Former Player Takes Key Celtic Role In New Return To The Club

The 2024/25 Scottish Premiership campaign was another good one for Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers following his second return to Parkhead, and along with securing yet another title in our illustrious history, and another Scottish League Cup, we also enjoyed a very good Champions League run in last years revamped competition —a season full of highlights and a few memorable Scottish football moments to match.

With the summer now in full flow and the proper transfer window open, Celtic will undoubtedly be working their magic behind the scenes in an effort to strengthen the squad once again as we look to continue our dominance, and enjoy another year of success. Whatever we do in terms of strengthening the senior squad remains to be seen with so many weeks left to wheel and deal, but for those fans who like a flutter they will be keeping their eye peeled on the dynamic odds systems used across global sportsbook sites to ensure they receive the best transfer odds. However, we have already made a pretty major change in our backroom staff when it comes to bolstering the next crop of Academy graduates who come through our system.

As we have seen in recent years, a homegrown player can be worth their weight in gold when they prove they are ready to become a first team regular, but when it does not work out the club can still benefit by raising a transfer fee for them.

With the hopes of improving that journey for our talented youngsters in the years ahead, the Hoops have now confirmed the speculation surrounding former winger Shaun Maloney, and he has now rejoined the club as our new 'professional player pathway manager'. He replaces Darren O'Dea in the role.

42 year old Maloney will be well remembered by the Celtic faithful as he too was once a simple youth prospect, but he was one of those who worked his way up through the levels to make his debut under former gaffer Martin O'Neill back in 2001. Having more than made his first team mark, the 47 capped Scottish international, went on to make 139 appearances across all competitions for us, returning 37 goals. He also picked up the SFA Player of the Year and the Young Player of the Year. Following a spell away from the club, he returned for a second time and across both spells he won eight major honours wit us, and also played in the 2003 UEFA Cup Final.

He returns to us once again having served stints as manager of Hibernian and Wigan Athletic, but having been out of work for the last three months, this will be a completely new role for him where he will also work alongside head of football operations Paul Tisdale and our Academy. Having basically come through the very same pathway from the youth setup to the first team, Maloney will have great experience of what works for a player, and importantly, what does not and that could be a key asset in helping to drive improvement.

This is not an appointment that will have fans salivating as at this time of the year they will definitely be focused directly on the transfer window, but for the longer terms aims and the health of the club as a whole, this is a key appointment that could reap major benefits in the years to come —perhaps even contributing to future memorable Scottish football moments that fans will always remember.