Rangers ‘absolutely delighted’ by Brendan Rodgers Celtic return
Barry Ferguson believes Rangers should be “absolutely delighted” by Brendan Rodgers’ imminent return to Celtic.
BBC Sport reported on 15 June that the 50-year-old is now in advanced talks with the Hoops over a return to Parkhead following his sacking by Leicester City.
Writing in his latest column for the Daily Record on Friday 16 June, Ferguson believes the Gers should be embracing the challenge.
“It looks like Brendan Rodgers is about to become the new manager of Celtic and if Rangers have anything about them they will be absolutely delighted,” he wrote.
“Why? Because to become the best you have to beat the best and for my money, Rodgers is the best man Celtic could have appointed to replace Ange Postecoglou.
“Look, I said a couple of weeks ago that I was disappointed that Postecoglou had left for Spurs. I wanted him to stay at Celtic and was looking forward to seeing how Michael Beale carried the fight to him next season.
“I had no doubt that Rangers would go toe to toe with them.”
Far from ideal
Rodgers’ return is far from ideal. It’s going to make life extremely hard for Michael Beale.
Had a new manager come in – one who had never experienced Scottish football – then the Gers would have fancied their chances of wrestling back the Scottish Premiership title.
However, due to Rodgers’ previous dominance, it’s now going to take something special.
One positive is that the SPFL will now gain more attention from afar. Having a big name like Rodgers working within the league is only a good thing for the brand.
The onus has now changed for Beale. Initially, the Rangers boss could well have looked at the difference between the two teams as just the playing staff.
Now, even with the Gers’ overhaul, Rodgers’ managerial capabilities are going to significantly level the playing field. He wouldn’t have returned without assurances.
The Hoops are going to be backed in the transfer market and it’s going to be intriguing to see how they respond to the influx of new players in Govan.
In other Rangers news, Ally McCoist has delivered a surprise verdict on Ianis Hagi, live on talkSPORT, amid Ibrox exit speculation.