Former Celtic captain Paul Lambert believes his former club could be set for another near-decade of dominance over rivals Rangers.
This season, the race for the title remains in the balance, despite the Bhoys opening up a three-point gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
Brendan Rodgers’ Bhoys know that if they win their next handful of games, they will be crowned champions for the third successive season.
Lambert reckons if that plays out then Celtic could rack up league title after league title towards the nine and ten-in-a-row levels that became such a talking point a few years ago.
The treble-winning midfielder believes the cash available as automatic UEFA Champions League qualifiers will have a massive impact on the balance of power in Glasgow. If it goes Celtic’s way, Rangers could be left behind for years, he says.
Paul Lambert on Celtic and Rangers rivalry
Lambert stated, [Daily Record, 19/04 print edition, page 48]: “Finishing top is vital this season because it’s the last time the Premiership winners will go straight into the Champions League.
“Whoever gets over the line first could rake in up to £60million from the new-look competition and that is a game-changer.
“Rangers have been lagging behind Celtic financially for 15 years or so but winning the title would close that gap in one fell swoop.
“However, if Celtic are champions then that cash would put them miles ahead of the competition and I could easily see them racking up another nine-in-a-row – at least.”
The money available to Celtic in the Champions League would be huge but as we’ve discovered over the last 12 months, it’s not really about the amount of cash on hand but about how it’s used.
Celtic already have huge resources compared to the rest of Scottish football and while more riches would be welcomed, we must see the board spend it not only wisely but without fear.
Lambert’s scenario of a long period of dominance isn’t far-fetched but, more than ever, it requires a clear vision and strong funding for the football department. That’s required with or without this season’s league title.
