Despite Rangers enduring a rough patch recently, Celtic are also grappling with their own internal issues. The latest Old Firm clash ended in a lackluster 0-0 stalemate, leaving both Glasgow giants under scrutiny.
Rangers have seen significant upheaval behind the scenes, with Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises finalizing a takeover, Kevin Thelwell stepping in as director, and Russell Martin appointed as manager. Amid fan frustration, there have even been calls for Martin’s dismissal.
Meanwhile, Celtic’s leadership particularly majority shareholder Dermot Desmond is facing growing criticism, as comparisons are drawn between the two clubs’ troubled states.
Andrew Cavenagh Addresses Rangers Players as Celtic Board Faces Harsh Backlash
While Rangers’ leadership has often been the focus of fan frustration in the past, the recent ownership change has eased pressure on the new board for now. Though Kevin Thelwell has drawn criticism for supporting manager Russell Martin and making questionable signings, those above him like Andrew Cavenagh have largely avoided direct blame.
In contrast, tensions are rising at Celtic. Despite manager Brendan Rodgers still enjoying backing from much of the fanbase, the club’s board has come under fire after a disappointing transfer window. Major shareholder Dermot Desmond has been singled out, as key players like Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah departed without adequate replacements beyond free signings such as Kieran Tierney.
According to Hugh Keevins in the Daily Record, Cavenagh recently visited Rangers’ training ground to give a speech to the squad amid their poor start to the season. Keevins posed a sharp question: if Desmond were to speak to Celtic’s players at Lennoxtown, as Cavenagh did at Rangers, what could he possibly say to inspire them?
Keevins summed up Celtic’s current predicament: “They’ve gambled in crucial moments and always come up short.”
Rangers Must Take Advantage of Celtic’s Ongoing Struggles
Celtic are currently in one of their most vulnerable states in recent years, having lost key players without securing adequate replacements. While Rangers have had a stronger transfer window bringing in Bojan Miovski, who is seen as a more effective addition than Kelechi Iheanacho they have yet to show real progress under manager Russell Martin, raising concerns of another underwhelming campaign.
Should Celtic manage to stumble their way to another league title despite internal chaos, it would reflect poorly on Rangers, who are expected to make strides under new ownership. Failing to seize this opportunity could be seen as a major missed chance in a season that promised change.
That said, there’s still enough time for Rangers to regroup and mount a serious challenge.
