Celtic: Wilfried Nancy appointed as new manager
Wilfried Nancy has vowed to bring “exciting, attacking, winning football” after being confirmed as Celtic’s new manager on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
The 48-year-old Frenchman will take over on Thursday, replacing interim coach Martin O’Neill, after his long-awaited transfer from Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew was finally confirmed.
His first game in charge will be the top-flight Scottish Premier League clash with Hearts at Celtic Park on Sunday, followed by the Europa League visit of Roma on Thursday and the League Cup final with St Mirren three days later.
“I can’t wait to go and be a part of such an amazing institution,” Nancy said.
“Celtic is one of the best football clubs in the world, it has real atmosphere, heart and soul, real high standards and real demands, and I’m ready for that. I know the history, I know Celtic’s values and I know what is expected of me on this journey.
“I know what Celtic mean to so many people and my No. 1 goal will be simple – to give our fans a strong, exciting, attacking, winning football team they can be proud of.”
Nancy has never coached outside of North America, but she led Montreal to the Canadian Championship in 2021 and guided the Crew to the MLS Cup in 2023 and the Leagues Cup last year when she was named MLS coach of the year herself.
However, they could not reach these peaks this season and finished seventh in the Eastern Conference and 12th in the general classification.
Celtic had been searching for a new manager since October 27, when Brendan Rodgers resigned and legendary former manager O’Neill stepped in as caretaker.
The Parkhead club won all their domestic matches under O’Neill, coming within two points of Hearts and reaching the League Cup final.
“I would like to thank the wonderful Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney for everything they have done with the team in recent weeks,” Nancy added.
“These guys have given so much to the club over many years and I know our fans, like me, recognize the great job they do.
“I have full respect and gratitude for them. I hope to meet them both very soon and thank them personally.”
