Sky Sports Update – Wilfried Nancy now serious contender for Celtic job

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·11 November 2025

Sky Sports Update – Wilfried Nancy now serious contender for Celtic job

Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy has emerged as a serious candidate for the Celtic job, according to a report from Anthony Joseph on Sky Sports…

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)

Nancy – recently named the 2024 MLS Coach of the Year – is a contender for the Celtic managerial position as the Scottish champions weigh up their options to replace Brendan Rodgers, including the possibility of keeping interim boss Martin O’Neill on longer.

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According to a report by Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph last night, 48-year-old is one of several candidates being considered to succeed Rodgers, alongside Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen and Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna.

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)

Over the past two seasons, Nancy has won both the MLS Cup and the Leagues Cup, earned the MLS Coach of the Year award, and guided the Columbus Crew to the CONCACAF Champions Cup final.

The Celtic board is still deciding if interim manager O’Neill should remain at the helm, as the team faces a demanding run of matches in the Scottish Premiership and Europa League and a Premier Sports League Cup final following the international break.

This approach might give Celtic the chance to pursue certain candidates later in the year, while reports last week suggest that the Celtic hierarchy has been impressed with how O’Neill has revitalised the squad and boosted morale at Celtic Park following Rodgers’ shock resignation two weeks ago.

Celtic Chairman Peter Lawwell, Dermot Desmond, largest shareholder and Michael Nicholson CEO are seen during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on October 29, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The report outlines that talks are scheduled this week between Celtic’s principal shareholder Dermot Desmond and O’Neill as the 73 year-old looks to seek clarification on where things stand regarding Celtic’s permanent managerial situation.

Also on Celtic’s shortlist are Wales manager Craig Bellamy, Club Brugge’s Nicky Hayen, and Ferencvaros boss Robbie Keane although all look unlikely at this stage.

Over the weekend, Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knusten was directly questioned about being linked with the Hoops’ vacant managerial position.

Speaking to Norwegian outlet TV2, he replied: “Nothing is certain in life. I am here now and I am happy, and then we can enjoy a nice football match. It is hopeless to answer about other club. I answer as I always do – [if I leave]it should be something that is more exciting than Glimt.”

Conor Spence

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.