Nancy Is Set to Lead for the Glasgow Giants This Week - Martin O'Neill

Per the words of caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, the Columbus Crew head coach will be in the Celtic dugout during Sunday's Premiership clash against Heart of Midlothian.

The head coach has been part of advanced negotiations with Parkhead side for nearly seven days and currently appears ready to wrap up a contract.

O'Neill has held the role of interim boss for over four weeks since the previous manager stepped down, securing six victories in seven games, reducing Hearts' lead in the Scottish Premiership and guiding the club to a League Cup place in the final.

The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club between 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected the trip to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be the last game in his second spell in charge.

Yet, the interim boss disclosed he is to lead the team in Wednesday's Premiership match with Dundee before Wilfried Nancy assumes control.

"He's the man that will be arriving," O'Neill told the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, however there remains paperwork yet to be completed. The Dundee game will definitely be the end for me."

A Bizarre Experience

"It's been surreal," he added. "It feels like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I delighted to have taken it on? Absolutely."

Should the Hoops beat their opponents and the Jambos overcome Kilmarnock in midweek, Nancy could guide his new club to the top of the Premiership with a victory during his debut game as manager.

"That's a nice one for him versus Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A gentle introduction. It will be a tough match of course but good luck to him. At the very least he inherits a side with a bit of self-belief."

The team's morale comes from O'Neill's success during games in the last five weeks, a period where he lost only once – a three-one loss away to Midtjylland in the European competition.

However, the ex- Republic of Ireland national team boss and his players subsequently managed to claim a first away win in Europe since way back in 2021 as they beat the Dutch club 3-1 recently.

Restoration of Confidence

"We lost to them," O'Neill recalled. "That was a hard fixture – a couple of weeks earlier they mauled Nottingham Forest, making it a challenge. To travel to De Kuip and secure a victory on their patch was fantastic. We have given the team a chance, there are three games left to try to qualify, however, the victory in Rotterdam was a restoration of belief."

Future Ambitions

Upon being asked for his reflections during his time as caretaker, O'Neill stated it has prompted thoughts about whether he desires to continue managing in the future.

"I honestly am unsure," he said. "I'll take a little think about things following the match on Wednesday."

"It was challenging," he continued. "There was the fear of failing – which is always a major worry. I once joked I could do this job just as poorly as a lot of other managers."

"I have learned a lot. I've got some great coaching staff working with me and it's been a refresh for me in several respects, working with young people daily."

A Potential Advisory Position?

Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Nancy.

"That is solely for the incoming manager to make," O'Neill said. "He must be given free reign. If he wants my input on things, that is acceptable. If not, that is okay at all. It becomes his squad the minute he enters the job."

Presenter the interviewer ended the interview if O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.

"Do you mean am I going to cry?" O'Neill replied. "Don't be silly."