Celtic sacks Nancy with O'Neill to take over
Celtic dismissed manager Wilfried Nancy eight games into his reign, with previous interim manager Martin O'Neill announced as his replacement, until the end of the season.
Nancy, a former MLS Cup winner with Columbus Crew, only took over at Celtic Park on 3 December, with O'Neill having led the Bhoys on an interim basis for eight games after Brendan Rodgers's resignation.
The 73 year-old will again step into the void, Celtic announcing he will take over as manager until the end of the season.
“I am really pleased, in fact, very honoured to be asked back to manage the team again and I am looking forward to getting back to work again with the players," O'Neill said.
“I know we would all have hoped for things to have worked out differently under Wilfried and I personally want to wish him good luck with everything he does in the game. He is a fine man and I am sure he will go on and achieve success again, I have no doubt of that.
“For me, I've been asked to take this great job on again and my focus will be to try and get us back to winning ways if we can. We will need everyone right behind us."
While O'Neill won seven of his eight matches back at the club he led to three Scottish Premiership titles in 2000-2001, 2001-2002 and 2003-2004, Nancy had an altogether different experience.
He suffered six defeats in eight games, including losing 3-1 to both St. Mirren in the League Cup final and to Old Firm rival Rangers on Sunday.
Nancy also made headlines shortly after taking charge by bizarrely claiming he understood Scottish football because he came close to joining English side Carlisle United as a player, then made an impassioned plea for patience ahead of Sunday's meeting with Rangers.
However, the 55-time Scottish champion announced that it had parted ways with the 48 year-old, with head of football operations Paul Tisdale also departing.
"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."
Celtic has already suffered six Premiership defeats this season, their most in a single campaign since 2012-13 (seven).
It is six points adrift of Hearts at the top of the table and only ahead of third-placed Rangers on goal difference, ahead of a home game against Dundee United.
Both Old Firm clubs have endured torrid campaigns, giving Hearts a chance to become the first Scottish champion other than Celtic or Rangers since Aberdeen claimed the title under Alex Ferguson in 1984-1985.
Rangers have also had four different managers this calendar year, in Philippe Clement, Barry Ferguson, Russell Martin and current boss Danny Rohl.
