Celtic announce Nancy as new manager
The 48-year-old Frenchman joins on a two-and-a-half year deal from Columbus Crew
Wilfried Nancy has been confirmed as the new Celtic manager on a two-and-a-half year contract, replacing interim boss Martin O’Neill at the Scottish champions.
The 48-year-old Frenchman landed in the UK earlier on Wednesday ahead of his move from Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew and will become the permanent successor to Brendan Rodgers, who left Celtic in October.
The announcement comes just under an hour before this evening’s Scottish Premiership clash with Dundee, which will be O’Neill’s final game as temporary boss.
“I am so happy to be named Celtic Manager, it is a massive honour for myself and my family,” Nancy said in a statement.
“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.”
After a largely underwhelming playing career in his homeland, Nancy has enjoyed great success as a coach in North America.
Stints in the college system and Montreal Impact youth set-up led to the first-team job at the rebranded CF Montreal following the resignation of Thierry Henry.
Nancy led the Canadian team to the 2022 MLS playoffs before joining the Crew.
In his first season in Columbus, he guided the team to the MLS Cup and, the year after, the Leagues Cup. He was named MLS Coach of the Year in 2024.