Rangers boss Steven Gerrard on the touchline (Getty Images)
With 54 Scottish top league titles already glistening away in the trophy room at Ibrox Park, Glasgow Rangers are the most successful team in Scottish football. With more than 60 domestic trophies and a European Cup Winners Cup present on the list of achievements, the Govan giants rate as one of the most successful and decorated teams in the world.
Despite the dizzy heights of their glory days, Glasgow Rangers haven’t won the Scottish title since 2011. That’s a lifetime for a support who had become accustomed to celebrating success. There’s a generation of Gers fans who have never seen their team win a trophy but all that is about to change. The success of Steven Gerrard’s side this season means it’s not
a case of will they win the league but when they win it.
Betting experts the world over know it. Maryland gambling sites to London bookies offer Rangers as short-priced favourites. The question that dominates the thinking of every football fan is now where and when will the 10-year wait end?
The 2020/21 campaign was a monumental one for Old Firm rivals Rangers and Celtic. Having dominated Scottish football in recent times – first in the absence of Gers and then as their neighbours found their feet back in the top league – The Bhoys were aiming for a historic 10 league in-a-row. Both Celtic and Rangers had won nine on the bounce previously.
Double figures was the record and Celts wanted it. For Gers, the focus was not only stopping the 10 but securing their slice of history – a record 55 league medals. The scene was set for a dramatic season. Steven Gerrard in blue versus Neil Lennon in green.
The only downside, supporters were locked out of games due to COVID-19 restrictions in the UK but ask either set of supporters if they would sacrifice their attendance for the title and they’d in the positive without hesitation. In the football city of Glasgow and the two-horse race that is Scottish football second is nothing.
The campaign has gone according to plan for Rangers and couldn’t have worked out any worse for Celtic. Gers sit top of the league after 28 games with their stats showing an unbeaten record of 24 wins against four draws. The 76 points collected leaves Celtic in their shadows, trailing on 58 points.
It’s not mathematically impossible for Celtic to win the league, but we’re close to it. Gers are flying, edging closer to the prize with the passing of every game. They haven’t lost a game so far and have beaten Celtic twice. To allow their rivals back in they’d need to stumble through an extended losing run, going down in both remaining derbies.
Stranger things have happened in football, but Rangers fans have already stocked up on their party gear. Red, white, and blue smoke bombs are selling fast, as are inflatable sharks, bowler hats and just about everything with a union flag emblazoned on it.
There has even been an online campaign to raise enough funds to book the Red Arrows to fly over Glasgow on the day the title is won. But when will that be? It’s difficult to book an air show worth thousands without a set date.
There are currently 10 league games left of the season with two Old Firm derbies still to play, the next scheduled for Celtic Park. Could Rangers clinch the trophy at the home of their great rivals? Fans are no fans, that would certainly rub salt into the wounds.
It’s looking like that’s what will happen. If Rangers and Celtic win each of their games between now and the Old Firm showdown the league leaders would cross the line in the east end of the city. If Rangers win their games and Celtic drop points Gers would arrive at Parkhead with 55 already in the bag.
The latter throws up another possibility. Would Celtic give their opponents a guard of honour? Don’t hold your breath on that one.