Scottish MLS expert is ‘sceptical’ of Wilfried Nancy’s move to Celtic

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Celtic’s appointment of Wilfried Nancy has dragged on, allowing many of us to form our own opinions.

His track record of winning trophies with dominant football is impressive – but there’s no denying that Celtic are taking a risk, given his relative lack of managerial experience, having only worked in MLS.

Whether that risk will pay off or not is impossible to know. Martin O’Neill has won five of his six matches in interim charge, restoring confidence and momentum.

Nancy’s appointment would be something quite far from the status quo – but if Ange Postecoglou told us anything, it’s that you can’t write off an appointment just because it’s left-field.

However, the difference in football environment between Scotland and the USA has led Scottish MLS expert Steven Caldwell to voice his concerns.

Scottish MLS expert on Celtic’s appointment of Wilfried Nancy

The brother of ex-Celtic defender Gary, Caldwell made 49 MLS appearances for Toronto in Canada.

He remained in Canadian football, eventually covering Nancy during his time at CF Montreal.

READ MORE: Celtic’s Scotland stars set for stunning friendly against Argentina in preparation for World Cup

Whilst he had some positive words to say on the 48-year-old, Caldwell admitted to The Herald that he is ‘sceptical’ of Nancy’s move.

He said: “When you first saw Nancy you just thought, ‘this guy won’t be in MLS forever.’ You knew he was destined to go to Europe. He is such an unassuming guy that people maybe underestimated him a little bit, a little like Ange Postecoglou.

“So there might be a bit of that going on with Wilfried, but the thing is that football here in North America is different.

“It has been a summer league with a lot of games in heavy heat in the middle of the country and you can’t sprint and press and do all the things you are expected to do for 90 minutes in Scotland.

“Maybe the style has put clubs off when they look at it. Some will look and ask, ‘will this guy settle here?’

“So I think it’s a brave move by Celtic and I can’t wait to see how it pans out. I’m rooting for him, but I am sceptical, I have to say. I just hope I am wrong.”

“Wilfried was in Montreal and we would have calls with him every Friday before the game. He keeps his cards close to his chest at times and can be guarded, he’s a hard man to get to know.

“But he really is good. He has great ideas, he plays some good football. He has bought great players and has really improved players as well. I think he will make Celtic a better team and create better players.

“All of that said I just don’t know how he will cope with the goldfish bowl and the scrutiny of the media. We know what it’s like, but Glasgow is one of those cities you can’t explain to someone until they come into it.”

What else is being said about Wilfried Nancy’s move to Celtic?

Chris Sutton fears that O’Neill’s positive form could ‘cast a shadow’ over Nancy if doesn’t get off to a good start.

Johan Mjallby is reminded of Postecoglou by the Frenchman, taking a more positive stance on the incoming boss.

Simon Jordan isn’t having it, though. Unimpressed by the standards of MLS, he asked Celtic whether this was really the best they could do.

Peter Grant, on the other hand, thinks Nancy’s start date should be delayed until the new year.