So Aston Villa’s new manager has been named, and surprise surprise it isn’t Brendan Rodgers.
Of course if you only tuned in to Scotland’s media you would think he was moments away from signing. Celtic quite simply had to find a back-up plan now their gaffer was out the door. Who should we turn to next?
In truth, there was never really any danger of the Hoops manager heading to Birmingham. After all, he wouldn’t have had any chance of trophies down at Villa. Instead, his remit would’ve been to get the club back on a steady-footing before launching a promotion challenge.
That would’ve been a massive step-down for Rodgers to take. Therefore, it simply can’t come as a surprise that Dean Smith has been appointed instead. The truth is that Villa would’ve had absolutely no chance in trying to lure the Hoops manager to Villa Park.
Why anyone would’ve thought any different is mind-blowing.
A big deal out of nothing
Who knows why such a big deal was made of Rodgers potentially heading to Villa in the first place. We’re not one for conspiracy theories, but it is a little odd that such intense speculation comes on the back of Celtic dismantling St Johnstone last weekend. Confidence is high for the first time in a while at Parkhead, and many will look to try and make sure it’s short-lived.
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It doesn’t seem to matter how many times the Celtic manager confirms his commitment to the club. Still sections of the media will ignore it and choose to try and push him out of the door. Why? Make your own mind up.
The Villa link was blown hugely out of proportion. They are nowhere near the size of club Celtic are, and can’t offer Rodgers the same joy that Celtic do.
No doubt, when the next job opening for a mid-table championship club becomes available, the Celtic manager will be the front-runner for that one too. It doesn’t matter whether he wants it or not, his name is getting thrown in the hat.
All the best to Villa under Smith. Celtic supporters have absolutely no gripe with them and it’s not their fault they were consistently linked with Rodgers up here.
Maybe next time, however, our media could do with actually listening to the Celtic manager.