Celtic have been urged to take serious notice of developments across the city as Rangers’ new ownership structure begins to take shape, with former Peterborough player Russell Martin stepping in as head coach and the financial backing of 49ers Enterprises now confirmed.
Martin, who arrives on a three-year deal after his spell at Southampton, will be tasked with rebuilding a Rangers squad that finished 17 points adrift of Brendan Rodgers’ champions last season. His appointment comes on the heels of a wider shake-up at Ibrox, with the American-based investment group now officially at the helm, signalling a potentially significant shift in direction for the club.
Peterborough United chairman and outspoken Celtic supporter Darragh MacAnthony did not shy away from what he believes the changes will mean at Ibrox. With Martin’s character and credentials well known to him from their time together at London Road, MacAnthony believes this could mark a turning point in the title race dynamics.
He said: (talkSPORT), “But the problem there is with Celtic’s dominance and whatever else, you could be on a hiding to nothing if you don’t deliver. That would be my only worry. The demands.
“Even though Rangers are now under new ownership and have some brilliant people going in there. Massive. Some serious people.
“I’m a Celtic fan but at the end of the day, this is trouble for Celtic. With the money that is going to go in there at Rangers and now got this manager. This is going to be interesting.
“I think this could get Brendan on his toes. It might be what Celtic need. I am looking forward to seeing how it plays out.“
Celtic fans have grown used to success under Rodgers, who led the Hoops to another league title in convincing fashion. But with Rangers now restructuring behind the scenes and reportedly set to invest, the champions may have a genuine fight on their hands if Martin hits the ground running.
Rodgers has kept Celtic on top, but a stronger Rangers could push the Hoops to raise their level again. What Celtic do in the summer window and how they start the new season might matter even more now that big changes are happening at Ibrox.
With pre-season approaching and squads beginning to take shape, all eyes will be on how both clubs move in the transfer market. Celtic’s response to the shake-up at Ibrox could define the early narrative of the new season, and set the tone for what promises to be an exciting season for the Hoops.
