brendan rodgers

Brendan Rodgers Resigns as Celtic Manager: What Happened and What’s Next?

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Scottish football, Brendan Rodgers has resigned as manager of Celtic Football Club, effective immediately. The announcement, confirmed by the club on Monday evening, marks the end of Rodgers’ second spell in charge of the Glasgow giants. While the club has expressed gratitude for his contributions during a period of sustained success, the timing of his departure—coming just a day after a 3-1 defeat to Hearts—suggests deeper tensions beneath the surface.

For fans and football analysts alike, this isn’t just another managerial change. It’s a pivotal moment for Celtic, a club with a global following and a reputation for dominance in Scotland. So, what led to this sudden exit? And what does it mean for the club’s future?

Let’s break it down.

Recent Updates: The Timeline of a Surprise Exit

The resignation of Brendan Rodgers from Celtic was not preceded by weeks of speculation or public unrest. Instead, it unfolded with surprising speed and finality.

October 26, 2025 – The Trigger: Defeat at Hearts

Celtic suffered a 3-1 loss to Hearts at Tynecastle Park, a match that saw the defending champions fall eight points behind league leaders Hearts after just nine games. The performance was widely criticized, with pundits noting a lack of urgency and tactical rigidity.

“Celtic looked flat, uninspired, and out of ideas,” said BBC Sport’s live commentary team. “The gap at the top is now eight points, and the title race is slipping away.”

This defeat proved to be the final straw.

October 27, 2025 – Official Announcement

On Monday evening, Celtic FC released a statement confirming Rodgers’ resignation:

“Celtic Football Club can confirm that football manager Brendan Rodgers has today tendered his resignation. It has been accepted by the club, and Brendan will leave his role with immediate effect. The club appreciates Brendan’s contribution to Celtic during his two very successful periods at the club and wishes him further success in the future.”

The statement, while courteous, offered no insight into the reasons behind the decision. However, the club did confirm that Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney would take interim charge of first-team affairs.

The appointment of Martin O’Neill, a legendary figure in Celtic’s history and a former manager, signals a desire to stabilize the team with familiar leadership. O’Neill, who led Celtic to the 2003 UEFA Cup final, is seen as a unifying figure among fans and players.

October 28, 2025 – Media Reaction and Interim Setup

Multiple outlets, including BBC, The Guardian, and ESPN, reported on the resignation and the interim management structure. The Guardian noted that the club has already begun the process of appointing a permanent successor, with internal discussions underway.

“The process to appoint a new permanent manager is underway,” the club stated. “We will update supporters further on this as soon as possible.”

Notably, no public reason for the resignation has been given—by either Rodgers or the club. This has fueled speculation, though all official sources describe the departure as a mutual decision.

Contextual Background: Rodgers’ Legacy at Celtic

To understand the significance of this resignation, we need to look at Brendan Rodgers’ two spells at Celtic and the expectations that came with them.

First Spell (2016–2019): A Golden Era

Rodgers’ first tenure was nothing short of spectacular. Appointed in 2016, he led Celtic to: - 7 consecutive domestic trophies, including three consecutive domestic trebles (Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, League Cup) - A record 69-game domestic unbeaten run from 2016 to 2018 - A UEFA Champions League group stage appearance in 2017

His tactical approach—emphasizing possession, high pressing, and fluid attacking football—won praise across Europe. Players like Scott Brown, Kieran Tierney, and Moussa Dembélé flourished under his guidance.

“He brought modern football to Celtic,” said former player and pundit Alan Thompson. “He made us believe we could compete on a bigger stage.”

Second Spell (2023–2025): High Expectations, Growing Pressure

Rodgers returned to Celtic in 2023, replacing Ange Postecoglou, who had led the club to a historic treble before moving to Tottenham Hotspur. The return was met with fanfare—Rodgers was seen as the ideal candidate to maintain Celtic’s dominance.

And initially, he did. In the 2023–24 season, Celtic secured a domestic double and qualified for the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time in five years.

But cracks began to show in the 2024–25 campaign: - A slower start to the season - Inconsistent performances, especially against top-tier Scottish opposition - A growing gap behind Hearts, who have emerged as a genuine title threat - Fan frustration over perceived lack of ambition in transfers and tactics

While Rodgers remained popular among many supporters, the pressure intensified after the Hearts defeat. The eight-point deficit in October is unprecedented in recent Celtic history and raised serious questions about the team’s title credentials.

The Managerial Precedent

Celtic has a history of short managerial cycles when results falter. While Rodgers’ first spell lasted three years, his second ended after just over two. This reflects the club’s culture: success is expected, and patience wears thin when it’s absent.

Other managers, including Neil Lennon (twice) and Ronny Deila, also left under pressure despite past successes. Rodgers’ departure fits a pattern: Celtic demands excellence, and anything less is not enough.

Immediate Effects: What Happens Now?

The resignation has immediate consequences across multiple levels of the club and Scottish football.

On the Pitch: Interim Leadership

With Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney taking temporary charge, the focus shifts to stabilizing the squad and restoring confidence.

• Martin O’Neill brings vast experience, having managed Celtic (2000–2005), Aston Villa, and the Republic of Ireland.
• Shaun Maloney, a former Celtic player and Scotland international, has been working with the club’s academy and is seen as a rising coaching talent.

Their immediate tasks: - Rebuild team morale after a turbulent period - Address tactical issues, including defensive fragility and lack of creativity - Prepare for upcoming fixtures, including a crucial match against Rangers in the coming weeks

“They need to reconnect with the fans,” said Scottish football analyst Michael Stewart. “O’Neill knows how to do that. He’s a Celtic man through and through.”

In the Boardroom: The Search for a Permanent Boss

The club has confirmed that the search for a new permanent manager is underway. While no names have been officially linked, several possibilities are being discussed in the media: - Graham Potter (unattached, previously managed Chelsea and Brighton) - Steven Gerrard (recently at Al-Ettifaq, previously at Rangers and Aston Villa) - Ange Postecoglou (currently at Tottenham, but a fan favourite) - Internal candidates, such as Maloney or assistant coaches

The board faces a delicate balancing act: appoint someone who can deliver immediate results while also aligning with the club’s long-term vision.

Fan Reaction: A Mix of Emotions

Celtic fans are divided. Many acknowledge Rodgers’ achievements but feel the team has lost its edge this season.

• Some supporters on social media expressed relief, citing a need for change.
• Others are disappointed, arguing that Rodgers deserved more time and better squad support.
• A vocal minority has called for Postecoglou’s return, though that remains highly unlikely given his current role.

“He gave us so much, but the last few months have been frustrating,” said one fan on Reddit. “I’m sad he’s gone, but I get it.”

Financial and Commercial Impact

Celtic’s brand is built on success. A prolonged title race could affect: - Merchandise sales - **Sponsorship deals