West Bromwich Albion are reportedly eyeing a move to hire Celtic coach Gavin Strachan.
Strachan has been on the Parkhead staff for six years since replacing Damien Duff in the role of first team coach.
In that time, he has worked under five different managers and won 12 trophies. The son of ex-Hoops boss Gordon Strachan, he was born in Aberdeen but spent his playing career in England.
In a surprise move, he could now depart the club for the EFL Championship, with a potential move to the dugout at The Hawthorns on the horizon.
Another Celtic backroom staff member linked away…
West Brom eye Celtic coach Gavin Strachan
According to Celtic Shorts, West Brom are eyeing Strachan as part of their backroom staff for new manager James Morrison.
Celtic value Strachan and won’t part ways easily.
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It’s an interestingly timed update given that we are also in a moment of uncertainty for Parkhead assistants Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham.
Despite Martin O’Neill being confirmed as the club’s new permanent manager, his two trusted assistants are reportedly in a stand-off with the club after being offered a non-negotiable pay cut.
O’Neill is described as “alarmed” and likely to “fight hard” with the club to reconsider their hardball stance.
A key difference between the two coaches is that Maloney is already contracted with the club for next season; his deal as Player Pathways Manager doesn’t expire until next summer.
This reportedly makes Fotheringham more likely to leave. Convinced to return last autumn, he now has interest from several clubs, including Borussia Monchengladbach.
Proficient in German, Fotheringham has already worked as an assistant for several clubs in the Bundesliga, as well as the EFL.
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Chris Sutton on Celtic’s backroom staff
On the ongoing backroom staff situation, Chris Sutton wrote in the Daily Record: “There’s also been a lot of discussion over O’Neill’s backroom team, with Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham still to agree deals to stay.
“I don’t think it’s quite as straightforward as some think though. There are a few things to be taken into consideration from all parties.
“I’m sure Martin would like to keep his staff together but we don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes when it comes to contracts and so on.
“It might come down to him wanting to force that one over the line but you don’t know people’s personal circumstances.”
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