A win over Manchester United would be tiny beer compared to the additional riches unlocked in Glasgow, argues Andy Newport.
Rangers’ interim chairman John Gilligan faces further challenges as he rebuilds the team.
The temporary Ibrox manager is well aware that he is taking over a club that is miles and millions of pounds behind its key Parkhead rivals. Celtic’s spectacular and profitable Champions League victory highlights the widening gap between the Old Firm and other clubs.
In a week when the Gers were hoping to close the financial gap by announcing the club’s largest-ever shirt sponsorship deal, they saw the increase in that jersey agreement – which will rise from £1.5 million per year to nearly £3 million if all targets are met – more than match just one night’s work for the Hoops.
Even that is a fraction of the overall revenue Parkhead expects to generate from their European campaign, which is expected to exceed £40 million. With £77 million already in the bank, Celtic aren’t only in a different league than their opponents; they’re functioning on a different scale.
To put it another way, Rangers might earn only £530,000 if they upset Manchester United in their luxury Europa League match at Old Trafford in January. Philippe Clement’s side would need three victories and a draw to earn what Celtic did in 90 minutes against a mediocre Bratislava team.
But that’s the difference between dining at the top table and hanging out with the losers. From the outside, Gers resembles a club ripping itself apart.
John Bennett was compelled to leave the Ibrox boardroom due to an excruciating strain that had a negative impact on his health. Dave King returns to settle past scores with Douglas Park, his former comrade turned foe.
All the arguing does is remind us why the Light Blues are in this predicament. None of the three guys who have commanded the Rangers since 2015 are blameless.
When the collective good had to take precedence, self-interest was all too often the deciding factor. When clear, competent decision-making was required, the Ibrox supporters saw the folks in command squander the opportunity.
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