Charlie Nicholas has accused Dermot Desmond of allowing Brendan Rodgers to become bigger than Celtic.
The former Liverpool and Leicester boss is back at the Hoops on a three-year deal after his return was confirmed on Monday. It comes four years after Rodgers upped sticks for the East Midlands in a hurry and fans were not impressed. The Green Brigade doubled down on their fraud claim, sharing a snap of the banner they unveiled at Tynecastle in the aftermath of Rodgers’ exit back in February 2019.
Nicholas, who isn’t exactly Desmond’s No 1 fan, has questioned why the majority shareholder has ripped it up to get Brendan back after handing Ange Postecoglou full control two years ago. His habit of only turning up when there’s silverware to be lifted has also irked the former striker. He admits Rodgers’ make sense on the pitch, but the manner of his second coming doesn’t sit well.
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He wrote in his Daily Express column: “We all hear the cliche that no-one is bigger than the club. But it seems that doesn't apply to Brendan Rodgers.
“Celtic have bent over backwards to lure back the man who broke their hearts just over four years ago which led to that banner 'You traded mediocrity for immortality, never a Celt always a fraud'. The Green Brigade tweeted the banner out online yesterday after Rodgers' appointment was revealed for a second time.
“But Celtic fans hit back to say although they still had some resentment towards the Northern Irishman who quit for Leicester after winning seven straight trophies, they wanted all the fans to get behind the new manager. Hoops majority shareholder Dermot Desmond certainly looks as if he has forgiven Rodgers as he moved heaven and earth to get him back from the moment Ange Postecoglou jumped ship for the bright lights of London.
“I've an issue with Desmond. He's never at any games unless the club is going to lift some silverware. It doesn't sit well with me.
“He had a face like thunder at the Scottish Cup final because he knew Postecoglou was leaving for Tottenham. He doesn't appear to react well when someone lets him down. He employed Postecoglou on big money to run the football side - it was a new Celtic and this was how things were going to be done.
“Yet, all that has been ripped up and he has gone back for old flame Rodgers. I think Postecoglou got to him.
“I don't have a problem with reappointing Rodgers. Footballwise it is the right move but it just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I'll be fascinated to see how it goes.
“If Rodgers wins every trophy going in the Celtic way, he will be the Chosen One once again with fans lapping up every moment.”
