Sources: Celtic lay groundwork for ‘massive overhaul’, update on summer manager appointment
Celtic are set for a “massive overhaul” when they appoint their next permanent manager in the summer, sources have told Football Insider.
There is an expectation among the hierarchy at Celtic Park that the next incumbent in the dugout will want to make several changes to the playing squad that is currently in place.
Celtic are currently locked in a three-way race for the Scottish Premiership title alongside both Hearts and Rangers, and sources say that an eventual failure to defend their title would see efforts to change the squad ramped up even further.
The Bhoys are currently three points off the leaders Hearts with a game in hand on both of their closest rivals, and Martin O’Neill is doing everything that he can to bow out on a high as he prepares to hand over the reins.
- Read More: Sources: Shaun Maloney to play key role in Celtic appointing 52-year-old as their next manager
Shaun Maloney holds the key to Roberto Martinez appointment
Football Insider revealed last weekend that O’Neill’s assistant Shaun Maloney holds the key to the possibility of Roberto Martinez coming in as manager ahead of next season.
The former Bhoys midfielder has held crucial roles at Parkhead in recent months and has stepped up from a position within the academy setup to become part of the first-team coaching staff under O’Neill.
Martinez remains the favourite to take charge of the team for next season, but his relationship with Maloney could be crucial when it comes to convincing the Portugal boss that the Celtic job is worth stepping away from international football to take.
The 43-year-old played under Martinez at Wigan Athletic and worked with the Spaniard during his time in charge of the Belgian national team, after his playing career had drawn to a close.
A move to Glasgow would allow Martinez to strike up that relationship that has enjoyed so much success once again, and could hand Celtic a crucial advantage in the race to appoint him, if he does decide that enough is enough on the international stage.
Celtic wage cut to affect summer overhaul
Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider earlier this week that Celtic’s players are likely set to see their wages cut if the team fail to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Only the top two teams in the Scottish Premiership have the opportunity to reach Europe’s premier club competition for next season, and failure to do so could drastically affect the club’s budgets for next term.
Borson revealed that the players will have clauses in their contract to enforce an automatic wage cut if qualification is not secured through the league, while a Europa League berth instead would deal a blow to the club’s income.
Celtic have a clear desire to try and wipe the slate clean with certain elements of their squad at the end of the season, but they will find it increasingly difficult to adequately replace players if money is tight.