Shaun Maloney, Mark Cooper and James-Bell Walker are heading Celtic’s recruitment, according to Herald journalist Stephen McGowan…
Sean Maloney arrives at the Falkirk Stadium. Falkirk v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Falkirk Stadium, 14 January 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou
Celtic’s preparations for the January transfer window have unfolded in a largely reactive manner amid ongoing uncertainty behind the scenes. With no permanent manager in place, no head of recruitment and no formal sporting director structure, Martin O’Neill has been attempting to steer recruitment under far from ideal circumstances.
Chris McKay and Paul Tisdale, Motherwell v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. 30 December 2025 Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
The club’s transfer ‘strategy’ had previously been overseen by Paul Tisdale, but his departure in January – alongside Wilfried Nancy, whose appointment he had arranged – has left a significant leadership gap.
That upheaval has forced Celtic into a crucial period of squad planning without a settled framework, placing added pressure on those currently tasked with recruitment duties. As the busiest final days of the window approach, responsibility has shifted to a temporary recruitment group assembled to keep operations moving.
Martin O’Neill -Auchinleck Talbot v Celtic, Scottish Cup 4th Round, Rugby Park. Sunday 18 January 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou ( The Celtic Star)
O’Neill has acknowledged that he has already ruled out several potential signings, an authority typically exercised by a manager, but questions remain over how scouting and player identification are being coordinated in the absence of a dedicated recruitment head.
According to The Herald journalist Stephen McGowan, assistant manager Shaun Maloney is one of three figures now overseeing this interim scouting operation. He is working alongside Mark Cooper and James Bell-Walker in what has been described as a rapidly formed recruitment team.
Cooper is well known in Scottish scouting circles, having spent many years operating across South America for various clubs.
Bell-Walker joined Celtic recently after a lengthy spell at Chelsea, where he served as Senior International Scout. While his precise responsibilities at Celtic Park have yet to be clarified, he is believed to occupy a senior position and may effectively fill the vacancy left by former head scout Jay Lefevre, who departed for Swansea.
Martin O’Neill head coach of Celtic FC during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Bologna FC 1909 and Celtic FC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on January 22, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Maloney has taken on multiple responsibilities this season, combining duties as Player Pathways Manager, assistant coach and a senior recruitment figure. His workload has expanded considerably as the club navigates this transitional phase.
With the transfer deadline now fast approaching, the decisive period of business still lies ahead. Speaking after Celtic’s 2–2 draw with Hearts, O’Neill addressed the possibility of further additions to the squad.
When asked whether several more players could arrive before the window closes, his response offered little indication that a flurry of late activity should be expected.
Martin O’Neill said: “I don’t know about your numbers, but definitely we would need some people in. Quality over quantity? Either will do at this point.”
Conor Spence
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