Rangers pair set timeline over futures as Birmingham City lurk, BBC pundit stunned after ‘huge’ Celtic error
This is a list of some recent Rangers and Celtic news stories.
Rangers and Celtic’s seasons are officially over, and all eyes are on the summer.
The Hoops were unable to defeat Aberdeen at Hampden in this season’s Scottish Cup final, hence they were unable to celebrate the treble. They will now try to strengthen Brendan Rodgers’ team, using the hurt of losing as incentive. The Dons won a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes, and they won on penalties.
Meanwhile, Rangers are looking for a new manager, and there are rumours that Davide Ancelotti isn’t willing to change, as well as a possible 49ers Enterprises takeover. These are the most recent news stories about both teams, including the Rangers duo that Birmingham City is interested in and the Celtic repercussions from Hampden.
Major Celtic error lands pundit reaction
The game at Hampden this weekend was of poor quality, as Celtic were unable to overcome their formidable opponents. They scored through an own goal from Alfie Dorrington, and then a strange OG got past Kasper Schemeichel, the dependable custodian, who palmed the ball into his own net after a cross from Shayden Morris. “Amazing, isn’t it?” said Willie Miller, a Sportsound analyst, in disbelief. Simply put, Shayden Morris does what he does well. Although he whips the ball across the goal’s face, it appears that he is heading to the bye-line.
“Kasper Schmeichel has tried to flick it with his right hand and it’s come off the hand and ended up in the back of the net. It was a great ball from Morris but definitely goes down as an OG.”
The game was also covered by Scotland star James McFadden, who refrained from trying to downplay the situation. He went on to say: “Kasper Schmeichel made a grave error. For Celtic, he has been incredibly dependable this season. He attempts to smash the ball away after Aberdeen has placed it in the area and asks a question. I believe he could come and collect it.
Birmingham City make transfer targets of Rangers duo
During the season, Ben Davies and Kieran Dowell were on loan at Birmingham City since it appeared that they would not have many chances to play for Rangers. They helped Chris Davies’ team advance to the Championship by winning League One, and now that they have recruited Scott Wright from Ibrox last summer, the club is eager to bring them back. However, the Rangers manager problem is proving to be a roadblock, and as of right now, the two will only know whether a move can be finalised after the new head coach arrives.
According to a Birmingham Live story, “While the Blues wish to re-sign Kieran Dowell from Rangers, there are no guarantees a permanent transfer will be struck. Chris Davies had two left-footed number tens in his preferred XI last season.” Following the end of their loan stints at St Andrew’s, Dowell and Ben Davies remain in limbo at Ibrox. Although the Rangers have not yet named a new manager, all indications point to Davide Ancelotti, Russell Martin, or Steven Gerrard as the top candidates. Dowell and Davies won’t be able to know their destinies until an appointment is arranged.
In other news:
Birmingham City dream lands another huge boost after Knighthead make up £50m gap
Birmingham City are looking to compete for promotion to the Premier League upon their return to the Championship
Tom Wagner, the chairman of Birmingham City, addresses the supporters at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park
Only four Championship teams will receive parachute payments the next season, which will increase Birmingham City’s chances of defying the norm and contending for promotion.
Sheffield United will be the only Championship team still receiving parachute payments for the upcoming season after losing to Sunderland in Saturday’s play-off final. After being relegated to the Premier League in 2024, the Blades still owe money for two more years.
”
Since Burnley and Leeds United were promoted to the Premier League, their parachute payments have been reset. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Luton Town was relegated twice in a row.
”
In the past, Premier League teams who get parachute payments have been able to outspend their Championship competitors.
Southampton, Leicester City, and Ipswich Town will all receive close to £50 million to help them cope with the shock of losing their place in the top flight and returning to a league with different spending constraints.
Payments for Norwich City and Watford’s third and last season after their 2022 relegation from the top division were just received.
Because of all of that, the 2025–2026 Championship should be more competitive than it has been in a long time, which is ideal for the just promoted Blues.
After a historic League One season, the Blues are back in the second division and hoping to contend for a spot in the Premier League. Since the 2011–12 season, the Blues have not placed higher than tenth in the Championship.
With American investment firm Knighthead, led by Tom Wagner, making significant investments in an attempt to revive Premier League football at St Andrew’s, the club now has more financial clout than ever before.
Wagner has said on multiple occasions that Blues’ revenue – which is helped by lucrative commercial deals with Nike, Undefeated, Delta Airlines and Vertu – is on track to match the teams receiving parachute payments next season.
Speaking to The Times in April, Wagner said: “If our revenue progresses as we expect into next season, which is basically a certainty, we will be the highest revenue-generating club in the Championship ever not receiving parachute payments — and we will be on a par with those receiving parachute payments.
“If we then progress one year further, and we’re fortunate enough to end up in the Premier League, we’ll be a mid-table club or better in total revenue, first year in.”
