WILFRIED NANCY has just been on the receiving end of three defeats in his first three games – the worst record in Celtic history for a new manager – and insists he doesn’t have anything to prove to anybody.
Au contraire, mon ami.
You have everything to prove now you have arrived at one of the world’s most successful and recognised football clubs.
Nancy may not want to hear this, but what has been achieved in four years in the MLS with CF Montreal and Columbus Crew amounts to the sum root of zilch in Glasgow.
I mean no disrespect to our cousins across the pond – and I do have relatives spread around the USA – but the Frenchman will not have encountered the intensity that exists here. This is where his real career kicks off; this is where his qualities will be tested.
He will have to learn quickly or face the inevitable consequences.
ALL SMILES – FOR NOW…Wilfried Nancy shares a joke with fourth official David Dickinson before the defeat to St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday.
To talk of sacking someone who only took charge of the team less than a fortnight ago is ridiculous, but, in truth, I can’t think of anything I have witnessed against Hearts, AS Roma or St Mirren that has been even vaguely encouraging.
Sadly, quite the reverse.
Nancy admits his “ass is burning”. Not sure exactly what that means, but I accept it doesn’t sound too comfortable. I have the feeling that quote may come around some time and bite him on his derriere – or “ass” as he may prefer to phrase it.
In between colourful and inconsequential sound bites, the 48-year-old team chief must be aware of a faint rumbling and sharp crackling. That’s the acoustics of ice groaning under the weight of expectation.
Endeavours in The States, laudable as they may have been, don’t mean a thing in this part of the globe.
This is a whole new ball game.
Reflections of encounters in Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Orlando etcetera are in the past.
Be aware, Msr Nancy, you have a lot to prove. In fact, everything.
Your real career has just begun. Get on with it and keep it real.
Prove you do know your ass from your elbow.
ALEX GORDON
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