Brendan Rodgers' Celtic have had a rocky start to the 2025/26 Campaign, with the board under fire from fans and pundits. Despite healthy revenues, the club’s recruitment has been poor - key players have been sold without equal replacements, and the sale of Kyogo remains one of the most heavily criticised moves of recent years.
The energy which has helped the team in their domestic dominance in the past is missing, with Rodgers facing criticism for stale coaching and management. The situation is worse in Europe, where a series of early exits have reinforced the perception that Celtic’s squad is weaker than in previous seasons. Beyond the fixtures, the widening gap between expectation and reality at Celtic risks tarnishing the club's reputation and putting off the wave of incoming top talent - if it hasn't already.
If Celtic are merely stagnating, then Rangers are in outright chaos. The club are now onto their third manager of 2025, with the club announcing Danny Rohl as the new manager following the sacking of Philippe Clement and Russell Martin, though patience among supporters is wearing thin.
If Celtic are merely stagnating, then Rangers are in outright chaos.
Instability over at Rangers goes much higher than the club manager, with the acquisition by the US-based consortium led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises creating further chaos. Ownership changes often bring disruption, and at Ibrox that instability is trickling down to recruitment, performance, and results.
The league table offers no reprieve for Rangers' fans. After eight games, Rangers are sat sixth - a whole four places behind Celtic and ahead of St Mirren only by the small matter of goal difference. For a club which has long-prided itself on its ability to challenge domestically and internationally, being judged on par with St Mirren and Dundee highlights the club's difficult start to the season.
For once, the Premiership feels like it could host a genuine contest rather than Glasgow clubs dominating the season.
And that opens the door for others. Derek McInnes’ Hearts have been the standout performers so far, unbeaten in eight games and already five points clear of Celtic. Hibernian and Dundee United have shown flashes too, while Kilmarnock remain a stubborn side capable of frustrating bigger teams. For once, the Premiership feels like it could host a genuine contest rather than Glasgow clubs dominating the season.
With Celtic stumbling and Rangers in downright crisis, the result is a genuinely interesting season ahead for Scottish Football. The Old Firm Dominance has lasted for over a century, but this season offers a genuine opportunity for other clubs to break the Glasgow grip.