The Wilfried Nancy era is over. And what a disaster it turned out to be. Most fans had always been sceptical about his credentials to get a job of this magnitude. Just because you are successful in the MLS does not mean that you can do the same in Europe. On top of that, there are the unique expectations that come with the Celtic job. Not everybody can deal with the pressure of having to win pretty much every game. The Frenchman could not for sure.
Nancy lost six of his eight games in charge of Celtic. Fortunately, the board had seen enough after the loss to the Rangers and made the correct decision. Now, they must get his replacement right.
There is no room for taking any risks. Celtic cannot afford to make another error. Nancy's disastrous spell means that the advantage they had over the Rangers is completely gone already. He was on the losing end of the Scottish League Cup final as well. All things considered, the Frenchman will go down as the worst manager in the club's history.
Now, the big question is, who will be replacing him as Celtic boss? Martin O'Neill has emerged as the early favourite for the oddsmakers after Nancy's sacking. Shaun Maloney is right behind him in second.
Favourite named for Celtic job immediately after Wilfried Nancy sacking
If O'Neill returns, it is pretty likely that Maloney will be alongside him. The duo won seven out of their eight games in interim charge despite having a weak squad. The same one that could only win twice in eight tries under Nancy.
Under O'Neill, some performances were good, others were not. But the results were there. That is what matters most at a club like Celtic. Hopefully, Nancy will have learned that lesson. Turns out, he did have a lot to prove.
Bringing back O'Neill would be a safe choice. He has already shown he can get a tune out of this team. Trying for an Ange Postecoglou return would make sense as well, but the Australian will need the right players to make his system work. He is a proven success in Scottish football, and Celtic, though.
Hopefully, the squad will be strengthened significantly in January, no matter who ends up replacing Nancy. We need genuine quality brought in, not just numbers for the sake of making signings and looking busy in the transfer window.