Martin O'Neill's appointment as permanent Celtic manager has been delayed as the club has yet to finalise contracts with his two key lieutenants. The 74-year-old Hoops veteran has agreed to a one-year deal to remain as boss, but negotiations with his backroom staff are ongoing.
Contract Talks Stalled
O'Neill, who rescued Celtic's season with two interim spells, winning a league and Scottish Cup double, held talks with principal shareholder Dermot Desmond last week. He confirmed his desire to take the job permanently. However, the club has not yet reached an agreement with trusted assistants Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham. According to the Herald, the two sides remain far apart in negotiations.
Popular Coaching Team
Maloney and Fotheringham have become highly popular with the Celtic squad following the departure of long-serving coach John Kennedy. Celtic already has Gavin Strachan, Stephen McManus, and Stevie Woods signed up for the new era, but O'Neill's official confirmation is unlikely until a financial package is in place for his support staff.
O'Neill was pictured at Glasgow Airport earlier this week and is due to return to Scotland for a fan Q&A in Dumfries. He secured the post ahead of Robbie Keane after fan backlash over Keane's decision to stay in Israel during the Gaza conflict.
