Celtic Sack Wilfried Nancy After Disastrous Month in Charge
GLASGOW, 22 January 2026 – Celtic Football Club have sacked manager Wilfried Nancy after just 33 days in charge, following a run of six defeats in eight matches. The Frenchman’s brief and ill-fated tenure is the shortest in the club’s 138-year history.
O’Neill Returns as Interim Boss
In a dramatic turn of events, former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has agreed to take charge of the team on an interim basis. The 73-year-old, who previously managed the club from 2000 to 2005, will oversee first-team matters with immediate effect.
Nancy, who was appointed on 3 December 2025, was dismissed after a 2–1 home defeat to Motherwell on Wednesday night. His final match in charge was a 4–2 victory against Livingston on 27 December, but defeats to Motherwell and Rangers sealed his fate.
Key Facts & Timeline
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manager Appointed | 3 December 2025 |
| First Match in Charge | 7 December 2025 (Lost 2-1 vs Hearts) |
| First Win | 21 December 2025 (3-1 vs Aberdeen) |
| Final Match in Charge | 3 January 2026 (Lost 2-1 vs Rangers) |
| Days in Role | 33 days |
| Win Ratio | 25% (2 wins from 8 matches) |
| Celtic’s League Position | 3rd (44 points, 6 points behind Hearts) |
What Went Wrong for Nancy?
The former Columbus Crew manager arrived at Celtic Park with a reputation for an attractive, possession-based style of play. However, his attempts to implement a back-three system were met with immediate resistance on the pitch, as the team struggled for consistency and results.
His first match ended in a 2–1 home defeat to league leaders Heart of Midlothian. This was followed by a 3–0 loss to Roma in the UEFA Europa League, a 3–1 defeat to St Mirren in the Scottish League Cup final, and a 2–1 loss away to Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.
Despite securing his first win with a 3–1 victory over Aberdeen on 21 December, further defeats to Motherwell and Rangers left Celtic six points behind Hearts at the top of the table. With fan discontent growing, the board acted to relieve Nancy of his duties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Martin O’Neill?
Martin O’Neill is a 73-year-old Northern Irish football manager and former player. He previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, winning three Scottish Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups, and one Scottish League Cup. He is best known for leading the club to the 2003 UEFA Cup Final.
Why did Celtic sack Wilfried Nancy?
Nancy was sacked due to a poor run of results that saw Celtic lose six of his eight matches in charge. This included defeats to Hearts, Roma, St Mirren, Dundee United, Motherwell, and Rangers, which left the team six points behind league leaders Hearts.
What happens next for Celtic?
The club have confirmed that Martin O’Neill will take charge of first-team matters on an interim basis. The search for a new permanent manager is now underway.