Former Rangers manager Ally McCoist has said that the Gers need three to four new signings if they are going to pose a threat to Celtic next season.
The Light Blues trail their Glasgow rivals by 11 points in the Scottish Premiership and could see the Hoops complete their third successive domestic clean sweep, with the league title able to be won this weekend if results go their way and a Scottish Cup final against Hearts at the end of the season.
After a mass overhaul of the playing squad last summer, McCoist has insisted a handful of quality new arrivals could make the difference this time around, although admitted it could be half a dozen if James Tavernier and Alfredo Morelos leave.
He told the Daily Record: ” Rangers are a good bit off becoming the dominant force in Scottish
football but I hope it happens sooner rather than later. I would guess Steven Gerrard and Gary McAllister, who are very clever men, would know they’re not as close as Dave (King) maybe has suggested. He needs backing and I genuinely think he will be backed.
“I reckon they need three or four players and I don’t know if they’ll take money for Alfredo Morelos or James Tavernier. However, it’s all very well getting that money but you need to replace them because they’re two of the better players.
“It’s a massive summer for both clubs in terms of transfer activity. For Rangers to compete consistently with Celtic at the top of the league they need three or four players.”
Opinion
This has been the topic of conversation for the last couple of years but are Rangers really any closer to posing a threat to Celtic’s iron grip over Scottish football? In terms of performances, you could argue they are, having won one of the Old Firm clashes and fighting valiantly in defeat in the other. However, the only thing that truly matters is where they stand in the table and how much silverware they have at the end of the season. Right now, they are some way behind the Bhoys in challenging for the league title and they are going to end the campaign with nothing to show for their efforts. Four top quality signings could make a real difference but is it really enough to close the void between the two clubs? Celtic are also going to be busy trying to improve their squad this summer and so the Gers would have to improve significantly if they are going to be anywhere near their Glasgow rivals.