Dane Murray reflects on Brendan Rodgers’ shock Celtic exit

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The Celtic Star

·18 Maret 2026

Dane Murray reflects on Brendan Rodgers’ shock Celtic exit

Dane Murray has spoken candidly about the sudden departure of Brendan Rodgers from Celtic, admitting the decision caught everyone at the club off guard, while also praising Martin O’Neill for stepping in to turnaround the season…

The young defender had been firmly in Rodgers’ plans after battling back from a series of serious injuries that disrupted his progress through the academy ranks.

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However, Murray revealed he was left stunned by Rodgers’ exit, describing the moment as a shock to the dressing room, before highlighting the impact of O’Neill’s return in restoring stability during a turbulent period.

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Rodgers’ departure initially threw the campaign into uncertainty, but O’Neill’s arrival helped turn things around and guide the team through a difficult spell.

Dane Murray – Auchinleck Talbot v Celtic, Scottish Cup 4th Round, Rugby Park. Sunday 18 January 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou ( The Celtic Star)

Speaking to TCW, Murray said: “No one really saw it coming to be honest at the time [Rodgers resignation]. But he [Rodgers] was really good with me, the gaffer. I still call him the gaffer!”

“And Kendo [John Kennedy] as well. At the time it was a big shock, but football moves on, doesn’t it?” I think when the gaffer [O’Neill] came in and all his staff, I think his staff are a really big part of how well we are doing as players, especially.”

“I think the tactics that we get from all his staff, then the game plan we get going into games, there’s a real clear message behind it.”

Dane Murray of Celtic heads the ball while under pressure from Emmanuel Fernandez of theRangers during the ScottishPremiership match between theRangers and Celtic at Ibrox on March 01, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

“So I think that really helps with being players that we can go out and perform and show what we can do with having the instructions really to go and perform.”

Across his interim stints this season, O’Neill has overseen a remarkable turnaround – closing a significant deficit to Hearts in the Premiership, eliminating the Ibrox club from both domestic cup competitions, and guiding Celtic through their Europa League group campaign when it looked certain the Hoops would be heading for an early exit.

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order