No matter how Celtic’s campaign ultimately ends, Wilfried Nancy’s short spell in charge is likely to be remembered for the wrong reasons.
From the moment Nancy was appointed, scrutiny followed him everywhere. Even in his opening match, the level of attention felt more fitting for a manager months into the job rather than someone still finding his feet.
The low point came with December’s defeat to Hearts, a game that quickly did the rounds on social media. Nancy was repeatedly seen using his tactics board on the touchline and calling captain Callum McGregor over time and again to explain instructions. The scenes became a talking point across Scottish football, with the situation even being discussed inside rival dressing rooms.
Stephen O’Donnell reveals Motherwell reaction
Motherwell captain Stephen O’Donnell was one of those who faced Celtic during Nancy’s tenure. His assist set up Ibrahim Said for the opener in a 2-0 victory at Fir Park, a result that came just a week before Nancy was relieved of his duties.
O’Donnell has since revealed that players at Motherwell were already debating Nancy’s position before he had a real chance to settle. Despite Martin O’Neill having enjoyed a strong first interim spell, with domestic victories across the board, there was a sense that the new man’s early fixtures could define his future.
Speaking on Go Radio, O’Donnell explained how difficult the situation looked from the outside. He pointed to the domestic matches against Hearts and St Mirren as unforgiving tests, especially after a turbulent period at the club. With O’Neill having stabilised matters, any immediate setbacks for Nancy were always going to be magnified.
O’Donnell noted that if a new manager loses his first two games, something that was entirely possible given St Mirren’s resilience and the challenge of implementing a new system, the pressure would be intense. He added that while Celtic dominated possession against Hearts at Parkhead, the failure to win that match only increased the scrutiny. Defeat in the League Cup final then made the task of recovery even harder, particularly at a club with Celtic’s expectations.
O’Neill’s impact highlights the contrast
Ultimately, Celtic’s focus remains on securing title number 56 in May, and the lasting impact of Nancy’s reign is still to be fully measured. What is clear, however, is the stark contrast between his results and those achieved by O’Neill with the same squad, the same off-field issues and the same shortage of a natural goalscorer.
Under O’Neill, Celtic have rediscovered consistency and control, something reflected clearly in the numbers.
O’Neill this season:
Games: 11
Wins: 10
Draws: 0
Losses: 1
Goals scored: 26
Goals conceded: 6
Clean sheets: 7
Nancy this season:
Games: 8
Wins: 2
Draws: 0
Losses: 6
Goals scored: 11
Goals conceded: 17
Clean sheets: 0
The statistics underline just how quickly Celtic have turned things around, and how sharply Nancy’s tenure will be judged in comparison.