It’s been a turbulent campaign for the champions in their quest for a fifth consecutive league crown

15:41, 12 May 2026Updated 19:29, 12 May 2026

Wilfried Nancy

Former English Premier League striker Kevin Nolan says a Celtic title win “wouldn’t be deserved” after their turbulent campaign.

The Hoops have had three different managers, including current boss Martin O’Neill who is in his second spell as interim manager.

Brendan Rodgers was a shock departure early in the season and Wilfried Nancy had a disastrous 33-day spell in charge sandwiched between O’Neill’s interim stints.

That has allowed Hearts to not only split the Old Firm but also go into the final two games sitting at the Scottish Premiership summit ahead of a potential final day shoot-out at Parkhead on Sunday.

And Nolan, who played for Bolton, Newcastle and West Ham United, said: “Celtic have made some poor appointments – I feel like if they were to get it this year, it wouldn’t be deserved.”

The 43-year-old Scouser hopes Hearts can become the first club outside of Glasgow to win the league since Sir Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen in 1985.

(Image: Getty Images)

He told Footy Accumulators No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, in partnership with BOYLE Sports: “What a job Derek McInnes has done. I know Rangers are going through a bit of a tough time but I want it to be Hearts to give everybody hope.

“You’ve got your two clubs who have won it (since the 1984/85 season), and they get away with what they’ve done. Rangers are out of it now anyway. If Celtic get away with what they’ve done, I feel like they’ve made that many mistakes as a club that I want Hearts just to do it. As always, as owners, you’ve got to wake up and do it right.”

The pressure is firmly on both sides heading into Wednesday’s night’s games. Hearts welcome Falkirk to Tynecastle knowing a win, combined with a Celtic defeat away to Motherwell, could hand them the title.

Meanwhile, Celtic know avoiding defeat would leave the door open for a fifth consecutive league crown if they can then beat Hearts in Glasgow.

Nolan also revealed he was surprised not to have received stronger interest from Scottish football during his early days as a manager.

He admitted: “There were a few initial talks when I came away from West Ham with Celtic, but nothing materialised.

“I would’ve enjoyed going up there to be fair because of the ferociousness of the derby and then every week just getting uplifted by everyone.”