Yesterday, I said in my piece about how Celtic keeps it real even amidst the bizarre environment of Scottish football that I felt that Rodgers indulged in a bit of deflection when asked about his future. I want to pick up on that as my first piece of the day because he definitely did sidestep the issue.
In a sense, I understand why—there’s nothing concrete to say right now, and he doesn’t want to fuel speculation. He said just enough of the right things to keep people from getting overly concerned. But there was one thing he said, and he repeated it for emphasis, that I think needs to be loud and clear.
He talked about any decision being made in the best interests of the club. I’m going to be blunt—I don’t see how the best interests of the club are served by anything other than him signing a new deal and staying for a longer spell.
Whether that’s for another three years on top of his current contract or a shorter extension, it doesn’t matter. Whatever length he’s comfortable with, we should be getting it done.
I appreciate that Rodgers will only be here as long as Rodgers is happy. And when he talks about the club’s best interests being served in any scenario where he no longer feels it when he walks into work in the morning, then yes, it’s better if he moves on and we move on as well.
But as long as he has the passion, fire, and determination to make this club the best it can be, there is no greater priority than keeping him here. The club will be weaker if we pursue any other option.
The key to keeping Rodgers happy is making sure he believes he has the chance to build something real. In my view, that should not even be up for debate anymore. This board has to back him properly in a way they haven’t done so far.
As I pointed out yesterday, the money we’ve spent over the course of this season is actually more than what Ibrox’s new sugar daddy allowed Leeds to spend in pursuit of the Premier League. So, in that sense, yes, the board has backed Rodgers—to an extent.
But here’s the crucial point: whatever his transfer budget was at the start of a given season, he’s never actually been able to use it. Not one penny of it. And so he is absolutely entitled to expect that this summer, he won’t have to sell before he can buy. He shouldn’t have to justify every decision in terms of balancing the books.
It is the job of those at the club to get him what he needs and wants, so long as it falls within the parameters of a sensible financial plan. He should also have assurances that if we do lose a key player to an offer that’s too good to refuse, the bulk of those funds will be reinvested in the playing squad. This is not too much to ask. This is not too much to expect from our so-called custodians.
If Rodgers feels like he’s getting the support, if he feels like his hands aren’t tied, if he sees a genuine opportunity not just to dominate domestically but to make a real impact in Europe—to test himself and this team at that level—then I have little doubt that he’ll sign a new deal and continue managing this club.
And let’s be honest—there is no one better out there for the job.
There is no one of his calibre that we could realistically bring in. We would have to push the boat out much further than it would take to keep Rodgers happy in order to secure someone of the same stature.
And that is the only calculation that should matter to the board. If we’re going to replace him with someone of similar pedigree, wouldn’t it just be cheaper and more effective to keep him and give him what he needs?
If this strategy was doomed to fail, I could understand hesitation.
But it’s not even a question. If we pursue this path—if we back him properly—the outcome will be overwhelmingly positive. This season has been the proof of that. He has re-established himself all over again. This team is far better than it was last season. It is far better equipped to succeed on multiple fronts.
Most importantly, it has learned from its mistakes.
We went to Dortmund and got hammered. We went to Atalanta and steadied the ship—we tightened up at the back and didn’t concede, even if we didn’t score. Then we returned to Germany at the end of the group stage, created enough chances to win, and with a minute to go, we were leading 1-0.
That’s evolution. That’s progress. That’s tangible growth.
Rodgers has nothing left to prove.
If people at Celtic Park aren’t convinced by now that he’s the right man, that just a little more backing will keep the success rolling in along with the money, then I don’t know what it will take. If there’s any ego-driven nonsense going on behind the scenes, then get it out of our club. Get those responsible as far away as possible because that’s self-sabotage, and we don’t need it.
It is clear to every Celtic fan right now that the best thing for the club—the thing Rodgers himself says he cares most about—is for him to stay here as long as possible. That’s the whole of it. That’s the alpha and the omega of our best interests.
And if the people running our club aren’t fighting tooth and nail to make that happen, then I really have to wonder what their priorities are.
Photo by Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
This article outlines exactly what I was thinking when I saw Rodgers sidestep the question by talking about what was best for the club.
The follow up question clearly should have been, “isn’t the best interests of the club served by you signing a new contract?”
James, your article echoes what so many of us have been saying for quite a while.
When BR was persuaded to return, he had plenty of critics and detractors from within and outwith our club.
Those who didn’t want him back, felt their views were justified by the team’s early form and performances, that saw us struggle for any continuity. At the time, many in our fanbase gave him no leeway whatsoever, which I felt, was totally unreasonable and unfair!
That he got his strongest team available, and his managerial imprint through to his players, at the right time, resulted in a double winning season, and justification in his methods! The majority of doubters were won over !
His second season, has seen him demonstrate what a top manager he is, as he’s won the first trophy, has us in a very good position to win the league, and hopefully another treble. Plus,we have seen tangible progress on the European stage, despite losing key players.
It is now, as you say, up to this board to back him in a manner, that will keep our manager happy, and also allow him to continue the positive progress. There should be no doubts from anyone, that we are on the cusp of something really special, if we can demonstrate that we have the professionalism to keep forging ahead.
Keep the key and essential components of this squad and add a few more. If we do this, we could have really exciting times ahead.
Failure to back our manager in the appropriate manner, would be very damaging ,in my honest opinion, and a complete dereliction of duty to him, the players and fans.
We can only hope that we finish this season strongly, and have already got the plans in place, that will propel us further ahead at home, and even more forward in Europe next season ! With Brendan at the helm, getting an extended deal and being with us for the foreseeable future! HH
He will be aware of course that Celtic will have a great chance to qualify for next season’s champions league.
Depends on how the board approach this with additional funding which will determine if he signs a new contract.
Evidence of Lawwell’s attitude to Brendan is readily seen on CQN, where place man Brennan and his familiar creature Burnley 78 are always dropping snidey remarks about him, even after recent progress and success.
Indeed only yesterday he was referred to as ” dear Brendan ” on that site, a remark dripping in ill concealed contemptuous irony.
They act as mouthpieces for the lowball liar, so while he is still there, Lawwell will do everything he can to undermine the manager.
If Celtic is to progress and Brendan is to stay then Lawwell MUST go.
He overstayed his welcome years ago.
Brennan is a cancer as is the twat Burnley78.
Brennan has stated things in recent months that goe beyond opinion, as he is being briefed by the controller.
His constant digs at Rodgers are pathetic, but not surprising because Brennan is an out and out weirdo.
That Burnley78 Guy / Woman is forever using The Word ‘Rangers’ on there…
CONSTANTLY as well…
Surely he must know they are SEVCO and that they are DEAD…
There’s also a helluva lot of Daily Scummy Record lovers on therecas well !
EDIT *Should be surely he / she must know they are SEVCO and that they are DEAD*
James, you have mentioned it again, the possibility that Brendan might have to sell before buying any players. Where is that coming from? What players in the past have been forced out of the door to raise money for replacements? Can you name any? The only ones that left, as far as I am concerned, left to suit their own ambitions and/or monetary gain. No one left under duress.
Some of the Sonny Lawwell signings come into that category probably, Kyogo, Abada, JJ and GG, etc wanted away. But aye it felt like a bit of a contradictory comment from the usual script.
Hopefully no one wants a move and we are able to add and strengthen with some quality purchases or even quality EPL type frees such as Schloop. HH
No complaints today, it was a good game and Hibs done well to get the result they fought for. These games happen, we have no divine right to win them all, and perhaps our energy levels were not quite right after our midweek exertions. It wouldn’t surprise me now if the huns shit in the nest, but we are still firmly on course for the Title just the same.
Hope you had a cheeky tenner on it Johnny!