Shaun Maloney Opens Door to Celtic Future After Revealing Change of Plans

Shaun Maloney has refused to rule out remaining at Celtic beyond the end of the season after revealing how Brendan Rodgers’ departure changed his role at Parkhead.

The former Celtic midfielder was working as the club’s player pathway manager when Martin O’Neill returned to the dugout on an interim basis in October 2025.

Maloney subsequently joined O’Neill’s coaching staff as his assistant before making the position permanent during the summer.

With questions continuing to surround Celtic’s long-term managerial plans, Maloney has now admitted that he will assess his future when the current campaign comes to an end.

Maloney reveals original Celtic plan

Before joining O’Neill’s backroom team, Maloney had intended to spend a couple of seasons working with Celtic’s loan players and youngsters before returning to coaching and management.

Speaking to the Daily Record, he explained how much he had enjoyed his previous position and the unexpected circumstances that led to his change of role.

“My own plan was, for family reasons, I came in as head of loans which I did not expect to love as much as I did,” Maloney said.

“You get very invested in the players trying to break through or out on loan.

“The idea was to spend a couple of seasons and try and help what I could here and then eventually go back in as coach and manager. That changed in October when obviously things were tough here.”

His comments suggest that the opportunity to work alongside O’Neill was not part of his original plans, with the club’s circumstances prompting a significant change in direction.

Shaun Maloney delays decision on Celtic future

Maloney has made it clear that his immediate priority is helping Celtic achieve success this season rather than making decisions about his longer-term future.

His current agreement, alongside O’Neill and Mark Fotheringham, runs until the end of the campaign, leaving the possibility of further changes open.

“I will figure all that out at the end of the season,” he added.

“Myself, the boss and Mark (Fotheringham) are all signed for this year.

“Let’s see what the season has in store. Two weeks ago it was a really different period.

“We have to keep our heads down and try to keep winning. It’s an amazing experience this club.

“Obviously I played here and we had an amazing experience last year.”

Maloney also reflected on the pressure that comes with working at Celtic, particularly during the difficult spell when the club suffered three consecutive defeats.

“To work here and feel the magnitude of three defeats in a week, to go through that and deal with it there are not many clubs that have that much scrutiny and intensity on staff,” he said.

“It has been some experience so far. We have a big battle domestically.

“Rangers are a strong side. Ask me at the end of the season.”

Those remarks underline the scale of the challenge facing Celtic’s coaching staff, with the Scottish Premiership title race still a major priority.

Could Maloney be considered for the Celtic manager’s job?

Maloney’s future is likely to attract further attention if Celtic begin planning for life after O’Neill.

Speculation has already emerged over whether the former Scotland international could be considered for the permanent managerial position should O’Neill decide against continuing beyond the current campaign.

However, his relatively limited experience as a senior manager could prove a point of debate among supporters.

Maloney previously managed Hibernian before taking charge of Wigan Athletic, but he has since spent time working in other football roles, including his position within Celtic’s player pathway structure.

His experience alongside O’Neill could strengthen his understanding of the demands of the job, although no decision on Celtic’s next managerial appointment has been confirmed.

There is also the possibility that Maloney could decide to pursue another opportunity elsewhere if he believes the time is right to return to management in his own right.

For now, his comments leave the door open without committing him to a particular path.

Celtic focused on Premiership and Europa League challenges

Celtic’s immediate priority remains their ongoing campaign, with Maloney and O’Neill attempting to keep the club competitive domestically while improving their European results.

The Hoops are preparing for Thursday’s Europa League meeting with Celta Vigo as they seek their first points in the competition.

Their domestic position has also come under pressure during a turbulent spell, although recent league victories have helped restore confidence.

With plenty still to play for, Maloney appears determined to postpone any major career decision until the end of the season.

Whether that means continuing alongside O’Neill, pursuing the Celtic manager’s job or returning to management elsewhere remains unclear. His latest comments, however, confirm that his future at Parkhead is still an open question.