Maloney dismisses speculation linking him to Celtic manager’s job

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The Celtic Star

·31 janvier 2026

Maloney dismisses speculation linking him to Celtic manager’s job

Shaun Maloney has dismissed speculation linking him with the Celtic manager’s role next season, insisting he will not be in contention for the job…

Sean Maloney arrives at the Falkirk Stadium. Falkirk v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Falkirk Stadium, 14 January 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

The former Hoops midfielder has been part of the backroom team during the upturn in form overseen by interim boss Martin O’Neill, prompting suggestions he could be considered when the club appoints a permanent successor in the summer.

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However, Maloney has made it clear he intends to resume his duties as Celtic’s professional player pathway manager once the interim period comes to an end.

Celtic v Falkirk 29.10.2025 Scottish Premiership. Martin O’Neill, Shaun Maloney, Gavin Strachan and Mark Fotheringham Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO

Speaking after Celtic were drawn against Stuttgart in the UEFA Europa League knockout play-off round, the 43-year-old also revealed the club are working on three potential late-window signings, while stressing he will not be taking charge of the team next season.

Maloney said via Daily Record: “No, not for me. I’ll definitely be assisting Martin. In terms of next year, that loan role is still there, but I think we’ll figure all that out in the summer.

“I think for the next three months, it’s just give everything to try and win a league, go as far as we can in Europe, and then the club will look for someone else. I know Martin’s already said that he doesn’t see himself here. We’ll see at the end of the season.”

Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill in dugout with Celtic interim assistant manager Shaun Maloney and Celtic assistant coach Gavin Strachan. Celtic v Dundee United, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 10 January 2026. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

Martin O’Neill’s number two hopes there will be a few more additions through the door before Monday’s deadline. He continued: “I think there were a few names mentioned last night with Martin, but we’re going to have to get pretty close. It’s getting to that point in the window.”

“I feel that they are. Speaking with the board on a pretty regular basis, all of our staff, myself and Martin, we feel it’s close, but it has to be. It’s that sort of time of the month.”

“In terms of the guys, I think Martin obviously said that you were reasonably close, but I think until there are actually players, it’s tough. I think you have to respect the clubs that you’re dealing with.”

3rd December 2025 Celtic Park, Scottish Premiership FCeltic versus Dundee Celtic interim manager Martin O Neill drags forward Celtic interim assistant manager Shaun Maloney to get acclaim at the end of his last match in charge. Photo David Young IMAGO

Maloney added: “Yeah, the work’s been done. I think in fairness to the board, they’re there and ready to try and get the deals done. Hopefully that happens, yeah.”

“It won’t be through a lack of effort. We’ve had to do a lot of work in a quick period of time because of the management change. But I’ve been really happy with the list of players that we’ve been given and the types of players.”

“So yeah, really hopeful that we can all get that done. It’s not always on the board. There are things that we have to do. We have to speak to players. We have to get the players to have a desire to come to work with us. So it’s a collective really to get this done. Yeah, we hope it turns out positive, yeah.”

Conor Spence

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