Wilfried Nancy’s previous praise for the Celtic support

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The Celtic Star

·13 November 2025

Wilfried Nancy’s previous praise for the Celtic support

Celtic managerial favourite Wilfried Nancy praised Hoops supporters back in 2023 for warming to his former player Alistair Johnston…

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)

The French coach is now the clear frontrunner to step into the Celtic dugout as Brendan Rodgers’ successor but Bodo/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen and Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna are still in the mix.

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Nancy coached Canadian right-back Alistair Johnston during his season in charge of CF Montreal before moving on to Columbus Crew.

Nancy oversaw Johnston’s transfer to Celtic before departing himself soon after for Columbus. The Hoops defender currently remains out of action following hamstring surgery and is not expected to return until next year.

Alistair Johnston at Hampden after Celtic’s 3-1 win over theRangers on 2 November 2025 Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

The 48 year-old expressed his happiness at how warmly Celtic supporters embraced Johnston, noting that the defender had been a very raw talent during their time together in Montreal.

Speaking via Canadian Soccer Daily back in February 2023, Nancy said: “I’m going to tell you a little anecdote, I was very proud of Alistair. Usually, I don’t look at the comments from fans after a game because it’s not important to me.

“But I have been reading what the Celtic fans said about Alistair. What made me most proud is that they said he was very calm, very tidy, and very composed with the ball. Very knowledgeable comments. I showed it to my assistant manager Kwame Ampadu and we were both delighted and thrilled.”

Alistair Johnston wearing the Celtic FC x adidas Terrace Icons collection

Nancy added: “You see, the thing with Alistair was that when he arrived in Montreal, he wasn’t like that at all! The staff and I did a lot of work with him and he’s clearly a far better player now. So I was super proud for Alistair. I do this job to see my players succeed. We contributed with the staff to this player’s growth. It is a pleasure to see him have this experience at his club.

“I told Alistair, if he adapted my method of being calm in possession, he would be able to play in any club and with any manager. If that manager wants him to play direct, he can do that. If he wants to play a little shorter in terms of passing, he will be able to do that too.

“So yes, I certainly have followed his career in Scotland,” he continued. “That’s why I do this job. I don’t expect recognition from the players, but inside I am happy.”

Conor Spence

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