Summary

  • Brendan Rodgers returns as Celtic manager, little more than four years after leaving for Leicester

  • The 50-year-old Northern Irishman was sacked by Leicester City in April

  • Rodgers won consecutive trebles during his first spell at Celtic, including an unbeaten debut campaign

  • However, he left midway through the 2018-19 season, with some fans criticising him for a lack of loyalty

  1. ‘Ready-made’ Rodgers will provide ‘seamless transition’published at 13:22 British Summer Time 19 June 2023

    BrodgeImage source, SNS

    John Collins believes Brendan Rodgers' credentials as a "ready-made" Celtic manager makes him the perfect choice to succeed Ange Postecoglou.

    “I was disappointed with how he left but the reality is you’ve got to look at what he did when he was at Celtic,” former midfielder Collins told BBC Scotland.

    “He was an outstanding manager and he delivered entertaining football and trophies.

    “The supporters want the same thing and there’s not too many managers out there on the market that are ready-made for Celtic.

    "It'll be a seamless transition and he knows the club."

  2. get involved

    Join the debate on Rodgers' returnpublished at 13:18 British Summer Time 19 June 2023

    Tweet us @BBCSportScot

    Steve: If he is successful, and I really hope he is, then the past will be forgotten about.

    Do you agree with Steve? Have you say and join the debate by tweeting us @BBCSportScot.

  3. 'Celtic have best man for the job'published at 13:14 British Summer Time 19 June 2023

    Michael Stewart
    Former Hearts & Hibs midfielder on Twitter

    Getting Brendan Rodgers back at Celtic is a huge statement from the club.

    This is a manager of the highest calibre. No messing about, they’ve got the best guy for the job

  4. Rodgers 'the best candidate' for Celtic - Nicholsonpublished at 13:10 British Summer Time 19 June 2023

    Michael NicholsonImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Chief executive Michael Nicholson says Celtic "considered many candidates"

    Let's hear more from the Celtic decision-makers.

    Chief executive Michael Nicholson says he's looking forward to working with a "passionate" Brendan Rodgers, who has "real quality and experience".

    "[Rodgers has] an established track record of delivering success," Nicholson added. “The role of Celtic manager is attractive and highly-sought after, and in the process we considered many potential candidates.

    "In appointing Brendan, we are confident that we have identified the best candidate for Celtic.

    "Having spoken to Brendan and discussed the club’s strategy and objectives with him, I can see the passion he has for taking the club forward positively and building on what we have achieved."

  5. Sutton reacts to Rodgers' returnpublished at 13:07 British Summer Time 19 June 2023

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  6. Postpublished at 13:02 British Summer Time 19 June 2023

    Wait, how hasn't it been a fortnight yet since Ange Postecoglou left Celtic?

    That honestly feels like a lifetime ago now. Anyone even remember what he looks like?

  7. So what's happened the past 16 days?published at 12:59 British Summer Time 19 June 2023

    • 3 June - Celtic clinch a domestic treble with victory over Inverness CT in the Scottish Cup final.
    • 5 June - Speculation about Ange Postecoglou’s future surrounds the build-up and aftermath of the Hampden triumph, with news breaking an agreement has been reached for the Australian to join Tottenham just two days after the final.
    • 6 June - Postecoglou’s Spurs appointment is confirmed, with attention quickly turning to who Celtic will look to replace him.
    • 13 June - A week later, Celtic's majority shareholder Dermot Desmond is pictured coming off a private jet at Glasgow Airport as it emerges that the club are in advanced talks with Brendan Rodgers.
    • 19 June - Rodgers' return is announced by Celtic, rounding off a whirlwind 16 days for the club.
  8. Be honest, you had a wee chuckle...published at 12:56 British Summer Time 19 June 2023

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  9. Rodgers reappointment one of 'highest calibre' - Desmondpublished at 12:51 British Summer Time 19 June 2023

    Dermot DesmondImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Dermot Desmond was pictured coming off a private jet at Glasgow Airport last week after reported talks with Brendan Rodgers

    Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond has reportedly been instrumental in bringing Brendan Rodgers back to the club.

    "Our aim at Celtic will always be to bring individuals of the highest calibre to the club to achieve our objectives," Desmond says on the club's official statement.

    "In appointing Brendan we believe we have again brought that quality to the club. Brendan is a very talented manager, he has huge experience at the highest levels and is a man who knows how to win and do so in style.

    "As we enter another exciting period for the club, I am sure he will tackle the opportunities ahead with his characteristic focus, drive and determination.

    “We have all enjoyed great success across recent years, Brendan himself being a huge part of that. I know Brendan is determined to deliver again for our supporters and collectively, the board, management, players and staff will support him in this aim.”

  10. Postpublished at 12:46 British Summer Time 19 June 2023

    In the bottom line of that Celtic statement, the club say Brendan Rodgers will face the media later this week.

    He'll certainly face some interesting questions. Could be box-office stuff.

  11. 'Success soothes all'published at 12:43 British Summer Time 19 June 2023

    Tom English
    BBC Scotland's chief sports writer on Twitter

    Brendan Rodgers is the safest option for Celtic. He’s surely negotiated a big budget for Europe or else why would he come back to to win things he’s already won.

    Some Celtic fans might find it hard to stomach his ‘greatest club in the world’ routine again - but success soothes all.

  12. Rodgers thanks board for 'putting their trust' in himpublished at 12:40 British Summer Time 19 June 2023

    More from new Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, who hails the "hugely impressive and talented group of players and staff" he has inherited.

    “The club is in a fantastic condition at all levels," he says. "I would like to thank the board for putting their trust in me to take the team forward.

    "We will work very closely together as we strive to bring that success to our supporters.

    “Let’s get to work!”

  13. Celtic ultras repeat their stancepublished at 12:36 British Summer Time 19 June 2023

    No words from Celtic ultras group North Curve. But the picture says it all, doesn't it?

    Looks like they believe there is some serious making up to do...

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  14. Rodgers' first reign revisitedpublished at 12:33 British Summer Time 19 June 2023

  15. 'Never a Celt, always a fraud'published at 12:29 British Summer Time 19 June 2023

    Celtic fans' banner to Brendan RodgersImage source, SNS

    I’m pretty certain you’ll all have seen this banner by now – or you've been reminded of it.

    “You traded immortality for mediocrity. Never a Celt, always a fraud.” The message was clear from large sections of the Celtic support when *that* banner was revealed at Tynecastle back in February 2019.

    Brendan Rodgers had just departed Glasgow for Leicester, who sat mid-table in the Premier League at the time.

    Celtic, meanwhile, were on course for an eighth Premiership crown in a row and a third straight treble.

    A historic 10th successive title was the holy grail for fans, who would have viewed Rodgers as immortal had he guided the club to that, but Celtic fell at the final hurdle under Neil Lennon.

    From then until a fortnight ago, it was difficult to see the support ever forgiving Rodgers. Has that view shifted? Winning again might be all it takes for some. After all, football’s a fickle place…

  16. Postpublished at 12:26 British Summer Time 19 June 2023

    The storylines this league throws up, even when a baw isn't being kicked... incredible.

  17. 'A very simple decision' - Rodgers on Celtic returnpublished at 12:23 British Summer Time 19 June 2023

    In that same statement, Brendan Rodgers speaks of his desire to "deliver good football" and "bring more success" to Celtic.

    Rodgers also says the decision to return was "a very simple" one.

    "We have enjoyed some great times at Celtic before and this will be my goal again," he adds.

    "Ange [Postecoglou] has done some brilliant work across the last two years and I will be doing all I can to maintain Celtic’s momentum as we face into all our domestic and European challenges."

  18. Rodgers' coaching staff confirmedpublished at 12:17 British Summer Time 19 June 2023

    Celtic FCImage source, Celtic FC

    In the statement announcing Brendan Rodgers' return, Celtic have also confirmed the new boss' coaching staff for next term.

    It'll include assistant manager John Kennedy and first-team coach Gavin Strachan, who were both linked with a move to Spurs with Ange Postecoglou.

    Stevie Woods, Harry Kewell and B team coaches Stephen McManus and Darren O’Dea will also remain at the club.

    Happy with that, Celtic fans?

  19. get involved

    Have your say on Rodgers’ reappointmentpublished at 12:14 British Summer Time 19 June 2023

    Tweet us @BBCSportScot

    Have your say

    Only one place to start. Celtic fans, we want your views.

    It’s an appointment that will surely polarise sections of the support. Is it time to forgive and forget? Or is there too much making up to do?

    Tweet us @BBCSportScot to have your say…

  20. Guess who’s back? Back againpublished at 12:08 British Summer Time 19 June 2023
    Breaking

    Brendan Rodgers

    It’s confirmed. He’s back.

    Celtic fans, Brendan Rodgers is your manager… again.

    The former Liverpool boss returns four years after his controversial departure to Leicester, where he was sacked in April.

    Rodgers, 50, replaces Ange Postecoglou, who left for Tottenham earlier this month just days after securing a domestic treble.

    No rolling 12-month contract this time, Rodgers has penned a three-year deal.