Wilfried Nancy expected to be appointed Celtic manager

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The Celtic Star

·20 novembre 2025

Wilfried Nancy expected to be appointed Celtic manager

Wilfried Nancy is still expected to become next Celtic manager, according to a report across the Atlantic…

Head coach Wilfried Nancy of Columbus Crew reacts during the first half of the MLS match against the New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on September 17, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

It’s fair to say, some supporters grew uneasy about the Nancy situation after Celtic revealed on Monday in a club statement that Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney would remain in temporary charge of the first team.

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However, over in the US the mood appears different, with American outlets growing ever more certain that Nancy is poised to take over as Celtic’s new manager.

According to Michael Arace of The Disrespected, conversations with his contacts and an assessment of the current evidence leave little doubt about where the current Columbus Crew’s manager’s situation is heading. The move appears set to go through, paving the way for Nancy to take charge at Celtic.

Arace outlines that Celtic possess the “power, prestige and money to whip this deal down the stretch,” adding that Wilfried Nancy is set to become the Hoops’ next coach.

Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 2024 Dermot Desmond on the 18th tee during the final round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 2024 on the Old Course at St. Andrews Golf CLub, Fife, . 06/10/2024. Picture Fran Caffrey / Golffile.ie

The American journalist also suggests that principal shareholder Dermot Desmond is steering the pursuit, while head of football operations Paul Tisdale plays a major role and is thought to be the primary advocate for Nancy.

Paul Tisdale, Manager of Milton Keynes Dons looks on prior to the Carabao Cup Second Round match between AFC Bournemouth and Milton Keynes Dons at Goldsands Stadium on August 28, 2018. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

Desmond, portrayed as a “George Steinbrenner-like operator,” is fully committed to the plan of appointing Nancy and as history shows, when Desmond sets his sights on something, Celtic usually make it happen.

As per Arace, Nancy himself is enthusiastic about the switch, seeing Celtic as a substantial progression in his career.

The draw of a club with such tradition, worldwide stature and demanding expectations – combined with regular European competition – offers a clear rise in profile, reputation and earnings for the Frenchman. With his accomplishments in MLS largely complete, this is viewed as the ideal time for him to embrace a fresh challenge.

Wilfried Nancy of the Columbus Crew holds the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after winning the 2023 MLS Cup against the Los Angeles FC at Lower.com Field on December 09, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The process is now nearing completion, with Celtic still required to make an official approach to Columbus Crew, agree on a compensation fee thought to be about £2 million and wrap up Nancy’s contract details.

Until then, it’s business as usual for O’Neill, Maloney and the players as Celtic prepare to face St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday night in Paisley looking for the three points to pile some pressure on current leaders Hearts who are away to Aberdeen the next day.

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Thirties, Vol 1. published by Celtic Star Books, Click on image to order from Celticstarbooks.com

Celtic in the Thirties, Vol 1. published by Celtic Star Books, click on the image to order from Celticstarbooks.com