Former Celtic boss 'on the verge' of managerial return to Saudi Pro League as ex Rangers Chief identifies front runner
A look at the latest stories from both Celtic and Rangers after an eventful week.
A Saudi Pro League side with a former Rangers CEO in their ranks have identified an ex Celtic gaffer as a managerial target.
Wilfried Nancy lost his third game in a row as Celtic boss in the form of the Premier Sports Cup final as the pressure already builds on the Frenchman, less than a fortnight into his tenure. The 3-1 defeat to St Mirren has further led to claims that he’s trying to change too much, too quickly at Celtic Park. The 47-year-old took over from Brendan Rodgers in the Parkhead hot-seat after he left the club earlier in the season. The former Hoops boss could now be set for a new managerial role.
At Rangers, the search for a new CEO continues, with Fraser Thorburn currently acting in the position after the dismissal of Patrick Stewart. Along with Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell, Stewart was given his marching orders by Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers Enterprise. In an ironic turn of events, it’s now a former Rangers CEO who is after Brendan Rodgers’ services.
Rodgers ‘on the verge’ of managerial return
After leaving Celtic in October following an ongoing feud with the board, Rodgers is set to make his managerial return with strong interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah, who sacked former Real Madrid midfielder, Michel Gonzalez on Sunday.
According to the Scottish Sun: “Brendan Rodgers is on the verge of returning to management just six weeks after he sensationally quit Celtic. Rodgers has been linked with some vacancies down south since his Glasgow exit, including Nottingham Forest, but is now on the brink of a new job in Saudi Arabia.”
The Saudi side currently sit fifth in the Pro League table after nine games. In their ranks, they have six-time Champions League winning defender, Nacho Fernandez as well as former Napoli striker, Mateo Retegui. The Saudi move would be a lucrative one for the former Celtic boss, as they are owned by Aramco and have just invested in a new stadium.
Bisgrove part of appointment process
Former Rangers CEO, James Bisgrove had a number of different roles at the club from 2019 to 2024. Since leaving, he has become the new Chief at Al Qadsiah and will be a key part of the managerial appointment process.
The 41-year old was also Director of Marketing and Sales in Govan and worked alongside Steven Gerrard during his Rangers tenure. With Gerrard formally managing Al Qadsiah’s rivals, Al-Ettifaq, it is understood this was part of his reasoning for taking the role, with a friendly face in the area.
Bisgrove now wants to appoint his former enemy Rodgers, who he watched win 11 trophies during his two Celtic Park spells. If successful, it would be the Northern Irishman’s first gaffer role outside of the UK.