Brendan Rodgers has sealed a sensational return to Celtic, four years after his departure had fans cursing his name.
The Irishman was Parkhead supremo Dermot Desmond's first choice to replace Ange Postecoglou, after he upped sticks for Tottenham Hotspur in the days after sealing a treble, and has penned a 3 year deal Francesco Farioli and Daniel Farke were also spoken to, while Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca was high on the list of candidates. But Rodgers always seemed to be the top choice in the circumstances, given his availability and the level of success he achieved during his first stint.
And after putting pent to paper, he told the club website: "I am really delighted to return to Celtic and I am hugely excited by this great opportunity. When I was given the privilege of being asked to join the club again, it was a very simple decision for me and my family. We have enjoyed some great times at Celtic before and this will be my goal again, to deliver good football, ensure we have a team we all love to watch and ultimately bring more success to our fans.
“Ange has done some brilliant work across the last two years and I will be doing all I can to maintain Celtic’s momentum as we face into all our domestic and European challenges. We have a hugely impressive and talented group of players and staff at the club, and I am really looking forward to meeting up with them all and then getting straight down to work.
“I wanted John to be with me as we move forward. He is a very talented coach, someone I know well and respect and he will be very important to myself and our players. The club is in fantastic condition at all levels and I would like to thank the board for putting their trust in me to take the team forward. We will work very closely together as we strive to bring that success to our supporters. Let’s get to work!”
His maiden campaign in charge saw the Hoops go unbeaten domestically in 2016/17, resulting in a Treble. No one could stop Rodgers completing a second clean sweep in succession the following year. The march to 10-In-A-Row looked to be becoming a procession with the boss saying he was keen to see that particular job through.
His move to Leicester City in February 2019 caused a ripple and Neil Lennon was brought back to keep the season on track, which he did by winning the title and Scottish Cup to secure a treble Treble. Despite initial fan ire, punters are now savouring the return of the Irishman.
Meanwhile, Rodgers guided the Foxes to fifth in the English Premier League after his first full season, earning a place in Europe. He repeated the trick the following year, but was disappointed to miss out on the Champions League. However, a first FA Cup triumph in the club's history softened the blow.
The wheels came off in 2022/23 however. Rodgers publicly complained about a lack of backing in the transfer market and was unable to drag Leicester out of their struggles before being leaving by mutual consent in April before caretaker Dean Smith came in but couldn't beat the drop to the Championship.
READ NEXT
