Celtic have reportedly tabled significant wage cuts for Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham to stay on as part of Martin O'Neill's backroom staff. The Double-winning coaches have been offered take-it-or-leave-it deals by the Parkhead hierarchy, according to the Scottish Sun. The shocked pair could now reject the substantially reduced terms, leaving O'Neill scrambling to find replacements elsewhere.
Maloney and Fotheringham's Role
Maloney and Fotheringham twice stepped up to the plate to steady the ship and help rescue the Hoops' campaign alongside figurehead O'Neill. The duo became hugely popular with the playing squad and O'Neill wanted them to remain as part of his support staff for the new campaign. O'Neill has agreed an initial one-year deal to stay on as permanent gaffer after talks with principal shareholder Dermot Desmond. But the 74-year-old made it clear he wanted trusted lieutenants Maloney and Fotheringham by his side.
Uncertain Future
However, with no contractual agreement in sight and both offered less money than they were previously on, it remains to be seen whether the pair will be involved with the first-team squad moving forward. Record Sport revealed last month that ex-Belgium coach Maloney was under consideration for a sporting director role at Parkhead. The former Hibs and Wigan head coach temporarily stepped away from his role as professional pathway manager to help Celts win a league and Scottish Cup Double against the odds. Meanwhile, cult hero Fotheringham only returned to the club he came through the ranks as a player at until the end of the season.
