'Key to Everything' - Andy Walker issues signings verdict as Rangers left behind by Celtic

Celtic have a financial advantage over Rangers which is “key to everything” ahead of the new season, according to Andy Walker.

The former Hoops striker told BBC Sportsound that he expected Brendan Rodgers to get some new signings done and as long as they do the Light Blues will struggle to compete with the “financial muscle” at Parkhead.

Rangers not being able to play at Ibrox and the uncertainty surrounding where their home fixtures will be held to start the new campaign is also tipped to increase the difficulties.

He said, via Football Scotland (6 July): “I think Celtic have got an advantage because they are a better team. They are a well-oiled machine and I’m sure they’ll get a few signings in the bag before the season kicks off. They’ve got a number of positions that they want to strengthen.

“Brendan Rodgers has come in and I thought did really well towards the end of the season when it looked as though the league might slip away. As long as they get the players in, they’ve got a financial advantage, a financial muscle that Rangers are struggling to compete with.

“I think that’s the key to everything. Obviously it doesn’t help if you’re not playing in familiar surroundings and whether it’s Hampden or Murrayfield, you’ll just lose a bit of an edge to your game I think.”

Ibrox mess piles on top of Rangers financial uphill battle

The financial gulf between the two Old Firm rivals is a self-perpetuating issue at Ibrox and continues to make the challenge of addressing it greater each season.

While the Light Blues’ failure to secure the Scottish Premiership title keeps seeing managers sacked and players leave for little or nothing the opposite is true at Parkhead as Champions League cash and higher exit fees result.

The significance of Philippe Clement’s side fighting back to take the initiative in the title race only to throw it away late in the season can’t be underestimated.

And the Belgian will not be pleased that his summer work to restock the squad with his comparatively reduced financial backing may be undercut by the delayed building work at Ibrox.

He can slightly content himself with the fact that Hamza Igamane’s arrival this week is the seventh signing made already by Rangers, if Mohamed Diomande’s loan being made permanent is included.

Conversely Rodgers has yet to bring any reinforcements in, but it will necessarily make it easier to address that in a shorter timeframe with the greater finances than it would be for Clement.

But that doesn’t mean it is impossible to overturn the balance of power in Scotland as the early months of Clement’s reign suggested, although the margin for error is reduced.

In other Rangers news, the Light Blues are now expected to take an “acceptable bid” for a senior man who had “pass marks” from last season.

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