Celtic have £72m in the bank as Rangers manager Philippe Clement defies the odds at Ibrox – Gary Keown
Gary Keown says Rangers boss Philippe Clement deserves huge praise for ensuring Celtic have not run away with the Scottish Premiership title.
The Belgian is unbeaten in 13 matches in all competitions since succeeding Michael Beale at Ibrox in October.
Rangers have won eight and drawn one of their past nine league matches, whereas Celtic have drawn two and lost two over that same period.
It means that the Gers are now within five points of the leaders with two games in hand, while the sides are set to face off later this month.
Outlining Celtic’s strong financial position, with £72million said to be in the bank, Keown put Clement’s achievements to date in focus.
“The January window, not exactly the best time to be investing heavily in talent to reshape an entire team and its culture, will be fascinating,” Keown wrote in his Scottish Mail on Sunday column [17 December, page 94].
“Particularly as it looks like the same folk in the same positions will be controlling its direction.
“Celtic have £72m in the bank and should be miles clear of a Rangers side that started the season with Michael Beale – oh, Sunderland, what are you thinking? – floundering around in the manager’s office with his own transfer-market failures hanging round his neck like a millstone.
“But they’re not. Philippe Clement, a proper manager with pedigree, has taken the Ibrox side on an unbeaten run against all odds. He is fancied to win the first cup of the season this afternoon. He has a new director of recruitment with a decent CV in position as he seeks reinforcements.”
Title is Rangers’ to lose
Rangers had effectively started waving the white handkerchiefs as far as the title race was concerned prior to Clement being appointed.
A cup or two, plus reaching the latter stages in Europe, would have been considered progress for the Gers under their new manager this season.
The former Monaco manager had different ideas, though, and all of a sudden the title is now technically in Rangers’ hands.
If they win their games in hand and match Celtic’s results from here on in, they will end their wait for Scottish Premiership success.
While it is important not to get carried away, at the same time it is always nice to celebrate Celtic’s latest slip-up – this time at home to Hearts.
With progress in the Europa League also secured, all focus for Rangers now is on Sunday’s (17 December) Viaplay Cup final clash with Aberdeen.
Get that trophy in the cabinet and continue winning games in the league, and it will make for a hugely exciting January window.
All Clement needs is possibly one player and Rangers really will be flying as we enter the second half of the campaign. Bring it on!
In other Rangers news, Lee McCullouch and Alan Rough have predicted the outcome of the Viaplay Cup final between the Gers and Aberdeen.