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Rangers Can Topple Celtic in Just One Season, Says Ex-Ibrox Chief – and Claims ‘Doing an Ange’ Is the Blueprint to Bring the Title Back to Govan
Former Rangers striker and director of football Gordon Smith insists the gap to Celtic can be closed within a single season — and believes the dramatic revival led by Ange Postecoglou proves it’s possible.
Despite trailing Celtic by 17 points in the current Premiership race and entering the final derby with little on the line, Smith remains optimistic. He argues that just as Celtic bounced back immediately from Steven Gerrard’s dominant title win in 2020/21, Rangers can stage a rapid resurgence with the right approach and recruitment.
Smith referenced Postecoglou’s transformative impact, when the Australian rebuilt Celtic almost entirely in one summer to reclaim the title, suggesting Rangers can do the same with smart signings and leadership. “Yes, it’s doable,” Smith said. “With the right manager and the right players — even some of the current group — a turnaround is absolutely possible.”
He emphasized that transformational management is about more than spending money, citing Henrik Larsson as a prime example of value recruitment. “I always said it’s not about spending the most, it’s about spotting players who can thrive. Larsson cost just £650,000 — the job is to find those kinds of gems.”
Smith also warned that statistics alone don’t build championship-winning squads. Mental toughness and character are just as vital, especially at clubs like Rangers, where expectations are sky-high and pressure intense. “Ability and character — that’s what Jock Wallace told me Rangers players need,” he said. “It’s not just about data, it’s about seeing the heart and mindset of a player.”
As for the current squad, Smith believes there’s a foundation to build on. He named John Souttar, Nicolas Raskin, and Hamza Igamane as players with the potential to contribute to a title-winning team. Even Cyriel Dessers, often criticised for missed chances, earned a nod for his 24-goal tally this season.
However, Smith highlighted three key areas for reinforcement: a commanding centre-back to partner Souttar, a dominant midfield general, and a clinical striker. “The spine needs strengthening. If you get that right and build around a defined system, you’re halfway there.”
With a managerial decision looming and prospective American investors circling the club, Smith believes now is the time for decisive planning and focused recruitment. Whether Barry Ferguson stays on or a new figure is brought in, the blueprint is clear: learn from Postecoglou’s success and execute with belief and purpose.
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