Martin O’Neill may finally have his own future resolved, but uncertainty continues to surround the makeup of his coaching staff ahead of the new season.
While attention has understandably focused on Celtic’s transfer plans, work is also ongoing behind the scenes regarding the make-up of O’Neill’s backroom team.
The situation involving Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham remains unresolved.
Both men played significant roles in helping O’Neill guide Celtic to an unlikely league and cup double after stepping into the dugout during two separate spells last season.
Their contributions have been repeatedly acknowledged by O’Neill, who publicly praised the work of his coaching staff throughout the title run-in.
However, their futures remain unclear.
Reports have suggested that key members of the coaching team were offered terms worth significantly less than they earned during last season’s successful campaign.
The development has raised eyebrows among supporters, particularly given the stability Maloney and Fotheringham helped bring during one of the most turbulent seasons in recent memory.
Maloney, who remains employed by Celtic in his Player Pathway Manager role, is now scheduled to hold further discussions with principal shareholder Dermot Desmond this week.
Those talks could prove crucial in determining whether he remains part of O’Neill’s coaching setup going forward.
Fotheringham’s future is also unresolved despite receiving widespread praise from players and former professionals throughout the campaign – Stephen McGowan, who reported the Maloney news, did not mention if Fozzy was due for discussions.
Former Celtic striker Tony Watt recently described him as a “very, very good coach” and revealed he had heard through football circles that the players “love him.”
With pre-season now rapidly approaching, clarity will be needed sooner rather than later.
The manager may be confirmed, but the question of who will be standing beside him in the dugout remains unanswered.
I’ll be surprised if MON doesn’t walk if Sean and Fozzy aren’t treated with the respect and wages they deserve for helping pull off the double and save Celtics season 😳
why is O’Neil not sorting this farce it should be very stright forward he should be very vocal wanting his coaching team with him.
Exactly Peter.
MON should have insisted that the backroom team stay with him and that he is supplied with the required transfer kitty to strengthen the team for next season.
Beginning to look as if MON didnt want to rock the boat with his mate, DD and is grateful for the job.
He was in an incredibly strong position after his amazing double win last season, the club would have been desperate to hire him, but has wasted it, and imo, has badly let down Maloney & Fotheringham.
Did MON even insist on a big transfer budget?
Worrying to say the least
maybe it is sorted and hacks are in a huff nothing coming out of Celtic park
I think I’m far more inclined to think like you than panic like everyone else does!