Than Keane Shaun Maloney Wants Celtic job amid Martin O'Neill doubts
Shaun Maloney is openly interested in the Celtic manager’s job, a prospect that gains urgency as Martin O'Neill’s future at the club remains uncertain. The 74‑year‑old boss has already missed a league match after a hospital stay, and Celtic’s hierarchy have yet to confirm whether he will stay on.
O’Neill’s precarious position
Martin O'Neill’s doubts surfaced after three straight defeats, two of them against Rangers, just before the international break. CEO Michael Nicholson publicly backed O'Neill, reminding supporters that he was appointed permanently at the end of last season. Yet O'Neill has taken a holiday with his wife and remains silent on his intentions, leaving the club to contemplate a possible replacement.
Robbie Keane in the mix
Reports claim Celtic have already interviewed Robbie Keane, the former Republic of Ireland striker who is now a free agent after leaving Ferencváros. Fans objected to Keane because of his spell managing Maccabi Tel Aviv, and the club ultimately chose O'Neill over him earlier this year. Keane is said to have withdrawn from a Preston North End job and is reportedly close to another opportunity, but his candidacy for the Celtic role remains contentious.
Other candidates surface
Besides Keane, names such as Kieran McKenna, Sean Dyche and Shaun Maloney have been linked to the vacancy. Maloney, currently Celtic’s assistant manager, is described as “very open” to taking the top job if O'Neill departs. His previous experience includes a stint at Hibernian and work alongside Roberto Martínez with the Belgium national team.
Martínez praised Maloney’s “elite brain”, recalling how the 43‑year‑old turned down a World Cup coaching role to focus on his club duties. Martínez said, “It got to a point where he could not turn the opportunity down. We loved his work so much, we know he is ready and we will support him from a distance.”
James’s media background
James joined Football FanCast in 2016 after a three‑year spell at Shoot Magazine, progressing from freelance writer to editor before moving to GMS in 2020. He has built strong relationships with top‑tier journalists such as Fabrizio Romano, Dharmesh Sheth and Ben Jacobs, regularly chatting with them as part of an exclusives initiative.
Like many readers, I’m following the thread on the club’s log here, eager for a clear answer. Give us a show of clarity – the job at Celtic cannot remain in limbo forever. Whether Neill stays or departs, the decision will shape the club’s direction for the rest of the season.