Celtic Football Club has confirmed that the coaching team of Shaun Maloney, Mark Fotheringham, and Stephen McManus will continue to work alongside manager Martin O'Neill for the forthcoming season. This announcement follows O'Neill's permanent appointment as manager on 11 June, where the 74-year-old agreed to a one-year contract with an option for an additional year.
Maloney and McManus, both former Celtic players, stepped up from other roles within the club to assist O'Neill during his two interim periods in charge last season. They were joined by Mark Fotheringham, who previously managed Huddersfield Town, to form the core of the coaching staff. This continuity aims to build upon the success achieved in the previous campaign.
The confirmation of the backroom team comes after a period of change at Celtic Park. O'Neill initially took the reins as interim manager, replacing Brendan Rodgers, and then again after Wilfried Nancy's departure. His leadership proved instrumental, guiding Celtic to a commendable league and Scottish Cup double during his interim spell.
Coach Gavin Strachan recently departed the club to take up a new position at West Bromwich Albion, making the retention of Maloney, Fotheringham, and McManus a significant move for stability. O'Neill's first tenure at Celtic was between 2000 and 2005, a highly successful period for the club.
In a brief statement, Martin O'Neill expressed his satisfaction with the team's collective effort last season. He stated, "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." The focus now shifts to preparing for the new season with a settled coaching structure.