“Not Good Enough” – Pat Bonner Hits Back at Wilfried Nancy Criticism

Pat Bonner and Ryan Stevenson were at the centre of a lively exchange on BBC Radio Scotland as they debated Wilfried Nancy’s reaction to Celtic’s defeat to Hearts, offering sharply contrasting views on how the new manager should handle public criticism of his team.

Stevenson argued that Nancy’s post-match tone lacked the blunt honesty expected in Glasgow, suggesting the manager was already setting an undesirable precedent.

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Bonner, however, pushed back strongly. He stressed that public interviews rarely reflect what a manager actually says to his players and urged supporters not to form early judgements based on one media appearance.

For the former Celtic goalkeeper, Nancy deserves time to understand the squad and the environment before being scrutinised for every word.

The discussion highlighted the split among supporters and pundits in the wake of Nancy’s first major setback.

Many share Stevenson’s belief that a stronger message was required after a flat performance, while others agree with Bonner that demanding emotional authenticity in every interview ignores the realities of modern management.

With a defining schedule of European fixtures and a cup final looming, the debate over Nancy’s communication style, and how it compares to past Celtic managers, is unlikely to fade anytime soon.

But Bonner insists that the only fair judgement will come once Nancy has had a real chance to shape the team.

Stevenson said: “Listen lads, I hate all this. I’m not asking them to come out and single out any one of the players. You have to call it as you see it.

“Listen, these fans are paying money to come here to watch their team. If I’m sitting in that changing room, I don’t want managers to come in and go, do you know what lads, we could have maybe crossed it a bit more, or we could have looked at doing this or doing that.

“I want managers to come in because he’s setting a precedent.

“They’ve just been beat off Hearts. Come in and go, listen lads, that was not good enough.”

Bonner responded: “But we don’t know what he said though, Ryan, in the dressing room. What you say to players and what you say out here to the public can be very different.”

Stevenson: “I suppose it can be different.”

Bonner: “He’s got to try to pick his words to have something positive out of this game, which is very little, to be perfectly honest.

“I wouldn’t read too much into what he said in this first interview.

Stevenson: “Yeah, I get it. I’m just looking at it from a Celtic point of view.”

Bonner: “No, you’re right. I’m looking at it from a Celtic point of view also, but he’s got to be allowed a little bit of time to get to know the players.

“Even Martin [the BBC reporter] asking the questions, he’s got to work it out in his head. He’s from France, remember also.

“So I wouldn’t be too critical of that interview. I want to hear and see what he’s going to do with the players. That’s the critical factor.

“The big talking point today is the change of system.”

Bonner’s defence of Nancy is a reminder that what a manager says in public is often misunderstood.

Stevenson speaks to the frustration of fans who want clear accountability after a poor result, but Bonner takes a longer, steadier view. He argues that interviews don’t show the full picture of how standards are set inside the dressing room.

It also matters that Nancy has only been in the job for a few days.

Expecting him to instantly speak like a manager who knows Scottish football inside out isn’t realistic. Bonner’s call for patience comes from knowing that a new manager must balance his message, keep morale steady and bring clarity during a difficult early period.

Stevenson’s criticism still raises valid points, especially about Celtic’s intensity and decision-making in key moments against Hearts.

His demand for stronger words reflects the high expectations at Celtic, where every display is judged against long years of success.

Over the next few weeks, Nancy’s work will matter far more than any interview. Whether he changes his tone or keeps a cautious approach, results will shape how people see him.

For now, Bonner’s reminder not to jump on one early comment feels well timed.