Celtic confirm the return of Brendan Rodgers as manager

Brendan Rodgers has completed his sensational return to Celtic with the club confirming that he’s signed a three-year deal.

Describing the opportunity to come back as a ‘privilege’, the Northern Irishman pledged to build on the work done by his predecessor Ange Postecoglou.

The 50-year-old won seven trophies during his first spell in Glasgow from 2016, including back-to-back domestic Trebles, but angered many fans by moving to Leicester City midway through the 2018-19 season.

A banner held up in the away end at Hearts shortly after his departure read: ‘You traded immortality for mediocrity. Never a Celt, always a fraud.’ 

But following Postecoglou’s move to Tottenham, Parkhead powerbroker Dermot Desmond quickly identified the Northern Irishman as the ideal replacement.

Celtic have confirmed the return of Brendan Rodgers as manager on a three-year contract

Fans made their feeling known to Rodgers when he departed Celtic for Leicester back in 2019

‘I am really delighted to return to Celtic and I am hugely excited by this great opportunity,’ said Rodgers.

‘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.

‘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!’

A club statement confirmed that Rodgers will inherit the existing backroom staff despite Postecoglou’s interest in taking some of them to Tottenham.

‘Celtic Football Club is delighted to announce that Brendan Rodgers has been appointed the club’s new Football Manager on a three-year contract,’ it read.

Ange Postecoglou departed for Tottenham just after leading Celtic to another domestic Treble

Rodgers pictured at Celtic Park after his initial appointment as the club’s manager in 2016

‘Brendan previously managed the club to phenomenal success, winning consecutive domestic Trebles and in addition delivering the most famous of Invincible seasons.

‘In recent years, Brendan has led Leicester City to victory in the FA Cup for the first time in their history, also achieving fifth position in the English Premier League on two occasions.

‘Brendan has also held managerial positions at Liverpool, Swansea City, Watford and Reading.

Rodgers achieved considerable domestic success during his first Celtic tenure

‘We are also pleased to confirm that John Kennedy, who has served the club over many years in a playing and coaching capacity, will support Brendan as the club’s Assistant Manager, along with first-team coaches Stevie Woods, Gavin Strachan and Harry Kewell, and B Team coaches Stephen McManus and Darren O’Dea.’

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.’

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.’

Rodgers with captain Scott Brown after Celtic completed the domestic Treble in 2016-17

As Mail Sport first revealed after Postecoglou’s departure, Nicholson and finance director Chris McKay flew by private jet to Mallorca to speak with Rodgers at his holiday home.

Following positive initial discussions, Rodgers then met with Desmond in London where both parties agreed a plan to reestablish Celtic as a European force.

Rodgers’ personal terms were thrashed out over the weekend with a deal finally struck.

He is understood to have agreed a package in excess of his previous Celtic contract, making him the highest-paid manager in the club’s history again.

Rodgers was sacked by Leicester in April but managed two fifth placed finishes and won the FA Cup in his time there.