LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Naby Keita of Liverpool takes a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool and Leeds United at Anfield on September 12, 2020 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Celtic have officially confirmed that Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham have signed new contracts with the club ahead of the upcoming season.
The announcement was made on Friday morning after the pair had been locked in negotiations with the Scottish Premiership champions for a number of weeks.
Stephen McManus will also continue in his role as part of Martin O’Neill’s coaching setup, completing the backroom team ahead of pre-season.
Maloney serves as assistant to O’Neill, while Fotheringham holds the role of first-team coach within the Celtic dugout.
Both coaches played integral roles in helping Celtic secure an unlikely league and Scottish Cup Double during the previous campaign.
O’Neill had made his position clear to club hierarchy throughout the negotiations, insisting that both trusted lieutenants needed to remain on board for the new season.
The timing of the announcement coincides with the champions returning for pre-season training on Friday, giving the squad clarity over their management structure.
The extended contract talks drew considerable attention from supporters, who regard both Maloney and Fotheringham as popular and important figures within the club.
O’Neill addressed the conclusion of the process directly, saying: “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 completion of the backroom team gives Celtic a settled platform from which to build their challenge for further domestic and European honours.
With key coaching decisions now resolved, Celtic can turn their full attention to strengthening the squad and preparing for what promises to be another demanding campaign.
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