Old Firm News

06/09/2024

Celtic FC is buzzing to announce a mid-season friendly that will see Brendan and the Bhoys cross the Irish Sea to face Sligo Rovers next month! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 9 (KO: 7:30pm), as the Hoops head to The Showgrounds, just a stone’s throw from the birthplace of Celtic’s founder, Brother Walfrid—a match practically written in the stars!

For the lucky Season Ticket holders, you’ve got first dibs! There’s an exclusive window to grab tickets on the Sligo Rovers website, open now until 5pm on September 10. So, check your emails and get in there quick! If you miss out, don’t worry—general tickets go on sale at 10am on September 11.

And let’s be honest, with the league looking like it’ll be wrapped up earlier than expected, this mid-season friendly is the perfect way to keep the lads on their toes. It’s shaping up to be more than just a friendly—it’s a chance to see the Hoops in action, show some love to our Irish neighbours, and maybe even enjoy a pint or two!

06/09/2024

Steven Gerrard's connection to Rangers remains as strong as ever, despite his move to manage Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. The former Rangers boss, who famously led the club to their 2021 Premiership title and stopped Celtic's run of nine consecutive championships, recently took to Instagram to express his desire for a framed picture of the lyrics to "The Blue Sea of Ibrox"—a song that holds deep meaning for the Ibrox faithful. His post, which included the caption "I need this picture" alongside a union jack emoji, has stirred emotions among fans.

Although Gerrard left Rangers for Aston Villa in 2021, his connection to the Glasgow club never faded. Now managing in the Saudi Pro League with a reported £15.2 million-a-year contract, Gerrard extended his stay until 2027. Yet, his recent social media post highlights the emotional link he still holds to Rangers, and fans can’t help but wonder if a return could be in the cards, especially with the club in need of fresh leadership.

While a reunion remains speculative, Gerrard's latest nod to the club has reignited hope that one day he could return to Ibrox for another chapter.

03/08/2024

Glasgow Rangers kicked off their first away game of the new SPFL season with a goalless draw at Tynecastle against Hearts. Under manager Philippe Clement, Rangers showed a solid defense in the first half, managing to keep Hearts at bay despite their efforts to score. However, the team struggled to find their rhythm offensively, a problem that has carried over from last season.

In the second half, Rangers displayed better form but still lacked the decisive finishing touch needed to secure a win. The absence of Danilo, who remained on the bench, was noticeable and could have potentially altered the game's outcome in the closing minutes.

While a draw away from home is a fair result for both teams, it highlights the areas Rangers need to improve as they continue to build under Clement. The upcoming match against Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday night will be a significant test for the squad. Hearts, on the other hand, will regroup and prepare to face Dundee next Saturday, aiming for their first win of the campaign.

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21/07/2024

Matt O'Riley scored twice as Celtic dominated DC United with a 4-0 victory at Audi Field. The 23-year-old Denmark midfielder opened the scoring and added another goal before half-time, setting a strong pace for the visitors. His performance was a standout, demonstrating his skill and potential impact for the upcoming season.

New signing Viljami Sinisalo replaced Scott Bain as goalkeeper at half-time, providing a glimpse of his abilities between the posts. Wingers Mikey Johnston and James Forrest each added a goal to secure the comprehensive win, highlighting the depth and versatility of Brendan Rodgers' squad.

Brendan Rodgers' side continues their pre-season American tour with a friendly against Manchester City in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on Tuesday, followed by a match against Chelsea in Notre Dame, Indiana, on Saturday. Celtic have looked impressive in their pre-season games so far, showing solid defense and a dynamic attack. They will aim to keep their winning momentum going in these upcoming high-profile matches, which will serve as valuable tests against top-tier competition ahead of the regular season.

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21/07/2024

Rangers faced a 2-0 defeat against Manchester United in a pre-season friendly at Murrayfield in Edinburgh. The match served as an opportunity for Rangers, under the guidance of Philippe Clement, to focus on building match fitness, with the majority of the starting XI playing for over 70 minutes.

Former Rangers loanee Amad Diallo was instrumental in United's win, opening the scoring in the first half. He showcased his talent by outplaying new Rangers signing Jefte, cutting inside and finishing with finesse. United's second goal came from Joe Hugill, who capitalized on a midfield error to seal the victory.

The game highlighted areas for improvement for Rangers as they continue their pre-season preparations. Looking ahead, Rangers will now set their sights on a trip to Germany to face Union Berlin on the 27th of July.

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17/07/2024

Finnish goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo has joined Celtic for their pre-season trip to the United States, spotted at Glasgow Airport in club training gear. The 22-year-old, joining from Aston Villa, is expected to compete with Kasper Schmeichel for the No. 1 spot, with the Dane likely to sign in the coming days.

Celtic are also busy in the transfer market, aiming to secure a permanent deal for Paulo Bernardo after his impressive loan spell from Benfica last season. Additionally, they are targeting Adam Idah from Norwich City to boost their attacking options.

This active transfer strategy shows Celtic’s determination to build a strong team for the upcoming season. Combining young talent with experienced players, the club is gearing up to dominate domestically and perhaps this is the year to make an impact in European competitions. Fans will be excited to see how these new additions blend into the squad and contribute to the team's success if all goes to plan!

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14/07/2024

Celtic played out a pre-season thriller, ending in a remarkable 6-4 result for the Bhoys against Queen's Park.

In their second pre-season match, Brendan Rodgers' men were coming off a 1-1 draw with Ayr United, while Callum Davidson's team prepared for their upcoming Premier Sports Cup clash against Peterhead.

The game was a captivating, end-to-end affair. Celtic's Kyogo Furuhashi was the standout performer with a hat-trick, and Matt O'Riley also found the net. Kyogo started the scoring after just six minutes. Queen's Park responded with quick goals from Ruari Paton and Dom Thomas, taking the lead midway through the first half. However, Kyogo equalized two minutes later, deflecting in Yuki Kobayashi's strike past Callum Ferrie.

O'Riley's volley put Celtic ahead 3-2 at halftime. The Hoops dominated the opening 15 minutes of the second half, and Kyogo completed his hat-trick before being substituted.

The substitutions didn't slow Celtic down. Oh's low drive extended their lead. Louis Longridge then capitalized on a defensive error to lob Benjamin Siegrist, but Francis Turley quickly restored Celtic's three-goal advantage with a neat finish from Oh's cut-back.

Tyrece McDonnell added a tenth goal to the match, heading home at the far post late on.

The thrilling encounter ended 6-4. Celtic now return to training before heading to the USA for three high-profile matches.

Still awaiting news on transfers for Celtic, Glasgow patiently waits...

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14/07/2024

Rangers suffered a 2-1 defeat to Dutch giants Ajax in their second pre-season match in the Netherlands this Saturday.

Philippe Clement's team fell behind after 27 minutes when Jordan Henderson's quick free-kick sent Kenneth Taylor clear. Jack Butland brought Taylor down, but Kian Fitz-Jim seized the loose ball and scored from a tight angle.

Tom Lawrence brought Rangers level just six minutes later with a perfectly placed low free-kick that beat Ajax goalkeeper Diant Ramaj, bouncing in off the post.

Ajax regained the lead five minutes before halftime due to an error from Butland. Branco van den Boomen's free-kick was decent, but Butland mishandled it, allowing the ball to slip under his body into the bottom corner.

Butland had earlier made a great save to deny Chuba Akpom's powerful header and was replaced at half time in a planned split to give the Rangers keepers a half each.

The match, held at the Mulderssingel ground in Wezep, saw several Rangers legends in attendance, including Arthur Numan, Bert Konterman, Michael Mols, and Ronald de Boer. The second half, characterized by scrappy fouls and numerous substitutions, saw no further goals.

There was a concerning moment for Rangers fans when Nico Raskin had to be helped off the field in the first half. His replacement, Connor Barron, had a solid performance, as did Scott Wright, who showed some promising touches amid speculation of a move to Sheffield Wednesday.

Liam Kelly's performance stood out, making two exceptional saves to deny Ajax substitutes Julian Rijkhoff and Steven Berghuis, showcasing his abilities in a match that ended without further scoring.

We're still bracing ourselves for more transfer news over the coming days!

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07/07/2024

Rangers have made a strategic move by signing 21-year-old striker Hamza Ingamane from Moroccan side FAR. Ingamane will provide essential depth to the forward line, supporting Danilo and Cyriel Dessers, but he is also likely aiming to carve out a starting role, similar to what Alfredo Morelos accomplished. This signing is the fifth addition for Rangers this summer.

Interestingly, Rangers' recruitment strategy this season has a clear focus: all new signings are under 22 years old, with limited senior experience but significant potential to contribute right away under manager Philippe Clement. Despite their youth, many of these players have already demonstrated leadership, having captained their previous clubs or national teams.

While some may be concerned about the lack of seasoned veterans, it's evident that Rangers believe leadership qualities and potential aren't limited by age. This approach suggests a long-term vision, banking on these young talents to grow and drive the team forward.

Phillipe Clement has also noted that there will be experience coming through the doors in this window so keep your eyes peeled!

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10/06/2024

James Tavernier, the stalwart captain of Rangers, is garnering significant interest from clubs in Europe and the Middle East, with a potential move on the horizon this summer. Former Rangers managers Steven Gerrard and Giovanni van Bronckhorst, now at Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia and Besiktas in Turkey respectively, are keen on reuniting with their former captain. Both clubs are looking to strengthen their squads, and Tavernier’s leadership, experience, and versatility make him a prime target.

Tavernier's consistent performances, attacking prowess from right-back, and ability to contribute goals and assists add a unique dimension to his game, making him highly valuable. His proven track record includes leading Rangers to their historic 2020-2021 Scottish Premiership title and impressive European campaigns, cementing his legacy at the club.

For a transfer to materialize, a significant transfer fee and agreeable contract terms, including salary and performance-related incentives, would be necessary. At 32, Tavernier might be looking for new challenges and experiences, which clubs like Al-Ettifaq and Besiktas can offer, coupled with the opportunity to work with familiar managers. Given his achievements at Rangers, Tavernier may feel he has fulfilled his objectives at Ibrox and could be motivated by the prospect of new adventures in different leagues.

Ultimately, whether Tavernier continues to lead Rangers or seeks new horizons, his next move will be a significant milestone in his career and the broader footballing world.

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