Brendan Rodgers says decision to rejoin Celtic as manager 'simple'

Brendan Rodgers has returned to Celtic as manager, the Glasgow club has confirmed.

The club said he had signed a new three-year deal.

He said he was looking forward to his return saying it was a "simple" decision to take up the role once again.

The Northern Ireland man was previously at Celtic Park winning consecutive domestic Trebles and in addition delivering a famous 'Invincible' season.

He left for Leicester City in the Premier League and guided them to victory in the FA Cup for the first time in their history and had two fifth place finishes with the club before a poor run of form saw him ousted at the King Power stadium.

The Carnlough man returns to Celtic following the departure of Ange Postecoglou who took up the vacant post at Spurs.

“I am really delighted to return to Celtic and I am hugely excited by this great opportunity," Rodgers told the club website.

"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. “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."

Brendan has also held managerial positions at Liverpool, Swansea City, Watford and Reading. He will be joined in the dugout by John Kennedy, who has served the club over many years in a playing and coaching capacity, and will be Rodgers' assistant manager.

First-team coaches Stevie Woods, Gavin Strachan and Harry Kewell, and B Team coaches Stephen McManus and Darren O’Dea were also confirmed on the coaching staff.

“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," Rodgers added.

“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!”

Celtic’s 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.” Peter Lawwell, Chairman of Celtic 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.”

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