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Football

05th Jan 2026

Big names in line to take over at Celtic after Nancy sacking

Colman Stanley

They need help badly.

Celtic have sacked manager Wilfred Nancy after a disastrous a 33-day reign which saw him lose six out of eight games, with the last straw coming in their 3-1 loss to Rangers on Saturday.

Martin O’Neill’s successful interim job, which preceded Nancy, now looks even more impressive.

Thankfully for Celtic fans, there are some impressive names in the running to replace the Frenchman.

O’Neill is now heavy favourite to return almost immediately, and a whopping 67% of bets placed today are backing him.

Second favourite is Ange Postecoglou, who had a hugely successful few years with the Bhoys before moving onto manage Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest.

Shaun Maloney, who was assistant to O’Neill, is next in line, while the next two are Irishmen: Cardiff City boss Brian Barry-Murphy – the son of Cork GAA legend Jimmy – and Ferencvaros manager Robbie Keane.

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A statement from Celtic reads: “Celtic Football Club today announces that it has decided to terminate the contract of manager Wilfried Nancy, with immediate effect. 
 
“The Club thanks Wilfried for his efforts and wishes him and his family well for the future.
 
“Wilfried’s assistants, Kwame Ampadu, Jules Gueguen, and Maxime Chalier, will also be leaving the club and they take with them our good wishes.
 
“The Club can also confirm that Paul Tisdale has left his position as Head of Football Operations. We thank Paul for the contribution he has made in that role.
 
“A further update will be provided to supporters as soon as is practical.”