Celtic line up Jens Berthel Askou as leading candidate after Wilfried Nancy exit following player unrest – sources

Celtic have moved swiftly to end Wilfried Nancy’s short-lived reign as manager, with sources revealing the club has already identified a preferred long-term successor following a dramatic breakdown behind the scenes.

The French coach was dismissed just 33 days after taking charge, one of the briefest managerial spells in Celtic’s history, after Saturday’s damaging 3–1 defeat at home to Rangers in the Old Firm derby. That result proved decisive after a run of form that saw Nancy claim only two victories from eight matches.

Nancy was appointed in early December after impressing in Major League Soccer with Columbus Crew, stepping into a role vacated amid optimism following an outstanding interim spell from Martin O’Neill. The veteran Irishman had steadied the club with seven wins from eight games, restoring belief among players and supporters alike.

However, that momentum quickly evaporated under Nancy. His commitment to a possession-heavy, structured style struggled to adapt to the demands of the Scottish Premiership, and results deteriorated rapidly. Celtic suffered six defeats during his brief tenure, including losses to Hearts, a painful Premier Sports Cup final defeat to St Mirren, and the derby collapse against Rangers.

The Old Firm match was particularly damaging. Celtic led at half-time through Hyun-Jun Yang, but unravelled after the interval. Two goals from Youssef Chermiti and a late strike from Mikey Moore turned the contest on its head, leaving Celtic level on points with Rangers and six behind league leaders Hearts.

Within hours of the final whistle, protests erupted outside Celtic Park. While Nancy bore the brunt of fan anger, criticism also extended to the board and football operations structure. That unrest accelerated decisive action.

In a short statement, the club confirmed:
“We have decided to terminate the contract of manager Wilfried Nancy with immediate effect.”

Sources indicate the decision was not taken lightly but followed mounting internal concerns. Senior players are understood to have expressed serious doubts about Nancy’s suitability, with the dressing room increasingly unconvinced by his tactical approach and leadership.

We are told the board were reluctant to sanction January transfer spending under Nancy, fearing that new signings would be ill-suited to a system that was failing to gain buy-in from the squad. That hesitation, combined with player dissatisfaction, proved decisive.

The fallout extended beyond the dugout. Head of football operations Paul Tisdale, who played a key role in Nancy’s appointment, has also departed the club, underlining the scale of the reset underway at Parkhead.

O’Neill option and permanent successor identified

With the managerial vacancy now open, Celtic are considering both short-term stability and long-term vision.

Sources suggest the club are open to asking Martin O’Neill to return once again on an interim basis. The 73-year-old remains hugely respected within the club, having delivered multiple domestic trophies and a UEFA Cup final appearance during his first spell in charge in the early 2000s.

O’Neill’s recent caretaker stint earlier this season demonstrated his enduring influence, and his presence would provide immediate calm during a volatile period. He is currently in Scotland and is understood to be willing to step in temporarily if required.

However, for the permanent role, Celtic’s attention is increasingly focused on Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou.

The Danish coach has earned widespread admiration for the work he has done at Fir Park, transforming Motherwell into one of the league’s most progressive and possession-oriented sides. Under Askou, the Steelmen have climbed into fourth place and emerged as genuine contenders near the top end of the table.

His tactical intelligence, emphasis on structured attacking football and ability to maximise limited resources have caught Celtic’s eye. Notably, Motherwell’s recent commanding victory over Celtic further reinforced his credentials in the eyes of the Parkhead hierarchy.

Askou’s footballing philosophy aligns closely with Celtic’s long-term ambitions, making him a strong candidate to lead the next phase of the club’s evolution.

A pivotal moment for Celtic

With the January transfer window open and the title race finely poised, Celtic face a defining period. Defensive fragilities, tactical uncertainty and fractured confidence have left little margin for error.

The immediate priority is to restore unity and belief. A short-term return for O’Neill could stabilise performances, while a move for Askou would signal a clear commitment to a modern, sustainable project.

Either way, the coming days will be crucial. Celtic’s response to this crisis may determine not only the outcome of this season, but the direction of the club for years to come.