Former Celtic defender Gary Caldwell has opened up about his failed stint with Shaun Maloney at Hibernian. The pair joined forces as Maloney was appointed manager with Caldwell as his No.2. After less than six months, Hibs pulled the plug on the Maloney project and the pair found themselves out of work.
Now, as manager of EFL League One club Exeter, Caldwell told the Scottish Sun that he used the experience to improve as a coach.
“Things didn’t work out as we both hoped at Hibs, but it was a great club to work for and I gained a lot from that experience.
“I certainly feel I’m ready for this opportunity. I’ve always been someone who looks at myself first and foremost when things go wrong or they go well.
“I did that as a player, I did that as a young coach and I do that now as a manager.
“There is always something you can take from any situation, as long as you are self-aware and honest with yourself.
“It may not always be very nice experiences at the time. But they ultimately make you a better person and better professional.”
The 40-year-old came through the Newcastle Academy from 2001-2004 before making a permanent switch to Hibs in 2004. Following his success at Easter Road, the player was signed on a free transfer by Gordon Strachan at Celtic.
Caldwell was a decent player for Celtic, winning four trophies during his four years at the club, including two titles, one League Cup and one Scottish Cup. In the 2008-09 season, he won a number of personal accolades for his individual performances for Celtic and Scotland. Caldwell has experience in England, playing over 100 games for Wigan Athletic as well as winning the FA Cup.
