Brendan Rodgers might have received some good news from Celtic’s board as the transfer window heads into its final weeks, that’s the view of journalist Roger Hannah.
Rodgers was firm and to the point in his press conference on Friday before Celtic’s 1-0 win over St Mirren on Sunday. But after the match, his mood seemed lighter and more positive when speaking about his squad and the weeks ahead.
This change has led to talk over whether the manager has been given the green light on transfer plans, especially with Celtic close to securing their place in the Champions League group stage.
The timing of the shift, from Friday lunchtime to Sunday night, has prompted suggestions that important conversations have taken place in the background.
Hannah thinks things may have moved in a good way for Rodgers, hinting that the manager might now have a clearer picture of what the club is planning than he did only a few days before.
He said: (Clyde 1 Superscoreboard), “It was quite noticeable the change in tone from Brendan Rodgers on Friday lunchtime to Brendan Rodgers after the game yesterday.
“I wonder if something has happened between Friday lunchtime and last night (Sunday), and I don’t just mean a 1-0 win over St Mirren. I wonder if Brendan Rodgers knows that things are moving.
“I think that Champions League draw today has been kind to both Celtic and Rangers. I would expect Celtic now to have guaranteed a place in that league phase.”
With Celtic drawn to face either Slovan Bratislava or Kairat Almaty in the Champions League play-off round, league phase football is not yet secured. Rodgers’ side will host the first leg at Celtic Park before a potentially tricky away tie will decide their fate.
Progress would bring a major financial boost and make the club a more attractive destination for new signings. Rodgers has already stressed the need for quality additions, and a step closer to the Champions League could push the board to move quickly in the coming weeks.
The timing is also worth noting. Rodgers’ shift in tone came just before a crucial spell in the transfer window, when deals often start to move at pace. If he has been told that reinforcements are on the way, it would go some way to explaining the more upbeat mood following Sunday’s win over St Mirren.
Supporters will be watching closely to see if the club backs the manager in the market, especially with such an important European tie looming. Strengthening now could be key to securing Champions League football and setting the team up for the season ahead.
Whether or not Roger Hannah’s theory proves right, attention will be firmly on Celtic’s business between now and deadline day, and on whether Rodgers’ apparent optimism is matched by signings that can make an impact.
