Martin O’Neill has namechecked Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham while revisiting some of his most historic matches and unforgettable moments at Celtic.
The newly confirmed Celtic manager looked back on iconic chapters from his first spell at the club, including the famous 6-2 win over Rangers, the Treble-winning season, the road to Seville and the UEFA Cup final against Porto.
But as the video moved towards his recent return to the Celtic dugout, one line stood out.
O’Neill was officially confirmed as Celtic manager on a one-year deal, with the option of a further year, after guiding the Hoops to a league and Scottish Cup double last season.
That makes O’Neill’s latest comments particularly interesting.
Speaking in the Celtic app interview, O’Neill admitted it felt surreal to be back at Celtic Park more than 20 years on.
He said: “Coming back after 20-odd years, whatever the case may be, I never thought this would ever happen. Totally and utterly surreal.
“And to be back in the dugout at Celtic Park after all those years. To see Shaun and Mark Fotheringham, two lads that I coached.”
That line will naturally stand out given the current speculation.
Both Maloney and Fotheringham worked alongside O’Neill during the final stages of last season as Celtic turned the campaign around in remarkable fashion.
The Hoops finished strongly, winning the league before lifting the Scottish Cup, with O’Neill repeatedly stressing the importance of the players and staff in helping deliver that success.
But while the manager has now been confirmed, the same cannot yet be said for two key members of that set-up.
Reports have suggested talks over their futures have not been straightforward, with both men yet to be officially announced as part of O’Neill’s staff for the new campaign.
From a Celtic perspective, the timing matters.
The club are heading into a crucial summer, with transfer business required and Champions League football once again looming large. O’Neill will want clarity quickly, not just on the players coming in, but on the coaching team around him.
O’Neill’s reference to both men highlights the relationship already there.
Celtic may still resolve the situation in the coming days, and supporters will hope that is the case.
But until the backroom team is confirmed, one obvious question remains.
O’Neill is back. Will Maloney and Fotheringham be standing beside him?
Desmond and his cabal are absolutely ruthless and make Mike Ashley look like a benevolent kind and thoughtful person . Corporate greed and austerity fc will spend as little as possible and keep as much money in the bank as possible stop giving them your money or you are complicit
Spot on Che, that’s his point Terry.
And how do you propose we all get into Celtic Park to see the Bhoys without paying, Einstein?
Change the record FFS.