Gordon Dalziel shuts down Rangers fans’ thinking about Celtic after Russell Martin’s arrival

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The talk and hype is building for the new Premiership season.

Celtic have another title to defend, as Rangers are doing everything they can to try and stop their miserable rut of not being able to win trophies.

Added with new investment from the San Francisco 49ers, those inside Ibrox have also appointed Russell Martin as their new manager, and new players have been flooding in via the 2025 summer transfer market.

It’s resulted in Rangers fans getting a little hyped for the 2025/26 season, as Celtic and Brendan Rodgers’ preparations are also well underway.

• READ MORE: Charlie Mulgrew sends Rangers warning to Celtic after ‘maddest thing’ he saw from Hoops players

Rangers fans’ thinking debunked as Russell Martin tries to challenge Celtic

Celtic have won four titles in a row, including 13 out of the last 14 crowns, as Rodgers is aiming to maintain that dominance.

With his Rangers hat on, Gordon Dalziel noted how Rangers supporters are ‘a lot happier’ now compared to previous campaigns.

But speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Dalziel doesn’t agree with the Rangers supporters thinking that they will ‘overtake’ Celtic ahead of the new season.

“I just think Rangers fans are sitting there now,” said Dalziel. “They will be a lot happier this season compared to where they have been in recent seasons.

“It’s up to Russell Martin to put that team on the pitch and challenge Celtic. That’s his job. He has to get closer. He has to challenge them.

“Some Rangers fans might even be out there thinking, ‘we will overtake them’. I don’t think that will happen this season. I really don’t.”

Questions over Celtic’s squad ahead of another title defence

Celtic have already made a big sale this summer with winger Nicolas Kuhn joining Como, and fans are eager to see how that money will be spent.

Whilst Dalziel thinks the Hoops are ‘firm favourites’ to win the title again, he did touch on the squad Rodgers has at his disposal right now, and how it’s weak.

But he still thinks Celtic will put their hands in their pockets by bringing in ‘more players’.

“Nobody is denying that the most important trophy in Scotland is the Premier League,” said Dalziel. “I still think Celtic are firm favourites to go and lift that.

“Celtic have thrown down the challenge. Let’s not be kidded here. Celtic have gone about their business the right way in years gone by. They have a top manager in Brendan Rodgers. They would have been disappointed not to win the Treble last season, but well done to Aberdeen.

“I don’t think the squad was that good last season. When I looked at the cup final. I thought the big turning point was when Brendan Rodgers made three subs, and I thought it weakened Celtic. They still have quality players in the building. They will bring in more players.”