The Rodgers return? – don't fool us twice

The feelings left by his exit will not be easily overcome but there were faults on more than one side

Whenever I hear the words, Brendan Rodgers, I get a horribly distressing feeling of confusion like a boy being held down by a big brother who's shouting, “Why are you hitting yourself?” as he pounds the poor lad's fists into his own face.

I was dead against his appointment before it happened; concluded that I must have been an idiot not to have seen how great he was and then despised myself for not listening to my own infallible first
instincts after that infamous exit.

Now, there's talk of his return and you know it would be something like Combo getting out of jail in Shane Meadows' This is England – sure, it's possible he'll be a reformed character but, even if it doesn't end badly, a lot of people will be upset along the way.

Rodgers, for all his faults (and there are many), did bring us unprecedented domestic dominance. European results were disappointing but he played Pep Guardiola's oil-rich Manchester City twice without losing.

He spoke about football with the authority of an expert in his field, calmly analytical and avoiding the tired clichés that tend to pepper pre and post-match interviews.

But then, when it came to talking about himself, there were shades of Walter Mitty and a lot of “Did he actually say that?” moments.

As for the way he left - it looked cowardly, self-serving and disrespectful to the fans and players. The feelings of shock, disappointment, betrayal and even humiliation have not been easily overcome.

That said, it's also worth noting that he had the support of Scott Brown and, apparently Callum McGregor, who revealed that he immediately texted Rodgers on signing a long-term deal, presumably because there was interest in taking Callum to Leicester.

There's no doubting that Rodgers is a coach of the highest calibre, who won the FA Cup and the Community Shield in his time with Leicester. His last season at Leicester should be taken in the context of being under Financial Fair Play restrictions, albeit he had benefited from financial imprudence in previous seasons.

Among the negatives from his time at Celtic, were the matter of his incendiary fall-out with Moussa Dembele and Mikael Lustig's pointed comments about fans not walking out in February. And then there's the story about Danny McGrain, which needs to be addressed in a way that preserves Danny's dignity and place of honour within Celtic.

But, if many will find it hard to forgive Rodgers, let's not kid ourselves – Peter Lawwell was only too happy to let him go.

By running off into the night, Rodgers allowed Lawwell & co. to spin the nonsense that the club couldn't stop any of the staff leaving without even giving a normal notice period.

The fans were so angry that most forgot the term, “gardening leave,” and the fact that a coach under contract can't just take up another job the next day without the permission of the club he's contracted to.

I'm sure the reported £11million compensation salved the wound somewhat.

I must also be remembered that, while some of Rodgers's signings were bad, he was clearly having other players signed behind his back – like Lewis Morgan and Marian Shved – as well as the unexpected arrival of Peter's protege, Shaun Maloney, to the technical staff.

Reading between the lines, it's not hard to conclude that an undignified deal suited both Rodgers and Lawwell, some of whose interference could have amounted to constructive dismissal.

If Rodgers is to come back, let him come and the fans should support him. Hopefully, he'll have settled down enough to spare us the saccharine waffle and get on with preparing a team that can sweep all before it in Scotland while making us a club to be feared in Europe.

And if he bumps into some club legends “in their normal clothes”, let's hope he lets his coaching brain take charge of his mouth.

Life after Ange: a host of thoroughbred candidates -- and the usual donkeys

There is no shortage of interest in being Ange's successor and the board must show ambition to keep progressing

As the dust settles on Ange's departure to Tottenham, the usual ill-informed speculation about who will be the next to take the helm at Celtic Park. In this spirit and tradition of ignorance, here's my take on some of the likely candidates.

First up, we have Brendan Rodgers. Now, we all remember how he left us in a moonlight flit (with the collusion of the board) but he knows his football. He's got a proven track record and could potentially bring some stability back to the club.

However, his past actions have left a sour taste, and it's hard to forget the Danny McGrain debacle. Rodgers' return would certainly be a talking point, as it would reopen old wounds but whether it's a realistic prospect remains to be seen.

Jesse Marsch is another name that's been thrown into the hat. The American coach has a high-intensity approach an impressive CV, having led Red Bull Salzburg to consecutive league and cup doubles. His high-intensity approach could fit well with the current squad, but rumours suggest he's holding out for the USMNT job. 

John Kennedy is both linked again and said to be wanted at Spurs to help bring Ange's brand of football to a new squad. Consistently admired by the coaches he has supported and reportedly well-liked and respected by the players, it feels like, if John was ever going to be our head coach, it would have happened by now.

Scott Brown, our legendary former captain, is also being touted as a potential successor. His decision to start his managerial career in the lower leagues shows wisdom and a willingness to learn. His dedication to the club is unquestionable and, if he pushes on from an impressive start with Fleetwood Town, could be destined to occupy the manager's office in the future.

David Moyes, a former Celtic player and a well-respected manager, could bring stability. Despite rumours of his potential dismissal at West Ham, Moyes has expressed a desire to stay put. However, the allure of a return to Celtic Park would be tempting if things change at the Hammers.

Kjetil Knutsen, the man who led Bodo/Glimt to their first-ever title win, is an intriguing prospect. His exciting, attacking style of football would be welcomed if he could adapt to the high demands of the job. His limited experience could draw comparisons to Ronny Deila's tenure and he would need strong support from the dressing room and the boardroom. However, we should be wary of dismissing him the way fans and pundits have done with Ange.

Enzo Maresca, with his Manchester City pedigree, could be an interesting choice if he could translate his coaching experience into managerial success. His understanding of Celtic's playing style is a plus, but his lack of managerial experience raises questions about his ability to handle the pressures of the job. 

Graham Potter, despite his impressive stint at Brighton, left the club under questionable circumstances. His style of play could be a good fit for Celtic, but his departure from Brighton while they were top of the Premier League raises eyebrows.

Rafa Benitez, a name that always seems to pop up when there's a vacancy at Celtic, is another potential candidate. However, his repeated use of Celtic as leverage for other job opportunities has left many fans feeling sceptical.

Frank Lampard, despite my expectation that he would be one to watch, has struggled to replicate his playing success as a manager. That's a euphemistic way of saying he's been utterly garbage while managing Chelsea and Everton and he would be unlikely to endear himself to the fans.

Steve Clarke, while a knowledgeable manager, is likely content with his current position. His defensive style of play may not be to everyone's taste, but his experience could be valuable.

Neil Lennon, despite his previous success at Celtic, his most recent experience as Celtic manager should definitely be his last.

Shaun Maloney, an ex-Celtic player with impressive coaching credentials, would once have been a realistic candidate. However, his short tenure at Hibs and relegation from the Championship with Wigan suggests he may never be a number one but could possibly feature in a future backroom staff.

And finally, we come to Roy Keane because someone always mentions him and he's billionaire Dermot Desmond's good pal. His inclusion in the list of potential candidates is more comedic than realistic. The idea of Keane as Celtic manager is likely to be met with more laughter than serious consideration – but always underpinned by a Karmic dread that it might actually happen one day.

As ever, Celtic have a range of options and it is to be hoped that the appointment of Ange's successor with show some ambition to progress from the solid platform we now have in the squad.

That has to come quickly with the new manager committed in plenty of time to work with the squad and manage changes in playing personnel.

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Ange Postecoglou: a man of integrity and excellence

Managers who perform exceptionally will always be targets for clubs in wealthier leagues

As the Celtic family comes to terms with the confirmed departure of Ange, it's essential to remember the man for what he truly is - a leader of integrity and excellence. His exit from Celtic Park is not a tale of betrayal or deceit, but rather a testament to his success and the high demand for his managerial prowess.

Ange has been nothing short of outstanding during his tenure at Celtic. He has not only fulfilled his contract but also laid a solid foundation for future success. His departure is not a case of a manager leaving like a thief in the night but a professional making a career move after achieving significant success.

The notion that the board was blindsided by this development is either a product of delusion or dishonesty. The signs of Ange's potential departure have been apparent for several months. It's beyond belief to suggest that those within Celtic were unaware of the situation.

Celtic's current reality is clear – if we secure a top manager who achieves success, it's almost inevitable that he will leave within three years for a bigger league. This reality underscores the importance of Celtic's focus on becoming a force in Europe. Regular participation in the Champions League is within our grasp, provided we strategise effectively.

The alternative of joining another league, such as the English Premier League, is not appealing. Celtic should not become a target for wealthy states with questionable human rights records. Unless an Atlantic League becomes a reality, Celtic must remain a Europe-focused club. After all, we are superior to the teams competing in the Europa League and Conference League finals this season.

Achieving this goal doesn't necessitate reckless spending but does require investment at a level that gives coaches confidence they can compete. Coaches like Xavi and Roberto Mancini have stated that Celtic would be an attractive proposition under these circumstances.

We should always aspire to have a coach who is lured away due to the excellence of his performance. Ange has done nothing wrong. His departure is disappointing, but it's because he did such an outstanding job. He leaves us with an excellent springboard for further success, and for that, we should be grateful.

He also sets a mark for a successor to match or better. Let's hope he's up to the task.

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Let me know if you need any changes or additions!--

With or without Ange Postecoglou, the future's bright - it's green and white

Celtic must make sure the achievements under Ange are the foundation of an enduring legacy

As we brace ourselves for the seemingly inevitable departure of Ange Postecoglou from Celtic, what matter next is not about the clichéd passing of the baton, but rather the enduring legacy he leaves in his wake. The squad's vitality and youthfulness, the equilibrium of power with our noisy neighbours, these are the true measures of his impact.

Unlike the aftermath of Tony Mowbray's reign, where we were left picking up the pieces of a

WALKING AWAY? What happens next is vital

disheartened, subpar squad, or the tumultuous times following Ronny Deila's departure, where a fractious, undisciplined dressing room overshadowed our championship status, Ange's exit paints a different picture. (And let's not even get started on the calamitous situation Neil Lennon left us in, with a squad of talented players we couldn't retain and others we couldn't shift even with a power washer.)

If, as seems almost certain, Ange's departure is confirmed, his successor will be stepping into a club that's in a robust position by every metric that counts. This isn't a case of a team simply resting on the laurels of a treble win. Even champion teams can age together or reach the end of a cycle. But this Celtic squad? It doesn't feel like that. None of our key players are nearing the end of their contracts this summer. 

Players like Kyogo, Greg Taylor, and Carl Starfelt all have two years remaining on their contracts, while others like Callum McGregor, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley, Daizen Maeda, and Liel Abada have three, and Jota and Alistair Johnston have four. It's also a youthful group. Among the first eleven's outfield players, the “ridiculously successful” McGregor is the oldest at 29.

That said, Ange would surely be eyeing a few of those players for his next project and one challenge will be to retain players and keep them happy and motivated for next season's endeavours. (Memories of Olivier Ntcham's lengthy dummy-spitting exercise after being denied a move to Porto have not yet faded.)

McGregor has emerged as a pivotal figure – the captain we all hoped and believed he could be after replacing Scott Brown and any new manager will have a captain they can rely on to keep driving the team forward. 

CalMac resisted the lure of the English Premier League before, after the departure of Brendan Rodgers, and we can only hope he would do so again.

Under Ange, our players have improved technically, tactically and in terms of the amazing resilience that seemed to take even the manager by surprise.

For me, it was telling to hear so many players refer to “hard work” at the end of our treble-winning cup victory. Yes, it's normal to refer to graft and sacrifices at such times but the fact it came to so many players minds – with Greg Taylor referring to his predominant feeling being one of tiredness – says something about the professionalism and application that has marked the past two season.

Equally significant was Callum's reference to enjoying the treble for a short time but immediately emphasising that the team starts next season with “zero credit in the bank”. This is the sort of elite mentality that should give us real confidence that we can push on next season, with the right boss at the helm.

For Celtic, it is vitally important that the next manager has modern ideas and methods, has a support structure in place to enable him to achieve success on his own terms and, preferably, favours the style of play that the squad and coaches have been working on for the past two season.

That means more of the approach that Michael Nicholson has been able to adopt since he took over as Chief Executive and steering the club away from the instincts that guided Peter Lawwell in the role, now that he has returned as Chairman. 

There are still issues, all the same. Last week Ange warned that this may be the most challenging window they have faced for two years because of the prospect of attractive bids which could tempt some of their key men. How many of these offers may come from Spurs, we'll have to see.

But we will also need either increased investment in the squad or a specialist in unearthing diamonds, as Ange has been, if we are to move forward, not backwards, next season.

If this is it, the end of the road for the man from Down Under, he has been an outstanding Celtic manager who leaves us riding high.

But, until we actually reach the top, we must - as a wise man said - never stop!

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