Celtic turn to the past with Martin O’Neill but what does the future hold?

The initial statement issued by Celtic on Monday was Rodgers’ resignation. Then came Desmond’s statement, in which he reiterated that, while also launching into criticism of the former manager.

This was the first example of retaliation from the senior levels of the club for a public account of Rodgers.

Since the summer, the former Celtic manager has repeatedly been asked about the lack of transfer activity, as well as the quality of those already brought in, and he answered.

How has the transfer window left Rodgers feeling? “Empty,” he said in his press conference on September 12.

At that same media opportunity, he continued to talk about the “cowardly” actions of a club insider who told a newspaper that he was trying to get out of the club.

He is also lyrical regarding his “great respect” for Desmond.

The need for support in his squad was clear: Kyogo Furuhashi and Nicholas Kuhn were both sold, while Jota’s return was marred by a long-term injury.

This has been exacerbated by new players struggling to make an impact, as well as injuries to key players.

Only three summer recruits started in the defeat to Hearts on Sunday.

The result? A very poor opening to a disappointing campaign. The team is eight points behind leaders Hearts, with points dropped in four matches, and their exit from the Champions League, while no goal was scored against Kazakhstan team Kairat Almaty in a playoff match.