Celtic fans woke up to two pieces of news this morning.
Firstly, Celtic’s new Adidas merchandise dropped as the club released a new Samba shoe decked in the famous green and white.
And secondly, Russell Martin has now been appointed by Rangers to try and end Celtic’s dominance of Scottish football next season.
The former Southampton boss was officially named the new Ibrox boss and now, Brendan Rodgers knows who he is up against next season as he looks to keep Celtic at the top of Scottish football.
Simon Jordan reacted to the news that Martin being appointed as the new Rangers manager means that the Ibrox club, and by default Celtic, are now Championship level and that claim seriously annoyed Gaby Agbonlahor.
Simon Jordan branded arrogant over Celtic and Rangers claim
Managing Celtic and Rangers brings with it a unique pressure not known across many clubs in world football.
The expectation to win every game regardless who Celtic and Rangers play is not felt at many football clubs, especially in the English Championship.
And that is why Agbonlahor has slammed Jordan’s comments.
Agbonlahor told talkSPORT, “I think that was quite disrespectful from Simon. To say that because you can manage in the Championship, means you can manage a big club like Rangers.
“Rangers have got pressure. Celtic have got pressure on them that some of these Championship clubs haven’t got.
“So the pressure’s on for Russell Martin, and I don’t think that’s a good statement for Simon.”
Russell Martin appointed Rangers manager and what it means for Celtic
Any managerial appointment is a gamble and it appears that from the reaction online from Rangers fans, there are many who perceive Martin’s appointment as just that.
However, as Celtic supporters know from Ange Postecoglou’s time at the club, nothing can be taken for granted when it comes to not appointing what is perceived to be a ‘big name’ manager.
But the caveat to that is simply this. Ange Postecoglou was a winner at every level he had managed. He brought silverware to the likes of Brisbane Roar, the Australian national team, Yokohama F Marinos and then Celtic. Martin is yet to win a domestic trophy.
Yes, he took Southampton into the English Premier League via the playoffs but in terms of winning silverware, Martin’s count so far is zero.
At least now, Celtic and Brendan Rodgers know who they are up against next season.
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