Mick Beale insists Rangers are fighting against the odds to compete with Celtic’s financial might. But Gers and Celtic fans hit the Hotline to tell the manager his thinking doesn’t add up.
Some of the Ibrox faithful don't think there's any sort of contrast between the respective clubs' cash reserves. Lewis Fotheringham, Mount Ellen, said: “I’m a Rangers fan but I don't agree with Beale's claims about there being a financial gulf between the two clubs. Rangers have been able to spend around £4million on players, the same as Celtic. However, it is about bringing in the right players and we haven't done that since winning 55.”
Paul McArdle, Gourock, said: “Beale and the Rangers fans squeal about raking in £100m from their Europa Cup run, Champions league and selling three players for £40mil then bitch about Celtic having an unfair financial advantage? Never mind Celtic folding like a pack of cards, those at Rangers are not playing with a full deck!”
Andy Logan, Livingston, said: “Beale really is clutching at straws with his constant whining about Celtic’s financial state. To say if you spend more you usually win the league, utter rubbish. None of the top eight big spenders for the last five years in the English Premiership have won the title!? It takes more than money to be successful.”
Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon, said: “Not every team who has a healthy bank balance gets it right. Everything has to click, players manager and staff. Ange has certainly got that and we never stop.”
Eddie Easson, Ballingry, said: “Beale the Speil is back with more tosh and all the same excuses.” But Seamus Gallagher, Glasgow, said: “I can understand why Rangers fans want to try to emulate Celtic. However, I can't see it as Celtic are striving to improve further ,and Rangers are financially way behind Celtic.”
Bud Hay, Dumfries, said: “If Rangers don't get to Scottish Cup Final and win it, Beale will be sacked. They will have to beat Celtic on the way so the Treble is on.”
Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, said: “Jimmy Mac from Glasgow needs to get real. Ross Wilson has meagre resources compared to Celtic and he's doing his best to get affordable quality.
“Many need to be moved on this summer and I suspect another five new faces will arrive. Transfers are a gamble for all clubs.”
Here’s an idea for Gers. Neil Renton, Edinburgh, said: “If Beale is serious about making a go of it at Rangers then there’s one player he should sign – Kieran Tierney. The left back isn’t getting his game at Arsenal, knows the Scottish game well and he would give the Ibrox side a massive boost against Celtic.”
The £25m plus price tag might not even be the biggest hurdle for that one. Meanwhile Josip Juranovic was gutted Celtic didn’t put up a fight to keep him. But Denis Bruce, Bishopbriggs, said: “ Ange doesn’t not want the psychodrama of prolonged contract negotiations which detract from his principal focus.
“The manager will not stand in the way of any player who wishes to leave and he will have sourced a replacement to fill the void. Honesty rather than sentiment dictates his approach to management."
Hoops fans don’t want another slip up at St Mirren tomorrow. Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: “The last time Celtic beat Rangers the next league game was against St Mirren and subsequently suffered our only league defeat when Ange Postecoqlou tinkered with his starting line up.
“I understand he likes to keep his fringe players happy but I’m hoping he sends out his strongest line up because throwing Rangers some crumbs even with a nine point gap would be sheer folly.”
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