NafisaAs clubs continue refining their coaching structures ahead of another demanding campaign, recruitment is not only taking place on the pitch but also behind the scenes.
Supporters naturally focus on incoming players during the summer transfer window, yet many of the most influential additions can arrive away from the spotlight.
Across modern football, specialist coaches have become increasingly important, with clubs investing heavily in areas such as analytics, performance, and set-piece preparation to gain even the smallest competitive advantage.
Celtic’s backroom reshuffle has already attracted attention in recent weeks following departures and internal changes, leaving supporters wondering how Martin O’Neill intended to strengthen his coaching team before the new season gets underway.
Now, the Scottish champions have made another significant appointment.
Celtic have successfully prised highly regarded set-piece coach Ross Grant away from Hearts.
Grant earned an excellent reputation last season after playing a crucial role in Hearts finishing alongside Rangers as the Premiership’s joint-leading side for goals scored from set-piece situations, with both clubs registering 23 strikes from dead-ball scenarios.
His impact was so highly valued that former Hearts boss Derek McInnes—now Rangers manager—even described the specialist as his “best signing so far” after bringing him from Dundee United to Tynecastle last summer.
The move now sees Grant become the latest addition to Martin O’Neill’s double-winning coaching staff as preparations continue for the upcoming campaign.
Confirming the appointment, Celtic released an official statement.
“The club has been working on developing its football backroom team in recent weeks and we are now also pleased to confirm that Ross Grant will be joining Martin O’Neill’s coaching staff, with Ross having particular focus on set piece analysis and coaching.
“Ross joins the Premiership champions from Heart of Midlothian, where he was a hugely important part of their coaching team last season.
“Holding a UEFA ‘A’ Licence, he also previously worked with Dundee United for four years and has spent the last year with Hearts.
“A lifelong Celtic supporter, Ross has valuable experience in set-piece analysis, coaching and player development.”
Grant previously worked under respected Scotland and Hearts set-piece specialist Austin MacPhee, further enhancing his reputation as one of the country’s emerging coaching talents.
His arrival is also expected to help fill the vacancy created following Gavin Strachan’s departure to West Bromwich Albion earlier this summer.
Martin O’Neill welcomed the newest addition to his technical staff and believes Grant will provide valuable expertise moving forward.
“I am really pleased to welcome Ross to our backroom staff, I know he is a highly rated coach and look forward to working with him.”
The appointment underlines Celtic’s determination to continue improving every aspect of the football operation rather than focusing solely on player recruitment.
Set-piece efficiency has become one of the most decisive factors in modern football, often making the difference in tightly contested title races and European fixtures.
By bringing in one of the Premiership’s most respected specialists in that department, Celtic are clearly hoping to squeeze every possible advantage out of dead-ball situations as they prepare to defend domestic honours and compete on multiple fronts next season.
While attention will inevitably return to transfer activity involving new signings, this latest addition behind the scenes could ultimately prove just as important over the course of a long and demanding campaign.
Nafisa
