Shaun Maloney has made a firm promise to Celtic, and it’s one he intends to keep. When appointed as Pathways Manager, he told CEO Michael Nicholson he would fulfil that role this season and next. As we have seen, things can change quickly at Celtic, and Maloney’s resolve could be tested, but in a positive way.
That test comes with the possibility that Maloney could continue in a coaching role next season. With rumours swirling that Roberto Martinez is a hot favourite to replace O’Neill, Maloney could easily be a contender to work alongside the Spaniard again. The pair previously teamed up with the Belgian national side.
As the Daily Record reports, Maloney talks of his previous desire to step back from coaching for a period of time. The Pathway role gave him that opportunity. Clearly, the club was looking for reassurance that Maloney wouldn't leave suddenly if a decent coaching job offer came along. Undoubtedly, they weren't expecting to be the ones making that offer when Brendan Rodgers left and then again after the Wilfried Nancy debacle.
Maloney could be asked to break his Celtic promise again
Maloney has shown his managerial and coaching abilities in the two spells with O’Neill this season. His role in the extra time and pre-penalties huddles against Rangers at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup indicated he isn't just a cones and bibs sidekick for the legendary O’Neill. He’s clearly enjoyed his spell in the limelight too.
Maloney gave an insight into the current setup under O'Neill. The majority of the training drills and sessions are set by Gavin Strachan and Stephen McManus. He talked of Mark Fotheringham working with the players without a ball and then of his own role taking more prominence as matchday approaches. All of course under the guidance and leadership of O'Neill.
So far, it’s been a successful approach, but how much so will take shape over the coming weeks and games. When Rodgers left suddenly early in the season, fans weren't convinced that Maloney was a suitable candidate. His time as a boss at Wigan and Hibs didn't show any great promise; taking charge at Celtic looked an awfully big step.
He has now shown that there is some sense in him being a good candidate for an assistant manager role under a new boss next season. Whatever the league and cup outcome, Maloney’s work won't have gone unnoticed. He could yet be encouraged by Celtic to break that promise again.