Wilfried Nancy is finally set to take charge of Celtic and he’ll walk straight into one of the most demanding opening runs any modern Parkhead manager has faced.
After five weeks of uncertainty, Nancy has arrived in Glasgow, with final paperwork now complete and an official announcement expected within the next day or so.
The French coach could even be in the stands for Wednesday night’s match against Dundee, which Martin O’Neill has confirmed will be his final outing as interim boss.
O’Neill, who has steadied the club brilliantly during a turbulent spell, will hand over to Nancy following the Dundee match, and from there, the new manager’s baptism of fire begins.
Nancy’s first five fixtures as Celtic manager are as follows:
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Hearts (H) – A top-of-the-table showdown where a Celtic win could send the champions to the summit.
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Roma (H) – A massive Europa League night under the lights at Celtic Park.
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St Mirren (Neutral – Hampden) – The Premier Sports Cup Final, with silverware on the line immediately.
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Dundee United (A) – Celtic’s game in hand, crucial in the title race.
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Aberdeen (H) – A potentially tricky home test as the schedule intensifies.
This run takes Nancy right up to December 21st, and it’s no exaggeration to say that these opening five matches could shape Celtic’s entire season domestically, in Europe and in the cups.
The expectation will be immense. Celtic fans, frustrated for weeks over delays, will now be desperate for clarity, direction and energy from the new man. The silver lining? If Nancy hits the ground running, he could instantly transform the mood around the club, reclaim top spot, secure a trophy and revitalise a squad that has shown signs of life under O’Neill.
A challenging start, yes, but also a golden opportunity.
