Broadcaster Ian Joy let rip about the crisis at Celtic and blames the board for throwing Nancy to the wolves
13:42, 04 Jan 2026Updated 19:47, 04 Jan 2026
Ian Joy erupted live on CBS Sports(Image: CBS Sports)
Celtic decision-makers are to blame for Wilfried Nancy‘s disastrous start – because they got the timing completely wrong over his appointment.
That’s the view of US TV pundit Ian Joy who instantly apologised for hogging the mic in an explosive rant about the crisis-hit Hoops.
Rangers‘ 3-1 win at Parkhead yesterday means it’s now six wins from eight games for the former Columbus Crew boss who finds himself under severe pressure. Not quite as much pressure as the board, granted, who were the target of furious protests outside Celtic Park after the painful derby defeat.
American pundit Joy has Scottish heritage and spent a time in the lower leagues as a player with Stirling Albion and Montrose – so he’s often brought in by CBS Sports for their coverage of Scottish football. He didn’t hold back when he was asked about the derby and the crisis facing Celtic, and was happy to blame everyone but Nancy himself.
He erupted: “In my personal opinion, the players are not good enough at Celtic right now. Of course I understand that when Martin O’Neill came in, he won seven of the eight games and everything looked like it was rosey and perfect once again.
“The question would be who made the decision to give Wilfried Nancy the opportunity when you’ve won seven out of eight under O’Neill and Shaun Maloney?
“They had a great group going there with Mark Fotheringham as well. Who made the decision to give Wilfried Nancy (that run of games)? Hearts, top of the table clash in your first game. Roma, European clash at home in your second game. And a cup final!
“Why wouldn’t you wait to give this guy a bit of time to work with his team? He clearly wanted to change the tactics, and the players are clearly not up to the standards that he wants to play.
“I think executives hold responsibility for this, and I think Wilfried Nancy will be given time here, I really do believe that. But I don’t want to take anything away from Rangers, and I have to shout out to Danny Rohl and what he’s done.
“Sorry, I’m taking the microphone here. Since Rohl took charge, they’ve won the most points in the Scottish Premiership with 29 – eight more than Celtic have managed in that time. And we’re talking about Celtic right now?! Well done to Rangers.
“That’s a massive win, and obviously the winners of all of this are Heart of Midlothian. Top of the table, point gap increased, they look like they’re bloody good man.”
Despite the severe pressure he’s facing, Nancy looks likely to be in the dugout at Parkhead on Saturday when the Hoops face Dundee United. The club have allowed him to press ahead with recruitment plans with Julian Araujo, who made his debut off the bench yesterday, expected to be the first of many signings this month.