Celtic have officially unveiled Wilfried Nancy as their new permanent head coach, bringing the highly-rated Frenchman from Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew to Glasgow. He has signed a contract to lead the Scottish Premiership giants for the next two and a half years.
A New Era Begins at Celtic Park
The appointment concludes the club's search for a successor to Brendan Rodgers, who was dismissed in October. Nancy arrives with a burgeoning reputation, having led Columbus Crew to the 2023 MLS Cup title and the 2024 Leagues Cup, earning MLS Coach of the Year honours in the process. He also guided the Crew to the final of the Concacaf Champions Cup last year.
In a statement released by the club, Nancy expressed his delight and paid immediate tribute to the interim management team. "I am so happy to be named Celtic manager, it is a massive honour for myself and my family," he said. "Before I say anything else I want to thank the great Martin O'Neill and Shaun Maloney for all they have done in recent weeks with the team. The job they have done has been fantastic."
Inheriting a Strong Position
Nancy takes over a squad in a promising position. Under caretaker boss Martin O'Neill, who has been in charge for a second stint since Rodgers' departure, Celtic have won all four of their league matches and defeated rivals Rangers in a League Cup semi-final. This has set up a final against St Mirren at Hampden Park on 14 December.
In the Scottish Premiership, the Hoops are currently two points behind leaders Hearts but hold a game in hand. O'Neill will take charge of the side for one final time in a league match against Dundee at Celtic Park before Nancy assumes control, offering the new manager an immediate chance to secure silverware.
Club Leadership Backs the Appointment
The Celtic hierarchy have voiced their strong support for the new appointment. Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond, who had been critical of Rodgers upon his exit, welcomed Nancy warmly. "We believe we have brought a hugely talented manager to the club," Desmond stated. "He is a man who absolutely understands the demands at Celtic, he is a man of real humility but also someone with his own ideas, his own vision and such a personal drive and desire to do well."
Chairman Peter Lawwell echoed this sentiment, highlighting Nancy's attractive style of play. "He is a Manager with a record which demonstrates the kind of football which we know Celtic supporters love to see," Lawwell said.
Nancy, who previously managed CF Montreal, fits Celtic's profile of an ambitious, progressive coach. His Columbus Crew side finished seventh in the MLS Eastern Conference this regular season before exiting in the first round of the playoffs to FC Cincinnati. His task now is to build on the foundation laid in recent weeks and propel Celtic forward in domestic and European competition.
