Mark Fotheringham Hails “Real Privilege” of Working Under Martin O’Neill

Mark Fotheringham has now left Celtic following the end of Martin O’Neill’s interim spell, with Shaun Maloney returning to his Player Development Manager role at the club.

1 of 4

Fotheringham, a highly respected coach, answered the call at short notice when O’Neill was parachuted in to steady the club during a turbulent spell.

But to work with Martin O’Neill was a “privilege” and something he jumped at.

Celtic placed their thanks to the interim team on record, with Michael Nicholson’s part of the statement reading:

“I also want to thank Martin, Shaun, Mark Fotheringham and Stephen McManus for all they have done in recent weeks. They have shown such high levels of professionalism and commitment in supporting the club in a difficult moment and we will forever be grateful to them for the fantastic contributions they have all made.”

Together with O’Neill and Maloney, Fozzy helped oversee a remarkable turnaround, taking Celtic from eight points behind Hearts to level with them, delivering a 100% league record, and securing a landmark European victory away to Feyenoord, Celtic’s biggest away win on the continent since O’Neill’s first spell in 2003.

Speaking about how quickly the temporary staff had to mobilise, Fotheringham admitted the trio’s shared connection to Celtic was vital.

He said: [Word Football Index]

“It helped enormously. We spoke a lot about our connection to the club and our desire to see Celtic succeed. The club has enjoyed so much success, and we felt only small adjustments were required.

“Shaun and I are young coaches who have stepped outside the Celtic environment to work under high-profile managers. We wanted to test ourselves, learn, and gather valuable experience.

“We have both managed in the English Championship, which is one of the toughest leagues in Europe, at clubs that were struggling. We proved we could adapt, stabilise a team, and work under intense pressure.

“Working alongside the gaffer is something we would have accepted instantly. Our respect for him is enormous. His record speaks for itself. To stand beside him at Celtic is a real privilege.

“The staff at the club have also been outstanding. Christine in the office, Stevie Wright and Hughie in the kit room, the dinner ladies, and so many others have been incredibly supportive. They work hard, they care about the club, and they make life easy for anyone coming in. They are a credit to Celtic.”

Fotheringham now moves on with his stock enhanced, while Maloney resumes his long-term role within Celtic’s development structure as the Wilfried Nancy era begins.

Nancy has brought his own backroom staff with him, but will look to add a coach familiar to the Scottish game to his team.

Assistant coach Kwame Ampadu, assistant and fitness coach Jules Gueguen and video performance coach Maxime Chalier have all made the move to Glasgow with Nancy.