Celtic Football Club are on the hunt for a new manager once again after taking the drastic decision to sack Wilfried Nancy after a disastrously short tenure. The Frenchman was dismissed just over a month after his appointment, with a 3-1 defeat to Rangers proving the final straw for the Celtic board.
A Managerial Reign Cut Short
Nancy arrived at Celtic Park with high hopes on 3 December 2025, but his reign unravelled rapidly. Lasting just eight games in total, he managed only two victories in six Scottish Premiership matches. This poor form left the reigning champions languishing six points behind leaders Hearts, prompting the club to act swiftly and seek a third different boss this season alone.
Betting sites have wasted no time in pricing up the contenders for one of the most pressurised jobs in British football. Topping the list is a familiar face: Martin O'Neill. The 73-year-old, who served as interim manager earlier this season, is the clear favourite for a remarkable second return this campaign.
The Leading Contenders for the Parkhead Hotseat
O'Neill's previous stint this season was notably stable. He remained unbeaten in domestic competition between October and December, winning seven of his eight matches. Although he initially framed his role as merely "holding the fort," the Celtic hierarchy may now press him to take the job on a more permanent basis, a move that would likely be popular with a significant section of the support.
Close behind in the betting are two other figures with strong Celtic connections. Former manager Ange Postecoglou is priced at 7/2. Despite mixed fortunes in the Premier League with Tottenham and Nottingham Forest, his legacy at Celtic Park is secure after delivering two league titles. This role could offer him a chance to rebuild his reputation.
Current assistant manager and club legend Shaun Maloney is also a strong candidate at 7/4. The former winger, who made over 150 appearances for the Hoops, represents a potential promotion from within and would be a popular, if somewhat inexperienced, appointment.
Outside Bets and Speculative Shots
The list of potential successors includes several intriguing long shots. Former Celtic striker Robbie Keane, currently managing Ferencváros in Hungary, is a 10/1 outsider. Kieran McKenna, who impressed by winning promotion with Ipswich Town, is also at 10/1, though he may be eyeing roles in England.
Other names in the frame include Wales national team manager Craig Bellamy (10/1), who has previously distanced himself from the job, and a cluster of managers at 12/1 including Kevin Muscat, Gary O'Neil, Frank Lampard, and Celtic legend Scott Brown. Brown's odds reflect that a move from Ayr United to Celtic Park may be considered a step too soon at this stage of his coaching career.
The search for Celtic's next manager is now urgent. The club's hierarchy must find a leader capable of closing the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership and restoring stability after a period of remarkable turbulence.
