Shaun Maloney appointment not a case of jobs for the ‘Bhoys’

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·25 juin 2025

Shaun Maloney appointment not a case of jobs for the ‘Bhoys’

Shaun Maloney is a great appointment by Celtic and it’s certainly not a case of jobs for the ‘Bhoys’…

Shaun Maloney returns to Celtic. Image Celtic FC

Shaun Maloney today made a surprising return to Celtic in the position of professional player pathway manager replacing his former teammate Darren O’Dea, who recently left the club to become the Swansea City assistant manager.

Vidéos OneFootball

In what can only be described as a terrific appointment due to the wealth of knowledge and experience the former Celtic and Scotland player will bring to the role, it hasn’t stopped some from criticising the decision to hire Shaun with some describing it as just another case of a job for ‘one of the Bhoys’.

Yes Shaun is a well known figure at the club and will no doubt have contacts deep in the hierarchy of Celtic Park, but let’s step back and take a moment to think.

Wigan Athletic manager Shaun Maloney looks on during the Sky Bet League One match between Birmingham City FC and Wigan Athletic FC at St Andrew’s@Knighthead Park on August 31, 2024 in Birmingham. (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)

If you take away Shaun’s connection to the club he still has a vast wealth of experience in a coaching capacity. Shaun left his last role at Celtic Park as under 20 development squad to become a vital member of Roberto Martinez’s all star Belgium side where he spent three years which included coaching at the Euro 2020 finals.

Shaun then decided to become a manager in his own right and returned to Scotland as he was named Hibernian manager in December 2021.

Charlie Mulgrew and Shaun Maloney of Scotland celebrate victory after the EURO 2016 Group D Qualifier match between Scotland and Republic of Ireland at Celtic Park on November 14, 2014. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Unfortunately Shaun was dismissed after only four months at Easter Road but was soon back in the dugout as Manager of former club, English league one side Wigan Athletic and he did a reasonable job at the Latics despite several off the field troubles which led to several point deductions, although unfortunately for Shaun he was relieved of his duties on March this year.

That’s a terrific CV for any 42 year old in the game to boast, and this is an appointment that will only be beneficial to the club. This is far from a case of a ‘job for one of the bhoys’

This isn’t an appointment to criticise, it’s one to embrace.

Welcome back Shaun.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Celtic confirm Shaun Maloney’s return, replacing Darren O’Dea…

Shaun Maloney returns to Celtic. Image Celtic FC

Celtic this afternoon confirmed that Shaun Maloney has been appointed as the club’s new Professional Player Pathway Manager, with the aim of developing the progression of players at the club…

Shaun will work closely with Paul Tisdale, the club’s Head of Football Operations, Men’s First Team Manager, Brendan Rodgers, Chris McCart, our Head of Academy and the club’s B Team and Academy Coaches and, in this hugely important role, he will work to ensure the effective development of players to play for Celtic.

Through the maintenance of strong relationships with clubs across leagues, both domestically and internationally, the role will also manage loan opportunities which support player pathway and development opportunities.

Shaun himself came through the ranks at Celtic before making more than 200 first team appearances and winning 5 League titles and 3 League Cups with the Club.

He has also played for Aston Villa and Wigan in the English Premier League as well as having spells in the English Championship and the MLS. Following the end of Shaun’s playing career, he held management positions at Wigan Athletic and Hibernian FC.

24th May 2025; Hampden Park, Scottish Cup Football Final, Aberdeen versus Celtic; Ross Doohan of Aberdeen chats to Shaun Maloney ActionPlus Vagelis Georgariou

Speaking about his new appointment today Shaun Maloney, who was recently linked with the manger’s job at Dundee, said: “It is a huge honour to be given this opportunity to return to Celtic, in a role which I am really passionate about.

“My aim will be to work really closely between our Academy and the First Team and create the very best opportunities for success, which will ultimately be represented by more and more players reaching our first team environment.

Wigan Athletic manager Shaun Maloney looks on during the Sky Bet League One match between Wigan Athletic and Northampton Town at DW Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Wigan. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

“I have been fortunate enough to follow this same pathway and I am now excited about ensuring many more young players can take this same journey.”

Paul Tisdale, Celtic’s Head of Football Operations had this to say about Shaun Maloney coming back to the club to fill the vacancy left by Darren O’Dea leaving to join Swansea City as their Assistant Manager: “I am delighted that we have been able to bring Shaun back to the club in this role.

Shaun Maloney in action in Seville. 21.05.2003 Photo imago/ColorsportShaun Maloney (Celtic Glasgow) Ricardo Costa (FC Porto)

“Shaun will be tasked with developing the internal and external processes necessary to ensure we optimise the talents of our young players.

“Through his experience and knowledge, we believe Shaun will add significant value to the role”.

Brendan Rodgers, of course will have played a massive role in this appointment, which we talked about last night on The Celtic Star. The Celtic manager said: “I am really pleased to welcome Shaun to this post. He is someone I believe will make a great contribution to the club in this area.

Belgium s assistant coach Shaun Maloney and Belgium’s head coach Roberto Martinez pictured during a training session of the Belgian national soccer team Red Devils, in Tubize, Tuesday 15 June 2021. The team is preparing for the second game of the group phase of the Euro 2020 European Championship

“He is an intelligent guy who knows what it takes to be a successful Celtic player and I think his experience will be invaluable in this role.

“He has all the credentials to be really successful in positively developing our younger players.”

So not for the first time and maybe not for the last we can say welcome back Shaun!

Celtic Football Club is delighted to announce that Shaun Maloney has been appointed as the club’s new Professional Player Pathway Manager, with the aim of developing the progression of players at the club. More info below ⤵️ #CelticFC🍀
– mercredi 25 juin 2025

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