The Celtic board are backed into a corner. They have to back Nancy this January
Mark McGowan 
(Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Wilfried Nancy has faced a very sticky set of circumstances in his first fortnight at Celtic.
This week though, does represent a far more manageable work schedule.
A clear Monday to Friday diary to rehearse his novel tactics, with a group of players already taking instruction from their third manager of the season.
Sunday’s result – his first win in five – gives him a bit of breathing space.
The performance was also reassuring and gave us a glimpse at what we can expect going forward.
Post match, Nancy seemed more relaxed than we’ve seen him and spoke about his tumultuous start to his Celtic tenure.
If I was thinking about myself, maybe I could have been a little bit later.
He did go on to elaborate; giving us an insight into the reasoning behind expediting his arrival.
Yes, that’s why I came at this moment.
I could have come a little bit later.
But now, with the club, we decided that it was the moment because I needed time to assess the team and to evaluate
In hindsight, this seems very sensible given the deficit of talent available to him at Celtic.
Also, it’s ill-fitting make up, for his preferred shape.
This short-term pain for long term gain approach will hopefully pay dividends soon.
There is, however, still a fair amount of storm to navigate before we reach port, as discussed by Eric in his article yesterday.
Something he may learn about Celtic and transfer windows, is that you can’t always get what you want.
Or what you need for that matter.
Obviously, a striker of substance would have changed the trajectory of the season, but defence remains a priority.
The introduction of a specialist positions like wingbacks and wide central defenders, further exacerbates this.
As does the injuries to CCV and Alastair Johnston.
Better players, with nuanced defensive instincts are probably the most direct solution to making it work.
This is where the Celtic board come in.
Or maybe where the optimism ends?
Wilfried Nancy was an appointment by Head of Football Operations Paul Tisdale.
He has been given the keys to the footballing department and told to pick a driver.
He knew what Nancy was as a manager, what formation he deployed and what was needed to see the plan come to fruition.
At least, that’s what the process should look like.
Last week, Michael Nicholson spoke with all the authority and charisma of a substitute Modern Studies teacher.
He again doubled down with vague promises and stated he has discussed the upcoming transfer window with the manager.
The starting point is now.
I met with Wilfried this week to discuss recruitment ahead of the January transfer window and also looking ahead to the summer transfer window because we know we have a project to support here.
Surely this was the case with Brendan Rodgers as well?
Look how that turned out.
Last summers’ transfer window has been the genesis of most of this season’s turmoil.
It was the reason that Celtic failed to reach the Champions League, the reason for Rodgers’ resignation and ultimately, the reason we sit 6 points behind Hearts in the league.
Whilst the biscuit tin buckles under the weight of cash stuffed inside, the quality of the team has been rapidly decimated in the past 12 months.
Calls and protests for the board to go are more than warranted and have only been delayed by previous successes.
Their incompetence has now come home to roost though.
Spending a vast amount of money this January will not put an end to it – only resignation will do that.
It will go some way to steering the club back on the path of success.
Fans want to see the club modernised.
To see recruitment being proactive as opposed to reactive.
The incompetence, nepotism and penny pinching has gone on for years.
If there is any hope to save this season, they have to act swiftly.
Failure will only heighten the angst of the support.
No links yet.
While other clubs seem to be identifying targets and putting the wheels in motion, there’s not been a peep with regards to potential signings.
This may be a premature criticism but it cannot be lost on anyone the amount of work needing done.
We’ve been conditioned to expect the worst and it would come as no surprise to hear, they’ve not picked up the phone yet.
In fact, at this crucial point, the last we heard was that Paul Tisdale was on holiday.
Key Takeaways
- Wilfried Nancy is starting to find his feet at Celtic after a challenging beginning, marked by his first win in five matches.
- The Celtic board, led by Paul Tisdale, has significant influence over Nancy’s recruitment decisions for the upcoming transfer window.
- Fans are concerned about the lack of action in the transfer market and the team’s recent performance, as they sit 6 points behind Hearts.
- Poor decisions in past transfer windows have contributed to the current turmoil and calls for the board’s resignation.
- Celtic must modernise its recruitment strategy to save the season and meet fan expectations.
A few last day signings my money is on
We all know how the January window works with Celtic. We hear nothing from the club, through media countless numbers of suggested targets, January ends, little or no business done with the club stating that the winter window is a tough one. This time I hope I’m wrong but not holding my breath!!
We’ll get linked with about 50 players and sign none of them , bring in another couple of punts and a 36 year old has been that played a couple of games for Man City when he was 17
One signing,probably a striker(a bang average one) and two deadline day loan deals is my prediction.They won’t change course,they don’t know how.They need gone.