Brendan Rodgers was absolutely clear that he would spend three years at Celtic this time around.
Coming in to replace Ange Postecoglou, the 52-year-old came back to Glasgow with a reputation to restore after his sudden departure from the club in 2019.
This was likely the reason for the three-year promise. Without making too big a commitment, Rodgers can now leave the club at the end of the season without any real downside to his reputation – granted that he doesn’t fail on the pitch.
In the wake of a fan protest due to poor transfer business however, some are now doubting whether he will indeed see out his promise, and questioning the benefits of Rodgers staying after his squad demands not being met.
Clyde pundit Hugh Keevins is one of them, and when discussing the fallout from an unsuccessful Deadline Day, had a scathing verdict to deliver.
Celtic only still have Brendan Rodgers out of moral obligation, says Hugh Keevins
Rodgers has already discussed his contract situation, setting the record straight that he is not the man to stay at Celtic Park if the club wants to stand still.
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For Keevins, speaking on Clyde Superscoreboard, the window which followed these comments has sealed his fate.
“I said all summer long that they were leaving him twisted in the wind, and leaving him a hostage to fate, and all of those phrases came true.
“And that’s why there will be no Brendan Rodgers at Celtic Park next season, because I only believe he sees it as a moral obligation to see out the remainder of his contract.
“He really would rather be somewhere else, I think, but it’s a moral obligation to see out the contract because of what happened last time with Leicester City. There is no way in the world that Brendan Rodgers will be Celtic manager next season.”
Rodgers’ initial departure for Leicester in 2019 was connected to a frustration with the lack of ambition shown by the club, and it looks like history could repeat itself.
Is Iheanacho enough for Brendan Rodgers?
After the signing of Kelechi Iheanacho, Rodgers sent a positive message to fans, mentioning that he knows the player well from his time at Leicester.
However, the Nigerian was rarely a starter during the Northern Irishman’s spell at the King Power Stadium. So will he be enough to keep him happy with his striker options?
The recently-announced Europa League squad sees Shin Yamada left out in favour of Johnny Kenny, a move which has surprised some fans.
The decision is especially interesting given that Yamada was named in the matchday squad for the Glasgow Derby at Ibrox, and Kenny wasn’t – indicating an element of indecision from the Hoops boss.
Time will tell whether Rodgers’ options at centre forward will need addressed come January.
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