John Kennedy is on the verge of returning to football following the sudden end of his long-standing Celtic career, with the former Hoops defender and coach set to take his next step away from Glasgow and into a familiar working relationship. [Scottish Sun]
Few figures have embodied continuity at Celtic in the modern era quite like Kennedy, whose presence spanned generations of players, managers and philosophies.
The 42-year-old’s story at Celtic has always carried a sense of unfinished promise. Having broken into the first team at just 16, Kennedy was widely viewed as a future cornerstone of the defence before a series of devastating injuries curtailed his playing career.
Forced to retire at 26, he made the difficult transition from player to staff member, choosing to remain at the club rather than walk away from the game.
That decision saw him gradually build a new career behind the scenes. Kennedy initially worked in scouting before stepping into coaching, eventually becoming part of the first-team setup under Ronny Deila.
From there, he established himself as a trusted figure across successive managerial reigns, including those of Neil Lennon, Brendan Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou.
His importance within the club was underlined in 2021 when he was asked to take on the role of interim manager following Lennon’s departure.
While that period was challenging, it further highlighted the level of trust Celtic placed in him during moments of instability.
Despite opportunities to move on earlier, including interest from Postecoglou in bringing him to Tottenham Hotspur, Kennedy opted to stay at Celtic, continuing into Brendan Rodgers’ second spell in charge. That loyalty made his exit all the more striking when Rodgers resigned in dramatic fashion late in October, triggering a wider reshuffle behind the scenes.
Reports indicate Rodgers has agreed terms to take charge of the club, and Kennedy is expected to be part of his coaching staff as the pair reunite outside Scottish football.
Rodgers’ departure from Celtic came against a backdrop of growing tension between the manager and the board, as well as mounting frustration among supporters.
A turbulent summer transfer window, early European elimination and public unrest created an increasingly strained environment, culminating in Rodgers’ resignation and a strong response from major shareholder Dermot Desmond.
Since then, Rodgers has been linked with several roles in England, but the opportunity in Saudi Arabia appears to have progressed quickly. Al-Qadsiah recently parted company with their previous manager and moved decisively to appoint Rodgers, with Kennedy now set to follow him into a new footballing landscape.
For Kennedy, the move represents both a continuation of familiar working relationships and a clean break from a club that has defined most of his professional life.
Leaving Celtic after so many years, particularly in such unsettled circumstances, was never likely to be straightforward, but the chance to reset in a different environment may prove beneficial.
His exit also serves as a symbolic moment for Celtic.
Kennedy was one of the last remaining links to multiple eras at the club, providing continuity through constant change. With his departure, another layer of institutional memory has gone, reflecting the scale of transition currently taking place at Parkhead.
As Celtic attempt to steady themselves on the pitch and rebuild trust off it, Kennedy’s next move will be watched with interest by supporters who remember both his promise as a player and his long service as a coach.
While his time in green and white has come to an end, his football journey is clearly entering a new phase, one that takes him far from Glasgow, but not from the game he has spent his life in.
Whether this proves to be a short-term chapter or the start of a longer spell abroad remains to be seen.
What is clear is that, after nearly three decades at Celtic, John Kennedy is back in football, and once again stepping into the unknown.
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