Report: Ex-Celtic man Shaun Maloney could be set for quick-fire return to Scottish football

By David Walton

May 24, 2022

Former Celtic winger Shaun Maloney is being considered for a swift return to Scottish football with Dundee, according to the Courier.

Maloney is out of work after being sacked by Hibernian last month – a role in which he was only given 4 months before being dismissed.

The Courier, however, has claimed that Shaun is keen to get back into management quickly. In addition to that, it’s said that he’s on a shortlist of candidates at Dens Park that’s now been narrowed down to 2.

Jack Ross is the other name reportedly on the list. He’s also said to have held talks with technical director Gordon Strachan and owner John Nelms.

Maloney of course was signed by Strachan at Celtic when he returned for a second spell at the club in 2008. The former Scotland international also played under Strachan during his Scotland days too.

Maloney stated after his Hibs sacking that he believed the team was making progress [Edinburgh Evening News]. He departed Easter Road with a record of 8 wins, 7 draws, and 9 defeats in 24 games in charge.

Shaun Maloney ready to return to Scottish football

Maloney was given one transfer window with Hibs before being shown the door. After failing to make the top 6 and losing to Hearts in the Scottish Cup final, it’s clear the board acted in a panic ahead of season-ticket renewal time.

However, the truth is that Shaun simply can’t be judged on his Hibernian spell alone. Let’s not forget we’re talking about a top-class coach who was highly thought of amongst the Belgian national team ranks. He operated under Roberto Martinez with the Red Devils and was happy to step out of his comfort zone to become a number one.

It’s not as if Hibs owner Ron Gordon has exactly impressed with some of his own decision-making since taking over the Edinburgh club. Maloney still deserved another transfer window and an opportunity to put his own stamp on things. That he wasn’t given that came across as extremely harsh even if things hadn’t gone to plan early on.

The whole affair has certainly affected Maloney’s stock in any case. A drop down to the Championship now has to be considered by the ex-Celtic man. Dundee will expect to come straight back up next season, and a rebuild will certainly be necessary there given the evolution of their squad.

So the role would give Maloney an opportunity to get a promotion on his CV whilst being able to implement a blueprint at the football club. You get the sense Shaun needs a project that he’ll be given time to deliver in. Whether that job comes at Dens Park remains to be seen.

You would expect some swift progress on this ahead of the summer transfer window.

In other news, Callum McGregor and Jack Grealish throwback emerges after Celtic and Man City success