How Celtic Turned The Tables On Their Glasgow Rivals

Football rivalries are often fueled by history, passion, and a desire to outdo the opponent. The clashes between Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers have showcased all of these elements throughout the years. However, in recent seasons, Celtic has managed to turn the tables on their city rivals, establishing themselves as the dominant force in Scottish football.

A Shift in Power

For many years, Rangers held the upper hand in the Old Firm derbies, with a string of victories and league titles to their name. Their success was undeniable, and it seemed like Celtic was constantly playing catch-up. However, the tides began to turn in the early 2010s.

Celtic's appointment of Neil Lennon as manager in 2010 marked a turning point for the club. Under Lennon's leadership, the team quickly developed a winning mentality and implemented a more attacking style of play. The signing of influential players like Virgil van Dijk and Scott Brown further strengthened the squad, instilling a sense of unity and determination.

Fergus McCann Versus David Murray: How Celtic Turned the Tables on Their Glasgow Rivals

by Stephen O'Donnell(Kindle Edition)

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The Brendan Rodgers Era

In 2016, Celtic made a significant managerial change by appointing Brendan Rodgers. The Northern Irishman brought a wealth of top-level experience and a fresh approach to the club. Rodgers' impact was immediate, as Celtic went on to achieve an unbeaten domestic season in 2016-2017, winning all three major domestic trophies.

Under Rodgers' guidance, Celtic showcased an attacking prowess that left their rivals struggling to cope. The team played with a high intensity, pressing opponents relentlessly and overwhelming them with quick passing and fluid movement. Their dominance was evident, winning the league title in every season under Rodgers.

A Dominant Force

Celtic's success over the past decade has been underpinned by several factors. The club's ability to attract and retain top-tier talent has played a significant role. Players like Kieran Tierney and Odsonne Edouard have developed into stars at Celtic Park and attracted interest from major European clubs.

Tactical astuteness has also been a key component of Celtic's success. Managers like Lennon and Rodgers have implemented effective game plans that exploit opponents' weaknesses while maximizing the strengths of their own players. This meticulous preparation and attention to detail have allowed Celtic to dominate games and consistently achieve positive results.

Rangers' Response

Rangers, on the other hand, have struggled to match Celtic's success. Financial difficulties and on-field setbacks saw them languishing in the lower divisions for a period of time. However, the appointment of Steven Gerrard as manager in 2018 brought renewed hope to the Ibrox faithful.

Gerrard's arrival injected a sense of belief and determination into the Rangers squad. The team has since become more competitive in the Old Firm derbies, challenging Celtic for the top spot in the Scottish Premiership. The rivalry between the two clubs has been reignited, and fans are eagerly awaiting the showdowns between these traditional powerhouses.

The Future

As the Old Firm rivalry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Celtic can maintain their dominance or if Rangers can stage a comeback. Both clubs are deeply embedded in the fabric of Scottish football and have passionate fan bases that demand success.

Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that Celtic's ability to turn the tables on their Glasgow rivals is a testament to the club's resilience, ambition, and commitment to success. Their ascent to the top has not only reaffirmed their status as one of Scottish football's powerhouses but has also added another dynamic layer to one of football's fiercest rivalries.

Fergus McCann Versus David Murray: How Celtic Turned the Tables on Their Glasgow Rivals

by Stephen O'Donnell(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4994 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	353 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Fergus McCann Versus David Murray charts the changing fortunes of Glasgow's two great footballing rivals as shaped by two business moguls. Both men came to prominence in the 1990s when new methods of governance and finance were taking hold of football. At the start of the decade, under Murray's chairmanship, Rangers were the dominant force and the club went on to win a record-equalling nine consecutive league titles. Their success, however, was built on an extravagant spending strategy, which caused a financial catastrophe. Celtic, by contrast, were struggling in the early 1990s, thanks to a complacent and nepotistic board of directors. But McCann took charge of the club in 1994 and turned things around. The new owner left Parkhead having won the league, rebuilt the stadium and left his shares in the hands of supporters. It was Murray, however, who was lauded in the media throughout his tenure at Ibrox, while McCann was chastised. Ultimately, though, their legacies would be utterly different from those misleading media portrayals.