A Betrayal of Loyalty?
He is not just another player in Celtic’s squad—he is a symbol of loyalty and success. Having spent his entire professional career at Celtic, Forrest has amassed over 470 appearances and numerous domestic honors. His enduring presence through managerial changes and title-winning campaigns has earned him a cult-like status among fans. For many, he is the embodiment of the Celtic spirit: hard-working, humble, and committed.
So when Brendan Rodgers, a manager Forrest once flourished under during his first stint at Celtic Park, seemingly marginalized him during key fixtures this season, the disappointment among fans was palpable. To some, Rodgers’ post-match comments praising Forrest rang hollow—especially when they weren’t followed by regular game time or meaningful roles in crucial matches.
In a recent interview, Rodgers stated:
“James [Forrest] has been brilliant in training, one of our most consistent professionals. But the modern game demands pace and stamina, and we have to make difficult choices.”
While the manager’s rationale may be rooted in tactical considerations, fans interpreted it differently. Many took this as a thinly veiled suggestion that Forrest’s time as a starting XI regular was over, and some saw it as a public devaluation of a Celtic stalwart.
Fan Reactions: “It’s Horrible to Hear”
Supporters on social media and fan forums didn’t hold back. One post on a popular Celtic fan forum read:
“It’s horrible to hear Rodgers speak about Forrest like that. If he’s our best winger, why is he on the bench in our biggest games? It’s not just about legs, it’s about heart, and James has more of it than most.”
Another fan on X (formerly Twitter) said:
“James Forrest has been loyal to Celtic when others might’ve walked. He deserves better than being sidelined and spoken of like an afterthought.”
For many, the perceived mistreatment feels like a betrayal—not only of Forrest, but of the values Celtic is supposed to uphold. Loyalty, respect, and acknowledgment of past contributions are vital parts of the club’s ethos, and many feel that Rodgers has fallen short of honoring that.
A Manager Under Pressure
Rodgers’ second stint at Celtic hasn’t been without challenges. With inconsistent form, injuries to key players, and criticism over tactical rigidity, the manager has found himself under increased scrutiny. His treatment of Forrest may be a small part of a bigger narrative: a growing disconnect between Rodgers and sections of the fanbase.
In previous seasons, Forrest might have come off the bench to change a match or start in key domestic ties. This season, however, his role has been drastically diminished, even in moments when Celtic could have benefited from his experience and composure. For a manager under pressure, alienating one of the club’s most respected figures risks alienating the supporters further.
What’s Next for Forrest and Celtic?
James Forrest, now in his 30s, is clearly in the twilight of his career. But twilight doesn’t mean irrelevance. He has shown in recent cameo appearances that he still possesses the intelligence and technique to influence games. If Rodgers continues to sideline him despite acknowledging his abilities, it may prompt difficult questions about man-management and squad harmony.
The ball, metaphorically, is now in Rodgers’ court. Will he back up his words with actions and give Forrest more minutes, or will the Celtic legend fade out on the fringes of a team he gave everything to?
Final Thoughts
The Brendan Rodgers–James Forrest situation is more than just a selection debate. It touches on identity, loyalty, and respect—core values of Celtic Football Club. While managers must make hard decisions for the good of the team, the way those decisions are communicated and executed matters greatly, especially at a club where history and sentiment are so deeply interwoven with the present.
Rodgers’ handling of Forrest will likely remain a talking point for the rest of the season. Whether it becomes a footnote or a flashpoint depends on how the manager moves forward from what many fans have described as a needless and disheartening episode.
