BR-Exit means BR-Exit! Rodgers accepts Leicester City job – Celtic’s 5 stages of grief

We’re all feeling it today, those feelings of loss, of anger of betrayal. We want to lash out, blame someone. Fear not you are not alone my fellow Celts. It’s all natural. It’s a grieving process. Apparently there are 5 stages to grief. We’ll all go through them all, we’ll move around between them, but when the road is travelled we’ll find that inner peace.

Phase 1: Denial:

When you first learn of a loss, it’s normal to think, “This isn’t happening.” You may feel shocked or numb. This is a temporary way to deal with the rush of overwhelming emotion.

It’s a defence mechanism.

“Whit Leicester? Not a chance pal. Mid-table Premier League team, had their day in the sun. Not happening. No fear. He wouldn’t would he?”

“I know what the reports are saying, but he’ll be down there having a wee chat, soon realise what’s he’s giving up and he’ll be prowling the dugout at Tynecastle on Wednesday night.”

“Nae bother nothing to worry about. Just had his head turned a wee bit. He’ll be back up the road in no time.”

“He’s said himself he’s one of us. Brought Up Celtic. If it was Man Utd or Liverpool I’d get it, but he’ll no be goin’ tae that diddy team.”

Phase 2 Anger:

As reality sets in, you’re faced with the pain of your loss. You may feel frustrated and helpless. These feelings later turn into anger. You might direct it toward other people, a higher power, or life in general.

To be angry with a loved one who left you alone is natural, too.

“You are kidding me on? He’s gone to Leicester? Well we know why don’t we! It’s Lawwell’s fault isn’t it. Massive bonus. Bigger than the transfer budget.

“Swans around telling everyone he’s director of football, undermining the manager to the press.

“Thinks he’s bigger than the club that guy. And who’s got his leash, Desmond? Aye don’t start me on Desmond. Barely see the man. He should be controlling Big Peter but naw he’s aff circling the golf courses of the World while those two bicker an brawl like bairns over the remote control.”

“In fact just a minute here, we’re letting the man himself off the hook. Look what he’s doing. Touching distance of a treble, treble. The game that would probably set us up for that on Wednesday night and he thinks I’ll shoot the craw now and ma pals wae me.

“Sheer selfishness. Purely about the money. Never mind us big man we just adored you bought in tae yer Celtic man guff. Do one!”

Stage 3 Bargaining:

During this stage, you dwell on what you could’ve done to prevent the loss. Common thoughts are “If only…” and “What if…” You may also try to strike a deal with a higher power.

“So what if I hadn’t written that article questioning his European credentials?”

“What if I’d been a bit less angry after hidings to Barca and PSG.”

“What if I’d shown more love. Looked beyond the European mis-adventures and been satisfied with the domestic stranglehold.”

“What if I’d just realised what he was going through. The constraints, the Machiavellian’s behind the scenes.”

“His transfer dealings weren’t so bad. Big Marvin was just unlucky with injury. Loan signings are alright really. Did I have to be so concerned about Rodgers getting Congerton in, could I have just been a bit more understanding? But now I’ve blown it, he’s going isn’t he?

“Come on Big man up there. It’s a long time since we’ve had a proper chat and I know when we do it’s usually something I need but this is big. Intervene.

“Mourinho is signing on. Surely you can get into the mind of the Leicester board and plant a wee seed. Come on big fella. Clock’s ticking. I’ll be there on Sunday morning. Promise!”

Stage 4 Depression:

Sadness sets in as you begin to understand the loss and its effect on your life. Signs of depression include crying, sleep issues, and a decreased appetite. You may feel overwhelmed, regretful, and lonely.

“It’s happening isn’t it? Jeez they’re even planning a replacement. This has been going on for weeks, months even, behind my back.

“I feel sick. I feel betrayed. Christ it feels dark. Just tried to eat that bag of dry roasted. I can barely swallow. Haven’t thought of nookie in hours, I’ve no shaved since last night and whit’s wae this welling up.

“I can barely drive for the teary blurred vision. Tried a wee rest on the Couch and a Henrik Larsson DVD but I still can’t shake it.

“Tried 40 winks but ma heid is spinnin like the roulette wheel at the Casino. Don’t the NHS have some sort of helpline? Oh aye I saw that Samaritan’s supplement in the paper. Baws I used it for the cat litter.”

I’m on my own here. No-one understands this. You reckon work will understand? Think I can self-certify for a week but that will that be enough?

Stage 5 Acceptance:

In this final stage of grief, you accept the reality of your loss. It can’t be changed. Although you still feel sad, you’re able to start moving forward with your life.

Every person goes through these phases in his or her own unique way.

“Right so he’s aff then? It’s final. Tom English is putting the boot in on the Beeb so he must be confident it’s a done deal.

“Never liked him. Bit smug. We’ll be alright. Maybe Brendan just didn’t get how we work? The constraints, the challenges.

“It’s a different day to yesterday. We could try and build a dynasty then, we could compete with the wages in the Championship never mind the Premiership then. If Brendan doesn’t get that maybe it’s time we did move on?

“Maybe it’s as far as we can go with Brendan. Maybe we need a real Celtic man not smoke blown up our erses? Maybe we need Lennon back!

“Aye Lenny gets it. He’ll know the score especially now he’s been away for a while. He’ll not give that up again. He did it in Europe too. In fact maybe that’s what we need a bit of that Barca spirit back. Man, he got Tony Watt to score against the best team in the World!

“He’ll get a rocket up some of them. We’ll no be taking many 7 zip horsings under wee Lenny. This is all gonna be magic. Thanks Brendan I’ll miss you sure I will. I’ll raise a glass to your memory for sure, but life moves on. Celtic moves on.

Here we go 10 in a row…

Niall J

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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