Two names missing from Celtic’s O’Neill announcement

There were two critical names missing from Celtic’s announcement that Martin O’Neill has been appointed permanent manager.

You can tick some of the names off. Brian Wilson, Dermot Desmond, even the reclusive Michael Nicholson. The CEO fumbled a couple of sentences together.

But there was no mention of Shaun Maloney or Mark Fotheringham.

At every turn last season O’Neill deflected praise towards his coaching staff.

He spoke of being re-energised by working alongside coaches half his age.

O’Neill has never been a training ground manager. Previously John Robertson and Steve Walford looked after that side of things.

This time around it has been Maloney and Fotheringham.

Maloney has been the driving force. A workaholic that plans training and tactics to the nth degree. Fotheringham has been the go-between with the players and O’Neill.

Having managed Huddersfield Town and assisted Felix Magath he is experienced in the world of management.

Celtic Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Martin O’Neill as Football Manager on a one-year contract with a one-year option.#CelticFC?

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) June 11, 2026

There could of course be another announcement from Celtic later today on the management team. Fans scanned through the announcement looking for the names Maloney and Fotheringham. There was no mention of backroom staff.

Knowing the way that the club operates fans are right to be concerned.

CELTIC- WHERE TIME STANDS STILL

Twenty days on from the Scottish Cup Final there is no sign of any rebuild being undertaken. There is no sign that the club thinks a rebuild is needed.

The comments on today’s announcement are as bland and non-committal as they come. A similar statement was issued in December for the appointment of Wilfried Nancy. Thirty-three days later the Frenchman was sacked.

Celtic’s non international players return for training on June 26. The first friendly is away to Shelbourne on July 7. The SPFL season starts on August1/2. The Champions League play offs are on August 18/19 and 25/26.

Urgent work is required at Celtic.

After taking 20 days to reappoint the interim manager there are strong reasons to believe that once again Celtic will start the season badly under prepared.

Congratulations and welcome home again Martin now tell that cheap skate board to pay Shaun and Fozzy ??

— Helen McCallum (@HelenMccallum67) June 11, 2026

fozzy and maloney?

— lr?? (@Lrcfc19) June 11, 2026

You better not have cut Shaun and Forthers pay?

Them and MON bailed the useless board out twice.

100% pay rise for those two.

Get them signed and get them announced pronto.

— Anti-growth coalition (@cabey001) June 11, 2026