Celtic starlet Mikey Johnston has stated that he wasn’t too upset to see Brendan Rodgers leave.
The Northern Irishman switched Parkhead for Leicester City nearly two weeks ago. Big managerial upheaval occurred and Neil Lennon was quickly whooshed through the door on the same day as interim manager.
Supporters were fuming with the nature of Rodgers’ departure. Leaving the club ahead of a huge period of games with a league title and cup competition not yet won – anger consumed many of us.
But Johnston, speaking in the Daily Record this morning, says he wasn’t particularly upset about it.
“I wasn’t too down. The old gaffer liked me and gave me opportunities, which I was really grateful for.
“But managers moving on is a part of football and it’s just something we have to deal with. Not a lot has changed really, although I can’t come to a conclusion yet because Neil Lennon’s not long in the door.
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“He has spoken to me since he came into the club, giving me confidence, but nothing big. I didn’t really know him before. I played at youth level when he was the manager before, but I was only 13 or 14 so didn’t work under him at all.”
A similar tune being played throughout the Celtic squad
Johnston’s admission that he wasn’t too upset with Rodgers’ departure is something we’ve heard more than once.
Oliver Burke stated he wasn’t fussed about who the manager is, and that he wasn’t disappointed that Rodgers left. Scott Brown, meanwhile, has been quick to look forward and has consistently sang the praises of Lennon.
For youngsters like Johnson, however, this is good to hear. Rodgers gave him 17 appearances this season before heading to the King Power Stadium. Fortunately for Johnston, however, Lennon appears to be continuing that trend – featuring him from the bench against both Hibernian and Aberdeen respectively.
One of the biggest concerns regarding Rodgers’ departure was how the players would react. There was an idea that a deep depression could’ve struck the club. And whilst we did stutter against Aberdeen, that was only after big wins at both Hearts and Hibernian respectively.
The players certainly seem to have moved on, and fans can be safe in the knowledge that there’s no sadness sweeping the club these days.