Celtic delay in Martin O'Neill managerial appointment emerges with duo yet to finalise agreement
Celtic are yet to finalise a deal for two of O’Neill’s backroom staff
Celtic’s delay in confirming Martin O’Neill as their next permanent manager appears to be due to the board having yet to reach an agreement on a deal for key members of his backroom team.
It was revealed last week that the 74-year-old boss was set to be installed as Celtic manager after talks with controlling stakeholder Dermot Desmond, with a one year extension set to be penned after he successfully led to the club to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double while in interim charge last season.
However, there has been no confirmation of O’Neill’s appointment yet. With Celtic fans questioning the delay, it has now emerged that the club are yet to reach a contractual agreement with first-team coaches Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham.
The coaching team received huge praise for their impact on Celtic last year, with the trio playing a major role in helping the Scottish defending usurp Hearts on the final day of the season, despite trailing the capital club by three points heading into the split.
While O’Neill had originally insisted he wouldn’t stay beyond the end of the campaign at Parkhead, news that the veteran boss had struck up an agreement to extend his stay by a further year was revealed in the aftermath of backlash from club supporters over the potential appointment of former striker Robbie Keane.
The Ferencvaros head coach was understood to have held talks with the Celtic board over becoming the club’s new manager, but a section of supporters vented their fury due to Keane’s decision to stay in Israel with former club Maccabi Tel Aviv despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
A statement from supporters’ groups said: “Celtic was founded by a community shaped by the legacy of genocide, displacement and famine. Our club's roots lie in solidarity with those who suffered injustice and oppression. We cannot forget where we came from, nor turn our backs on those facing genocide today.
“At a time when Celtic requires unity and collective purpose, this appointment would be deeply divisive among the support. It would also represent a predictable and uninspiring choice at a moment when greater ambition is needed. We urge the Celtic board to listen to supporters' concerns and reconsider this appointment."
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