Celtic reappoint Martin O’Neill after Wilfried Nancy’s departure

Celtic have reappointed Martin O’Neill as manager on a contract until the end of the season following the dismissal of Wilfried Nancy.

O’Neill was caretaker manager for eight games, winning seven, following the departure of Brendan Rodgers at the end of October.

That run saw Celtic take control of a Scottish Premiership title race that they usually dominate. However, an eight-game, 33-day tenure for Nancy that saw just two wins left Celtic. six points behind surprise leaders Hearts.

Nancy was sacked on Monday following the defeat to Old Firm rivals Rangers, with director of football operations Paul Tisdale also leaving his post.

The announcement of Nancy’s sad fate was followed by confirmation of O’Neill’s return just hours later, with Shaun Maloney, Mark Fotheringham and Stephen McManus joining them as assistants.

O’Neill’s success earlier in the season helped Celtic erase Hearts’ eight-point lead at the top of the table. It will now be up to him to fill another deficit.

“I’m really happy, in fact, very honored to be asked back to lead the team and I can’t wait to get back to working with the players,” O’Neill said.

“I know we would all have hoped things would have gone differently under Wilfried and I personally want to wish him well in everything he does in the game. He is a good man and I am sure he will continue and succeed again, I have no doubt.

“For my part, I have been asked to take over this great job and my focus will be on trying to get us back to winning ways if we can. We will need everyone behind us.

“We still have a lot to hope for and a lot to try to achieve, and myself, Shaun and the coaching staff and, of course, the players will give everything to achieve every possible success for the club.”

O’Neill won three Scottish Championship titles, three Scottish Cups and one Scottish League Cup during his first spell as Celtic manager from 2000 to 2005. He also led the club to the UEFA Cup final in 2003.