New Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has publicly acknowledged his backroom staff amid reports that coaches Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham were offered reduced wages to continue working with him.
O’Neill, 74, was officially unveiled by the Hoops on Thursday after signing a one-year deal to take the permanent role at Celtic Park.
His appointment came after he guided the club to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double during his interim spells last season.
However, the formal announcement made no mention of who would form his coaching staff heading into the new campaign.
Maloney had stepped away from his role as Celtic Professional Player Pathway Manager on two occasions last term to serve as O’Neill’s assistant during those interim stints.
The former Celtic midfielder has also been heavily linked with taking on a new sporting director role at the club as the Hoops reshape their structure behind the scenes.
Fotheringham, who has coaching experience in both Germany and England, was also brought into the setup by the veteran Irish manager during that successful run.
Reports now suggest the Parkhead hierarchy has presented both coaches with take-it-or-leave-it offers featuring substantially reduced terms compared to what they might have expected.
It is claimed the duo could reject those reduced deals, which would leave O’Neill facing the prospect of building a new backroom team from scratch before the season begins.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding contract talks, O’Neill warmly name-checked both men as he reflected on his memorable return to the club after more than two decades away.
Speaking to the Celtic App, O’Neill said: “Coming back after 20-odd years, whatever the case may be, I never thought this would ever happen.”
He added: “Totally and utterly surreal. And to be back in the dugout at Celtic Park after all those years. To see Shaun and Mark Fotheringham, two lads that I coached.”
The comments underline the personal significance O’Neill attaches to having familiar faces around him as he begins his first full season back at the helm.
Whether Maloney and Fotheringham will officially be confirmed as part of the permanent setup remains to be seen, with negotiations between the coaches and the club still ongoing.
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