Brendan Rodgers was yesterday named as the Scottish Premiership Manager of the Month for September after winning all four matches played and picking up a maximum twelve points.
Congratulations to @CelticFC‘s Brendan Rodgers, @GlensVodkaLLG Premiership Manager of the Month for September! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/LmXJh6WEDW
— SPFL (@spfl) October 20, 2023
The month opened with a trip to Ibrox for the first Glasgow Derby of the season. Celtic refused tickets for their away section in that corner and The Celtic Star exclusively revealed that theRangers had admitted that this section was in fact dangerous and have plans to install nets but were unable to do so for this fixture which their then manager Michael Beale was desperate to win to get his first meaning victory as theRangers manager.
A brilliant Kyogo goal – which was later named as the Scottish Premiership’s Goal of the Month – was enough to give Brendan Rodgers his first win against theRangers at the first time of asking during his second stint at Celtic.
That was followed by a comfortable 3-0 win at Celtic Park – our only home match in the league in September – and then a very decent 3-0 win away at Livingston, despite Celtic being down to ten men for the majority of the match after Joe Hart received the first red card of his long and distinguished career.
The month ended in dramatic fashion, again away from home and this time at Fir Park and after Luis Palma opened the scoring in the closing minutes of the match Celtic looked to have secured the three points with an equaliser deep into stoppage time. But Matt O’Riley asked the referee how long was left and was told two minutes. That would do. A wonderful cross from Greg Taylor found O’Riley ghosting in at the back post and his finish was something special.
Remarkably we’ve only had one league match so far this month – a rare home match against Kilmarnock providing another comfortable (3-1) victory and we’re away again at Hearts tomorrow and Hibs next weekend.
Speaking about his manager of the month award at yesterday’s media conference at Lennoxtown, Brendan Rodgers was anxious to make sure that the credit was shared with his backroom staff.
“It is a great testament to how the players were and how they have done and performed,” Brendan said. “It is also a reward for the staff and the team. I am just a figurehead but there is lots of work going on behind the scenes and it is a congratulations to everybody.”
And in his separate interview with Sky Sports, the Celtic manager had this to say about the manager of the Month announcement.
“I’m delighted to accept this award on behalf of the players and my backroom team. We have enjoyed a very successful September with some excellent performances leading to very positive results in the league.
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🏆 Manager of month award reaction
➡️ Injury update as Maeda declared fitHear from Brendan Rodgers ahead of Celtic's trip to Hearts – live on Sky Sports on Sunday 📺 pic.twitter.com/tA10rA93KY
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) October 20, 2023
“Although it is early in the season, everyone is getting to know my way of working and the players’ togetherness and application has been tremendous. Even in the face of some significant injury challenges, the whole squad has stood up extremely well with so many players making important contributions.
“Our focus now will be to continue this good work as we face some tough tests ahead. I would also like to take this opportunity once again to thank our fans for the great positive support they continue to give to the team.”