Wilfried Nancy set to become new Celtic manager

Wilfried Nancy is set to become new Celtic manager with the Frenchman expected to start his role on 1st December…

Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy celebrates with his team following an MLS soccer match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on July 12, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)

According to a report in PLZ Soccer, the 48 year-old Columbus Crew boss is expected to join the Scottish Premiership champions on December 1 – or possibly sooner – once final agreements are in place for four backroom staff members who are due to accompany him to Glasgow within the coming week.

The report outlines that Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney will remain in temporary charge for the upcoming fixtures against Feyenoord in the Europa League on Thursday and Hibernian at Easter Road in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney celebrate Celtic’s opening goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on October 29, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

O’Neill and Maloney have taken on interim responsibilities and helped restore stability domestically following the turbulent close to Brendan Rodgers’ second spell in charge, which ended with a 3–1 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle last month.

Maloney’s future at the club remains uncertain, with it unclear if he will resume his role in player development or earn a potential promotion to first-team coach.

Shaun Maloney and Martin O’Neill. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

Meanwhile, Martin O’Neill may remain involved in some way after securing four victories from five games in his brief second stint as Hoops boss, highlighted by a 3–1 victory over theRangers in the Premier Sports League Cup semi-final.

Nancy faces a challenging start

Nancy faces a challenging start, taking over a club whose fanbase have become apathetic of the club hierarchy. Dermot Desmond, Chris McKay, Michael Nicholson and Peter Lawwell have all faced scrutiny over the past few months for their underperformance at boardroom level.

Celtic AGM 2025. Photo The Celtic Trust

Consistent demands for the resignation of all four executives were audible during Celtic’s late 1-0 victory over St Mirren at the weekend courtesy of a stunning strike from skipper Callum McGregor.

Tensions heightened

Tensions have been heightened following the controversial PLC AGM on Friday, where supporters quite rightfully reacted angrily to Ross Desmond’s pointed remarks about the Green Brigade. The meeting was eventually abandoned by the Chairman, deepening the rift between the club’s board and supporters.

Ross Desmond at Celtic AGM. 21 November 2025. Screenshot social media

Peter Martin reveals that the details of Nancy’s contract have yet to be disclosed, though he is expected to make his managerial debut in the home clash with Dundee on 3 December, followed by a top of the table meeting with Hearts four days later.

January transfer window

Nancy will have a tough job pinpointing reinforcements in the January transfer window alongside head of football operations Paul Tisdale to boost a squad that is short on quality in every area of the pitch particularly in the forward positions.

The incoming Celtic manager’s top priority will be to secure a seamless transition from O’Neill ahead of the Premier Sports League Cup final against St Mirren at Hampden in over two weeks time.

By the time Celtic get to Hampden we look like having had three managers in the cup campaign to reach the final and defend the trophy.

Martin O’Neill, Interim Manager of Celtic, reacts during the Premier Sports Cup Semi Final match between Celtic and theRangers at Hampden Park on November 02, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Starting with Brendan Rodgers in the earlier rounds we then had Martin O’Neill in the dugout at Hampden for the semi-final win over theRangers. And for the final on Sunday 14 December it looks increasingly likely that Wilfried Nancy will lead Celtic put at Hampden looking for his first piece of silverware as the new Celtic manager.

Last orders for Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter

Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Last remaining copies of Celtic in the Eighties – get your copy now before it’s too late! Here’s what you get…

David Potter’s beautifully produced hardback book, the Celtic Historian final work before his passing. Your copy will also be personally signed by Celtic legend Danny McGrain!
You’ll also receive a complimentary copy of another brilliant David Potter book – Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style.

Order Celtic in the Eighties from Celtic Star Books and we’ll automatically add Putting on the Style. Please note postage will only be charged on one book so there is no cost to you at all for the Willie Fernie biography.

These two books combined will make a brilliant Christmas present!