Shaun Maloney’s Celtic Future Questioned as FreshClaim Emerges After Falkirk Defeat

Shaun Maloney may not be entirely comfortable with his position as Martin O’Neill’s assistant at Celtic, according to TheHerald journalist Stephen McGowan.

McGowan believes the former Scotland international had originally been earmarked for a different position at Parkheadbefore O’Neill’s return changed the club’s plans.

Speaking on Graham Spiers’ Press Box podcast following Celtic’s disappointing 2-0 defeat to Falkirk, the journalistsuggested Maloney had been considered for the head of football operations role.

“I think Shaun Maloney probably wanted to go and do the head of football operations role, and I think there was a planfor that, and then Martin was coming back when other things didn’t fall into place, and he wanted him to be the numbertwo.

“I don’t think he necessarily wants to be that number two, only he can answer that question honestly himself, but he is.”

McGowan’s comments raise questions about the current coaching structure at Celtic, particularly with the team strugglingto produce consistent performances under O’Neill.

McGowan questions O’Neill and Maloney partnership

The journalist also expressed concerns about whether O’Neill and his coaching staff share the same ideas about howCeltic should approach matches.

He suggested there could be a difference in footballing philosophy between the manager and Maloney, potentiallycontributing to the team’s recent struggles.

McGowan said: “You do worry that there is, excuse me, that might be the wrong word, but there’s a difference ofphilosophy or culture between the two of them, on how the team should be played and how the team should play and howthings should be done, and it just doesn’t look terribly joined up at the moment.”

He was careful not to place responsibility entirely on either individual, suggesting the problems could stem from acombination of factors.

“Be that down to Martin O’Neill, be that down to his coaches, be that a combination of both, which is perfectly possible,it just is not working.”

The discussion began with Spiers suggesting that much of the tactical preparation should be handled by Maloney andfellow coach Mark Fotheringham, with O’Neill providing overall leadership and having the final say.

However, McGowan questioned whether Maloney and Fotheringham had the experience to be entrusted with suchresponsibility.

He argued that Maloney’s previous managerial spells at Hibernian and Wigan had not necessarily justified the level oftrust being placed in him at Celtic.

Celtic coaching structure under scrutiny

The criticism comes at a difficult time for Celtic, with supporters increasingly concerned about the team’s performancesand the club’s wider footballing structure.

Following the defeat to Falkirk, O’Neill pointed towards the chances his side created and the performance of formerCeltic goalkeeper Scott Bain.

However, McGowan felt that explanation was unlikely to satisfy supporters, saying it “didn’t really wash” with thefanbase.

Spiers, meanwhile, believed O’Neill had appeared calm and robust when responding to questions after the match.

McGowan also suggested that confidence in the manager, his coaching staff and the club’s ability to resolve the problemshad weakened.

He highlighted the absence of both a director of football and a permanent replacement for the head of football operationsas significant issues.

With those positions vacant, O’Neill and his coaching team are carrying greater responsibility, leaving the managerexposed to wider frustration surrounding the club.

McGowan described O’Neill as “just a lightning rod for wider frustration”.

The journalist also argued that supporters are no longer giving the manager the same credit for last season’s achievements,when he guided Celtic to a league and cup double.

Instead, he believes attention has shifted towards the performances being delivered on a weekly basis.

Beşiktaş test awaits O’Neill’s Celtic

Celtic have little time to recover from their setback against Falkirk, with Beşiktaş travelling to Parkhead for Thursdaynight’s Europa League fixture.

Spiers described the Turkish opposition as a strong side, presenting another significant challenge for O’Neill and his players.

Kilmarnock then visit Celtic Park next Sunday before the Premiership pauses for the international break.

With questions being raised about the relationship between O’Neill and Maloney, the coaching structure and the team’s performances, Celtic’s next two fixtures could prove important in determining the mood around Parkhead.