Martin O’Neill’s right hand man is being linked with a move upstairs
Shaun Maloney has reportedly become a ‘serious contender’ to become sporting director at Celtic.
The former Aston Villa, Celtic and Wigan Athletic playmaker has taken training sessions throughout the season as an assistant coach and has been instrumental in the Hoops’ domestic double success. Having played under Martin O’Neill at Celtic Park and Villa Park, Maloney has a strong relationship with the veteran boss, who could be extending his stay in Glasgow beyond the summer in some capacity.
Maloney, whose been working this season alongside first-team coaches Mark Fotheringham and Stephen McManus, has been involved with recruitment as well as taking session. As the 2025/26 campaign now draws to a close, the 43-year old is now a ‘serious contender’ to move into a Sporting Director role.
Maloney is contention to move upstairs after successful season
According to the Daily Record: “Shaun Maloney is under serious consideration for a sporting director role at double-winning Celtic. The interim assistant head coach played a big part in the Hoops winning the Premiership and Scottish Cup under Martin O’Neill. The former Celtic player has also been keen to take a more off-the-field role since he left his position as head coach of Wigan Athletic last year.”
Having taken up the role of Celtic’s Player Pathway manager last summer, Maloney already has experience at Parkhead in a behind-the-scenes role. To add to this he’s also been the main man in the dugout from his time at Hibs and Wigan. Celtic are looking to revamp their structure for the upcoming season from academy to first team, however the first item on the agenda is appointing a new manager or head coach.
Next Celtic manager latest
O’Neill has now took his trophy tally to nine at Celtic Park across his three spells as the 74-year old now remains in contention to stay in the dugout for next season too, despite his contract running out in the summer. If he doesn’t extend his spell on the touchline, the Northern Irishman has also been linked with a position upstairs.
Ex Ferencvaros boss and Celtic striker Robbie Keane left his post in Budapest last week and is now one of the favourites to replace his former mentor. Meanwhile Portugal gaffer Roberto Martinez, who worked with Maloney at Wigan, is also in the running. Former Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou was at one stage the favourite to be O’Neill’s successor, however he has now switch Lanarkshire for the south of France, having taken the reins at Toulouse.
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