Key Takeaways:
- Brendan Rodgers resigned as Celtic manager late on Monday after his second tenure in charge
- Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney have been appointed as interim coaches following Rodgers’ departure
- Main shareholder Dermot Desmond issued a strongly worded statement criticising Rodgers and revealing details of recent tensions
Rodgers Steps Down After Second Spell at Parkhead
Brendan Rodgers has officially stepped down from his role as Celtic manager, delivering a major surprise within Scottish football. The club’s board confirmed late on Monday that it had accepted Rodgers’ resignation, marking the end of his second term at the helm. For the immediate future, legendary figure Martin O’Neill will oversee the squad, working in close collaboration with Shaun Maloney.
Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond has shared his disappointment with Brendan Rodgers following his resignation 😳 pic.twitter.com/JzU3UtwB8E
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 27, 2025
Turbulent Relations with the Board
Rodgers stands as the third most successful manager in the club’s history. After departing for Leicester City in 2019, he returned to Celtic vowing to honour his three-year contract. However, his recent tenure was dogged by internal conflict, particularly with the board, which itself had come under intense scrutiny following an unsettled summer transfer period. The manager’s decision to resign arrived just 24 hours after Celtic fell eight points behind league leaders Hearts.
Dermot Desmond Delivers Damning Assessment
Dermot Desmond, Celtic’s primary shareholder who played a pivotal role in twice appointing Rodgers, delivered a candid and critical statement regarding the circumstances of Rodgers’ departure. Without mincing words, Desmond described the former manager as “toxic” and expressed his profound disappointment over recent developments.
Desmond stated: “Brendan Rodgers today resigned as manager of Celtic Football Club. I want to acknowledge Brendan’s contribution during both his stints as manager, during which he helped achieve successes that are now a part of the club’s modern history. However, I must also express my deep disappointment with the way things have developed over the last few months.”
He further alleged a breakdown in trust, particularly over contract extension discussions and communication around club strategy and transfers. According to Desmond, Rodgers had final approval on all football matters, including signings and sales, with the club demonstrating unwavering support and investing record sums based on the manager’s recommendations.
Boardroom Dynamics and Future Directions
Following extensive meetings and discussions with Rodgers, Desmond contended that no instances of obstruction by the club were identified. Instead, Desmond accused Rodgers of fostering a divisive environment, contributing to what he described as a “toxic atmosphere” around the club, and fuelling unwarranted hostility towards executive members and the board. Desmond closed his statement by re-emphasising Celtic’s core values and the collective ambition to restore unity as well as challenging for continued domestic and European success.
| Event | Date/Timeframe | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Rodgers’ Resignation Announced | Late Monday | Manager steps down after second spell |
| Interim Management Appointed | Immediately following resignation | Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney take charge |
| League Position Before Resignation | 24 hours prior | Celtic trail Hearts by 8 points |
| Main Shareholder Statement | Following resignation | Dermot Desmond criticises Rodgers’ conduct and narrative |
What Lies Ahead for Celtic
With Rodgers’ exit, Celtic enter a period of transition. Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney are tasked with steadying the club in the short term, as management and supporters alike turn their attention to uniting the squad and pursuing the high standards demanded at Parkhead.
