Celtic’s search for a new manager has seen a couple of interesting developments this weekend, with Wilfried Nancy and now Brian Barry-Murphy emerging as two possible candidates to succeed Brendan Rodgers…
Nancy, is one name Celtic fans will already be aware of and is suddenly available following Columbus Crew’s early exit from the MLS play-offs. His side fell to FC Cincinnati in a deciding third leg over the weekend, ending their season and freeing the Frenchman for potential talks.
The 48-year-old has built a strong reputation in North America for his tactical acumen and commitment to fluid, attacking football. Since taking over at Columbus, Nancy has guided the Crew to two domestic trophies and developed one of the most entertaining sides in Major League Soccer.
Previously, he had dismissed speculation linking him with Celtic, insisting his focus was on completing the season with the Crew. That obstacle has now been removed, and with several months before the next MLS campaign, a move to Europe could now be more straightforward.
While Nancy’s name has long been on Celtic’s radar, a new candidate has recently gained traction.
According to a report from journalist Alan NixonMowbray hurdle in Boro return bid … as Cardiff boss comes into frame | Patreon, Brian Barry-Murphy, currently in charge at Cardiff City, has joined the shortlist, though the Irishman is also attracting attention from Middlesbrough, who are preparing for Rob Edwards’ departure to Wolves.
Barry-Murphy has made a strong impression since taking over at Cardiff in June, guiding the League One club to fourth place with a positive, possession-based style. His side’s strong start, including an unbeaten run that earned him Manager of the Month for August, has underlined his growing reputation.
Despite his success, persuading him to leave so early into his tenure would be difficult. Cardiff are said to be unwilling to part ways without compensation, and Barry-Murphy himself may be reluctant to walk away from a promising project.
One factor that could tilt the scales in Celtic’s favour is their connection with the City Football Group, a network that has previously assisted the club in identifying Ange Postecoglou.
Barry-Murphy spent three years managing Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad before joining Leicester City as a first-team coach under Ruud van Nistelrooy. His time at City, overseeing the club’s academy setup, has given him exposure to the CFG philosophy, a brand of football that perhaps aligns closely with Celtic’s own attacking ideals.
Born in Cork, Barry-Murphy comes from one of Ireland’s most famous sporting families. His father, Jimmy Barry-Murphy, is revered as one of the greatest dual players in Gaelic games history, a star in both hurling and Gaelic football, later managing Cork at senior level.
Brian began his managerial career at Rochdale, where he took charge in 2019 after a spell as caretaker. Despite limited resources, he earned plaudits for the team’s technical approach and calm leadership before stepping down in 2021.
He was soon appointed to lead Manchester City’s under-21s, helping develop several players who went on to feature at senior level. After three successful seasons in Manchester, he joined Leicester City in late 2024 as part of Van Nistelrooy’s staff, before taking on his current role at Cardiff earlier this year.
Celtic’s board may now be narrowing their focus, with Nancy’s fresh availability and Barry-Murphy’s rise both presenting intriguing options. The club are also said to be monitoring other names on the continent and in England, including Kjetil Knutsen and Kieran McKenna, though contractual and fixture situations, including Knutsen’s ongoing Champions League campaign, could make those targets more complex.
With the international break providing breathing room before domestic action resumes, the coming days may prove decisive. Whether Celtic consider the proven nous of an MLS champion or the fresh innovation of an Irish managerial prospect, remains very much open to debate, but the Barry-Murphy link is certainly an interesting new name for Celtic fans to consider.
Niall J
