Desmond, Lawwell and Nicholson on Celtic’s new manager Wilfried Nancy

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The Celtic Star

·5 December 2025

Desmond, Lawwell and Nicholson on Celtic’s new manager Wilfried Nancy

Here is what Dermot Desmond, Peter Lawwell and Michael Nicholson all had to say after Wilfried Nancy was announced new Celtic manager on a two-and-a-half year contract on Wednesday night…

Dermot Desmond on Wilfried Nancy

Dermot Desmond prior to the Celtic vs St Mirren Cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park on May 20, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Celtic’s principal shareholder Dermot Desmond said: “In appointing Wilfried to Celtic, we believe we have brought a hugely talented Manager to the club. 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 for the club and our supporters.”

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“Everyone at the club will unite strongly behind Wilfried as we move forward and we will ensure we will give him our unswerving support as we strive to achieve our objectives.”

“I want to add my heartfelt thanks to Martin for all he has done in recent weeks. He was the man we hoped could bring us through these last few weeks positively and together with Shaun and our other coaches and our players, they have done a wonderful job.”

“I will always hold Martin in such high regard for what he has done for Celtic and for what he is as a man – a man of such professionalism and integrity and someone who undoubtedly will always have the best interests of Celtic in his heart.”

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Peter Lawwell on Wilfried Nancy

Peter Lawwell, former CEO of Celtic, is seen in attendance prior to the Premier Sports League Cup match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on August 15, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Celtic Chairman Peter Lawwell added: “We are really pleased to welcome Wilfried to Celtic. He is a Manager with a record which demonstrates the kind of football which we know Celtic supporters love to see. We will give Wilfried all our support as we look to once again bring success to our fans.”

“I want to express our sincere thanks to Martin, Shaun and our backroom team for all they have done in recent weeks during this interim period. They have done such a tremendous job in stabilising the team and restoring a real level of confidence, with some fantastic results domestically and in Europe.”

“Martin has shown the kind of leadership he was always renowned for and together with Shaun and the others in our backroom team they have given us that level of quality which has been so important to us in recent weeks. Everyone at the club offers our appreciation for the job they have done.”

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Michael Nicholson on Wilfried Nancy

Michael Nicholson, Celtic CEO. St Mirren v Celtic, 23 November 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Michael Nicholson commented: “We have been aware of Wilfried and his quality of work for some time – he was our number one candidate when we began the process of appointing a new Manager and we are delighted that he as agreed to join the club.”

“I know he is hugely excited about this opportunity to be part of Celtic’s future. We will give Wilfried every support to face the challenges ahead, with our aim as always being to deliver the success for the club which our supporters deserve, this season and beyond.”

“I also want to thank Martin, Shaun, Mark Fotheringham and Stephen McManus for all they have done in recent weeks. They have shown such high levels of professionalism and commitment in supporting the club in a difficult moment and we will forever be grateful to them for the fantastic contributions they have all made.”

An exciting start for the new Celtic manager

Nancy’s first game in charge is on Sunday at Celtic Park against Hearts. The Frenchman will then have his first taste of European action next Thursday against Roma in the Europa League which is followed by the Premier Sports League Cup final against St Mirren at Hampden Park.

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