Martin O'Neill, the new permanent Celtic manager, is adamant that Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham will be part of his backroom staff. The 74-year-old was unveiled on a one-year deal last week after leading Celtic to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double, but his coaching staff was not mentioned in the announcement.
During O'Neill's interim spells last season, Maloney stepped away from his role as Celtic Professional Player Pathway Manager to serve as O'Neill's assistant. Fotheringham, who has coached in Germany and England, was also brought in by the veteran Irishman.
Reports suggest that both coaches have been offered take-it-or-leave-it deals by the Parkhead hierarchy, despite their key contributions last term. The club has remained silent on the matter, but Celtic hero Grant, who works for Celtic TV, believes the board will grant O'Neill's wishes, along with a transfer budget.
Grant's Insights on O'Neill's Demands
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Grant said: "I don't think Martin would have taken it unless there were guarantees. Martin is a wise old fox. He knows he won't get everything he is looking for, but I'm sure he will get 90 per cent of the things he is looking for."
Grant added: "I don't think Martin would have stood in that dugout one more time if he didn't feel that, because he knows the team is well short of the levels he expects from Celtic, and he knows there will be a lot of changes. You are talking about guys going? I don't think Martin will allow guys to leave, like Brendan Rodgers did last year, before replacements come in. I don't see that happening."
Efrain Juarez Drops Out
One man who will not be joining O'Neill's backroom team is former Celtic flop Efrain Juarez, who was reportedly in talks to join the set-up. However, Juarez, who recently stepped down from his role at Pumas, is set to become the manager of Hungarian champions ETO Gyor, according to reports in Mexico.
Long-serving Celtic coach Gavin Strachan is also close to a move to English Championship side West Brom.
