Former Celtic midfielder Peter Grant reckons the Bhoys are making a strong move with the imminent appointment of Brendan Rodgers as manager of the club.
Celtic are widely reported to be on the brink of announcing the news that Rodgers will again become boss at the Bhoys following the exit of Ange Postecoglou to Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite disappointing supporters with his move to Leicester City in 2019, there’s been plenty of pragmatism amongst fans about a Rodgers return. Many expect him to continue an incredible era of success, having won seven trophies from seven during his first stint in charge.
Peter Grant delivers verdict on Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic return
For BBC Sportsound pundit Grant, it’s an excellent decision. He told the radio show on Sunday afternoon: “I think the way Brendan left upset some fans. It wasn’t down to his talent or quality as a manager, he proved that, it was the way he left. Some people might question some of his signings but sometimes with signings it comes down to finances at the time as well.
“When there was talk about people being mentioned if Ange moved on, straight away I said about going for Brendan. You have to get someone from the top drawer, it was Brendan or Graham Potter. For the way they want to play and the fans want to be entertained, so it was one of those two for me.
“He knows he got criticism when he left the first time and it takes a strong personality to come back and take that pressure on again. There will be extra pressure from the fans as they will be saying ‘you left us’. So he has to get off to a good start. But I am sure he can handle that and great credit to him for wanting to come back and do it. Celtic had to go to the top drawer and they have. He is a talented coach and manager.”
Celtic certainly aren’t choosing a cheap option – a criticism that has been levelled at the board in the past from some quarters. They’re paying big money for Rodgers to sit in the dugout again. He will reportedly earn more per annum than his previous £2.2m salary. It’s box office in many respects.
That doesn’t guarantee success, of course. We simply don’t know what journey Rodgers will take this group of players on. But the evidence is strong that it will be entertaining for the Celtic support.
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