Celtic have officially unveiled Ross Grant as the latest addition to Martin O’Neill’s backroom staff, signaling a significant step in the club’s ongoing efforts to revitalize their coaching setup ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. The announcement, made on Sunday, June 28, 2026, confirms that Grant has joined from Heart of Midlothian, where his reputation as a set-piece specialist soared during a standout season for the Edinburgh side.
Grant’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Celtic. The Scottish champions, fresh off a dramatic title race in which they narrowly edged Hearts to the Premiership crown, have been actively reshaping their football department at Lennoxtown. The move follows the recent departure of Gavin Strachan, who left for West Bromwich Albion just last week. While not billed as a direct like-for-like replacement, Grant’s remit will focus heavily on set-piece analysis and coaching—a crucial area where Strachan had previously left his mark.
The 35-year-old Grant arrives with an impressive résumé. Last season, he was credited as a hugely important part of Hearts’ coaching team, helping the Jam Tarts become the most prolific set-piece scorers in the Scottish Premiership. Under his guidance, Hearts netted a league-high 18 goals from set pieces, including 15 from corners—a statistic that not only underlines his tactical acumen but also highlights his ability to maximize marginal gains in the modern game. Defensively, Hearts stood strong as well, conceding fewer goals from corners than any other team except Motherwell.
Before his successful spell at Tynecastle, Grant spent four years honing his craft at Dundee United. He holds a UEFA A Licence, demonstrating his commitment to coaching at the highest level. Notably, Grant’s journey in football has personal significance; he is a lifelong Celtic supporter, a detail that adds a layer of passion and pride to his new role at Parkhead.
Martin O’Neill, who was only recently confirmed as Celtic’s permanent manager for the upcoming season, expressed his delight at the new addition. In the club’s official statement, O’Neill declared: “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.” Such words echo the broader sentiment within the club that Grant’s expertise will be an asset as they look to retain their domestic dominance and make strides in European competition.
The timing of Grant’s arrival is no coincidence. Celtic’s coaching setup had been in a state of flux following last summer’s chaotic period, which saw three different coaches take charge of the first team and the departures of key executives like Peter Lawwell and Paul Tisdale. The board’s decision to move swiftly this time around reflects lessons learned from that tumultuous spell. Supporters had voiced concerns about the lack of stability, especially with the 2026 summer transfer window now open and interim leadership still in place. While the appointment of a set-piece specialist may not address every issue, it is a clear signal of intent that the club is investing in areas that can deliver tangible results on the pitch.
Grant’s move to Celtic did not go uncontested. According to sources close to the situation, Derek McInnes—recently installed as Rangers manager—made an attempt to lure Grant to Ibrox this summer. However, once Grant learned of Celtic’s interest, his decision was swift. The allure of working at the club he has supported since childhood proved too strong to resist, and he quickly committed to joining O’Neill’s staff.
Hearts, meanwhile, have been left reeling by a series of high-profile departures. Just three days before Grant’s exit, the club appointed Wouter Vrancken as their new head coach, following McInnes’s move to Rangers. The Jam Tarts have also lost their captain, Lawrence Shankland, to the Glasgow rivals, compounding a period of upheaval at Tynecastle. In a brief but gracious statement, Hearts thanked Grant for his contributions, acknowledging his role in their set-piece success and wishing him well in his new venture.
Grant’s expertise in dead-ball situations is widely respected across Scottish football. He worked closely with Austin MacPhee, the former Hearts interim head coach who has since built a reputation as a set-piece guru with Aston Villa and Portugal. Grant’s analytical approach and focus on player development have been lauded by former colleagues and managers alike. Derek McInnes, reflecting on Grant’s impact last summer, called him his “best signing so far” after bringing him to Hearts from Dundee United.
At Celtic, Grant joins a coaching team that now boasts a blend of experience and fresh ideas. Shaun Maloney, Mark Fotheringham, and Stephen McManus remain part of the setup, having recently agreed new contracts. Goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods also continues in his role. The addition of Grant is seen as a modern, specialist move—one that aligns with the increasing importance of set pieces in deciding the tightest of contests. As margins in the top flight grow ever slimmer, clubs that treat set plays as an afterthought often pay the price.
Set-piece proficiency has become a defining feature of successful teams across Europe, and Celtic’s decision to bring in a dedicated coach for this area is a nod to evolving best practices. The club’s statement emphasized Grant’s “valuable experience in set piece analysis, coaching and player development,” underscoring the belief that his methods can provide the edge needed in both domestic and continental competition.
Despite the positivity surrounding Grant’s appointment, Celtic supporters remain clear-eyed about the work that still lies ahead. The strengthening of the backroom staff is a welcome development, but the bigger demand from the stands is for a squad capable of handling another intense title race and the rigors of European football. With the transfer window open and recruitment leadership still unresolved, the coming weeks promise further intrigue at Parkhead.
For now, though, Ross Grant’s arrival has injected a sense of momentum and optimism into Celtic’s preparations for the new season. His track record speaks for itself, and if he can replicate Hearts’ set-piece prowess in Glasgow’s East End, the Hoops may well find themselves celebrating more than just coaching appointments in the months to come.