In a dramatic turn of events, Celtic Football Club have confirmed the immediate dismissal of manager Wilfried Nancy and the sensational return of former boss Martin O'Neill for a third spell in charge.
A Swift and Brutal End for Nancy
The decision to part ways with Nancy comes after a disastrous start to his tenure, which lasted just eight games in charge. His reign was terminated on Monday, 5 January 2026, in the wake of a damaging 3-1 defeat to arch-rivals Rangers in the Old Firm derby on Saturday.
Under the Frenchman's leadership, Celtic suffered six defeats in those eight matches, including a run of four consecutive losses. This poor form has left the Glasgow giants six points adrift of leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership table, a situation deemed unacceptable by the club's hierarchy.
The Return of a Celtic Legend
Moving swiftly to stabilise the club, Celtic have turned to a familiar face. Martin O'Neill has agreed to take the managerial reins until the end of the current season. The Northern Irishman, who enjoyed immense success in his first spell from 2000 to 2005, will be supported by assistants Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham.
In a statement, O'Neill expressed his honour at being asked back. "I am really pleased, in fact, very honoured to be asked back to manage the team again," he said. "My focus will be to try and get us back to winning ways if we can. We will need everyone right behind us." He also offered his condolences to Nancy, describing him as a "fine man" who would achieve success again.
Backroom Clearout and Calls for Unity
The managerial change has triggered a wider backroom reshuffle. Nancy's assistants, Kwame Ampadu, Jules Gueguen, and Maxime Chalier, have also left the club. Furthermore, Head of Football Operations Paul Tisdale has departed his role following the defeat to Rangers.
Interim chairman Brian Wilson acknowledged the human cost of the decision but stressed the need to look forward. "The way things worked out for Wilfried Nancy is an intense disappointment... We wish him and his family well," Wilson stated. "By bringing Martin back to the club, we look forward with confidence... I would appeal for unity within the stadium to create the best possible environment for the manager and team to launch the fight-back."
Nancy, who had replaced Brendan Rodgers in December on a two-and-a-half-year deal after moving from MLS side Columbus Crew, had insisted after the Rangers game that he was "very close" to turning results around. However, the club's board decided that time had already run out, opting for the experienced hand of O'Neill to salvage their season.
