What Mark Guidi has been told about the Celtic hierarchy’s view on Wilfried Nancy’s future

Questions continue to swirl around Wilfried Nancy’s long-term future at Celtic, particularly with the Old Firm derby against Rangers looming large. Many supporters believe defeat in that fixture would spell the end of the Frenchman’s tenure at Parkhead. However, respected journalist Mark Guidi has revealed that the club’s hierarchy are taking a very different view behind the scenes.

Speaking about the situation on The Go Radio Football Show, Guidi suggested that despite growing unrest among sections of the fanbase, Celtic’s board have already decided to give Nancy significant time to prove himself. Even a poor run of results in the short term, including a possible defeat to Rangers, is unlikely to result in immediate managerial change.

According to Guidi, the Celtic board have effectively guaranteed Nancy’s position through to the early stages of next season. That backing extends well beyond the current campaign and into the summer transfer window, offering the head coach an opportunity to reshape the squad more fully in his own image.

“What I’ve been told,” Guidi explained, “is that the hierarchy at Celtic are prepared to stick with him right through until the next transfer window in the summer.” That commitment, he added, would likely see Nancy given at least August and September of the new season, regardless of short-term turbulence.

This stance contrasts sharply with the mood among many supporters, who feel patience is wearing thin following a difficult festive period. Nancy’s side have struggled for consistency, and another loss to Rangers would represent a sixth defeat in eight matches—form that traditionally places any Celtic manager under intense scrutiny.

Nevertheless, the board’s confidence appears rooted in a belief that the current struggles are linked more to squad shortcomings than managerial inadequacy. Recruitment, particularly in attacking areas, has been identified as a decisive factor in whether Nancy can deliver success.

Guidi stressed that January’s transfer window will be crucial. While Nancy will have input, responsibility also lies heavily with the club’s recruitment team to address obvious gaps in the squad—most notably the lack of a reliable centre-forward.

“They need to find the number nine,” Guidi said bluntly. “If they don’t find the number nine, they will not win the league.” It was a clear assessment that Celtic’s title ambitions hinge on resolving their problems in front of goal.

That view aligns with performances on the pitch, where Celtic have often dominated possession but struggled to convert chances. Without a consistent goalscorer, Nancy’s tactical philosophy has failed to deliver the results expected of a club with Celtic’s resources and ambitions.

Even if the Hoops were to overcome Rangers in the upcoming derby, the challenge does not ease significantly. January presents a demanding schedule across domestic and European competitions, testing both squad depth and tactical flexibility.

Celtic’s post-derby fixtures include a home league clash with Dundee United on January 10, followed by a trip to face Falkirk four days later. European commitments then resume with a tough Europa League away match against Bologna on January 22, before a league encounter with Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle on January 25.

The month concludes with another major European night at Celtic Park, as Utrecht visit Glasgow on January 29. With pressure mounting on all fronts, Nancy’s ability to navigate this run will be closely monitored—even if his job is not immediately on the line.

The lingering question, however, is just how far the board’s backing extends. If Celtic were to lose to Rangers and Hearts, while also suffering elimination from the Europa League, supporters would expect decisive action. Whether the hierarchy would maintain their current stance under such circumstances remains uncertain.

For now, though, the message from inside Celtic Park appears clear: Wilfried Nancy is not facing imminent dismissal. Instead, he is being trusted to ride out the storm, supported through the transfer window, and judged over a longer period than many fans might expect.

That approach represents a significant show of faith—and one that places considerable responsibility on recruitment, results, and Nancy himself to justify the patience being shown.

Celtic’s Decision to Walk Away From Mateusz Bogusz Now Looks Fully Justified

When Celtic decided to abandon their interest in Mateusz Bogusz, the move raised eyebrows among sections of the support. At the time, the Polish forward appeared to tick several boxes Brendan Rodgers was keen to address as he sought to bolster his attacking options. Bogusz’s impressive goal contributions in Major League Soccer with Los Angeles FC had positioned him as a potential solution to Celtic’s need for added firepower.

Reports suggested Celtic were prepared to invest heavily, with figures of up to £8 million being discussed. Rodgers was believed to be an admirer of the player’s attacking output and versatility, and for a period, Bogusz seemed a realistic candidate to arrive at Parkhead as part of a significant transfer window.

Instead, Celtic opted to pursue a different route, ultimately turning their attention to Arne Engels. That decision effectively ended their pursuit of Bogusz, who soon chose a new destination altogether. The Polish international moved to Mexico in the summer of 2024, joining Cruz Azul in a deal worth around €9 million — a transfer that initially appeared to offer him a fresh platform to elevate his career.

Fast forward just over 15 months, and events in Mexico have cast Celtic’s original choice in an increasingly positive light. Bogusz’s recent behaviour at Cruz Azul has sparked concern and controversy, reinforcing the view that Celtic may have avoided a costly mistake by stepping away from negotiations.

The first signs of trouble emerged following a defeat to Tigres, when Bogusz was seen leaving the pitch visibly frustrated and agitated. His reaction raised questions about his temperament, but at the time it was largely viewed as an isolated moment of disappointment rather than a deeper issue.

MATEUSZ BOGUSZ 🇵🇱

Por tercer día consecutivo no apareció en La Noria.

Cruz Azul tuvo entrenamiento matutino y en estos momentos realizan el vespertino y no fue a ninguno de los dos.

Algunas fotos e historias indican que está en Polonia. pic.twitter.com/GSp2gQr3eZ

— Adrián Esparza Oteo💎 (@A_EsparzaOteo) December 31, 2025

However, matters have since escalated. According to Mexican journalist Adrian Esparza Otea, Bogusz has failed to report for training for three consecutive days at Cruz Azul’s La Noria facility. Otea revealed on social media that the club held both morning and afternoon training sessions during this period, yet the 24-year-old did not attend either.

Adding to the confusion, images circulating online suggested Bogusz was no longer even in Mexico. Social media posts and photographs reportedly placed him back in Poland, despite no official confirmation of leave being granted by Cruz Azul. The situation has left the club facing a disciplinary issue while speculation grows that the player is attempting to engineer a move away.

Such behaviour has only intensified criticism of Bogusz’s professionalism and decision-making. Storming off the pitch and skipping training sessions are actions unlikely to be tolerated by clubs with strict standards, particularly one like Celtic, where discipline, commitment, and squad harmony are prioritised.

Bogusz arrived at Cruz Azul amid high expectations, but his impact has fallen short of the early promise that attracted interest from clubs like Celtic. While he has featured regularly since his move, consistency has been an issue, and he has struggled to establish himself as an undisputed starter in recent months.

Since joining the Mexican side in a €9 million deal, Bogusz has made 39 appearances across competitions, accumulating just over 2,000 minutes of football. He has started 24 matches, averaging a little over 53 minutes per game — figures that point to a player frequently substituted or rotated rather than trusted to influence matches from start to finish.

His attacking returns have also been modest. Over those appearances, Bogusz has scored three goals and provided seven assists, numbers that fall well below what might be expected from an attacking midfielder or forward signed for a substantial fee. His international involvement has similarly stalled, with his last call-up for Poland coming in June 2025, when he remained an unused substitute during a 2–1 defeat to Finland.

While it is evident that Bogusz has found life difficult in Mexico, his recent actions suggest frustration has tipped into self-sabotage. Rather than attempting to fight his way back into contention, he appears to be forcing a confrontation in hopes of securing a transfer elsewhere.

This approach is precisely the kind of risk Celtic look to avoid when investing significant sums in players. Rodgers’ system depends heavily on buy-in, work ethic, and mental resilience, particularly in a high-pressure environment where expectations are relentless and scrutiny is constant.

MATEUSZ BOGUSZ 🇵🇱

Por tercer día consecutivo no apareció en La Noria.

Cruz Azul tuvo entrenamiento matutino y en estos momentos realizan el vespertino y no fue a ninguno de los dos.

Algunas fotos e historias indican que está en Polonia. pic.twitter.com/GSp2gQr3eZ

— Adrián Esparza Oteo💎 (@A_EsparzaOteo) December 31, 2025

In hindsight, Celtic’s decision to redirect their funds and avoid committing to Bogusz now appears prudent. While his talent is not in question, the issues unfolding at Cruz Azul underline concerns around mentality, adaptability, and professionalism — qualities that are just as important as technical ability.

As Celtic continue to shape their squad with an emphasis on long-term stability and cultural fit, the Bogusz saga serves as a reminder that impressive statistics alone are not enough. Sometimes, the best transfer decisions are the ones not made — and in this case, Celtic’s restraint looks increasingly wise.

Pundit names two Premiership strikers he believes could strengthen Celtic

Former Celtic forward Simon Donnelly has suggested that both Kieron Bowie and Lawrence Shankland have the qualities required to succeed at Parkhead, insisting that each striker would be capable of making an impact for the Scottish champions.

Donnelly’s comments follow the latest Edinburgh derby, where both forwards found the net in an entertaining contest. Bowie was on target for Hibernian as they raced into a commanding lead, while Shankland scored Hearts’ first goal during their late comeback attempt in a 3–2 defeat.

Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Donnelly shared his admiration for Bowie in particular, revealing that the young striker has been on his radar for some time.

Bowie catches Donnelly’s eye

Donnelly explained that Bowie first stood out to him last season, recalling a performance that left a strong impression during a match against Celtic at Parkhead. According to the former Hoops striker, Bowie caused problems for Celtic’s defence, including Cameron Carter-Vickers, with his physical presence and direct approach.

He described Bowie as a throwback-style centre-forward — combative, aggressive, and unafraid to put himself about. Donnelly also highlighted the striker’s left foot as a notable asset, suggesting that Bowie possesses technical quality to complement his physicality.

While acknowledging that Bowie experienced a slight dip in form, Donnelly stressed that such fluctuations are common among young players still developing their game. What impressed him most, however, was Bowie’s composure in front of goal during the derby, describing his finish as a moment of real quality.

Donnelly believes the Hibs striker has clear potential, pointing out that Bowie has already been involved around the Scotland national setup. In his view, that exposure reflects the talent and promise the forward possesses, reinforcing his belief that Bowie has something special to offer at a higher level.

Shankland’s proven pedigree

Donnelly also turned his attention to Lawrence Shankland, a striker whose name has frequently been linked with a move to Rangers in recent transfer windows. He noted that Shankland remains one of the most reliable goalscorers in the Scottish Premiership, consistently demonstrating an instinct for finding the back of the net.

The former Celtic man suggested that Rangers may have missed an opportunity by failing to secure Shankland’s signature in the past. However, he went further by stating that the Hearts captain would also be an excellent fit for Celtic, insisting that Shankland’s qualities would translate seamlessly to Parkhead.

According to Donnelly, Shankland is a refined and well-rounded striker who understands the demands of the Scottish game. His movement, finishing ability, and experience make him one of the league’s standout forwards, and Donnelly sees no reason why he could not thrive at one of the country’s biggest clubs.

Questioning Premiership “snobbery”

Donnelly also raised a broader point about recruitment trends among Scotland’s top sides. He suggested that there can sometimes be an element of dismissiveness — or even snobbery — when clubs like Celtic and Rangers assess talent from within the league.

He argued that history shows both clubs have enjoyed significant success by signing players already proven in the Premiership. Despite that track record, Donnelly feels such opportunities are increasingly overlooked in favour of overseas markets.

In his view, players like Shankland and Bowie demonstrate that quality exists domestically and should not be ignored simply because of where they currently play. Donnelly believes that smart recruitment closer to home could offer value, reliability, and immediate impact.

Celtic’s current attacking picture

Celtic’s existing attacking options provide further context to Donnelly’s comments. At present, the club’s recognised striker choices include Johnny Kenny and Shin Yamada, neither of whom has fully established themselves as an undisputed first-choice number nine.

Kelechi Iheanacho is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, limiting Wilfried Nancy’s options in central attacking areas. Meanwhile, Daizen Maeda has been excelling in a slightly deeper role on the left flank, where his pace and pressing ability have been maximised within Nancy’s system.

As a result, Celtic’s need for a traditional centre-forward has become increasingly apparent. With Maeda thriving away from the striker role and Iheanacho unavailable, the balance of the forward line may require reinforcement.

January plans taking shape

With the January transfer window approaching, the recruitment of a number nine is expected to be high on Wilfried Nancy’s list of priorities. The Frenchman is still shaping his squad and tactical identity, and adding a reliable goalscorer could be crucial as Celtic look to maintain domestic dominance and progress further in Europe.

Donnelly’s endorsement of Bowie and Shankland adds fuel to the debate over Celtic’s striking options. While Bowie represents potential and long-term development, Shankland offers proven experience and consistency at the highest domestic level.

Whether Celtic choose to look within the Premiership or explore options elsewhere remains to be seen. However, Donnelly’s message is clear: both forwards have the attributes to “do a job” at Parkhead, and overlooking talent already thriving in Scotland could prove a missed opportunity.

As the transfer window nears, the conversation around Celtic’s next striker is only set to intensify.

Penalty Controversy as Rangers Escape Late VAR Review Against Motherwell

Motherwell captain Paul McGinn has admitted he was left astonished after his side were denied what he felt was a clear penalty late on in their narrow defeat to Rangers, insisting the officials missed a crucial decision during a tense finale at Ibrox.

The Steelmen were beaten 1-0 on Saturday, suffering their first loss in 10 matches, but the result was overshadowed by a controversial moment deep into stoppage time. With Motherwell pushing desperately for an equaliser, substitute Lukas Fadinger went to ground inside the penalty area following a challenge from Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez. To the disbelief of the visiting players, referee David Dickinson waved play on, and VAR did not intervene in any meaningful way.

McGinn believes Rangers escaped punishment and suggested panic crept into the home side’s defence as the clock ticked down. Speaking after the match, the Motherwell skipper made it clear he could not understand why a spot-kick was not awarded.

“I thought Rangers were a bit nervy at that stage,” McGinn said. “Fernandez looked panicky to me, he stuck his leg out, and I just don’t understand how it hasn’t been given.”

While McGinn admitted he did not have a perfect view of the incident in real time, he was convinced by the reaction of his teammate. According to the captain, Fadinger’s honesty as a player is what made the decision so frustrating.

“I was quite far away from it, but I could tell straight away from Lukas’ reaction,” he explained. “He’s not the type of player who rolls around or tries to buy fouls. If he goes down softly, he’s usually the first to admit it and get back up. That’s why I was confident we’d get pulled back for a penalty.”

Instead, play continued almost immediately, something that left McGinn even more baffled given the purpose of VAR.

“When I looked over, I was hopeful it would be checked properly,” he said. “But it seemed to be over very quickly. The whole point of VAR is to take a good look at those moments.”

Despite his frustration, McGinn accepted that Motherwell cannot dwell too long on the incident. He acknowledged Rangers were stronger going forward overall and stressed the importance of focusing on improvement rather than grievance.

“They were probably better than us in attacking areas today,” he said. “We have to concentrate on moving forward from here.”

The captain was also candid about Motherwell’s own shortcomings, particularly in the final third. While pleased with aspects of their performance, he felt his side once again failed to make the most of promising situations.

“We still had good moments in the game,” McGinn reflected. “But when you come to Ibrox, you need to take your chances, especially when you’re on top. We didn’t do that.”

He suggested the inability to convert opportunities has become an ongoing issue this season.

“There have been too many games where we’ve been toothless,” he admitted. “I felt we created some really good situations, but we were sloppy with them. And when that happens, Rangers can hurt you because you’re left exposed — and they’ve got quality players who can punish mistakes.”

Motherwell did manage to stay in the contest for long spells and at times relied on a slice of good fortune, but McGinn was convinced the outcome could have been very different had they shown more composure in front of goal.

“We probably rode our luck at times,” he said. “But if we’d taken our chances, it could have been a completely different game.”

Ultimately, the defeat ended Motherwell’s impressive unbeaten run and left them feeling aggrieved by what they believed was a missed opportunity — both in terms of refereeing decisions and their own attacking efficiency. While the late penalty incident will continue to be debated, McGinn was clear that the focus must now shift to learning lessons and ensuring Motherwell are more clinical in future matches.