Celtic legend Charlie Nicholas says he has an "issue" with Dermot Desmond, the club's majority shareholder. He also believes that Brendan Rodgers has been allowed become bigger than the club.
Rodgers was appointed Celtic manager for a second time on Monday, seven years on from the beginning of his first stint and over four years since he departed the club to join Leicester.
"We all hear the cliche that no-one is bigger than the club. But it seems that doesn't apply to Brendan Rodgers," Nicholas wrote in his Daily Express column.
'Celtic have bent over backwards to lure back the man who broke their hearts'
"Celtic have bent over backwards to lure back the man who broke their hearts just over four years ago which led to that banner 'You traded mediocrity for immortality, never a Celt always a fraud'. The Green Brigade tweeted the banner out online yesterday after Rodgers' appointment was revealed for a second time.
7 July 2018; Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, right, alongside Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley prior to the friendly match between Shamrock Rovers and Glasgow Celtic at Tallaght Stadium in Tallaght, Co. Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
"But Celtic fans hit back to say although they still had some resentment towards the Northern Irishman who quit for Leicester after winning seven straight trophies, they wanted all the fans to get behind the new manager. Hoops majority shareholder Dermot Desmond certainly looks as if he has forgiven Rodgers as he moved heaven and earth to get him back from the moment Ange Postecoglou jumped ship for the bright lights of London.
"I've an issue with Desmond. He's never at any games unless the club is going to lift some silverware. It doesn't sit well with me.
"He had a face like thunder at the Scottish Cup final because he knew Postecoglou was leaving for Tottenham. He doesn't appear to react well when someone lets him down. He employed Postecoglou on big money to run the football side - it was a new Celtic and this was how things were going to be done.
"Yet, all that has been ripped up and he has gone back for old flame Rodgers. I think Postecoglou got to him."
Nicholas said that he doesn't "have a problem" with Rodgers being reappointed, though declaring that the Northern Irishman has been allowed become bigger than the club certainly suggests that he does. He added that "footballwise it is the right move" but that "it just leaves a bad taste in my mouth".
5 July 2017; Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola with Rory McIlroy and Celtic principal shareholder Dermot Desmond, left, during the Pro-Am ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Golf Championship at Portstewart Golf Club in Portstewart, Co. Derry. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Rodgers has been give a three-year contract by Celtic.
"Our aim at Celtic will always be to bring individuals of the highest calibre to the club to achieve our objectives, and in appointing Brendan we believe we have again brought that quality to the club," Desmond said about the appointment.
"Brendan is a very talented manager, he has huge experience at the highest levels and is a man who knows how to win and do so in style. As we enter another exciting period for the club I am sure he will tackle the opportunities ahead with his characteristic focus, drive and determination.
"We have all enjoyed great success across recent years, Brendan himself being a huge part of that. I know Brendan is determined to deliver again for our supporters and collectively, the board, management, players and staff will support him in this aim."
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