“It was disappointing,” Johnny Kenny on Rodgers departure

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The Celtic Star

·31 ottobre 2025

“It was disappointing,” Johnny Kenny on Rodgers departure

Johnny Kenny expressed that he will always be thankful to Brendan Rodgers, following the Irishman’s recent shock departure as Celtic manager…

Celtic v Falkirk 29.10.2025 Celtic v Falkirk, Scottish Premiership. Johnny Kenny goal 1-0. Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO

The 22-year-old forward made aj influential start to Martin O’Neill’s spell as interim boss, netting twice in Wednesday’s 4-0 victory at home to Falkirk.

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Chosen to spearhead the attack over the returning Daizen Maeda and summer arrival Callum Osmand, Kenny took a moment to honour the recently departed Rodgers, whose sudden exit on Monday evening everybody.

Benjamin Nygren and Johnny Kenny celebrate. Celtic v Falkirk. 29 October 2025. Scottish Premiership, photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO

“Tuesday was obviously a hectic day,” he said after the 4-0 win at Celtic Park over Falkirk on Wednesday night. “It was disappointing, as since I’ve been here, it’s always been Brendan.”

“It was tough. It’s the first time I’ve lost a manager in my career, so it was strange around the training ground. We knew we had to come together and get a good result. Brendan changed my life and my career. I’ll be forever grateful for that.”

Kenny added: “Everyone was disappointed, and the atmosphere was strange on Tuesday, but we knew it was all about going on to Wednesday. He (Rodgers) is gone now, and we need to battle on.”

“At Celtic, there is always pressure, no matter who the manager is or what the style of play might be. We just need to answer that pressure, put in big performances and get results. The manager just said to go out and be free, but that we needed to win. It was as simple as that. Thankfully, we did that.”

Celtic v Falkirk 29.10.2025 Scottish Premiership. Johnny Kenny goal 1-0. Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO

The former Republic of Ireland U21 forward wasn’t even old enough to remember O’Neill’s arrival at Celtic in 2000 and was only two when the legendary Hoops interim boss left in 2005.

“I knew he was very successful here, but that’s about it,” Kenny continued. “I would have been very young when he was in charge of the club before.”

“He obviously managed Ireland to some big moments, so while I don’t know a lot about him, I know a fair bit. He’s so well respected, and it’s fully deserved. He’s done so much for this football club, and hopefully he can bring that to us in the next few games for as long as he’s here.”

Johnny Kenny scores Celtic v Falkirk. 29 October 2025. Scottish Premiership, photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO

Here’s Johnny Kenny’s post-match media conference…

Conor Spence

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Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books