Chris Sutton has weighed in on the managerial chaos at Ibrox, offering a surprising take on the title race while acknowledging the scale of the task awaiting Rangers’ next boss.
With Steven Gerrard now the frontrunner to return to the Rangers dugout, Sutton’s comments will raise a few eyebrows – particularly among Celtic fans.
Talks are to be had on Thursday, as Rangers look to appoint a manager with a top, top record.
His one trophy in nine in Scotland, nearly, just nearly, outshines the fact he wears a navy suit and brown brogues.
Chris Sutton said on the RecordSport podcast: “The new Rangers manager, who ever it is, can look at it a couple of ways. What is he taking over, for a start? That would be a concern.
“Then you look across the city and ask, how strong are Celtic? The gap is nine points at this moment in time – and obviously you have Hearts up there right now.
“But I honestly don’t think that it’s impossible for Rangers to win the league this season. I’m basing that on what I’ve seen from Celtic this season. January is the big unknown, of course.
“Celtic just need to concentrate and put their own house in order and win games and try and get a rhythm and momentum.
“The new Rangers manager will go in and say, this squad isn’t good enough. I know there’s just been a big overhaul at Ibrox and lots of players coming in, but their squad isn’t good enough.”
While it’s an eyebrow-raising claim from Sutton, it also doubles as a scathing assessment of Celtic’s early season form. The Hoops currently sit two points behind league leaders Hearts, having endured a series of goalless draws and missed opportunities. The late win over Motherwell before the break offered some relief, but Brendan Rodgers himself has admitted performances aren’t hitting the mark.
Sutton’s remarks stress the key point that the January window could be decisive. Celtic’s failure to act decisively in the summer has already left them vulnerable. If they don’t reinforce – and Rangers get their next appointment right – the league race could yet have some twists.
But for now, it’s advantage Celtic.
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