Former Celtic hero Peter Grant has thrown his weight behind Brendan Rodgers’ comments on Celtic’s financial stability, dismissing Rangers manager Philippe Clement’s excuse making about his club’s of financial muscle.

Clement had claimed that Rangers were not in Celtic’s league financially, but Grant, speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, was quick to highlight how similar claims were unheard of during his playing days.

Grant, who played for Celtic during the 1980s and 1990s, pointed out that Rangers were miles ahead in financial clout during that era, signing world-class players under Graeme Souness and Walter Smith. However, no one at Celtic blamed defeats on financial disparity back then.

“I agree with [Brendan Rodgers] 100 per cent,” Grant said. “Nobody said anything when Souness came in in 86-87 or through the 90s. Never once, when we lost to Rangers or whatever, did anyone say it was financially because they were stronger.

“They had better players, big players—the captain of England came in at the time. So financially, they were on a different planet from us, but every game you take them on, you can give them a punch in the nose, and we did that at times.”

Celtic’s Organic Growth

Brendan Rodgers recently praised Celtic as a well-run club, highlighting that their financial success is the result of decades of prudent management and organic growth. The club’s strong position is in stark contrast to the financial chaos that almost saw Celtic go under in the mid-90s.

Grant echoed those sentiments, stressing that managers at clubs like Celtic and Rangers must avoid excuses, no matter the circumstances.

“I thought it was silly for Clement, to be perfectly honest. You can never make excuses when you’re a Celtic or a Rangers manager,” he said. “Even if you’re thinking it deep down, you cannot say that.”

Lessons from the Past

Grant also reflected on the difficulties Celtic faced during the 90s, a time when Rangers were dominating Scottish football. Despite the clear financial gulf, Grant insisted that the Hoops’ focus was always on competing fiercely rather than lamenting their lack of resources.

“I can never remember once a Celtic manager coming out and saying it was because Rangers were financially better off than us, and I thought that was a silly statement,” Grant added. “He obviously wasn’t here in the 80s and 90s when it was tough to take.”

Clement’s Interviews Under Fire

In a pointed critique, Grant suggested that Clement’s handling of the media may be undermining his credibility as Rangers manager.

“I think he’s still learning, and sometimes that’s what kills him—his interviews,” Grant said. “I thought he started off very well, but I think he’s got poorer.”

For Celtic, the focus remains on the pitch, where their financial prudence and strong squad depth continue to pay dividends. Meanwhile, Clement’s comments have left some questioning whether Rangers’ current struggles are down to more than just money.