Celtic have finally confirmed that Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham will continue on Martin O’Neill’s backroom staff.
The club released a statement early on Friday, the first day of pre-season training for many Hoops players, after weeks of uncertainty over the futures of O’Neill’s two assistants.
Maloney and Fotheringham had reportedly been offered substantial pay cuts by the club, creating a major stumbling block which delayed negotiations.
They have finally confirmed their stay at the 11th hour.
Never in doubt… 😅 How relieved are we!?
Celtic on Martin O’Neill’s staff: ‘All have connections in the club’
The nameless statement said on the club website: “As the Double-winning Scottish Champions look ahead to the new campaign, 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.
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“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.
“We look forward to all members of the backroom team working again to deliver success for our fans.”
O’Neill added to the statement: “Everybody at the club played their part in our achievements last season and we now look ahead as again we strive together to bring our supporters more success.”
There is no mention of a replacement for Gavin Strachan yet — in fact, there isn’t even a commitment that the club intend to hire one.
Strachan ended a six-year association with the club last week, agreeing to move to a new role as an assistant at West Bromwich Albion.
Celtic’s first pre-season friendly will be against League of Ireland outfit Shelbourne on Tuesday, July 7th at Tolka Park in Dublin.
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Celtic can breathe a sigh of relief over Martin O’Neill’s backroom staff
Initially in the role of Player Pathways Manager, Maloney moved into the dugout following O’Neill’s sudden arrival, recruiting Fotheringham personally.
Along with the boss himself, both Maloney and Fotheringham’s names were heard from the stands as the support rallied behind two academy graduates living the dream as coaches.
O’Neill reportedly fought hard for his staff to stay. It’s very Celtic to have the manager fighting battles upstairs within days of being appointed.
A key difference between the two coaches was that Maloney is already contracted with the club for next season; his deal as Pathways Manager doesn’t expire until next summer.
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