ITK reporter reckons Celtic appointment imminent | OneFootball

A decent analysis of where Celtic currently stand in their managerial hunt following the recent resignation of Brendan Rodgers came from David Friel, ex-Celtic View writer, now at Scottish Sun and with a decent record on his Celtic stories while writing for the red-top.

Wilfried Nancy, Head Coach of Columbus Crew SC, arrives prior to the MLS match between Inter Miami CF and Columbus Crew at Chase Stadium on May 31, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Speaking on Clyde1 Superscoreboard David Friel talked through the considerations, obstacles and the challenges with each individual contender on Celtic’s shortlist and believes that the man for the job can be identified or at least predicted by going through this process and he says who he thinks will end up as the new Celtic manager during this international break.

What we can add from our end is that having spoken to a senior Celtic figure yesterday there’ nothing imminent although that can change quickly or it could drag on and on. The lessons from the Eddie Howe chase in the early months of 2021 means that Celtic will want to get this done quickly and there’s unlikely to be much leeway for a candidate who wants to wait.

Martin O’Neill. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

“I just think when they first came in, it was always seen as the natural break coming at this point. I think Martin O’Neill himself had—well, he was quite vague on it—but I believe Celtic initially looked at these four games up until the international break as the window for O’Neill and Shaun Maloney to come in, steady the ship, and then move on.

“I just feel Celtic are in a title fight, there’s a cup final coming up, and a massive January window ahead. They need a permanent manager. I don’t think it’ll be Martin O’Neill.

Kjetil Knutsen, Head Coach of FK Bodo/Glimt, acknowledges the fans after the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and FK Bodo/Glimt at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 01, 2025. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

“I don’t think you can get Kjetil Knutsen out early either, because if you look at Bodo/Glimt’s Champions League schedule, it runs until the end of January. These are the teams they’ve still got to play—Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, and Atletico Madrid. Knutsen has built Bodo/Glimt from nothing, and I’d be amazed if he walked away before seeing that through. That would take you into late January, and I don’t think Celtic can wait that long. I could be wrong, but I just don’t see it being him.

Paul Tisdale, manager of Exeter City prior to the Emirates FA Cup Second Round Replay between Exeter City and Forest Green at St James Park on December 12, 2017. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

“It’s pointing more towards others. The one who’s now seen as the front-runner is Wilfried Nancy, the Columbus Crew head coach. He’s a bit of a left-field candidate, but there are definite links with people at Celtic. Paul Tisdale used to work with Nancy’s assistant, Kwame Ampadu, at Exeter City.

“From the very start, Nancy’s name was mentioned and people were asking, ‘Where’s that come from?’ But he’s won the MLS Cup and the Leagues Cup with Columbus Crew, and he’s got a really strong reputation. I think it would be a major gamble, but if Celtic are going to go down the route of a foreign coach, it looks more likely to be Wilfried Nancy.”

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter

David Potter, Celtic Historian and Author.

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter was published in September 2025 by Celtic Star Books. David’s widow Rosemary has written a special message of thanks to the Celtic support and Danny McGrain has contributed his own piece to the book which is a great read. And Danny has gone further by signing all remaining copies of the book which is available now from our bookstore – celticstarbooks.com

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

Please note that as we celebrate the life and the Celtic writing of David Potter we are happy to include a free copy of David’s wonderful Willie Fernie biography that only could be titled ‘Putting on the Style’ a release that helped bring that old Celtic song back into the current songbook.

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Order now and you’ll receive a copy personally signed by Danny McGrain PLUS a free gift! Click on image to order now.

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