By:
Mark Hendry
Brendan Rodgers has been confirmed as Al-Qadsiah’s new manager in the Saudi Pro League.
The former Celtic boss resigned back in October in what was a shock decision from the Irishman.
It was an unexpected move from Rodgers who left the Hoops with Hearts leading the Scottish Premiership table.
Celtic’s leading shareholder Dermot Desmond aimed a pop at Rodgers in his statement in the aftermath of his resignation, but that has not prevented the 52-year-old from moving on.
And he has opted to take two former Parkhead staff members with him for Rodgers’ new journey in Saudi.
John Kennedy had been in Glasgow his entire career as both a player then coach, then assistant manager to Rodgers.
But when the boss left, Celtic confirmed in a half-hearted statement that their long-serving staffer had also called time on his Hoops career to consider his next option.
Brendan Rodgers confirmed as Al-Qadsiah manager after Celtic exit
Now that has been officially announced by Al-Qadsiah in the new role who have also revealed that Jack Lyons would also make the move.
Their statement read: “Brendan will be joined by experienced Assistant Coaches John Kennedy and Jack Lyons, who will work alongside First Team Coaches, Alvaro Gomez Rey, Antolin Martín and Set Piece specialist coach, Elliott Tyebo.”
Al-Qadsiah currently sit fifth in the SPL having sacked their previous head coach Michel Gonzalez who previously turned out for Real Madrid.
Their move to bring Rodgers and his staff to the club may come as a surprise to the rest of the division.
However it certainly shows ambition from the club to appoint a European coach who has serious success and accomplishments from throughout his career in management.
Rodgers has lifted 11 trophies with Celtic as well as the FA Cup and Community Shield with Leicester City.
He joins the likes of Steven Gerrard and Des Buckingham from the UK who have managed in the country.
Top players and managers working in Saudi Pro League
However he is certainly out in front of the pair in terms of what he has won in a manager’s position to date.
Rodgers’ Al-Qadsiah challenge will give the opportunity to compete with some other big name gaffers who work in Saudi including Simone Inzaghi and Sergio Conceição.
The SPL is believed to be a league on the rise as it boasts some of the world’s best footballing talent as Cristiano Ronaldo tops that list.
He has been joined by a plethora of names like Darwin Nunez, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez, N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema to name just a few.
Former Rangers chief James Bisgrove played a significant role in taking Rodgers to Saudi.
The Englishman is now Al-Qadsiah chief executive.
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