Latest news with #PremiershipManageroftheYear
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Davide Ancelotti Rangers hype gets 2 word brutal reminder as Hotline wants BAN on Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers
Davide Ancelotti is the only name in town at this moment in time when it comes to Rangers. But while he comes with an impressive CV of teams as a No2 with the likes of Real Madrid, Napoli and Everton and has a legendary boss for a father in the shape of Carlo Ancelotti - going out on your own is a different story. And one Hotline punter was quick to look at Manchester United hero and iconic manager Sir Alex Ferguson as a prime example. Sean McGarvey, Cumbernauld, issued a two-word stark warning to the Ibrox faithful: "To all the Rangers fans about to start the same old same old bravado over David Ancelotti, I have two words: Darren Ferguson." Gordon Ashley, Ayr, added: "With the Davide Ancelotti news now looking like it's not a joke, I would be very worried if I was a Rangers fan, with strict new FSR rules meaning they can only spend what they earn they are relying on these new owners to make better decisions than the last ones as it is going to be a long haul to turn it around. This is a very bad start." Steven Gerrard has enjoyed previous success in Govan and ended Celtic's ten-in-a-row bid by lifting the Premiership crown as part of an Invincibles campaign. Jimmy Mac, Glasgow, reckons considering Ancelotti over the Liverpool hero would be a 'major gamble' He said: "Steven Gerrard won the league undefeated and has never denied his love for the club since becoming Rangers manager. "It took Gerrard three years to win the league and to bring in rookie Ancelotti junior over Gerrard is a huge gamble which Rangers cannot afford to gift Celtic. "Rangers must hit the ground running and the next manager must have a passion for our club and know the league not someone wanting his first ever football management job. " Across the city, Brendan Rodgers is on the hunt for yet another domestic Treble with Celtic - but he had a personal award to put on the mantlepiece after being named Premiership Manager of the Year. But incredibly, one Hotline caller wants the Hoops boss BANNED from being in the running. Neil Renton, Leith, said: "I"d like to congratulate Brendan Rodgers on winning the Manager of the Year award but I'm not going to. "He should be automatically excluded from such awards due to the resources and finances he has at his disposal. Never mind Brendan Rodgers, Buck Rodgers could manage Celtic to success." Finally, Derek McInnes looks increasingly likely to be swapping Hearts for Kilmarnock. Fans from both sides have reacted to the big news - and it is probably a good idea that the former Aberdeen boss doesn't read on. Frank Jackson emailed,"I just cannot see the reasoning in appointing McInnes. Kilmarnock finished below Hearts, and Hearts were beginning to play a decent game. So why, in God's name, hire a man whose teams play boring long-ball football?" Tom Paterson, Falkirk said: "Looks like I am about to long held wish and wave goodbye to Del Boy at Killie. "I DO NOT want Naisy [Steven Naismith] as his replacement - he's just McInnes mark II - boring and defensive. "I would like to see Killie promote Chris Burke who has done job with the reserve team and the Under-18 youth teams at Killie - taking both to their respective Cup Finals with the exciting youth team winning the Scottish Cup. "His brand is attacking, entertaining football and it would be a breath of fresh air. Come on. Billy Bowie - take a punt on an ENTERTAINER!!" The final word goes to Kevin Kean, Inchinnan, who explained: "I must say I don't know why there is so much admiration for Derek McInnes. His CV as a player and manager is far from impressive. "Hearts' squad is in constant flux and needs stabilising, but I fear it'll be the same this summer. 7 or 8 in and the same amount out ."
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Brendan Rodgers reveals final Celtic targets to complete 'stunning season' as boss makes one thing clear over Treble
The Hoops gaffer is honing in on yet another clean sweep - which would be a record breaking third for the Irishman Brendan Rodgers picked up another award this week when he was named Premiership Manager of the Year. But there's only so much space on the Celtic manager's mantlepiece these days. And only certain trophies that get to take pride of place in his home. Rodgers is honing in on yet another Treble – which would be a record breaking third clean sweep for the Irishman. These things have almost become par for the course in recent times with Celtic on the verge of a fifth domestic full house in just eight years. But Rodgers insisted Trebles are anything but the norm – and their significance will never be lost on him. He said: 'I think it is taken for granted. When I came here in 2016, Jock (Stein) and Martin (O'Neill) were the only two managers to have done it since 1888. 'You think of the number of brilliant managers and players in that time and for it to only happen three times, it shows how difficult it is.' Rodgers has made it look easy but it's taken hard graft to turn Celtic in to medal machines. The boss said: 'What I tried to do was get a mindset and a professionalism and passion to add to the quality of the players. 'That if you are going to win, then you have to change your standard every day. That standard allows us to win in the best possible way. 'When I came in, Celtic were already winning. Ronny had done great the previous few years. 'My job was to get the team winning in the very best way, to upgrade everything around what we do on and off the pitch. 'That creates a mentality. We got that first Treble, we gained confidence to get another one and then the culture is in place. 'Neil did a fantastic job winning a Treble, Ange wins a Treble, and now we have the possibility of doing it again. 'But there's so much work in it – it's not something that can be taken for granted. 'Even luck can go against you in games, you can get players sent off or whatever, but thankfully we've managed to be really consistent.' Clean sweeps have become common and many have already carved Celtic's name into the Scottish Cup as well. But that's the kind of complacency Rodgers repels against and he won't allow his squad to believe the Treble is in the bag. Celts can enjoy a stress free trip to Aberdeen tomorrow – where the side will be different to those sent out at Hampden – and then embrace Trophy Day at the weekend. But no one at Parkhead is clearing space in the cabinet for the cup just yet. Rodgers said: 'That (assumption) gets mentioned more because of our past. But, like I said to the players last week, we had success against Dundee United, but we build on our past, we don't just sit on it, or glorify in it – especially when there are important games to go. 'We have an opportunity with three games to go to break more records, to finish the season with another trophy. "That would complete a stunning season for us, having progressed in the Champions League.' Rodgers is in his happy place right now. The silverware is being stockpiled, but it's more than that. The Hoops manager is just as pleased his men are doing it in style – and following in the footsteps of legends. He said: 'Any club's DNA is built around the most successful period. With Celtic, it was the European Cup in 1967. 'Once you have that special success, that's the DNA that runs through the club. 'At this football club, winning is not enough. It really isn't. I understand that anyway. 'That's why the club picks managers that win, but also understand performance. 'There's winning and there's a way to win consistently. It's about having good organisation and structure, and players with talent. 'Winning in a certain way is in the DNA of this club.' Rodgers will want another win at Pittodrie but there are other factors at play with the teams set to square up again 10 days later at the National Stadium. There could be a temptation for some mind games but the Hoops gaffer isn't interested. He'll rest a few weary legs, give game time to others and try to maintain a balance between momentum and freshness. Aberdeen have their own agenda but they might not get any Hampden hints here as Rodgers reckons this will have no bearing on the Final. He said: 'No, not really. It's the last of our three-game week. It's been such a long season for us, so many games. 'I mentioned last Friday, I think everyone took that as it was going to be the next game against Hibs that we would make changes. 'But I said over the course of the three games that the team would change, and that's what will happen in this game. 'So I don't think there's any relevance to it. For us, my longer-term goal over this period was to get the squad in the best condition that I possibly could, and that means getting players some minutes and games. "It's a different context. The Scottish Cup Final is a special game in itself, and when that comes, we'll be ready for that. "This game is different, but it doesn't change our ambition. 'We want to win the game and importantly, we want to play well.'
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
5 Celtic headlines from Brendan Rodgers presser as Maeda suffers knock and no Kyogo transfer repeat
Record Sport was at Lennoxtown on Tuesday afternoon as the manager of the champions previewed the midweek trip to Aberdeen Celtic players must have had the factor 50 on in the baking heat of Lennoxtown. And as you drive up to the training ground HQ, you can definitely sense a feel-good factor in the air. Ground staff, cleaners, players and the management team have a spring in their step as the club looks to take a massive leap towards the Treble. Brendan Rodgers already has reason to celebrate after being crowned Premiership Manager of the Year. Some fans and outsiders may take titles for granted, but Rodgers will soak up every moment on Saturday as the champions get their hands on the league trophy before turning their attention to the Scottish Cup Final. First though, is a midweek trip to Pittodrie, where Rodgers has promised to ring the changes and rest some of his big hitters. Record Sport was in attendance at LXT today, and here are the five main headlines. Team news Player of the Year Daizen Maeda will be spared a midweek jaunt to the Granite City as he nurses a minor knock. Rodgers confirmed it was nothing serious, but, understandably, was unwilling to take any chances with Hampden on the horizon. He said: "Daizen came in this morning with a little niggle. He trained, but we're keeping him here just to get him treatment just to make sure he's okay for the weekend and the following week. So there's no need to take any risk with him." Cameron Carter-Vickers remains absent but Alistair Johnston returns to the matchday squad after a two-week break. The secret to success Rodgers believes some people simply "shrug their shoulders" when they see Celtic sitting top of the pile in Scotland. But the Irishman was at pains to point out the hard work, sacrifices and consistency required to become a title winner. The Kings of Scotland have blown teams away and could smash the Lisbon Lions' post-war league goals record of 111 if they score six in their two remaining games. Rodgers has set his serial-winning squad even more targets to ensure his men don't take their foot off the gas as they aim to create more history. No room for complacency If you were to listen to people on the streets of Glasgow, you'd think Celtic had already completed a clean sweep. Aberdeen have been written off by just about everyone outside of Pittodrie but Rodgers knows there's no room for complacency. The all-conquering boss has never lost a match at Hampden and boasts a remarkable 100 per cent record in the Scottish Cup. But he knows the job isn't done, as the Dons seek to end their 35-year wait to lift the oldest competition in club football. He said: "Like I said to the players last week, we had success against Dundee United, but we build on our past, we don't just sit on it, or glorify in it – especially when there are important games to go. "We have an opportunity with three games to go to break more records, to finish the season with another trophy. That would complete a stunning season for us, having progressed in the Champions League." KT messages Celtic fans are counting down the weeks until the prodigal son is paraded in his beloved green and white hoops. You don't need to tell Rodgers how massive a coup it is to land the £25million defender for nothing at the peak of his career. The gaffer helped elevate Tierney's game to a new level during his first stint in charge and has pulled off a masterstroke by luring him back to Paradise. At the age of 27, KT's prime years are still ahead of him and there's no better manager than Rodgers to get the best out of him. The pair have exchanged messages and Rodgers admitted the excited Celtic diehard is "champing at the bit to get back". Not long now. Summer window The immediate focus is getting Celtic over the line to complete a world record-extending ninth domestic clean sweep. But Rodgers and the club's recruitment team have already drawn up a list of summer targets as he looks to bolster his squad. Who comes in will depend on who goes out - that's the unpredictability of the transfer window. Rodgers said: 'We all know fine well here there is a player trading model. That means we will probably get offers for some of our players in the summer. If that happens, then we have to be flexible and ready to adapt to that. 'If I said everyone now would be here then we'd maybe only be looking at two or three new players coming in of high quality. But we have to see.' Kyogo chapped Rodgers' door in January to request a move elsewhere and when asked if anyone else has asked to go, he added: 'Not at this point. I think there are all focused on finishing the season strong. Then they will all have their individual thoughts on that. But at this moment in time everyone is really focused on the season.'
