David Weir has stated that Rangers fans won’t be happy until the gap is closed on Celtic for good.
The former Rangers hero, who was part of Walter Smith’s three-in-a-row winning side, knows the pressures of Ibrox more than most. He also spent a short time in Glasgow as assistant manager to Mark Warburton.
Weir made 230 appearances at Ibrox over a five-year spell. He tasted plenty of Old FIrm experience of his own, and understands the rivalry that exists between the pair.
Steven Gerrard has done well to stay on Celtic’s coattails in the early stage of the season. Weir, however, appeared on BT Sport and stated that just getting close to Brendan Rodgers’ side isn’t enough.
“I don’t think the fans want to close the gap on Celtic, they want to get past them. Closing the gap isn’t good enough. People can talk about six points, nine points, or 30 points, it is still a gap. Until you overcome the gap, the fans will not be happy.
“The fear of ten [in a row league titles] won’t go away and that is the nature of the beast. Everyone knows that is in the back of every Rangers fan’s mind and that is the worst case scenario.
“They would sacrifice everything else for that to be stopped”
Can you argue?
It’s difficult to argue against Weir’s point here. Rangers couldn’t fathom 10 consecutive league championships for Celtic, and, in a sense, it’s the Parkhead side’s holy grail. Therefore, Rangers need to do all they can to stop it.
Whilst Rangers fans will be pleased to see the gap between them and Celtic narrowing, everyone knows it isn’t the ultimate goal. The Ibrox club want to be winning the Premiership once again.
Fans, however, will always differ in situations such as this. Whilst many will want instant success, many others will see that this is a long-term job that Gerrard has taken on. It could easily take longer than a season or two before Rangers are closing in on the title.
There have been clear signs of improvement this season. The overriding disappointment for Gers fans, however, will be the chances they’ve missed. Silly slip ups at Aberdeen, Motherwell, and Livingston in particular could’ve seen them top of the table.
For now, however, Rangers fans should in the main be delighted with their start to the season. Weir is correct in what he says, but Gerrard has time to get it done.
