Celtic Majority Shareholder Dermot Desmond Calls Out Brendan Rodgers for Betrayal of Trust
In a striking response to Brendan Rodgers’ recent departure, Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond has expressed his disappointment, accusing the former manager of betraying the trust placed in him. Rodgers’ sudden exit from Parkhead followed a tumultuous start to the current season, prompting the club to appoint Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney as caretakers.
Throughout his tenure, Rodgers had been vocal about his grievances with the club’s summer transfer activities, which intensified the frustrations of passionate supporters. Fans have been demanding accountability from Desmond, Chief Executive Michael Nicholson, and Chairman Peter Lawwell, leading to heightened tensions within the club.
Desmond has now publicly addressed these concerns, labeling Rodgers’ behavior as "toxic" and accusing him of misleading fans. In his statement, Desmond said, "When we welcomed Brendan back to Celtic two years ago, it was with complete trust in his capability to guide the club into a new era of success. Regrettably, his recent conduct and communication have not reflected that trust."
He further clarified, "In June, both Michael Nicholson and I expressed our intent to offer Brendan a contract extension as a sign of our unwavering support. He requested time to think it over, yet subsequently suggested that no such commitment had been made, which is simply not true."
Desmond emphasized the close collaboration between the management and Rodgers, stating, "Every transfer decision was made with Brendan’s full knowledge and approval. Any suggestion otherwise is completely false." He added that Rodgers had never raised concerns about club operations before making public statements that contradicted their discussions.
The majority shareholder also noted their lengthy meeting, where Rodgers did not cite any instances of the club failing to support him. "Sadly, his words and actions have created a divisive atmosphere and have led to unwarranted hostility towards our executive team and Board members," Desmond said. "The abuse directed at them and their families is unacceptable."
Desmond reiterated that every member of the Board and executive team is dedicated to Celtic’s success and operates with professionalism and integrity. He pointed out that the recent struggles were not due to the club’s structure but stemmed from one individual’s desire for self-preservation.
"Our model, where the manager oversees football operations and the Board provides oversight, has proven successful for over two decades," he stated. "We all share the same goal: to ensure Celtic’s continued triumph domestically and to make strides in Europe."
Desmond concluded by reaffirming the club’s commitment to reinvesting every pound generated towards its long-term objectives and the betterment of Celtic Football Club. "Celtic is greater than any one individual. Our focus now is on restoring unity, enhancing the squad, and continuing to build a club that embodies its values, traditions, and the loyalty of its supporters."
This statement marks a significant moment in Celtic’s ongoing journey, emphasizing the need for collaboration and a shared vision for future success.
