Celtic interim assistant Shaun Maloney has offered a clear indication of where he sees himself once this season draws to a close.
Maloney is no stranger to the dugout.
He spent three years assisting Roberto Martinez with Belgium before taking charge of Hibernian and later Wigan Athletic, but there is no rush from his side to jump back into management.
Instead, his focus remains fixed on seeing out the job he committed to when he returned to Celtic. He said (TCW):
“I gave Michael [Celtic chief executive Nicholson] and the board my word I would do the job this season and next, and I will stick to that.”
That commitment has shaped his thinking, even if recent events have pulled him back onto the training pitch and into matchday preparation.
“I wanted to take that time away from management. It hasn’t worked out that way with everything that has happened. But I have really enjoyed being back out on the grass with the players and being involved in games again.”
Maloney had initially moved into a different remit at the club, one that kept him away from the daily coaching environment.
“The role that I took, managing the exits and the loans, didn’t involve me being on the pitch. I was going to a lot of games, I was watching the younger players, I was visiting the players who are on loan at a more senior level.”
That work is still where he sees himself heading back to, regardless of how the current campaign finishes.
“But at the moment, the plan is just to go back to that role as soon as this season is finished. As I say, I gave my word that I wouldn’t go anywhere else for those two seasons, and I will stick to that. I am really enjoying being back at the club.”
There is no sense of urgency about what comes next beyond that.
“I don’t think the pro licence is relatable. I have already done Hibs and Wigan while I have been doing the pro licence. I will see what it looks like after the next 12 to 14 months. But I gave my word to Michael and the board that I would do it for two years. At the moment, I am okay. I am really enjoying working with Martin.”
Maloney’s stance brings at least a bit of clarity.
For now, his attention is on the immediate job. Celtic still have a league title to claw back and a Scottish Cup to secure.
After that, Maloney looks set to step away from the touchline again, even if his recent return has shown he is more than capable of operating there.
Whether that lasts is another matter entirely.
