Chris Sutton has delivered a stinging assessment of Paul Tisdale following his exit from Celtic, questioning the clarity of the former football operations chief’s role at the club…
The former Hoops striker suggested there was widespread confusion over Tisdale’s remit, implying his work behind the scenes lacked transparency.
Celtic confirmed a major shake-up yesterday afternoon, announcing the dismissal of Wilfried Nancy along with his three backroom staff Kwame Ampadu, Jules Gueguen, and Maxime Chalier, while Tisdale also departed as part of the overhaul. Interestingly, none of Nancy’s coaching staff were ever listed on the official Celtic site.
Speaking after the announcement, Sutton said he supported the decision to part ways with Tisdale but cautioned that the timing could have serious implications.
He warned that removing a senior figure at this stage of the season when the January transfer window has just opened risks destabilising recruitment plans.
Sutton said via Sky Sports: “He was the self-proclaimed Doctor Do-Little at Celtic. Nobody knew what he was actually doing at the club. By all accounts, he had a large say in bringing Wilfrid Nancy in. If he was in charge of recruitment over the summer, that was particularly poor.”
“The decision for him to part ways is right, but it certainly puts Celtic under pressure now to move quickly in terms of recruitment. There is no doubt that this squad needs strengthening in January.”
Meanwhile, a Celtic statement read: “Celtic Football Club today announces that it has decided to terminate the contract of manager Wilfried Nancy, with immediate effect.”
“The Club thanks Wilfried for his efforts and wishes him and his family well for the future. Wilfried’s assistants, Kwame Ampadu, Jules Gueguen, and Maxime Chalier, will also be leaving the club and they take with them our good wishes.”
“The Club can also confirm that Paul Tisdale has left his position as Head of Football Operations. We thank Paul for the contribution he has made in that role.”
“A further update will be provided to supporters as soon as is practical.”
It has now been confirmed that Martin O’Neill (who spoke to the mainstream media this afternoon), Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham will take the team until the end of the season.
As previously reported by The Celtic Star, Shaun Maloney has been working on recruitment for Celtic since stepping aside from the first team when Wilfried Nancy was given the reins.
Conor Spence
🗣️ “Celtic have acted pretty decisively because there’s still a league title to win.”
Chris Sutton reacts to Wilfried Nancy’s sacking after just 33 days as he suggests a “short-term” return for Martin O’Neill would be the “safest move” ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/P564clqMgg
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 5, 2026
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