The push to appoint Wilfried Nancy has moved into the final stretch, and two journalists believe Celtic’s hierarchy are now fully locked in on making the Columbus Crew head coach their next manager.
Michael Gannon and Keith Jackson discussed the situation in detail, offering rare insight into how the club’s top-level negotiations are unfolding behind the scenes. Their comments point towards a clear pattern: Dermot Desmond has made his call, and Michael Nicholson has stepped into his most influential role yet.
Celtic are attempting to complete the deal ahead of Friday’s AGM, a date that looms large in the club’s calendar every year. With shareholder scrutiny incoming and questions expected over recent decision making, installing a new manager before the event would shift the tone significantly. According to both reporters, the club are pushing hard to ensure Nancy is confirmed in time.
What stands out from their analysis is the way Desmond and Nicholson have operated during talks. Desmond is known for personally assessing any managerial candidate he considers central to the club’s direction. Once he gives approval, responsibility then moves to the chief executive to finalise terms. Gannon and Jackson both say that moment has now arrived.
Their comments paint a picture of a process nearing completion, with negotiations active throughout the weekend and confidence growing that Nancy will be in place in time for Saturday’s trip to St Mirren.
Michael Gannon said: (Hotline Live), “I know that he had conversations with Celtic officials on Friday night. Desmond and Michael Nicholson were involved. Those conversations are still ongoing. They’ve been happening all weekend. I’m told that it’s very close.
“The plan is to get this done by the AGM on Friday. It’s looking pretty likely. 90% likely, at this moment in time.”
Keith Jackson added: “When Dermot Desmond is involved. It’s Dermot, and it’s the other guy. Nobody else gets into the room.
“For Dermot Desmond to then pass the discussions over, and allow Michael Nicholson to come into the room. That basically tells you something. That tells you that Dermot Desmond has decided, ‘yep, I would have him. He will do for me, now Michael, sort out the contract and do the paperwork.’ That’s effectively how it works at Celtic.
“That tells you all you need to know about where Celtic are with this. This is the guy they want, and now it’s left to the paper shufflers to sort it out.
“There is a very high chance of Wilfried Nancy being in Glasgow very early this week to take charge of the team for St Mirren at the weekend.”
Their combined insight brings clarity to a process that has been handled with far greater discretion than recent managerial searches. Both reporters make it clear that Desmond’s involvement at the initial stage is critical. When Desmond chooses to personally engage, it means the candidate has reached the final stage. The fact he has now stepped aside and allowed Nicholson to lead the remaining negotiations signals that Celtic have effectively chosen their man.
Nicholson’s role is increasingly important here. Much has been written about Celtic’s recruitment structure and the chief executive’s influence within it. This episode underlines how central he is to sealing major appointments once Desmond has given the green light. According to Gannon and Jackson, Nicholson is now closing the deal, a strong indicator of the club’s confidence that Nancy will accept.
The reporters also highlight Celtic’s desire to have the new manager installed before Friday’s AGM. With supporters and shareholders demanding direction and clarity, unveiling Nancy before the meeting would give the board something concrete to point to at a critical moment. If the process drags beyond the AGM, the questioning inside Celtic Park will be intense.
The suggestion that Nancy could be in Glasgow this week adds further weight to the growing expectation. Celtic face a challenging trip to St Mirren on Saturday night, and having the new manager in the dugout would allow the club to begin the transition immediately. Whether he takes charge of that match or observes from the stands, the aim is clearly to have the appointment finalised as soon as possible.
What emerges from these remarks is a picture of a club accelerating towards a new chapter. Desmond has made the decision. Nicholson is managing the final steps. And Celtic look increasingly confident that Wilfried Nancy will be the man leading them into the weekend.
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