Brendan Rodgers paid tribute to Celtic’s majority shareholder, Dermot Desmond, after leading the Hoops to yet another Scottish Premiership crown, acknowledging the Irish businessman’s pivotal role in bringing him back to the club.
Rodgers, who secured his fourth league title as Celtic manager with a thumping 5-0 victory over Dundee United, was quick to reflect on the faith shown in him by Desmond, particularly after his controversial mid-season departure to Leicester City during his first spell.
It was a big risk, bringing him back after the way he had left and the reaction from fans, but it’s worked out for the club.
Speaking after the title-clinching win at Tannadice, Rodgers said: “It really feels really special to be here. Obviously, I said I’d mention it the other day, but again, I’ve got Dermot Desmond to thank for bringing me back. He had so much belief in me, so much trust in me, and to bring me back when probably many others wouldn’t have and wouldn’t have taken me back, inside and outside the club.”
The Northern Irishman’s return raised eyebrows in some quarters of the Celtic support, but this and last season’s success has gone a long way to mending those bridges. Rodgers was keen to underline Desmond’s influence not only in facilitating his return but also in supporting the club’s pursuit of sustained dominance.
“I think this is a day for him to have a glass of champagne or wine, whatever he has, with great pride,” Rodgers continued on BBC. “Hopefully he felt proud watching that game.”
As Celtic now turn their focus toward finishing the season strongly and chasing yet another domestic treble, the unity between the boardroom and the dugout remains a cornerstone of their continued success.
And as we saw with the celebrations, the fans now seem to be fully behind Brendan Rodgers’ ‘tedious’ treble chasing Celtic.
