Tony Docherty did a very good job as the manager of Dundee FC in the eyes of most. He guided the club to a top six finish last season and considering the number of injury problems the club faced in this campaign, avoiding relegation has to be viewed as a success. But that was not enough for him to avoid the sack and now, it looks like a Celtic hero is in contention to be their next boss.
Quite a few former Celtic players are managing in Scotland right now. Another one could be set to make his return if things go according to expectations.
As reported by The Scottish Sun, Dens owner Tim Keyes and managing director John Nelms have decided to make a change. Dundee FC have sacked Docherty and Shaun Maloney is in the frame for the job.
Those with a keen memory will remember that Maloney was actually linked with the Celtic job in the summer of 2021. Ultimately, he did not end up getting it and Ange Postecoglou was brought in. He would end up becoming Hibernian boss though but it was a failed stint.
Celtic hero in line to become next Dundee FC manager
Maloney did not succeed at Hibernian. His spell at Wigan Athletic was much better, as he managed them for over two years. Now, it looks like a return to the Scottish game could be on the cards.
As a player, Maloney came through the youth ranks at Celtic and spent quite a few seasons playing for the club, over two stints. Other than that, he also played for Aston Villa, Hull City, Wigan Athletic and Chicago Fire while earning 47 international caps for Scotland. It remains to be seen if he can find similar success as a manager.
Of course, the Scottish Premiership has been a managerial merry-go-round in recent years with very little stability anywhere other than Celtic. So, Maloney needs to consider his options carefully before deciding upon a return to Scotland. At the same time, one would imagine that Dundee FC have other managerial targets as well and he is not the only one in their sights.