Celtic turn to O’Neill until season’s end after Nancy dismissal

Celtic have confirmed the appointment of Martin O’Neill as manager until the end of the season, following the dismissal of Wilfried Nancy earlier on Monday, Sport360NG reports.

In a statement, the Scottish champions said O’Neill will be supported by assistants Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham, with Stephen McManus joining the club’s existing coaching staff of Gavin Strachan, Stevie Woods and Greg Wallace in overseeing first-team affairs.

The 73-year-old is no stranger to the role, having already taken charge on an interim basis earlier this season. O’Neill led Celtic for eight matches after Brendan Rodgers’ departure in October, winning seven, before stepping aside when Nancy was appointed in early December.

Nancy’s tenure proved short-lived. The Frenchman was relieved of his duties after just eight games, six of which ended in defeat, as Celtic’s form deteriorated sharply.

O’Neill returns with the club sitting second in the Premiership table, six points adrift of leaders Hearts. His reappointment comes in the aftermath of a damaging 3-1 home defeat by Rangers, a result that sparked fan protests outside Celtic Park and ultimately sealed Nancy’s fate.