Andy Walker slams Rangers’ hopes of catching Celtic regardless of who takes over at Ibrox
Andy Walker has slammed Rangers’ hopes of catching Celtic in the coming years, suggesting it will be hard for the Light Blues to catch the Hoops regardless of who they appoint as manager.
Rangers appear to be closing in on appointing Michael Beale’s successor, with Kevin Muscat and Philippe Clement the final two names in the running to attempt to breathe new life into the Gers’ poor start to the season [Scottish Daily Mail, 10 October].
The gap between the two Old Firm clubs already stands at seven points and it seems an almost impossible task for the Light Blues to claw back that lead, but Walker is doubtful that the squad currently at Ibrox has enough quality to catch the Hoops, no matter who’s the manager.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show on Thursday (12 October) he said: “I just wonder whoever it is, what they’re going to be working with and what I mean by that is what money are they going to have to spend? What are they going to do with the current squad?
“I don’t think this Rangers squad, team, whatever XI it is, I don’t think they’re capable of challenging Celtic so if the title slips by this year, what’s the format for next year?
“I only see Celtic getting stronger, they’ve got a manager that everyone is backing, and they’ve got money to spend. I just wonder what sort of ride the next Rangers manager will get as he may well improve the team, he may well improve results but when you’re second in Glasgow, you’re under immense pressure.”
Doom and gloom
It is completely fair to write Rangers out of this season’s title race as the gap between the Old Firm clubs is already huge and it would take a near-perfect run of form for the Gers to not only catch Brendan Rodgers’ side but also pip them to the top spot.
But to already be writing them out of next year’s title race seems rather premature, especially when they’re yet to even appoint their next manager let alone see how they line up under either Muscat or Clement. Either boss could come in and immediately kickstart the Gers’ season.
Undoubtedly there will have to be more investment next summer as currently, this Rangers squad has far too many players who aren’t living up to their price tags, but Celtic are also still in the money due to their player sales over the last few years.
Walker is right that it is going to be a tough job for whoever takes over at Ibrox to bring silverware to the club in the next few years, however, he’s also correct that second best counts for nothing in Glasgow. For Rangers to be successful under their next boss they have to relish their position as underdogs and thrive off trying to rid themselves of that title.
In other Rangers news, one journalist has revealed what Philippe Clement told him in a short contact this week