Andy Walker says Brendan Rodgers is huge boost for Celtic
Saturday 21 May 2016 07:23, UK
Former Hoops striker Andy Walker says Brendan Rodgers' appointment as Celtic manager is a huge boost for the club, its fans and for Scottish football.
Walker, who played 108 games for Celtic, believes Rodgers' appointment on a 12-month rolling contract also signals the club will be willing to spend money to strengthen its playing squad.
"It's a huge boost for the Celtic supporters and it's a huge boost for Scottish football for Celtic to be able to attract a manager of his pedigree, someone who could get one of the top jobs in England," Walker said.
"Obviously he's going to get a bit of money to spend which will be welcome news to the Celtic supporters."
Walker continued: "They've certainly got a name. This is a guy who I remember covering a few games for Sky a number of seasons ago and the football he played at Swansea was absolutely terrific and of course enabled him to get that job at Liverpool."
Former Swansea manager Rodgers led Liverpool to seventh spot in the Premier League in his first season in charge at Anfield and within two points of the title the following year, but left the club in October.
Walker added: "He could have had a whole host of job offers and for him to have chosen this one to take, I think it's a sign of serious intent from Celtic."
Walker believes the appointment of Rodgers, with his reputation for playing an exciting brand of football, will on its own lead to a significant increase in the number of season tickets sold at Celtic Park.
The Sky Sports pundit added: "I don't think he would have taken the job without the prospect of spending a bit of money in the transfer market - clearly not anything like he was used to spending at Liverpool, Celtic just can't compete at that level.
"With the potential of a challenge from Rangers, the excitement that Aberdeen and Hearts have given Scottish football over the last couple of years - it's that challenge that Celtic have to meet and I think they've met it head on."
