Former key Celtic staff member appointed at English Premier League side

By Lewis Laird

September 22, 2022

Former Head of Sports Science at Celtic, Jack Nayler, has been appointed by English Premier League side Everton.

Nayler was first appointed at Parkhead under former boss Brendan Rodgers and was regarded as somewhat of a coup.

Having worked at huge clubs such as Chelsea, PSG and Real Madrid, with managers like Carlo Ancelotti, he brought huge experience to the role at Celtic.

Nayler spent time working under several different managers in Glasgow, including Neil Lennon and John Kennedy, during his short period as interim boss.

But, ahead of Ange Postecoglou’s arrival last summer, the Sports Scientist was headhunted by Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.

Spending the last 16 months in Germany, it has been quite the spell for Nayler, and he has now worked under the same number of managers at Leipzig as he did during his five years in Glasgow.

His spell at Leipzig started working with American Jesse Marsch, who was once briefly linked to the Parkhead role before he was replaced in December by Domenico Tedesco.

Working alongside the Italian lasted a little longer, but earlier this month, Nayler was introduced to a third manager, as Marco Rose quickly superseded the former Spartak boss.

His time working with Rose also didn’t last more than a month after it was announced this afternoon that the former Celtic man would be moving on to a new role.

English Premier League side Everton confirmed that Nayler has been appointed as the new Head of Sports Science at Goodison Park for Frank Lampard’s first team.

Reacting to the move, Toffee’s director of football, Kevin Thelwell, said [Everton FC]: “Jack is one of the best in his profession, and we are delighted for him to become a key part of our First-Team setup.

“He is hugely respected in the field of sports science, highlighted by the fact he has worked for some of the best clubs in Europe, and his expertise will further strengthen our talented backroom team at Everton.”

Celtic now looking to the future after taking time to bring in Nayler replacement.

The announcement of Nayler’s exit could really couldn’t have come at a worse time for Celtic during the rebuilding process last summer.

Not only was Ange Postecoglou left looking to create almost an entirely new squad, but also add crucial members of backroom staff.

As some might remember, it took some time for the Hoops to name their replacement. But, it eventually came when Anton McElhone was announced as the club’s new Head of Sports Science.

All the right noises have been coming out of Lennoxtown about McElhone, and he looks to have been a good replacement for the outgoing Nayler.

After a short period of disruption whilst we looked for our new Head of Sports science last summer, we know appear to be headed in the right direction.

McElhone has ushered in fresh nutrition deals and initiatives at Lennoxtown, which appear to be doing the job at the Celtic training ground after our success last campaign.

I’m not sure many could have seen that coming after Nayler’s exit last summer. But, thankfully, we are now looking towards the future positively in all different areas behind the scenes.

Jack Nayler now has a meet-up with Celtic to look forward too later this year, when Ange Postecoglou’s side take on Everton in the Sydney Super Cup.

In other news, Former Celtic B talent joins League One side after English interest.