Martin O’Neill has given Rangers a brutal reality check as they look to compete with Celtic under Russell Martin.
Brendan Rodgers’ team won the Scottish Premiership title for the fourth consecutive time, with the Gers struggling to get anywhere near them.
After an inconsistent campaign under Philippe Clement, the Light Blues decided to appoint Barry Ferguson as interim manager in February, but even the ex-Scotland international struggled to bring defensive solidity to the team.
Martin has a tough task on his hands at Ibrox, and the magnitude of the challenge has been laid bare.
Rangers away form a reason for title drought at Ibrox
O’Neill feels the Gers are “totally incapable” of winning games away from home where they’re expected to get the three points.
The ex-Celtic boss feels that while the Light Blues have shown they can compete with the Hoops in a one-off game, they aren’t consistent enough.
O’Neill feels the Bears’ inability to beat relatively weaker opposition has led to a title drought at Ibrox.
| Competition (2024/25) | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| Premier League | 16 | 1 | 2 | 13 |
Speaking on talkSPORT (13 June, 10:08), the Northern Irishman said: “Rangers have not been winning for a considerable time. They’ve not been winning consistently. Over one particular game, as they proved [this] season, they can actually match Celtic on a one-to-one.
“But they are totally incapable of going away from home and winning matches that they would be expected to win. They can’t tough it out, and that’s been their problem for quite a number of years.”
Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises must change Ibrox culture under Martin
Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises have pledged significant investment in the Gers this summer to support the new manager.
Martin has a specific style of play that has involved his teams in the past playing out from the back, and it will be interesting to see the ex-Southampton boss’ approach in Glasgow.
The 39-year-old head coach enjoyed a successful season with the Saints in the Championship, but that style didn’t translate in the Premier League, leading to his sacking.
Kevin Thelwell must build a Rangers team capable of competing with Celtic this summer, and the Ibrox faithful will arguably have no patience to see another trophyless campaign.
Rodgers has built a dominant side at Parkhead, but the Gers have shown in moments that their Old Firm rivals aren’t infallible.
The US consortium will undoubtedly want to win things at the Light Blues and see their investment bear fruit, but Martin should be backed in the summer transfer window for that to happen.
Only time will tell whether the Scottish manager will be a success at Ibrox as the Bears look to knock Celtic off their perch.
