Wilfried Nancy faces tough Celtic start with silver lining

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·15 November 2025

Wilfried Nancy faces tough Celtic start with silver lining

Celtic have identified Wilfried Nancy as their leading candidate for the managerial position…

Darlington Nagbe #6 of the Columbus Crew embraces Wilfried Nancy head coach of the Columbus Crew after the 2025 MLS Cup Playoff match against FC Cincinnati at Lower.com Field on November 02, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Crew won 4-0. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

Celtic’s Head of football operations Paul Tisdale put forward the Columbus Crew manager as a leading candidate for the role. Now, as per Stephen McGowan writing in The Herald, pending the final talks with Dermot Desmond, the Celtic board may move to finalise a compensation deal before next Friday’s Annual General Meeting at Celtic Park.

OneFootball Videos

The 48-year-old could potentially take charge in time for the away league match at St Mirren the following day. Should Nancy become the next Hoops manager, his first game at Celtic Park won’t be until next month.

Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy celebrates with his team following an MLS soccer match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on July 12, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)

Brendan Rodgers’ shock exit prompted Celtic to begin a manager hunt, with Nancy featuring among several options such as Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, Ferencvaros boss Robbie Keane, Wales coach Craig Bellamy and Club Brugge’s Nicky Hayen.

Martin O’Neill accepted a short-term role, meeting with principal shareholder Dermot Desmond yesterday to discuss the direction Celtic are taking with their next boss.

Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill during the Premier League match between Celtic and Kilmarnock at Celtic Park on November 09, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Speaking to local BBC Belfast on Thursday, O’Neill said: “I am not party to anything that is happening with the board talking to prospective clients and things like this, nor do I want to be because that has never been a remit of mind.”

“My job was to come in and hold the fort and the minute that someone is appointed I will step aside.”

“And if that was tomorrow I would gladly step aside. It’s not a problem. It’s nothing to do with ego or anything like that. It’s just to help out in the very very short term.”

CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 8: Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy celebrates the Jacen Russell-Rowe #19 of Columbus Crew goal against FC Cincinnati during the MLS Playoff match at TQL Stadium on November 8, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Chris Carter/Getty Images)

The Frenchman could be walking into a tough run of fixtures for the Scottish champions over the coming weeks. After St Mirren it is a trip to Feyenoord in the Europa League which is followed by an away encounter at Easter Road against Hibs in the Scottish Premiership.

The Premier Sports Cup. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

Wilfried Nancy could win a trophy though next month when Celtic face St Mirren in the Premier Sports League Cup final. Celtic will if all goes to plan, go into that final having had different managers for the quarter final (Brendan Rodgers), semi-final (Martin O’Neill) and final (Wilfried Nancy).

Conor Spence

CELTIC STAR BOOKS OFFFER – BUY ONE GET ONE FREE!

Order David Potter’s final Celtic book, ‘Celtic in the Eighties’ and you’ll receive a copy that has been personally signed by legendary Celtic captain Danny McGrain. Plus you’ll also receive a complementary copy of Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style! Order Celtic in the Eighties at Celtic Star Books and we’ll do the rest. Please note that postage will only be charged on one book but you’ll receive both!

Missing Attachment