Scottish Premiership

BRENDAN RODGERS was put on the spot for the first time today since returning to Parkhead over his controversial exit from Celtic in 2019.The Northern Irishman is back at the Hoops for his second spell as manager following his trophy-laden stint at the club first time around.
Brendan Rodgers spoke to the media today for the first time since returning as Celtic managerCredit: Willie Vass
Peter Lawwell and Michael Nicholson both addressed the manager’s appointment alsoCredit: Willie Vass
He was the clear front-runner to replace Ange Postecoglou who departed for Tottenham earlier this month, but fans had mixed views on Rodgers following his shock departure four years ago.
The 50-year-old left Celtic midway through the 2018/19 season to take over at Leicester after spending two-and-a-half years in Glasgow.
He won all seven trophies on offer during his first spell, including an Invincible season and back-to-back Trebles.
Rodgers was dubbed a legend at Parkhead during that time but things soon turned sour when he left in February, 2019, to join the Premier League club.

A large section of the support felt he mislead them and betrayed their trust so they turned against the boss.
The bad blood was settled amongst many when he was appointed as Postecoglou’s successor though with several giving him a warm welcome outside the stadium today.
But not everyone is ready to forgive him just yet.
Celtic ultras group, the Green Brigade, posted a picture of one of their banner protests against the manager when he left four years ago.
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They uploaded the snap just minutes after his appointment was officially confirmed, highlighting their dismay at the club’s decision to bring him back.
The banner read: “You traded mediocrity for immortality – never a Celtic, always a fraud.”
Now, Rodgers has spoken to the media for the first time since returning as gaffer.
One of the big topics over his return is of course the fan fury surrounding his appointment.
And when asked to clear the air over his shock exit last time, Rodgers said: “I understand how some supporters would feel. I also know the first time I was here we did really well and I had critics.

“It was an emotional time, the club was going for 10-in-a-row and it was emotional. I never get too emotional with words but I’m hoping that I can have that impact that I had first time around.
“I think the pressure will be greater due to the success I had first time around before I left but that’s what I want. I’m here to win and I want the expectation and pressure.
“The people that I had support from and who came back, I really thank them for that and maybe those who don’t want me here, hopefully I can prove to them with the football that we play and I can shift their opinions.
“I hope I can still have that ‘a good relationship with fans’ and it’s natural when I left that it was a sad moment.
“I certainly don’t regret it but what I do regret is the hurt that it caused people. It’s the very reason I stand here today. I’m a Celtic supporter and I understood what it meant.
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“I regret that I hurt people who were Celtic supporters and it was a big part of coming back.”

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CELTIC have confirmed the signing of Norwegian wonderkid Odin Thiago Holm from Valerenga. The 20-year-old moves to the Hoops on a five-year-deal after completing his medical in London yesterday.
Odin Thiago Holm has been announced as Celtic’s latest signingCredit: Alamy
Odin Thiago Holm
The 20-year-old Norwegian central-midfielder joins from Eliteserien club Valerenga and becomes Brendan Rodgers’ first signing of the new campaign.
Rodgers said: “We are delighted to bring Odin to the club and to secure his signing so early in the window.
“He is a player who has been in the club’s scouting and recruitment system for some time.
“I have looked at him closely and believe he is someone who can make a big impact at the club.

“I have spent time already with Odin, he is an ambitious, exciting young player and I know he is delighted to be joining us.
“He is a great addition to the quality squad we already have and we really look forward to working with him.”
A Norwegian youth international, Holm arrives at Parkhead with a lot of promise having played almost 100 senior games despite his tender age.
He was regarded as Valerenga’s “midfield jewel”, according to outlets in Norway ahead of his transfer to the Hoops and he was previously courted by Premier League big guns Man Utd and Liverpool as well as Italian giants Juventus.
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He had a trial with the Merseyside club before turning down offers from the Red Devils and the Old Lady.
Holm was highly-sought after and even had FC Copenhagen on his tail with reports suggesting the Norwegian club rejected a £2.2million bid from the Danish side in January.
Celtic had a bit of fun about Odin Thiago Holm’s arrival
But with the midfielder entering the final 12 months of his deal at Valerenga, they have opted to sell their prized asset and it’s Celtic who have won the race for his signature.
He featured in every match for the struggling Eliteserien this season before opting for the move to Scotland.
In 2020 he was named in The Guardian’s list of 60 best young talents in world football alongside Bayern Munich prodigy Jamal Musiala, Bayer Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz and then-PSG wonderkid Xavi Simons.
He changed his name in 2017, aged 14, to add in Thiago as his middle name in tribute to his football idol, Spain midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
The 20-year-old is a centre-mid who has been likened to both Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley but it’s understood that the player will be brought in to develop his game with Celtic eyeing him for the future.
He becomes the latest Norwegian player to sign for Celtic, following in the footsteps of Kristoffer Ajer, Harald Brattbakk, Stefan Johansen, Mohamed Elyounoussi, Thomas Rogne among others.

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BRENDAN RODGERS’ big unveiling as he returns to Celtic as manager will take place tomorrow.And the Northern Irishman is clearly determined to look at his sharpest.
Brendan arrives for his trimCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
New Celtic manager Brendan Rogers nips to Samhead Y2 Barbers in Alderley EdgeCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Brendan leaves after his trim.Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Rodgers poses with barber Heady AkoyeCredit: Heady Akoye
The 50-year-old from Carnlough was spotted as he visited his local barbers in Cheshire for a trim ahead of his big unveiling.
Looking tanned and relaxed from his time out of the game in Majorca, Rodgers was spotted nipping into Samhead Y2 Barbers in Alderley Edge in Cheshire yesterday evening.
Billed as ‘barber to the stars’, Samhead Y2 barbers specialise in genetleman’s grooming.
Barber Heady Akoye charges around £20-£25 for a haircut, and has had the likes of Mo Salah, Michael Carrick and Robbie Savage – in addition to a few visits from Rodgers.

Former Celtic and Scotland star Stephen Pearson is another client – who has become a friend.
Aokye told SunSport: “He told me that the best moments of his life were in Glasgow and Scotland.
“He is definitely very excited and very happy to be going back.
“He says the fans are unbelievable – and he says he will take me to Glasgow for a game some time!
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“He said he had other options and was going to take a year away but he couldn’t say no to Celtic.”
Rodgers was also happy to pose with a Celtic fan and his young son in the shop.
Hoops fans will be interested to hear exactly what the Northern Irishman has to say as he re-connects with the Parkhead public tomorrow.
That’s after fans grouping The Green Brigade appeared to reject his stunning re-appointment as manager.
Just moments after the 50-year old’s return was confirmed, the influential Hoops fans’ group shared a picture of the banner that was unfurled in the wake of his controversial exit in 2019.
But Rodgers – who will earn close to £3million a year in a record-breaking contract until 2026 – will be confident of turning fan opinion back in his favour.
Mo Salah has his time in the hotseat
The before and after shots of Rodgers’ haircut
Robbie Savage is a client
The 50-year-old has been handed a huge £30m transfer kitty to satisfy his ambitions in Scotland and Europe.
Rodgers, who will be paraded on Friday, said: “I am really delighted to return to Celtic, and I am hugely excited by this great opportunity.
“When I was given the privilege of being asked to join the club again, it was a very simple decision for me and my family.
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“We have enjoyed some great times at Celtic before and this will be my goal again – to deliver good football, ensure we have a team we all love to watch and, ultimately, bring more success to our fans.”
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BRENDAN RODGERS is BACK as Celtic manager.The 50-year-old has completed his incredible return to Parkhead to succeed Ange Postecoglou as Celtic boss.
Brendan Rodgers left Celtic in 2019Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
The club confirmed the news today following several rounds of talks with the Northern Irishman after the Aussie gaffer left Celtic for Tottenham earlier this month.
Rodgers will now embark on his second stint as Hoops manager following his initial spell as boss between 2016 and 2019, after agreeing to terms on a bumper contract that will run for three years.
A Celtic statement read: “Celtic Football Club is delighted to announce that Brendan Rodgers has been appointed the club’s new Football Manager on a three-year contract.
“Brendan previously managed the club to phenomenal success, winning consecutive domestic Trebles and in addition delivering the most famous of Invincible seasons.

“In recent years, Brendan has led Leicester City to victory in the FA Cup for the first time in their history, also achieving fifth position in the English Premier League on two occasions.
“Brendan has also held managerial positions at Liverpool, Swansea City, Watford and Reading.
The manager won seven trophies out of seven during his first spellCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
“We are also pleased to confirm that John Kennedy, who has served the club over many years in a playing and coaching capacity, will support Brendan as the club’s Assistant Manager, along with first-team coaches Stevie Woods, Gavin Strachan and Harry Kewell, and B Team coaches Stephen McManus and Darren O’Dea.”
And Rodgers told the Celtic website: “I am really delighted to return to Celtic and I am hugely excited by this great opportunity. When I was given the privilege of being asked to join the club again, it was a very simple decision for me and my family.
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“We have enjoyed some great times at Celtic before and this will be my goal again, to deliver good football, ensure we have a team we all love to watch and ultimately bring more success to our fans.
“Ange has done some brilliant work across the last two years and I will be doing all I can to maintain Celtic’s momentum as we face into all our domestic and European challenges. 
“We have a hugely impressive and talented group of players and staff at the club, and I am really looking forward to meeting up with them all and then getting straight down to work. 
“I wanted John to be with me as we move forward. He is a very talented coach, someone I know well and respect and he will be very important to myself and our players.
“The club is in fantastic condition at all levels and I would like to thank the board for putting their trust in me to take the team forward. We will work very closely together as we strive to bring that success to our supporters.
“Let’s get to work!”
Parkhead chief executive Michael Nicholson added: “We are delighted to welcome Brendan as our new manager. He is a football manager of real quality and experience, with an established track record of delivering success.
“The role of Celtic manager is attractive and highly-sought after, and in the process we considered many potential candidates. In appointing Brendan, we are confident that we have identified the best candidate for Celtic.
“Having spoken to Brendan and discussed the club’s strategy and objectives with him, I can see the passion he has for taking the club forward positively and building on what we have achieved.  
“We look forward to working together to deliver growth and success for Celtic and our supporters.”
And chairman Peter Lawwell said: “Through the process of identifying the new Celtic manager, it was clear that Brendan was the outstanding choice and we are absolutely delighted that we have appointed him on a long-term contract. 
“We wanted a proven winner and that’s what Brendan is, and myself and everyone else at the club look forward to working with him again to continue to drive Celtic forward.
“He is someone who knows the club so well and has experience of the huge challenges at Celtic, domestically and in Europe. Brendan is well aware of what it takes to succeed in this role and we know he is delighted to be back with us.
“Brendan is a top-quality Manager. He has delivered before for Celtic and we are sure through his many qualities, he will do so again.”
Dermot Desmond, Celtic’s principal shareholder added: “Our aim at Celtic will always be to bring individuals of the highest calibre to the club to achieve our objectives, and in appointing Brendan we believe we have again brought that quality to the club.
“Brendan is a very talented manager, he has huge experience at the highest levels and is a man who knows how to win and do so in style. As we enter another exciting period for the club I am sure he will tackle the opportunities ahead with his characteristic focus, drive and determination.
“We have all enjoyed great success across recent years, Brendan himself being a huge part of that. I know Brendan is determined to deliver again for our supporters and collectively, the board, management, players and staff will support him in this aim.”
The former Liverpool and Swansea boss quit Parkhead in February 2019 to head for Leicester City and spent four years at the King Power Stadium, winning the FA Cup before he was axed in April this year.
Will there be more scenes like this at Parkhead?Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
His decision to leave the Scottish champions during the 2018/19 campaign sparked outrage from the Celtic support despite his trophy-laden stint in Glasgow.
He lifted seven trophies in his first remarkable spell in Scotland, including back-to-back Trebles and an Invincible campaign in his first season.
Now the manager will return to continue the team’s success after Postecoglou helped secure a world record eighth domestic clean sweep following their Scottish Cup final triumph over Inverness Caley Thistle.
It was the Aussie’s last match in charge of the club before heading down south and Rodgers will now take the reigns with Champions League football guaranteed next season.
The Hoops hierarchy discussed the vacancy with a number of candidates before putting their full focus towards the ex-Liverpool boss.
Rodgers hosted chief executive Michael Nicholson at his Spanish holiday home for face-to-face talks, with Celtic supremo Dermont Desmond holding his own high-level negotiations.
Rodgers was previously the highest earning manager in the club’s history after signing a £2.2million a year deal and it’s understood he has been guaranteed a deal worth more than that for his second stint.
He planned a sabbatical from football after his Leicester axe in April and turned down two Premier League job offers following that dismissal.
But the opportunity to manage the Hoops again has proved to be too big a job to turn down and he will be tasked with continuing the club’s domestic success and improving their results in Europe.
He was originally wary of the reaction of supporters to the possibility of him coming back, with many still disgusted by the way he left the club mid-season to head back south.
It’s clear that there are still plenty ready to welcome him back to Parkhead though due to of his previous success at the club.

It’s understood that he’s been given a significant summer transfer budget to put his stamp on Postecoglou’s talented squad.

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BRENDAN RODGERS is on the verge of agreeing a sensational return as Celtic manager.SunSport understands a fresh round of positive talks today has left the 50-year-old poised to accept the dramatic offer to succeed Ange Postecoglou.
Talks between the Celtic hierarchy and Brendan Rodgers have progressed wellCredit: Alamy
Brendan Rodgers’ unveiling drew a massive crowdCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The 50-year-old – who hosted Celts chief executive Michael Nicholson at his Spanish holiday home on Saturday for face-to-face negotiations – now knows for sure the position is HIS to turn down.
It’s a massive decision for the out of football Rodgers – who quit Parkhead in February, 2019, to head for then Premier League Leicester City and sparked outrage from the Hoops support.
But majority shareholder Dermot Desmond and chairman Peter Lawwell are increasingly confident the Northern Irishman – seven trophies in his first remarkable stint in Paradise , including back-to-back Trebles and an Invincible campaign – WILL accept the opportunity to take over the reins again.
New Spurs gaffer Postecoglou has left behind a squad packed with top talent and which secured a world record eighth domestic clean sweep with the Scottish Cup final triumph over Caley Thistle.

Brendan Rodgers completes an Invincible trebleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Ex-Liverpool manager Rodgers – who first took charge of Celtic in 2016 – had been planning to take an extended break from the game following his sacking at relegated Leicester back in April.
But the Hoops hierarchy – who have discussed their vacancy with a number of candidates – suddenly focused on him as a serious candidate towards the end of last week before Nicholson then jetted out to Rodgers’ Spanish hideaway.
Rodgers was previously the biggest earning boss in Celtic’s history on £2.2 million a year and has been guaranteed another bumper contract plus huge bonuses AND major transfer resources to ensure the champions remain Scottish football’s kings amid Michael Beale’s significant Rangers rebuild.
He was originally wary of the reaction of supporters to the possibility of him coming back, with many still disgusted by the way he left Celtic mid-season to head back south.
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But it’s clear there’s also still plenty ready to welcome back because of his previous phenomenal success for the club.
Rodgers has had approaches from other clubs – but it’s Celtic pushing the boat out to land him and it’s a highly tempting proposition.
Billionaire Desmond is hopeful of confirmation over the next few days.
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RANGERS Wag Noa Sadek looked incredible as she celebrated her birthday.Having stunned on a sun-kissed trip to Santorini, the Belgian beauty returned home for a big bash.
Noa celebrated her birthday in styleCredit: INSTAGRAM
Noa is the other half of Gers favourite Nicolas Raskin, who has been a big hit since moving to Ibrox in January from Standard Liege.
The two are regularly spotted on each other’s social media posts and enjoyed a trip to Disneyland together back in March.
Raskin was still on Rangers duty when Noa enjoyed a break in the idyllic Greek island Santorini.
Posing in a daring cut-out swimsuit, Noa showed off her impressive collection of tattoos.

Back home, it was time for Noa to enjoy her birthday celebrations.
She look sensational as she posed in a low-cut dress, with several tattoos once again on show.
She posed behind a huge bunch of red roses and was joined by a host of pals.
Fans and friends flooded the comments with birthday wishes.
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She’s the other half of Rangers ace Nicolas RaskinCredit: INSTAGRAM
Noa showed-off her impressive tattoos on holidayCredit: INSTAGRAM
While the club football season may be over, it’s still set to be a busy summer for Raskin.
He’s been included in the Belgium under-21 squad for the upcoming European Championships with the tournament getting underway in just a week’s time.
The midfield ace will be linking-up with a host of new teammates at Rangers when he returns for pre-season training.
Todd Cantwell and Raskin himself were boss Michael Beale’s first two signings as Gers manager in January.
And the manager has already been busy this off-season, snapping-up Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling and Jack Butland.
Dutch striker Sam Lammers looks set to be the next new face through the doors at Ibrox, with the Atalanta frontman closing in on a £3.5million switch from Serie A.
Fellow Italy-based striker Cyriel Dessers is also a target with the Nigeria international looking likely to leave Cremonese after the club’s relegation to the second tier.
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