Opposing boss reveals the ‘mystery’ roles of Kennedy and Strachan

Shaun Maloney has given an unusual insight into Celtic coaching team behind Ange Postecoglou. 

Last season many fans were screaming for a complete clear out after Neil Lennon stepped down with John Kennedy stepping in as caretaker with Stephen McManus stepping up to take a first team role. 

When Postecoglou was appointed as manager there was an expectation that he would bring in at least one new coach but six months down the line the former Yokohama Marinos boss seems more interested in bringing in J-League players that old acquaintances from his previous jobs. 

Maloney spent a year coaching the reserve and youth squads at Celtic when Brendan Rodgers was in charge and remains in contact with a number of people behind the scenes. 

On Monday night he’ll be planning Celtic’s downfall, explaining to The Scotsman the roles of two key men working with Postecoglou: 

Some of Celtic’s performances have been very, very impressive. They are going to try and press us very high. They have their own style in possession that hasn’t changed for anyone. 

I know Ange’s coaching staff and Gavin Strachan very much concentrates on the set plays and John Kennedy writes and delivers all the sessions. I respect them fully, but I’m preparing my team as best I can to go and win the match. 

The precise roles of Strachan and Kennedy has been speculated on at length, rarely in positive terms but it seems that the mysteries have now been cleared up.

Maloney has brought in former Wigan and Partick Thistle boss Gary Caldwell as his assistant.