Celtic pushed me out for the Sunderland transfer despite my objections—I couldn’t even face the manager who approved it.

Former full-back Anton Rogan will always occupy a special place in the history of Celtic FC after playing a key role in one of the club’s most celebrated eras. As part of the famous Centenary side, Rogan contributed to some unforgettable moments that remain cherished by supporters to this day.

One of the most iconic came in the Scottish Cup Final against Dundee United FC. During that match, Rogan delivered the cross that allowed Frank McAvennie to score a crucial equaliser. The goal helped swing momentum in Celtic’s favour in a game that became legendary among fans.

Celtic fans in Sunderland(Image: Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

Rogan also produced another unforgettable moment in 1991 when he found the net in a dominant 3–0 victory over fierce rivals Rangers FC. For many supporters, that performance represented one of the finest displays of his career while wearing the famous green-and-white hoops.

Although he was not widely known for flashy skills or spectacular technique, Rogan earned admiration through his determination, commitment, and tough defensive performances. His wholehearted style of play made him a favourite among supporters at Parkhead, and over time he developed the reputation of a cult hero among the Celtic faithful.

For Rogan, playing for Celtic was far more than simply another professional opportunity. Having grown up as a fan of the club, representing them was the fulfilment of a childhood dream. The defender joined the Hoops in 1986 after moving from Northern Irish side Distillery FC, and quickly became a regular presence in the team.

However, that dream eventually came to an abrupt end following a managerial change at the club. In 1991, Celtic legend Billy McNeill stepped down from his position, and the club appointed former Arsenal FC star Liam Brady as the new manager.

Rogan later revealed that he and Brady never developed a good relationship. According to the defender, the atmosphere around the club changed significantly once the new manager arrived.

Eventually, that shift led to Rogan’s departure from Celtic. The club accepted a transfer offer from Sunderland AFC, a move that Rogan insists was not his own choice.

Speaking in an interview with the Irish News, Rogan recalled the circumstances that led to his exit. He explained that he never wanted to leave the club he supported all his life, but financial considerations played a decisive role in the decision.

At the time, Celtic accepted a fee of around £400,000 from Sunderland. Rogan said the club needed the money, which meant the transfer went ahead despite his personal reluctance.

He remembered the moment Brady informed him about Sunderland’s interest. According to Rogan, the conversation was extremely brief and left him feeling deeply upset.

Celtic cult hero Anton Rogan(Image: Bob Thomas/Getty Images)

Rogan said that when Brady approached him to explain that Sunderland wanted to talk to him, he simply responded with a short remark before walking away. He admitted he could not even bring himself to look at the manager during the exchange because of how disappointed he felt.

The defender believed he had been performing well at the time and felt the supporters still appreciated his contributions on the pitch. However, from the moment Brady took over as manager, Rogan sensed that things were different.

He explained that even during pre-season preparations the atmosphere had changed from what it had been previously under McNeill.

The conversation that ultimately sealed his departure happened on a Tuesday morning. Rogan recalled that Brady spoke to him about the potential transfer, after which he went to get changed before heading to meet representatives from Sunderland.

As he was leaving to discuss the move, he was called into the office of Celtic director Tom Grant.

During that meeting, Grant told him that the club did not necessarily want him to leave. However, Rogan quickly realised that the transfer was effectively inevitable.

He responded by acknowledging that regardless of what was said, the decision had already been made and he would be moving on.

According to Rogan, that brief conversation marked the end of his time at Celtic. There was no lengthy farewell, no official goodbye, and no expressions of thanks.

He simply walked out the door and never returned. The abrupt nature of the exit left a lasting impression on him.

Rogan also admitted that he was never entirely sure why Brady wanted him moved on. He wondered whether the manager simply did not rate him as a player or preferred other options in his position.

Despite having enjoyed what he believed was a strong season beforehand, the transfer fee offered by Sunderland ultimately proved decisive in the club’s decision.

After leaving Celtic, Rogan spent two years playing for Sunderland. Over time, he began to appreciate some aspects of the move that he had initially resisted.

Looking back, he acknowledged that leaving Glasgow eventually provided a sense of relief. The intense spotlight that comes with playing for Celtic can be overwhelming, and the change of environment allowed him to experience a different lifestyle.

Although his heart had always been with Celtic, Rogan admitted that he gradually began to enjoy his new surroundings in England.

He explained that life at Sunderland was very different from what he had known in Belfast and Glasgow. Both cities had intense football cultures where players were constantly recognised and scrutinised away from the pitch.

During his time with Sunderland, Rogan lived in Durham. There, he found everyday life much calmer and less demanding.

He could walk through the streets without being constantly recognised or subjected to criticism and abuse from rival supporters.

For Rogan, the move ultimately provided an escape from the intense “fishbowl” experience that comes with being a Celtic player, even though his departure from the club he loved had initially been deeply painful.