Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers enjoyed a surprise catch-up with his former club captain Scott Brown over the summer break.
The pair will lock horns for the first time in the dugout as the Bhoys travel to Somerset Park. They will face Ayr United in their first pre-season match to celebrate the opening of the Honest Men’s North Stand.
On an occasion that is set to draw in a sizeable away support, it will also be a great opportunity to see two Celtic heroes share pleasantries after enjoying a period of dominance together at Parkhead, winning seven straight domestic trophies while both were in situ.
Unbeknownst to Hoops fans, Rodgers has revealed that he and Brown had a brilliant chance meeting during the off-season while both in Majorca.
Brendan Rodgers reveals surprise catch-up with Scott Brown
Speaking to Celtic TV, Rodgers first expressed his excitement to be back as Celtic continue pre-season, stating: “It’s absolutely brilliant to be back. We had a great end to the season and I think everyone enjoyed their off-season. It’s really nice to be back and really good to see the players and the staff again.”
Later, he said on Brown: “I actually seen him over the course of the summer. I bumped into him in Majorca, and I invited him round to my house, so we had a nice few hours around there talking about everything football and Celtic and management.
“It was great to see him, and I look forward to seeing him again. If he’s anywhere near a manager, as he was a player, he’s going to be a fantastic manager. These are early steps in Scott’s career, and he’s still in the process of learning, but he’s got so much to bring to the game as a manager, I feel.
“I always enjoy seeing him, and obviously now, even though it’s a pre-season game and it’s not competitive, it’ll always be nice to be on the touchline with him.”
It is lovely to see that both still have a great relationship, and Rodgers is clearly excited to see how Brown will fare in the managerial circuit following his incredible success as a player.
Earlier this year, the former Celtic skipper noted that his former boss has already helped him out at Ayr, playing a part in sanctioning the loan of goalkeeper Josh Clarke to Somerset Park.
With both readying their sides for tomorrow’s friendly encounter, it is safe to say that the Hoops are finally back in full swing.
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