Who exactly is Wilfried Nancy? A host names have naturally been linked with the vacant Celtic manager’s vacancy, some well known, some not so much, one such name who is filed under the relatively unknown category being Frenchman Wilfried Nancy.
48 year old Nancy had a rather low key playing career in his native France, earning his trade as a defender for lower league sides such as Toulon, before making his name in the coaching world on the other side of the Atlantic, most notably with MLS sides CF Montreal and current side Columbus Crew.
Nancy is known for his positive philosophy, a bit like Ange Postecoglou in the way he gets great satisfaction from his side winning by playing the ‘right way’.
The Frenchman has been described as a real life Ted Lasso by football, sorry ’soccer’ journalists across the pond, due to his optimistic and player focused approach. But those in the know rubbished such comparisons saying he’s like Ted Lasso if the fictional character was a ruthless tacttician. So he’s certainly no joke figure.
The proof is in the pudding as they say, and Nancy has certainly cooked with Crew, winning the MLS Cup and League cup, feats that seen him crowned MLS coach of the year in 2024.
Nancy certainly has the credentials, but the MLS is clearly a much different level compared to the Glasgow goldfish bowl. Is he ready for the step up as manager of Celtic football club?
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Didn’t expect Ange to be the success he turned out to be.
Wasn’t in favour when first announced, and our club was hardly in a good position at the time either.
The big difference that time around, was our support was prepared to be more patient, don’t think it will apply this time around so much imo.
We are already looking at a big rebuild next summer as it is. Yet we still have a lot to play for this season still, so timing is going to be a massive factor that has to be considered at present?
What credentials are going to be required for a new manager, is totally unknown for the board to decide upon?
What budget is responsible for a new manager to carry out a rebuild?
Can a manager work upon the development issues, with such a coaching staff still in place?
Can an attractive brand of football be produced, that not only Scottish dominance remains intact, but can also compete within the European stage as well?
A lot to be considered for potential candidates, and couldn’t be overly confident of getting the full backing of a board, who value the workings of a PLC and it’s player trading model, moreso than reaching our ambitions and competing more respectable and consistently upon the European stage.
Not an impossible task for the right candidate, but not going to be a simple or quick fix either imo?
The 2 year turnaround in a managerial position has to change sometime, so hopefully that will be considered, or can only see the 2 year hit and miss approach remaining regarding our European ambitions imo?