Tam McManus has expressed serious doubts about Brendan Rodgers’ commitment and ability to lead Celtic through challenging times, especially following recent disappointing results.

Rodgers’ team suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Hearts, compounding a loss to Kilmarnock the previous weekend. This sequence of events has led to Celtic’s once comfortable seven-point lead over Rangers in the Premiership being reduced to a precarious five points, with Rangers having two games in hand, one of which is at home to St Johnstone.

McManus’ critique extends beyond Rodgers’ management on the field. He has also directed sharp criticism towards Celtic’s recruitment strategy under the guidance of Mark Lawwell. McManus labelled the recent recruitment efforts as “abysmal,” highlighting what he perceives as significant failures in strengthening the squad.

This criticism points to a broader issue within the club’s hierarchy, suggesting that the problems at Celtic are not just tactical or related to matchday performances, but also rooted in player acquisition and squad-building strategies.

Taking to X, formally Twitter, Tam McManus said: “Shocking result for Celtic today and the pressure really cranks up on the manager & the board. But also the recruitment from Mark Lawell/recruitment team at Celtic has been absolutely abysmal can’t think of a worse window. That’s where the finger should squarely be pointed at.”

He continued in a later post: “Also don’t think Brendan Rodgers has the stomach for the challenge at Celtic just doesn’t feel right this time around. He had massive shoes to fill in Ange and looks miles off getting near the previous two seasons.”