Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy’s first full training session at Lennoxtown offered more than an early look at his methods — it revealed key clues about the backroom team he intends to rely on.
Long-time coaches Gavin Strachan and Stevie Woods were heavily involved throughout the morning, appearing beside Nancy during drills and discussions. Their visible participation strongly indicates that both will remain part of the new coaching structure.
Nancy, who officially began his tenure this week, immediately set about preparing the squad for Sunday’s match against Hearts.
While much attention centred on his interactions with the players, the continued presence of Strachan and Woods was equally notable. Having each served under several previous managers, their involvement points to a level of continuity that should help ease the transition.
Strachan, first-team coach since 2020, was seen leading sections of the technical warm-up and holding tactical conversations with Nancy between exercises. His familiarity with the squad and awareness of Celtic’s daily routines appeared valuable, with Nancy regularly seeking his input during positional work.
After four years of change at the club, Strachan remains an experienced, steady figure.
Woods, Celtic’s goalkeeping coach since 2007, was similarly active. He worked closely with the keepers before joining the wider group when Nancy gathered the full squad.
Known for his calm, consistent approach, Woods has been a trusted presence across multiple eras, and today’s session reinforced expectations that he will stay closely involved.
The overall mood of the session was positive. Nancy moved between groups with a smile, observing, instructing, and building early relationships with players and staff.
The sight of Strachan and Woods working alongside him created a sense of collaboration and stability — important for a squad preparing for a major fixture with little time for disruption.
For Nancy, retaining staff with deep knowledge of the club offers a foundation rather than a reset. Strachan’s understanding of the team’s internal dynamics and Woods’ nearly two decades of experience provide crucial support as the new manager embeds his ideas.
The images from Lennoxtown, showing the trio together for the first time, hint at a backroom dynamic built on experience, clarity, and shared purpose. While Nancy will undoubtedly bring fresh ideas, keeping trusted coaches in place should help the team adjust quickly to his style.
Nancy will address the media at 1:30 p.m. for his first press conference, but the morning’s session already revealed plenty.
The early signs suggest a manager who values continuity where it counts, leaning on staff who know the club, the players, and the expectations that come with leading Celtic.
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