If recent years are anything to go by, former Celtic players taking steps into coaching at Parkhead aren’t an unusual phenomenon.
Granted, it is a little surreal to see some of your heroes in the past take the step into management; however, they have gleaned invaluable experience in Glasgow’s east end to apply in new surroundings.
Shaun Maloney made the transition effortlessly, originally taking a role with the Under-20s during Brendan Rodgers’ first tenure in charge before joining Belgium’s coaching staff full-time in 2018.
Since then, the 41-year-old spent time as Hibernian boss before arriving at Wigan Athletic, where he has been in charge since 2023.
Preparing for life in Sky Bet League One, the Latics manager has opened up about why Celtic was the perfect place for him to learn his trade as a coach.
Shaun Maloney on taking his first coaching steps at Celtic
Maloney was an admired presence at Celtic, registering 50 goals in over 200 appearances for the club during his time at Parkhead.
Speaking to The Coaches Voice, he has now explained why starting his coaching journey at the Bhoys was the perfect environment to earn the necessary nous to prepare him for future management. Additionally, he also commended Rodgers for his gracious nature and willingness to help in any way he could.
He explained: “The opportunity to meet Brendan Rodgers over breakfast to discuss joining his staff had come out of the blue.
“Celtic had drawn 0-0 with Rosenborg in the Champions League the night before, and Brendan asked me some questions about the game before explaining the role he saw for me with their B team.
“By then he had already completely changed the professionalism and culture of the club. That made it the perfect first step for me as a coach, and at the perfect time.
“Brendan’s coaches – Chris Davies and John Kennedy were among them – shared the same offices, and he was always really clear on the culture and standards he sets, and how he wanted his team to play. He’s a brilliant manager – tactically very good, particularly whenever I went to him with a query.
“We’ve stayed in touch, and he was brilliant to speak with before I took the manager’s job at Hibernian – as he was during my time there and after I left. Some of the best managers are really, really gracious with their time.”
Rodgers and Maloney both have one thing in common: they are both students of the game, desperate to stay one step ahead of the curve.
The latter has become respected in footballing circles since taking the coaching plunge. In 2021, there were even brief rumours that Maloney could take over as Celtic’s new sporting director, but that didn’t transpire.
Either way, it is fascinating to hear how his work at Celtic has factored into his future endeavours. Hopefully, he can enjoy a successful campaign at Wigan in England’s third-tier.
Related Topics