The initial statement from Celtic on Monday was Rodgers had resigned. Then came the statement from Desmond, reiterating this, while also launching a broadside at the former manager.

It was the first illustration of retaliation from the upper echelons of the club to a public narrative from Rodgers.

Since the summer, the now former Celtic manager has been repeatedly asked about – and answered – the lack of transfer activity, and also the quality of those who were actually brought in.

How did the transfer window leave Rodgers feeling? “Empty” he told his press conference on 12 September.

In that same media opportunity, he went on to speak of “cowardly” actions from a club insider who told a newspaper he was trying to manufacturer an exit.

He also waxed lyrical regarding his “huge respect” for Desmond.

The need for support in his team was clear: Kyogo Furuhashi and Nicolas Kuhn were both sold, while Jota’s return has been marred by a long-term injury.

This has been compounded by new players struggling to make an impact, plus injuries to key players.

Only three summer recruits started the defeat by Hearts on Sunday.

The result? A pretty limp opening to a disappointing campaign. Eight points off leaders Hearts with points dropped in four games, and out of the Champions League while not scoring a goal against Kazakhstan side Kairat Almaty in a play-off.