Celtic confirm Rodgers’ resignation, O’Neill and Maloney to take charge on interim basis
Brendan Rodgers has resigned as Celtic manager with immediate effect, prompting a furious response from the club’s principal shareholder, Dermot Desmond, who accused the departing coach of being “divisive, misleading and self-serving.”
The Scottish Premiership champions confirmed Rodgers’ departure on Monday night, ending his second spell at the club just nine months before his contract was due to expire in the summer of 2026. His resignation follows a run of poor results that has left Celtic eight points adrift of league leaders Hearts after a 3–1 defeat at Tynecastle on Sunday.
In a strongly worded statement, Desmond criticised Rodgers for what he described as “words and actions” that had undermined the club’s unity. “Celtic is bigger than any one individual,” Desmond said. “The board and our supporters deserve honesty and loyalty. Sadly, in recent weeks, Brendan has shown neither. His words and actions have been divisive, misleading, and self-serving.”
Rodgers’ departure brings to an abrupt end his second stint in Glasgow, having returned to Celtic Park in June 2023 following Ange Postecoglou’s move to Tottenham Hotspur. His first spell between 2016 and 2019 delivered two Scottish Premiership titles and an unprecedented domestic treble-treble, but this time his tenure has been marred by inconsistent form and mounting fan frustration.
The club announced that former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill will return to take temporary charge, assisted by Shaun Maloney. O’Neill, who led Celtic to four league titles and a UEFA Cup final during his previous tenure from 2000 to 2005, is expected to steady the squad while the board begins its search for a permanent replacement.
In his own statement, Rodgers thanked the players and staff but stopped short of addressing Desmond’s criticism directly. “It has been an honour to manage Celtic again,” he said. “I am grateful to the board, the supporters and everyone connected to the club. At this stage in my career, I feel it is the right time for me to step aside and allow someone else to take the team forward.”
Sources close to Rodgers said he had become increasingly disillusioned with the club’s transfer policy and budget restrictions, which he felt left the squad ill-equipped to compete domestically and in Europe. Celtic crashed out of the Europa League qualifiers in August and have failed to recapture the intensity and consistency that defined Rodgers’ first spell in charge.
Fans voiced mixed reactions on social media following the announcement. Some supporters expressed relief after a disappointing start to the season, while others lamented the timing of his exit, which leaves the club facing a crucial run of fixtures before Christmas.
O’Neill’s return has been broadly welcomed among the Celtic faithful, with many seeing his experience and stature as a stabilising influence. “Martin understands what it means to manage Celtic,” said club captain Callum McGregor. “The lads are determined to respond positively and get the fans back onside.”
Celtic’s board is expected to begin formal interviews for a new permanent manager in the coming weeks. Early speculation has linked former Brighton manager Graham Potter, ex-Celtic defender Kolo Touré, and Maloney himself to the role, though the club has made no official comment.
Rodgers’ resignation comes amid growing pressure from supporters and pundits alike after a series of underwhelming performances in the league and domestic cups. His final match in charge, Sunday’s loss to Hearts, saw the travelling fans turn on the manager with chants calling for his removal.
Celtic face Hibernian at home on Wednesday, with O’Neill set to take charge of training immediately.