The narrative heading into the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership season surrounded a big question – could Celtic equal Rangers’ tally of 55 league titles?
However, many people believe the mere suggestion that Celtic are one behind their Glasgow rivals is a desperate attempt to ignore history.
For anyone with short memories, it is worth noting that Rangers went into liquidation in 2012. A new club was formed using the same name which entered the Scottish pyramid.
People of a blue persuasion have naturally attempted to airbrush the financial issues out of the equation by claiming the new club is still Rangers. Most Celtic fans disagree.
If we are prepared to pander to the desperation, Celtic will ‘equal the record’ by clinching their 55th title this season. Online sportsbooks rate them as a banker bet to get the job done.
All of the platforms reviewed by CheekyPunter rate the Hoops as odds-on favourites to claim top spot at the end of the campaign and it is impossible to argue with that viewpoint.
For fans who view things through a more factual prism, winning the Scottish Premiership this season would actually make it 55-1 to Celtic in the all-time title standings.
Putting aside the historical debate, what cannot be argued is the fact that Celtic are the dominant force in the new-fangled Glasgow derby.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has claimed that Celtic are ‘financially out of our league’ – a viewpoint that will amuse people who love irony.
Hiding behind finances is a lazy stance to adopt, particularly when considering the revenue Rangers have generated since they were formed in 2012.
Aberdeen and Scotland legend Willie Miller summed things up after Celtic won the Scottish League Cup in December, describing them as ‘the best team in the land’.
Rangers produced their best form on that occasion while Celtic were not quite at their best, yet the result ultimately continued the latter’s ongoing dominance.
Captain Callum McGregor gave Rangers credit for their performance after the game, before brutally explaining why Celtic picked up yet another piece of silverware.
“The performance wasn’t great, so we had to grind it out,” McGregor said. “We had to hold our nerve. Even when you’re not perfect, you can still win. Dig in. Find something extra.”
Finding ways to win has become ingrained in Celtic – their mental strength is admirable and far outstrips anything Rangers are able to muster.
While Rangers cling to their pre-liquidation history like a comfort blanket, they are simply not in the same ballpark as Celtic.
An impressive tally of 119 trophies since the club was founded in 1888 is a measure of the genuine history Celtic have established during their existence.
Some outlets claim this puts them one ahead of Rangers in the all-time standings, which brings us neatly back to the initial point about ‘narrative’ and ‘air brushing’.
Whichever way you dissect things, Celtic are well on course to continue their dominance over Rangers for the foreseeable future.
Former Scotland striker Kris Boyd arguably summed things up best after the Scottish League Cup final, claiming that Rangers still have plenty of problems to address.
“The era I was brought up and the team I played with, you wanted to win,” Boyd said. “You wanted to be the team that’s the leader.
“I watched the Rangers players – obviously they wanted to win, but because you put on a decent performance doesn’t mean it is acceptable losing.
“The reality is, Brendan Rodgers left Hampden Park with another trophy. He left Hampden having beaten Philippe Clement again and he’s the happier manager.”
Boyd’s comments undoubtedly speak volumes about the gap between the two clubs. Another couple of trophies this season would hammer the point home.
