Celtic have moved to calm speculation over the managerial role, confirming Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney will continue to lead first-team affairs while the club completes its recruitment process.
Weekend reports accelerated talk around Wilfried Nancy, with sources in Scotland and the United States suggesting the Columbus Crew head coach was edging closer. But on Monday night the club issued a firm update that cools any expectation of an imminent announcement.
In a short statement, Celtic said the appointment process is ongoing. O’Neill and Maloney will remain in interim charge until a permanent decision is finalised, and the club promised to update supporters as soon as possible.
Speaking to Celtic TV at Lennoxtown on Monday, O’Neill made it clear he is preparing for Saturday’s trip to St Mirren. That stance suggests any reveal is unlikely before the weekend unless something moves quickly.
O’Neill said he had enjoyed a brief pause after what he described as a whirlwind fortnight, but stressed he is ready to lead the squad again if required. He highlighted the importance of players returning from international duty without fresh injuries, with Celtic already stretched in several areas.
The interim boss pointed to his selection for the Kilmarnock game and hinted a similar group may be needed in Paisley, depending on who returns fit and available. The Irishman acknowledged the uncertainty around the next few days, and insisted the team will prepare as strongly as possible.
Many supporters had hoped the international break would deliver clarity, especially after positive noise from the United States around Nancy. Instead, Celtic have signalled the process will take a little longer.
Plenty still believe Nancy is the preferred option. His work in MLS has impressed, and his tactical identity aligns with Celtic’s long-term vision. Even so, the priority now is securing the right manager rather than rushing to unveil one inside an arbitrary window.
Saturday’s match in Paisley is likely to be O’Neill’s latest stint in the dugout. Whether it proves to be his last outing remains to be seen.
Either way, Celtic’s message is clear. The search continues. The work continues. The next man must be the correct appointment, whether that is Nancy or someone else.
The Hoops board is set for a grilling on Friday when the club hosts shareholders for the AGM. It’s the one time of year the club is obligated to talk to the supporters who have bought up shares in the club over the years.
With the Celtic fan collective looking for change at boardroom level, there will be some tough questions for Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson and chairman Peter Lawwell. Dermot Desmond is not expected to attend and hasn’t been to an AGM since Martin O’Neill was last Celtic boss.
The thinking behind an imminent appointment this week was that it would take the edge off things at the AGM. But with no news, at least the club has moved to let supporters know that nothing is imminent at this point.
We will be covering the Celtic AGM on Friday, so stay tuned to the site and our socials for the very latest on what could be an explosive day at Celtic Park.
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3 responses
Celtic are in another final bit noy much football being talked about its all refereeing mistakes or not being a Celtic fan i was watching from my armchair i was happy with things on the pitch our Central defenders were comfertable right back and left not troubled midfield were in control passing guick short passes then we scored well till var picks the frame that suits the offside call dissappionted but the Rangers were rattled couple minutes later we scored again this one var couldnt put a spanner inthe works great ball by Engels good header by Kenny he had to lift it over Butland no just deflect then amAssgard assault iff no doubt appart from one pundit making out he didnt mean try to pull out terrible statement then equalizer var goes against us again if it was for us id want but would we have got it because there was room for doubt second halve Captain fires good shot saveable but Butlin seemed to lose flight of ball with souter head goal then Stupid foot left in left in not a kick by Trusty but he knew he gave the referee and var a decsion to make thank fully they must have had seen headlines var fall for Butland antics Celtic took control the Rangers had one good chance Celtic had many Butland pulling off good saves but luck at and poor finishen kept scir 2-1tell kenny met a good cross by Teirney game over but as usual not the contivrecies the Rangers still a week later there still asking queastions to vover up Celtic show the Rangers how funerable there team is
I’m glad Nancy’s not signed a contract. I’m delighted Martin O’Niell and Maloney are here for now. Let’s hope they win big against St. Mirren. And Feyenoord.
Hire Nancy and I’m supporting Hearts and I hope we implode. He’s a Russell Martin figure and turgid tactics.
Save our season Martin O’Neill from the board.
Not convinced about you David.
Imagine hoping Celtic implode! Says it all.
You should actually just go now.