Celtic Coaching Staff Update

Martin O’Neill’s return to Celtic has still not been officially confirmed, and fresh reports suggest there is work to be done behind the scenes before the club can move forward.

The Irishman is understood to have agreed a one-year deal, with the option of a further year, following talks with major shareholder Dermot Desmond last week.

An announcement had been expected this week, but supporters are still waiting for formal confirmation from the club.

According to Stephen McGowan, one of the sticking points remains the makeup of O’Neill’s backroom staff.

Celtic have yet to reach contractual agreements with coaches Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham, with the two parties reportedly still some distance apart in negotiations.

That presents an issue given the influence both men have had since arriving at the club.

Maloney and Fotheringham stepped in during a turbulent period following Brendan Rodgers’ departure and the subsequent dismissal of Wilfried Nancy.

What followed was a remarkable turnaround.

Working with the squad through a period of uncertainty, the coaching team helped guide Celtic to a league and Scottish Cup double last season, restoring stability when the club looked in danger of drifting.

Their contribution has not gone unnoticed among supporters, which makes the ongoing uncertainty surrounding their futures all the more significant.

O’Neill’s expected appointment comes against the backdrop of a difficult few weeks for the club.

The prospect of Robbie Keane taking the job sparked a fierce reaction from sections of the support after talks were held with the former Celtic loanee last week.

That backlash appears to have accelerated the move towards O’Neill, whose history with the club ensures he arrives with goodwill and a level of trust few candidates could command.

Even so, sentiment alone will not solve the challenges waiting for him.

Celtic are facing a major summer overhaul.

Several first-team players are expected to leave, recruitment plans are already underway, and decisions on incoming targets will ultimately require sign-off from the incoming permanent manager.

Before any of that can properly begin, however, there appears to be unfinished business behind the scenes.

With O’Neill’s appointment still awaiting official confirmation and negotiations continuing with key members of the coaching staff, Celtic’s preparations for a crucial summer remain on hold for now.