Former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers on Lennon departure, possible Lawwell dig

By Euan Davidson

February 24, 2021

Former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has given his taken on Neil Lennon’s departure from the club.

Lennon came in to steady the ship after Rodgers’ sudden exit for Leicester City in 2019. The former captain sealed titles 8 and 9 for the Bhoys, winning the quadruple treble in the process.

However, results and performances stagnated to unacceptable levels under Lennon. Last night, his resignation was leaked to the Sun, with fans almost unanimous in agreement that his departure is a good thing for the club. Brendan Rodgers, who left in far murkier circumstances, gave his take on events.

Rodgers said [Daily Record]:

“I’m always saddened when a manager loses his job but in particular when it’s someone I can call a friend.

“It’s tough for him but when it all settles down, Neil is an incredible legend at the club. He’s won so many titles. His legacy there will be intact for ever.

“I didn’t know John when I went there but when I met with him for the first time his knowledge of the game was clear to see. In my time there he was an absolutely brilliant first team coach. He’s very loyal, very hard working and always very supportive.

“He knows the demands of Celtic. He’s a great pair of hands just to stabilise the club.”

Celtic board members Lawwell and Bankier unveiling Brendan Rodgers / (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)

Former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers on Director of Football role

With Celtic looking to modernise by appointing a Director of Football, Rodgers was asked for his take on the role. Rodgers works with Jon Rudkin at Leicester City, and the duo have enjoyed enormous successes in the transfer market together.

Rodgers continued:

“At the highest level, in particular, it’s a role which is very important. I think in the modern game, it’s absolutely critical to have that.

“Obviously the manager has to be able to bring in players he wants because he’s accountable for what happens on the pitch. I’m pretty sure that’s something Celtic may be looking at.”

Given that Rodgers is rumoured to have become fed up with Celtic’s backwards-thinking and penny-pinching, it’s an interesting opinion to hear. It could well be interpreted as a dig at Peter Lawwell; especially the “players he wants” bit. Rodgers may be making a cloaked criticism of the CEO from his incredibly successful time at the club.

Perhaps if Celtic had a more modern outlook on football, and recruitment and particular, he’d have stayed at Celtic Park for longer.

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