Rodgers returns to Celtic as manager on a three-year deal

June 19 (Reuters) – Celtic have appointed Brendan Rodgers as manager on a three-year deal, the Scottish Premier League side said on Monday.

Rodgers, who was sacked by Leicester City last season, managed Celtic from 2016 to 2019 and won back-to-back trebles – the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup.

“I’m really happy to be back at Celtic and I’m very excited about this fantastic opportunity,” the 50-year-old told the club’s website.

“We’ve enjoyed some great times at Celtic before and this is my aim again: to deliver good football, make sure we have a team we all love to watch and ultimately bring more success to our fans.”

Rodgers led Leicester to FA Cup victory in the 2020-21 season for the first time in their history.

After twice finishing fifth in the Premier League, Leicester struggled badly last season and parted company with the Northern Irishman in April. In the end, they were relegated to the second-tier championship.

Rodgers replaces Ange Postecoglou, who left the Scottish champions to become manager of Tottenham Hotspur.

John Kennedy, a former Celtic player and manager, supports Rodgers as the club’s assistant manager, alongside team coaches Stevie Woods, Gavin Strachan and Harry Kewell.

“We are delighted to welcome Brendan as our new manager. He is a football manager of real quality and experience with a proven track record of delivering success,” Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson said.

“During the process, we considered many potential candidates. In appointing Brendan, we are confident that we have found the best candidate for Celtic.”

Reporting by Simon Jennings in Bengaluru Editing by Christian Radnedge

Our standard: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.