Former Celtic man Davie Provan thinks that the Hoops and rivals Rangers will be suffering financially more than any other clubs in Scotland right now because of wage bill expenses, writing in his Scottish Sun column.
As we know, a global health crisis has ensured that Scottish football is suspended for the foreseeable future.
There is currently no timeframe on a return and even when action can resume on the pitch, matches are expected to be played behind closed doors.
It means that a large percentage of Scottish clubs’ income, ticket cash, is off the table potentially throughout 2020.
Provan thinks it’ll put a strain on Celtic and Rangers most.
He also reckons the decision-makers at Ibrox, in particular, will have a rough ride in guiding them through the struggle.
As quoted by The Scottish Sun, the Sky Sports man said: “Clubs with the biggest wage bills are suffering the most right now.
“In Scotland, Celtic will have the biggest cash burn. But if they’re eating into their bank balance, what about Rangers?
“Reportedly requiring £10m to reach season’s end, what nick is the Ibrox balance sheet in?
“With the share issue and Far Eastern investment on hold because of Covid-19, new chairman Douglas Park will need to be a magician to get Gers through this crisis. Dave King timed his exit well.”
As Provan alludes to, Celtic have been incredibly well run for years. The club have never, ever stretched its budget beyond its means, even if that has frustrated certain sections of the support.
There’s no question that prudence will serve us well over the next 12 months, even if we have the biggest wage budget in the country by far.
The Ibrox side, however, can’t exactly say the same, so how it pans out across the city will be interesting to see.
Scottish football as a whole is at risk, so it’s no time to gloat, especially in such perilous times.
Can the SPFL and Scottish FA come up with a way to help member clubs survive the upcoming period?
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