As Rangers romped to victory over Aberdeen to extend their lead atop the Scottish Premiership, the reaction to the club’s development this season from across the city has been a joy to behold.
Whether it was watching ex-Celtic star Charlie Mulgrew being forced to watch the highlights of all Rangers’ goals in the 4-0 victory, or Alan Thompson’s outburst on Twitter, Celtic certainly appeared rattled as the Gers stake their claim for a 55th league title.
But from some quarters in the media, there has been a reluctance to admit that the Gers might finally have the edge on their lacklustre rivals once and for all.
There were shades of a certain ex-Celtic captain in the comments of journalist Gordon Parks in the Daily Record’s Monday Jury.
Rangers fans have been quick to pick up on comments he made about the strength in depth in both squads.
When asked if Rangers stopping Celtic’s apparent charge for “10IAR” would be bigger than Celtic doing the reverse in 1998, Parks said:
“Yes. Celtic’s stranglehold on Scotland’s domestic scene is down to having far and away the best squad.
“If Rangers were to break that hold then it would signal a bridging of the gap between the clubs and I don’t believe they are there yet.”
Now if Gordon Parks – a figure regularly maligned by Rangers fans for his coverage – genuinely believes this then it is only good new for Rangers.
Similarly to those comments made after the Old Firm about Rangers not being a good team, unless they’re fishing it’s this kind of coverage which has allowed Rangers to bridge the gap.
The Ibrox club has made their best start in 53 years and Rangers don’t even look like conceding a shot, let alone a goal, let alone a point.
This summer’s transfer window – with the additions of Leon Balogun, Kemar Roofe and John McLaughlin standing out in particular – has been amongst our best in a generation.
If Celtic-centric voices seriously want to say that Rangers – a team who are unbeaten in 21 games keeping 17 clean sheets in the process – haven’t bridged the gap then a rude awakening is coming.
The only team this ignorance benefits is Rangers and if the club can keep their feet on the ground heading into a tough league spell in December, they really can make history this season.
