Celtic flop Wilfried Nancy in line for management return with ex-Hibs chief
Lorient keen to bring Frenchman back to his homeland
Former Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy has emerged as a major contender to take over at French club Lorient.
According to media outfit L’Equipe, Nancy has held advanced talks with Lorient sporting director Laurent Koscienly over a move to the Ligue 1 outfit, who are owned by former Hibs shareholder Bill Foley and his Black Knight group.
Nancy has been out of work since his 33-day reign at Celtic ended abruptly. The Parkhead outfit won just two matches out of the eight the 49-year-old presided over. However, his stock remains high in his homeland and he was recent courted by Saint-Etienne, who are in Ligue 2.
Lorient finished tenth in Ligue 1 this season but decided to part company with their coach Olivier Pantaloni, who is being linked with Auxerre and Angers. It is understood that Nancy has made a strong case on Koscielny, a former Arsenal defender, and Black Knight chief Foley.
Former Southampton boss Will Still, as well as Stephane Gilli and Patrick Videira, have also been linked with the Lorient vacancy, but Nancy has now emerged as the favourite.
Lorient remain ambitious under Foley, who recently saw another one of his clubs in Bournemouth qualify for Europe for the first time. Earlier this year, he spoke of his desire for the Breton club to “take on the world”.
Nancy spoke candidly last month on his failed move to Celtic - and admitted that the timing was wrong as he tried to change too much too quickly in the middle of the season.
"On refection, when I went there it was not a good moment," Nancy said. "I knew it could be difficult regarding the schedule and injuries, so that's why I put everything into perspective. Obviously I didn't have enough time to do things the way I do things, but I have no bad words about my time.
"It was a beautiful experience. I do my job with passion and I look for players with passion and this club the fans and the city we feel it, it's been amazing for that. Obviously, things could have been better, but life is about moments."
Nancy was replaced by Martin O’Neill, who went on to win the Premiership and Scottish Cup with Celtic. The Parkhead club are yet to appoint a permanent boss for next season and are in talks with O’Neill and former striker Robbie Keane.
The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.