Celtic Poach Key Derek McInnes Coach In Staff Raid

Celtic have added a fresh face to Martin O’Neill’s backroom team, with Ross Grant joining the Scottish champions from Hearts.

The club confirmed the move in a Sunday night statement, with Grant arriving as part of the ongoing reshaping of the football department at Lennoxtown.

Gavin Strachan left Celtic last week to join West Bromwich Albion, and while the club have not billed this as a straight like-for-like replacement, Grant’s remit certainly points towards a gap being filled.

Celtic confirmed that Grant will have “particular focus on set piece analysis and coaching,” an area Strachan had been heavily associated with during his time at the club.

Grant spent last season at Hearts, where Celtic described him as “a hugely important part of their coaching team.” Before that, he had four years at Dundee United and holds a UEFA A Licence.

There is also a personal edge to the appointment. Celtic noted that Grant is a lifelong supporter of the club.

Celtsarehere understands Derek McInnes made a play for Ross to join him at Ibrox this summer but he quickly chose Celtic after hearing they were keen to bring him in.

His work in set piece analysis, coaching and player development makes him a modern, specialist addition to O’Neill’s staff.

In the club’s statement, O’Neill said: “I am really pleased to welcome Ross to our backroom staff, I know he is a highly rated coach and look forward to working with him.”

The appointment should be welcomed. The coaching setup needed attention after a period of uncertainty, and bringing in a younger specialist with domestic experience is a positive step.

Set pieces have become a major part of the modern game. Margins are tighter, analysis is deeper, and clubs who treat dead-ball situations as an afterthought usually pay for it. Celtic have had spells where corners and free-kicks have looked undercooked, both for and against, so a dedicated voice in that area makes sense.

It is also another sign that O’Neill is being given some support behind the scenes after agreeing to continue in the role. Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham remain part of the setup, Stephen McManus is still involved, and now Grant comes in from Hearts.

But this cannot be the end of the summer work.

Celtic supporters will be pleased to see the backroom staff strengthened, especially after Strachan’s departure, but the bigger demand remains the same. O’Neill needs a squad capable of handling another title race and European football.

A new coach is welcome. A properly backed manager is essential.