Andy Gray raises idea of Rangers and Celtic moving to English Premier League
Andy Gray has claimed that he would be open to the idea of Rangers competing in the English Premier League in the future.
The Gers are currently second in the Scottish Premiership, 13 points behind bitter rivals Celtic, but the former Ibrox man has argued that both Old Firm sides may be in need of a sterner test on the field, especially if the financial impact of the Coronavirus pandemic weakens other clubs north of the border.
And the pundit believes that a move to England could be one potential solution.
Speaking to beIN Sports, he said: “Rangers and Celtic have to play competitive football and if they are not getting competitive football, or enough people, or enough competition in Scotland they’re going to have to look for somewhere else.
“And where is the best place for Rangers and Celtic to go play?
“In my opinion, it’s always been the one thing the Premier League can add to something that has been so successful – to maybe make it even better for me – would be two very strong Rangers and Celtic sides.”
Does Gray have a point here?
The debate over whether or not Rangers should make the move to England is a complex one, and one that is arguably quite double-edged.
On the one hand, moving south would very probably lead to greater revenue from TV broadcasting and sponsorship deals, and the ceiling for potential growth is evidently much higher in the Premier League.
On the other, to transplant the Old Firm out of Scotland could have a devastating effect on the game north of the border.
Removing the two biggest clubs in the country would inevitably lead to a heavily reduced interest in the league system, and while other teams would subsequently have a greater chance of winning trophies, they would be trophies that were worth a great deal less.
A move would also represent a significant gamble for the Gers.
Ally McCoist has previously stated that he believes Rangers would become a “top six” Premier League side within six or seven years of making the move to England, but as pointed out by Richard Keys during his conversation with Gray on the topic, the constitution of the Premier League means that it would be a lot easier for the Ibrox club to be co-opted into the Championship first.
The English second tier is a notoriously gruelling challenge, however, and it would surely be a real kick in the teeth for supporters to see their side struggle and toil their way through a lower league, instead of competing for titles.
You can understand the point Gray is trying to make, but turning it into a reality would be an incredibly hard sell.
In other Rangers news, Gheorghe Hagi claims Gers boss Gerrard has praised son for doing ‘exceptional things’.