Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has resigned, following a 3-1 defeat to Hearts.

That defeat saw the gap between Celtic and Hearts extend to eight points in the league, as The Jam Tarts go in search of being the first side other than Celtic and Rangers to win the Scottish Premiership since the 1984/85 season.

The timing could not be worse for the Celtic board, with a huge match against Rangers in the Scottish League Cup Final on Sunday. Check out the latest Celtic v Rangers Betting Stats, as well as additional Scottish Football Predictions.

Kieran McKenna is the current favourite to take over from Rodgers, available to back at 2.38 (11/8) with Betfred, you can sign up below.

Betfred are one of the best bookies for next manager betting. Their next manager markets are often released much quicker than elsewhere, they often offer the best prices on next manager betting, too.

Next Celtic Manager Odds

Who Will be the Next Celtic Manager?

Ange Postecoglou

Former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is the current second favourite to take over from Rodgers, he's available to back at 5.00 with William Hill.

The Greek-born manager was in charge at Celtic Park between June 2021 and June 2023, where he enjoyed a successful two years. As Celtic boss, he won back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles and back-to-back Scottish League Cup titles, as well as the Scottish Cup.

Postecoglou was dismissed from his role as Nottingham Forest manager recently, following just 39 days in charge of the club. He didn't win any of his eight matches in charge, drawing twice and losing on six occasions.

🔮 Andy's Verdict

This may seem like the obvious choice, but I’m not sure Ange will want to return. He probably still has enough credit in the bank for another Premier League job, considering Forest sacked him after only 39 days, without giving him the chance to bring in his own players or establish his own style.

If I were Ange, I’d be eyeing the West Ham or Wolves job, rather than rushing back to Celtic Park.

Martin O'Neill

Martin O'Neill has a wealth of managerial experience, having managed the likes of Norwich City, Leicester City, Aston Villa, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and the Republic of Ireland national team. O'Neill was also previously Celtic boss between 2000 and 2005.

Following Rodgers' departure, O'Neill has returned to take charge on an interim basis. Celtic's next few results will likely decide whether this appointment becomes permanent or not.

🔮 Andy's Verdict

Sorry, but surely Celtic don’t appoint Martin O’Neill as their manager. The fact he’s even been appointed interim is surprising, but it’s clearly a ploy from the board to bring in a true ‘Celtic man’ to steady the ship and get fans back onside.

Martin O’Neill is now 73 years old and hasn’t been in a job since 2019, when he was sacked by Nottingham Forest after only 19 games. Football has moved too far for him to be managing a club like Celtic now; he can barely spell xG, never mind understand it, as he’s made clear in some recent media duties.

Take the emotion out of it, he’d be a terrible appointment.

Who is the favourite in the betting to be the next Celtic manager?

Currently, the favourite to take over at Celtic is Kieran McKenna, priced at 2.38 with Betfred. Ange Postecoglou, Robbie Keane, and Martin O’Neill are all strong in the market, too.

Why did Brendan Rodgers leave Celtic?

Brendan Rodgers resigned as Celtic manager on Monday, October 27th. It’s thought that he had a poor relationship with the board at the club, which led to Rodgers resigning as manager.

Since his resignation, shareholder Dermot Desmond has since said that Rodgers misled fans over contract talks and the club's transfer business.

Desmond also said that Rodgers contributed to a toxic atmosphere at the club and that his resignation was due to Rodgers’ desire for self-preservation, given that Celtic were eight points off of 1st place Hearts when he left.

What was Brendan Rodgers’ resignation statement?

Brendan Rodgers is yet to make an official statement following his resignation, but it’s thought that his relationship with board members at the club contributed to his decision to leave Celtic.

However, Celtic did release their own statement, which reads:

“The club appreciates Brendan's contribution to Celtic during his two very successful periods at the club. Brendan leaves Celtic with our thanks for the role he has played during a period of continued success for the club and we wish him further success in the future."

What do Celtic fans think of Brendan Rodgers leaving?

Celtic fans are generally frustrated with Rodgers’ decision to leave, and many are blaming the hierarchy at the club for not providing transfer funds and supporting Rodgers. However, other fans have been critical of Rodgers’ tactical approach and team selection, and they welcome the change in manager.

Next Celtic manager rumours

The first name on everyone's lips following the news was Ange Postecoglou. The ex-Tottenham manager is without a club after Nottingham Forest sacked him in October, Postecoglou managed Celtic for two years between 2021 and 2023, winning back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles and back-to-back Scottish League Cup titles - as well as the Scottish Cup.

Current Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna has been rumoured to be a prime candidate for the job too, as well as Martin O’Neill, who has taken over on an interim basis.

Who do Celtic fans want to be the new manager?

Generally, ex-boss Ange Postecoglou is a very popular choice to take over at the club among Celtic fans, despite the manager lasting just 39 days as Nottingham Forest manager recently. 

Another ex-manager in the form of Martin O’Neill is also a popular pick among some supporters, despite being 73 years old now. Some fans think the ‘old school’ approach might be what this group of Celtic players need to get the best out of them.

How have Celtic been doing this season?

Celtic have been performing okay this season, although they were eight points adrift of Hearts when Rodgers departed. When Rodgers left, Celtic had won five, drawn two and lost two of their nine league matches, while their Europa League record read one win, one draw and one defeat.

Are Celtic top of the league?

No. At the time of Rodgers’ departure, Celtic were in 2nd place in the league, three points clear of Hibernian in 3rd, but a notable eight points off of Hearts in 1st position. Hearts’ runaway lead is due to their excellent early season record of eight wins and one draw from nine matches.

Celtic were also in 21st place out of 36 in the Europa League League Phase when Rodgers left, having collected four points from their opening three matches.

What are Celtic’s next fixtures?

Celtic’s fixtures following Rodgers’ departure are Falkirk at home, followed by a big clash against Rangers in the Scottish League Cup semi-final.

They then take on Midtjylland in the Europa League, before facing Kilmarnock and then St Mirren.

Are Celtic going to win the league?

Despite being eight points behind Hearts at the time of writing, Celtic are still odds on favourites to win the Scottish Premiership.

They are priced at around 1.67 to win the title, with Hearts priced at around the 2.50 mark.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing *

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