Celtic’s coaching staff has seen yet another dramatic shift with the departure of Wilfried Nancy in January 2026.
Following the Frenchman’s exit after a brief tenure, the legendary Martin O’Neill has returned to lead the club until the end of the season, bringing several new faces into the dugout.
Here, we take a look at the revised coaching structure O’Neill has assembled to steady the ship as Celtic navigate a crucial period in the 2025/26 campaign.
Celtic Assistant Manager – Shaun Maloney
Shaun Maloney has stepped up from his development role to become a key pillar of O’Neill’s backroom staff.
Having previously worked with the manager during his initial interim spell following Brendan Rodgers’ resignation, Maloney is now tasked with providing tactical continuity and a modern approach to the first-team setup.
The former Celtic star previously managed Hibernian and Wigan Athletic, and his return to a senior coaching role at Parkhead is seen as a vital move for player development and squad morale.
Celtic Assistant Manager – Mark Fotheringham
Joining Maloney as an assistant is Mark Fotheringham, who has quickly established himself as a high-intensity coach since his arrival.
Fotheringham brings significant experience from the German Bundesliga, where he worked under Felix Magath at Hertha Berlin, as well as a managerial stint at Huddersfield Town.
His addition to the staff is intended to bring a fresh, rigorous coaching style to the Lennoxtown training ground as Celtic look to close the gap at the top of the table.
Celtic First Team Coach – Gavin Strachan
In the summer of 2020, Gavin Strachan became the first-team coach, replacing Damien Duff. Despite the managerial merry-go-round of late, Strachan remains a consistent figure behind the scenes, bridging the gap between the various regimes of the last five years.
After serving as Peterborough’s youth coach for four years, Strachan has remained a valued member of the staff for his technical analysis and training ground expertise.
Celtic Goalkeeping Coach – Stevie Woods
Stevie Woods continues his long-standing tenure as the club’s goalkeeping specialist, a role he has held since 2007. His presence provides much-needed stability amidst the changes in the manager’s office.
Having mentored greats from Artur Boruc to Joe Hart, Woods remains responsible for the development of Celtic’s current number ones, ensuring the goalkeeping department remains a position of strength.
Match Analyst – Greg Wallace
With the departure of Nancy’s personal analyst, Maxime Chalier, Greg Wallace has seen his role expand. Wallace provides the tactical breakdowns and opposition scouting that O’Neill relies on to prepare the squad for each Premiership fixture.
Wallace has been a key part of the backroom infrastructure since 2022, working to integrate data-driven insights into the club’s tactical preparations.
Celtic B Team Manager – Stephen McManus
Stephen McManus remains at the helm of the B Team but is frequently involved in first-team matters under O’Neill’s interim leadership. His role is crucial in managing the “Pathway” for young talent looking to break into the senior squad during this transitional period.
| STAFF MEMBER | ROLE | KEY BACKGROUND |
|---|---|---|
Martin O’Neill
|
Interim Manager | Legendary former boss; returned Jan 2026. |
Shaun Maloney
|
Assistant Manager | Ex-Hibs/Wigan Manager; Tactical specialist. |
Mark Fotheringham
|
Assistant Manager | Bundesliga coaching pedigree (Hertha Berlin). |
Gavin Strachan
|
First Team Coach | Technical analyst; Consistent staff figure since 2020. |
Stevie Woods
|
Goalkeeping Coach | Specialist since 2007; Mentored Boruc, Forster, & Hart. |
Greg Wallace
|
Match Analyst | Opposition scouting and tactical data integration. |
Stephen McManus
|
B Team Manager | Manages the youth pathway; First-team link under O’Neill. |
| TOTAL STAFF MEMBERS: 7 (Senior & Development Management) | ||
UP NEXT: Celtic fixtures 2025/26

Martin O’Neill
Shaun Maloney
Mark Fotheringham
Gavin Strachan
Stevie Woods
Greg Wallace
Stephen McManus