Shaun Maloney’s influence during Celtic’s league and Scottish Cup-winning campaign has come under fresh focus following a detailed report from TCW on his role behind the scenes.
Maloney is understood to have become one of O’Neill’s closest allies within the coaching set-up and played a major role in the day-to-day work at Lennoxtown.
The report claims principal shareholder Dermot Desmond discussed Maloney with O’Neill before his appointment, with the veteran manager happy to work alongside his former player.
Maloney’s contribution reportedly extended well beyond the training pitch.
One of the more interesting details centres on Callum Osmand. Maloney reportedly pushed for the young striker to be brought into the first-team environment shortly after O’Neill’s arrival. Osmand would go on to make an impact during the title run-in and eventually score on the final day of the season against Hearts.
Maloney’s role during matches is also highlighted, describing him as a constant presence on the touchline and a regular point of contact for captain Callum McGregor.
While O’Neill provided leadership and experience, Much of the tactical work was reportedly shared among Maloney and the wider coaching group, including Gavin Strachan, Stephen McManus and Mark Fotheringham.
Attention is now turning towards Maloney’s future.
The former Celtic winger is said to be considered for the club’s vacant Head of Football Operations position following Paul Tisdale’s departure earlier this year. The role would involve overseeing recruitment, player development and wider football operations.
Maloney reportedly does intend to remain at Celtic next season regardless of what happens with the managerial situation. Whether that is in an executive position or as part of the football department remains to be seen, but his standing within the club appears stronger than ever after Celtic’s double-winning campaign.
what we need now is who is going to be the new manager/ coach ” i would be happy to keep everything at present” providing this board get a ceo who understands how football club is run and works with the manager giving him full support bringing in players we require for way forward . And someone to stop this arguments with fans this has also not helped this season and dome fans need to understand we are football club and its a business to make money. But the club needs to bring the staidium up to a better standard as its very tired in many areas and needs to be redevelop starting with the old stand its in such a poor condition dont listen th the board we cant afford it we bring enough revenue to cover the expense required which can be spread over many years its a successful business we keep getting told the fans deserve the best so get a move on celtic fc.