Copyright dailyrecord
For the first time in Old Firm history both managers at Rangers and Celtic have left Glasgow mid-season. The reason why that’s so rare is the nature of this city. When one of Scotland’s big two clubs is doing well, the other is invariably toiling. But this season is unique. Between them, they haven’t just lost the plot. They’re eating themselves alive. That was certainly the case on Monday night when the bombshell news broke of Brendan Rodgers’ departure from Celtic Park. And as if that wasn’t enough of an unexpected jolt - Dermot Desmond’s evisceration of his manager shortly after shocked punters to the core. The Irish billionaire left Rodgers without a name. But was he just getting his retaliation in early? Taking a swing, knowing an upper-cut was coming his way? It seems certain that Rodgers will have his say. And so have the Celtic supporters on the Hotline . The big question was, whose side were they on? And judging by the calls, it might actually be Desmond who finds himself on the back foot. John Lavelle, Irvine , said: “I’ve read the Dermot Despot statement. What a piece of nonsense. There are three instances of Rodgers not being backed by the club. Kyogo , Nicolas Kuhn and Liel Abada were all sold without replacements lined up. A guy who delivered so many trophies wouldn’t give his backing to this. It’s time for the Despot and his cronies to go because Celtic are far more important than his ego. Sean Dolan in Chicago , said: “You reap what you sow and something had to give between Rodgers and the board. However, let’s not be duped by Desmond. "Rodgers resigned, he wasn’t fired. So he wasn’t looking to walk away with a package. Desmond and the board leapt on it and were quick to apportion all the recent issues at the club squarely at Rodgers’ feet. The fans aren’t stupid. The board is culpable and unless something changes there, fans will continue to watch the same old movie playing out every year. Let’s not accept this deception.” Kenny Wilson, Moffatt , said: “It’s no surprise that the manager has gone and it’s the right decision. But Desmond not taking any of the blame is shameful. This is a man who continually takes from the club and didn’t invest when we were in a great position to get stronger. He should take some of the blame.” Chris Lowe, Yoker , said: “Desmond says Rodgers created a toxic atmosphere. Really? His fanbase glorifies dead terrorists and the club has had to be dragged kicking and screaming to settle a shameful historic past - and he’s said nothing about it. Pot and and kettle, Dermot.” Normal McMillan, Glasgow said: “I think Desmond was looking in the mirror when he made the statement about being divisive, misleading and self-serving. This was all in an effort to shift the blame from the directors to the manager.” Laurie McCall, Carntyne said: “Brendan has been hounded out the door by a board lacking in ambition and which refused to back him when the squad needed strengthening. They are guilty of an unforgivable dereliction of duty.” Rodgers might still have his backers amongst the Celtic support. But after going eight points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts on Sunday with a defeat at Tynecastle, plenty of Hoops punters wanted him to go. And you can’t help but feel his infamous Honda Civic comment will forever come back to haunt him. Now, it’s up to legendary ex-gaffer Martin O’Neill and former player Shaun Maloney to take interim charge. Gerard Kelly, Glasgow said: “It was only a matter of time. Some fans are blaming the board but Celtic have been woeful this season and that’s down the management and staff. This is the shake-up they needed. Yes, the board has to take responsibility for a lack of signings. But Brendan shouldn’t have put that on to the team. His tactics were poor and I’ve seen amateur teams play better. Welcome back Martin.” Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton said: “After Rodgers comments about the Honda Civic there was only one way this was going to end. But did he resign or was he forced out? It’s bizarre that O’Neill has been brought in. Surely Ange Postecoglou must have been approached prior to Rodgers going? It will be an uneasy atmosphere at Celtic Park on Wednesday night but I’m hoping O’Neill gets a positive response from the players after Rodgers throwing them under the bus with his top gear remarks.” Gary Stephenson, Newtonhill said: “Who would have believed it eh? Brendan Rodgers has been economical with the truth. It appears Desmond was the last guy on the planet to find this out. Although I wonder if he’ll do the double and remove Peter Lawwell too - the man who invented the Self-Preservation Society!” Arrin Geddes, Irvine said: “While the board aren’t completely blameless, Rodgers’ ego, stubbornness and reluctance to change tactics or personnel ultimately led to the dross Celtic fans have been watching since February. Terminado II was probably overdue.” Meanwhile, while we all love the daily drama that Scottish football serves up, some people aren’t having it. J Thompson, Glasgow said: “It’s no surprise that Rodgers has walked as he only came back to Celtic because no other club wanted him. It was easy money for him after leaving the first time around. If Ange comes back it’ll be because no other club wants him in England after getting sacked twice. Just how bad is Scottish football right now? Look at the Premiership table, it’s painful and embarrassing to see. And that’s not to mention our teams getting humiliated in Europe. I give up on the Scottish game.” Of course, when a team is going through turmoil - others enjoy revelling in their demise. And after the torture Rangers fans have gone through over the years, who can blame them for having a sly dig at their neighbours across the city? Ahead of Sundays’ Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden which, incredibly, will see O’Neill against Danny Rohl in the dug-outs, Mark Smith from Glasgow said: “Oh dear. Rodgers has bottled it before the Old Firm game on Sunday. Perhaps he felt his Honda Civics would be overpowered by Rohl’s Chevrolets…”
