Sources: Shaun Maloney to play key role in Celtic appointing 52-year-old as their next manager
Celtic assistant manager Shaun Maloney could be a key reason why Roberto Martinez takes their managerial role on a permanent basis this summer.
Martinez, 52, has been heavily linked with succeeding Martin O’Neill at Parkhead in the summer, when his contract with the Portuguese FA expires.
The Spaniard managed Maloney while he played for Wigan Athletic, and the Scot worked as one of his coaches while he was previously in charge of the Belgian national team.
Martinez is set to take Portugal to the World Cup in North America after they qualified as Group F winners, but his deal as their boss runs out after the tournament.
Veteran boss O’Neill is due to leave the Hoops when his own deal expires at the end of this term, and as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Maloney could be key to the club appointing Martinez as his successor.
- Read more: Jose Mourinho to play part in next Celtic manager appointment as merry-go-round to be triggered
Shaun Maloney could tempt Roberto Martinez with Celtic move
Martinez has not managed in club football since leaving Everton in 2016, but he has been installed as the bookmakers’ favourite to be Celtic‘s next manager.
His existing relationship with current assistant Maloney is a big reason for that, with the former Scotland international potentially set to play a big part in who becomes the next Hoops boss.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Obviously there are links between Roberto Martinez and Celtic due to his long-standing relationship with Shaun Maloney, who is currently Martin O’Neill’s assistant.
“They’ve both worked together at Wigan, and Maloney worked under Martinez when he was the Belgium head coach as well, so there’s obvious links there between the two.
“If Martinez does end up leaving Portugal, I’m sure Celtic will be among a number of clubs who will look at the former Everton and Wigan coach.
“(There is a) possibility that Martinez could make the move to the Scottish giants, especially with Sean Maloney, if he’s to stay on in his role as a number two as well.”
What has Maloney said about Martinez taking over at Celtic?
Maloney is clearly close to Martinez, but has recently made it clear that he has not yet spoken to his former boss and colleague about possibly taking over at Parkhead.
When asked if he could shed light on the rumours earlier this week, he said: “No, zero. I still speak to Roberto, but mainly on preparing for a massive World Cup with Portugal.
“Nothing on that from my side. It’s so far away from what myself, Martin and the rest of the guys are thinking.
“I’m pretty sure the board are already starting to make plans for that, but for the rest of us every three days there is a game and we have just came out a [transfer] window. No, it’s just game after game at the minute.”