‘I can’t see it happening’ – John Hartson Forced to Rubbish Punter’s Bizarre Rodgers Plan B

26th February 2023; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Scottish Viaplay Cup Football Final, Rangers versus Celtic; John Hartson and Michael Stewart

A recent episode from Go Radiovividly illustrates the bizarre spectacle that unfolds when passion, nostalgia, and, frankly, a bit of delusion, collide stay on air.

A caller, presumably fueled with the aid of a combine of hope and desperation, floated the thought of Martin O’Neill, the revered former Celtic supervisor (2000-2005), returning to the helm as an interim solution need to Celtic and BrendanRodgers go their separate ways.

O’Neill, whose tenure is fondly remembered for a heroic run to the UEFA Cup final, has on the grounds that navigated managerial waters some distance and wide, from Aston Villa and Sunderland to the Republic of Ireland. The recommendation itself, while a heartening nod to previous glories, borders on the fantastical in today’s context.


Rangers legend Craig Moore, caught in the moment, at the start heralded the advice as “what a shout that is,” only to instantly tether his enthusiasm lower back to reality. Moore highlighted the monetary impracticality of such a move via paying Brendan Rodgers off, particularly given Celtic’s obvious reluctance to splurge in the transfer market.

Adding a layer of credibility to the discussion, Celtic icon John Hartson, who played underneath O’Neill, expressed scepticism about the feasibility of such a reunion. “I can’t see it happening. “But Michael has thrown the cat among the pigeons there. Celtic fans, get in touch, would you like to see Martin O’Neill back?”  Hartson’s insight gently ushered the dialog from the realms of fable again to the harsh light of day, questioning now not simply the possibility of O’Neill’s return however the very premise that Brendan Rodgers should be proven the door due to a season’s shortcomings.

26th February 2023; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Scottish Viaplay Cup Football Final, Rangers versus Celtic; John Hartson and Michael Stewart

The name to axe Rodgers and beckon O’Neill again to the fold is emblematic of the knee-jerk reactions that often pervade soccer discourse. It overlooks the complicated internet of decisions, strategies, and, indeed, screw ups that make a contribution to a club’s fortunes. Blaming the supervisor by myself for a poor season, besides scrutinising the roles of these orchestrating the club’s recruitment and overarching policies, is simplistic and unjust.

it highlights the absurdity that soccer phone-ins can spiral into. The platform, while a treasured outlet for fan expression, often veers into the territory of baseless speculation and wishful thinking. The name for O’Neill’s return, with all due admire to the legendary manager, is a case in point.

As entertaining as these spectacles can be, they also reflect a broader longing among followers for instant options and fairy-tale comebacks. The reality, however, is continuously more complex. Football, for all its magic, is grounded in the hard truths of strategy, finance, and long-term planning.



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