Gerrard, Rae and McCoist are set to be embarrassed by Celtic

After the historic second nine in a row title win, Celtic’s attention and focus is now on 10IAR. And it will mean further embarrasment for some.

Are there real doubts or just nervous anticipation from Celtic fans? We’ll look at how it is very much there to be won to the huge embarrassment of everyone at the Rangers.

Other than the usual, bluster and end/pre season summer confidence – how scared are the Ibrox worshipping people? Many of them along with some media so-called experts are still grappling with the hard unarguable fact that Celtic delivered the first 9 in a row run of league titles back in 1974. Some unbelievably think Rangers did it first, not a chance, they were again second to be best. Sure,  Rangers managed to equal nine, but with that fantastic league win under Wim Jansen in 1988 the hoops stopped their 10. A magnificent achievement!

Which makes this week’s second 9 in a row quite stunning. Many thought we’d never achieve this. But we’re here, the team have delivered superbly. And as Neil Lennon himself admitted to the BBC.

"“The supporters are talking about 10, and we can now go for the 10.”"

So it’s official, the ten is on. We can think about it properly. The Rangers fans have been thinking about it for a while now. It worries them and occupies their minds through day and night. They’ll never get over our European Cup, it’s what drove them to go bust in 2012. Trying to achieve their dream, to be as good as Celtic and have a proper reason for a star on their shirts. They know that’s an unachievable dream now, in fact qualifying for the tournament is almost impossible for them.

So a Celtic 10 in a row is pretty much their worst nightmare. Bragging rights for a league title last a while. Bragging rights for 10 in a row would endure relentlessly for years, perhaps for ever. They can shout about asterisks all they like. As indeed McCoist and Rae have been doing consistently.  Their angst and fear is easy To see every time they speak on the topic.

Can it be done though? Are there real questions and issues which make it unachievable?

Will the Rangers have the players, the management team, the finances and the ability to put up a real,  season long challenge for 2020/2021? All of that is unknown for sure today. Realistically, it’s hard to envisage significant improvement in any aspect, especially given the impacts of coronavirus on an already unstable financial base. They may dream of haggling a Hagi, they might have to pay up instalments for Kent, they might find other bargain basement players. Their fans see them as the mighty Gers. Everyone else just sees that they might do this and might do that.

Barry Ferguson is busy with the usual end of season solution. Rangers need to get the cheque book out. Spend some money. Aye Barry, of course, but then your bankruptcy does suggest a firm grasp on budgeting isn’t quite your style. Spending what you haven’t got is what leads to administration or liquidation. The evidence is there, even with the blue blinkers on you can still see that bit of history.

But, and be afraid now Celtic fans, we do know the Rangers will have new, cutting edge, technology based, trophy winning shirts from Castore.  A new business by two blokes in Liverpool expanding quickly. And all we’ll have is Adidas to fight back with.

We’ve already identified the three top things Celtic need to do to secure 9 in a row. But looking at the squad overall, Celtic have top class players, a nine in a row champions squad not yet near its peak. Players like Frimpong and Edouard are still young and learning their game. Fraser Forster and Scott Brown bring incredible experience and strength.

There’s a very sound signing and development policy and while money might affect our future approach, the recent financial statement was pretty positive despite the way the football world is currently. There is a strong board at Parkhead, Peter Lawwell is incredibly experienced in football. Whereas at Ibrox it might feel like an episode of ‘on the buses’ at times.

The hoops squad have tasted success. Some have had it every season, others like Christopher Jullien are experiencing that feeling for the first time, and relishing it. They all want more.

Neil Lennon is up for it and proving to be a great and experienced manager. Gerrard probably benefited from coronavirus, it diverted attention being drawn even more to his slip ups. Not many of the Ibrox managers survive in the role this long without a trophy. Only his reputation and some Europa League results allow him to cling on. And the question still remains over whether he’ll risk his reputation with another likely failed season to his name in Scotland. Who’d want to be the one who couldn’t stop the 10? Maybe an exit to England will beckon if an opportunity arises or finances aren’t there to buy even average players for those premium shirts.

Jim Spence, Dundee based sportswriter sees Celtic’s future dominance pretty simply.

Any 10iar doubts are not Celtics. They will take each game as and when it comes. They already have a second 9iar. All the pressure shifts to Gerrard and Rangers, the players, whoever is on the merry go round of a board and now the kit maker too! All the doubts are on what they can do and what they can afford in a coronavirus struggle for existence.

Can Celtic do 10? Of course. Any doubts? Not for Celtic, bring it on.

For those regular voices called to speak with half a mind and a blue focus on the media, Alex Rae, Ally McCoist, Barry Ferguson and Steven Gerrard if he stays, it’s going to be an awfully hard and embarrassing time for them.