Celtic FC Faces Turbulent Times with Managerial Changes
Celtic fans are likely grappling with a whirlwind of emotions following a remarkable turn of events in the club's illustrious history.
In a surprising move, their well-regarded manager resigned, leading to the appointment of another esteemed former coach as his interim replacement. Additionally, Dermot Desmond, the club's major shareholder, broke his silence, leaving Brendan Rodgers without a clear path forward.
Meanwhile, far from Glasgow, another beloved Celtic coach from recent years remains without a position.
So, who are the supporters rallying behind? Is it Rodgers or the board? What are their thoughts on Martin O'Neill stepping in temporarily? And does everyone believe that Ange Postecoglou is the right choice to turn things around?
'Politician Rodgers has done it again'
Michael: In recent months, Brendan seemed unable to adapt during matches. The team's playstyle was predictable and sluggish, and he lacked a contingency plan. His responses to questions about results appeared rehearsed, avoiding blame for the team's struggles. Quite the politician.
Marian: Rodgers has done it again. He should have remained and shown he could rectify the situation. His departure has created significant discontent.
Jimmy: I believe Rodgers has been preparing to leave since late April. His team selections have confused many fans.
Graham: While I am not fond of Desmond, his statement does not reflect well. Rodgers consistently deflected attention from his inability to make changes on the field by undermining the squad and blaming the board, a pattern he continued on Sunday. I suspect he was urged to resign or face dismissal.
Ray: He should never have been brought back. It was always destined to end poorly.
Rob: The signs have been clear since Rodgers made comments about the board and the team. He clearly did not want to acknowledge his mistakes this season, which has cost him dearly. Let's hope the season can still be salvaged.
David: He lost the players' trust. His remarks about the cars were disgraceful, and it was evident the players had given up on him. His time was up.
Andy: Similar to his third season previously, he has left when things got tough. While the lack of transfer activity was detrimental, blaming the board contributed to a toxic environment. The squad should have been capable of defeating Dundee and Almaty.
Jack: It feels like being a child caught in a parental dispute, unsure of who is at fault.
'Board to blame amid toxic self-preservation'
Tommy: I think we need to pause before passing judgment. Brendan is a top-notch manager, and numerous factors could have influenced this decision.
Brendan: A sad day for everyone. Desmond's statement is a desperate attempt by the board to control the narrative. While Rodgers is not blameless, he was constrained by a frugal board.
George: This outcome was inevitable. Once Rodgers recognized the club's lack of investment and ambition, he was bound to leave by 2026. The board's failure to support him during the transfer window reflected this.
Spencer: The relationship between the manager and board is clearly fractured. However, Desmond cannot seriously suggest that the disastrous summer transfer window was solely Rodgers' fault. That is simply not credible. There is toxic self-preservation on both sides.
Paul: Desmond's comments seem excessively harsh. It feels like a character assassination of Brendan Rodgers, a man who has delivered consistent success to the club. This is an attempt to deflect attention from the board's behavior.
Sandra: I am not surprised. You could sense this coming over the past few weeks. The board is entirely to blame for a lack of ambition and planning, resulting in the absence of a top-class manager. I was in Brendan's corner.
Dave: Celtic expects high-quality football at minimal costs.
Peter: Brendan made the right decision to walk away. Now it's Desmond's turn to exit our club. This Celtic board hoards resources like Smaug from 'The Hobbit.' Brendan has left for the same reasons as before, and I suspect the fans' anger will not be as intense this time.
'Messiah O'Neill might just be the answer'
Iona: The messiah has returned.
Dandare: I doubt Martin O'Neill is even aware of the current Premiership teams, let alone the Celtic players. It's amateurish at the club. Unbelievable but not surprising.
Iain: A shake-up was needed, and this could be just what we require. Martin O'Neill is an old-school manager who will command immediate respect—exactly what's needed right now, without any 'projects.'
Mark: I wonder if these players will be ready for the intensity O'Neill brings. They will certainly get a wake-up call.
John: Shocking, absolutely shocking. Unless Shaun Maloney plays centrally, I don’t see the point. It has been evident since the Aberdeen cup final that we are weak up front. Goals win games.
Jenny: Everyone loves Martin O'Neill, but really? Celtic has a tendency to recycle previous appointments; it could have been someone with more recent credentials. At least I’m glad it isn’t Neil Lennon.
Jimmy: Will Martin bring back his pogo stick at 73?
'Get Ange back? Or time to move forward?'
Jamie: I support Martin O'Neill as an interim, provided the club makes a progressive appointment to replace Rodgers permanently. No more returning to the past—not even for Ange.
Paul: O'Neill is too old—out of touch with the current landscape. We should be bringing back Ange to move forward instead of sideways.
Martin: I’ve heard that Ange Postecoglou is a favorite. I think going back for Rodgers was a mistake. Would returning for Ange also be a mistake?
Michael: As an Aussie Celtic (and Spurs) supporter, I didn't want Ange to leave—I knew what they would do to him there. Yes, bring Ange back, but only if he has moved on from Spurs and Forest. Perhaps Martin until January, then a well-planned transition?
Gerry: Get Ange back!!!
Linda: I appreciated what Ange did, but I don’t want him back. We need to move forward.
Fergus: Is it time for Ange?
Keith: Ange is available and likely won’t find another job in England anytime soon.