Chris Sutton Issues Stern Warning to Celtic as Steven Gerrard Return Could Reignite Rangers Title Challenge
The Scottish Premiership title race is heating up, but despite the current points gap, the battle between Celtic and Rangers is far from settled. Chris Sutton, Celtic legend and Record Sport columnist, has sounded a loud alarm for the Hoops, urging them not to become complacent. While Celtic currently enjoy a nine-point cushion over their Old Firm rivals, Sutton insists that the gap can close rapidly — especially if Steven Gerrard returns to Ibrox as Rangers manager. His warning is clear: the title race is far from over, and Celtic must improve sharply to avoid a dramatic late-season challenge.
The Current State of Play
At this point in the 2025-26 Premiership season, Celtic sit just two points behind league leaders Hearts, maintaining a healthy nine-point advantage over Rangers in third place. For many, that points margin might suggest that Celtic are cruising towards yet another domestic title. However, Sutton’s analysis goes deeper, identifying key factors that suggest the situation is far more fragile and dynamic than the league table alone shows.
Celtic have struggled to play with the flair and dominance fans have grown accustomed to over recent years. Their performances have often been described as “dull” and uninspiring. Crucially, the Hoops also suffered a humiliating Champions League exit at the hands of Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty — a sign that their squad quality and mental toughness may not yet be at the level required to compete both domestically and in Europe.
Steven Gerrard’s Potential Return: What It Means for Rangers
Central to Sutton’s warning is the prospect of Steven Gerrard returning to manage Rangers. Gerrard, a former Rangers player and manager, remains a popular figure among the Ibrox faithful, largely because he was the man who ended Celtic’s historic run of nine consecutive league titles — denying them a record-breaking tenth. His return would undoubtedly reinvigorate the club, both on the pitch and off it.
Sutton explains that Gerrard’s comeback could generate a renewed sense of belief and momentum within Rangers. This emotional lift could transform Rangers from underdogs into genuine contenders. Gerrard is not just a figurehead; he is an ambitious, demanding coach who would insist on significant investment in the squad to ensure his team is competitive. According to Sutton, a new Rangers boss—whether Gerrard or someone else—would quickly assess that the current squad is not yet strong enough to compete for the title and would push for a large transfer budget, potentially £25-30 million, to secure high-calibre players.
The players brought in during Gerrard’s previous tenure—such as Connor Goldson, Ryan Kent, and Jermaine Defoe—helped elevate Rangers, but replicating that level of recruitment will be key to closing the gap on Celtic.
Rangers’ Squad: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Transfer Challenges
Despite a major squad overhaul in recent seasons, Sutton is adamant that Rangers’ current roster lacks the depth and quality necessary to mount a sustained title challenge. The challenge facing Gerrard or any new manager will be to patch up glaring weaknesses and bolster the team’s competitiveness.
The ability to attract top-level players again, as Gerrard managed previously, will be critical. Rangers will need to entice quality signings who can quickly adapt and make an impact—players who can change games and help overturn the points deficit.
Sutton’s point is not merely about money but also about strategy and timing. The January transfer window looms large as a potential turning point for Rangers, offering a chance to dramatically improve their squad and reignite their title hopes.
Celtic’s Vulnerabilities: Complacency, Transfer Issues, and Fan Frustration
While Rangers grapple with squad issues, Sutton is just as vocal about the problems facing Celtic. The Hoops’ summer transfer window was far from ideal. A series of poor signings and a failure to strengthen key areas left Celtic vulnerable both domestically and in Europe.
The disastrous Champions League exit at the hands of Kairat Almaty was a wake-up call and compounded dissatisfaction among fans, who had grown used to dominant Celtic sides. This early failure has put enormous pressure on Celtic’s management and players to improve quickly.
Sutton highlights that Celtic’s performances have lacked excitement and urgency. The style of football on display so far this season has been “dull,” lacking the creativity and attacking threat that fans expect. This has led to a growing sense of frustration and grumbling among supporters, which Sutton believes will continue unless action is taken.
January Transfer Window: The Crucial Moment
For both clubs, the upcoming January transfer window represents a crucial juncture. Sutton describes it as the “be-all and end-all” moment of the season. For Celtic, it is a chance to restore faith among supporters and address weaknesses that have been exposed in the opening months. A strong, decisive transfer window could inject the squad with the quality and depth needed to maintain their title challenge.
Conversely, Rangers could use January to launch a serious bid to close the nine-point gap. If Gerrard returns and is backed financially, the club could transform overnight with the arrival of new players capable of pushing the team to a higher level.
Sutton warns that if Celtic fail to act decisively and invest in reinforcements, they risk seeing their advantage evaporate and allowing Rangers to capitalize.
The Psychological Battle and Momentum
Beyond the physical and tactical challenges, Sutton touches on the psychological battle between the two Old Firm rivals. Gerrard’s return could swing the morale pendulum in Rangers’ favour, reigniting belief in a squad that has struggled to find consistency this season.
For Celtic, the pressure to maintain momentum and silence critics will be immense. Confidence and rhythm play a huge role in sustaining a title challenge, and any lapse could invite Rangers back into the race.
Sutton’s advice to Celtic is simple but urgent: “Concentrate, put your own house in order, win games, and build momentum.” The mental focus and resilience of the squad and management will be key to ensuring they don’t slip up.
Wider Implications for the Premiership
This potential shift in power dynamics also has wider implications for the Scottish Premiership. Hearts currently lead the table, demonstrating that the title race could become even more complex if Rangers find form and Celtic falter. The addition of Gerrard, combined with significant January investment, could make Rangers genuine contenders not only against Celtic but also for the league crown.
The Premiership thrives on this rivalry, and Sutton’s warning suggests fans can expect a tense and competitive title race that will go right down to the wire. The drama of the Old Firm rivalry, combined with the tactical battles off the pitch, means this season remains wide open.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Celtic and a Roadmap for Rangers
Chris Sutton’s analysis delivers a powerful message to both clubs. For Celtic, it’s a clear call to action: the current lead is not a guarantee of success. The team must improve their football, address squad weaknesses, and act decisively in January to keep their title hopes alive. Failure to do so risks a collapse in form and the loss of momentum to Rangers.
For Rangers, the message is one of opportunity. With Gerrard potentially returning and a chance to strengthen the squad, the club has the tools to mount a serious title challenge. It won’t be easy—significant investment and smart recruitment are essential—but the gap can be bridged.
Ultimately, this analysis reveals that the Premiership title race is far from a done deal. January is shaping up to be a pivotal moment, and the coming months promise intense competition, managerial drama, and high-stakes football for Scottish fans.