Wilfried Nancy Sacked by Celtic as Martin O’Neill Returns

Published: 05 January 2025
The English Chronicle Desk
The English Chronicle Online

Wilfried Nancy’s brief and turbulent spell as Celtic manager has come to an abrupt end after just 33 days, marking the shortest managerial reign in the club’s history. The Scottish champions confirmed on Monday that Nancy has been dismissed after overseeing only eight matches, with veteran former boss Martin O’Neill returning as interim manager until the end of the season.

Nancy, 48, was appointed on a two-and-a-half-year contract on 4 December after arriving from Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew, but his tenure unravelled rapidly amid poor results and mounting supporter unrest. Celtic lost six of his eight games in charge, with Saturday’s damaging 3-1 home defeat by Rangers proving the decisive moment. Despite leading at half-time, a second-half collapse intensified protests against both the club’s board and its latest managerial appointment.

The French coach inherited a side that had shown signs of revival under O’Neill earlier in the season, having won seven of eight matches to claw back ground in the title race. However, results quickly deteriorated, with Nancy becoming the first Celtic manager to lose his opening two matches before suffering a humiliating League Cup final defeat to St Mirren. A subsequent loss at Dundee United marked the club’s first run of four consecutive defeats since 1978.

Although Nancy secured victories against 10-man Aberdeen and bottom-placed Livingston, his side failed to keep a single clean sheet and conceded 18 goals in eight games — more than in the previous 24 matches combined. Celtic now trail league leaders Hearts by six points and face renewed uncertainty as they once again begin the search for a permanent manager.

Martin O’Neill, 73, who replaced Brendan Rodgers on an interim basis in October, will return for a second temporary spell this season. His assistant Shaun Maloney will also rejoin the backroom staff. Speaking after his reappointment, O’Neill said he had sympathy for Nancy and expressed confidence that the Frenchman would succeed elsewhere, while urging unity as Celtic attempt to stabilise their campaign.

Celtic also confirmed the departures of Nancy’s assistants Kwame Ampadu, Jules Gueguen and Maxime Chalier, along with head of football operations Paul Tisdale, whose role in player recruitment had drawn heavy criticism from supporters. Since winning the league title last season, the club has now parted ways with two permanent managers, a head of football operations, and chairman Peter Lawwell, who stepped down amid sustained pressure over the club’s direction.