Brendan Rodgers is in the final season of his Celtic contract.
The Hoops boss is in his sixth season at the club, albeit having left in the midst of the 2018-19 campaign to jump ship to Leicester.
However, on this occasion, he has made clear that he will not leave mid-season – promising that he will honour the length of his contract, at least.
One of the reasons the Northern Irishman was convinced to return to replace Ange Postecoglou was a change in transfer procedure, promised by Michael Nicholson.
However, the reality has been all too familiar to Rodgers’ first spell – so what will it take to convince him to extend his stay?
It has to work for me and Celtic says Brendan Rodgers
During pre-season, Rodgers addressed his Celtic future, saying that he was not the man for the club if they were only looking to maintain their position.
READ MORE: ‘Won’t make a blind bit of a difference…’ Celtic fans told board won’t be swayed by protest
Given the club’s lack of preparation for the crucial Champions League qualifier against Kairat Almaty, those comments have certainly aged interestingly.
But speaking ahead of this weekend’s fixture against Kilmarnock, Rodgers did not close the door on an extension.
When asked by Sky Sports if he would consider it, he said: “I do – but it has to work for both. I think that’s the thing – me coming back to here, I said I would do three years, minimum three years, I’ll be categoric in that.
“And I will do that, minimum – unless I get told otherwise, I said that on my first day as well – and then going beyond that, we can hopefully work something together.
“If not, we’ll shake hands and move on. But until that moment comes, I’ve gave my life to Celtic and I want to continue with that. We’ll see where it takes us.”
With supporter issues not going away, it’s certainly a busy month ahead for the Parkhead board.
How long do Celtic give Brendan Rodgers to decide?
Given the aforementioned qualifier as well as the situation which saw Daizen Maeda’s exit from Celtic blocked, a lack of forward planning is one of the main criticisms one can level at the club’s hierarchy.
Everyone will remember the Eddie Howe situation which saw the Hoops wait three months for the Englishman to confirm his arrival, and after a last-minute rejection, they were fortunate to find Postecoglou waiting in the wings.
Should Rodgers keep his cards close to his chest, how long can Celtic afford to wait? At what point does his successor become the priority?
It may feel like a long time away, but some are already considering Shaun Maloney for the top job.
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