How Rangers takeover impacts Celtic as Monday Jury predict Dermot Desmond reaction

Daily Record

2 days ago

Rangers are under new ownership - but should that worry Celtic?
KEITH JACKSON: It's certainly something they'll be keeping an eye on. But the champions are in a strong position with bags of cash in the bank, an elite manager and a squad which has become a trophy winning machine. Dermot Desmond will plan on keeping it that way.
ANDY NEWPORT: Worried? No. But they should be taking note. Rangers have been a shambles on and off the pitch for a generation. Now there is scope for major improvements but Celtic are a long way ahead. If the Hoops continue moving forward the job of catching them will only be harder for the new Ibrox regime.
MICHAEL GANNON: It shouldn't worry Celtic. It should be welcomed. The lack of a proper challenge has led to things going a tad stale on the home front. This should sharpen the senses in the long term.
CRAIG SWAN: Celtic have to worry about themselves and not what anyone else is doing. If they strengthen again, they are still the team to beat.
Davide Ancelotti or Russell Martin, who will excite the Ibrox faithful most as boss?
KEITH: Ancelotti is the clear fans' favourite even though the Italian hasn't got a single game under his managerial belt. There's a bit of stardust about his background and family name while Martin is still recovering from a disastrous season in the Premier League at Southampton.
ANDY: Ancelotti likely but let's be honest, hiring the Italian is as much a risk as taking on guy who has just been punted from one of the Premier League's worst ever teams. The Ibrox faithful have every right to question why the new owners have not pursued more experienced operators with better track records.
MICHAEL: Rangers fans will lean towards Ancelotti because of his background but Martin might be the better fit to cope with the demands of the domestic game, which is where Gers need to get their act together.
CRAIG: Hard to speak on behalf of the Rangers fanbase. It's an individual thing. You'd guess Ancelotti due to his dad, but best ask the punters.
Rangers are preparing for an overhaul this summer but do you expect much change to the Celtic squad?
KEITH: Brendan Rodgers was already looking to raise the bar again this summer before the Americans came to town.
A new striker, at least one winger, a midfielder and centre half will be on his wish list. The changes across the city might mean he's given more money to recruit them than he had originally anticipated.
ANDY: They certainly need reinforcements, even if it's just to stave off a staleness creeping into Rodgers' group. A new centre-forward is the priority but they also need additions out wide, in midfield and in the centre of defence. A successor for Kasper Schmeichel wouldn't go amiss either.
MICHAEL: It could be a big summer. Celtic need three or four in minimum but there's a feeling one or two big hitters might go and that will mean a bigger rebuilding job.
CRAIG: Celtic will freshen up, no doubt. Brendan Rodgers has key areas to address and that work will have started long ago, regardless of what is happening at Ibrox. Kieran Tierney being a case in point.
Ross County are standing by Don Cowie despite being relegated to the Championship - do you expect to see the Staggies bouncing back at the first attempt?
KEITH: Good on them for sticking with Cowie. They'll have their work cut out trying to get straight back up next season but will probably have the biggest budget in the second tier. That should put them in pole position for promotion.
ANDY: Roy MacGregor isn't shy to open the purse strings when cash is required and I expect to see the County chairman backing Cowie with the funds required to build a promotion-winning team.
MICHAEL: County will be favourites to win promotion as Cowie will get backed in the transfer market. It's a tough league to escape though and the likes of Dunfermline, Ayr, Raith Rovers and Patrick Thistle will be pushing.