Brendan Rodgers knows Celtic 'never go back' warning is a myth as 2 Parkhead icons have already debunked cynics theory

Brendan Rodgers has already been shown the never-go-back theory is a myth. Billy McNeill was the first to prove that, bringing magic and glory on returning to the Celtic hotseat.

And Neil Lennon maintained the thread of success when he walked back in the door to cover Rodgers’ defection to Leicester City. Rodgers has a tough job to replicate what he did before with his magnificent haul of seven trophies out of seven before heading south. But he will take heart from Big Billy and Lenny.

McNeill, just as he was a pioneer as a player by becoming the first British captain to lift the European Cup, also had a hard act to follow when he became the first man to return to the top job at Parkhead. The title win of 1978/79 when his 10 men beat Rangers in the final game of the season to win the league, was the first of three titles. There were a Scottish Cup and a League Cup, too.

But on returning from spells at Manchester City and Aston Villa, McNeill had a momentous task. Big-spending Rangers were ruling the roost under Graeme Souness and Celtic had to reshape a squad with the likes of Mo Johnston, Brian McClair and Murdo MacLeod leaving.

If that wasn’t hard enough, the fact it was the club’s centenary season added to the pressure. McNeill’s response was to build a new and vibrant side as he masterminded an astonishing Premier League and Scottish Cup double to spark the Hoops’ 100th birthday party.

McNeill would add a Scottish Cup the following season, when Joe Miller’s goal denied Rangers a treble. Lennon had a far-differing challenge when he went back following Rodgers’ shock move to the King Power Stadium.

Unlike McNeill having to start from scratch, Lennon’s task was to make sure the Brendan bandwagon stayed on the rails.