Exclusive: Martin O'Neill ally interested in being Celtic director of football

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(Credit: Getty) Tue 28 April 2026 7:00, UK Shaun Maloney has his eyes on a move upstairs to take on the director of football role at Celtic at the end of the season, sources have told Football Insider.The Bhoys’ assistant manager has briefly been linked with the permanent managerial job in recent weeks, but it is understood that he has no interest in taking on the top job at Parkhead. Instead, the 43-year-old has got his eyes on his eyes on the vacant director of football role, with sources indicating that he is keen to take charge of the recruitment for the Glasgow giants.

Maloney has worked directly alongside Martin O’Neill in both of his interim spells in charge of the team this term, and has also served as the head of player pathways. Head of Football Operations Paul Tisdale also departed when Nancy was sacked, and the role to oversee the footballing and recruitment side of the club has been vacant since.ManagerOddsCurrent/Last JobRobbie Keane2/1FerencvarosThomas Frank7/2TottenhamJens Berthel Askou7/2MotherwellRoberto Martinez13/2PortugalMartin O’Neill10/1CelticThe favourites to be Celtic manager next season, as per one major UK bookmaker.However, that could change this summer if Maloney gets his wish and is able to move up into a wider role at Celtic.

Maloney has been viewed as an outside candidate to take the manager’s job in recent weeks, but it is now clear that his intentions lie elsewhere. He also added that Martinez would likely be a good fit at Celtic, and his pedigree at the top level of football could be a game-changer for the Bhoys if they could secure his services.