John Kennedy has sent his congratulations to Celtic after they delivered the Scottish Premiership title.
The ex-Hoops is out in Saudi Arabia as assistant to Brendan Rodgers, along with ex-Celtic writer and analyst Jack Lyons.
Kennedy left Parkhead through the back door despite 27 years of service, resigning in solidarity with Rodgers in October.
His connection to the club hasn’t gone away though, as he paid tribute to a title win in which he played a small part.
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John Kennedy’s message to Celtic
Kennedy took to his Instagram story to tribute the title win, quoting the Hoops’ official Instagram post.
“Well done lads”, he said.
Along with Rodgers and Lyons in the Middle East, Kennedy has helped deliver a remarkable turn in form for Al-Qadsiah, who were only promoted to the top-flight two years ago.
Languishing in mid-table upon the trio’s arrival, Al-Qadsiah have now confirmed a fourth-placed finish, securing AFC Champions League football for next season.
They have lost just one of their 24 matches, completing a double over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the process. Their points-per-game of 2.38 exceeds that of both of Rodgers’ Celtic spells.
He remained on the first team’s backroom staff for over a decade despite all kinds of interest from elsewhere.
Kennedy’s loyalty to Celtic went under the radar. Not only did Rodgers try to take him to Leicester in 2019, but Ange Postecoglou tried the same in 2022, despite notoriously avoiding bringing coaches with him to jobs.
This was extremely telling, especially given the resources available to a club like Tottenham. But Kennedy opted to stay, once again.
He said no to Hibs in 2022, and the following year, he remained in post despite being reported as a ‘strong candidate’ to be the new manager of Midtjylland.
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John Kennedy’s role in Celtic recruitment
Speaking on talkSPORT’s Wee Football Show, Charlie Mulgrew, a close mate of Kennedy, described his prominent role in the club’s recruitment earlier this year.
He said: “I mean, the recruitment was good for years, and then Paul Tisdale comes in and it’s not good at all. So he moves on.
“Obviously John Kennedy had a big part to play in that. He had a lot of say in the players, so there’s a lot needing sorted at Celtic.
“I don’t think it’s a quick fix, because right now, they’re obviously trying to get over the line and win a league, and then it’s a quick turnaround into the summer.”
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