Celtic’s decision to seemingly pursue Wilfried Nancy has caught everybody off guard.
Even if their decision to give Martin O’Neill the job on an interim basis was a surprise, it made a fair bit of sense in theory, given the need to unify the club.
But as an unknown quantity, Nancy will be coming in with a fair section of the support unconvinced.
Ange Postecoglou showed us all that you should never write off a manager for their lack of European experience, but is it fair to compare him to Nancy?
For Simon Jordan, the answer is no.
Simon Jordan on Celtic’s hiring of Wilfried Nancy
Nancy is an MLS Cup and Leagues Cup winner with Columbus, the first black manager to achieve both.
He comes with a strong reputation from across the pond, but with a daunting set of fixtures at the start of his Celtic spell.
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Simon Jordan – Credit: TalkSPORT
Jordan, speaking on talkSPORT, has questions for the Parkhead hierarchy about their process and eventual recruitment of Nancy.
He said: “It is, because people are comparing the fact that Ange Postecoglou came from ‘lesser than’ football.
“And this guy’s coming from the MLS… I’ve seen the MLS, it’s —-.
“Ange Postecoglou managed at international level. There’s no comparison between the two.
“I’m fascinated about Celtic’s decision-making process. They’ve been very robust in two meetings: one where they shut the fans down, and the other with Dermot Desmond burying Brendan Rodgers.
“But this, to me, seems like a strange appointment. Is this the best that Celtic can get? A manager that manages in the MLS, a substandard league which is propped up by overseas players – and even then isn’t that exciting…
“Is this the best that they can get? Wow.”
Who else was in the running for the Celtic job?
Postecoglou was established as the early favourite when Brendan Rodgers left, but it quickly became apparent that he wasn’t planning for a sensational return.
Kieran McKenna’s name was then widely raised, but this also felt unrealistic given his lucrative, long-term contract at Ipswich Town.
Craig Bellamy is reportedly of interest to Celtic, but unavailable for as long as Wales are in contention for the World Cup at least.
Kjetil Knutsen and Robbie Keane’s names were also in the running, as was interim boss O’Neill, of course,
Ultimately, the Hoops have opted for a curveball.
Wilfried Nancy’s managerial record
- Games in charge: 215
- Games won: 106
- Games drawn: 54
- Games lost: 55
- Win percentage: 49.3%
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