Brendan Rodgers insists his return as Celtic boss was an easy decision to make

Brendan Rodgers claims his return to Celtic was ‘a simple decision’ – despite the acrimonious nature of his departure four years ago.

Confirmation that the 50-year-old became the third manager to lead the club for a second time came two weeks after Ange Postecoglou left for Tottenham.

Rodgers guided the club to seven consecutive domestic trophies in his first spell at Glasgow from 2016, but abruptly left for Leicester City in February 2019.

His departure came at a time when the club had yet to finish eight in a row and sparked anger among sections of the fan base, with many voicing objections to his proposed return.

But after being immediately identified by Parkhead powerbroker Dermot Desmond as the right man to replace Postecoglou, the former Leicester manager said there was no hesitation in accepting the chance to come back.

“I’m really happy to be back at Celtic and I’m extremely excited about this great opportunity,” said Rodgers. “When I was given the privilege of rejoining the club, it was a very simple decision for me and my family.

“We’ve already had some great times at Celtic and this will again be my aim: to deliver good football, make sure we have a team we all enjoy watching and ultimately bring more success to our fans.

“Ange has done a fantastic job over the last two years and I will do everything I can to keep Celtic’s momentum going as we tackle all of our domestic and European challenges.

“We have a hugely talented group of players and staff at the club and I’m really looking forward to meeting them all and then getting started straight away.”

Rodgers has retained the backroom staff Postecoglou worked with for two years. The Australian had wanted to take John Kennedy to London, but Rodgers persuaded the Scot to stay.

“I wanted John to be with me,” he added. “He is a very talented coach, someone I know well and respect and he will be very important to myself and our players.

“The club is in fantastic condition and I would like to thank the board for the trust they have placed in me. We will work closely together to bring that success to our supporters. Let’s get started!’

If Mail sports first revealed after Postecoglou’s departure, CEO Michael Nicholson and CFO Chris McKay flew to Majorca by private jet to speak to Rodgers at his vacation home.

After positive initial discussions, Rodgers then met Desmond in London where both sides agreed on a plan to re-establish Celtic as a European force.

Rodgers’ personal terms were thrashed over the weekend. He is said to have agreed a package in excess of his previous Celtic contract, making him once again the highest paid manager in the club’s history.

“We are delighted to welcome Brendan as our new manager,” said Nicholson. “He is a manager of real quality and experience, with an established track record of delivering success.

“The role of Celtic manager is attractive and highly sought after, and we have considered many candidates. With the appointment of Brendan we are confident that we have identified the best candidate for Celtic.

“Having spoken to Brendan and discussed the club’s strategy and objectives with him, I can see the passion he has for moving the club forward in a positive way and building on what we have achieved.

“We look forward to working together towards growth and success for Celtic and our supporters.”

Celtic’s majority shareholder Desmond added: ‘Our aim at Celtic will always be to bring the highest caliber individuals to the club to achieve our objectives. With the appointment of Brendan we think we have brought that quality back to the club.

Brendan is a very talented manager, he has huge experience at the highest level and is a man who knows how to win and does it in style. As we enter another exciting period for the club, I am confident that he will tackle the opportunities ahead with his characteristic focus, drive and determination.

“We’ve all had a lot of success over the years, and Brendan himself has been a big 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.”

Chairman Peter Lawwell, who was CEO in Rodgers’ first spell, added: ‘While identifying the new Celtic manager it was clear that Brendan was the excellent choice and we are absolutely delighted to have appointed him for a long time . term contract.

“We wanted a proven winner and that’s what Brendan is, and myself and everyone else at the club look forward to working with him again to take Celtic forward.

He is someone who knows the club so well and has experience of the huge challenges at Celtic, at home and in Europe. Brendan knows full well what it takes to succeed in this role and we know he is delighted to be back with us.”

Rodgers began coaching at Chelsea reserves and began managing at Watford and Reading before winning promotion to the Premier League with Swansea.

After coming close to winning the league with Liverpool, he joined Celtic to replace Ronny Deila and swept everything for him in Scotland – winning back-to-back Trebles and another League Cup before moving to Leicester.

He guided the Foxes to two fifth-place finishes and the FA Cup in 2021, but left in April with the club deep in relegation trouble. He planned to take an extended break from football, but was persuaded to return to the club he supported as a boy.

“Celtic Football Club are pleased to announce that Brendan Rodgers has been appointed as the club’s new football manager on a three-year contract,” the club said in a statement.

Brendan has previously led the club to phenomenal success, winning back-to-back domestic Trebles and also delivering Invincible’s most famous season.

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

“We are also pleased to confirm that John Kennedy, who has served the club for many years as a player and coach, will support Brendan as assistant manager of the club, alongside first-team coaches Stevie Woods, Gavin Strachan and Harry Kewell . and B Team coaches Stephen McManus and Darren O’Dea.’