Next Celtic manager: Five things that may make being Bhoys boss appeal to Brendan Rodgers
Published:
Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | May 6, 2016
First David Moyes, then Paul Lambert and now Brendan Rodgers is made Coral’s new 6/4 favourite to be next Celtic manager.
The Northern Irishman, who has coached Watford, Reading, Swansea City and Liverpool, is ready to return to the dugout following some time out after his Anfield exit.
What would appeal to Rodgers about managing the Hoops? Our football writers look at five things that could lure him to Parkhead…
Instant success?
Celtic are set for a fifth straight Scottish Premiership success, and the Bhoys board will be keen to make a statement with their new manager to replace Ronny Deila with Old Firm rivals Rangers back in the big time next season.
If Rodgers is seeking silverware success, then this is the perfect position for him. The Hoops invariably figure in the title race, and more than the league will be next term’s target.
Derby delights
Speaking of Glasgow rivals Gers, they are 5/1 chances to be Scottish Premiership champions next season, and Rodgers has benefited from being boss of clubs that engage in similar derby clashes.
Maintaining Liverpool’s dominance over Merseyide rivals Everton and pipping Cardiff City to promotion with south Wales enemies Swansea are among Rodgers’ biggest achievements. His decent record on derby days will stand him in good stead at Parkhead, provided he keeps it up.
Rebuilding reputation
Rodgers’ coaching career to date has been one of fine margins. It was via the Championship play-offs, not automatic promotion, that he got the Swans up into the Premier League for the first time in their history.
Moreover, his Anfield outfit blew it big time when looking like winning the title race, with that Steven Gerrard slip an evocative memory that has become an epitaph for Rodgers.
The only way for him to dispel such glorious, but ultimate failure is to win trophies. As alluded to above, Celtic is an easy sell in this regards for Rodgers who has more reason than most to be interested…
Boyhood Bhoys fan
Some sources from the Scottish press report Rodgers did indeed follow Celtic when he was young. That is precisely what Hoops supporters will be after in a new boss following Deila’s departure.
The Norwegian coach had no real connections or ties to the Hoops, and that counted against him among fans. Rodgers by contrast would be a coup for Celtic, and the job may be his to turn down if he wants it.
Talents to nurture
One thing the Bhoys have that also appeals over other potential suitors for Rodgers is some exciting, emerging prospects. Manchester City-owned forward Patrick Roberts is reckoned to be among the next big things in British football, and is set to remain on loan at Parkhead next term.
It has been a breakthrough season, meanwhile, for Scottish Young Footballer of the Year and Hoops left back Kieran Tierney. Having a talent in that specific position is something Rodgers was crying out for during his time in charge of Liverpool, so he’ll certainly appreciate it.
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