Next Celtic Manager Betting Odds: O’Neill Favourite After Nancy Nightmare

Last updated: 13 January 2026 by Leon Marshall

The experiment is over. After just 33 days and a disastrous run of results culminating in a 3-1 home defeat to Rangers, Wilfried Nancy has been relieved of his duties. The mood at Parkhead is one of disbelief and urgency, with the board now scrambling to salvage a season that is threatening to spiral completely out of control.

Latest Betting Odds

The betting sites have wasted no time in pricing up the potential successors, and the market paints a chaotic picture.

Martin O’Neill, who steadied the ship admirably during his interim spell before Nancy’s arrival, is the runaway favourite to step back into the dugout. However, a clutch of other names, including Brian Barry-Murphy and Robbie Keane, are also trading at incredibly short prices, suggesting the situation is fluid and potentially pointing towards a joint-management team or a very rapid appointment.

Further on, we break down the leading contenders and what they could bring to a shell-shocked Celtic squad.

*Odds accurate at time of writing [13th January 2026]

Martin O’Neill – 1/25

It seems almost inevitable that Martin O’Neill will be the man tasked with picking up the pieces. Priced at an incredibly short 1/25, the Northern Irishman is effectively being treated as a done deal by the bookies. Having already won seven of his eight games in charge during his interim stint late last year, O’Neill represents the “safe pair of hands” the board so desperately craves.

While he turns 74 this year, his connection with the fanbase is unmatched. The only question remains whether this is another short-term fix until the end of the season or if the club legend is being tempted back for one final, permanent crack at the title.

Brian Barry-Murphy – 20/21

Interestingly, Brian Barry-Murphy is hovering right behind the favorite at 20/21. Known for his tactical acumen and progressive style developed during his time with Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad and Cardiff, Barry-Murphy would be a stark contrast to O’Neill’s traditional approach.

The short odds suggest he is heavily involved in the conversation, perhaps as part of a new coaching setup or as the long-term successor being lined up to work alongside an experienced head like O’Neill.

Robbie Keane – 20/21

Robbie Keane has long been linked with the top job at Parkhead, and he is once again right in the mix at 20/21. The former striker has been building his coaching resume and would undoubtedly bring passion to the role. However, given the current crisis, appointing a relatively inexperienced manager would be a massive gamble. The odds imply he might be part of a “dream team” ticket rather than a solo appointment, possibly linking up with O’Neill or Damien Duff.

Craig Bellamy – 20/21

Sitting alongside Keane and Barry-Murphy at 20/21 is Craig Bellamy. The Welshman has impressed many with his coaching work and intensity, traits that would go down well with a support that felt the team lacked fight under Nancy. Bellamy’s name appearing at such short odds is a surprise to some, but it reflects a desire for a younger, hungrier coach who can inject some immediate energy into a deflated dressing room.

The Outsiders

Behind the leading pack, there is a cluster of interesting names all trading at 14/5. This group includes established coaches and former players who could offer a different direction if the board decides to look past the obvious choices.