Celtic icon Scott Brown has given a firm response to Jamie O’Hara after the former Premier League midfielder claimed that League One leaders Stockport County could win the Scottish Premiership — comments made in a Sky Sports clip that has since been deleted.
O’Hara, known for his outspoken punditry after a 15-year career with clubs including Tottenham and Wolves, appeared on Sky Sports News this week alongside Celtic podcaster Paul John Dykes. The pair were discussing potential candidates to replace Brendan Rodgers, with Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy emerging as a strong option.
Dykes praised Nancy as a modern, forward-thinking manager and highlighted Celtic’s enduring allure. But O’Hara pushed back, suggesting Celtic were not the major draw many claim.
“You’re saying it’s a massive club — it isn’t, and it’s shown,” O’Hara said, referencing managers who had reportedly declined interest.
The debate escalated when O’Hara cited Opta’s global league rankings, which placed the Scottish Premiership 39th in the world, two spots behind England’s League One. Using that metric, he boldly claimed:
“Stockport County would go and win the Scottish Premier League this season. They would win the league.”
The clip—posted on X—was later removed following widespread backlash from fans, though the full discussion remains available on YouTube.
Scott Brown Responds
Speaking on talkSPORT, former Celtic captain Scott Brown didn’t hold back:
“Tell Jamie to get back in his box, please.”
Brown said he had seen the viral clip and dismissed the idea that Stockport could win Scotland’s top flight.
“He’s probably not watched Scottish football in a long, long time,” Brown said, noting that many players from the English Premier League have struggled after moving to Celtic or Rangers.
Brown stressed that performing in Scotland’s high-pressure environment is entirely different:
“Until you’ve been in that environment, I don’t think you really understand what it’s about.”
While acknowledging O’Hara’s playing ability, Brown said the pundit should watch more Scottish football before making such claims.
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Wilfried Nancy List out the three (3) conditions that must be met before he can move to Glasgow as the new Celtic F.C. head coach
Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy has already signalled the type of transfer strategy Celtic can expect as talks continue over him becoming the next manager at Parkhead. Celtic confirmed that Martin O’Neill will stay on as interim head coach while the search for Brendan Rodgers’ permanent successor continues.
Nancy held initial discussions with the club hierarchy on Friday, with negotiations carrying on through the weekend. Celtic had hoped to finalise the appointment before Friday’s AGM, but O’Neill and Shaun Maloney are now expected to lead the team when Premiership fixtures resume against St Mirren.
The French coach has become Celtic’s top choice, following an approach by major shareholder Dermot Desmond, and sources suggest Nancy is already convinced by the prospect of moving to Glasgow. With the January window approaching, Celtic’s board is well aware of the principles that guide his recruitment.
Speaking previously on the New Ground podcast, Nancy explained:
“The most important thing is clarity of vision. After that, it’s about bringing in the right people who can help execute that vision. For me, everything starts with the player profile. Without the right profile, you can’t build anything.”
He highlighted three key attributes he demands in every signing:
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Effort – “Without effort, nothing is possible. I don’t want to waste time convincing players they must work hard.”
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Audacity – “Because of the way we play and the way I live life, being bold increases your chances of achieving something.”
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Intelligence – “My style of play involves nuance, so players need to be smart and able to grasp details.”
Despite Celtic still having to negotiate compensation with Columbus Crew, French outlet L’Équipe reports that Nancy’s enthusiasm for the job “remains unchanged,” and he is eager to take the step to Glasgow’s east end.
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