Andy Walker has weighed in on the growing divide between Rangers and Celtic, stating that the gap between the two clubs has never been as wide as it is now.
This assertion comes after the release of Rangers’ latest financial report on October 16, which revealed they had a modest £1.7 million in the bank as of June 30. In stark contrast, Celtic’s report, released a month earlier on September 16, showed the Hoops holding a significant £77.2 million in year-end cash, further emphasizing the disparity between the two Glasgow giants.
On the Go Radio Football Show on November 13, Andy Walker made a stark comparison between Rangers and Celtic’s financial positions, pointing out just how wide the gap has become.“
The gap has never been as big for a long time,” Walker stated. “You read the financial results for Celtic, for Rangers, and you just make a very quick comparison: Rangers have got between £1-2 million in the bank, while Celtic have £77 million in the bank.”
Walker continued, highlighting the significant shift in Celtic’s approach: “I think for a long time, Celtic fans thought Celtic are just going to spend enough to keep ahead of Rangers, but I think this summer was different and it had to be because of the manager.”
He added that Celtic’s financial strength allowed them to make substantial investments, reflecting their ambition under Brendan Rodgers. This stands in stark contrast to Rangers’ financial struggles, which have raised concerns about their ability to compete at the same level in the long term.
Andy Walker has pointed out the widening gap between Rangers and Celtic, emphasizing that it’s not just a financial disparity but also a sporting one. With Rangers trailing nine points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, Walker believes the Ibrox side faces a significant challenge to catch up with their rivals.
He suggested that, given their position in the league, Rangers may be better off focusing on cup competitions this season rather than trying to bridge the gap in the league. The growing divide between the two clubs, both on and off the pitch, has raised questions about Rangers’ ability to compete with Celtic in the coming years.
Rangers will have an opportunity to gain some redemption when they face Celtic in the League Cup final at Hampden on 15 December. However, even a victory in that highly anticipated clash will not be enough to make up for the current dire situation Rangers find themselves in. With the financial and league deficits growing, a single cup win would be a temporary fix in a broader crisis that could have long-term implications for the club.
Rangers are currently grappling with a lack of stability behind the scenes following the departures of John Bennett and James Bisgrove from their roles as chairman and CEO, respectively. Both positions remain vacant, leaving the club in a state of uncertainty. However, the Light Blues are hopeful of appointing a new chairman before their annual general meeting on 5 December. In the interim, John Gilligan has stepped in as the club’s acting chairman, but the absence of permanent leadership is a growing concern for the club’s future direction.