Benni McCarthy to Miss Out on Dream Job as Surprise Name is Identified

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy might have expressed an interest to manage one of Scotland’s two biggest clubs but that dream will have to wait longer.

McCarthy last month spoke of how he would jump at an opportunity to manage either Celtic or Rangers and just days later, an opportunity arose at the former, when Brendan Rodgers resigned at the end of October.

Celtic put former manager Martin O’Neal and ex-player Shaun Maloney in temporary charge as they sought to find a permanent replacement and after a two-week search, they have settled on their preferred candidate.

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According to the Guardian, Frenchman Wilfried Nancy is poised to land the Celtic manager’s job after emerging as the surprise top contender from a list that included Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna and former Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane.

The outlet reports that Nancy was given permission by his current club Columbus Crew to speak to Celtic over the managerial position this weekend and talks have accelerated with the coach set to be unveiled before the Scottish champions’ league match against Jonah Ayunga’s St Mirren on November 22.

Nancy has emerged as the preferred candidate due to his profile as an emerging coach, who Celtic believe can progress within their system and accept transfer policies.

The former CF Montreal boss has impressed in the MLS with Columbus Crew, who he took to seventh place in the MLS Eastern Conference 2025 regular season, before they bowed out of the playoffs in the first round to Ohio rivals FC Cincinnati.

McCarthy is currently focused on his job with Harambee Stars but he will be keeping an eye on what is happening in Scotland for a possible opportunity in future as he already made it clear that he intends to return to club football after his stint with Kenya.