After just four matches, Wilfried Nancy finds himself under intense pressure at Celtic. The new manager is still searching for his first victory, and with each defeat the optimism that greeted his arrival is quickly fading. Confidence among the players appears fragile, supporters are growing restless, and belief is becoming harder to hold onto.
A report that emerged on Thursday afternoon claimed the Celtic board have already begun discussing the possibility of replacing the Frenchman, barely two weeks into his tenure.
During the defeat to Dundee United, Nancy stood on the touchline as sections of the crowd called for Martin O’Neill’s return. The contrast has been impossible to ignore: Celtic were winning consistently under O’Neill on an interim basis, while Nancy’s approach has yet to deliver a convincing full performance. Although the decision to move on from O’Neill may now look premature, sacking Nancy so quickly would rank among the fastest managerial dismissals in the club’s history. Still, the speculation refuses to disappear. Some supporters are calling for change, pundits are fuelling the debate, and doubts may begin creeping into the dressing room.
Chief executive Michael Nicholson has publicly stated that the club continues to back Nancy and plans to support him in the January transfer window. However, should results fail to improve, it would not be shocking if Celtic ultimately decide to act. If Nancy were to be removed, attention would immediately turn to potential successors.
Martin O’Neill
O’Neill remains the most obvious option. A true Celtic icon, he collected seven trophies during his original spell between 2000 and 2005 and famously led the club to the 2003 UEFA Cup final, narrowly losing to José Mourinho’s Porto.
After leaving Nottingham Forest in 2019, it appeared his managerial career had come to an end as he transitioned into punditry. But football had other ideas. When Brendan Rodgers departed unexpectedly in October, Celtic turned to O’Neill as interim boss — a move that proved inspired. He won seven of his eight matches, lifted the mood around the club, and reconnected the fans with the team.
Speaking recently on talkSPORT, O’Neill admitted he would have been happy to stay on. He remains hugely popular with supporters and offers stability, experience, and a deep understanding of the pressures that come with leading Celtic. Should Nancy lose his job, O’Neill would be an immediate and familiar solution.
Ange Postecoglou
Another name that still resonates strongly with the Celtic support is Ange Postecoglou. During his two seasons in Glasgow, he delivered five trophies, including consecutive league titles, before departing for Tottenham in 2023.
His spell in north London was a mixed one. While he guided Spurs to Europa League glory in 2025 — their first silverware in 17 years — a disastrous 17th-place league finish led to his dismissal. He then took charge of Nottingham Forest earlier this season but lasted just eight games, recording two draws and six defeats.
Now without a club, Postecoglou would likely be welcomed back by Celtic fans. The club has a history of reappointing former managers, and his attacking style and past success could make him a compelling option if the role becomes available.
Kieran McKenna
Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna would represent a bold and forward-thinking appointment, though also the most difficult to secure. The 39-year-old is widely regarded as one of the brightest young coaches in English football and was strongly linked with the Celtic job when Rodgers departed.
McKenna currently has Ipswich sitting fifth in the Championship and firmly in the promotion race, making any move extremely complicated. Ipswich would be reluctant to lose him mid-season, and McKenna himself may prioritise the chance to return to the Premier League over a switch to Scotland.
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