Rangers boss Steven Gerrard calls on big guns to help minnows

Steven Gerrard has warned Scotland’s elite clubs may have to give financial aid to lower-league outfits to ensure the entire domestic campaign can be completed.

Teams from the Championship, League One and League Two are still in cold storage just now but will be back from next month when the Betfred Cup fixtures begin on Tuesday, October 6.

That is a prospect which has worried many, who have claimed the different standards required for Covid-19 testing between entrants at the top and bottom of the game is a recipe for disaster.

The SPFL Board ruled on Friday that lower division and non-SPFL clubs will have to pay to have their players swab-tested if drawn against Premiership opposition.

The protocol won’t apply in the Challenge Cup, but top-flight clubs whose Colt sides are drawn against them will be able to insist on the more-stringent checks – provided
they stump up.

That’s a principle Gerrard supports.

“I think everyone in Scottish football is doing their best to cope and respect the Covid-19 situation,” he said.

“We’ve had a couple of incidents at certain clubs, but everyone in the main is trying to do everything they can to make sure that the game can continue.

“Everyone is desperate to get supporters back in the stadiums, and closer to normality, as quickly as we can. But the priority has to be safety, and a player’s health.

“In terms of part-time teams ,or teams in the lower-leagues who are not tested, that’s something that needs to be looked into seriously because it could lead to more problems.

“I also think – and I don’t think the club will thank me for this – that the big clubs might need to show some support to the part-time teams, or other teams lower down, that are not in the same financial position.

“By doing so, we can continue to make sure that these competitions progress, carry on and finish.

“That’s the only way I can see things progressing the way we all want them to progress – if the top clubs, or the ones who are higher up, support the ones who are lower down.”

Gerrard argued giving the assistance could be productive in terms of avoiding the imposition of any additional sanctions from outside the game.

“I’m sure there will be a lot of concerns around the testing,” he said.

“The game’s governing bodies, and the government, will be concerned if there are certain teams coming into certain bubbles that haven’t been tested.

“What I am trying to do is think of the best way to move things forward, and to try to help the teams lower down who aren’t in a position to pay for the testing.”

This week brings twin challenges for the Ibrox club, who put their near-perfect Premiership record on the line against Hibs at Easter Road today, before travelling to tackle Willem II in the Europa League on Thursday.

Both are fixtures where, in normal circumstances, Rangers could expect a hostile reception.

Yet Gerrard is sceptical whether the absence of home fans will be a plus for himself and his players.

“I wouldn’t say it’s easier,” he said.

“We won at Pittodrie. It was a tough game, even though we played very well and we had to stick together to get over the line.

“It was different going there without the atmosphere and the intensity that comes from the terraces.

“Maybe that is a slight advantage for the away team.

“I think the actual game doesn’t become any easier. You’re still playing against good players and facing good coaches.

“It is unique, in that there isn’t that intensity.

“I’m sure certain individuals will benefit from that environment being a little bit more calm.

“Hopefully we can get through the Hibs game with a win and be in a fantastic place to go into the European tie.

“Because with all due respect, we know the level is going to increase dramatically from the previous round (the 5-0 win at Lincoln Red Imps).

“Willem have exciting attacking players so it is going to be a challenge but it is one we are looking forward to.”