Celtic interim coach Shaun Maloney has said that he will not be in contention for the management role at the club. Maloney was appointed alongside Martin O’Neill in an interim capacity following the departure of Brendan Rodgers.
Speaking at the media conference on Tuesday afternoon, Maloney gave an update in terms of the preparation for tomorrow’s game against Falkirk before advising that he would be returning to his role after the interim spell.
“I think today, as best as I could, and the other staff, after speaking with Martin, it was just trying to bring them stability, a little bit of normality in terms of preparations for the game.
“It’s really difficult; the club have lost some brilliant people. That happens in football, but you have to turn that around quickly and try to prepare the team against a good side (Falkirk).
“You have to move on pretty quickly.”
Moving on, the journalist asked whether Maloney saw himself as a potential candidate to replace Rodgers.
“No. I came back here in a role with the board and Brendan.
“I’m going to try my best to support Martin and the players, but I’m very similar to Martin. I’m here in the interim, then I will go back to my role.”
O’Neill and Maloney will be assisted by Mark Fotheringham, completing the management team with Gavin Strachan and Stevie Woods. The club will be working hard to identify a replacement and the hope will be that they can get a decent calibre of manager in that can turn this season around.
I don’t think it’s going to be a quick fix in getting a new manager in imo.
A lot will depend upon just how much of a response MoN and maloney can get from our current squad of players.
Even that is not straightforward with the CCV injury and a europa league campaign ongoing.
We only named a 24 man squad, that consisted of 4 CBs. Down to 3 now with only scales, Trusty and Murray available now.
Does that mean Pusey might have to fill the 1 place still available?
If we can somehow get ourselves into a decent position within the europa league campaign, then only 3 changes will be allowed within the current 24 man squad.
Still think we left that space available for jota upon his return, but any increase in injuries could change such plans.
So MoN and Maloney, will possibly have to address the Maeda and Yang situation, as both already seem to have there bags already packed.
Somehow don’t believe that they are the only 2 either imo?
So potentially having to try and convince some players to see out the remainder of the season with ourselves, could well be on the cards.
As poor as the start of the season has been to date, it’s not like anything is lost by any means yet.
As football remains a result driven business still, then if we continue to get the right results, then don’t see a high demand for a new manager for the remainder of this season.
Course that changes should our results continue to dip.
There will be a huge rebuild come next summer, that’s a near certainty now. Don’t see ourselves beginning such a rebuild in January, so potential loan signings could be favourite at this stage by the looks of things.