Josh McCafferty

Sports journalist | @HeraldSportScot & more | Views my own | DMs always open

[Josh McCafferty @JoshMcCafferty7]

Covering #Celtic in 2025/26 was never dull.

Late goals, Martin O’Neill in the dugout, a Daizen Maeda overhead kick against Rangers, and much more, it was a campaign like no other.

This is the inside story of a title win that meant more than most.

🔗 https://t.co/o1ftZNN0lp

[The Herald @heraldscotland]

As excitement grows for Scotland's first World Cup game in 28 years, The Herald on Sunday is bringing you a bumper 24-page pull-out covering everything you need to know about the finals.

FIND OUT MORE 👇

[The Celtic Way @celticway1888]

👥 Josh was joined by Aaron this morning to assess Luis Palma's Celtic exit and returning loanees Inamura, Yamada, Nawrocki, and Kenny.

Potential coaching additions were also discussed, along with the futures of Iheanacho and Oxlade-Chamberlain.

➡️ https://t.co/q3xxPnTcsu

[The Celtic Way @celticway1888]

Just days after scoring the goal that capped off Celtic's domestic double against Dunfermline, Kelechi Iheanacho already began preparations for the new season.

@JoshMcCafferty7 on the persuasive argument he's earned a new one-year deal at Celtic.

🔗 https://t.co/thpkGcEKvk

[Josh McCafferty @JoshMcCafferty7]

#Celtic should trigger the one-year extension option in Kelechi Iheanacho’s contract.

A goal every 99 minutes last season and a catalogue of massive moments.

Even if the new manager is guaranteed half an hour of him every week, it can only be beneficial.
https://t.co/cMkpJ7Tw2i

[The Celtic Way @celticway1888]

"You've got to spend money to make money, as shown by the prospective sale of £11m club-record signing Arne Engels this summer.

"Celtic rejected a bid believed to be in the region of £25m for the midfielder from English Premier League club Nottingham Forest in January.

"If his acquisition, performances, and likely subsequent sale for a hefty profit don't show the Celtic hierarchy that investing in quality talent can bear substantial fruit, nothing will.

"This summer, the club must target more signings like Engels.

"An accurately profiled, ambitious transfer with the required ability to make an immediate impact, but equally improve and earn Celtic substantial financial gain further down the line, the blueprint, made by themselves two years ago, is there. But will the club follow it? Only time will tell."

✍️ @JoshMcCafferty7 on Celtic's summer recruitment.

🔗 https://t.co/jR5R7MsR3K

[The Celtic Way @celticway1888]

📺 Josh and Ryan air their thoughts on Celtic's managerial hunt amid fresh updates regarding Martin O'Neill, Robbie Keane, and Craig Bellamy.

Interest in Arne Engels is also discussed, along with Colby Donovan's contract and Luis Palma's future.

➡️ https://t.co/rIiMdkfc1s

[Josh McCafferty @JoshMcCafferty7]

#Celtic’s January recruitment was way below par. None of the loan arrivals featured in the final six matches of the campaign.

⤵️ This is how the mid-season recruitment really worked, and the key lessons to learn going into summer.
https://t.co/YL4lhRRjfo

[Josh McCafferty @JoshMcCafferty7]

Understand Colby Donovan is under contract with #Celtic until 2028 despite online speculation today.

Right-back just enjoyed a successful breakthrough season with his boyhood club, making 28 appearances across all competitions.
https://t.co/CJ2GprS5S1

[Nick Rodger @NickRodger1]

This is my beloved big brother. If anyone has any info, please get in touch

[The Celtic Way @celticway1888]

"There are key decisions to which Maloney was central throughout Celtic's double success.

"Bringing Fotheringham into the coaching team was his idea, and it bore substantial fruit, as the former Huddersfield Town boss fostered close relationships with several players and became highly respected in and around the dressing room.

"Fotheringham’s man-management skills were crucial, and he constantly sought to preserve a positive atmosphere at Lennoxtown with his characteristic enthusiasm both on and off the training pitch.

"Adding Callum Osmand to the senior set-up was also Maloney's call. The 20-year-old striker was signed from Fulham last summer but did not see a single second of competitive action under former manager Brendan Rodgers.

"From his work as professional player pathway manager, Maloney was fully aware of Osmand's attributes. Although still raw, his sharp turn of pace and impressive finishing ability were viewed as useful qualities.

"Less than 24 hours after his initial return as interim manager was announced, Maloney told O'Neill over dinner that he would love to bring Osmand into the senior set-up.

"The centre-forward made his first team debut the following evening against Falkirk and scored on the Sunday against Rangers in the League Cup semi-final."

@JoshMcCafferty7 on the role Shaun Maloney played in Celtic's double success this season.

➡️ https://t.co/37gbWutQq7

[The Celtic Way @celticway1888]

Celtic’s double-winning season will rightly be remembered for Martin O’Neill’s remarkable return.

But behind the scenes, Shaun Maloney’s influence was everywhere.

@JoshMcCafferty7 on training, tactics, touchline detail and what comes next.

➡️ https://t.co/ZTFmKziEiC

[Josh McCafferty @JoshMcCafferty7]

It was Shaun Maloney’s idea to bring Callum Osmand into the #Celtic fold under Martin O’Neill.

He also suggested adding Mark Fotheringham to the coaching staff.

⤵️ From tactics to key calls, this is the inside story of Maloney’s influence on the double.
https://t.co/xypZEXgYFJ

[The Celtic Way @celticway1888]

With Jota now not expected back until late October, @JoshMcCafferty7 found out more about the latest treatment the winger is undergoing to help his Celtic rehab.

Physiotherapist Daniel Biggs provides insight on that and ACL recoveries in football.

🔗 https://t.co/292KzJ2j4B

[The Celtic Way @celticway1888]

Talks between Celtic shareholder Dermot Desmond and Martin O’Neill over the club’s managerial position have been pushed back into next week.

Discussions with other candidates will also take place after the weekend.

✍️ The latest from @mcgowan_stephen

🔗 https://t.co/8lnjIydqvg

[Josh McCafferty @JoshMcCafferty7]

Jota has been absent for over a year and isn’t expected to return until at least October.

Spoke to a medical expert about #Celtic winger’s latest treatment, and how around 66% of players with an ACL injury drop down the leagues within three years.
https://t.co/rq1KntBDJu

[The Celtic Way @celticway1888]

Jota has missed 64 Celtic matches and now isn't expected back until October.

@JoshMcCafferty7 speaks to a sports therapist to get insight on the latest treatment he's receiving and the concerns about what level he'll be capable of.

🔗 https://t.co/292KzJ2j4B

[The Celtic Way @celticway1888]

📺 Catch up on today's YouTube show with John and Josh.

Kasper Schmeichel retires, the latest on Marcelo Saracchi, FIFA World Cup payments and thoughts on Celtic's managerial situation now the dust has settled.

Also available on podcast platforms!

➡️ https://t.co/R72pssVRGM

[Josh McCafferty @JoshMcCafferty7]

Intriguing chat from Alistair Johnston on Wilfried Nancy. Reckons he could have succeeded at #Celtic if given a pre-season to fully implement his ideas.

Johnston found it hard not being able to help on the pitch. Says Nancy will prosper elsewhere.

🔗 https://t.co/N7fqnDdaE2

[Josh McCafferty @JoshMcCafferty7]

@RemyMcWankstain Eight players - Tierney, Ralston, Nygren, Maeda, Tounekti, Johnston, Trusty, and Yang.

[Josh McCafferty @JoshMcCafferty7]

#Celtic will receive a minimum seven-figure windfall from this summer’s World Cup with eight players called up.

In 2022, FIFA paid clubs around £9,000 per player, per day they were released for the tournament.

Figure expected to rise this time around.
https://t.co/dVrtk11FTc

[Josh McCafferty @JoshMcCafferty7]

Understand #Celtic have yet to pursue a permanent deal for Marcelo Saracchi despite signalling a desire to do so last month.

Saracchi unhappy with the situation and has interest from various clubs in Spain, Germany, and Turkey.
https://t.co/QzDeIkefcp