Celtic have officially confirmed Martin O’Neill’s backroom staff ahead of the start of pre-season.
After weeks of speculation and lengthy negotiations surrounding the futures of Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham, the club has now announced that both coaches will remain at Parkhead for the new campaign.
Former Celtic captain Stephen McManus will also continue in his coaching role.
In a statement released on Friday morning, Celtic said:
“We are pleased to confirm members of the club’s backroom team, with Shaun Maloney, Mark Fotheringham and former Hoops captain, Stephen McManus continuing to work with Celtic manager Martin O’Neill and the other staff within our coaching set up.
“All have well established connections with the club and together with the other members of our backroom team, each played their part in delivering a historic League and Cup double in the 2025/26 season as the two trophies were delivered in a memorable last two weekends of the campaign.”
Football backroom staff confirmed ☑️
More on the club website ⤵️#CelticFC🍀
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) June 26, 2026
The announcement finally brings an end to one of the longest-running sagas of Celtic’s summer.
Maloney and Fotheringham’s futures had been the subject of intense speculation after reports emerged that both had initially been offered significantly reduced terms to remain at the club.
Negotiations continued for several weeks before reports suggested agreements had been reached, although outstanding formalities delayed any official confirmation.
With players returning to Lennoxtown for the first day of pre-season, Celtic have now provided Martin O’Neill with the coaching team he wanted.
The confirmation also comes shortly after Gavin Strachan’s departure to West Bromwich Albion was officially announced, ensuring there is finally clarity over the structure of the first-team coaching staff.
For supporters, it is one major question answered.
Attention will now inevitably turn to the transfer market.
With pre-season under way and the Champions League play-off approaching, Celtic supporters will hope this announcement is followed quickly by movement on new signings as Martin O’Neill prepares for the defence of the Premiership title.
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