ALEX’S ANGLE: NANCY AND THE FIRING SQUAD

WILFRIED NANCY has surely broken some sort of record by hurtling into the crosshairs of his disillusioned critics, apparently preparing to fire salvos if the new Celtic manager fails at Hampden this afternoon.

The former Columbus Crew head coach arrived in the country only ten days ago and has already provoked the ire of many disgruntled observers after just two games – and, admittedly, two defeats – in his first sightings as Brendan Rodgers’ long-term successor.

By my admittedly dodgy arithmetic, that is a total of three hours and nine minutes in the dug-out.

The disenchanted out there may not be advocating the return of the guillotine, but they will be calling for the Frenchman’s head if St Mirren are not vanquished and the Premier League Cup safely returned to the Parkhead trophy cabinet.

I did say last week that the rebuke Nancy experienced following the loss to Hearts would be viewed as a mere trickle of discontent if the team somehow surrendered the silverware to the Paisley club, as dour and determined a team as you are likely to witness.

I don’t see any reason to change my way of thinking, but I have to say it is nothing short of preposterous for anyone to actually demand the sacking of the newcomer if the world caves in on the south side of Glasgow this afternoon.

TWIST AND SHOUT…Wilfried Nancy yells instuctions to his Celtic players.

Forget all the talk about the club being practical certainties for victory today if Martin O’Neill had continued as interim manager. That presumption is merely hypothetical claptrap.

I doubt very much if even the wily Irishman would go along with that line of thinking.

There is no argument Nancy is in sharp focus, questions are being asked and he will realise he has to come up with the correct answers. Pronto.

My radar is picking up absurd accusations the new man is already something of a laughing stock and ill-prepared for the task he was offered and accepted a short time ago.

Apparently, Nancy’s job is on the line today. He has reached the crossroads of his new career in double-quick time.

This is a guy who signed a two-a-and-a-half year deal and some agitators want him emptied inside two-and-a-half weeks. That’s ridiculous.

Remember, too, Celtic bought out his contract and those of his three backroom staff to bring them to the club.

What sort of message would that send out if the Hoops hierachy, those in the boardroom who okayed the admittedly surprising appointment, sacked Nancy if there is failure at Hampden?

Anyone offered the vacant post would have to think long and hard before accepting a poisoned chalice.

We all joined in deriding Nottingham Forest for handing a P45 to Ange Postecoglou after a mere 69 days in the job. Does anyone at Celtic Park want to trump that startling call?

Mind you, Brian Clough’s old club did have Sean Dyche waiting to jump out of a cupboard and assume responsibilities while Big Ange cleared his desk.

I cannot see anyone around at the moment to move in at Celtic. And please don’t mention a second caretaker stint for a certain charismatic Irishman.

THE THINKER…Martin O’Neill ponders a situation during one of his eight games in charge.

This afternoon’s opponents will not be turning up in Mount Florida with any idealistic notions to entertain those at the ground or those watching on satellite television.

Their intention solely will be to win. Heaven help us if Stephen Robinson’s side get an early goal and then spend the rest of the confrontation frittering away time at goal-kicks, free-kicks, throw-ins and imaginary injuries.

Nancy may have had to take a sharp course on what to expect from the Saints, but there are many in green-and-white jerseys who are not going into the unknown.

The fact that Celtic are one of the most successful clubs on the planet with 120 major trophies to their name while their opponents have lifted four honours – three Scottish Cups and one League Cup – won’t mean a thing as soon as Kevin Clancy’s first shrill of the whistle and the ball completes one revolution from the centre spot.

Football philosophy will go out the window the moment Shamal George shells a goal-kick into Celtic territory for the tall, robust and energetic Mikel Mandron, Jonah Ayunga and Daniel N’Lundulu – perm any two from three – to chase and put pressure on a defence that has looked far from comfortable in recent games.

That’s when true grit comes into play. Callum McGregor could do with a few to step up to the plate and give him a hand against a set of players who will fire into challenges all over the pitch.

Alas, we all have to accept harmony has been in short supply – you could say non-existent – around the east end of Glasgow for far too long.

KNEESY DOES IT…Callum McGregor celebrates his stoppage-time winner in Paisley.

That bitterness, real or imagined, is not going to evaporate into the ether any time soon. But how about calling a truce on this occasion and everyone getting behind the team? Is that too much to ask?

My heart plummeted when skipper McGregor thumped in his stoppage-time winner in Paisley last month and it was spontaneously greeted with the sad, predictable and monotonous chants of ‘Sack The Board’.

This is a goal that could go a long way to being the difference between a championship or being cast among the also-rans.

Nancy and his players, who must be low on confidence, will require all the assistance they can be offered this afternoon.

The Frenchman is in direct line of fire for those of an incendiary nature and welcoming support from the Celtic followers would be encouraging.

“Vous savez que c’est logique,” as they say in downtown Montmartre.

Or, if you prefer: “You know it makes sense.”

ALEX GORDON