BRENDAN RODGERS will take his second bow as Celtic’s new manager at Parkhead tomorrow afternoon.
The Irishman, who led the Hoops to seven successive domestic trophies after being announced as the gaffer first time-around in May 2016, will return for his unveiling following rubberstamping his return at the start of the week.
Rodgers replaced Norwegian Ronny Deila seven years ago and will now succeed Greek-Australian Ange Postecoglou. He is scheduled to meet the media at 4pm.
BRENDAN’S BACK…Rodgers acknowledges the acclaim of the Celtic fans after his announcement in May 2016.
The 50-year-old former Liverpool and Swansea gaffer dramatically departed Leicester City near the end of a calamitous campaign for the Midlands club that eventually led to relegation from the top flight.
However, he returns to a club that has just made history with their eighth treble secured under Postecoglou who quit for Spurs only 48 hours after the Scottish Cup success over Inverness Caley Thistle.
Rodgers, of course, knows the feeling of a domestic clean sweep after achieving the feat in his first two years, making him the first Celtic boss to bring in all three honours since Martin O’Neill in his debut crusade in season 2000/01.
They joined Jock Stein who was the first in the unforgettable 1966/67 crusade when his all-conquering team swept all before them and added the European Cup for good measure.
The legendary gaffer repeated the achievement in season 1968/69.
LAUGHING BHOY…Brendan Rodgers enjoys the moment at his first time-around unveiling.
Rodgers is up for the challenge and, speaking on the club’s website, said: “I am really delighted to return to Celtic and I am hugely excited by this great opportunity. When I was given the privilege of being asked to join the club again, it was a very simple decision for me and my family.
“We have enjoyed some great times at Celtic before and this will be my goal again, to deliver good football, ensure we have a team we all love to watch and ultimately bring more success to our fans.
“Ange has done some brilliant work across the last two years and I will be doing all I can to maintain Celtic’s momentum as we face into all our domestic and European challenges.
“We have a hugely impressive and talented group of players and staff at the club, and I am really looking forward to meeting up with them all and then getting straight down to work.
“I wanted John [Kennedy] to be with me as we move forward. 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 at all levels and I would like to thank the board for putting their trust in me to take the team forward.
“We will work very closely together as we strive to bring that success to our supporters.
“Let’s get to work!”
