One of Glen Whelan’s first interviews as Livingston manager unexpectedly turned into a glowing tribute to Celtic assistant Shaun Maloney.
Maloney rejoined Celtic this summer after helping Martin O’Neill win a league and Scottish Cup double, but it was Whelan’s words that really struck a chord.
As he took the Almondvale hotseat, Whelan couldn’t hold back his praise for Maloney as he gave a fascinating insight on what he is like behind the scenes.
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Celtic assistant Shaun Maloney earns glowing verdict from Glen Whelan
Whelan takes over at Livingston from Marvin Bartley but credited Maloney after working with him at Wigan.
Whelan told The Sunday Post, “Shaun was great for me, bringing me in. Obviously, with himself working with Roberto Martinez, coming out of Belgium, he had loads of great ideas.
“It was great just to have the conversations more so about how we see football. The Wigan experience, like anything, you take the best out of it and hopefully improve.
“The ending was not good, how it ended, but it’s football. It’s the industry that we’re in.
“For me, I played until I was late into my thirties, and now I’m on the coaching ladder.
“I’m looking to try and get as high as I can in this format. Now I need to come in and try and prove myself, first and foremost to the fans at Livingston and get a tune out of the boys.”
Whelan’s praise went beyond Maloney’s coaching ability. He highlighted the football conversations, fresh ideas and willingness to share knowledge that clearly left a lasting impression.
What Whelan’s comments say about Celtic’s coaching staff
Maloney returned to Celtic with a growing reputation after coaching under Roberto Martinez with Belgium and taking on managerial roles of his own.
That varied experience is exactly what Whelan pointed to when he spoke about the ideas and football conversations that left a lasting impression on him.
Supporters often judge coaches by what they see on a matchday, but much of their influence happens behind the scenes. Whelan’s comments suggest Maloney’s biggest strength is not only his tactical knowledge, but his ability to communicate those ideas and help those around him develop.
That will be music to the ears of Celtic supporters. They saw it for themselves last season.
If there was any doubt about the respect Maloney commands within coaching circles, Whelan’s first interview as Livingston manager has done plenty to answer it.
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