Celtic CEO Finally Addresses Nancy Appointment Controversy

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·17 de diciembre de 2025

Celtic CEO Finally Addresses Nancy Appointment Controversy

Brendan Rodgers joined Celtic for his second spell on 19 June, 2023, on a three-year contract, replacing Ange Postecoglou, who left for Tottenham…

Brendan Rodgers unveiling June 2023 with Peter Lawwell and Michael Nicholson both present. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The management and fans were happy to have the Northern Irishman back, hoping he could recreate the success of his first spell, when he won seven trophies, including back-to-back trebles. Things, however did not pan out as planned this season, as a series of poor results culminating in a loss to league leaders Hearts FC was the final straw that led Rodgers to tender his resignation to the Celtic board.

OneFootball Videos

Callum McGregor shakes hands with Brendan Rodgers. Hearts v Celtic, 26 October 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Contrary to the success that was imagined, Brendan Rodgers had to resign on 27 October 2025, after Celtic suffered a 3-1 defeat to Hearts. Several bookmakers, including betting sites licensed offshore without self exclusion limits, viewed Celtic as the heavy favourite at 1/2 to win, and Hearts at 18/5. This shows that the expectations were high, given both teams’ defensive records. However, this loss put them eight points behind Hearts, which pretty much sealed his fate.

When you really think about it, it is not just the loss to Hearts, but the team also lost to Dundee, had a close call in their match against Motherwell, and drew their matches against Hibernian and Crvena Zvezda in the games before the final straw defeat at Tynecastle Park.

The Celtic Board at Tynecastle.. Hearts v Celtic, 26 October 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

At this point, the fans were losing confidence in the leadership of their club. This wasn’t the Celtic they fell in love with. The typical matchday used to be immeasurable support packing the stadium. They were no longer outclassing the opponents; the matches had become a slugfest, their players were quiet on nights that mattered, and their performances were beyond shaky. The fans knew something was wrong with the management, but couldn’t quite place a finger on it.

Celtic Unveil new manager Wilfried Nancy at Lennoxtown Training Centre on December 05, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The name that soon hit the airwaves was Wilfried Nancy. While not a well known name in Scottish football, he had made an impact in North America. The French-born coach had played as a defender for 10 years in France, where he was on the roster for teams like Toulon, Beaucairois, and Orleans.

As a manager, he earned his badge at two MLS clubs, CF Montreal and Columbus Crew. He is popular at the former for leading them to a record-breaking season in 2022, before he was appointed head coach of the Columbus Crew in December of the same year. It was here that he really made his mark, becoming the first black head coach to secure an MLS Cup Championship the next year, in 2023. The following year, he was named the Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year, where he set a franchise record with 66 points and clinched the League Cup title.

Wilfried Nancy. Premier Sports Cup Final. 14 December 2025. St Mirren v Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Fans were still uncertain about hiring a manager who had not proved himself in the big leagues, but Dermot tried to address these concerns. He described how much talent Nancy brings to the table and that he understands the demands at Celtic. On 3 December, 2025, Celtic finally announced him as their new manager on a two-and-a-half-year contract. Assistant coach Kwame Ampadu, fitness coach Jules Gueguen, and video performance coach Maxime Chalier joined Nancy in Glasgow as per the agreement.

Celtic Chief Executive Michael Nicholson and Celtic Chief Financial Officer Chris Mackay in the directors box. Celtic v Hearts, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 07 December 2025. IMAGO photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

Another point of concern has been how the CEO, Michael Nicholson, handled the appointment of the new manager. The first tell was his very short interview on the in-house club channel, and the other was his absence from Nancy’s media conference. People were quick to notice that the new manager appeared alone at the conference, an event that allowed management to put up a united front in these trying times amid considerable fan unrest towards the Celtic Board, led by Nicholson.

Celtic Fans Collective protest poster outside Celtic Park on 29 October 2025. Photo The Celtic Star

Later, in a brief interview to clear the air, Nicholson promised to back Nancy in the January transfer window and beyond. He stated they would do everything they could to support Wilfried and his team. However, these assurances have been met with scepticism. Nicholson acknowledged the promises would likely come under scrutiny because of a widely criticised summer window that supporters believed left Celtic short of their objectives.

Celtic fans protest at Tynecastle. Hearts v Celtic, 26 October 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

The fans, however, are not impressed with Nicholson, as they do not have faith in his leadership, have constantly complained about his poor communication, and do not see how the steps he has taken are setting their beloved club on the path to success.