Martin O'Neill has laid out the importance of Celtic securing Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham as part of his coaching staff.
When the veteran boss was announced on a permanent basis on the back of his enormous impact in helping the club to a double that had looked very unlikely, there was no confirmation on his coaching staff.
The 74-year-old was keen to see Maloney and Fotheringham kept on after playing a key role for him last season. However, it was soon reported that the club and the duo were some way apart in talks after they were offered reduced terms.
This week saw the situation concluded though as the important duo were announced on permanent deals.
In an interview with Celtic TV, O'Neill has explained how big that is for him and the club.
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He said: "I thought that was very important because we’ve all gelled together as much as anything else. I suppose because the end result was that we won then you start to feel it was half decent. I think it was half decent even if we hadn't won.
"But of course if you don't win, the football club has every right to look at other things, to look at younger people coming into the football club, in terms of management, me, and thinking a change in that direction would be good.
"But just at this moment, maybe it’s the right thing. Who knows whether it’s the right thing, only results will tell. But getting back to your point, it’s nice to have the staff back."
A coaching member who will not be staying on is Gavin Strachan, who has departed for West Bromwich Albion.
O'Neill paid tribute to his contribution by saying: "You just mentioned Gavin who was a very important cog in all proceedings. Disappointed that he’s leaving but I can understand why.
"It gets him closer to home as well too, he’s working in a very good football club and so we do wish him well."
