WILFRIED NANCY appears to be nudging closer to becoming Celtic’s long-term successor to Brendan Rodgers.
It’s been three dramatic weeks since the Irishman’s sudden departure and Martin O’Neill answered the call to take over as interim manager.
Three successive domestic wins – including a Premier Sports League Cup semi-final victory over Rangers – has stabilised the situation after back-to-back league losses against Dundee and Hearts.
HAIL, HAIL…Martin O’Neill acknowledges the Celtic fans after the Premier Sports League Cup semi-final win at Hampden at the start of the month.
O’Neill has admitted he does not know how long he will be in the dug-out, but the Hoops hierarchy are eager to get a new man in as swiftly as possible.
Forty-eight-year Nancy, currently head coach at MLS outift Columbus Crew, is reportedly the frontrunner, but if there is an appointment this week, the Frenchman will face THREE consecutive games on the road in Paisley, Rotterdam and Edinburgh in the space of eight crucial days.
It would be Wednesday December 8 before Nancy gets the opportunity to take his bow in Paradise when the champions play host to Dundee.
In fact, the new manager would have to negotiate a path through an 11-game minefield – SEVEN away from home – before he reaches the turn of the year and will then experience his first derby encounter against Danny Rohl’s Ibrox side at Parkhead on January 3 2026.
FRENCH FANCY…Celtic’s top managerial target Wilfried Nancy.
If he is in place, Nancy will have the opportunity to pick up silverware in only his seventh game when the holders take on St Mirren in the Premier Sports League Cup Final at Hampden on December 14.
Here is the schedule to test his managerial qualities.
Saturday, Nov 22
Premiership:
St Mirren v CELTIC (8)
Thursday, Nov 27
Europa League:
Feyenoord v CELTIC (5.45pm)
Sunday, Nov 30
Premiership:
Hibs v CELTIC (12)
Wednesday, Dec 3
Premiership:
CELTIC v Dundee (7.45)
Sunday, Dec 7
Premiership:
CELTIC v Hearts (3)
Thursday, Dec 11
Europa League:
CELTIC v Roma (8)
Sunday, Dec 14
Premier Sports League Cup Final:
CELTIC v St Mirren (3.30)
Wednesday, Dec 17
Premiership:
Dundee United v CELTIC (8)
Sunday, Dec 21
Premiership:
CELTIC v Aberdeen (3)
Saturday, Dec 27
Premiership:
Livingston v CELTIC (3)
Tuesday, Dec 30
Premiership:
Motherwell v CELTIC (8)
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