Wilfried Nancy confirmed as new Celtic manager as Martin O'Neill makes way for MLS mentor
The Frenchman has become Brendan Rodgers’ permanent successor at Parkhead.
Celtic have appointed Wilfried Nancy as their new manager on a two and half year deal after an extensive appointment process.
The former Columbus Crew boss emerged as the front runner for the Parkhead hot-seat weeks ago, however his official appointment was delayed due to ‘paperwork issues’. The 48-year old will become the 20th different manager in the club’s 137 year history.
Five weeks ago, Martin O’Neill took the interim job at Celtic Park and has successfully steadied the ship during times of uncertainty, however it’s now time for the new man to come in. After Celtic face Dundee at home on Wednesday night, Nancy will take charge for the rest of the week in the build-up to Sunday’s mammoth fixture against Hearts.
While the Frenchman may have no experience managing in Europe, he has had a successful tenure stateside with Columbus Crew. Since joining ‘The Crew’ in 2023 he has already won two trophies, as well as receiving the MLS Coach of the Year award last season.
Celtic job ‘a massive honour’ for Nancy
Upon his arrival, the new Hoops boss said: “I am so happy to be named Celtic Manager, it is a massive honour for myself and my family. Before I say anything else I want to do one thing – I want to thank the great Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney for all they have done in recent weeks with the team. The job they have done has been fantastic.
"These guys have given so much to the club across so many years and I know our fans, like me, all recognise the brilliant job they have done during this recent period. They have my total respect and my total gratitude. I hope to meet them both very soon and thank them personally. Now its up to me to carry on this great work and carry our great club forward and I can’t wait to get going and become part of such a brilliant institution. Celtic is one of the world’s proper football clubs, real atmosphere and heart and soul, real high standards and real demands, which I am ready for.
“I know the history, I know the values of Celtic and I know what is expected of me on this journey. I know what Celtic means to so many people and my No. 1 aim will be simple - to give our fans a strong, exciting, attacking, winning football team they can be so proud of. I look forward to seeing all our fans very soon and I hope we can enjoy some great moments together.”
Board thank O’Neill for Parkhead service
Celtic Chairman Peter Lawwell commented: “We are really pleased to welcome Wilfried to Celtic. He is a Manager with a record which demonstrates the kind of football which we know Celtic supporters love to see. We will give Wilfried all our support as we look to once again bring success to our fans.
“I want to express our sincere thanks to Martin, Shaun and our backroom team for all they have done in recent weeks during this interim period. They have done such a tremendous job in stabilising the team and restoring a real level of confidence, with some fantastic results domestically and in Europe.
“Martin has shown the kind of leadership he was always renowned for and together with Shaun and the others in our backroom team they have given us that level of quality which has been so important to us in recent weeks. Everyone at the club offers our appreciation for the job they have done.”