Celtic’s search for a permanent manager continues, but a fresh report suggests Shaun Maloney could remain a major part of the club’s plans no matter who gets the job.
The focus remains on Martin O’Neill and Robbie Keane, with both men reportedly due to hold talks with Dermot Desmond as Celtic look to settle the managerial situation ahead of next season.
O’Neill put himself firmly in contention after leading Celtic to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double. Keane remains another leading candidate as the club considers its next move.
Away from the manager discussion, there could also be changes behind the scenes.
According to SunSport, Celtic’s decision-makers have a lot of respect for the work done by Maloney and Mark Fotheringham during O’Neill’s time in charge.
The report claims Maloney is also being looked at for a potential head of football role as Celtic continue planning for the future.
That could prove to be one of the more interesting developments as the club shapes its football department for the years ahead.
Maloney returned to Celtic in a player pathway role but became increasingly involved with first-team matters as the season progressed.
Alongside Fotheringham, he helped support O’Neill during Celtic’s dramatic turnaround. The team won all five post-split league matches before lifting the Scottish Cup at Hampden.
That leaves several possibilities on the table as discussions continue this week.
While supporters wait to discover who will be in the dugout next season, the latest update suggests Celtic are also looking carefully at the structure around the manager.
Maloney’s future role may end up being one of the more important decisions made during the summer, particularly if the club sees him as part of its longer-term football plans.
would Stephen Glass deal with the transfer window?
Maloney’s a likeable person. He’s got good experience as player and coach.
Quiet persona in the media but I think everyone respects that he’s been a manager and has continued to remain in the game as a coach for Belgium. Dundee. Hibernian.
And the same goes for Fotheringham.
They can’t break up a winning philosophy again.
If Desmond appoints Keane to bring in his own men.
It’ll be the greatest act of self sabotage since their last very stable genious idea to hire Wifried Nancy.
They couldn’t even spell Nancy’s name right on the stock market,
Desmond get to fuck. O’Neill or all hell breaks loose.
The board don’t have a plan Michael,they’re wingin it like they always do.And drawing from the same small pool of irish or selick men.Promote Shaun Maloney,were shocked “said no one ever.