Celtic confirm O'Neill's coaching staff as breakthrough reached with key duo after initial wage cut rejection
The 74-year-old will have his two trusted lieutenants remaining as part of his backroom team for the new season
Celtic have finally confirmed that Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham have both agreed new contracts to remain as part of Martin O’Neill coaching staff ahead of the new season.
Veteran boss O’Neill intimated to the Parkhead board that he wanted to retain both of his trusted lieutenants, with the pair having been locked in discussions with club chiefs for several weeks after initially rejecting significant wage cuts.
Assistant Maloney and first-team coach Fotheringham both play important roles in helping the Hoops clinch an unlikely league and Scottish Cup double last term. It was reported last week that a breakthrough had been reached between all relevant parties with an agreement close.
And with the Scottish champions reporting back for pre-season today, the club have now announced that the popular duo will continue in their respective roles alongside Stephen McManus and goalkeeping coach Chris Woods on O’Neill’s backroom team.
A club statement read: “As the Double-winning Scottish Champions look ahead to the new campaign, we are pleased to confirm members of the club’s backroom team, with Shaun Maloney, Mark Fotheringham and former Hoops captain, Stephen McManus continuing to work with Celtic manager Martin O’Neill and the other staff within our coaching set up.
“All have well established connections with the club and together with the other members of our backroom team, each played their part in delivering a historic League and cup double in the 2025/26 season as the two trophies were delivered in a memorable last two weekends of the campaign.
“We look forward to all members of the backroom team working again to deliver success for our fans.”
What has Martin O’Neill said?
O’Neill, who signed a 12-month deal to continue in the Celtic hot seat for the duration of the 2026/27 campaign earlier this month, commented: “Everybody at the club played their part in our achievements last season and we now look ahead as again we strive together to bring our supporters more success.”
The Northern Irishman may yet decide to add a fresh face to his coaching staff following the departure of long-serving Gavin Strachan, who moved to English Championship side West Brom on Tuesday.