THE final whistle that signalled the end of a depressing derby day defeat on Saturday also brought down the final curtain on Wilfried Nancy’s remarkable 33-day career as Celtic manager.
The 48-year-old Frenchman’s sixth loss in eight games prompted the necessary action from the champions’ hierarchy.
Nancy signed a two-and-a-half year contract when he quit MLS outfit Columbus Crew to become the club’s permanent successor to Brendan Rodgers following Martin O’Neill’s interim period in which the comeback boss enjoyed seven successes in eight outings.
It is little wonder there is now a demand for the 73-year-old Irishman to be brought back to answer a second SOS and be given the post until the end of the season, at least.
Nancy’s short stay at the club was laced with controversy, not least changing the formation that had proved to be a winning one for O’Neill.
Here is Nancy’s Dossier of Disaster in one of the most extraordinary chapters in the history of Celtic Football Club.
HERE WE GO…Wilfried Nancy poses with a Celtic shirt on his first day at Lennoxtown.
DECEMBER 3 2025
Wilfried Nancy is announced as the new manager and will arrive in the country 24 hours later to meet the players.
The incoming gaffer admitted: “I am so happy to be named Celtic manager, it is a massive honour for myself and my family.
“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.
“I look forward to seeing all our fans very soon and I hope we can enjoy some great moments together.”
DECEMBER 7
The jungle drums are beating already as a Celtic team in disarray, with left-sided Auston Trusty playing in a wide right role, loses 2-1 to Hearts at Parkhead to blow the opportunity of going to the top of the Premiership.
DECEMBER 11
Celtic are embarrassed 3-0 by Serie A club AS Roma in the Europa League under the lights in the east end of Glasgow. The Italians coast to victory after going three goals ahead by half-time.
HAMPDEN HORROR SHOW…Wilfried Nancy is up in arms on the touchline as Celtic flop 3-1 to St Mirren in the Premier Sports League Cup Final.
DECEMBER 14
Nancy racks up a third consecutive defeat as the holders surrender the Premier Sports League Cup to St Mirren in a mystifyingly awful 3-1 reverse at Hampden. The one moment of hope was delivered with Reo Hatate’s equaliser, but the Paisley side made certain with a second-half double from Jonah Ayunga. Nancy’s three losses are officially the worst start for any new Celtic boss.
DECEMBER 17
The fans are furious as the champions go down 2-1 to Dundee United at Tannadice after leading at the interval with a strike from Daizen Meada. The visitors are well on top, but Nancy has no answer as Jim Goodwin tweaks his system and net twice after the home team dominate most of the second period.
DECEMBER 30
After two successive wins – 3-1 over 10-man Aberdeen at Parkhead and 4-2 at rock-bottom Livingston – Nancy has that old familiar sinking feeling again at Fir Park as they are overwhelmed 2-0 by Motherwell. Once again, the Frenchman is out-thought by his opposite number.
THE END IS NIGH…Wilfried Nancy can’t bear to look as Danny Rohl celebrates his Ibrox side’s derby win at Parkhead. Two days later and the Frenchman was gone.
JANUARY 3 2026
It’s the last straw for Nancy as the title holders squander a half-time lead following an excellent goal from Yang Hyun-jun. Some woeful defending allows Danny Rohl’s side back into the game and they level five minutes after the interval and add a quickfire second. The fans are already heading for the exits when Mikey Moore adds the third in the 71st minute.
JANUARY 5
Celtic announce the departure of Nancy and his three-man backroom team as well as Paul Tisdale, the Director of Football Operations who was behind the unfortunate appointment.
Au revoir, Wilf. You made Celtic history for all the wrong reasons.
ALEX GORDON
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