Next Celtic manager path clears for major contender - 'it was difficult to talk to the players'

Celtic are almost a fortnight into their search for a new head coach following the shock resignation of Brendan Rodgers on October 27 with former Hoops boss Martin O'Neill stepping out of retirement to lead the side on a interim basis at the age of 73 alongside player pathway manager Shaun Maloney.

The Northern Irishman does not expect to be under consideration for the position on a permanent basis, insisting that the club are looking for a younger man to pick up the reins full-time.

A number of names have been linked with the role, with Bodo/Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen emerging as the bookies favourite with his contract set to expire in December after an impressive seven years in charge of the Norwegian club which has included four title wins and a first-ever qualification for the Champions League.

Another major Celtic managerial contender with the bookmakers is Columbus Crew head coach, Wilfried Nancy, who has developed a glowing reputation in the USA after leading his side to the MLS Cup in his first season in charge in 2023 and the Leagues Cup the following year.

The current second favourite for the Parkhead vacancy also steered Columbus to the final of CONCACAF Champions Cup last season - the Central and North American equivalent of the UEFA Champions League - and was voted MLS Coach of the Year for 2024.

Nancy led Columbus into the MLS play-offs this season following a seventh-placed finish in the Eastern Conference but saw his side eliminated in the first round after a 2-1 defeat to FC Cincinnati on Saturday to go down 2-1 in the three-game mini series.

The result has brought a premature end to Columbus' season, potentially opening the door for Frenchman Nancy to join Celtic over the upcoming international break with his contract situation at his current club unknown after he signed an extension of unspecified length last year.

The loss to Cincinnati proved doubly emotional for Nancy and his Columbus players as it marked the retirement of club captain Darlington Nagbe, who almost joined Celtic himself in 2017.

Speaking in the immediate aftermath, Nancy said: “I am emotional. I am emotional. It was difficult to talk with the players because obviously, yes, we lost, but during the game I had flashes regarding Darlington, what he did, the person that he is.

"We wanted to go as far as possible, so it was tough. It was tough to tell the team that the season is over, and it was the last game of Darlington.”