Scott Brown Delivers Glaring Celtic Title Race Verdict

The former Celtic captain has been out of management since leaving Ayr United, having previously spent time in charge of Fleetwood Town. Brown had been linked with a return to Parkhead as part of the coaching staff before Martin O’Neill was confirmed as permanent manager, but that move never materialised.

For now, Brown has been keeping busy with punditry duties at this summer’s World Cup, and he has now shared his thoughts on how the 2026/27 Premiership campaign could unfold.

Celtic head into the new season as defending champions after edging one of the most competitive title races in recent memory. A final-day victory over Hearts kept the league trophy in the east end of Glasgow before O’Neill’s side completed the double by beating Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden.

Despite Celtic finishing on top, Brown expects another close battle. Speaking to the BBC, he said:

“I think it’s going to be a three-legged race yet again.

“I think Hearts have been an actual delight for Scottish football. They’ve done really, really well. I thought Derek [McInnes] did a fantastic job and Martin’s come in at the right point in time.

“If Martin was there for the whole time, Celtic win the league, nice and easy, but [Derek McInnes] went to Rangers now and he’s a very, very good man-manager and he brings out the best of people.

“Looking at what he does and how he deals with his team, he’ll bring in some more Scottish people, English-based people, that understand the club and the culture as well, which, to be fair, I think Celtic’s done really well over the years.”

It’s a prediction that reflects how last season unfolded. There were points when Celtic looked to have lost control of the title race before O’Neill and his coaching staff turned things around, dragging the side over the line when it mattered most.

The challenge now is making sure they don’t leave themselves with so much to do again.

Supporters expected an active summer after the title success, but Celtic are still waiting to confirm their first signing. Camilo Duran appears close to completing a move, while O’Neill has already admitted the club are “definitely looking” to bring in another goalkeeper to compete with Viljami Sinisalo.

There is still plenty of time left in the transfer window, but deadline day comes round fast. The squad needs strengthening in key areas if Celtic are to avoid another nerve-shredding run-in.

Brown’s assessment feels fair based on where things stand today. Rangers have a new direction under Derek McInnes, Hearts continue to build after an impressive campaign, and Celtic have not yet added to a title-winning squad.

That picture could change quickly if recruitment gathers pace. Should O’Neill get the additions he wants before the window closes, Celtic will give themselves every chance of making it six league titles in a row.