Why 55 means so much to Gers
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Why 55 means so much to Gers

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard. (Photo: Reuters)
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard. (Photo: Reuters)

Since the Scottish Premiership was established in 1998 there have only been two teams that have won the title, and you don't win any prizes for guessing who they are -- the Old Firm of Celtic and Rangers.

The domination of the Old Firm has made Scottish football quite yawn-inducing and for the last decade the imbalance had been even greater.

This followed Rangers' financial implosion and fall from grace in 2012 when they had to start all over again in the fourth tier and work their way up.

During that time, Celtic took a stranglehold on the league and it was all rather boring unless you were a fan of the Hoops.

But this season took on a special significance with Celtic gunning for a record 10 titles in a row.

Rangers just could not let this happen as it would have handed the Hoops precious bragging rights in Glasgow that would have been an embarrassment to the Ibrox club and its fans.

As it was, with Steven Gerrard at the helm, Rangers prevailed for the first time in a decade.

Winning their 55th title was a huge moment for Rangers and particularly Gerrard who after three seasons in charge accomplished his mission of putting Celtic back in their place, below Rangers.

It was no surprise "Stevie Wonder" headlines emerged in the media.

Rangers fans were ecstatic, hundreds taking to the streets around Ibrox, breaking all sorts of Covid regulations.

Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon was furious and termed the street celebrations "shameless."

There is considerable interest in Gerrard's future plans.

Rangers fans will be encouraged by his comments that "it has been a journey that has not finished," indicating that he is likely to remain at the club for a while.

And why not? Next season the Champions League beckons.

Gerrard has shown strong commitment to the club and appreciates how much effort has gone into restoring Rangers' fortunes.

"This club has been to hell and back in the past 10 years," he said.

"I have only been a part of it for three, but I certainly can relate and have the affection with the fans."

It hasn't been an easy ride for Gerrard and although the team steadily improved in the first two seasons there was little silverware to show for his efforts. But those close to the club could see he was on the right track.

There is no questioning his popularity. Gerrard's coaching methods have impressed, with players like Glen Kamara, James Tavernier, Ryan Jack and Connor Goldson all showing marked improvement.

Perhaps more importantly the Rangers board are happy. Chairman Douglas Park said of Gerrard: "He has done a magnificent job. He has brought standards back to the club."

His efforts have also won praise from outside the club.

Noting Gerrard's "good leadership and management skills," Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson said: "I can't congratulate him enough on taking on such a difficult job and succeeding brilliantly."

It has to be acknowledged that Celtic have been poor opponents this season and never really got going.

There has already been one major casualty with manager Neil Lennon getting the axe a couple of weeks ago. He had taken over in 2019 after Brendan Rodgers took off for Leicester City.

This season, Celtic performed poorly in the Champions League and the bad form continued in the Premiership.

As they fell further and further behind Rangers, Lennon's position looked increasingly untenable.

The final straw was losing to Ross County, hardly league heavyweights, for the second time in the season.

In the past, both Celtic and Rangers have won nine titles in a row but failed to clinch the 10th.

From 1966-74, Celtic won nine consecutive titles but were thwarted in the 10th season by a Rangers side who were acclaimed as heroes in the blue half of Glasgow for stopping Celtic.

The tables were turned from 1988-97 when Rangers, who included stars like Brian Laudrup, Paul Gascoigne and Ally McCoist, won nine consecutive titles, but Celtic ensured there wasn't a 10th.

Unfortunately for Scottish football, the domination of the Old Firm is unlikely to go away.

Since the Scottish League was formed in 1891, Rangers have now won the title 55 times and Celtic 51.

Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibernian have won four times each, but that was in the distant past.

The last time a non-Old Firm club triumphed was back in 1985 when Aberdeen took the title under a certain Sir Alex Ferguson.

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