Following on from our look at Jack Grealish’s future, now we turn our attention towards Brendan Rodgers. Here is the next 10 years… for Brendan Rodgers…
October 16, 2015:
Decides to take some time away from management in order to focus on “other opportunities”. Makes a series of appearances as a pundit on Soccer Saturday, Football Focus, etc. Says under pressure managers deserve “more time” and bemoans knee jerk reactions from owners: “These days managers aren’t given a proper chance by a club. I was only given 3 years at Liverpool and £300 million. What did they expect?”
November 06, 2015:
Refuses to declare interest in Villa job: “Aston Villa already have a manager, so I’m not going to comment on what a great club Villa is or how it’s a shame a club with the most amazing fans in the world aren’t performing better. I’m sure Tim will work out how to get the best out of those top top players.”
November 21, 2015:
Appointed technical director of Aston Villa. Says he “fully supports” Tim Sherwood as manager and states his ambition to help Sherwood “in any way I can.”
November 25, 2015:
A young but inexperienced Villa side, spiritedly lose 3-4 at home to Man City. A visibly displeased Rodgers looks on from the director’s box.
November 26, 2015:
Rodgers gives Sherwood a “vote of confidence” saying the manager is “without a doubt” the right man for the job.
November 28, 2015:
Sacks Tim Sherwood as manager and puts in place a committee to bring the “right manager”. Repeatedly denies interest in managing club himself.
December 01, 2015:
After an exhaustive 3 day search, Rodgers appoints himself as manager on a 4-year-deal. Rodgers: “I have all the characteristics I was looking for. I think I’ll be a great appointment. My experience of finishing 2nd with Liverpool was a key factor in my decision.”
March 15, 2016:
Rodgers’ Villa side end a 10-game losing streak by beating Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield. Rodgers celebrates winning goal by knee sliding in front of the Kop. Says this result “makes up” for losing streak.
May 10, 2016:
Aston Villa finish 15th in the Premier League. Re-signs Jack Grealish on loan from Man City.
September 01, 2016:
Continues policy of only signing players from Liverpool, Swansea and Southampton.
August 31, 2017:
Signs Mario Balotelli from Liverpool for £23 million on a 5 year deal. FSG thanks Rodgers, saying “this is the biggest impact Brendan has ever made at Liverpool. We’d like to thank him from the bottom of our heart.”
September 01, 2017:
Randy Lerner puts a transfer committee in place to “assist the manager”.
September 02, 2017:
Rodgers resigns as manager, saying: “I’ve been down this road before. I’d rather jump than be pushed.” Lerner dissolves transfer committee.
September 25, 2017:
Announces decision to “take a break” from the game to recharge.
June 14, 2018:
After a year out of the game, Rodgers accepts manager’s job at League 1 side Swindon Town, linking up with his son, Anton. Vow’s to create “another Swansea” and guarantees club will be in the Premier League in 3 years.
October 22, 2018:
Resigns as manager after Swindon’s board refuse to offer his son a new £80,000-a-week deal. Brendan says the club “lacked vision”.
November 08, 2019:
Appears on the cover of Football Manager 2019. Face is not used.
March 15, 2021:
Blanked by Sir Alex at PFA Awards. Arsene Wenger is only manager to speak to Rodgers. Wenger is overheard saying: “Of course I remember you, Brian. Can I get a gin and tonic, please?”
January 26, 2023:
A withered, burnt-out looking Rodgers appears on Celebrity Big Brother alongside Steven Gerrard’s wife and Roy Keane’s dog.
February 08, 2023:
Wins Big Brother beating off stiff competition from Sven Goran Eriksson becoming well known for his “great character” catchphrase.
February 29, 2024:
9 years after being sacked by Liverpool, Rodgers says he has finally accepted the decision.
July 10, 2025:
Releases a self financed documentary about the “Great Liverpool side of 2013/14” entitled “Great Characters: Probably the best side to ever finish 2nd in the Premier League.”
July 17, 2025:
Film earns £17 at box office, becoming the worst football-related film since United Passions 2.
September 01, 2025:
Becomes a panelist for RTE Soccer replacing the recently incarcerated Eamon Dunphy. Described by RTE as “one of the first managers to have ever managed Raheem Sterling”.
