Scottish Premiership sack race: Next manager to face axe after Wilfried Nancy becomes clear after outburst

Scottish Premiership Sack Race: Next Manager to Face Axe After Wilfried Nancy Becomes Clear After Outburst

Wilfried Nancy's turbulent tenure at Celtic ended abruptly on January 5, 2026, after just 33 days and six losses in eight games, marking him as the last Scottish Premiership manager sacked.[1][2][4] The Frenchman, who left Columbus Crew in MLS for Celtic on December 3, faced immediate pressure, losing his first four matches—including a shocking Scottish League Cup final defeat—before brief wins were overshadowed by losses at Motherwell and a humiliating 3-1 home Old Firm derby defeat to rivals Rangers on Saturday.[1][2]

Celtic, dominant with 13 titles in the last 14 years, conceded two or more goals in seven of Nancy's eight games, leaving them level on points with Rangers but six behind surprise leaders Hearts, who aim to end Old Firm dominance unseen since Aberdeen in 1985.[1][2][6] Fan frustration boiled over: post-Rangers jeers, protests outside the stadium, and board assaults after the League Cup final prompted chairman Peter Lawwell's resignation.[1]

Prior to his sacking, Nancy delivered a passionate seven-minute rant on January 2, defending his start after five defeats in seven, acknowledging the win-or-bust culture at Celtic, and urging unity amid criticism of his tactics board use on debut.[3][5] He insisted, "I knew if I don't win games I'm in trouble... but I'm ready for that," while highlighting "good things" despite frustrations.[1][3]

The article identifies Hearts manager as next in the sack race, given their precarious six-point lead amid Celtic and Rangers' pursuit, plus Celtic's looming Europa League ties against Bologna and Utrecht, and a January 25 clash at Hearts that could prove decisive.[2][4][6] With Paul Tisdale also departing as head of football operations and no successor named, Celtic face eight games in 24 days, intensifying scrutiny on other managers in this turbulent season.[2]

Nancy's MLS "stench" drew backlash, but poor results sealed his fate, raising doubts for future transatlantic hires.[6] (298 words)