Wilfried Nancy Celtic backroom candidates assessed as trusted lieutenants could join head coach favourite at Parkhead
Wilfried Nancy could become the new Celtic manager based on the latest manager updates
Celtic are reportedly edging closer to appointing their next permanent manager. Following the dramatic exit of Brendan Rodgers, the Hoops have prioritised Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy.
Record Sport reported earlier this week that Dermot Desmond has made Nancy his ‘number one target’ and Celtic chiefs have ‘planned discussions for this weekend’ with the 48-year-old over finalising a deal to bring him to Parkhead.
As a potential deal edges closer between Celtic and Nancy, many are wondering what kind of backroom staff he will bring with him, should the deal get over the line.
Wilfried Nancy’s current backroom staff at Columbus Crew
Nancy’s current assistant manager is Kwame Ampadu and he is reportedly a key reason behind Celtic placing the Columbus Crew boss on their radar. Ampadu worked with Celtic’s Head of Football Operations Paul Tisdale during their time together at Exeter City, before working with Thierry Henry.
Ampadu worked as part of the same coaching team as Nancy under the Arsenal legend at CF Montreal. Nancy was promoted to head coach of the Canadian side following Henry’s resignation in 2021, and Ampadu remained his assistant following the step up.
Given the history and relationship between the two coaches, it’s highly likely Ampadu would follow Nancy to Celtic as part of his backroom staff, should the move be completed.
Other personnel currently working with Nancy at Columbus is Yoann Damet, who joined the Ohio outfit in 2023 as an assistant coach.
Their technical director is Marc Nicholls, with more than two decades of experience in a number of roles in US football. Columbus’ general manager is Issa Tall but this is unlikely to be an easy switch due to the history of how well-paid that role is across the pond.
However, head of analytics Alex Mysiw could be an easy fit for the Hoops. Mysiw has been with Columbus since 2017 and has been with Nancy since the start of his tenure. The Frenchman is well-connected in his current role, with strong working relationships which could carry over to his next new opportunity.
Martin O’Neill discusses position as Celtic manager
Prior to recent reports, there was speculation over whether Martin O’Neill would remain at the club. However, he has since confirmed he will ‘gladly step aside’ once Celtic bring in the next permanent figure to fill the position.
“The short and honest answer is I genuinely do not know,” he told BBC Radio Ulster when asked if he would be in charge of Celtic for their next clash against St Mirren.
“The gentlemen involved can very easily make up their own minds about people without me interfering in any aspect. I said that I would do it until they found that replacement.
“And is that possible for next week? I genuinely do not know. My job was to come in and hold the fort, and the minute that someone is appointed, I will step aside.
“And if it was tomorrow, I would gladly step aside. It's not a problem. It's nothing to do with any sort of ego or anything like that. It's just to help out in the very, very short term.”