Angry Brendan Rodgers demands ‘cowardly’ Celtic mole quits after ’empty’ transfer window

The Celtic boss has hit back at the mole who tried to knife him in the back and called for the culprit to resign

Brendan Rodgers has blasted the “cowardly” Celtic insider who attempted to undermine him, calling for the individual to step down. The Hoops manager was taken aback by a story last week from an anonymous Parkhead source accusing him of causing division within the club and orchestrating his departure.

However, Antrim man Rodgers hit back, expressing his desire to remain at Celtic beyond the end of his contract next summer, while revealing that there has been a scheme against him since his initial tenure at the club.

Rodgers stated: “It was interesting when I was shown that. My honest take – I thought it was a cowardly action, by whoever it is.

“It’s not something you would want. Certainly my relationships with the guys here within the board, I would struggle to understand the why. Since I came back all I have tried to do is drive the club forward,” reports the Daily Record.

“Was I surprised by it? Not really. I was briefed upon in my first time here, when I left and now since I’ve come back. But I am thick skinned. It’s because I want to do so well here, I’m determined to do well here.

“I know Dermot (Desmond), Michael (Nicholson), the guys I work with here on a daily basis, they feel the same as me.

“If you ask my staff here, speak to players, they know all I do is given everything for them.

“Most of them will have had new deals in my time, increased their wages, improved their conditions.

“Okay, if there’s something to nit pick, it’s my drive to make Celtic the best it can be, but not unrealistically, not Premier League money, millions and millions.

“If you look at what I have spent to what has come in, that’ll tell you. It’s disappointing when it comes out and it’s a cowardly action. But it’s made me even more determined to succeed here.”

Rodgers firmly suggested that the club source should resign for undermining the manager while refusing to disclose any names.

He stated: “I don’t think there’s any doubt. If you are sat in the position I’m in with the weight of the club on your shoulders, to be the spokesperson, the manager, the psychologist, it’s important to be supported.

“Anyone is briefing against that person who knows they can come and speak to be at any time. I’m here from early morning to late at night, they can come to my house or whatever.

“We all have frustrations, especially at Celtic where we moan, but I would never, ever think to go and bring that to the fore to hurt someone else – especially when that someone else if giving everything to the club, who didn’t have to come back but came back because of their love for the club.

“I’m pretty sure there will be questions asked on it because there was a lot of detail – and wrong I might add – but hopefully we’ll find out.”

Rodgers, who is in his final contract year, revealed his desire to stay – but only if Celtic pull their socks up in the transfer market and support his vision.

He said: “I would love to stay here longer. I’ve had informal chats with Dermot and Michael. I’ve not had an offer yet to think over.

“Until that comes I’m not going to be so arrogant to say I want to be here another three years. The club might not want me here. I have to respect that until there’s something serious on a piece of paper, I’ll continue to do my job.

“As long as everything is aligned and we can operate how we want to, absolutely. It’s why I came back. I came back to hopefully stay more than three years. The guarantee was I would do three years, I’ve been categoric in that and none more so than this year.

“If I do get offered a deal there needs to be conditions within that, that allows me to work to the best I possibly can.

“If not, then it’s maybe just two philosophies that don’t add up and I’ll accept that, we’ll go our separate ways and be a Celtic supporter for the rest of my life. I’m hopeful in the future something can be resolved.”

Rodgers acknowledged the club botched the transfer window but maintained he never contemplated throwing in the towel.

He said: “It didn’t make me think to walk away – it just made me feel empty, if I’m honest.

“It’s a lengthy process and the pressure is on your shoulders carrying everything, so when it doesn’t quite work out the way you want, there’s a hollow feeling.

“But then you know as one of the leaders of the club and particularly the manager of the team, you have to get your head around it, deal with it and maximise the best of what you have.”