Celtic’s managerial search is seemingly gathering pace.
Talks have accelerated with Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy over the international break, and he is now being reported as ‘on the brink’ of the job.
Martin O’Neill is currently in the Celtic dugout on a temporary basis, having come in to help out after the sudden departure of Brendan Rodgers.
The club legend has won three of his four games since coming in, but it now appears that he won’t be remaining in the job long-term.
He knows Jim White well from TalkSPORT, and shared with him an update on the managerial situation.
Martin O’Neill gives Jim White update on Celtic’s managerial search
O’Neill was on the radio station just hours before he was offered the role by Dermot Desmond.
It was a major surprise to see him offered his first managerial role since 2019 – he became the oldest active manager in Britain on his return.
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And despite widespread reports about a deal for Nancy being imminent, O’Neill had no developments to report to White.
White said: “We mentioned Celtic a few moments ago, they seem to be moving closer to Wilfried Nancy.
“Mister Martin O’Neill – good friend of ours of course, quality guest on this show – has intimated to me that there is nothing immediate that would change his workload right now.
“His workload right now is being in interim charge of Celtic. That might change before the weekend.”
Transfer correspondent Alex Crook then added: “I don’t think they’re in panic mode, but Wilfried Nancy does seem to be the man they want to replace Brendan Rodgers.
“He’s currently over in the MLS with Columbus Crew. My understanding is that there were talks with him and his board of directors over the weekend.
“I think there will be compensation that Celtic need to pay, but it wouldn’t surprise me if this one does start to ramp up.
“It’s a gamble, isn’t it. He’s done well in America, he’s won the MLS Cup over there, the first black manager to do so.
“But it’s a whole different ball game at a club the size of Celtic. If he does get the job, I’ll be fascinated to see how this works out.”
What now for Martin O’Neill at Celtic?
Nancy’s name may be flying around in the media, but until he’s in the door at Celtic Park, O’Neill will have to continue in the job as normal.
The talk is that Celtic want Nancy in his role by the time the Hoops play their next game, away against St Mirren on Saturday.
But given the hurdles they must get over in order to complete the deal, it could be delayed until after the Annual General Meeting on Friday.
Desmond won’t be at the AGM, and unlike the usual case, it doesn’t appear that any manager will be there either.
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