Brendan Rodgers’ return to management has brought a familiar Celtic thread back into focus, with John Kennedy and Jack Lyons joining him as part of his new backroom team following his appointment as head coach of Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah.
Rodgers’ exit from Celtic was abrupt and destabilising, leaving supporters and players reeling at a crucial point in the season. Since then, there has been widespread interest in where he would resurface and who would follow him.
Brendan Rodgers joins #AlQadsiah as Head Coach 📄
🔗 https://t.co/fTIxppKjbi
#BrendanQadsawi pic.twitter.com/w6rv4eespD— AlQadsiah Saudi Club (@AlQadsiahEN) December 16, 2025
John Kennedy’s presence is particularly significant. A long-serving Celtic coach, Kennedy worked under multiple managers and was a constant during periods of transition. His decision to move on with Rodgers underlines the strength of their working relationship and suggests this was not a last-minute arrangement.
Kennedy knows Rodgers’ demands, understands how he wants sessions run, and has experience translating his ideas onto the training ground. For Rodgers, bringing Kennedy provides instant familiarity in a new environment.
Jack Lyons’ inclusion is just as telling, even if his role is less visible to the wider audience. Lyons’ rise through the game has been unconventional, moving from tactical analysis into elite coaching environments after catching Rodgers’ eye during his first spell at Celtic.
He followed Rodgers to Leicester City and later returned with him to Celtic, operating as a key analytical voice behind the scenes. His move to Saudi Arabia continues that trajectory and highlights Rodgers’ belief in modern, data-led coaching structures.
The appointment at Al-Qadsiah also frames Rodgers’ Celtic resignation in a new light. This is not a short-term sabbatical or a tentative return to the game.
Rodgers has stepped straight back into a senior role, replacing Spanish coach Michel at a club sitting fifth in the Saudi Pro League. The club’s statement made clear they see Rodgers as a cornerstone of a growing project, praising his experience, his trophy record and his possession-based style of football.
For Celtic supporters, the sight of Kennedy and Lyons alongside Rodgers will inevitably stir mixed feelings. Kennedy, in particular, was viewed by many as part of the club’s institutional backbone.
His departure following Rodgers’ exit already felt symbolic of a wider reset behind the scenes. Seeing him immediately reappear alongside Rodgers reinforces the idea that this coaching group was closely aligned, and that their futures were always likely to be intertwined.
From Rodgers’ perspective, surrounding himself with trusted figures makes complete sense. He is entering a different footballing culture, a new league and a rapidly evolving sporting landscape. Familiar voices reduce risk.
They allow him to focus on players, tactics and results rather than rebuilding internal dynamics from scratch. Kennedy and Lyons know his standards and expectations, and that continuity could be crucial in the early months of his tenure.
There is also a broader Celtic angle to consider. Rodgers’ backroom exits have further thinned a coaching structure already under scrutiny following recent instability.
While the club has moved on with a new managerial direction, the loss of experienced staff, particularly someone as embedded as Kennedy, continues to be felt. It reinforces how disruptive Rodgers’ October departure was, not just at first-team level but throughout Lennoxtown.
Ultimately, this move is about Rodgers reasserting control of his career. Al-Qadsiah represents a fresh challenge, significant resources and the chance to build without the relentless pressure cooker of Glasgow, at least in a different form.
Bringing Kennedy and Lyons with him suggests a desire to recreate the environment in which he has been most comfortable and successful.
For Celtic, it closes another chapter of the Rodgers era.
For Rodgers himself, it opens a new one, familiar faces by his side, lessons learned from his time in Glasgow, and a clear intent to move forward rather than look back.
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