“Celtic is his Club“ – Nancy Reveals Emotional Story Behind Key Appointment

Wilfried Nancy will step in front of the Celtic support on Sunday afternoon as the new manager leads a top-of-the-table clash with Hearts.

It is a big moment for the Frenchman, who has spoken openly about the importance of the people around him as he prepares for his first afternoon in the dugout.

At his first press conference on Friday, Nancy set out how central his backroom team will be to the project. Much of the focus fell on assistant manager Kwame Ampadu, whose connection to Celtic runs far deeper than many realised.

Nancy even joked about how essential Ampadu was during negotiations.

“I told the board that if Kwame doesn’t come, I will not come. No, I’m joking. Kwame is my friend. He’s my guy. He’s the oldest guy in the staff. And obviously, the background that he has is really important. He knows the culture.” He told Record Sport.

This is where the story becomes distinctly Celtic.

Ampadu, born in Ireland and capped at under-21 level, has followed the Hoops his entire life. That passion poured out when Nancy offered him the chance to join him in Glasgow.

“He was so emotional when I told him that we have the possibility to come here, because Celtic is his club too. So, this is a really nice story. Obviously, he knows also people within the club.”

Nancy believes both the footballing knowledge and the personal history Ampadu brings will be vital.

“And obviously, his experience is going to be massive. And that’s why he’s with me. And that’s why we want to assess and process everything.”

Ampadu arrives with a strong coaching pedigree. He previously worked with Monaco, and his playing career included Arsenal, Swansea, Leyton Orient and Exeter City. Although he made only two appearances for Arsenal, he carved out a respected career in midfield before moving into elite-level coaching.

He also represents a break from Celtic’s recent pattern. For years, incoming managers have inherited assistants from within the club. John Kennedy served Brendan Rodgers, Neil Lennon and Ange Postecoglou. The last time a Celtic boss brought his own assistant was Rodgers during his first spell, when Chris Davies arrived from Liverpool.

Nancy has made it clear that this chapter will be shaped by his own staff, not simply a continuation of what was already in place. That alone marks a cultural shift behind the scenes.

For Ampadu, the move is more than a job. It is a homecoming of sorts. For Nancy, it is a trusted lieutenant at a moment of major transition. And for Celtic, it signals the start of a new football identity under a manager determined to build the club in his image.

Supporters will get their first real glimpse of that vision on Sunday.