Journalist Alan Nixon has suggested that Brendan Rodgers may soon have a lucrative route back into management, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a potential destination following his resignation from Celtic....
Callum McGregor shakes hands with Brendan Rodgers. Hearts v Celtic, 26 October 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
Whether Rodgers chooses to follow that path is, of course, a matter for his own conscience. But as Celtic pause for the international break, many supporters will hope that even if his conscience allows him to head for Saudi riches, it might prevent him from seeking retribution on those he’s left behind.
Rodgers has, so far, kept his counsel over the turmoil at Celtic, a club still wrestling with corporate governance issues and an executive structure that appears increasingly detached. The recent episode where a non-executive director was allowed to use the club’s official website to take a public swipe at the previous manager, language echoing an earlier “senior insider” tabloid leak, only underscored the dysfunction at the top.
Yet as tempting as it might be for Rodgers to offer his version of events, his right of reply now, even in an international window, is not the time.
Shaun Maloney and Martin O’Neill. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)
When he departed after that bruising defeat at Tynecastle, Celtic were eight points off the pace. Now, under Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney, that gap has narrowed to seven, with a game in hand. The football feels lighter, the players freer, the smiles returning, despite an injury list that could fill a hospital wing. The coaching team, O’Neill bringing an old-school overseeing edge, Maloney the modern tactical mind, and Mark Fotheringham proving popular with the squad, has breathed life into a team that seemed adrift.
The dressing room has clearly moved on. The fans have moved on. The club, even amid its many imperfections, is edging forward, trying to attract a new manager, amongst the chatter of the global football village, where damaged reputations can be difficult to argue away. This is a time for rebuilding, not for renewed skirmishes.
Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
There remains deep frustration toward Celtic’s boardroom, and justifiably so. But that battle belongs to the supporters now, not to former managers or public statements.
The Celtic fan base has shown it can act with its own agency and purpose. The Green Brigade’s defiant response to a stadium ban is one example of a wider collective willing to hold the club’s custodians accountable on their own terms. The energy for change is there, it just doesn’t need to be channelled through another round of personal point-scoring.
We’ve all heard that Rodgers’ exit was explosive behind the scenes. We’ve seen the dominant shareholder’s response, harsh, defensive, and brattish. It doesn’t warrant a rebuttal.
As one line in that infamous ten-paragraph statement exposed, if one claim rang false, so too might the rest. Few of us consider the statement accurate, because we immediately recognised inaccuracies. We don’t need round two.
Most supporters accept that Rodgers was within his rights to walk away, or to issue his ultimatum and accept the consequences. That chapter can, and should, stay closed for now. If he wishes to tell his story, let it come later, when emotions have cooled and Celtic’s foundations are steadier.
For the moment, the club’s balance is delicate, its hierarchy still prone to missteps, the relationship with the support is fractured. But the dressing room deserves space to thrive, unburdened by fresh controversy that would undoubtedly land in their domain.
Brendan Rodgers, Celtic Glasgow press conference ahead UEFA Europa league match against Crvena zvezda at Rajko Mitic stadium, Belgrade 23.09.2025 Belgrade Rajko Mitic stadium Serbia Photo VM/MN Press
Rodgers, a man who understands the power of timing and language better than most, surely knows that the right words, delivered too soon, can do more harm than good.
For now, restraint would be the wisest word of all.
Niall J
Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter
David Potter, Celtic Historian and Author.
Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter was published in September 2025 by Celtic Star Books. David’s widow Rosemary has written a special message of thanks to the Celtic support and Danny McGrain has contributed his own piece to the book which is a great read. And Danny has gone further by signing all remaining copies of the book which is available now from our bookstore – celticstarbooks.com
Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books
Please note that as we celebrate the life and the Celtic writing of David Potter we are happy to include a free copy of David’s wonderful Willie Fernie biography that only could be titled ‘Putting on the Style’ a release that helped bring that old Celtic song back into the current songbook.
Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Order now and you’ll receive a copy personally signed by Danny McGrain PLUS a free gift! Click on image to order now.
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