Fabrizio Romano provides next Celtic manager latest as deal 'on the verge' of completion
The in-the-know transfer guru believes the Parkhead managerial search may be nearing its conclusion.
As Martin O’Neill prepares his Celtic side for a trip to Rotterdam against Feyenoord, it looks as if his days in the Parkhead hot seat may be numbered as the search for Brendan Rodgers’ successor draws to a close.
O’Neil has enjoyed a successful interim spell with The Hoops, winning four out of four domestically - including an Old Firm victory and last weekend’s late win over St Mirren. Alongside former Celtic midfielder Shaun Maloney, the pair have done a stellar job of steadying the Parkhead ship during times of uncertainty but now a permanent replacement waits in the wings.
Columbus Crew boss, Wilfried Nancy is expected to be the new Celtic manager and has been the front runner for the Parkhead vacancy since before the International break. While the likes of Ipswich Town boss, Kieran McKenna and Bodo Glimt gaffer, Kjetil Knutsen also linked, Dermot Desmond has opted for the Frenchman, who is expected to be announced imminently.
Nancy announcement ‘on the verge’ - Romano
Italian journalist, Fabrizio Romano is a well-connected figure in the game and has been keeping tabs on the Celtic board as they search for their new man. He believes that Nancy’s appointment could be just around the corner. On X, he said: “Wilfried Nancy, on the verge of becoming new Celtic manager as deal is almost agreed. Final details to be sorted and then the contract will be sealed.”
Reports have suggested that the Feyenoord game could be O’Neill’s last and that Nancy could be in the Parkhead dugout as early as Sunday, for their SPFL Premiership clash against Hibs. The current interim boss has encouraged the new coach to treat the job as a ‘fresh start’.
If Nancy is to be the new man as early as Romano says, he will inherit a team full of confidence domestically on their winning streak, however he will have the tough task of maintaining this run through a busy festive period of fixtures. To add to this, next month Celtic face St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup final in what will be their first opportunity of silverware this season.
What Celtic fans can expect under Nancy
As a relative unknown in terms of European football, comparisons have been drawn between Nancy and Ange Postecoglou, who also had no European managerial experience before joining the Hoops, but won five out of six trophies during his Parkhead tenure despite joining when Rangers were in the ascendancy.
Both ‘big Ange’ and Nancy also like their teams to play on the front foot as attacking minded philosophers of the game. Regarding his tactical style, Nancy said: “yes, I want to win, but I want to win in my way – and my way is to have a structure, but also to give the freedom and the creativity to my players, to play with creativity within the structure. For me, this is really important.”
While Nancy may lack European experience, his record in the MLS is formidable, having won two trophies in three seasons with ‘The Crew’. He also has individual accolades to his name, including last year’s MLS Coach of the Year award.