Rangers have bigger problems to worry about than Celtic 9IAR

Huge decisions lie ahead for Rangers, Steven Gerrard and Scottish football as the reality begins to sink in that this season is likely over.

This week follows the last in being hugely decisive for Scottish football. As decisions will be made by UEFA, in club boardrooms, committees and by managers. These decisions may not play out well out well for Rangers for who call Ibrox home.

Dundee’s yes vote eventually meant the directors’ written resolution had passed with more than 80% support from clubs. This allowed the SPFL to draw a line and close down the leagues below the Premiership. Titles were rightfully awarded, and relegations remain open as talks get underway about restructuring leagues. This might yet save Hearts and Partick Thistle in particular. Prize money has now been distributed and gratefully received, with around £1.8 million paid to clubs in the Championship and Leagues One and Two.

The vote also created a precedent the SPFL board can use to determine the conclusion of the Premiership. That’s where more huge decisions await. A UEFA meeting on Thursday, 23 April will discuss their views on next steps for the ending of this season. It will be pivotal in providing clarity to the SPFL and about Celtic being declared as champions, and of course the other league placings.

Rangers appear to be desperate for the 2nd place prize money. Although applying their theory that it’s unjust to assume 2nd place could be partially correct, as Stephen Robinson at Motherwell pointed out. His team, mathematically,  could still pip them for second and push Rangers into third.

But whatever the prize money, however and whenever the league finishes, clubs will have to plan very carefully for their survival over the coming weeks. Celtic have enough cash and alternative income streams to ride out the storm. Others may need to budget even more carefully than usual to get by. Rangers though must surely have critical decisions to take around how they can survive.

They had already flagged up that more investment was needed to reach the season end before the novel coronavirus impacts. They’d already indicated they needed alternative plans for that as their chairman went South taking a potential, even if unlikely, source of funds with him. It’s public knowledge that Rangers face the outcome of a couple of court cases and are awaiting judgement on a likely to be hefty payment to Mike Ashley’s group.

All of that to consider with income slashed, no kit deal and still indicating a possible return to court as, in a recent update, the Rangers board  “continue to examine all legal options available” if they can’t get satisfaction over their concerns on the recent vote.

Which bleak outlook surely, in conjunction with the dramatic last couple of months on the pitch, would leave you wondering where Rangers manager Steven Gerrard’s mind is about his future. Has he taken Rangers as far as he can with the resources which were available this season? Could he better this no trophy season next time when funds may be even more restricted? He’ll definitely have to consider the impact of a second season with Rangers on his potential career back down south.

Big decisions all round. We can very likely expect more statements this week.