columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy has emerged as a candidate for the Celtic managerial vacancy.
It is indeed understood the 48-year-old is among the names on the shortlist to replace Brendan Rodgers, which also includes Bodo/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen and Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna.
In the last two years, Nancy has won the MLS Cup and Leagues Cup as well as being named MLS Coach of the Year. He also took Columbus Crew to the CONCACAF Champions Cup final last year.
The celtic hierarchy are still pondering over whether to extend interim boss Martin O’Neill’s time in charge of the club, with a busy set of fixtures and cup final on the horizon after the international break.
That could allow time for some targets to become more available later in the year. As Sky Sports News revealed last week, Celtic are pleased with the way O’Neill has galvanised the squad and lifted the mood at Celtic Park.
Discussions between principal shareholder Dermot Desmond and O’Neill are due to take place this week.
Also among the names on Celtic’s radar are Wales boss Craig bellamy, Club Brugge’s Nicky Hayen and Ferencvaros manager Robbie Keane.
Celtic had been keen to explore a potential return for Ange Postecoglou – but Sky Sports News understands that interest will almost certainly not progress at this time.
McKenna’s focus on Ipswich
Celtic Managerial Search: McKenna Remains Focused on Middlesbrough, Bellamy Committed to Wales
Celtic are continuing their search for a new manager, with Middlesbrough’s Michael Carrick emerging as a potential candidate. However, Carrick has publicly stated his commitment to his current role, and wales manager Craig Bellamy is focused on upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Carrick, who has overseen a positive turnaround at Middlesbrough, has been linked with the Celtic job following the recent departure of Brendan Rodgers.However, the Northern Irishman has repeatedly dismissed speculation linking him with a move to Glasgow.
“There’s been no approach from the Scottish club,” McKenna said last month. “It’s not something I’ve given any thought to. I know I’ve got a really special job here at a special and massive football club and one I have a great affinity to. Honestly, anything outside of that hasn’t touched my radar. I’ve been 100 per cent committed to the group here.”
When directly asked if Celtic had made contact, McKenna replied: “I’ve not had any of those conversations or anything of the like. My focus has been purely here.”
Another coach admired by Celtic is Wales manager Craig Bellamy,who previously played for the club in 2005. However,Sky Sports News reports that Bellamy and the Football Association of Wales (FAW) are fully concentrated on Wales’ crucial upcoming World Cup qualifying matches and preparations for the world Cup next summer in the USA.
Wales can secure second place in Group J – and a home playoff semi-final next march – with victories against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia. They have already guaranteed a playoff spot thru their Nations League group win last year, but that route doesn’t guarantee a home tie.
Bellamy has publicly expressed his ambition to led Wales to the 2026 World Cup, a feat he was unable to achieve as a player.