Celtic’s managerial candidates – Wilfried Nancy, a little like Big Ange | OneFootball

Who exactly is Wilfried Nancy? A host names have naturally been linked with the vacant Celtic manager’s vacancy, some well known, some not so much, one such name who is filed under the relatively unknown category being Frenchman Wilfried Nancy.

Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy celebrates with his team following an MLS soccer match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on July 12, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)

48 year old Nancy had a rather low key playing career in his native France, earning his trade as a defender for lower league sides such as Toulon, before making his name in the coaching world on the other side of the Atlantic, most notably with MLS sides CF Montreal and current side Columbus Crew.

Nancy is known for his positive philosophy, a bit like Ange Postecoglou in the way he gets great satisfaction from his side winning by playing the ‘right way’.

Head coach Wilfried Nancy of Columbus Crew reacts during the first half of the MLS match against the New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on September 17, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

The Frenchman has been described as a real life Ted Lasso by football, sorry ’soccer’ journalists across the pond, due to his optimistic and player focused approach. But those in the know rubbished such comparisons saying he’s like Ted Lasso if the fictional character was a ruthless tacttician. So he’s certainly no joke figure.

The proof is in the pudding as they say, and Nancy has certainly cooked with Crew, winning the MLS Cup and League cup, feats that seen him crowned MLS coach of the year in 2024.

Darlington Nagbe #6 of the Columbus Crew embraces Wilfried Nancy head coach of the Columbus Crew after the 2025 MLS Cup Playoff match against FC Cincinnati at Lower.com Field on November 02, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Crew won 4-0. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

Nancy certainly has the credentials, but the MLS is clearly a much different level compared to the Glasgow goldfish bowl. Is he ready for the step up as manager of Celtic football club?

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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