Strasbourg's search narrows to former Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy

Wilfried Nancy is poised to become the next head coach of RC Strasbourg Alsace, with the French club targeting his appointment before the start of pre‑season on 8 July. The vacancy follows Gary O’Neil’s surprise departure to newly‑promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town.

Gary O’Neil, the Englishman who arrived at Strasbourg in January, had replaced Liam Rosenior after the latter left to join Chelsea. O’Neil’s tenure lasted only a few months before he left last month for Ipswich Town.

Strasbourg’s hierarchy is under pressure to name a successor before the squad reconvenes for pre‑season on 8 July, leaving Le Racing pushed for time. The club aims to stabilise the squad ahead of the upcoming Ligue 1 campaign.

Wilfried Nancy has not held a managerial post since his departure from Celtic in January, ending a brief eight‑game spell at the Scottish giants after a successful period with Columbus Crew. His time at Celtic followed a tenure in Major League Soccer with the Crew.

“Now, I want to come to Ligue 1, if there is an opportunity. I am not the one who decides, but I am ready,” Nancy told in May, expressing his willingness to return to French top‑flight football. The statement underscored his ambition to manage in Ligue 1.

According to a report from Onze Mondial, Nancy is the frontrunner to replace the former AFC Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers manager at the Meinau. His French nationality aligns with the club’s desire to appoint a domestic coach.

If Strasbourg confirm Nancy’s appointment, it would mark his first managerial role since leaving Celtic and a swift return to European club football. The decision could shape the club’s preparation for the new season.