Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy has emerged as a candidate for the vacant Celtic managerial position.
The 48-year-old is understood to be one of the names on the shortlist to replace Brendan Rodgers, including Bodo/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen and Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna.
Over the past two years, Nancy has not only won the MLS Cup and League Cup, but was also named MLS Coach of the Year. He also took Columbus Crew to last year’s CONCACAF Champions Cup final.
Nancy won the MLS Cup and League Cup with Columbus.
Celtic’s hierarchy are still considering whether to extend interim manager Martin O’Neill’s time in charge of the club, with a busy schedule following the international break and a cup final just around the corner.
This may give you time to make some of your goals more available later in the year. like Sky Sports News It was revealed last week that Celtic are satisfied with the way O’Neill has energized the squad and raised the atmosphere at Celtic Park.
A debate between majority shareholders Dermot Desmond and O’Neill is expected to take place this week.
Also on Celtic’s radar are Wales manager Craig Bellamy, Club Brugge’s Nicky Hayen and Ferencvaros manager Robbie Keane.
Celtic were exploring the potential return of Ange Postecoglou – but Sky Sports News I understand that there will be little progress in interest at this time.
McKenna’s focus on Ipswich
Kieran McKenna is among Celtic’s favorites.
McKenna, one of Celtic’s takeover contenders, said his current focus was solely on Ipswich and no approach had been made from the Scottish club.
“It’s something I never thought about,” McKenna said last month.
“I know I have a truly special job here at a special, huge football club and one I am very attached to.
“Honestly, nothing else was on my radar. I was 100 percent committed to the group here.”
When asked if Celtic had ever approached him, McKenna replied: “I never had that conversation or anything like that. My focus was purely on this.”
Bellamy is a manager whom Celtic respect.
Wales coach Craig Bellamy is focusing on World Cup qualifying.
Meanwhile, Wales manager Bellamy – who played for Celtic in 2005 – is another coach the club respects.
But amid the interest, Bellamy and the FAW are fully focused on Wales’ future through the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and next summer’s World Cup in the United States. Sky Sports News I understand.
If Wales wins against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia, second place in Group J is guaranteed and Wales will advance to the semi-finals of the home play-offs next March.
They were already guaranteed a play-off place last year by winning their Nations League group, but this route does not give Wales a home play-off semi-final.
Bellamy has previously expressed his desire to lead Wales to the 2026 World Cup. As a Wales player, he has missed out on several World Cups and Euros.
