Shortest Managerial Tenure in Club History Ends Following Old Firm Defeat.

Celtic sack Wilfried Nancy

Celtic Football Club has confirmed the immediate dismissal of manager Wilfried Nancy on January 5, 2026, bringing an abrupt end to one of the shortest tenures in the club’s storied history.

The 48-year-old Frenchman, appointed on December 3, 2025, after a successful spell at MLS side Columbus Crew, lasted just 33 days and eight matches. His record: two wins, six defeats, and 18 goals conceded.

The final straw came with Saturday’s 3-1 home defeat to arch-rivals Rangers at Celtic Park, where the Hoops led at half-time but collapsed in the second half.

In an official statement, Celtic announced:

“Celtic Football Club today announces that it has decided to terminate the contract of manager Wilfried Nancy, with immediate effect. The club thanks Wilfried for his efforts and wishes him and his family well for the future.”

Nancy’s backroom staff – assistants Kwame Ampadu, Jules Gueguen, and Maxime Chalier – have also departed. Additionally, head of football operations Paul Tisdale has left his role.

Nancy’s reign began poorly, with Celtic becoming the first in club history to lose his opening two games. Highlights of the turmoil included a League Cup final loss and four consecutive defeats – a run not seen since 1978.

Despite brief wins over Aberdeen and Livingston, the team struggled with Nancy’s possession-based 3-4-2-1 system, exposing defensive vulnerabilities, especially with injuries to key players like Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Celtic now sit second in the Scottish Premiership, level on points with Rangers and six behind leaders Hearts.

Speculation is rife about a return for interim boss Martin O’Neill, who won seven of eight games after Brendan Rodgers’ departure, or other candidates like Shaun Maloney or Kjetil Knutsen.

This shock move adds to a chaotic January in football management.