For nearly a decade, Celtic FC has ruled Scottish football with an iron fist, dominating the Scottish Premiership and capturing an incredible number of league titles. Under managers like Brendan Rodgers and Neil Lennon, the Hoops have become synonymous with success in Scotland. However, the winds of change are beginning to blow, and the latest developments suggest that Celtic’s dominance in Scotland might finally be under threat.
Across the city, Rangers FC—once struggling under the weight of financial troubles and management instability—has started to show signs of life. Michael Beale, the current Rangers manager, has revitalized the club’s fortunes, pushing them closer than ever to Celtic’s lofty perch. Rangers are not only closing the gap on the Hoops—they’re beginning to challenge them in ways they haven’t in years. So, could the unthinkable happen? Could Celtic’s reign in Scottish football finally be over?
The Changing Dynamics of Scottish Football
The past decade has seen Celtic firmly on top of the Scottish Premiership, winning title after title and regularly dominating Rangers in the Old Firm derby. Their success has been underpinned by strong leadership, impressive squad depth, and the financial might of the club. Meanwhile, Rangers, who were relegated to the Third Division in 2012 due to financial issues, spent years working their way back to the top flight. By 2016, they returned to the Premiership, but it wasn’t until 2021, under the leadership of Steven Gerrard, that they finally broke Celtic’s stranglehold on the league title, ending their nine-in-a-row winning streak.
However, even after that stunning achievement, Celtic quickly bounced back in 2022 with Ange Postecoglou taking the helm and leading them to another title. The return of Celtic’s dominant force seemed inevitable, and Rangers’ quest for another league title appeared to have stalled under a new regime.
But 2023–2024 has brought with it a new set of challenges for both clubs. Celtic’s early-season form has been shaky, and the team is clearly going through some transitional phases. Meanwhile, Rangers have been rebuilding steadily under Michael Beale, and there are growing signs that they could make a serious challenge to Celtic’s dominance. With each passing week, the gap between the two teams seems to be narrowing—and the next Old Firm clash will likely carry even more significance than ever before.
Rangers’ Resurgence Under Michael Beale
Michael Beale’s appointment as Rangers manager in 2022 was met with some skepticism, particularly after the club’s disappointing exit from the 2021–2022 Europa League and failure to maintain their previous momentum. However, since taking over, Beale has transformed Rangers into a more tactical, organized, and focused team. The club’s recent performances, both domestically and in European competition, indicate that Rangers are beginning to find a rhythm that has eluded them in the post-Gerrard era.
One of the key factors in Rangers’ resurgence has been Beale’s ability to recruit wisely. Rangers have brought in talented players such as Antonio Colak, Rabbi Matondo, and Todd Cantwell, who have added depth and quality to an already strong squad. Beale has also implemented a more direct, aggressive style of football that has proven effective against many of Scotland’s top teams. Rangers have become more resilient, harder to break down, and more dangerous going forward—traits that make them a formidable opponent for Celtic.
Rangers’ performances against Celtic in recent Old Firm derbies also indicate a shift in power. While Celtic has still come out on top in the majority of meetings, Rangers have been much more competitive. Their 2022–2023 Scottish Cup final win over Celtic, which ended a 7-match losing streak to their bitter rivals, highlighted the growing confidence and tactical discipline Rangers now possess. The fact that Rangers are now capable of matching Celtic toe-to-toe in high-pressure situations is a worrying sign for Celtic fans who have grown accustomed to dominance.
Celtic FC: The End of an Era?
While Rangers are on the rise, Celtic’s season has not been without its problems. Yes, the Hoops are still a formidable team with talented players like Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate, but there are growing questions about their consistency. Ange Postecoglou’s departure in 2023 left a massive void in the squad, and while his successor Brendan Rodgers is a familiar face and a proven winner, the transition has not been as seamless as many had hoped.
Rodgers, in his second stint at Celtic, faces the challenge of maintaining the same level of dominance that he achieved during his first spell, where he led Celtic to two trebles and a domestic invincible season. However, the competition has grown stiffer. Rangers are no longer a club in transition—they are a serious, well-coached side with the ability to match Celtic on their day.
Celtic’s squad depth also appears to have been tested this season. The team has struggled to maintain its early-season momentum, and key players like Callum McGregor and Jota have faced injury setbacks. In addition, some critics have raised concerns about the Hoops’ lack of depth in certain positions, particularly at the back. If Celtic can’t tighten up defensively, it will only give Rangers more opportunities to capitalize on their weaknesses.
Moreover, Celtic’s financial advantage over Rangers has been a key factor in their sustained success. But with Rangers strengthening their squad and increasing their investment, the gap between the two clubs in terms of financial resources may be shrinking. The next few years could be pivotal in determining whether Celtic’s continued dominance can be sustained or whether Rangers will become the dominant force in Scottish football once again.
The Old Firm Rivalry: What’s at Stake?
The Old Firm derby is one of the most heated rivalries in football, and the stakes have never been higher. For Celtic, this season is about maintaining their legacy and keeping Rangers at arm’s length. But for Rangers, this is a golden opportunity to take control of Scottish football once more and prove that the Hoops’ dominance is a thing of the past. The 2023–2024 season could very well define the next chapter of both clubs.
Celtic fans are no strangers to success, but the question they need to ask themselves is whether they’re truly prepared for a shift in power. The team is still one of the best in Scotland, but they can no longer afford to take their superiority for granted. The battle between Celtic and Rangers has always been fierce, but now it seems as though the pendulum of power may be swinging in Rangers’ favor—albeit slowly.
Conclusion: A New Era of Scottish Football?
Celtic FC’s dominance in Scotland has been a hallmark of the past decade. But with Rangers closing the gap and showing signs of resurgence, the balance of power could soon shift. Celtic must find a way to reclaim their edge and rise above the growing challenge from their fiercest rivals. The next few years will determine whether the Hoops can continue their reign or whether Rangers will take the crown once again.
The rivalry is far from over, and the 2023–2024 season may be the most defining one yet. If Rangers continue to improve and Celtic falters, it could signal the end of an era of Celtic dominance in Scottish football. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: Scottish football has never been more exciting.
