Fantastic job – Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney praised by Wilfried Nancy | OneFootball

In his interview on the pitch last night after the game against Dundee had been won, thus bringing to an end his short but incredibly sweet spell as interim Celtic manager, Martin O’Neill stated that he’ had the time of his life over these past six weeks…

Asked in the media room a little later in the evening if this really was the case, the legendary Celtic manager explained what he meant.

3rd December 2025 Celtic Park, Scottish Premiership FCeltic versus Dundee Celtic interim manager Martin O Neill drags forward Celtic interim assistant manager Shaun Maloney to get acclaim at the end of his last match in charge. Photo David Young IMAGO

“It really has, you know, seriously. It’s like a complete blur. I was secretly hoping that Easter Road was going to be the last game you know. So I didn’t want to make a mess of it tonight.

“Once we got the goal, I thought that we needed a second goal in the game. We just never really got that together. Then you start to get nervous a wee bit towards the end. But we won. It wasn’t the most flamboyant of victories. But three points on the board keeps it going. How did Hearts do? 1-1? Alright.”

3rd December 2025 Celtic Park, Scottish Premiership , Celtic versus Dundee. Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill waves to the crowd at the end of his last match in charge Photo IMAGO David Young

When Wilfried Nancy first heard of possible Celtic interest in bringing him in to replace Brendan Rodgers he probably had a look at the Scottish Premiership table, noticing Hearts had extended their lead over Celtic to eight points after their 3-1 victory over Celtic in what turned out to be Brendan’s last game in charge.

Knowing his own schedule and circumstances he would have known that the start of December was realistically when he’d be able to take over so that eight points deficit could have increased given the form Celtic were in towards the end of October.

Therefore as he talks to the Celtic players today to introduce himself and his coaching methods, Nancy has every reason to appreciate the outstanding contribution to the Celtic cause delivered by Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney over the past six weeks.

Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill at full time during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee at Celtic Park on December 03, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Nancy had this to say yesterday, as reported by the official Celtic FC website.

“I am so happy to be named Celtic Manager, it is a massive honour for myself and my family.

“Before I say anything else I want to do one thing – I want to thank the great Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney for all they have done in recent weeks with the team. The job they have done has been fantastic.

Wilfried Nancy head coach of the Columbus Crew looks during player introductions before the game against the Inter Miami CF at Huntington Bank Field on April 19, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

“These guys have given so much to the club across so many years and I know our fans, like me, all recognise the brilliant job they have done during this recent period. They have my total respect and my total gratitude. I hope to meet them both very soon and thank them personally.

“Now its up to me to carry on this great work and carry our great club forward and I can’t wait to get going and become part of such a brilliant institution. Celtic is one of the world’s proper football clubs, real atmosphere and heart and soul, real high standards and real demands, which I am ready for.

“I know the history, I know the values of Celtic and I know what is expected of me on this journey. I know what Celtic means to so many people and my No. 1 aim will be simple – to give our fans a strong, exciting, attacking, winning football team they can be so proud of.

“I look forward to seeing all our fans very soon and I hope we can enjoy some great moments together.”

Wilfried Nancy head coach of the Columbus Crew looks on before the 2025 MLS Cup Playoff match against FC Cincinnati at Lower.com Field on November 02, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

That recognition from the incoming Celtic manager is understandable, all he has to do is look at the league table this morning as the Hearts eight point lead has been wiped out completely with Celtic now level on points with a game in hand.

Thanks to O’Neill’s side seeing off theRangers in the semi-final of the Premier Sports Cup, Nancy has a chance in his third match as Celtic manager to lift some silverware if his side can get the better of St Mirren at Hampden Park.

And O’Neill’s win in Rotterdam against Feyenoord means Celtic’s chances of progressing in the Europa League have improved significantly.

Martin O Neill, manager of Celtic in the dug out Celtic v Dundee, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 03 December 2025. Photo Mark Runnacles IMAGO Shutterstock

Martin O’Neill was asked last night whether he was giving Wilfried Nancy a solid platform to work with or alternatively a hard act to follow.

“I’m sure that he will have been watching the matches in the last three or four games,” Martin O’Neill said.

“He’ll form his own opinion of the team. That is absolutely fine. If he would seriously want to speak to me about my thoughts in the last five or six weeks, whatever that may be, I’ve got absolutely no problem.

“He’ll maybe have a totally different approach tactically, in every aspect of me, I genuinely don’t know. But I think I’ve left the players in good heart and with a bit of confidence about themselves now.”

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