Shocking News: Keith Wyness drops Rodgers sack verdict

Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed European success will be a “key metric” for Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic future.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Aberdeen between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed Rodgers could get the chance to start a new “two or three-year project” if he can deliver in the Champions League.

Rodgers won a league and cup double in the 2023-24 campaign – his first season since returning to Parkhead.

The 51-year-old is under contract with the Glasgow giants until June 2026.

Celtic will play in the league phase of next season’s Champions League after winning the league title.

The Hoops have not reached the knockout stage of the Champions League since 2013, when they were beaten 5-0 on aggregate by Juventus.

Champions League success now ‘main mission’ for Celtic boss Rodgers, says Wyness

Wyness claimed Rodgers will be backed in the transfer market this summer to help him change that record.

He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I said earlier this year, and I stand by it, that Brendan would be judged on winning the league, and he’s done it.

“There will be some purse strings released after that to help strengthen the squad.

“They will want to give the Champions League a better go this season after only getting four points last term.

“That’s the main mission. They’ll want to get out of the group stage or at least improve on last year.

“That’s now Brendan’s job. I think he’ll be given the resources to do that.

“If he achieves that, he gets the chance to have a two or three-year project.