Major force behind Celtic’s decision to sack Wilfried Nancy revealed

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The Celtic Star

·7 January 2026

Major force behind Celtic’s decision to sack Wilfried Nancy revealed

Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson was reportedly the driving force behind the decision to sack Wilfried Nancy. The Frenchman was sacked on Monday after losing 3-1 to theRangers, making it six defeats in eight games since arriving at the club…

Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Speaking to Go Radio’s Football Show, journalist Mark Guidi expanded on the role that Nicholson played behind the scenes in bringing Nancy’s woeful spell at the club to an end.

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“I believe that Michael Nicholson, the Celtic chief executive who’s had a lot of criticism, a lot of abuse, I believe that Michael was the driving force for change in the past 48 hours in terms of going to Dermot Desmond and saying, ‘We need to do something. This cannot go on’.

“So Michael Nicholson, I think, deserves credit where it’s due for putting that on.”

There is definitely some credit to be given to the club for acting swiftly regarding Nancy. The vast majority of supporters could have identified this sooner than the game against theRangers; however, Nancy is gone and the league is still winnable. Nicholson and Co were responsible for bringing Nancy into the club ahead of a vital run of fixtures, including the Premier Sports Cup Final so it is no wonder that they were keen to rectify their own shortcomings.

Michael Nicholson and Chris McKay at Easter Road. Sunday 30 November 2025. Hibs v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Nicholson’s role is still under threat, despite recognising the club’s failings in appointing Nancy. Head of Football Operations Paul Tisdale was dismissed as a result of the dire tenure but questions remain about Nicholson and CFO Chris McKay.

The club have once again called upon legendary boss Martin O’Neill to save our season and he was in fine form at his first mainstream media conference since returning for a second spell managing the team this season. The Celtic fan media remain banned by Michael Nicholson and his boardroom colleagues.

03.01.2026 Celtic v theRangers, Scottish Premiership. Brian Wilson, Michael Nicholson and Chris McKay. Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO / News Licensing

O’Neill’s return buys the board time given his credibility and ability as a manager. Nicholson is still under fire but Brian Wilson’s call for unity coupled with the Celtic Fans Collective’s request to meet with a view to reconciliation could see the focus being shifted fully onto the team on the pitch but the ball is in Wilson’s court.

It’s going to be an interesting week.

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