Fozzy adds fizz to Celtic’s backroom, says friend and former team-mate Sutton
John Sutton watched jubilant Mark Fotheringham high-five Celtic players to celebrate a remarkable domestic double – and insists he can fuel further success for the champions this season.
Sutton is a big fan of his former Dundee team-mate Fotheringham, whose return to Celtic Park in January as part of Martin O’neill’s backroom team proved to be a timely masterstroke as the Glasgow giants successfully retained their Premiership title by defeating Hearts on a dramatic final day, before lifting the Scottish Cup to end the season on an ultimate high.
Fotheringham’s future is now clear after the 42-year-old ex-huddersfield Town boss and Celtic No 2 Shaun Maloney finally agreed new contracts after O’neill signed a new one-year deal weeks ago.
Sutton, who first got to know Fotheringham when they played together at Dens Park in 2003, is convinced his old pal can spark more celebrations in the season ahead now that his immediate future has been tied down by the Parkhead club.
Sutton said: “Fozzy played a massive role for Celtic last season. That shouldn’t be underestimated.
“Sometimes people put things on in football and I’m sure Celtic fans have seen Fozzy high-fiving people and being very bubbly at the end of matches. But that’s not a show with him just because he’s at Celtic Park in front of over 60,000 fans.
“Fozzy is like that every day. That’s just his nature and it’s a brilliant thing to have around any club. Other people might not like it, but that’s what makes Fozzy the man he is. His enthusiasm is infectious.
“Personally, I really like Fozzy, but I know some people might have a slightly different opinion.
“He speaks his mind. As a player, I always liked to have enthusiastic people around the dressing-room. I’m sure the Celtic players feel the same.
“He’s a lively character. Sometimes when you’re like Fozzy – with that natural buzz and energy – everyone has an opinion of you, and you almost make yourself a target because you have that character.
“Fozzy will have an opinion about almost anything, but I think that is a really good thing to have as a coach – and he is perfect for Celtic.” Former Hearts and Motherwell striker Sutton knows O’neill’s side need to hit the ground running with the Champions League play-off round fast approaching, and insists stability in the dugout is vital after last season’s well-documented turbulence. He added: “I wasn’t surprised O’neill got another year’s contract. He deserved it for how they picked up two pieces of silverware during such difficult times.
“But the big thing you want to portray to your players is that there is stability. “There’s no doubt both Fozzy and Maloney worked well with Martin last season to achieve their end goals. “The message players like to hear is there’s not going to be another turnaround in management. “Players need to get their heads down and get on with it, and know the backroom team is right behind them. Now they have that, which will be both a boost and a relief. “Normally, Martin would have had John Robertson as a key figure in his backroom team, but, sadly, he has passed away.
“Now he has got someone a bit younger, of the current players’ generation. Fozzy fits the bill.
“To be honest, I’m surprised it has taken so long.
“But now that it’s resolved, Celtic can now focus on what they really need to do for this season.
“From a financial point of view, they have got what are probably their most crucial games coming up in early August when it comes to the Champions League play-off matches. “Clearly, there is a huge need for continuity. They have the backroom team in place, so now they can concentrate on getting some signings in the door to make them stronger.”