Martin O’Neill Speaks Out On Celtic Backroom Plans

Martin O’Neill has referenced Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham while reflecting on some of the defining moments from his Celtic journey, raising fresh interest over the club’s coaching setup for next season.

The newly appointed Celtic manager revisited highlights from his original spell in charge, including the famous 6-2 victory over Rangers, a Treble-winning campaign, the memorable run to Seville and the UEFA Cup final against Porto.

O’Neill was officially confirmed as Celtic boss on a one-year contract, with the option of an additional season, after leading the Hoops to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double last term. However, despite his appointment being finalised, there is still no confirmation over whether Maloney and Fotheringham will remain part of his backroom staff.

That made one section of O’Neill’s recent interview particularly notable.

Speaking through the Celtic app, the 74-year-old admitted his return to the dugout more than two decades after his first spell still feels surreal.

“Coming back after 20-odd years, I never imagined this would happen,” O’Neill said. “It feels completely surreal to be back in the dugout at Celtic Park after all this time and to see Shaun and Mark Fotheringham, two players I coached.”

His mention of the pair is likely to attract attention given the ongoing speculation surrounding their futures.

Maloney and Fotheringham worked closely with O’Neill during the closing stages of last season, helping Celtic complete an impressive turnaround that resulted in league and Scottish Cup success.

While O’Neill has now been formally installed as manager, the futures of his assistants remain unresolved. Reports suggest negotiations over their roles have not progressed smoothly, with neither coach officially confirmed for the upcoming campaign.

The timing is important for Celtic as preparations intensify for a major summer rebuild and another season of Champions League football. O’Neill will be eager to gain clarity not only on transfer business but also on the staff supporting him behind the scenes.

Maloney continues to hold a broader position within the club, while Fotheringham returned to work alongside O’Neill during last season’s run-in, forming part of a coaching group that sparked a strong response from the squad.

Celtic may still settle the matter in the near future, but until the backroom team is officially announced, questions around O’Neill’s coaching staff are likely to remain.