Celtic warned over Brendan Rodgers succession plan as Treble winner predicts next move for Ange

Daily Record

2 days ago

Ramon Vega played for the Hoops and Spurs and shared his thoughts on both clubs' managerial situation
Brendan Rodgers' future is in his own hands.
The all-conquering Celtic boss has a major decision to make over the coming weeks and months.
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Entering the final year of his Hoops contract, he must now weigh up whether to extend his stay beyond next summer - or walk away on his own terms.
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The Irishman knows exactly how it works in this part of the world. Silence breeds speculation. And the longer Rodgers keeps his cards close to his chest, the louder the noise around him will grow.
Should this season be his swansong, Parkhead chiefs will have ample time to draw up a succession plan.
And in that case, supporters will be hoping Dermot Desmond still has Ange Postecoglou on speed dial.
That is, of course, if the Europa League -winning boss is still out of work this time next year.
Former Celtic and Tottenham defender Ramon Vega hasn't been shy in venting his disgust at controversial owner Daniel Levy's decision to bin the manager who ended the North London club's agonising 17-year trophy drought.
Vega - who lifted a Treble during a brief stint in Glasgow in 2001 - believes Spurs have made a huge mistake and insists Postecoglou won't be short of suitors.
But for Celtic fans dreaming of a second era of Angeball from 2026/27 onwards, Vega isn't so sure.
In an exclusive interview with Record Sport, he said: "Listen, from my point of view, some very, very top teams will go for him.
"Once you understand the difficulty of managing a team like Spurs, and winning a Cup after 17 years, you realise this man is a winner and can create something special. He just needs to be supported in the right way.
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"In one way, it's actually good for him, because the toxicity we had at Spurs - I don't think that would be good for him anyway. He deserves much better than this, and much bigger as well.
"And I think, mark my words, he will go to a bigger level. If he can go to Celtic, it's always nice because he's been there already.
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"Will he go there in one year's time? I think he might be snapped up beforehand by somebody."
Globe-trotting Postecoglou has already coached in Australia, Greece, Japan, Scotland and England. So, will he tick another country off the list?
Vega, 53, added: "I think he'll stay in the Premier League – there's no doubt at all. I'll be very surprised if he's not landed in the Premier League by the beginning of the new season.
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"Or even a top European team. But again, I'd be very, very surprised if he's not in the Premier League. I'd say the top eight or ten teams for certain – if not even higher. I can see a few who would take him instantly.
"Everybody forgets how interesting Spurs were at the beginning – how he played offensive, attacking football compared to Antonio Conte and all these guys who were very defensive, very boring."
If Postecoglou does opt for a 12-month sabbatical, the stars may just align for a sensational return to Paradise.
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Rodgers himself came back to finish what many thought was unfinished business, with European progress a major motivation.
Whether Big Ange - who won five out of six trophies - would have the same fire remains to be seen.
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Asked if the Aussie has more to achieve in Glasgow, Vega said: "With Celtic, yes. But don't forget, Celtic is a different ball game from Spurs. He went into the Champions League - that's a completely different tournament. But at the same time, he's put down a marker now.
"He did a good job for Celtic, and he's done a really remarkable job winning a trophy with Spurs. If he goes back, he'll return with serious Premier League experience. That would bring massive added value to Celtic in Europe.
"Celtic and Champions League nights – they're among the best in the world. Just Celtic is Celtic."
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Despite spending just six months at Parkhead, the big Swiss admits Celts left a lasting impression.
Comparing the pressures at both clubs, he said: "Spurs is always a difficult club to play for. You might be successful, you might not. I won the League Cup there - so I did something. But you never felt a unity or emotional attachment.
"When I came to Celtic, it was the fans - the way they embrace you straight away - and also the way of the club and Glasgow. The respect that's given is just inspiring as a player. It gives you that extra 20, 30 per cent to play better.
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"And I think that's the difference. It's not just about technical ability as a coach or player. It's how you create an atmosphere that makes sure the whole club - from the chairman to the person making tea - is pulling in the same direction.
"Everybody is a family, part of the family. And you felt that at Celtic at the time, and at Spurs, you don't have that.
"It's like, at Spurs as a club, you know it's just passed by, through it. Maybe you're successful, but most likely it's not the end club, it's going to be somewhere else there afterwards."