Expert: Celtic savaged for making 'huge Brendan Rodgers mistake'

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(Credit: Getty Images, Imago) Tue 16 December 2025 7:00, UK Celtic are at risk of repeating the mistakes in the final stages of Brendan Rodgers’ tenure if they fail to back Wilfried Nancy in the January transfer window.That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Celtic should have done everything in their power to support Rodgers’ ambitions.Rodgers resigned as manager of Celtic in explosive fashion after his second spell at the club, against a backdrop of disagreements with the board over transfer strategy.A lack of backing in the market saw the boss grow increasingly frustrated at the club’s failure to show ambition to go beyond their comfortable status in Scotland.However, after Nancy’s side suffered a shock 3-1 defeat to St Mirren in the Scottish League Cup final, it has become clear they must spend to avoid a major drop in performances.Credit: Getty ImagesWilfried Nancy to suffer from same old Celtic mistakesBrown first told Football Insider in August that Rodgers would walk away from Celtic amid growing frustrations with this summer’s transfer activity at Parkhead.The former scout, who has a wealth of experience working alongside elite-level managers including Sir Alex Ferguson for over a decade at Man United, insisted that Celtic must avoid making the same mistake following Nancy’s appointment. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES “They made a huge mistake with Brendan Rodgers,” he told Football Insider.“If things were as they should have been, they should have been doing everything in their power to keep him and prove they could match his ambitions.“Instead, they were content to sit still knowing they were probably the best team in Scotland and didn’t have to spend much on the team to prove that.“That was a mistake, because you can’t get away with not strengthening while clubs around you do.“All of a sudden, things aren’t so rosy any more, they’re losing games and Hearts have come from nowhere to mount a serious challenge for the title.“I don’t know the new manager, Nancy, I think it’s safe to say not a lot of people do, but Celtic have decided he is the man they want to lead them forward.Credit: Imago“They’ve made that decision and brought him in, so now they have to give him the tools to make a success of it, otherwise they’re setting him up to fail.“If they want to be the dominant side in Scotland and be successful in Europe, they have to invest in the squad and back the new manager.“But if they make the same mistake as they did with Rodgers, it’ll be the new boss who suffers.”Brendan Rodgers lined up for next job after quitting ParkheadRodgers has been linked with a number of new roles since leaving Celtic, with Premier League suitors including the likes of Leeds and Wolves keeping tabs on him.Football Insider exclusively revealed on 28 October that Rodgers is ready for a Premier League return after leaving Celtic and is weighing up his options.However, any interested clubs now look likely to miss out on the former Liverpool man, with his next destination seemingly becoming clear in recent days.Credit: ImagoRodgers is close to becoming the new boss of Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah following their decision to sack former Spain international Michel Gonzalez on 14 December.Rodgers is reportedly travelling to Saudi Arabia to complete the deal, with his extensive experience and style of play making him their preferred candidate for the role.For more Celtic and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.