Rodgers Resigns After Criticism From Dermot Desmond

Brendan Rodgers has resigned as Celtic manager with immediate effect after a 3-1 defeat to Hearts that leaves the champions eight points behind the Scottish Premiership leaders. Martin O'Neill and Shaun Maloney have been appointed as interim managers while the club begins the search for a permanent successor. Rodgers' exit follows a difficult start to the season — including a Champions League qualifying defeat to Kairat Almaty and dropped points — and came amid a public breakdown with the board and sharp criticism from major shareholder Dermot Desmond over his conduct and communication on transfers and his contract. His second spell ends despite a strong domestic record of league titles, Scottish Cups and League Cups, and has prompted speculation about a possible return for former manager Ange Postecoglou as other options are considered.