Wilfried Nancy announced as new Celtic manager after Brendan Rodgers resignation – ‘One of the world’s proper football clubs’

Nancy – who joins from MLS club, Columbus Crew – will start work on December 4, with O’Neill handing over following their league match against Dundee.

“Before I say anything else I want to do one thing – I want to thank the great Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney for all they have done in recent weeks with the team. The job they have done has been fantastic.

“These guys have given so much to the club across so many years and I know our fans, like me, all recognise the brilliant job they have done during this recent period. They have my total respect and my total gratitude. I hope to meet them both very soon and thank them personally.

“Now its up to me to carry on this great work and carry our great club forward and I can’t wait to get going and become part of such a brilliant institution.

“Celtic is one of the world’s proper football clubs, real atmosphere and heart and soul, real high standards and real demands, which I am ready for.

“I know the history, I know the values of Celtic and I know what is expected of me on this journey. I know what Celtic means to so many people and my No. 1 aim will be simple – to give our fans a strong, exciting, attacking, winning football team they can be so proud of.”

Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell commented: “We are really pleased to welcome Wilfried to Celtic. He is a manager with a record which demonstrates the kind of football which we know Celtic supporters love to see. We will give Wilfried all our support as we look to once again bring success to our fans.

“I want to express our sincere thanks to Martin, Shaun and our backroom team for all they have done in recent weeks during this interim period.

“They have done such a tremendous job in stabilising the team and restoring a real level of confidence, with some fantastic results domestically and in Europe.

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Video credit: TNT Sports

“Martin has shown the kind of leadership he was always renowned for and together with Shaun and the others in our backroom team they have given us that level of quality which has been so important to us in recent weeks. Everyone at the club offers our appreciation for the job they have done.”

Nancy, who was named the MLS Coach of the Year in 2024, lifted the MLS Cup and Leagues Cup during his three years at Columbus Crew.

“We have been aware of Wilfried and his quality of work for some time – he was our number one candidate when we began the process of appointing a new manager and we are delighted that he has agreed to join the club,” Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson said.

“I know he is hugely excited about this opportunity to be part of Celtic’s future. We will give Wilfried every support to face the challenges ahead, with our aim as always being to deliver the success for the club which our supporters deserve, this season and beyond.”

Nancy’s first match in charge will be a top-of-the-table clash with Hearts at Celtic Park.