Martin O’Neill
January 2026
Celtic appointed Martin O’Neill as interim manager until season end after dismissing Wilfried Nancy eight games into his contract. O’Neill returns to stabilise results and reset standards. The club moved quickly after a poor run and installed a staff group to support O’Neill, including Shaun Maloney and Stephen McManus. O’Neill said his focus is restoring winning form while wishing Nancy well.
Steven Gerrard
December 2025
Steven Gerrard has admitted he rejected what he called the “perfect” chance to return as Rangers manager, choosing instead to step back from frontline coaching after difficult spells at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq while he reassesses which opportunity truly fits his family and career priorities. Explaining his decision, Gerrard said he is enjoying time with family, part-time TV work and commercial engagements, and has already spoken with several clubs without feeling the right connection. He insists he is under no pressure to rush back, stressing his next move must be carefully chosen.
Ange Postecoglou
October 2025
After Brendan Rodgers’ resignation, Celtic installed Martin O’Neill as interim and drew up a shortlist featuring Ange Postecoglou, Robbie Keane, and Kieran McKenna. Despite talk of a “young manager,” board sentiment reportedly favors Postecoglou, whose prior Celtic success and fan equity could steady a dressing room amid title and European qualification pressure. Celtic’s board will weigh familiarity and fast cultural fit against Postecoglou’s recent volatility and wage demands. Any move requires compensation for staff build-out, clarity on recruitment control, and alignment on European targets. O’Neill provides cover while terms and timelines are resolved, but supporters expect urgency before the winter window planning cycle.
Brendan Rodgers (Celtic)
October 2025
Rodgers quit after back-to-back league defeats left Celtic eight points off top, prompting a shock Parkhead exit. An own goal and strikes from Kyziridis and Shankland compounded a poor October following defeat to Dundee. Celtic confirmed immediate departure and swift interim return for former boss O’Neill while a permanent successor search begins. The slide exposed structural issues: slow restarts under pressure, stale chance creation, and set-piece vulnerability. O’Neill inherits a bruised dressing room and must stabilise shape, reintroduce direct width, and lift intensity before a congested period. Boardroom clarity on recruitment and a fast managerial timeline are essential to prevent momentum shifting decisively to the league leaders.
Danny Rohl (Manager)
October 2025
Rangers’ search continues after the former Sheffield Wednesday boss declined their offer, mirroring Steven Gerrard’s decision as the club reset from a poor start and Russell Martin’s exit. Timing and fit drive Rohl’s refusal as Rangers weigh alternatives. Governance and recruitment alignment will be decisive for the next appointment to stabilise results.