Celtic have finally announced the return of Brendan Rodgers on a three-year contract in a bid to keep the good times rolling at Parkhead.
Rodgers joined the Hoops initially in the summer of 2016, and won every domestic trophy possible in his two-and-a-half years at the club, marking the majority of their quadruple treble in the most dominant period Scottish football has ever seen. However, he jumped ship to Leicester City in March 2019 - much to the acrid taste of Celtic fans at the time.
Two fifth-placed finishes and an FA Cup for the Foxes marked a great haul for Rodgers, who seriously developed talents such as James Maddison, Harvey Barnes, Youri Tielemans and more as he took them on a European adventure. But his sacking, alongside Ange Postecoglou leaving for Tottenham after an immense couple of seasons in the east end, has seen a sensational return.
Rodgers has the benefit of already knowing the task ahead, knowing the club and coming into a squad which largely suits his playing style. And he praised the playing squad left to him by Ange Postecoglou, admitting the Australian has done some 'good work' at the club which he hopes to further.
Rodgers said: “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!”
The move, of course, wouldn't have been possible without the club's board keeping good relations with Rodgers despite his exit in 2019. And those in power at Parkhead couldn't contain their delight at a return for the proven trophy winner.
Celtic’s Chief Executive, Michael Nicholson, added: “We are delighted to welcome Brendan as our new manager. He is a football manager of real quality and experience, with an established track record of delivering success.
“The role of Celtic manager is attractive and highly-sought after, and in the process we considered many potential candidates. In appointing Brendan, we are confident that we have identified the best candidate for Celtic. Having spoken to Brendan and discussed the club’s strategy and objectives with him, I can see the passion he has for taking the club forward positively and building on what we have achieved.
“We look forward to working together to deliver growth and success for Celtic and our supporters.”
Meanwhile, Peter Lawwell, Chairman of Celtic stated: “Through the process of identifying the new Celtic manager, it was clear that Brendan was the outstanding choice and we are absolutely delighted that we have appointed him on a long-term contract.
“We wanted a proven winner and that’s what Brendan is, and myself and everyone else at the club look forward to working with him again to continue to drive Celtic forward.
“He is someone who knows the club so well and has experience of the huge challenges at Celtic, domestically and in Europe. Brendan is well aware of what it takes to succeed in this role and we know he is delighted to be back with us.
“Brendan is a top-quality Manager. He has delivered before for Celtic and we are sure through his many qualities, he will do so again.”
And finally, Dermot Desmond, Celtic’s principal shareholder added: "Our aim at Celtic will always be to bring individuals of the highest calibre to the club to achieve our objectives, and in appointing Brendan we believe we have again brought that quality to the club.
“Brendan is a very talented manager, he has huge experience at the highest levels and is a man who knows how to win and do so in style. As we enter another exciting period for the club I am sure he will tackle the opportunities ahead with his characteristic focus, drive and determination.
“We have all enjoyed great success across recent years, Brendan himself being a huge part of that. I know Brendan is determined to deliver again for our supporters and collectively, the board, management, players and staff will support him in this aim.”
READ NEXT:
- Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi scores for Japan as Reo Hatate starts in thumping win over El Salvador
- Nick Hammond lands new role as former Celtic man joins Leeds United as interim football advisor
- Celtic star Reo Hatate outlines top five leagues 'step up' ambition as he talks about future
- Simon Jordan 'can't make sense' of Brendan Rodgers to Celtic as talkSPORT pundit delivers reasons
- We ‘appointed’ Brendan Rodgers as Celtic manager with two trophies won and European progress
