John Hartson has called on Celtic to secure the future of their manager, Brendan Rodgers, for “plenty more years,” emphasizing the importance of doing so before the conclusion of the ongoing season. This appeal came during Hartson’s annual golf event aimed at raising funds and awareness for testicular cancer through his ‘Grab Life By The Balls’ campaign.
As Celtic stands on the brink of claiming yet another treble, Hartson insists that the club must act swiftly to tie down Rodgers, who has been a key figure in their success this season, to prevent European clubs from making bids for him. With only four matches remaining, he believes that extending Rodgers’ contract would serve as a significant morale boost for both the Celtic supporters and the first team alike.
Hartson remarked that since returning to the club in the summer of 2023, Rodgers has been focused on mending his relationship with fans and improving Celtic’s stature on the European stage. While he is under contract until the end of next season, Hartson warned that throughout the next year, speculation regarding Rodgers’ future will linger, with potential interest from clubs in Spain and Italy.
He stated, “Brendan’s come back, he’ll certainly do the three years at the club with the contract that he signed,” but noted the need for clarity regarding Rodgers’ future to avoid distractions for the team. Hartson hopes that in an ideal scenario, Rodgers will choose to remain with Celtic for many more years.
As the club aims for more triumphs and potential Scottish Cup victories, it’s crucial for Celtic to ensure a stable managerial situation, which Hartson believes can lead to further successes on and off the pitch. This proactive approach may foster a stronger foundation for future achievements, making the closing weeks of the season not just about the cup but also about securing long-term leadership at the club.