Sawt Falasteen - Celtic appoint Wilfried Nancy as new manager

Nancy, 48, moves to Glasgow from American side Columbus Crew, where he won the MLS Cup and Leagues Cup during his three years in charge.

However, he has never coached in Europe with his only previous senior managerial role also at MLS side CF Montreal.

Brendan Rodgers departed the club in October after an acrimonious fall-out with the club's board over investment in the playing squad.

But interim boss Martin O'Neill has steadied the ship at Celtic Park with six wins in seven matches in all competitions.

"Celtic is one of the world's proper football clubs, real atmosphere and heart and soul, real high standards and real demands, which I am ready for," Nancy said in a club statement.

"I know the history, I know the values of Celtic and I know what is expected of me on this journey. I know what Celtic means to so many people and my number one aim will be simple - to give our fans a strong, exciting, attacking, winning football team they can be so proud of."

Nancy faces a baptism of fire with a top-of-the-table clash against Hearts at Celtic Park on Sunday, followed by a Europa League visit from Roma and the Scottish League Cup final against St. Mirren on December 14.

However, he arrives with the Hoops in a far better position on all fronts thanks to the results achieved by O'Neill and his assistant Shaun Maloney in recent weeks.

"I want to thank the great Martin O'Neill and Shaun Maloney for all they have done in recent weeks with the team. The job they have done has been fantastic," added Nancy.

"Now it's up to me to carry on this great work and carry our great club forward and I can't wait to get going and become part of such a brilliant institution."

X.AbuJaber--SF-PST