Martin O’Neill began his transition back to normality earlier today by appearing on talkSport with his old colleagues. Presumably he’ll soon be back in his old spot in their studios in between drinking his expensive coffee on the King’s Road in London…
Martin O’Neill at Easter Road, Sunday 30 November 2025. Hibs v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
The interim Celtic manager confirmed that the Scottish Premiership match at Celtic Park on Wednesday evening would indeed be his final match in charge as Wilfried Nancy looks set to take charge of the the team ahead of Sunday’s game against Hearts, also taking place at Paradise.
“He is the man that will be coming in,” Martin told Jim White, the talkSport anchor, when asked if it is Wilfried Nancy who is going to be the new Celtic manager.
“I thought it was over on Sunday, but there’s some paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be my final game. It’s been surreal. It’s like a part of your life where you think ‘did that really happen?’ Am I delighted that I’ve done it? Absolutely.
Martin O’Neill at Easter Road, Sunday 30 November 2025. Hibs v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
‘It wasn’t easy. There is a fear of failure for a start, but I always used to boast to Simon (Jordan, talkSPORT co-host) I could do the job equally as badly as a lot of other managers. I’ve learned a lot.
“I’ve had some great young coaches beside me – boys who have actually managed – and that has been great. It has been a reinvigoration of me in some ways, dealing with young people every day.”
Martin O’Neill confirmed that he’s heard nothing about a role at the club after he hands over the reins to Nancy later this week. “No, I really don’t know. And I think that will be for the manager to decide. He should be given free rein to pick his staff, which he will want to do, and anything else concerning football should really be up to him.
Wilfried Nancy, Head Coach of Columbus Crew SC, arrives prior to the MLS match between Inter Miami CF and Columbus Crew at Chase Stadium on May 31, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
“If the incoming manager wants my opinion on things over the last number of weeks that is fine, if he doesn’t that is not a problem. I would never advise him, there is no such thing as advice to a fellow manager in that sense.”
Martin added: “I will assume the manager that is coming in will have looked at our games, certainly our recent games, and then made some sort of decision for himself. I get back to the point, it’s very much his team when he steps into the breach.”
Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney at Easter Road. Sunday 30 November 2025. Hibs v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
Asked by Jim White if he’ll be emotional on Wednesday night after the match against Dundee brings his short but deliciously sweet period back at the club to end O’Neill replied: “Do you mean am I going to cry? Don’t be stupid.”
Order Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter and your copy will be personally signed by Danny McGrain! Plus you’ll receive a free copy of Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style with your order! Click on image to order…Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star
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