With immediate effect.
In case of emergency.
Wilfried Nancy’s management of Celtic was terminated “With immediate effect.” That’s one of those things people say that could probably be assumed. It just sounds right. Like a “convenience store”. I would hardly be looking for an inconvenience store, would I?
What we are hoping for, is immediate effect from Martin O’Neill. Something like the upturn witnessed last time he stepped into the interim position, would be the perfect antidote to the toxic malaise, engulfing Celtic this season.
There’s an intangible quality that top managers have. Not coaches but managers. A certain trait that can’t be measured by a metric; can’t be referenced by a quick check of Fotmob.
An assuredness that sets others at ease or cultivates belief, when faced with challenge.
Wilfried Nancy didn’t get a lot right during his 33-day tenure. He spoke like he knew where he was, but he never gave the impression, he grasped what it was.
It wasn’t just a promotion on the other side of the pond. It was another planet entirely and the tracksuit never sat quite right.
The noise was too much from the get-go.
What Nancy never managed – or never had time to work out – was how to let a bit of air out of the tyres or how to mute, the rabid fervour that surrounds Celtic 24 hours a day.
Compelling characters for different reasons but Rodgers, Ange and O’Neill all got to grips with this sharpish. Able to put their foot on the throat of the frenzy, just before it got away from them.
Whether it’s the cult of personality – it’s probably trophies – or not, some are able to command respect. Some can hold court, even when faced with a sceptical jury of 60,000 fans.
Rodgers at times, rubbed the fans the wrong way but he had earned the right. When faced with groans from the stands last season, he critiqued the lack of patience amongst the support. Pointing to a trophy haul and a goals for tally, with the temerity of Russell Crowe bellowing “Are you not entertained?”
A front foot approach but he like others knew that vulnerability here is weaponised. Quite gleefully as well.
Ange stared the media bloodhounds down, stupefying them into obedience. Calling them mate, when it meant they were anything but. His inability to suffer fools, was worked out quickly. The bloodhounds became lapdogs thereafter.
O’Neill’s paternal approach is a bit of a rouse. The arm round the shoulder can quickly become a headlock if necessary. Not surprising considering who he learned from and the generation, from which he evolved.
“I’m still reasonably aggressive, you know, I’d be far more aggressive in earlier days, so, maybe there was less to be aggressive about, because we were winning.”
His respect is earned, commanded and calcified by his achievements. And his longevity.
His first challenge comes tomorrow in the form of Dundee United. Usually this wouldn’t appear to be too demanding but, on this occasion, it would be foolish to expect a perfunctory 3 points. There’s a lot of confusion to be undone before progress can be made. Confidence is key and a win is necessary, for the players to get back on their feet.
“We’ve got a battle on our hands. It’s going to be difficult. I think, no bones about it, there are fewer games to play now than before.”
O’Neill alluded to the unspoken truth that regardless of style, you will ultimately be judged on results.
“I think if you ever needed proof of anything, we’re in the results business, you have to win some football matches.”
This is it, in a nutshell. No one can celebrate a philosophy as a success, if it is not consolidated or gilded by silverware.
The asinine culture war that surrounded debate over Nancy’s style are now redundant. It did not work and therefor the anti-intellectualism evident in Scottish football has prevailed. Somethings are different for a reason and arguing otherwise is pointless. The Titanic looked very seaworthy until it didn’t.
Some view O’Neill’s tactics as rudimentary and view Nancy’s as some sort of post-modern modernism in comparison. There is more than one way to skin a cat but there’s also the most effective way. We know which is which.
Did Nancy’s football look that good? I’m not so sure. If it did it was in a broken clock sense, blink and you miss it type effectiveness.
Despite the unmitigated disaster – miraculously - all is not lost, and you suspect this is the carrot that enticed O’Neill back into the tracksuit. The opportunity to enhance his legacy beyond the already deity like, spiritual leader status he enjoys, must be too good to turn your back on.
A domestic double is still a possibility. It may not have been in the realm of possibility six months ago but the League trophy being held aloft by the man who - in many ways – instigated Celtic’s contemporary dominance, is something we would all love to see.
O’Neill has a plan drenched in logic and experience.
“I don’t expect to make too many changes. It’s the same in any dressing room; the players are the most important people because they do the winning of the football matches. Show them a little bit of guidance.”