Celtic Football Club confirmed on Monday, October 27, 2025, that manager Brendan Rodgers has tendered his resignation with immediate effect, bringing a dramatic end to his second spell at Parkhead. The Northern Irish manager’s departure comes just one day after a devastating 3-1 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle, a result that left the reigning Scottish champions trailing by eight points at the top of the Scottish Premiership. In a surprising twist, club legend Martin O’Neill has returned to Celtic on an interim basis alongside former player Shaun Maloney, marking one of the most dramatic managerial changes in recent Scottish football history.
The announcement sent shockwaves through Scottish football, with supporters, pundits, and betting markets scrambling to assess the implications for a club that has dominated domestic football for over a decade. Rodgers, who won four league titles and three Scottish Cups across his two stints at Celtic Park, leaves the club during one of its most challenging periods in recent memory. The search for a new permanent manager is now underway, with speculation already swirling around potential candidates and the return of former boss Ange Postecoglou emerging as a compelling narrative.
Celtic’s official statement released on Monday evening read: “Celtic Football Club can confirm that football manager Brendan Rodgers has today tendered his resignation. It has been accepted by the Club and Brendan will leave his role with immediate effect. The Club appreciates Brendan’s contribution to Celtic during his two very successful periods at the Club. Brendan leaves Celtic with our thanks for the role he has played during a period of continued success for the Club and we wish him further success in the future.”
The statement continued: “The process to appoint a new permanent manager is underway and the Club will update supporters further on this as soon as possible. We are pleased that during this interim period former Celtic manager, Martin O’Neill and former Celtic player, Shaun Maloney have agreed to take charge of Celtic first-team matters.”
The Final Straw: Hearts Defeat and Mounting Pressure
Sunday’s 3-1 loss to Hearts proved to be the breaking point for Rodgers’ tenure. The defeat left Celtic sitting third in the Scottish Premiership table, a staggering eight points behind the Edinburgh club after just nine matches of the season. For a team accustomed to dominating Scottish football, the deficit represents an almost insurmountable challenge at this stage of the campaign. The Hoops have dropped a shocking 10 points from their opening nine fixtures, a collapse in form that has left supporters bewildered and the board facing difficult questions.
The performance at Tynecastle was emblematic of Celtic’s struggles this season. The team appeared disjointed, lacking the cohesion and intensity that had characterized their play under Rodgers during more successful periods. Defensive frailties that had emerged in European competition were exposed again in domestic action, while the attacking play lacked the creativity and penetration that fans had come to expect. Hearts, energized by their early-season form, dominated large portions of the match and thoroughly deserved their victory.
The result marked the culmination of weeks of mounting pressure on Rodgers. Sky Sports News had been reporting growing discontent among supporters, with social media channels flooded with criticism of tactics, team selection, and perceived complacency. The Scottish Sun and other tabloids had begun speculating about Rodgers’ future, with betting markets on the next Celtic manager showing fluctuating odds as bookmakers sensed potential change. Oddschecker data had indicated shortening odds on Rodgers leaving the club, with punters apparently sensing that his position was becoming untenable.
Beyond the league struggles, Celtic’s failure to qualify for the Champions League group stage had represented a significant blow to the club’s finances and prestige. The team was knocked out in the play-off round by Kazakh side Kairat Almaty, a humiliating result for a club of Celtic’s stature and resources. The defeat meant Celtic missed out on the lucrative prize money and television revenue associated with Europe’s premier club competition, a failure that reportedly did not sit well with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond.
Dermot Desmond’s Influence and Behind-the-Scenes Tensions
While Celtic’s official statement was measured and diplomatic, reports have emerged suggesting that majority shareholder Dermot Desmond played a crucial role in Rodgers’ departure. The Irish billionaire, who owns approximately 50 percent of Celtic’s shares, has long been the power behind the throne at Parkhead, wielding significant influence over major decisions despite not holding an official executive position at the club. Sources close to the club suggested that Desmond had become increasingly frustrated with the team’s performances and the direction under Rodgers.
The relationship between Rodgers and the Celtic board had reportedly become strained in recent months, particularly over transfer policy. In August 2025, Rodgers had publicly aired his frustrations about the club’s recruitment strategy, suggesting that he was not getting the caliber of players needed to compete at the highest level. These public comments did not go down well with Desmond and other board members, who felt the manager was undermining their efforts and making excuses for poor performances.
According to reports in The Athletic, Dermot Desmond privately described Rodgers as “toxic and misleading” in conversations with confidants. While no official statement from Desmond has been released, the alleged characterization suggests a complete breakdown in the relationship between the manager and the club’s most powerful figure. Such strong language, if accurate, indicates that Rodgers’ position had become completely untenable regardless of results on the pitch.
The tension over transfers had been a recurring theme throughout Rodgers’ second spell at Celtic. The manager reportedly wanted the club to invest more heavily in proven quality rather than pursuing younger, developmental players who might grow into stars. Desmond and the board, however, were keen to maintain a sustainable business model that balanced competitive success with financial prudence. This philosophical difference created friction that ultimately proved impossible to resolve.
Industry insiders suggest that Desmond’s vision for Celtic involves a more data-driven, recruitment-focused approach similar to models employed successfully by clubs like Brentford and Brighton in the English Premier League. Rodgers, by contrast, preferred a more traditional approach where the manager has significant input into which specific players are signed. The incompatibility between these visions made the working relationship increasingly difficult.
Martin O’Neill’s Dramatic Return
The appointment of Martin O’Neill as interim manager represents one of the most surprising developments in recent Celtic history. O’Neill, now 73 years old, previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, presiding over one of the club’s most successful periods. During his tenure, he won three Scottish Premier League titles, three Scottish Cups, and led the team to the UEFA Cup final in 2003, where they lost to Porto in Seville. His teams were known for their intensity, physicality, and never-say-die attitude, qualities that seem directly relevant to Celtic’s current struggles.
O’Neill has been out of frontline management since leaving Nottingham Forest in 2019, where he served a brief stint as manager. His most recent role was as manager of the Republic of Ireland national team from 2013 to 2018, a position he held with mixed success. Since then, he has worked primarily as a pundit and analyst, offering occasional commentary on football matters but showing little indication that he wanted to return to the dugout.
The decision to bring back O’Neill, even on an interim basis, represents a bold gamble by Celtic. At 73, he would be one of the oldest managers in professional football if he were to take the role permanently. However, his intimate knowledge of the club, understanding of what it means to manage Celtic, and proven track record of success at Parkhead make him a logical choice to steady the ship during a turbulent period. His presence also provides reassurance to supporters who remember his successful tenure with great fondness.
Alongside O’Neill, Celtic has appointed Shaun Maloney to share interim managerial duties. Maloney, 41, enjoyed two separate spells as a player at Celtic, making over 200 appearances for the club and winning multiple honors. After retiring from playing, he moved into coaching and has served on the backroom staff at Belgium’s national team and at Hibernian, where he had a brief and unsuccessful spell as manager. His inclusion in the interim setup suggests Celtic wants a blend of O’Neill’s experience and gravitas with Maloney’s more contemporary coaching methods and understanding of the modern game.
The appointment structure is somewhat unusual, with two managers sharing responsibilities rather than one clear leader with an assistant. This arrangement may reflect the temporary nature of the setup or could indicate that Celtic is keeping its options open about the long-term succession plan. It also allows the club to assess Maloney’s capabilities in a high-pressure environment, potentially positioning him as a future candidate for the permanent role if he impresses.
The Hunt for a Permanent Manager: Odds and Speculation
With Rodgers’ departure confirmed, attention has immediately turned to who will become Celtic’s next permanent manager. Betting markets and odds aggregators like Oddschecker have been flooded with activity as punters attempt to predict the appointment. The bookmakers have installed several candidates as favorites, with the speculation intensifying by the hour as names emerge and recede from consideration.
The most compelling narrative surrounds Ange Postecoglou, the Australian manager who preceded Rodgers in his second stint at Celtic. Postecoglou enjoyed two highly successful seasons at Parkhead from 2021 to 2023, winning back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles and completing a domestic treble in his final season before leaving for Tottenham Hotspur. His exciting, attacking brand of football and his ability to develop young players endeared him to the Celtic support, and his departure was met with genuine sadness despite the understanding that Spurs represented a career progression.
Postecoglou’s subsequent career has taken some difficult turns. While he initially impressed at Tottenham, leading them to a significant Europa League victory, his time in North London ended with his dismissal amid disappointing league form. He then took charge of Nottingham Forest but lasted only a few months before being sacked after going winless in his final eight matches. These setbacks have damaged his reputation but have also made him potentially available for a return to Celtic, where he experienced his greatest success.
The prospect of Postecoglou returning to Celtic has generated significant excitement among supporters who remember his tenure fondly. However, questions remain about whether he would be interested in what might be perceived as a backward step in his career and whether the circumstances that led to his departures from Spurs and Forest indicate underlying issues with his management approach. Nevertheless, his name has emerged as one of the front-runners in next Celtic manager odds across multiple bookmakers.
Former Celtic player and current pundit Chris Sutton, who played under Martin O’Neill and has remained close to the club, has suggested that Celtic needs to think carefully about what type of manager suits their current needs. Speaking on various media platforms, Sutton emphasized the importance of finding someone who understands the unique pressures and expectations of managing Celtic, where domestic dominance is expected and European progression is demanded.
Other names being mentioned in connection with the vacancy include various managers from across Europe and beyond. Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, known for his accurate reporting on football matters, has been monitoring the situation and may soon provide insights into Celtic’s shortlist and the progress of negotiations. His involvement in covering the story reflects the international interest in one of Scotland’s biggest managerial positions.
John Kennedy, Celtic’s longtime first-team coach and assistant manager, had been mentioned as a potential caretaker candidate before the O’Neill and Maloney appointment was confirmed. Kennedy has been at Celtic in various capacities since his playing career was cut short by injury, and he has served under multiple managers including Neil Lennon, Ange Postecoglou, and Brendan Rodgers. His intimate knowledge of the squad and the club’s operations made him an obvious choice for a temporary role, but the decision to look elsewhere perhaps suggests the board wanted a more dramatic change.
The Scottish Sun and other tabloids have linked various candidates to the position, ranging from experienced managers looking for a new challenge to up-and-coming coaches who might see Celtic as an ideal platform to make their name. The speculation will likely intensify in the coming days as Celtic’s board conducts interviews and assesses options. Dermot Desmond’s statement, when it eventually comes, will be closely analyzed for clues about the direction the club intends to take.
Rodgers’ Legacy: A Complex Story of Success and Disappointment
Brendan Rodgers’ time at Celtic will be remembered as a story of significant success punctuated by controversial departures and unfulfilled potential. His first spell, from May 2016 to February 2019, was nothing short of sensational. He led Celtic to an undefeated domestic season in 2016-17, a remarkable achievement that included winning all three major Scottish trophies. This feat had never been accomplished before in Scottish football and established Rodgers as one of the most successful managers in Celtic’s history.
The invincible season showcased Rodgers’ tactical acumen and his ability to motivate players to perform consistently at a high level. Celtic went 47 domestic matches unbeaten during that campaign, sweeping aside all opposition with attacking football that thrilled supporters. The team scored goals freely and defended resolutely, demonstrating the kind of dominance that Celtic fans believe should be the norm given their financial advantages over most Scottish rivals.
Rodgers followed up the invincible season by leading Celtic to consecutive trebles in 2017-18 and 2018-19, establishing a period of domestic dominance unprecedented in modern Scottish football. The achievement of winning all three major trophies in consecutive seasons had never been done before, and it cemented Rodgers’ place in Celtic folklore. His teams played attractive, possession-based football and featured several players who would go on to significant careers, including Kieran Tierney, who moved to Arsenal, and Moussa Dembélé, who joined Lyon.
However, Rodgers’ first spell ended controversially when he left Celtic in February 2019 to take charge of Leicester City in the English Premier League. The timing of his departure particularly angered Celtic supporters, as it came in the middle of the season while the team was pursuing another treble. Many fans felt betrayed by the mid-season exit and questioned Rodgers’ commitment to the club’s project. The manner of his leaving left a bitter taste that never fully dissipated, even after his return.
At Leicester City, Rodgers enjoyed mixed success. He led the Foxes to fifth-place finishes in consecutive seasons, narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification on both occasions. His greatest achievement at Leicester came in May 2021 when he guided them to FA Cup glory with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Wembley, the club’s first FA Cup triumph in their history. He also won the Community Shield later that year, demonstrating his ability to succeed in English football’s top tier.
However, Rodgers’ Leicester tenure ended sourly with his dismissal in April 2023 as the team faced potential relegation from the Premier League. The final months saw Leicester struggling near the bottom of the table, a stark contrast from the top-half finishes that had characterized most of his time there. The sacking marked a disappointing conclusion to what had been a generally successful period at the King Power Stadium.
Rodgers’ return to Celtic in June 2023 was met with mixed reactions. Some supporters were willing to forgive his previous mid-season departure and welcomed back a proven winner who understood the club and Scottish football. Others remained skeptical, questioning whether his heart was truly in the project or whether he would leave again at the first opportunity from England. The club hierarchy clearly believed his track record justified a second chance, offering him a three-year contract with the expectation of continued domestic dominance and improved European performances.
His second spell began promisingly with a 4-2 victory over Ross County on the opening day of the 2023-24 season. Despite some early setbacks, including a surprise League Cup exit to Kilmarnock, Celtic eventually established themselves at the top of the Scottish Premiership and pulled away from Rangers to secure the title. Rodgers won his fourth league title with Celtic, demonstrating that his methods still worked in the Scottish context.
However, European performances remained problematic. Celtic finished bottom of their Champions League group with just four points, managing only one home victory against Feyenoord. The heavy defeats, including a humiliating 7-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund in October 2024, raised questions about whether Rodgers’ tactical approach was sophisticated enough for the highest level of European football. His defensive tactics were heavily criticized after the Dortmund debacle, though he robustly defended both his methods and his players.
The beginning of the 2025-26 season has proven disastrous, with Celtic’s title defense collapsing before it barely began. The failure to qualify for the Champions League, the loss of form domestically, and the growing gap at the top of the table all contributed to an atmosphere of crisis. When results continued to deteriorate and the Hearts defeat left Celtic eight points adrift, Rodgers apparently concluded that his position was untenable and chose to resign before he could be sacked.
What Went Wrong This Season?
The collapse of Celtic’s 2025-26 campaign has been swift and comprehensive, leaving observers struggling to identify a single cause. Instead, multiple factors have combined to create a perfect storm that overwhelmed Rodgers and his team. Understanding these contributing factors is essential for Celtic’s next manager, who will need to address the underlying problems to restore the club’s dominance.
The failure to qualify for the Champions League against Kazakh opposition was perhaps the most shocking result. Kairat Almaty, while a decent team in their domestic context, should not have posed a serious threat to a club of Celtic’s resources and ambitions. The defeat exposed tactical inflexibility and a lack of mental resilience, with Celtic unable to break down a well-organized defense or cope with the pressure of a must-win situation. The financial implications were severe, with the club missing out on tens of millions in prize money and television revenue.
Defensively, Celtic has looked vulnerable throughout the season. The backline has appeared disorganized and susceptible to counterattacks, while individual errors have cost the team points in crucial matches. Whether this represents a failure of recruitment, coaching, or player performance is debatable, but the impact has been clear. Teams that previously struggled to create chances against Celtic have found space and opportunities, exposing a fragility that championship-winning teams cannot afford.
The midfield has also failed to function effectively, with a lack of creativity and control in central areas. Celtic’s possession statistics have often looked impressive, but the team has struggled to turn territorial dominance into clear scoring opportunities. The midfielders have been too easily bypassed by opposition presses, and their passing in the final third has lacked the incisiveness needed to unlock organized defenses. This has placed enormous pressure on the forwards to create something from nothing.
Squad harmony and morale appear to have been issues as well. Reports of discontent over playing time, tactical decisions, and the manager’s handling of certain situations have leaked from the dressing room. Whether these reports are accurate or merely the product of a difficult period is unclear, but they have contributed to a sense that the team was not pulling in the same direction. Successful teams require unity of purpose, and any fractures in relationships can quickly undermine performance.
The public dispute between Rodgers and the board over transfer policy damaged his authority and created an impression of a club at war with itself. Supporters watching from the outside could see that all was not well behind the scenes, and this uncertainty inevitably affects confidence and performance. Players need to believe in their manager and feel supported by the club’s leadership; when that trust breaks down, results suffer.
External factors have also played a role. Rangers’ struggles in recent seasons had perhaps made Celtic complacent, with the assumption that the league title would come relatively easily regardless of performance levels. Hearts’ unexpected excellent start to the season caught everyone by surprise and created genuine competition for the first time in several years. Celtic’s players and management may not have been mentally prepared for a genuine title race, having become accustomed to cruising to championships.
The Road Ahead: Challenges for the New Manager
Whoever takes over from Brendan Rodgers faces a daunting challenge but also a magnificent opportunity. Celtic remains one of the biggest clubs in world football by support and tradition, with a passionate fanbase, excellent facilities, and financial resources that dwarf most Scottish rivals. The fundamentals for success are in place, but significant work is needed to translate potential into performance.
The immediate priority must be arresting the slide in the Scottish Premiership. An eight-point deficit after nine games is substantial but not insurmountable if the new manager can quickly galvanize the squad and string together a winning run. Hearts, for all their excellent start, may yet falter as the season progresses and their squad depth is tested. Celtic has superior quality throughout the team and should be able to wear down their rivals if they can find consistency and confidence.
Restoring defensive solidity will be crucial. Championship-winning teams are built on strong foundations, and Celtic must become much harder to score against. This may require tactical adjustments, personnel changes, or both, but it cannot be neglected. The next manager must assess the current defenders, identify weaknesses, and implement a system that maximizes their strengths while minimizing vulnerabilities.
Reconnecting with the fanbase is another essential task. Celtic supporters are among the most loyal and passionate in football, but they have been frustrated by the team’s performances and the perceived lack of ambition shown in certain areas. The new manager must communicate effectively about his vision for the team, demonstrate tactical awareness and adaptability, and show the kind of intensity and commitment that fans expect from someone leading their club.
Navigating the relationship with Dermot Desmond and the board will be critical. The new manager must find a way to work constructively within the club’s financial and operational frameworks while still advocating for the resources needed to compete. This requires diplomacy, clear communication, and a willingness to compromise when necessary. Managers who attempt to publicly pressure the board typically find themselves in Rodgers’ position sooner or later.
European performance must improve if Celtic is to fulfill its potential. Scottish football’s coefficient depends on Celtic and Rangers performing well in European competition, and Celtic’s own prestige and attractiveness to players is enhanced by Champions League participation. The new manager must develop tactical sophistication suitable for European football while maintaining the domestic dominance that supporters demand.
Squad development and recruitment will be ongoing priorities. Celtic has traditionally succeeded by identifying young talent, developing it, and selling players on for profit while maintaining competitive standards. The next manager must embrace this model while also pushing for occasional investments in more experienced, proven quality when opportunities arise. Finding the right balance between youth development and competitive success defines successful modern football management.
Martin O’Neill’s Interim Mission: Steadying the Ship
Martin O’Neill’s immediate task is to stabilize Celtic and prevent the season from spiraling further out of control. With Shaun Maloney alongside him, he must quickly assess the squad, identify the problems, and implement solutions that can arrest the decline. His experience and authority give him credibility with players who may have lost confidence in recent weeks.
O’Neill’s first matches in charge will be closely scrutinized for signs of tactical changes and improvements in mentality. Celtic’s next fixtures in the Scottish Premiership and any cup competitions will provide early indicators of whether the interim management team can make a difference. Supporters will be looking for signs of the intensity, organization, and winning mentality that characterized O’Neill’s teams during his first spell at the club.
The veteran manager must also manage expectations carefully. An eight-point deficit cannot be erased overnight, and there will likely be further setbacks along the way. However, if O’Neill can restore some pride and competitiveness to performances, reduce the gap at the top, and keep Celtic in contention, he will have done his job. The permanent appointment will ultimately determine the season’s outcome, but O’Neill can create the platform for success.
His relationship with the players will be fascinating to observe. Many of the current squad were not born when O’Neill last managed Celtic, so he represents a historical figure rather than a familiar presence. Can he command their respect and inspire them to raise their performance levels? His reputation and achievements should help, but modern players respond to different motivational techniques than those of twenty years ago.
Working alongside Shaun Maloney creates an interesting dynamic. The former player knows the club intimately and has more contemporary coaching experience, but he lacks O’Neill’s gravitas and proven track record at the highest level. How they divide responsibilities and whether they can form an effective partnership will significantly impact the team’s immediate prospects. If friction emerges or roles are unclear, it could create additional problems rather than solving existing ones.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Celtic Football Club
Brendan Rodgers’ resignation marks the end of a significant chapter in Celtic’s history and the beginning of an uncertain but potentially exciting new era. The club stands at a crossroads, with decisions made in the coming weeks likely to shape its trajectory for years to come. The appointment of the next permanent manager represents perhaps the most important decision Dermot Desmond and the board will make, with implications extending far beyond the current season.
Celtic’s dominance of Scottish football has been a constant for over a decade, but recent events have demonstrated that such supremacy cannot be taken for granted. Hearts’ impressive start to the season shows that other Scottish clubs are improving and will capitalize on any Celtic weaknesses. The Hoops must respond with a clear vision, strong leadership, and a renewed commitment to the standards that have made them successful.
The return of Martin O’Neill, even temporarily, has captured imaginations and provided a link to a glorious past. Whether the future involves Ange Postecoglou making an emotional return, a young coach bringing fresh ideas, or an experienced manager with proven credentials remains to be seen. What is certain is that Celtic supporters demand success, the board expects financial sustainability alongside trophies, and Scottish football needs a strong Celtic to maintain its international standing.
As the search for Brendan Rodgers’ permanent successor intensifies, speculation will continue to dominate headlines. Sky Sports News, BBC Sport, and publications across the UK and beyond will track every development, while betting markets fluctuate with each new rumor. John Kennedy, Chris Sutton, and other voices connected to the club will offer opinions and insights, adding to the noise and drama surrounding one of football’s most prestigious positions.
The next few weeks will reveal whether Celtic can salvage their season and restore their position at the summit of Scottish football. The interim management team of O’Neill and Maloney has been entrusted with steadying the ship while the permanent solution is identified. Their success or failure will set the context for whoever eventually takes the role full-time, making their contributions significant despite the temporary nature of their appointments.
For Celtic Football Club, this represents both a crisis and an opportunity. The comfortable assumptions that have characterized recent years have been shattered, forcing honest assessment and potentially transformative change. If the club responds with wisdom, ambition, and unity of purpose, this difficult period could ultimately strengthen the institution and set the foundation for future success. If, however, divisions persist and poor decisions are made, the consequences could be severe and long-lasting. The coming months will determine which path Celtic takes.
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