Brendan Rodgers’ second departure from Celtic in October 2025 shocked fans, players, and pundits alike. After guiding the club to two more Scottish Premiership titles and domestic silverware, his resignation came abruptly following a 3-1 defeat to Hearts. But why did Brendan Rodgers leave Celtic again and under such controversy?
Let’s unpack the factors behind this high-profile exit.
What Led to Brendan Rodgers’ Second Resignation from Celtic?
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Rodgers tendered his resignation on the evening of Monday, 27 October 2025, with the club confirming his exit just before 10pm. The announcement followed a dismal loss to Hearts that left Celtic eight points behind the league leaders in the Scottish Premiership.
The club immediately appointed Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney as interim coaches while beginning the search for a permanent replacement.
Although poor results played a role, the departure was not simply about on-field performance. It came against a backdrop of internal disputes, breakdowns in trust, and a now-infamous public fallout between Rodgers and the club’s majority shareholder, Dermot Desmond.
How Did Celtic’s Board React to Rodgers’ Departure?
Following the official resignation, the club initially issued a brief statement thanking Rodgers for his contributions during two successful spells and wishing him well. However, the tone changed dramatically just hours later.
In an extraordinary public letter, Dermot Desmond launched a scathing attack on Rodgers. He accused the manager of:
- Contributing to a “toxic atmosphere” within the club
- Making misleading and divisive public statements
- Suggesting untrue claims about transfer disagreements
- Undermining the trust between manager and board
Desmond stated that although the club had supported Rodgers fully, meeting him regularly and involving him in all major decisions, Rodgers’ recent conduct had eroded that trust.
His comments included:
“Regrettably, his words and actions since then have been divisive, misleading, and self-serving. They have contributed to a toxic atmosphere around the club.”
The tone and timing of the statement were unprecedented and signalled a complete breakdown in the relationship between Rodgers and Celtic’s hierarchy.
Was Poor Performance a Factor in Rodgers’ Exit?
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On the pitch, Celtic had struggled for consistency throughout the 2025 season. The Champions League exit to Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty was an early warning sign.
Fans and pundits criticised the team’s summer transfer activity, with Rodgers openly questioning the club’s recruitment strategy in the press, a move that did not sit well with the board.
Key issues included:
- Champions League disappointment
- A disastrous deadline day where targets were missed
- Injuries and a lack of squad depth
- A humiliating defeat to Hearts, with only two shots on target and an own goal from an inexperienced Dane Murray
These setbacks built pressure on Rodgers, and the fanbase began to question not just the board but also his leadership.
What Role Did Fan Unrest and Atmosphere at Celtic Park Play?
Discontent among fans had been growing, with protests becoming increasingly visible. During a match against Dundee, fans threw hundreds of tennis balls onto the pitch, delaying kickoff in protest of the club’s board.
Banners criticising the hierarchy, chants demanding change, and visible division in the stands reflected a fractured atmosphere. While Rodgers initially had support, sentiment shifted as results dipped and his comments became more combative.
Fan unrest likely played a significant role in escalating tensions and hastening his exit.
Why Did Dermot Desmond Publicly Criticise Rodgers?
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Dermot Desmond’s statement was one of the most talked-about moments in recent Celtic history. His rare public intervention was perceived by many as an attempt to protect the board’s reputation and push back against Rodgers’ growing narrative that he lacked backing.
Key points from the statement included:
- Meetings with Rodgers had occurred regularly, including in December 2024 and summer 2025
- All transfer activity had Rodgers’ “full knowledge and approval”
- Claims that Rodgers was left unsupported were described as “entirely untrue”
Desmond ended by reaffirming that Celtic was “greater than any one person”, and that focus would now turn to restoring unity at the club.
Who Has Taken Over After Rodgers’ Departure?
In a move designed to stabilise the club, Celtic brought back Martin O’Neill, a former beloved manager, on an interim basis alongside Shaun Maloney.
According to Chris Sutton, this was a calculated decision:
“He’s a figurehead. Had the club handed the role to just Maloney, a lot of the supporters would have been unhappy.”
O’Neill’s task is not easy. With a squad decimated by injuries, Celtic face tough fixtures ahead including a League Cup semi-final against Rangers.
What’s Next for Celtic and Who Could Be the Next Permanent Manager?
The club has confirmed that the search for a permanent manager is underway. Among the most discussed names is Ange Postecoglou, who led Celtic to five trophies in two seasons before leaving in 2023.
Pundits believe a return for Ange would:
- Bring back a positive style of play
- Reunite fans and players
- Instil belief in a team struggling with identity
Chris Sutton suggested:
“That would be a good choice and bring a lot of positivity back to Celtic, which they need right now.”
How Does Rodgers’ Legacy at Celtic Stand Now?
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Rodgers’ record remains outstanding:
- Two league titles (2024, 2025)
- Scottish Cup and League Cup victories
- A return to dominant domestic performances in his early second stint
But the sudden nature of both exits (in 2019 and now in 2025) has complicated his legacy. Many supporters view him as a successful tactician whose poor timing and communication overshadowed his achievements.
Comparison Table – Brendan Rodgers’ Two Celtic Spells
| Category | First Spell (2016–2019) | Second Spell (2023–2025) |
| Trophies Won | 7 (Treble Treble) | 4 (2 League Titles, Cup & League Cup) |
| Exit Circumstances | Left mid-season for Leicester City | Resigned after public fallout |
| Fan Reaction | Initially loved, later criticised | Mixed, turned negative after 2025 exit |
| Board Relations | Strained over transfers | Broke down completely |
| Playing Style | Dominant possession-based football | Less consistent in second spell |
Conclusion – A Complex Exit That Leaves Lingering Questions
So, why did Brendan Rodgers leave Celtic again? This time, it wasn’t just about ambition or opportunity. It was about a fractured relationship, a club under pressure, and a manager who lost the support of both the board and the fans.
While Rodgers’ contributions to Celtic’s modern history are significant, his departure was marked by bitterness, mistrust, and disappointment.
Celtic now face a defining moment. The next managerial appointment must not only steady the ship but rebuild trust and vision from the ground up.
FAQs
What happened in Brendan Rodgers’ last game at Celtic?
Celtic lost 3-1 to Hearts, a defeat that highlighted squad weaknesses and ultimately triggered his resignation.
Why did Dermot Desmond release a public statement?
Desmond felt Rodgers’ public comments misrepresented the board and wanted to clarify that the club had fully supported him.
Who replaced Brendan Rodgers after his 2025 resignation?
Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney were appointed as interim managers.
Did Brendan Rodgers leave because of poor results?
Results were a factor, but internal disputes, public criticism, and fan unrest played bigger roles.
Is Brendan Rodgers’ legacy at Celtic damaged?
While he won numerous trophies, the nature of his exits has left a complicated legacy.
Could Ange Postecoglou return as Celtic manager?
Yes, he’s a strong candidate and is highly favoured by fans and pundits alike.
What did Rodgers say about transfers before leaving?
Rodgers questioned the club’s recruitment, which the board denied and cited as damaging.
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