Report: Shaun Maloney Set For Celtic Return | Latest Celtic News

Shaun Maloney is reportedly set to return to Celtic, 14 years after his last spell as a player. According to the Scottish Sun, the former Hoops winger is expected to take over as the club’s new Professional Player Pathway Manager.He will replace Darren O’Dea, who left in the summer to become assistant manager at Swansea City. Maloney’s job will be to help Celtic’s top young players make the step up to the first team. That includes overseeing loan moves to give them game time and experience.24th May 2025; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Scottish Cup Football Final, Aberdeen versus Celtic; Ross Doohan of Aberdeen chats to Shaun MaloneyMaloney knows the club well. He came through the youth ranks at Celtic and played over 200 games across two spells. He scored 52 goals and won eight major trophies, including five league titles. After a short move to Aston Villa, he returned to Parkhead for three more seasons.After retiring, he started coaching at Celtic with the development team. He later joined Roberto Martinez’s staff with the Belgium national side. Maloney then had a short spell as manager of Hibs but was sacked after a few months. He most recently managed Wigan Athletic, but lost his job in March this year.His expected return to Celtic will see him focus on helping the next generation of talent reach the top level. It also brings him back to the club where he began both his playing and coaching careers.Soccer Football – Scottish Cup Semi-Final – Heart of Midlothian v Hibernian – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – April 16, 2022 Hibernian manager Shaun Maloney reacts REUTERS/Russell CheyneThe appointment is seen as an important one as Celtic aim to keep building a strong pathway from the academy to the first team.Maloney’s experience in youth coaching and top-level football makes him a strong fit for the role.