The Last Word with Matt Cooper Dermot Desmond Hits Out after Brendan Rodgers Resigns as Celtic Manager
Oct 28, 2025
Stephen Doyle, a sports journalist and commentator for Off the Ball, dives into the fallout from Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic manager. He examines the long-standing struggles of Celtic in European competitions, attributing these issues to a lack of ambition from the board. Doyle discusses Dermot Desmond’s harsh criticism of Rodgers and the implications of a majority shareholder’s public rebuke. The conversation also touches on recruitment failures, the need for strong managerial leadership, and strategies for closing the gap on rival teams.
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Chronic European Underperformance
- Celtic have consistently underperformed in European competitions despite domestic dominance over the past decade.
- Lack of ambition from the board and tight budgets are cited as key reasons for missed European progress.
Rodgers' 2019 Exit Still Resentment
- Brendan Rodgers left in February 2019 amid rumours and a sudden move to Leicester, angering supporters.
- Fans recalled bitterness then and compared it to dissatisfaction over his recent departure.
Summer Business Damaged Squad
- Celtic sold large parts of last season's output and failed to replace goals and creativity before the season started.
- Stephen Doyle pins poor recruitment and an unambitious board for weakening the squad.