When Rangers were liquidated, I was shouted down by Celtic fans for saying the Parkhead club NEEDED the Gers to stay in the Premiership.
Two years later, all the signs suggest I was right. While Rangers’ financial troubles have continued in the lower leagues losses of £14-million and £8-million in the last two years tell the story Celtic have suffered too.
Okay, the Bhoys aren’t on the breadline, far from it. But how anyone can say there aren’t problems is beyond me.
Just look at the crowd for that crucial Europa League clash with Salzburg only 32,000, about half the capacity, turned up.
If that’s not a signal that the punters are losing interest, I don’t know what is. It’s not like it’s a one-off either.
Despite the published attendance figures, league games at Parkhead have been played in front of half-empty stands for ages. And the thing is I can’t blame the fans for staying away.
For all the talk of a more competitive top league in Rangers’ absence, from Celtic’s perspective it’s exactly the opposite.
Last season was a cakewalk, with 29 points between the Bhoys and second-placed Motherwell.
It has been closer this season at least up to now. But make no mistake, Celtic will romp it again, even playing as poorly as they have been.
I’m sorry, but if you’re a Celtic fan, watching it unfold so predictably is not an exciting prospect.
The surge of excitement when the Old Firm were drawn together in the League Cup semi-final provided further proof of how desperately the two clubs need each other.
Fans on both sides are more keyed up for this game than they’ve been for any other since Rangers were booted down the leagues and it’s no wonder!
The semi-final Hampden clash will be the first between the teams for nearly three years. That’s far too long.
We just have to hope, for both clubs’ sake, that we don’t have to wait as long for the next meeting.
Rangers look like they’re in such a state right now they could easily mess up their promotion bid.
There would be plenty in Scotland who would enjoy such a scenario. I dare say you’d even find quite a few at Parkhead!
But you won’t find me celebrating if Rangers mess up their promotion bid. As I said two years ago, Celtic will suffer too.
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