Celtic faces leadership churn as Nancy tenure comes under scrutiny

Celtic is facing broad internal upheaval as it navigates leadership changes and a difficult spell under manager Wilfried Nancy. The club announced that chairman Peter Lawwell will stand down, with chief executive Michael Nicholson continuing in his role. The move comes during a period of public controversy and sustained fan scrutiny, raising questions about the club’s direction.

The drama intensified last week when Celtic were beaten by Dundee United, extending what some observers describe as the worst start to a league campaign for a Celtic boss in memory. Nancy’s side lost a fourth straight match, a run that has sharpened criticism of his leadership. In the immediate aftermath, Nancy faced questions in a post-match press conference, including remarks about his social media habits and his confidence in Scottish football, which critics said underscored a broader misfit between the manager and the club’s expectations.

The problems are not limited to the dugout. Dermot Desmond, a major shareholder, publicly criticized the club’s handling of Brendan Rodgers’ departure, calling it divisive, misleading and self-serving. His son, Ross Desmond, attended the AGM and delivered a combative speech that questioned fans' support for the board and suggested European ambitions depend on money. Observers say the club’s public communications have been chaotic and counterproductive.

Interviews with Martin O’Neill, who served as interim manager in the past, are cited by some as evidence that unity is essential. Nicholson, the CEO, has begun to speak publicly but largely through Celtic TV, a move critics say lacks substance. The head of football operations, Paul Tisdale, has remained largely out of the spotlight, creating a perceived vacuum around Nancy’s day-to-day support. The handover between Nancy and O’Neill lasted about 15 minutes, a detail that has fueled questions about how the club integrates governance and football operations.

Nancy’s status at the club is precarious, with supporters and pundits noting his tactical approach and media handling as areas needing improvement. If results do not improve soon, the club may face a decision about his future; in the meantime, calls for a more collaborative, transparent approach from the board persist, with supporters’ groups urging dialogue.

Industry observers say Celtic needs a reset: a unified plan from leadership, clearer communications, and stronger backing for the manager to realize its ambitions in domestic and European competition. Until a coherent strategy emerges, fans are left awaiting decisive action that can end the cycle of missteps that has defined Celtic’s recent narrative.