Celtic hire Wilfried Nancy replacement as former Hibs manager steps into key role and message sent to Hearts

Celtic have hired Martin O’Neill as their head coach replacement for Wilfried Nancy - with a former Hibs manager set to help him out.

The Premiership champions parted company with ex-Columbus Crew boss Nancy after just eight games, following a 3-1 defeat to Rangers left them six points off league leaders Hearts. O’Neill returned to Celtic last year as interim boss following Brendan Rodgers’ resignation and makes a third return to Glasgow until the end of the 25/26 season, just over a month from his second ending.

Former Hibs boss Shaun Maloney returns to a role as one of O’Neill’s assistant coaches after time in the interim management team previously and work as Celtic’s player-pathway manager. O’Neill has sent a title race message to Hearts, as he promises a big fight for the title.

Martin O’Neill on title race

He told club media: "I am very, very pleased to be back at the football club - very privileged to be back at the football club. But, before Brendan had resigned and there was that small opportunity to come back for an interim time to the football club, but in circumstances such as this with Wilfried leaving the football club it feels a wee bit strange at this minute.

"I used this phrase when I came back, restoration of confidence, and it would probably be a similar message again. The players can play. Players that you know can play can come back to the standard and achieve what they have done in the past. We know we’re in a big fight. We’re going to try and win the league. It won’t be easy, although it never is, but we’re halfway through the season, we’ve got a big fight on our hands, so we have to be up to the challenge.”

Brian Wilson, Celtic’s Interim Chairman, said: "The way things worked out for Wilfried Nancy is an intense disappointment, not least from a purely human perspective. We wish him and his family well. By bringing Martin back to the club, we look forward with confidence, giving the team real focus for the challenges ahead.

Celtic on hiring Martin O’Neill as manager

“He is a manager the players, staff and supporters know well, with a peerless reputation in football and a deep commitment to Celtic. The immediate priority is to get back to winning ways and while today's events do not address every issue, I would appeal for unity within the stadium to create the best possible environment for the manager and team to launch the fight-back."

Celtic Chief Executive Michael Nicholson added: “We are very pleased to welcome Martin back to Celtic as manager until the end of the season and we will give him and the rest of our management team every support as we address the challenges we face during the second half of the season.

"Having spoken to Martin, I know he is excited again to be with us and very committed to doing everything he can, along with Shaun and the other coaches, to deliver the success we all know he can bring. Wilfried is someone who we will always respect, and while it is unfortunate that things did not work out, we certainly offer him our best wishes and hope that he can once again achieve success in his future roles.”