Federal Bureau of Investigation to Leave Iconic Brutalist J. Edgar Hoover Building in Washington DC
-
- By Reginald Wall
- 02 Mar 2026
As stated by caretaker manager Martin O'Neill, Wilfried Nancy is slated to be in the Celtic dugout for Sunday's Premiership clash against Hearts.
Columbus Crew's head coach has been involved in advanced negotiations with Glasgow club for almost a week and currently appears ready to finalize a deal.
O'Neill has held the role of caretaker manager for over four weeks since Brendan Rodgers departed, achieving six wins out of seven games, narrowing Hearts' lead of the league table while also steering the club to Premier Sports Cup place in the final.
The 73-year-old, a former boss of Celtic from 2000 to 2005, had already indicated he expected the visit to Hibernian – a 2-1 victory – was likely to be his final act of his return in charge.
But, O'Neill stated he will lead the team in the midweek Premiership match against Dens Park before Nancy steps into the role.
"He's the man set to be arriving," O'Neill said to the radio station. "I assumed my time was up last weekend, however there's some paperwork still to be sorted. Wednesday is certainly my last match."
"It has been surreal," O'Neill continued. "It's like a chapter of your life that makes you wonder 'did all of that really happen?' Am I pleased to have taken it on? Most certainly."
Should the Hoops beat their opponents and the Jambos defeat Killie on Wednesday, the incoming boss could potentially take his new club to summit of the table with a victory in his opening fixture in charge.
"That's a good fixture for him against Hearts," remarked O'Neill. "A nice introduction. It will be a challenging fixture naturally and good luck to him. At the very least he inherits a team with a bit of self-belief."
The team's morale stems from O'Neill's success during games over the past five weeks, where he has suffered just one defeat – a 3-1 loss away to Midtjylland during European competition.
However, the former Republic of Ireland manager along with his squad were then able to secure their first away win on the continent since way back in 2021 with a win over Feyenoord 3-1 last week.
"We were defeated by them," O'Neill said. "That proved to be a tough game – a few weeks before they mauled Forest, so that was a challenge. To go to De Kuip and win away from home was terrific. We've given the team an opportunity, there are three games remaining to try to qualify, however, the Feyenoord game was key for confidence."
Upon being asked for his thoughts during his spell as caretaker, O'Neill says it has led to thoughts on if he would like to carry on in management going forward.
"I genuinely am unsure," he admitted. "I'll take a wee think on everything following Wednesday evening."
"It was challenging," he added. "I felt the fear of failing – which is always a big concern. I used to boast I could do this job equally as badly as a lot of other managers."
"I have learned a lot. I have had some excellent coaching staff working with me and it has served as a reinvigoration personally in several respects, interacting with young people daily."
Regarding if he might remain with the club in a consultancy role, the ex- Leicester, Villa and Republic of Ireland boss says that is completely the decision of Wilfried Nancy.
"That decision is really for Nancy to decide," O'Neill said. "He should be given free reign. If he wants my input on matters, that's fine. If not, that is perfectly fine at all. It becomes his team the minute he steps into the job."
Presenter Jim White ended the interview by asking O'Neill whether he might get emotional once the full-time whistle blew in the Dundee game.
"Do you mean if I will get tearful?" O'Neill responded. "Please don't be silly."
A certified nutritionist and wellness coach passionate about helping others achieve their health goals through evidence-based practices.