Brendan Rodgers’ latest remarks about his relationship with the Celtic hierarchy have stuck out after he name-checked Dermot Desmond, Michael Nicholson and Chris McKay, but made no mention of chairman Peter Lawwell.
Rodgers spoke positively about Desmond, describing him as a “big reason” for his return, while praising Nicholson and McKay for their commitment, even noting their willingness to work through Christmas Day. Yet the absence of any reference to Lawwell, who remains a powerful figure at the club, was conspicuous.
It was the Non-Executive chairman who sat next to the manager as he returned to the club, was shaking hands with him and laughing along with him. So, he was involved with the gaffer at one point, despite not being involved in the day-to-day football operations.
“I am speaking to Michael later this afternoon,” Rodgers said. “On a personal level, I have huge respect for Dermot. He’s a big reason why I came back. Michael and Chris are good guys, in on Christmas Day, these are honest guys. We just have to make sure our football model is lined up, or we’re just going to be in this cycle.”
Lawwell has been a lightning rod for supporter anger in recent weeks, with many fans viewing him as central to the recruitment strategy that left Celtic short in key areas this summer. The open letter signed by hundreds of supporters’ groups specifically named him among those who should step aside.
Rodgers’ decision not to mention the chairman, while publicly backing Desmond, Nicholson and McKay, will only fuel speculation of friction behind the scenes. With fans already demanding major change at board level, the omission adds another layer to a saga that continues to dominate the narrative around Celtic off the pitch.
