(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Wed 29 October 2025 21:00, UK

Celtic’s managerial search may have been hindered by Dermot Desmond’s strong statement on the conduct of former manager Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers resigned as Celtic manager before owner Desmond criticised his conduct at the club over the past few months.

Celtic’s 3-1 defeat at Hearts was Rodgers final game in charge of the club in his second spell, which leaves the Hoops eight points behind the Edinburgh club at the top of the table.

Martin O’Neil has taken interim charge alongside Shaun Maloney to steady the ship before the club appoint Rodgers’ permanent successor.

Dermot Desmond statement could have repercussions

Speaking to Sky Sports, [29 October], former Celtic striker Chris Sutton believes Dermot’s comments may put off managers wanting to take the vacant job in Glasgow.

“Astonishing attack on him from Dermot Desmond, we very rarely hear from Dermot Desmond but he did not miss on that occasion,” Sutton said.

“He absolutely butchered Brendan, he filtered him and some people may like that, the way Dermot went about that and they will say he was straight and he was honest.

“My view on that is I think further down the line there may be high profile managers who would look at the treatment of Rodgers and how vicious that attack was on Brendan Rodgers and think twice about coming to Celtic and there reputations being damaged if there’s a fallout.“

Sutton later added: “The one thing I can’t understand is if Dermot was unhappy with Brendan’s conduct and communication the previous couple of months why didn’t he sack him then?“

Ange Postecoglou already out of the running

Ange Postecoglou will not become Celtic manager in the first blow to the clubs hierarchy in their managerial search.

Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna is one of the favourites for the vacant role, with the club currently working on drawing up a shortlist of candidates.

How Desmond’s statement about Rodgers impacts the search remains to be seen.