Wilfried Nancy backed to arrive at Celtic with key January transfer demand after Dermot Desmond 'masterstroke'
The incoming Celtic boss is backed to bring with him a January demand in the transfer window.
Wilfried Nancy has been backed to demand a key element in the January transfer window at Celtic - as one Dermot Desmond decision is lauded.
The Columbus Crew head coach is widely expected to become Brendan Rodgers’ replacement at Parkhead after showing his managerial prowess in the MLS. Martin O’Neill is currently interim leader and who leads the team in Saturday’s Premiership clash at St Mirren is not yet known.
John Hartson worked under O’Neill during the Irishman’s first stint at Celtic between 2000-2005 and would love his ex-boss to get a chance to lead the club into December’s Premier Sports Cup final against the Buddies. He is well aware though that Nancy, or whoever comes into the Hoops hotseat, will want to know they can bring in quality during January’s transfer window. Major shareholder Desmond brought O’Neill back to Glasgow and Hartson reckons he deserves plenty of credit for a key move.
What will Wilfried Nancy do at Celtic in the transfer market?
He told the Sunday Post: "It appears the club is set to announce a new manager in the coming week. Wilfried Nancy is the name most people expect to get the job, but I'll wait until it is confirmed 100%. Whoever it's going to be, the new manager has a good squad to work with and he will want to add quality to it in the January window.
"We won't yet know who will be on his radar and the positions he will look to add to. Improvement is required but it's also been good to see Martin O'Neill really lifting things and bringing a degree of confidence back into the building. Martin has given everyone a lift and long may it continue.
"I think he was as surprised as anyone to get the chance to come back but it was the perfect solution from Dermot Desmond. It was a masterstroke, in fact. Let's hope the next manager is also of the highest calibre and able to bring the kind of success Martin brought to Celtic over the years.
What Martin O’Neill has said about Celtic job
“There is also no rush to bring in the new guy and no need to panic. Martin and his coaching staff have it all under control. I'd love to see them get the Premier Sports Cup final against St Mirren and keep that trophy at Parkhead. That would be just incredible.”
O’Neill said last week of how close a permanent Celtic appointment is: "I am not party to anything that is happening with the board talking to prospective clients and things like this, nor do I want to be because that's never been a remit of mine. 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."