Will Wilfried Nancy become the new Celtic manager? Most had expected the appointment to have been made by now. Since it has not, it has led to rumours about talks collapsing. But according to most reliable outlets, that is not the case. Talks are still ongoing and the Frenchman remains the most likely candidate to be handed the vacant Parkhead post.
Of course, there is some uncertainty around his backroom staff as well. When Ange Postecoglou arrived, he worked with the team already in place. And there have been some suggestions that Nancy might be expected to do the same.
John Kennedy has left the club on the back of Brendan Rodgers' exit. But that does not mean that a new manager will be allowed to bring his entire coaching staff with him.
Interestingly, Shaun Maloney has been backed to join Nancy's coaching team, if or when the Frenchman does end up getting the job. As reported by Glasgow World, Frank McAvennie said while talking on his Let Me Be Frank podcast:
"Whoever comes in, back them. I’ll back them and give them a chance. First of all, you’ve got to thank Martin (O’Neill) and Shaun (Maloney). I think Shaun will be hanging about – and I might be wrong – but I think the backroom staff will be the (Nancy’s) backroom staff at this point."
Celtic hero tipped to join Wilfried Nancy's coaching staff
Keeping Maloney around could certainly be a smart move on the part of Celtic and would help Nancy as well. He came through the youth ranks of the club and had two successful spells there. So, there is no doubt that he knows what it takes at Parkhead.
On top of that, one has to give Maloney credit for how well the club have done in recent weeks. Of course, Martin O'Neill has gotten plaudits but he deserves a lot of it as well.
And finally, it might be a good step for Maloney in his managerial career as well. He has already had leading roles at Hibernian and Wigan, but this might be a chance to get things back on track for him.