Wilfried Nancy opens up on surprise friendship with Russell Martin

An unexpected friendship has emerged between former Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy and ex-Ibrox manager Russell Martin following their disastrous spells in Glasgow.

Although the pair never crossed paths in the dugout at the same time, both endured miserable tenures on opposite sides of the Glasgow Derby divide during the same campaign.

Martin began the season in charge at Ibrox but was dismissed in October after he managed just one win in their opening eight league matches, alongside a series of damaging European defeats.

Nancy arrived at Celtic Park in December after Brendan Rodgers departed – with Martin O’Neill taking temporary charge. However, the Frenchman also struggled badly, losing the Premier Sports Cup final to St Mirren before being relieved of his duties after only eight matches.

The duo now hold the unwanted distinction of being the shortest-serving permanent managers in the histories of their respective former clubs.

Despite their difficult experiences, the two have since struck up a close relationship after Martin first reached out to Nancy.

Speaking on the Training Ground Guru podcast, Nancy praised the former Ibrox manager.

“I respect him, obviously as a person but also as a coach,” Nancy said.

“What he did with Southampton was amazing, especially when he was in the Premier League because I remember games that he played in a certain way.

“And yeah, he has a way to see football that I like. So we have also proximity regarding that I think.”

Conor Spence

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