It’s another self-inflicted wound and it gives Philippe Clement and his players an excuse to fail before a ball has been kicked. No wonder the slippery James Bisgrove couldn’t wait to get out of town.
This time around the blame has been publicly pinned on the rogue Asian supplier but even some In The Know bears are speculating about the Asbestos issues.
Around three weeks ago, the news that had been feared was delivered. Some of the steelwork required for the project will not arrive in Britain for several weeks and Rangers have been left to count the cost – in financial and sporting terms as well as reputationally – of delays…
While the cheerleaders and media messengers are warning of a month long closure most fans are expecting to be away from Ibrox for a far longer period with a knock on effect on performances and finances.
There are parallels between this story and the tax issues that forced Murray into the sale of the club to Craig Whyte with administration and liquidation following within 13 months of a pound coin being rolled across an oak-panelled desk in Charlotte Square.
There are spare dates in there but there is zero chance that even the Celtic board will take up the chance of extra revenue from hosting their city rivals who could have five home matches in August.
If the work isn’t completed on time the club would have to decide to play in front of a reduced capacity or to take home matches to Hampden or Murrayfield. Glasgow’s biggest stadium won’t be made available.
After getting a turn out of the squad left behind by Micky Beale to deliver a trophy and a few months hope of a treble Clement will be expecting the funds to put his own stamp on the club. That is looking unlikely a reality creates austerity.
Similarly Todd Cantwell was available for £1m from Norwich in January 2023, no English club wanted to know but Micky Beale looked him in the eyes and decided to build his Revolution around the celebrity C-lister.
Everything in the garden seems rosy for Phil Clement’s side with this season’s duds being sold off for big money as the Belgian Beale scouts cut price gems that are about to become the next best thing with the help of Calvin Bassey type hype from the fading Glasgow publisher.