O'Neill returns to Celtic for rest of season

O'Neill asked to take charge again

Martin O'Neill has returned to Celtic as manager for the remainder of the season, a month after his interim period at the club ended. The 73-year-old has been brought back following the dismissal of Wilfried Nancy, as Celtic look to steady their campaign and improve results.

O'Neill previously stepped in after Brendan Rodgers' exit in October, taking charge for eight matches. During that spell, Celtic won seven games, and he won all five of his league fixtures, conceding just one goal. He then made way for Nancy in early December.

Nancy departs after eight matches

Nancy left the role on Monday after a difficult run of form that produced two wins from eight matches. Celtic's recent period also included a League Cup final defeat to St Mirren. O'Neill had overseen the semi-final victory over Rangers before Nancy took over.

The change comes with Celtic still in contention domestically but facing pressure to respond quickly. The club has won 13 of the past 14 Scottish Premiership titles, and expectations remain high around performances and results.

O'Neill: 'Honoured' to be asked back

In comments to club media, O'Neill said he was pleased to return and focused on improving results.

"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.

He also addressed Nancy's departure and offered support for the Frenchman.

"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," he added.

O'Neill said his immediate task is to restore momentum.

"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."

Coaching staff remains in place

O'Neill will again be assisted by Shaun Maloney, Mark Fotheringham and Stephen McManus. Their return to the dugout together suggests continuity in approach, at least in the short term, as Celtic attempt to regain form over the remainder of the season.

O'Neill also underlined that the group believes there is still plenty to play for.

"We still have a lot to look forward to and a lot to try and achieve, and myself, Shaun and the coaching staff and, of course, the players will be giving everything to achieve all the success we can for the club," he said.

League position and immediate context

Celtic currently sit second in the Scottish Premiership. They are six points behind Hearts and are ahead of Rangers on goals scored. With the team accustomed to being at the top of the table, the gap to first place adds urgency to the task facing O'Neill and his staff.

The club's recent managerial changes have also come in quick succession. Rodgers' departure in October prompted O'Neill's initial return on an interim basis, and Nancy's appointment in early December was followed by his exit after eight matches. O'Neill is now being asked to guide the squad through the remainder of the season.

Club leadership calls for unity

Interim chairman Brian Wilson said the club believes O'Neill can provide focus for the challenges ahead. He also appealed for togetherness around the team.

"By bringing Martin back to the club, we look forward with confidence, giving the team real focus for the challenges ahead," Wilson said.

"He is a manager the players, staff and supporters know well, with a peerless reputation in football and a deep commitment to Celtic."

Wilson added that the club's priority is to improve results, while acknowledging that the managerial change does not resolve every issue.

"The immediate priority is to get back to winning ways and while today's events do not address every issue, I would appeal for unity within the stadium to create the best possible environment for the manager and team to launch the fight back."

Desmond: 'We know exactly what he will bring'

Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond, who appointed O'Neill in the summer of 2000, said the club is familiar with what O'Neill can deliver and hopes he can provide direction over the next phase of the season.

"We know exactly what he will bring and we hope that he can do what he has done for us before, giving us that drive and direction as we move into the next part of the season," Desmond said.

He also reflected on the decision to appoint Nancy and the disappointment that followed.

"When we appointed Wilfried to the role of manager, clearly we thought we could enjoy a successful period under his control. Unfortunately this did not work out in the way we would have liked, and while he and the club are disappointed with the recent period, I want to take this opportunity to wish him well in all he does going forward."

A familiar figure with a history at Celtic

O'Neill's return is shaped by his previous record at Celtic. Between 2000 and 2005, he won seven trophies with the club. His recent interim spell also offered evidence of immediate impact, with seven wins from eight matches after replacing Rodgers, including a strong defensive record in the league.

After Celtic's League Cup final defeat, O'Neill said he would "happily have stayed on" and described his interim stint by saying: "Thankfully, I don't think I messed it up."

What happens next

With O'Neill back in charge, Celtic's focus turns to re-establishing winning form and closing the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership. The club's leadership has framed the appointment as a move to restore focus and stability, while O'Neill has stressed the importance of collective backing from players, staff and supporters.

• Martin O'Neill returns as Celtic manager for the remainder of the season.
• He replaces Wilfried Nancy, who departed after two wins in eight matches.
• O'Neill previously won seven of eight games during an interim spell after Brendan Rodgers left in October.
• Celtic are second in the Scottish Premiership, six points behind Hearts and ahead of Rangers on goals scored.
• Shaun Maloney, Mark Fotheringham and Stephen McManus will again assist O'Neill.