Odds Slashed: Ex-Celtic Player New Favourite to Replace Wilfried Nancy in Surprise Twist

Football Insider247 reports a dramatic shift in the betting markets for the Columbus Crew managerial vacancy left by Wilfried Nancy's departure. In a stunning development, odds have been slashed on former Celtic player Shaun Maloney, positioning him as the new frontrunner to take over at the MLS powerhouse.

Nancy's exit has sparked intense speculation, with bookmakers initially favoring high-profile names from Europe and MLS circles. However, Maloney—a one-time Celtic midfielder who made 83 appearances for the Hoops between 2000 and 2004—has surged ahead. His odds plummeted from 12/1 to 2/1 in a matter of hours, overtaking previous favorites like Caretaker boss Etienne Barbara (now 5/1) and Becky Sauerbrunn (7/1).

Maloney's rapid rise stems from his impressive managerial pedigree. After stints at Hibernian, Wigan Athletic (where he won League One in 2022), and a national team role with Belgium's U21s, he brings a blend of attacking flair and tactical nous. Insiders highlight his Celtic connections, including admiration from fans and pundits for his Hoops tenure under Martin O'Neill. "Maloney's passion for progressive football aligns perfectly with Nancy's legacy," one source noted.

The twist adds intrigue, as Celtic supporters have long eyed Maloney for Parkhead. A 67 Hail Hail poll revealed him among top fan picks for Celtic's own managerial targets, alongside Kjetil Knutsen and a Martin O'Neill return[1]. Yet, Columbus appears poised to snag him first, with odds compilers citing "significant backing" from Crew hierarchy.

Other contenders include Robin Fraser (8/1) and John Heitinga (10/1), but Maloney's ex-Celtic status has fueled the hype. Crew president Tim Bezbatchenko seeks a seamless transition, and Maloney's odds reflect growing confidence in his appointment. As negotiations heat up, this surprise favoritism underscores the unpredictable nature of modern soccer hires.

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