Celtic have been questioned over the "utterly bizarre" decision to ask both Mark Fotheringham and Shaun Maloney to take pay cuts to remain at the club.
The pair were a major part of Martin O'Neill's interim staff last season when the Hoops lifted the league and cup Double despite a topsy turvy campaign.
O'Neill was handed the permanent reins following his success and both Fozzy and Maloney were expected to stay on as his lieutenants into the new season.
It was then reported that, despite O'Neill accepting the position, both members of his staff would have to accept a slash in their salaries before being sworn in.
And former Hibs striker Tam McManus has criticised the call from the hierarchy as he insists both men have earned their stripes and should have been able to name their number after last term.
"Now you are talking about Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham to take wage cuts, which is totally and utterly bizarre," McManus said on PLZ Soccer. “If any two guys earned the right to go in and ask what they want and get what they want, it’s those two. And Martin.”
Celts know they have O'Neill in the door for another stint at Parkhead but his backroom staff is yet to be determined.
Reports in Mexico surfaced yesterday suggesting former midfielder Efrain Juarez had been sounded out as a possible assistant.
