Jeremy, who started at the Daily Star in 2010 as the Manchester football specialist, has been the Chief Sports Writer for over a decade. He delivers expert insights on Manchester United, Manchester City, the entire Premier League, and the England national football team. Jeremy’s extensive coverage includes football, rugby, and cricket World Cups, as well as Wimbledon, major golf events, and the Olympics.
Brendan Rodgers engaged in a battle he was destined to lose, reminiscent of Sir Alex Ferguson’s experience over two decades ago.
History shows that those who challenge Irish business magnate Dermot Desmond often find themselves on the losing end, as Rodgers recently did, exiting Celtic with his managerial reputation tarnished.
Desmond, Celtic’s most influential figure, publicly criticized Rodgers with a brutal character assault. This response was not unexpected, given Desmond’s no-nonsense approach. In the early 2000s, Desmond was a major stakeholder at Manchester United when he became entangled in a notable dispute between Fergie and fellow Irish businessman John Magnier.
The prolonged public feud revolved around the ownership of the stallion ‘Rock Of Gibraltar.’ Fergie, who had a 50% stake in the horse, believed his share was undervalued by Magnier and his Coolmore bloodstock empire. The conflict, initiated in 2003 during Fergie’s tenure at United, led to Magnier questioning the club’s previous transfer activities and associated agents.
Among those scrutinized was Fergie’s son, Jason Ferguson. Legal actions were initiated by Ferguson, while United fans protested against Magnier, even threatening disruptions at the Cheltenham Festival.
The intervention of Desmond as a mediator ultimately resolved the conflict, resulting in Fergie accepting a settlement significantly lower than his initial demands. With Desmond’s intervention, Magnier emerged victorious.
Desmond’s history proves that he ultimately achieves his objectives, a lesson Rodgers is now understanding.
Operating discreetly in the background, Desmond is a firm believer in conducting business with privacy and making critical decisions without elaborate justifications.
Despite his usual approach, Desmond made an exception for Rodgers, accusing the former Liverpool manager of inciting a toxic environment at the club, fostering hostility towards the executive team and the board.
Essentially, whatever actions Rodgers took prompted Desmond to launch a severe attack. Rodgers’ future prospects seem uncertain.
Considering legal recourse, akin to Fergie’s actions years ago, might cross Rodgers’ mind. However, careful deliberation is warranted before any decisions are made.
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