Celtic’s managerial search has led them to Wilfried Nancy.
The Columbus Crew boss could well be in charge of Celtic’s clash with St Mirren next week, as is being widely reported.
Given that he has only managed in MLS, Nancy is far from a household name in Scotland. We have been here before with an unknown quantity in Ange Postecoglou.
What is known about Nancy is that he is highly-rated in the US, having been named the Coach of the Year in 2024 and won several trophies with a distinct brand of football.
His emergence as favourite has got plenty in the Scottish media doing their homework – including Charlie Mulgrew.
Charlie Mulgrew on Celtic manager target Wilfried Nancy
In his own words, Nancy’s possession-based approach combines structure with creativity.
Watching his Columbus team, you can see the emphasis he places on combinations and runs off the ball.
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Mulgrew certainly can, and he revealed on the Go Radio Football Show that he wouldn’t be against the appointment.
He said: “I had a wee look at him when he was mentioned, I didn’t know much the other night, and I then I had a wee look.
“It looks like he plays the 3-4-3, it looks like it’s attacking football, he looks like a good guy.
“He speaks about how he manages the human being, and the culture he creates is a culture where he gets to know all the players, gets to understand them, and understand the person that they are.
“It sounds like he’s got the man-management side. It’s alright speaking a good game, let’s see if he does it, but it sounds like he does – and his tactical side seems alright.
“So I’m not against that after looking into him. I think there’s a lot of good things said about him.”
Nancy’s assistant, Kwame Ampadu, knows Celtic’s Head of Football Operations Paul Tisdale from his time at Exeter City.
That pre-existing relationship has evidently been crucial in his recommendation for the Parkhead role.
How Celtic ended up going for Wilfried Nancy
It has been reported that Nancy was Dermot Desmond’s man from day one.
The Hoops’ principal shareholder reportedly reached out to Nancy immediately after Brendan Rodgers’ sudden departure, and agreed to wait until his season was over.
This happened prematurely when Columbus were eliminated in the MLS play-offs by Ohio rivals FC Cincinnati.
And with the Hoops granted permission from the Crew to speak to Nancy, the path is now cleared for him to enter the dugout at Celtic Park.
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