The Perfect Holiday Gift Gift Now

OUR CRITICS NEED TO STOP THE NUMBER CRUNCHING

Daily Record

|

December 26, 2025

Fretting over formations under new boss Nancy isn't an issue for in-form Nygren

- BY MICHAEL GANNON

THERE hasn't been this much confusion over numbers around Parkhead since the tombola broke down at the bingo hall at the Forge Market.

Wilfried Nancy's 3-4-3 has had some folk scratching their heads and at times over his first five games it's looked like the manager has pulled names out of the drum at random to play certain positions.

It's three at the back, but sometimes four, occasionally five, but more often than not it can be one. It's wide men, wing-backs, a midfield four or a front five.

Supporters and critics have got themselves worked up trying to figure it all out, but there's no such issues in the Celtic dressing room.

Benjamin Nygren finds it all a bit amusing. Or perhaps bemusing.

When it was put to him about playing in a 3-4-3, he raised his eyebrow like Roger Moore in his heyday.

He said: "I don't know if we played four..."

There was a big smile too. The big Swede doesn't think punters or anyone else would get their knickknacks in too much of a twist about what the formation might look like at any given time.

Because it's only a snapshot of a single moment.

Nancy has a vision of how he wants his team to play, as did Brendan Rodgers - and Martin O'Neill as well - and none of them were handcuffed to any rigid setup.

MEER VERHALEN VAN Daily Record

Daily Record

Daily Record

BED SORES

ALEXANDER SCHWOLOW admits Hearts' derby nightmare gave him sleepless nights.

time to read

3 mins

January 03, 2026

Daily Record

Daily Record

TWO FACE PUB 'HATE' ASSAULT CHARGES

Man treated in hospital

time to read

1 min

January 03, 2026

Daily Record

DUMB AND DUMBER

After 2025 saw both Old Firm clubs indulge in crazy periods of self-harming, today's first dust-up of the new year will give a clear indication of who will emerge as main threat to history-chasing Jambos

time to read

3 mins

January 03, 2026

Daily Record

Leaders Hearts don't have that big a gap in terms of quality

AS we welcome in another new year in Scottish football there's only one word to sum up this season - BONKERS.

time to read

3 mins

January 03, 2026

Daily Record

Daily Record

National Trust boost as seven species are found

THE discovery of seven rare species at National Trust for Scotland sites in 2025 shows its conservation efforts are working, the charity says.

time to read

1 min

January 03, 2026

Daily Record

Daily Record

RICKY ON HIS FRANTIC

RICKY Gervais turns 65 in June and could be forgiven for feeling exhausted with a workload that includes a new tour and animation series while also in the running for a Golden Globe.

time to read

4 mins

January 03, 2026

Daily Record

Daily Record

Ange disciple Robertson says Nancy needs time to get it right just like Aussie boss did

WHOEVER coined the phrase Angeball could take some convincing that Willyball may be just around the corner.

time to read

4 mins

January 03, 2026

Daily Record

Hot property Joe wings his way into mix at Dens

DUNDEE have snapped up winger Joe Bevan from Burnley on a deal until summer 2028.

time to read

1 min

January 03, 2026

Daily Record

BOOK CHARTS HIS 'LOST DECADES'

Author ALEXANDER LARMAN on star's resurrection

time to read

2 mins

January 03, 2026

Daily Record

GOODIE: JAK ON BACK BURNER

JIM GOODWIN insisted he is in no rush to strengthen his goalkeeping options after being linked with a move for Jak Alnwick.

time to read

1 min

January 03, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size