Can Rangers win the SPL again?

Status
Not open for further replies.

McG_BFC

Well-known member
Are they finally at a point where they can compete with Celtic? Kick off today with a tough start against Aberdeen.
 
Yes, but if they lose Morelos no. He's an absolute class player even if he can't score in old firm games.

I think a lot depends on whether Gerrard can keep his cool or not. He seems to be doing a good job but gets rattled in the pressure cooker of biggest moments. They did brilliantly in Europe when expectations were less but perhaps blew up a few times in league when expectations higher.

They may have learned from that, it may weigh heavy. I don't know.

I think Rogers was a bit ahead of him, but he's more evenly matched with Lennon.
 
The question for me is, am I bothered? After careful consideration, no.

The Scottish Premier is even less competitive than ours.
Well said.Up until the 80s/early 90s the Scottish league had some great sides like Aberdeen,and earlier than that they made good progress in the UEFA cup so its peculiar how the rest have struggled.
If anything its a weakened league since they started the Premiership as it stands
 
The question for me is, am I bothered? After careful consideration, no.

The Scottish Premier is even less competitive than ours.

Yes and no. Below the top 2 it's madness. Motherwell were unexpectedly brilliant last year, Killie the year before.

If you imagine it as the "who can beat Aberdeen league" it's really quite good.

Who knew Hearts would go down?

I suppose it's a bit like thinking of "who will win the Everton Trophy?" in the Prem.
 
  • The last manager to win the SPL with a team other than Celtic or Rangers was Alex Ferguson.
That was Aberdeen in 1985. so THIRTY FIVE YEARS AGO
  • The Scottish Premier League ran from 1998 to 2013. Nobody apart from Celtic and Rangers ever won it
  • In 13 out of the 15 seasons Celtic and Rangers were first and second. ((one of those seasons were when Rangers had been relegated)
  • The division was renamed the Scottish Premiership in 2013 and Celtic have won it every year.
  • Now Rangers are back the past two seasons have seen Celtic first and Rangers as runners up.

It seems to me that the Scottish Premiership should just have two teams in it. They could play each other 36 times and the rest of the teams should then be in the Championship otherwise their mere existence is pointless
 
Yes and no. Below the top 2 it's madness. Motherwell were unexpectedly brilliant last year, Killie the year before.

If you imagine it as the "who can beat Aberdeen league" it's really quite good.

Who knew Hearts would go down?

I suppose it's a bit like thinking of "who will win the Everton Trophy?" in the Prem.
Yes that’s a good point as well.

But I’m still not much interested in Scottish football. Don’t get me wrong. If I’m out for a walk on a Saturday afternoon and hear shouting then more often than not I’ll wander over for a look see and a chuckle. But I probably won’t stay for more than 15 minutes.
 
Well said.Up until the 80s/early 90s the Scottish league had some great sides like Aberdeen,and earlier than that they made good progress in the UEFA cup so its peculiar how the rest have struggled.
If anything its a weakened league since they started the Premiership as it stands

Massive demand in Scotland to go back to a bigger league. It was pushed a lot over lockdown, not least cos it would have saved Hearts from another season out of the top flight.

I think there's signs that Scotland are really trying to take youth development seriously and learn from other small nations how to make the most of what they have.

England looks down on it a lot but they actually have (proportionately) a stronger football culture.

Some of the Scottish glory in the mid eighties (not all of it by any means) was aided by the English European ban and a reverse of the traditional exodus. It was also a function of the other teams in Europe not yet having become multicultural, multinational homes to the best stars in the world (in the main) and thus a strong domestic culture allowed them to punch above their weight.

That isn't enough now and they can't compete in the global stars basis either.
 
Its even worse when one of the so called 'bigger' clubs like a Hearts , Hibs or Dundee United get relegated and make it even less competitive.
Dont like Celtic winning it full stop. Not exactly English friendly are they?
 
Its even worse when one of the so called 'bigger' clubs like a Hearts , Hibs or Dundee United get relegated and make it even less competitive.
Dont like Celtic winning it full stop. Not exactly English friendly are they?

That's arguably one of the strengths - that those teams can and do get relegated. I'd love Arsenal to have been relegated when they lost their way and how the fuck did Chelsea get away with having Avram Grant in charge? Our equivalents as 'the next best' are bullet proof.

It's impossible to argue that it's competitive at the top level, I totally concede that, but I still find it engaging, precisely because aside from the old firm, no side is strong enough to make terrible decisions and not suffer the consequences.

Clearly the standard is lower than England but it's less than a tenth of the population and their TV deal is peanuts domestically and of very limited value internationally.

The vibrancy of the overall Scottish football scene is remarkable. The junior league can pull big crowds and the success of teams in the league promoted from the highland league (and Lowland league to lesser extent) shows a remarkable depth in the game for a really small country.

I often think I should have been Scottish. Love staring into the middle distance having a pint, bleak countryside and underdog mentality. Also I get sunburned in about 6 minutes in April.
 
Massive demand in Scotland to go back to a bigger league. It was pushed a lot over lockdown, not least cos it would have saved Hearts from another season out of the top flight.
That isn't enough now and they can't compete in the global stars basis either.
Yup-agree.The Dundees and Kilmarnock had decent sides in the sixties and they always had a reasonable international team-apart from the goalkeepers of course!

Some years ago there was talk of them merging with the Dutch/Benelux leagues but ultimately I think the Glasgows need to be playing in the English leagues.

That would be fun.
 
Yup-agree.The Dundees and Kilmarnock had decent sides in the sixties and they always had a reasonable international team-apart from the goalkeepers of course!

Some years ago there was talk of them merging with the Dutch/Benelux leagues but ultimately I think the Glasgows need to be playing in the English leagues.

That would be fun.

One of the best games I can remember as a kid was Rangers vs Leeds in what was either one of the first Champions leagues or last European cups. Two legs absolutely electric and I actually can't remember who won but I can remember it was an even match up.

Would have been 92? I think it was a knockout game but I could be wrong.
 
That's arguably one of the strengths - that those teams can and do get relegated. I'd love Arsenal to have been relegated when they lost their way and how the fuck did Chelsea get away with having Avram Grant in charge? Our equivalents as 'the next best' are bullet proof.

It's impossible to argue that it's competitive at the top level, I totally concede that, but I still find it engaging, precisely because aside from the old firm, no side is strong enough to make terrible decisions and not suffer the consequences.

Clearly the standard is lower than England but it's less than a tenth of the population and their TV deal is peanuts domestically and of very limited value internationally.

The vibrancy of the overall Scottish football scene is remarkable. The junior league can pull big crowds and the success of teams in the league promoted from the highland league (and Lowland league to lesser extent) shows a remarkable depth in the game for a really small country.

I often think I should have been Scottish. Love staring into the middle distance having a pint, bleak countryside and underdog mentality. Also I get sunburned in about 6 minutes in April.
I'm not averse to a bit of Scottish football and watch it sometimes. I'm always interested in the Scottish Cup when the later rounds come just after Xmas and watch the highlights on Scottish BBC.
I've never adopted a team which probably lessons the enjoyment and I've no time at all for any of the bigotry between Celtic and Rangers.
 
I'm not averse to a bit of Scottish football and watch it sometimes. I'm always interested in the Scottish Cup when the later rounds come just after Xmas and watch the highlights on Scottish BBC.
I've never adopted a team which probably lessons the enjoyment and I've no time at all for any of the bigotry between Celtic and Rangers.

Follow Queen of the South from a distance. Occasionally go and see them but not for ages (got family near there) but usually just side with whoever might break the monopoly (but never do)
 
Would have been 92? I think it was a knockout game but I could be wrong.
Yup it was the season I stopped watching them for a while and incidentally the same season we won the Youth Cup against someone decidedly verminous 😜
 
Yup it was the season I stopped watching them for a while and incidentally the same season we won the Youth Cup against someone decidedly verminous 😜

Hilarious pun about Shrewsbury or Mousechester United?

Ffs.
 
Yes, I'll keep all my football mad colleagues arguing till February 😉

Hearts are a big miss from the Prem, totally caused by the poorest management appointment in years, Craig Levein. Didn't give too much credence to the Jambos reform plans after that fiasco.
 
Yes, I'll keep all my football mad colleagues arguing till February 😉

Hearts are a big miss from the Prem, totally caused by the poorest management appointment in years, Craig Levein. Didn't give too much credence to the Jambos reform plans after that fiasco.
Yes Stendal was a joke, a Poundland Klopp. Even let Joey Barton fill him in.😁
PS Don’t think many will miss the Jambos
 
Hilarious pun about Shrewsbury or Mousechester United?

Ffs.
No. We beat Man Poo and local Blackpool lads Jaime Forrester and Kevin Sharp played in the finals. Just mentioning it in case Blood was lurking 😉
 
Piss poor league,I’d say the majority bar the obvious would be bang average league 1 teams and that’s being kind to some of them.
 
Rangers came very close to winning the 2020/21 season. They were right up there competing on Saturday, but it was all over by Sunday.

Always next year for them I guess.
 
One of the best games I can remember as a kid was Rangers vs Leeds in what was either one of the first Champions leagues or last European cups. Two legs absolutely electric and I actually can't remember who won but I can remember it was an even match up.

Would have been 92? I think it was a knockout game but I could be wrong.
Yes it was the inaugural season for the Champions League, only Champions allowed entry btw not like today with 4 maybe 5 teams from same country.
Rangers won both legs 2-1.
Ive always said that given the opportunity to compete in PL the Old Firm would compete at top end.
 
It's all about the money isn't it, if they were in the premier League they'd have more money, obviously big crowds and they'd be up there. The current team would be mid table at best I reckon
 
It's all about the money isn't it, if they were in the premier League they'd have more money, obviously big crowds and they'd be up there. The current team would be mid table at best I reckon
Can’t disagree but for sure both of the Old Firm in EPL would be up there amongst the challengers. Once they settle down I’m sure both would claim the title ...... but it ain’t gonna happen
 
Chance for them to go 5 points ahead of Celtic tonight with a win over St Johnstone - Celtic game has been called off.
 
Can’t disagree but for sure both of the Old Firm in EPL would be up there amongst the challengers. Once they settle down I’m sure both would claim the title ...... but it ain’t gonna happen
If they were in the EPL they'd be looking to finish 17th and consider that a result. No way would they challenge nor be allowed to.
 
Chance for them to go 5 points ahead of Celtic tonight with a win over St Johnstone - Celtic game has been called off.

This could be a real shot in the foot for Celtic.

I saw Celtic fans criticising Lennon for giving them 4 days off after their first match (the time in which their player went to Spain), saying that they didn't look match ready when they dropped points against Kilmarnock. Now they have their next two games suspended, so when they come back they'll be even less match fit. If Rangers extend the gap by winning all their games in that time, they'll then have the psychological pressure that every game is a must win..

Rangers could spoil the 10 in a row at the last hurdle!
 
Remember having St Mirren preseason as a Scots Prem team. Utter rubbish. Of course Rangers can win it.
 
This could be a real shot in the foot for Celtic.

I saw Celtic fans criticising Lennon for giving them 4 days off after their first match (the time in which their player went to Spain), saying that they didn't look match ready when they dropped points against Kilmarnock. Now they have their next two games suspended, so when they come back they'll be even less match fit. If Rangers extend the gap by winning all their games in that time, they'll then have the psychological pressure that every game is a must win..

Rangers could spoil the 10 in a row at the last hurdle!
Talk of a points deduction in the event of another breach. Rangers put three past another former Pool player playing in the Mickey Mouse league, Elliot Parish. Played around a dozen games for us.
 
It's such a poor league. I just don't get the excitement that Celtic fans show when they bang the 5th one in against Motherwell or some shite team.
I'd never have them down here though. No way
 
If they were in the EPL they'd be looking to finish 17th and consider that a result. No way would they challenge nor be allowed to.

Wishful thinking that WIz.

I know it's a massive IF but IF they enjoyed the same broadcasting revenues as the other teams in the EPL are you suggesting that they couldn't compete with the top sides ?

When you say they would not be allowed to challenge, do you mean all the other clubs would close rank on them or do you just mean that they will never be admitted ?
 
If Rangers are to win it they'll have to beat Celtic 3 times. Can they do that? I doubt it.

Why on earth would they have to beat Celtic 3 times to win the league ?

It is clear that many of the AVFTT taigs are already worried that Gerrard is about to restore natural order in Scotland.

It is very likely that by the next time Celtic take to the field they will be 11 points behind Rangers.

Obviously I am making a lazy assumption here.

I am assuming that Celtic won't have any more players holding house partys or flying off to foreign shores in the meantime.
 
The Prem doesn’t need two big clubs coming in and making it harder for all the other money spinning English teams to get into Europe.
 
I think the SPL is wide open this season any of the clubs could win it. If I was to stick my neck out though I'd go for Celtic.

Bookmark this post.
 
Wishful thinking that WIz.

I know it's a massive IF but IF they enjoyed the same broadcasting revenues as the other teams in the EPL are you suggesting that they couldn't compete with the top sides ?

When you say they would not be allowed to challenge, do you mean all the other clubs would close rank on them or do you just mean that they will never be admitted ?
Both. UEFA and FIFA would have something to say about it too, as both England and Scotland have votes in their jurisdiction. The Old Firm moving South would mean calls for a GB team would be renewed, ironically when Scotland has never been closer to independence or less likely to have anyone in the side.
 
Last edited:
Both. UEFA and FIFA would have something to say about it too, as both England and Scotland have votes in their jurisdiction. The Old Firm moving South would mean calls for a GB team would be renewed, ironically when Scotland has never been closer to independence or less likely to have anyone in the side.

No problem Wiz, I thought you meant wouldn't allowed to happen as in the top clubs in England to conspire to stop Rangers and Celtic competing after they had been admitted to the EPL.

I agree with you that it's not about to happen but not because of any issues with a GB team, contrary to the opinion of the "experts" on here the EPL has been an outstanding success story and doesn't need to admit Rangers and Celtic but IF - again a massive IF - the EPL was on it's @rse I am sure they would look at brightening things up and consider ways of improving things.

Moving on to Scottish independence and nothing to do with football:

I imagine you are aware Wiz but just to confirm that there was recently a referendum on Scottish independence.

At this referendum, the SNP ensured proud but exiled Scots were not allowed to vote, all the EU citizens residing in Scotland were allowed to vote and the voting age was reduced from 18 to 16.

Despite having everything in their favour, the YES campaign was soundly beaten with the NO's attracting more than 55% of the vote.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top