far as Conor McMenamin, who found space on the edge of Celtic’s box, but his brilliant left-footed effort came crashing off the post. In the 43rd minute, St Mirren managed to keep the ball alive following a long throw, the ball fell to Miguel Freckleton, who blazed his shot over the crossbar with Kasper Schmeichel on the deck. HT: St Mirren 0-0 Celtic After 50 minutes, Daizen Maeda looked to be through on goal, but Alexandros Gogic made an incredible sliding challenge to deny the Japanese forward. A bright start to second period from the Champions. After 64 minutes, Keanu Baccus found space outside the box, but his shot was comfortably saved by Kasper Schmeichel. In the 69th minute, St Mirren put the ball in the back of the net. Celtic defender Liam Scales was stretching for it and put the ball in the back of his own net, however, St Mirren’s number 10 Conor McMenamin was in an offside position and deemed to be interfering with play, therefore the goal was disallowed. With just under a quarter of an hour remaining of normal time, Celtic were awarded a free kick right on the edge of the St Mirren box, but Arne Engels’ effort came crashing off the wall. On 79 minutes, Liam Scales played a brilliant ball into the box, Daizen Maeda flicked it on towards the back post, but no Celtic player was there to convert. In the 83rd minute, Declan John took a shot from a tight angle, with Jonah Ayunga free at the back post, and his shot was easily saved by the Danish keeper. Deep into stoppage time, Celtic found the breakthrough. Callum McGregor worked some space on the edge of the box, and his sensational strike found the top corner. A vital strike from the Celtic skipper, which puts the pressure on Hearts going into their clash against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

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November 23, 2025

Wilfried Nancy Set to be Named Next Celtic Boss

Columbus Crew manager Wilfried Nancy has emerged as the front runner for the vacant position at Celtic. It is understood that he is the number one target at Parkhead, and can now enter talks with the club’s hierarchy after Columbus Crew granted Celtic permission to speak to the Frenchman. The Crew’s season came to a close after a loss in the MLS playoffs to state rivals Cincinnati, allowing Celtic to move their approach into another gear for the 48 year-old. Nancy was assistant to Thierry Henry at CF Montreal before taking the reins himself in 2021, where he managed current Hoops right-back Alistair Johnston. He left Canada to head south to Columbus Crew in late 2022, and would deliver success in the MLS Cup in 2023. Nancy was awarded MLS Coach of the year in 2024. It is believed that Nancy has faced competition from the likes of Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna and Bodo/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen for the role whilst former boss Martin O’Neill has taken interim charge. Celtic are back in action a week on Saturday, travelling to St. Mirren in what could be Nancy’s first match as Celtic manager.

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November 14, 2025

Five Managers On The Celtic Shortlist

Celtic are still to appoint Brendan Rodgers’ replacement following the Northern Irishman’s shock resignation last week. The rumour mill was been going into overdrive over who is next going to take the Celtic Park hot seat, with ex-boss Martin O’Neill keeping it warm in interim charge just now. O’Neill has won both games in charge so far, but has insisted from the offset that he is just there for the short-term, whilst the hunt for a ‘younger’ manager goes on. Here are five coaches that Celtic could employ. 1. Kieran McKenna The bookies favourite. Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna enjoyed back-to-back promotions with the Tractor Boys which seen them back in the Premier League in 2024 for the first time in 22 years. London born, McKenna was rumoured to have been raised in a ‘Celtic-supporting’ household in County Fermanagh, and refused to categorically rule himself out of the running when quizzed about it last week. He has a reported £5million release clause. 2. Kjetil Knutsen The Bodo/Glimt manager guided the Norwegian side to their first ever Eliteserien title in 2020, going on to win three more after that. In charge since 2018, Knutsen has supposedly said no to European giants Ajax in the past, and transformed his Arctic Circle side into a feared European side of their own, defeating Celtic in the 2022 Conference League before getting to last season’s Europa League semi finals and achieving Champions League qualification in the first time in the club’s history. His contract expires at the end of this calendar year. 3. Wilfried Nancy One name that won’t go away is Wilfried Nancy. The Columbus Crew manager won the Ohio side the MLS Cup in 2023 and the Leagues Cup in 2024. The Frenchman won MLS Coach of the Year in 2024 and is said to be thought of highly by Parkhead chiefs due to his expansive, possession-based style of play. Nancy managed current Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston during his time at CF Montreal, and MLS reporters describe a move to coach in Europe as an ‘inevitability’. 4. Nicky Hayen Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen is another coach with links swirling around him. The Belgian has been in charge of the Champions League Club since 2024 after replacing former Celtic manager Ronny Deila, and was able to deliver title success while still initially caretaker. He has added a Belgian Cup to his trophy cabinet since, and is another coach who has refused to dismiss any speculation when asked. He also enjoyed a spell as manager of Haverfordwest County, in the Welsh division, before a quick rise to European football. 5. Ange Postecoglou The noise surrounding the Australian has went quiet, if there ever was any concrete links to begin with. But there is no doubt that the Celtic treble winner has been discussed between the Celtic hierarchy. Leaving Celtic for Tottenham Hotspur in 2023, Postecoglou won Spurs their first trophy in 17 years with the Europa League, despite finishing 17th in the Premier League, before being sacked after just over a month at Nottingham Forest. Now a free commodity again, the job could be his if he is looking to get back into football so quickly.

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November 9, 2025

Celtic 3-1 Rangers: Extra Time Double Sends Celtic to League Cup Final

Celtic 3 – 1 Rangers Kenny (25′) McGregor (93′) Osmand (109′) Tavernier (81′ pen) Celtic will play St Mirren in the Scottish League Cup Final, after Martin O’Neill’s side edged out the ten men of Rangers in a dramatic Hampden clash. The game began frantically, as both sides wrestled for control of the cup tie. An early mistake from Nasser Djiga allowed Sebastian Tounekti into space on the Celtic left. John Souttar cleared his cross before Johnny Kenny could make contact. Tounekti was involved again in the 10th minute. Anthony Ralston’s low cross found its way to the Tunisian at the back post, but his first-time shot blazed over. Jack Butland denied Daizen Maeda’s shot in the 17th minute before Celtic had the ball in the back of the net moments later. A quick Callum McGregor free kick worked its way to Djiga in the box, the centre back’s clearance bounced off Nico Raskin and floated into the net. Luckily for Danny Rohl’s side, Maeda was deemed offside in the build-up. Youssef Chermiti fired wide from six yards in the 21st minute after Mohamed Diomande’s decisive pass, for Rangers’ best chance of the match, but Celtic broke the deadlock four minutes later. Kenny towered above the Rangers’ defence to head home Arne Engels’ corner kick. The goal was his third in two games, and it warranted Celtic’s positive start to the game. Kenny almost added to the lead minutes later, after breaking several challenges on the edge of the box, he blasted a strike, which Jack Butland blocked. Despite defending poorly in the first period, Rangers had two massive opportunities to equalise. Danilo’s clever reverse pass freed Raskin on the right edge of the box, but Kasper Schmiechel smothered his shot to keep the score at 1-0. Chermiti then ghosted in at the back post from Tavernier’s set piece, but couldn’t make a firm contact on the ball, as his volley poked wide. The Ibrox side’s afternoon went from bad to worse after Thelo Aasgaard caught Ralston high on the defender’s thigh, Nick Walsh gave the Norwegian his marching orders to reduce Rangers to ten men. Celtic could have been down to ten men themselves on the stroke of halftime. Auston Trusty made contact with Butland’s head after gathering the ball, but Nick Walsh opted for a yellow card, maintaining Celtic’s numerical advantage. Celtic continued to threaten at the start of the second period. Engels flashed a 25-yard strike past Butland’s goal in the 53rd minute as Martin O’Neill’s side looked to double their advantage. Another Engels corner was almost headed home by Benjamin Nygren a minute after, before Butland parried Ralston’s subsequent strike. Rangers did improve in the second period despite being a man down. Diomande flashed wide after Tavernier’s free kick as Rohl’s side tried to unsettle their opposition. Celtic should have gone two-nil ahead in the 67th minute. Marcelo Saracchi drove infield, flashing a cross to Nygren, who blazed over. James Forrest crashed a left-footed strike off the crossbar moments later. Liam Scales delivered a potential goal equaliser-saving tackle in the following moments to stop Djeidi Gassama from blasting at Schmiechel’s goal. Nick Walsh awarded Rangers a penalty in the 80th minute, after Ralston blocked Gassama’s shot with his arm. Tavernier made no mistake, slotting low to Schmiechel’s right, sending the blue side of Hampden into frenzy. The ten men had been up against it since Aasgaard’s dismissal, but had somehow dragged themselves back into the semi-final. Calum Osmand had an opportunity to regain Celtic’s lead after being slid through Forrest, but the youngster rolled his shot straight at Butland to keep the score level. Hatate could have sent Celtic to the final in injury time, he linked with Forrest on the right but blasted over Butland’s bar. Tierney’s deflected strike went behind with the last kick of the game. Calum McGregor rocketed Celtic into the lead at the start of extra time. Trusty laid off to the captain on the edge of the box, who crashed a strike past Butland from 25 yards. Gassama was sent clean through by Bojan Miovski in the 100th minute, after Schmiechel was alert to block his strike. Osmand sealed Celtic’s spot in the final in the final ten minutes, Kieran Tierney flashed a low cross for the substitute to slide home. Celtic: Schmeichel 6 Ralston 5 Trusty 7 Scales 7 Saracchi 7 McGregor 7 Engels 7 Nygren 7 Maeda 6 Kenny 8 Tounekti 6 Substitutes: Forrest 6 Hatate 6 Osmand 6 Balikwisha 5 Tierney 6 Rangers: Butland 5 Djiga 3 Souttar 6 Cornelius 6 Tavernier 6 Diomande 6 Raskin 7 Meghoma 7 Aasgaard 4 Danilo 5 Chermiti 3 Substitutes: Gassama 6 Moore 6 Miovski 6 Antman 5 Aarons 5 Rothwell 5

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November 2, 2025

Danny Rohl has ‘big respect’ for interim Celtic boss Martin O’Neill

Danny Rohl says he has ‘big respect’ for interim Celtic boss Martin O’Neill ahead of the huge league cup semi-final clash this weekend. It’s been a chaotic October for both sets of the Old Firm as Rangers sacked Russell Martin at the start of the month, and Brendan Rodgers stunningly quit Celtic this week. Parkhead legend O’Neill returned to the club after 20  years and is now in charge on a short term basis as the Hoops look for Rodgers’ successor. Speaking ahead of Sunday’s showdown at Hampden Park, the Light Blues’ head coach paid tribute to O’Neill and his managerial career. “Big respect to such a coaching career. I think this is always great as a manager when you work so long in this business and you are successful. “I’m just at the beginning of my career. I have a lot of work to do to come to this point and from this year. “But the good thing is we start at 0-0, different generations, and let’s see what we can bring with our teams in this game.” This will be the 36-year-old’s first taste of the Old Firm derby and he can’t wait to experience the intense atmosphere of the occasion. “Growing up, it was, of course, a world-famous game. In general, I think when you see such games on the TV then you always enjoy it because there’s always action, drama, intensity, goals, tight games, fighting spirit on the pitch. It’ll be a good one. “I can remember when Hansi Flick took over, our second game was at home to Borussia Dortmund – we won 4-0. “I think this is why we love this game, to be part of such a game. It’s all or nothing. You win, you come in the final, you lose, you’re out. I think everything is on for a great game. “At the moment, the positive energy is really back, the belief is there. “We could keep a great week with three wins in a row. I think it would be fantastic. “I can give my players a lot of ideas, but they’re really listening and they bring it with a good character on the pitch and I think it’s fantastic to see. But even we know it’s just two steps forward, not more.”

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October 31, 2025

Celtic Freeze Falkirk on Martin O’Neill’s Return

Celtic got back to winning ways with a 4-0 win over Falkirk as Martin O’Neill returned to the Parkhead side’s dugout for the first time since 2005. A first half Johnny Kenny double followed by goals from summer signings Benjamin Nygren and Sebastian Tounekti helped the defending champions cut the the gap on Hearts to six points, after the league leaders drew 2-2 away to St. Mirren. It was only the second time Martin O’Neill had came up against Falkirk in his career, with the other encounter in 2004 seeing Celtic score double the number scored tonight, in an 8-1 cup victory. There was fan protests outside Celtic Park’s main stand prior the match versus the club’s board, but once on-field matters commenced, Celtic looked in total control. Benjamin Nygren missed a one-on-one earlier in the first half, but the Swede’s second strike of the game half an hour in rebounded off the post and striker Johnny Kenny was first to react, firing home to score his second goal of the season. Falkirk’s best chance at getting back into the game was just a moment after the opener. Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi’s strike took a slight deflection from the edge of the box, but it was well held by Kasper Schmeichel. But just ten minutes after his first, there would be a second for Kenny. Anthony Ralston looped a ball in from deep, and Nygren again made it easy for the Irish international as his headed pass was nodded into the Falkirk goal by Celtic’s number 24 to put them two goals ahead going into the break. Tired of being provider, Nygren got his own name on the scoresheet. Marcelo Sarrachi’s tame volley was pushed out by former Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain, but only went as far as Celtic’s top scorer who bagged his fifth league goal of the campaign having been at heart of the other two goals previously. The home side made it four with 18 minutes to play. Substitute Luke McCowan from deep in his own half spotted the run of Sebastian Tounekti, who beat a sliding Liam Henderson to the ball and scored his first goal at Celtic Park since joining from Swedish side Hammarby on deadline day. Martin O’Neill marks his first managerial gig in six years with a result, with him and Shaun Maloney in the hot seat until the Celtic hierarchy find Brendan Rodgers’ replacement after the Northern Irishman’s shock resignation on Monday night. The result is Celtic’s first win in three league contests, having lost to Dundee and Hearts consecutively before tonight. The Hoops face Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden on Sunday, before travelling to FC Midytlland of Denmark for Thursday evening Europa League action. As for Falkirk, tonight marks their first defeat in four having not tasted defeat since the back end of September. They host a Kilmarnock side on Saturday who fell to a 1-0 home defeat tonight to Aberdeen. CELTIC: Schmeichel 5, Ralston 5, Trusty 6, Scales 6, Sarrachi 7, Nygren 6 (McCowan 66′ 4), Engels 5, McGregor 6 (Hatate 76′ 1), Forrest 7 (Balikwisha 61′ 2), Kenny 8 (Maeda 66′ 3), Tounekti 7 (Osmand 76′ 2) FALKIRK: Bain 3, Adams 6, Allan 4, Henderson 4, Lissah 4 (Hart 62′ 2), Miller 5 (Agyeman 62′ 2), Tait 4, Arfield 4, Spencer 5 (Cartwright 68′ 1), Ross 4 (Williams 46′ 4), Samuel-Ogunsuyi 4 (Graham 62′ 2)

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October 29, 2025

“The Facts Did Not Match His Public Narrative” – Dermot Desmond Scathing Rodgers Statement

Dermot Desmond says that former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers’ comments have ‘contributed to a toxic atmosphere’ around Celtic amid the Northern Irishman’s resignation. The Hoops minority shareholder released a statement to Celtic supporter’s after the shock announcement in the wake of Celtic’s 3-1 defeat yesterday away to Hearts. A breakdown in relationship between Rodgers and the boardroom has led to a number of fan protests this season, but Desmond has appeared to reserve the blame for the outgoing manager. The full statement reads: “I want to acknowledge Brendan’s contribution across his two spells as Manager, during which he helped deliver success that forms part of the club’s modern history. However, I must also express my deep disappointment at the way the past several months have unfolded. “When we brought Brendan back to Celtic two years ago, it was done with complete trust and belief in his ability to lead the club into a new era of sustained success. Unfortunately, his conduct and communication in recent months have not reflected that trust. “In June, both Michael Nicholson and I expressed to Brendan that we were keen to offer him a contract extension, to reaffirm the club’s full backing and long-term commitment to him. He said he would need to think about it and revert. Yet in subsequent press conferences, Brendan implied that the club had made no commitment to offer him a contract. That was simply untrue. “We met with Brendan regularly, including in December last year and at the start of the summer, with regular dialogue in between, to discuss and agree our collective strategy, priorities, and approach. Every player signed and every player sold during his tenure was done so with Brendan’s full knowledge, approval, and endorsement. Any insinuation otherwise is absolutely false. “His later public statements about transfers and club operations came entirely out of the blue. At no point prior to those remarks had he raised any such concerns with me, Michael, or any member of the Board or executive team. In reality, he was given final say over all football matters and was consistently backed in the recruitment process — including record investment in players he personally identified and approved. “When his comments were made publicly, I sought to address them directly. Brendan and I met for over three hours at his home in Scotland to discuss the issue. Despite ample opportunity, he was unable to identify a single instance where the club had obstructed or failed to support him. The facts did not match his public narrative. “Regrettably, his words and actions since then have been divisive, misleading, and self-serving. They have contributed to a toxic atmosphere around the club and fuelled hostility towards members of the executive team and the Board. Some of the abuse directed at them, and at their families, has been entirely unwarranted and unacceptable. “Every member of the Board and executive team is deeply passionate about Celtic and acts at all times with professionalism, integrity, and a shared desire for success. What has failed recently was not due to our structure or model, but to one individual’s desire for self-preservation at the expense of others. “Celtic’s structure — where the manager oversees football, the Chief Executive manages operations, and the Board provides oversight — has served the club with great success for more than two decades. We all share the same ambition: to ensure Celtic’s continued success domestically and to achieve further progress in Europe. Every pound generated by the club is reinvested towards those goals and the continuous improvement of Celtic Football Club. “Celtic is greater than any one person. Our focus now is on restoring harmony, strengthening the squad, and continuing to build a club worthy of its values, traditions, and supporters.” Rodgers will be temporarily replaced by former Celtic gaffer Martin O’Neill and former player Shaun Maloney as the hunt for a replacement gets underway.

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October 27, 2025

Brendan Rodgers Resigns As Celtic Manager

Brendan Rodgers has resigned from his position as Celtic manager. The Northern Irishman leaves under a cloud despite winning four trophies in a second spell, with a rocky relationship with the club’s hierarchy being well documented. A club statement said: “Celtic Football Club can confirm that football manager Brendan Rodgers has today tendered his resignation. It has been accepted by the Club and Brendan will leave his role with immediate effect. “The Club appreciates Brendan’s contribution to Celtic during his two very successful periods at the Club. “Brendan leaves Celtic with our thanks for the role he has played during a period of continued success for the Club and we wish him further success in the future. “The process to appoint a new permanent manager is underway and the Club will update supporters further on this as soon as possible. “We are pleased that during this interim period former Celtic manager, Martin O’Neill and former Celtic player, Shaun Maloney have agreed to take charge of Celtic first-team matters. Further details will be confirmed shortly.” Celtic host Falkirk on Wednesday night, before facing Rangers at Hampden in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final on Sunday.

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October 27, 2025

“The Players Always Have To Take Responsibility” – Callum McGregor

Celtic captain Callum McGregor says him and his teammates have to take accountability for Celtic’s poor start to the Premiership season. The defending champions fell eight points behind Hearts yesterday, after the league leaders beat them 3-1 at Tynecastle. And McGregor knows that the only way to claw at this gap is if the playing staff performing. “I said it last week, but we are too easy to play against” the 32 year-old said after the loss. “The players always have to take responsibility, I’ve been saying it since day one. “Even with the distraction of the board, and the signings, and everything else, I’ve been the one saying ‘no’, the players have to take responsibility. The only guys that can fix it is the guys on the pitch.” The former Scotland international believes that that the squad is capable of turning things around, but need to show their quality more regularly. “I think they [the players] understand the situation that we are in, of course we are, but we have to turn that into action on the pitch. “I see it on Thursday night, we were excellent, but we have to back it up three days later, and then another three days later we’ve got to do the same. “So that’s where we are. We’re showing flashes, but not on a consistent enough basis.” McGregor, who scored Celtic’s goal on Sunday, dismissed the idea that uproar of a lack of transfer activity could be negatively impacting the current crop of players. “Being at a big club like Celtic, there’s always speculation of who’s coming in. Even the guys who did well last year, you’ve got to keep doing well, the guys who maybe didn’t do so well, you’ve got to up your level. “There’s always a clamour to sign players at big clubs, and then it’s up to the players to react to that. Hopefully overtime, you push each other to new levels.” The Celtic academy product was quick to defend fellow graduates Colby Donovan and Dane Murray, who both made starts due to injured absentees. Murray scored an own goal, and gave away the penalty for Hearts’ third. “The young boys are exempt in this because they need help as well. So when young guys get chucked into the team, it’s the responsibility of the other players to protect them, because they need time to develop, time to get better, they need time to make mistakes. “I’ve been there as a young player when I’ve made mistakes. You need your senior players around you to pick you back up, and they need time to learn and develop into what could be really good Celtic players.” The midfielder recognised Hearts at title challengers, as the maroon side aim to break a 40 year duopoly on the league from the Glasgow big two. “We have to beat everyone if we’re going to win the league. “Yes they [Hearts] were good today, they’re eight points clear of us and now we are the team that are chasing, so if they are the guys at the top then of course we have to try and chase them.” Celtic now turn their attention to Falkirk at Celtic Park on Wednesday night, before a blockbuster Premier Sports Cup semi-final on Sunday against rangers at Hampden.

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October 27, 2025

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