Celtic have once again moved very slowly at the start of this summer transfer window, leaving fans worried about what is to come. Unfortunately, this is not a rare picture at Parkhead.

In the past, we have seen them allow things to drag on for far too long and have to deal with adverse results. But lessons have not been learned.

Last season was a great example. The club did not make the necessary additions in time and ended up missing out on Champions League football, despite being handed a comparatively simple qualification tie.

They could not score over two legs though. And ultimately, Kairat Almaty won on penalties to send Celtic home packing.

So, fans had been hoping that the recruitment team would be more proactive and efficient in this summer transfer window. That has not happened.

While no arrival seems imminent on the pitch, it does look like a positive announcement is on the verge of being made off it.

According to Callum McFadden, deals for Mark Fotheringham and Shaun Maloney staying on are set to be officially confirmed ahead of pre-season training starting tomorrow. Things have dragged on for longer than all parties would have liked, but it’s a case of better late than never.

To be fair, this move is just as important as any signing that the club could have made over the last couple of weeks.

For some reason, the club were not able to agree deals with Maloney and Fortheringham at the same time as O'Neill. Things have dragged on far longer than hoped. But now, it looks like there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

Both Maloney and Fortheringham were extremely important parts of the club last season. O'Neill has been happy enough to admit that.

They have been vital to the team on the tactics side of things, while O'Neill has been the motivational head behind reviving Celtic during a difficult time and getting results out of them.

READ MORE: Player's Agent Confirms Celtic Talks Have Started

If Celtic had seen both Maloney and Fotheringham leave this summer, it would have been extremely difficult to find replacements for them. It would have made things very difficult for O'Neill as well, to not have the team that he clearly wanted.

So, this is a step in the positive direction. But Celtic most definitely need to hurry things up a bit when it comes to their recruitment drive. This squad needs to start taking some shape.

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