Football Dec 07, 2025

Celtic manager search: Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy finalising deal to become next Hoops boss

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Celtic manager search: Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy finalising deal to become next Hoops boss

Celtic are finalising the paperwork for Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy to become their new manager.

It's understood Nancy's assistant Kwame Ampadu is also set to join the Scottish champions.

The Hoops hope to complete the deals before the weekend, with Nancy due to take over next week.

Interim boss Martin O'Neill and assistant Shaun Maloney will remain in charge for Celtic's Europa League clash away to Feyenoord on Thursday, and are expected to be in the dugout for Sunday's game against Hibernian, live on SportNews.

In the last two years, Nancy has won the MLS Cup and Leagues Cup as well as being named MLS Coach of the Year. He also took Columbus Crew to the CONCACAF Champions Cup final last year.

Celtic see many similarities between Wilfried Nancy and Ange Postecoglou.

The former came recommended by the club's head of football operations, Paul Tisdale, who has been monitoring his progress for some time.

Postecoglou won titles in Australia and Japan, plus the Asian Cup with the Australian national team.

Nancy, younger than Postecoglou at the age of 48, has already won titles in America with Columbus Crew. He even took Crew 96 to the North American equivalent of the Champions League final. In just four years of management, Nancy has achieved success. This has come to the attention of Celtic, who feel he can make that next step into European football.

He's also said to be a strong character, like Postecoglou, which could lead to some passionate scenes on the touchline and interesting press conferences.

SportNews' Michael Shuel:

Nancy, 48, is available straight away following the conclusion of Columbus Crew's season. He has established himself as one of MLS's top coaches, earning the 2024 MLS Coach of the Year after narrowly missing out two years prior.

The Frenchmen led Columbus Crew to a domestic cup double, finished second in the league, and reached the CONCACAF Champions Cup final the season before.

His teams are known for their attacking, possession style and aggressive high press and he predominantly sets up with three centre-backs and two marauding wing-backs. Despite finishing seventh this season, Columbus still ranked first in the MLS for possession, progressive passes and final-third tackles.

Nancy's assistant, who could join him at Celtic, is Kwame Ampadu, who previously coached Exeter City U18s when Paul Tisdale, now Celtic's head of football operations, was the first-team manager.

Nancy would also find a familiar face at Parkhead in Alistair Johnston, whom he first signed at CF Montréal before the full-back's move to Celtic.

Montreal was Nancy's first senior head-coach role after spending a decade developing as a coach through their academy system. There, he broke multiple franchise records and lifted the 2022 Canadian Championship which saw them qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League.

Tags:

football news id:13475728

Share this article

Related Posts

James Maddison claims officials are 'petrified' to make decisions after Leeds penalty drama

James Maddison claims officials are 'petrified' to make decisions after Leeds penalty drama

James Maddison has claimed officials are “petrified” to make decisions after being denied a stoppage-time penalty against Leeds.With Spurs drawing 1-1...

World Cup 2026 news and live updates - USA, Canada and Mexico build-up plus latest on Trump, tickets and fans

World Cup 2026 news and live updates - USA, Canada and Mexico build-up plus latest on Trump, tickets and fans

Ted Lasso star signs professional deal with American second-tier sideTed Lasso star Cristo Fernandez has joined US second-tier side&nbs...

Pep Guardiola: I have never trusted anything with VAR - Man City must be better and focus vs Crystal Palace instead

Pep Guardiola: I have never trusted anything with VAR - Man City must be better and focus vs Crystal Palace instead

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he has "never trusted anything" with referees and VAR after a pivotal decision in the Premier League title...

Middlesbrough: Kim Hellberg says 'disgraceful' 'Spygate' saga 'breaks my heart' after Boro beaten by Southampton

Middlesbrough: Kim Hellberg says 'disgraceful' 'Spygate' saga 'breaks my heart' after Boro beaten by Southampton

Kim Hellberg said the 'Spygate' saga that overshadowed his Middlesbrough side's Championship play-off semi-final defeat to Southampton was "disgracefu...

World Cup 2026 squad lists: England, Scotland, Brazil, USA, Spain, France, Germany, Netherlands, Argentina, Portugal and more

World Cup 2026 squad lists: England, Scotland, Brazil, USA, Spain, France, Germany, Netherlands, Argentina, Portugal and more

Countries have begun naming their squads for the 2026 World Cup ahead of this summer's tournament, with England and Scotland set to follow. Thomas Tuc...

Tottenham favourites to secure Premier League survival but do West Ham have better fixtures in relegation shoot-out?

Tottenham favourites to secure Premier League survival but do West Ham have better fixtures in relegation shoot-out?

West Ham and Tottenham remain locked in a battle against relegation ahead of the final two rounds of Premier League fixtures. Which side will survive?...