Ibrox View: Rangers and Celtic face new SPFL challenge, realistic risk of duopoly being broken

Rangers and Celtic have every reason to worry should Tony Bloom put his money into Hearts as it could break the duopoly in the SPFL.

This comes after Edinburgh News reported on 17 September that Bloom was in talks with the SPFL outfit over a potential £10million investment.

If it goes through, Hearts will begin to use the same recruitment methods that have helped Brighton climb up the ranks in the Premier League.

Kris Boyd sends warning to Rangers and Celtic

Kris Boyd echoed the same views as he told Sky Sports, as quoted by Football Scotland on 18 September: “I think this is an interesting one for Scottish football. Hearts won’t be on the same page as Brighton in terms of recruitment, but you look at Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium and their rise from the first division under Tony Bloom.

“They’ve caused problems for the big ones, so if I’m Rangers and Celtic, I’m worried about his appointment. Tony Bloom is a shrewd, shrewd man. You look at the job he’s doing at Brighton and the influence he’s had a USG in Belgium – if I’m Hearts, I’m biting your hand off. The recruitment side could be a lot, lot better.

“Hearts are an attractive club who can get in players that can go and challenge Celtic and Rangers. As I said, if I were Rangers or Celtic, I would be worried about this one. There is potential for Hearts to go and challenge Rangers and Celtic. This could be a big thing for Scottish football.”

Rangers and Celtic are at risk of losing their duopoly over Scottish football

Bloom’s strategy with Brighton and Union Saint-Gilloise demonstrates an ability to bridge competitive gaps through sophisticated recruitment and data analytics, challenging established giants.

In Scotland, where the difference in squad quality and financial muscle between the Old Firm and other clubs isn’t insurmountable, his investment could refine Hearts’ recruitment, potentially leading them to compete more effectively for top talent or unearth undervalued players.

This shift could destabilise the duopoly by enhancing Hearts’ on-pitch performance and within a few seasons, if things are done well behind the scenes, they could be battling for top honours.

The fear for the Glasgow giants lies in their long-standing dominance being threatened, not just by increased competition on the field but by a strategic approach that could redefine the competitive landscape in Scottish football.

Both clubs would welcome Bloom with open arms but his approach has seldom been towards targeting the strongest sides but rather the one that’s showing untapped potential.

In other Rangers news, a claim has emerged on a replacement for James Tavernier at Ibrox when he leaves.

For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post Ibrox View: Rangers and Celtic face new SPFL challenge, realistic risk of duopoly being broken appeared first on Ibrox News.