Celtic hero was pipped by Parkhead pal for behind the scenes position as new Hoops role suggested

Celtic hero Aiden McGeady was pipped by former Hoops teammate Darren O’Dea for a behind the scenes role at the club.

The 40-year old, who spent six years at Celtic Park as a player, recalled the interview process for the Professional Player Pathway Manager, a position introduced in April 2025 to help B team players make the step up. He and O’Dea were the last two candidates, but the latter ended up with the job.

Since hanging up his boots in 2024, McGeady has made no secret that he’d like to return to Celtic in his some behind the scenes capacity, given his own experiences as a player. The former Sunderland and Hibs man came through the academy ranks himself to make over 250 first team appearances and helped the team win seven trophies.

How close did McGeady come to a behind the scenes role at Celtic?

Speaking to CeltsAreHere, the former Republic of Ireland international revealed: “Probably an exclusive here, this is the first time I’ve spoken about it. But when that role (Professional Player Pathways Manager) was created, it was myself and Darren O’Dea who were the last two in the interview process for it.

“I interviewed for it, and to be honest I knew Darren was going to get it because he was already at the club as the B team coach, so Darren was probably the outstanding candidate. But that role is something I was really passionate about.”

O’Dea subsequently left for Swansea City in May 2025 as fellow former Celtic teammate Shaun Maloney assumed the role. He has since been moved up to assistant manager under boss Martin O’Neill. The duo helped the club secure the domestic double last season.

McGeady suggests new Hoops role

Not only has McGeady applied for behind the scenes vacancies - but he also has an idea for a new role to be created. The winger thinks Celtic can take better care of loaned out players, so that they’re more equipped to return to the club. He added: “I spoke to the club in the past about loan players and having a loan manager, someone who can look after the players, because a lot of clubs put players out on loan and up here it’s almost like, ‘Alright, you’re forgotten about.’

“But really, with those loan players, you either want them to come back and be a Celtic player, or you want them to do well so you get sell-on value for them. I’m really passionate about it, and it gives you an added chance to help players individually and tactically through analysis of their games when they’re out on loan. Helping get players into the first team is one of the big things at Celtic.”

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