You wouldn’t get Neil Lennon, Ange Postecoglou doing that” – Andy Walker reveals what the Board and Brendan Rodgers agreed on that has now given Celtic a wider gap compared to Rangers ahead of League Cup final

Celtic have been the dominant force in Scottish football for the better part of two decades, bar the odd season. Their trophy cabinet boasts an array of silverware, including trebles that have set new standards for the club’s supporters.

Trailing behind them are Rangers, who, since 2012, have played second fiddle in all but one campaign. Despite their struggles, the Ibrox club have often been seen as Celtic’s closest challengers.

However, this season feels markedly different. Celtic’s financial muscle has propelled them to a level far beyond not only Rangers but every other team in Scotland.

Former Celtic striker Andy Walker has noted the growing disparity. Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, Walker suggested that the gap between the two Glasgow giants is wider than ever.

Celtic at a ‘Different Level’ from Rangers

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 01: Celtic’s Daizen Maeda celebrates after scoring to make it 1-0 during a William Hill Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park, on September 01, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey/SNS Group via Getty Images)

“I just feel as though right now the gap’s never been as big for a long time,” said Walker.

“You read the financial results for Celtic, for Rangers, you just make the very quick comparison. Rangers have got between one and two million pounds in the bank.

“Celtic have got £77m in the bank. And I think for a long time, Celtic fans thought, Celtic are just going to spend enough to keep ahead of Rangers. But I think this summer was different and it had to be because of the manager.

“You wouldn’t get Ronny Deila, Neil Lennon, Ange Postecoglou spending that money. They wouldn’t have been, well, they weren’t allowed to, but Brendan Rodgers’ second time around, maybe it was one of the conversations that they had to spend at a different level.”

Summer Spending Spree

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Celtic’s Arne Engels celebrates scoring to make it 3-0 during a UEFA Champions League match between Celtic and SK Slovan Bratislava at Celtic Park, on September 18, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)

Celtic opened their chequebook during the summer, significantly bolstering their squad. While the debate continues over net spend, few can argue that the club made serious investments to strengthen key areas.

Here’s a breakdown of their summer signings:

Arne Engels – FC Augsburg – £11m

Adam Idah – Norwich City – £8.5m (potentially rising to £9.5m)

Auston Trusty – Sheffield United – £6m

Paulo Bernardo – SL Benfica – £3.5m

Luke McCowan – Dundee – £1m

Viljami Sinisalo – Aston Villa – £1m

Kasper Schmeichel – Anderlecht – free

Alex Valle – Barcelona – loan

Brendan Rodgers splashed £32m in total, and the results are beginning to show on the pitch.

With the January transfer window on the horizon, fans will undoubtedly be eager for the club to dip further into their £77m war chest.