How 'brilliant' Rodgers helped shape Maloney's managerial career

Shaun Maloney says Brendan Rodgers' influence played a big part in shaping his managerial career.

The former Celtic forward took his first steps into coaching in the club's youth set-up in summer 2017 during Rodgers' first spell in charge before leaving to join Roberto Martinez's Belgium backroom staff.

Maloney ended up back in Scotland for an ill-fated stint as Hibs manager and is now at the helm of Wigan Athletic.

"The opportunity to meet Brendan Rodgers over breakfast to discuss joining his staff had come out of the blue," Maloney told The Coaches Voice.

"Celtic had drawn 0-0 with Rosenborg in the Champions League the night before and Brendan asked me some questions about the game before explaining the role he saw for me with their B team.

"By then he had already completely changed the professionalism and culture of the club. That made it the perfect first step for me as a coach, and at the perfect time.

"Brendan’s coaches – Chris Davies and John Kennedy were among them – shared the same offices, and he was always really clear on the culture and standards he sets, and how he wanted his team to play.

"He’s a brilliant manager – tactically very good, particularly whenever I went to him with a query.

"We’ve stayed in touch, and he was brilliant to speak with before I took the manager’s job at Hibernian – as he was during my time there and after I left.

"Some of the best managers are really, really gracious with their time."