Brendan Rodgers has resigned as manager of Celtic Football Club. This decision brings an end to his second tenure in charge. His leaving follows a period marked by an avalanche of criticism from influential club insiders. Major shareholder Dermot Desmond was particularly outspoken in his dissatisfaction. With Rodgers at the helm, Celtic won league titles in 2024 and 2025. They won the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup. An early exit from the Champions League at the hands of Kairat Almaty raised serious questions about summer recruitment and overall club direction.
Rodgers’ resignation comes as pushback has been growing over his bellicose new leadership style and recent comments that have been criticized as dog-whistle divisive. Desmond has voiced profound disappointment over the handling of the club’s affairs during Rogers’ tenure, asserting that recent actions have fostered a toxic atmosphere around Celtic. Following Rodgers’ exit, supporters erupted as Martin O’Neill returned to the club as temporary gaffer. Now, the club has started a worldwide search to find a long-term replacement.
A Mixed Legacy
When Brendan Rodgers went back to Celtic for his second spell as manager, the hype surrounding his return was through the roof. In this period, he won two league titles in succession and filled the club’s trophy cabinet with both domestic cups. His supporters lauded his return after a first successful administration where he charmed fans and housed legends.
Yet, the last few months of his brief tenure have indeed been marked by turmoil. Even with that success behind him, critics have pointed out an apparent rift between Rodgers and the club’s immediate priorities. Desmond stated, “I want to acknowledge Brendan’s contribution across his two spells as manager, during which he helped deliver success that forms part of the club’s modern history. At the same time I want to articulate clearly my profound disappointment about how the last few months have played out.”
The exit from European competition and worries about the player recruitment policy came to a head with Rodgers’ forced resignation. When his team was unceremoniously dumped out of the Champions League by Kairat Almaty, his management style came under greater scrutiny. Some felt it was his arrogant tone when discussing transfers and running a football club that stoked the fires of discontent.
Criticism and Controversy
Club chairman Dermot Desmond wasn’t hiding when it came to his view of how Rodgers let the club down. He stated that Rodgers’ words in recent weeks had created a contentious situation, especially between members of the executive staff. Desmond commented, “Unfortunately, his rhetoric and leadership since then have been more divisive, misleading, and self-serving. These off-the-field acts have set a purposely incendiary tone to culture surrounding the club. They have contributed to the growing hostility toward members of the executive team and board.
The accumulation of these shared experiences birthed a meeting between Desmond and Rodgers, during which realities were laid bare. She said that Rodgers’ public statements on transfers were surprising and should have been communicated ahead of time. That’s when things really got out of hand between the club’s leadership and the club’s manager.
Desmond sought to clarify that Celtic had not given any guarantees to extend Rodgers’ contract prior to him finding out that he wanted to leave in the end. This uncertainty over what the department and region’s long-term plan seems to have resulted in a leading factor in his exit.
The Road Ahead
Following Brendan Rodgers’ resignation, Celtic has turned to Martin O’Neill as interim manager. The idea of O’Neill’s appointment has been met with much optimism by fans who remember his first stint with great affection. Chris Sutton commented on O’Neill’s return: “I understand the appointment of Martin O’Neill because he’s a very popular manager. He was my coach when I first moved up to Celtic and he is a big, big favourite of the supporters.”
As Celtic looks to use this transitional period to shake things up, focus now shifts to the possible permanent managerial contenders. Among them is Ange Postecoglou, who many are hoping to see in the hot seat. Desmond had previously called Postecoglou a “really smart appointment.” He pointed to the coach’s prior track record of success and his gift for uniting all the fans.
“Celtic is greater than any one person. Our focus now is on restoring harmony, strengthening the squad, and continuing to build a club worthy of its values, traditions, and supporters.”
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