Wilfried Nancy has vowed to bring “exciting, attacking, winning football” after being confirmed as the new manager of Celtic on a two-and-a-half year contract.
The 48-year-old Frenchman will take charge on Thursday – replacing interim boss Martin O’Neill – after his protracted move from Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew was finally confirmed.
His first game in charge will be the top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership meeting with Hearts at Celtic Park on Sunday, followed by the Europa League visit of Roma on Thursday and the League Cup final with St Mirren three days later.
“I can’t wait to get going and become part of such a brilliant institution,” Nancy said.
“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.”
Nancy has never coached outside of North America, but led Montreal to the Canadian Championship in 2021 and guided Crew to the MLS Cup in 2023 and the Leagues Cup last year, when he was also named MLS coach of the year.
However, they failed to hit those heights this term as they finished seventh in the Eastern Conference and 12th overall.
Celtic had been searching for a new manager since 27 October when Brendan Rodgers resigned and legendary former manager O’Neill stepped in as caretaker.
The Parkhead club have won every domestic match under O’Neill’s stewardship, moving to within two points of Hearts and reaching the League Cup final.
“I want to thank the great Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney for all they have done in recent weeks with the team,” Nancy added.
“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.
“They have my total respect and my total gratitude. I hope to meet them both very soon and thank them personally.”
