Brendan Rodgers was in his second spell as Celtic boss. Photo: Getty
Martin O’Neill hugs Neil Lennon after a Champions League game with Barcelona in 2004, during his first spell in charge of Celtic
Brendan Rodgers has resigned as Celtic manager with former boss Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney being put in temporary charge at Parkhead.
Rodgers’ second spell at Celtic ended after Sunday’s 3-1 William Hill Premiership defeat at Hearts left them eight points adrift of the Edinburgh side.
A club statement read: “Celtic Football Club can confirm that football manager Brendan Rodgers has today tendered his resignation. It has been accepted by the Club and Brendan will leave his role with immediate effect.
“The club appreciates Brendan’s contribution to Celtic during his two very successful periods at the Club. Brendan leaves Celtic with our thanks for the role he has played during a period of continued success for the club and we wish him further success in the future.
“The process to appoint a new permanent manager is underway and the Club will update supporters further on this as soon as possible.
Martin O’Neill hugs Neil Lennon after a Champions League game with Barcelona in 2004, during his first spell in charge of Celtic
“We are pleased that during this interim period former Celtic manager, Martin O’Neill and former Celtic player, Shaun Maloney have agreed to take charge of Celtic first-team matters. Further details will be confirmed shortly.”
O’Neill, the former Ireland manager, last worked in management at Nottingham Forest in 2019. During his previous spell at Celtic Park (2000 to 2005) the former Northern Ireland player won three Scottish Premier League titles.
Rodgers returned to Celtic in 2023 for a second spell, succeeding Ange Postecoglou, and won two league titles, a Scottish League Cup and a Scottish Cup.
However, the relationship between Rodgers and Celtic’s board threatened to break down over the summer after an underwhelming transfer window. Recently supporters have voiced their displeasure with the club’s recent form with chants of “sack the board” during Sunday’s defeat to league leaders Hearts.
Rodgers leaves the club nine leagues games into the new season, with the club sitting second in the table but some way adrift of Hearts.
Celtic’s next game is against Falkirk in the league on Wednesday night.