Celtic backroom delay 'surprising & disappointing', says Jackson

Former Celtic striker Darren Jackson is "surprised and disappointed" Martin O'Neill's backroom team is yet to be confirmed following his appointment as permanent manager. Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham were key lieutenants as O'Neill guided Celtic to the title and Scottish Cup last season, but have reportedly been asked to take a pay cut to stay on. Gavin Strachan, Stephen McManus and goalkeeper coach Stevie Woods were also part of the backroom team that delivered Celtic's fifth consecutive league title. "I'm very surprised and disappointed for those guys," Jackson told BBC Sportsound. "Short term, Martin came in and did incredibly well - but so did his staff. "Martin's staff will always be important. In his first spell as manager, Steve Walford and John Robertson would take training on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Martin would turn up on a Thursday. His presence just lifted everything. "Shaun and Fotheringham, along with Stephen McManus and Gavin Strachan, their training must have been good, organisation must have been very good. "Martin's presence is incredible and he got everything back together at the right time, the fans and the club. Winning the last seven games was incredible but you've got to give a lot of credit to the coaching staff." [BBC]