John Hartson has expressed his confusion and surprise at the exclusion of Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers from the list of nominees for the PFA Manager of the Year award. Despite facing challenges and not enjoying the same level of success as in previous seasons, Hartson believes Rodgers’ achievements, particularly if he secures the league title in his first season back, warrant recognition.
While the current nominees for the award include Derek McInnes, Tony Docherty, and John McGlynn, Hartson remains convinced that Rodgers’ contributions to Celtic’s season should not be overlooked. He acknowledges the impressive job done by McInnes at Kilmarnock and Docherty at Dundee, commending them for their performances this season.
However, Hartson emphasizes the need for the Celtic board to support Rodgers in the upcoming transfer window. Reflecting on the team’s shortcomings in the Champions League last year, he stresses the importance of bringing in high-quality players to elevate the team’s performance to the next level. Despite the reluctance of some clubs to spend exorbitant amounts on transfers, Hartson believes that backing Rodgers with sufficient resources is essential for Celtic’s success.
In light of Rodgers’ consistent calls for quality reinforcements in January, Hartson anticipates that the board will heed his recommendations and invest in players who can make a significant impact. Reflecting on past instances where Celtic splurged on players like Odsonne Edouard, Hartson believes that a strategic approach to recruitment can yield positive results for the team in the long term.
Overall, Hartson remains hopeful that Celtic will continue to support Rodgers and provide him with the necessary resources to achieve success, particularly in European competitions. By prioritizing the acquisition of top-quality players, Hartson believes that Celtic can maintain their competitive edge and enhance their chances of achieving their goals in the upcoming seasons.
