Sutton’s honest reaction to Rodgers’ unexpected Celtic leaving

Chris Sutton feels Brendan Rodgers’ resignation from Celtic is NOT surprising, and he believes both parties are to blame in his dispute with the board.

The Parkhead club announced yesterday night that the Northern Irishman has walked out after two-and-a-half years of his second stay, coming just short of finishing his contract as promised when he returned.

It was followed by another statement, this time by shareholder Dermot Desmond, who slammed Rodgers and criticized his recent actions. He was accused of being “divisive, self-serving, and creating a toxic atmosphere” at the club.

Following the terrible summer transfer window, which was heavily criticized by supporters, the former manager dropped various signals that he was equally dissatisfied with the business done. He also called someone at the club who allegedly spoke out against him to the media “cowardly.”

Sutton has revealed in recent days that he believed the 52-year-old wanted out of the club, and he now insists his departure is not surprising.

The former Celtic striker told Sky Sports: “I don’t think it’s a great shock that Brendan has resigned. I mean, I published a column over the weekend that discussed, among other things, Brendan’s desire to leave the club based on recent statements.

“There has certainly been a breakdown in his connection with the club’s management. It all started before the season began, when Brendan went public and criticised the club’s lack of quality new signings. And I believe he felt let down by this.

“Celtic were eliminated from the Champions League qualifier. It has been a very slow start to the season. They recently lost quality players and have yet to replace them.

“And I guess he felt he wasn’t supported. I’ll read Dermot Desmond’s remarks again later. It’s a lengthy statement, but it’s extremely critical of Brendan.

“And look, in many respects, when a relationship breaks down, as it plainly has between Brendan and the club administration, something has to give. And Brendan ended up walking away.

Given the gravity of Desmond’s statement against him, Rodgers may be able to respond to put his side across.

Sutton went on to say, “It will be very fascinating to see how Brendan responds to Dermot Desmond’s statement. Let’s get this right. Some of Dermot Desmond’s comments regarding Brendan are really destructive.

“Brendan has certainly exercised his right to respond. But, no, that did not end well. I believe everyone suspected that something wasn’t right.

“But let’s make it right. The board is hardly blameless in this circumstance, as Celtic were in a very good position. When you look back to earlier this year, Celtic faced Munich and were nearly knocked out of the Champions League.

“And the club was on a high from competing in the Champions League.” And then I believe everyone expected the club, despite losing great players, to be pretty strong in terms of player recruiting this summer. That did not happen.

“The manager, Brendan Rodgers, was upset about that. And the season’s start has been extremely disappointing. And Celtic’s front line is a ghost of what it was in former years.

“And they are now eight points behind Hearts at the top of the league.” The club is in a bit of a predicament.”