The big issue with the cancellation of the AGM is that Celtic fans still have more questions than answers regarding the managerial situation.
At the start of the week, amid all the noise around Wilfried Nancy, Celtic announced that Martin O’Neill will be in charge for the St Mirren match on Saturday evening.
From some quarters of the media, Nancy will become Celtic’s next manager, but from other sections, contact hasn’t even been made with Columbus Crew.
All in all, Celtic’s managerial hunt has left James McFadden baffled.
Columbus Crew General Manager on Wilfried Nancy to Celtic
I was told that there was a report that said we gave permission to Celtic but in order to get permission, you have to ask. We haven’t had anything from that particular club.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesJames McFadden on Celtic’s managerial situation
Following Celtic’s statement this week that O’Neill will remain in charge, McFadden admitted that he finds it ‘strange’ the new manager isn’t being announced, if they have indeed got who they want.
The former Scotland international stated that what he’s hearing from Celtic is odd, but ‘not surprising’ as the search for Brendan Rodgers’ successor goes on.
“There was talk when the shortlist was made up that it was going to maybe be a December appointment,” said McFadden.
“It is weird. It happens at the start. All the betting goes on, and everybody talks about it. Not really heard much about it.
“Did they (Celtic) even announce they (O’Neill and Maloney) were staying on? (when Celtic released their statement before the St Mirren game).
“It’s not really surprising, but it is strange if you have got who you want. If you know who you want, even to announce, ‘this is who it is. This is why they are still in charge.’ It is a wee bit strange.
“Even the preparation. I know they will still be training them. But when do Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney know? When do they find out? It’s a strange situation. But I am not really that surprised.”
McFadden feels Celtic need to inform fans of current plans
This is a very busy period for Celtic, with no midweek break from now until the end of December.
What makes matters worse is Celtic’s injury situation, as McFadden feels there needs to be more clarity, especially with the January transfer window around the corner.
Poll: Which position do Celtic need to strengthen in the 2026 January transfer window?
“It’s not a rush to get them in,” stated McFadden. “But if you have identified who it is. You are speaking to them. Then the announcement needs to come.
“If you need to wait until January for that manager to start. Then say, ‘he starts on January. This is the interim team. They will be in charge until then, and what will happen behind the scenes to identify players.’”