Keith Jackson has once again taken aim at Celtic, this time suggesting Brendan Rodgers’ side look “stale” and vulnerable in the early stages of the season.
The RecordSport columnist highlighted Hearts’ strong start and claimed Derek McInnes might be the man in the right place at the right time to take advantage.
While Hearts’ form deserves recognition, Jackson’s words overlook the bigger picture. Celtic remain just two points off the top despite a slow start, and the squad is still finding rhythm with new signings bedding in. To suggest Rodgers is nearing the end of the road feels premature, given his track record of delivering when it matters.
The idea of McInnes leading a lasting title charge also raises questions. The Hearts boss has long been associated with failed title challenges, and his managerial record, while solid enough, does not suggest he has what it takes to dethrone Celtic over 38 games. His Aberdeen sides consistently finished second but never managed to sustain a serious challenge.
If there is one element at Tynecastle worth genuine praise, it is Tony Bloom’s involvement. The Brighton owner has proven in England that smart investment and data-led recruitment can transform a club. His financial backing and expertise bring credibility to Hearts’ ambition, but that should not be confused with proof that Celtic are on the decline.
He said: (Hotline LIVE), “The great work that’s going on at Hearts. Obviously, they’ve hit the top and it just feels like a really significant weekend because they’ve gone toe-to-toe with Celtic in terms of points. To actually go a couple of points clear at the top just feels significant.
“You wonder if he’s (Derek McInnes) just arrived in the right place at the right time, in a sort of one-off season for Celtic.
“Celtic look stale. Whatever else you want to say about them, it does feel as if there’s a staleness creeping in. And yes, they’ve been getting points on the board, but the performances just don’t feel quite right.
“You just wonder if this is the season. Brendan Rodgers doesn’t feel quite right either. It does look as if this might be his last season, because there’s been nothing to suggest that a new deal is close. That creates a little bit of vulnerability where Celtic are concerned.
“Derek McInnes seems to be in the right place at the right time this season, because the stars are aligning. Who knows? But certainly we’ll discuss the issues Celtic have at the minute, and the issues Rangers have as well.
“But when you look at Hearts, you don’t see any reason why they can’t keep progressing and picking up results. Six games into the season, they’ve already scored 15 goals. Celtic, by comparison, have only scored eight.”
Jackson is right to highlight Hearts’ progress, but suggesting Rodgers is fading already underplays the Irishman’s pedigree. Celtic have been here before, facing questions in September only to pull away as the season develops.
McInnes, meanwhile, has never shown he can take a team beyond being “best of the rest.” His track record is defined by near misses rather than breakthroughs. To suggest he is suddenly positioned to break Glasgow’s dominance is a stretch.
Bloom’s investment is the real story at Hearts. With resources and infrastructure, the club can build on their solid base. But it’s his influence, not McInnes, that carries the weight of credibility.
Celtic may not have hit top gear yet, but history shows this side grows stronger as the season wears on. If Jackson wants to talk about staleness, it’s worth remembering how often premature claims of Celtic’s decline have ended up being recycled year after year.
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