Glasgow (Reuters)
Celtic, a club competing in the Scottish Premier League, announced the appointment of Wilfried Nancy as its new coach, as the 48-year-old French coach signed a two-and-a-half-year contract.
Nancy signed with Celtic from the Columbus Crew Club, a competitor in the American Professional Soccer League, where he won the American League Cup and the League Cup, and was chosen as the best coach in the American League in 2024. He also won the Canadian League Championship in his first coaching position, with the Montreal club.
Nancy said in a club statement: “I am very happy to be appointed coach of Celtic. It is a great honor for me and my family. I know the history (of the club), I know the values of Celtic, and I know what is expected of me in this journey.”
Brendan Rodgers resigned at the end of last October, ending his second period with the club after Celtic lost 3-1 to Hearts, the league leaders, which left the team eight points behind the lead. They also exited the Champions League against Kirat from Kazakhstan.
Former coach O’Neill took over as interim coach, and Celtic achieved four consecutive league victories to move within two points of Hearts with a game in hand.
Celtic’s main shareholder, Dermot Desmond, said: “I would like to add my sincere thanks to Martin for everything he has done over the past few weeks.”
He added: “He was the man we were hoping would be able to help us get through the last few weeks on a positive note.”
Celtic’s first match under Nancy’s leadership will be at home against Hearts next Sunday.
