Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew could well have ended up back at the club in a coaching capacity this summer but will continue his career as manager of Hamilton’s U18s side.
Mulgrew was linked with a similar role within the Bhoys Academy in recent months as he works towards his UEFA Pro Licence but that relationship didn’t materialise.
Nonetheless, he’s had some insight into the way Celtic operate recently. As part of his UEFA course, Mulgrew was at Lennoxtown to visit with manager Brendan Rodgers and was left with a solid impression of the Bhoys boss’ future.
He reckons that Rodgers is intent on staying in Glasgow for a long time in his second spell as manager, in contrast to his short and successful first stint as boss before leaving for Leicester.
For Mulgrew, the 2023/24 double winner is putting roots down at the Bhoys.
Brendan Rodgers ‘really settled’ at Celtic
The former Celtic star said [The Herald]: “I think a lot of managers say they are here for the long-term but really, they’ve got one eye on potentially going down south.
“I can’t speak for him but Brendan Rodgers, in my opinion, he looks to me as if he wants to be here for the long-term.
“He’s been down south. He’s now back and it seems to me that he’s really settled here and wants to be here for long term and to really make the club better right through from the youths, to be there for a long spell, to challenge in Europe and be successful.”
A long-term view at Celtic would be very welcome
Having already won nine trophies as Celtic boss, Rodgers is already one of the most successful leaders in the club’s history.
A stable, winning period with him at the helm could help push the side towards the potential many think it is capable of.
A long-term project of gradual improvement, relying on both youth progression and quality signings in the transfer market, is what fans have been crying out for.
Now he’s overcome the baggage of an awkward return to the Bhoys, Rodgers will be an even stronger presence at the club in the coming season.
Having taken that bold step to become Celtic manager for a second time, it seems that Rodgers is now ready to deliver on promises of the past.