Stan Petrov calls for very specific change at Celtic

Stan Petrov would like to see Martin O’Neill bring in a new coach or backroom figure to freshen things up at Celtic.

The Irishman has taken charge three times over the last 12 months, on each occasion he has appeared to be presented with the first team coaching staff.

Shaun Maloney left his role as Professional Pathway manager to hit the training ground at Lennoxtown with Mark Fotheringham quickly answering the call.

Stephen McManus stepped up from coaching the B team to first team duties.

None of those coaches had previously worked with O’Neill although all three had played under him.

John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan had been constants through managerial changes but over the last 12 months both have moved on to new clubs.

There is speculation on everything surrounding the management of Celtic.

Right down to how often O’Neill is on the training pitch at Lennoxtown.

The input of Maloney and Fotheringham is up for debate. Where does their coaching stop and O’Neill’s tactics kick in?

Two matches a week reduces the time for coaching but on the back of three big defeats in eight days the call for changes is understandable.

THE PETROV AND O’NEILL DYNAMIC

Twenty years ago Petrov played under O’Neill and Celtic and Aston Villa.

While others like Neil Lennon are totally blinkered Petrov is able to offer a detached view of the issues facing his old club.

Listening to Petrov on TalkSPORT the Daily Record reports the Bulgarian saying:

Is Martin O’Neill protected? I think he is, because he has done so much for the club. Even last season.

But I think in this transfer window Celtic have missed a trick to add the right players. If you look at the timing of signing players, six players in the last 48 hours – this is wrong. You don’t build up winning teams like that.

Martin O’Neill has worked wonders, and no one has questioned his coaching before, but to be honest about a week ago I did some media and I did question if that was a Martin O’Neill style. And I don’t think so.

Me and Gaby have played under Martin O’Neill and we know what he desires and what he demands from the players – from the dressing room altogether.

This is not something Martin O’Neill would do with his team – just roll over and be beaten.

You look at the last year, Celtic playing against Hearts and against Rangers they have been second best against both oppositions.

Martin managed to give them that little lift last season, but they haven’t managed to add the right personnel.

What I would say is this would be the wrong time to sack Martin O’Neill or let him go, because it’s a difficult time of the season.

Just add somebody who can help him. A director of football, a head of recruitment, somebody who can help build the right team.

With Roy Keane watching Sunday’s match it is easy to put two and two together.

Whether a new voice on the training ground and in the dug-out would make an impact is open to debate.

After losing three matches in eight days Celtic face another testing set of fixtures after the international break.

Motherwell and Benfica away followed by Hearts at home from October 11-18 will test ability and morale in equal measure.

Whether there are any changes in the backroom staff remains to be seen.