It’s only right that we wish Brendan Rodgers and John Kennedy all the best for their future endeavours in Saudi Arabia. Hopefully they’ll both get the respect that they deserve…
Brendan Rodgers, new manager at Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah. Photo Al Qadsiah FC
Former Celtic and Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has joined Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah as head coach, seven weeks after his resignation offer was accepted by the hapless Celtic Board, who then allowed principal shareholder Dermot Desmond to use the club’s official website to launch an incredibly spiteful rant aimed at the outgoing Celtic manager for daring to ask for the summer signings that the Celtic squad clearly needs.
Peter Lawwell, Chairman of Celtic, Dermot Desmond, Non-Executive Director of Celtic, and Michael Nicholson, CEO of Celtic, are seen in attendance prior to the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and theRangers at Celtic Park on March 16, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Dermot Desmond described Rodgers as “divisive, misleading and self-serving” before going on to replace a manager who won 11 form 13 trophies during his two spells at Celtic, with Wilfried Nancy who after three games has a 0% win rate as Celtic manager, having lost to Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, lost to Roma in the Europa League and lost to St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup Final at Hampden.
Any Ad generator considering Nancy’s chances of making it as Celtic manager would undoubtedly provide a gloomy estimate of the Frenchman’s chances as he find the demands at huge club like Celtic vastly different to what he’s been used to in the MLS with Columbus Crew.
Wilfried Nancy. Premier Sports Cup Final. 14 December 2025. St Mirren v Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
The new Celtic manager has admitted that he’s now battling to save his job. “I know at this moment, yeah my ass is burning,” Wilfried Nancy said ahead of the must win match against Dundee United at Tannadice.
Al Qadsiah, owned by Saudi state-owned oil company Aramco, are currently fifth in the Saudi league and sacked head coach Michel Gonzalez on Sunday, opening the way for Brendan Rodgers and his team, including long serving former Celtic Assistant manager John Kennedy, to take charge and look at closing the 10 point gap on the leaders.
Rodgers takes the reins on the pitch #AlQadsiah pic.twitter.com/J2XvO8f6X6
— AlQadsiah Saudi Club (@AlQadsiahEN) December 16, 2025
“Following a rigorous global recruitment process, we’re delighted to welcome Brendan to Al-Khobar as our new head coach,” said Al Qadsiah Chief Executive James Bisgrove, who previously held a similar role at theRangers.
“This is a landmark moment for the club. The calibre of his experience and track record of winning reflects our ambition and long-term vision to establish Al-Qadsiah as one of Asia’s leading clubs.
“Supported by our Board of Directors, an exciting and talented playing squad, world-class football staff and passionate supporters, we’re excited to enter this next phase of the club’s development.”
Brendan Rodgers, new manager at Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah. Photo Al Qadsiah FC
As reported by The Guardian, Al-Qadsiah Sporting Director Carlos Anton added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Brendan to Al-Qadsiah Club and believe his elite coaching credentials and playing philosophy are an excellent fit with our football strategy.
“Brendan inherits a highly talented and committed squad that is hungry for success, and I’m confident he will drive the next stage of the club’s development.
“He will work in close alignment with our performance, medical, recruitment and analysis departments to help elevate the club to the next level.”
John Kennedy and Brendan Rodgers at the Premier Sports Cup semi-final, Celtic against Aberdeen. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star
Best of luck to Brendan Rodgers, John Kennedy and also Jack Lyons who all are back in the game just seven weeks after leaving Celtic.
