Hibs set to be up against new manager bounce for Easter Road clash as rival's appointment timeline 'revealed'
Hibs’ SPFL Premiership rivals are set to appoint their new man ahead of the Leith fixture.
As the International break draws to a close, an exciting, fixture-congested festive period begins in the SPFL Premiership.
David Gray’s side currently sit third in the table 12 points behind Hearts and five adrift of Celtic, who have a game in hand on them. With fixtures against both sides of the Old Firm in their next six, as well as tough away trips to Motherwell and Dundee United, the next six weeks or so could be a season defining run of games for the Hibees.
After their showdown at Easter Road against Dundee which takes place this Saturday, Hibs’ next home game will be against The Hoops on November 30. Martin O’Neill and former Hibs boss, Shaun Maloney have took interim charge of the Glasgow side, winning three out of three domestic fixtures. However as Dermot Desmond and the Celtic board look for a permanent replacement for Brendan Rodgers, a new front runner has emerged for the Parkhead hot-seat.
Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy may be a relatively unknown figure this side of the Atlantic, however the Frenchman has had a stellar career in the MLS. As Celtic’s search for a new manager draws to a close, it now appears to be a matter of when, not if, the Frenchman is appointed.
Nancy to be on touchline for Easter Road clash
According to TEAMtalk: “Celtic are closing in on the appointment of Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy as Brendan Rodgers’ permanent successor, with the deal now at an advanced stage, and TEAMtalk sources have revealed the timeline for his arrival at Parkhead.
“Interim manager Martin O’Neill, assisted by Shaun Maloney, will remain in charge for this weekend’s Premiership trip to St Mirren. However, Celtic hope to have Nancy in the dugout as early as the following league match, away to Hibernian on 30 November.”
Between the St Mirren and Hibs fixtures Celtic travel to Rotterdam for their Europa League match against Feyenoord which O’Neill is expected to stay in the dugout for, but with the Hibs tie set to be Nancy’s first game, Maloney won’t be making his Leith return.
Wilfried who?
Natural comparisons have been made between Celtic’s new number one managerial contender and Ange Postecoglou, who also joined the side as a relative unknown, but managed to win five out of six trophies during his tenure. Just like when ‘Big Ange’ joined, Nancy has no previous experience managing in Europe.
Despite this, the 48-year old, attacking minded coach has had success stateside, winning two trophies in three seasons with Columbus Crew. The Frenchman also has individual accolades to his name, winning MLS Coach of the Year in 2024.
Despite the league dominance of the Hoops in recent years, Easter Road wasn’t always a happy hunting ground for Brendan Rodgers during both his Celtic spells therefore Hibs fans will be hoping this continues with the new man. In the reverse fixture, Hibs defended valiantly at Celtic Park to hold on for a goalless draw.