“The board are a shambles” but Nancy “just wasn’t up to the task” – Craig Burley

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·8 January 2026

“The board are a shambles” but Nancy “just wasn’t up to the task” – Craig Burley

Craig Burley has weighed in on Celtic’s decision to sack Wilfried Nancy less than five weeks into his time in charge and lays much of the blame on the ‘shambles’ of a Celtic Board…

Celtic Manager Wilfried Nancy arriving at the ground ahead of the Scottish Premiership match between Livingston and Celtic at Set Fare Arena on December 27, 2025. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

The former Hoops midfielder, who earned 46 caps for Scotland and has built a high-profile broadcasting career in the United States, reflected on the situation during a recent media appearance.

OneFootball Videos

When asked to share his thoughts on Nancy’s departure earlier this week, Burley delivered a candid verdict on the 48 year-old’s disastrous spell in Scottish football.

Craig Burley, Celtic FC 11 May 1998 Photo Mary Evans Allstar David Gadd IMAGO

‘We saw what it did with Ange Postecoglou’

Speaking via ESPN, Nancy said: “In some sense, I feel a bit sorry for the guy. He went in, it’s a great opportunity. We saw what it did with Ange Postecoglou. Built his profile up and got a big job in the Premier League.

“I feel a bit for him, but losing six out of eight at that club, it just can’t happen. If somebody says to you, ‘Here is the job, go in and lose your first six games out of eight,’ You would say, ‘I am not sure I could do that.’ And he’s done it.”

‘The board are a shambles’

Burley added: “The fans were killing him. Some of the board members. The recruitment [team]has gone as well. It wasn’t just him. I think three or four staff, all on two or three-year contracts. And the head of recruitment has gone. The board are a shambles.

Celtic’s Marc Rieper, Henrik Larsson and Craig Burley celebrate winning the League cup after a 3-0 win over Dundee Utd. Photo The Celtic Wiki

“Unfortunately, that job was, Columbus Crew. Major League Soccer. Fine. But that’s managing a completely different beast. And he just wasn’t up to the task, unfortunately.”

Dermot Desmond turned once again to Martin O’Neill

Following Nancy’s departure on Monday afternoon, Dermot Desmond turned to Martin O’Neill again, with the legendary Hoops manager set to return to the dugout for Saturday clash against Dundee United at Celtic Park.

Bhoys Celtic

READ THIS…Martin O’Neill’s ideal scenario for Saturday’s game at Celtic Park

Conor Spence

Unban the Green Brigade @CelticFC and let’s go full steam ahead 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/e7jAKXGvly

— Ronan 🍀 (@ronan_bell24) January 6, 2026

All Books Now Half Price in the Celtic Star Books January Sale…

Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books. ORDER NOW!

Both volumes of Celtic in the Thirties are now available on Amazon Kindle, with the links to order below. Signed copies of both volumes are available on hardback from Celtic Star Books and if you would like author Matt Corr to add a special dedication to your copies please let us know. Order hardback copies HERE or for Amazon Kindle click on the links below…

Click to order Volume One

Click to order Volume Two