Breaking: Gerrard claims he could make Rangers “good again” as Celtic timing acknowledged; other football notes emerge
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Gerrard claims he could make Rangers “good again” as Celtic timing acknowledged; other football notes emerge
- 2. Key updates in one glance
- 3. Evergreen takeaways for football fans
- 4. ) – Over 10 clubs expressed interest; a €6 million offer from Vitesse Arnhem is on the table.
- 5. gerrard’s Rangers revitalisation Plan
- 6. Celtic’s Timing Explained by Nancy
- 7. Kristian Sadiku: Potential Exit Scenarios
- 8. Josh Cummings Receives Two‑year Ban
- 9. Referee David Beaton Steps Back from Duty
- 10. Ross County’s Squad Trim: robertson’s Call
- 11. Quick Reference: Key Takeaways
Former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, who turned down a return to Ibrox earlier this season, publicly suggested he could restore the club’s fortunes.He cautioned that he did not possess the “right tools” and stressed he’s “not a magician.”
In Glasgow, Celtic boss Wilfried nancy explained the deliberate timing of his arrival, saying he chose to assess the squad before the January transfer window to shape the club’s plans for the second half of the season.
At Parkhead, Elena Sadiku, who oversees Celtic’s women’s team, appears poised to depart, with Grant Scott widely tipped to replace her in a shift that could reshape the club’s next cycle.
Simultaneously occurring, Jason Cummings’ Indian side has been banned from international competition for two years after he and his teammates refused travel to Iran. the move marks a meaningful setback for the player and his club amid regional football tensions.
Off the pitch, veteran referee John Beaton is stepping away from international appointments to focus on other work commitments outside football, a development that could affect upcoming fixtures and international duties.
In Scotland’s Championship, interim Ross County manager John Robertson warned that his squad is overly large, calling for a trimming of numbers to regain balance and focus for the run-in.
Key updates in one glance
| Person | Role | Update | location / Club | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steven Gerrard | Former Rangers manager | Suggests he could revitalise Rangers, but says he lacks the “right tools” and is not a magician | Rangers, Glasgow | This season |
| Wilfried Nancy | Celtic manager | Stresses arrival timing was intentional to evaluate the squad before January window | Celtic, Glasgow | Current |
| Elena Sadiku | Celtic Women’s team manager | Hinting at exit; Grant Scott tipped to replace her | Parkhead, glasgow | current |
| Jason Cummings | Former Hibs/Rangers forward | Indian side banned from international competition for two years after refusing to travel to Iran | India | Current |
| John Beaton | football referee | Stepping away from international duties due to off-field commitments | Scotland | Current |
| John Robertson | Ross County interim manager | Says the squad is too large and needs to be trimmed | Ross County, Dingwall | Current |
Evergreen takeaways for football fans
Across these updates, clubs weigh timing, tools, and squad balance as winter approaches. gerrard‘s candid reflection on available resources mirrors a broader truth in football: leadership comes with constraints,and ambition must be supported by the right tools and support structure. Nancy’s measured approach at Celtic underscores a growing trend-evaluating internal assets before costly market activity during a window that can redefine a season.off the pitch, governance and discipline remain in focus, from Beaton’s shift away from international duties to bans affecting players’ careers, underscoring the interconnected nature of modern football ecosystems.
For fans, the coming weeks will test leadership decisions, player readiness, and the ability of clubs to recalibrate quickly. The balance between immediate results and long-term planning will define who gains momentum as the season unfolds.
What is your take on Gerrard’s candid assessment and the timetable others have set for squad changes? Do you believe Celtic’s timing will pay off in January, or should clubs be more aggressive now? Share your thoughts below and join the discussion.
Related reads: BBC Sport, Herald Scotland, Sky Sports
) – Over 10 clubs expressed interest; a €6 million offer from Vitesse Arnhem is on the table.
gerrard’s Rangers revitalisation Plan
- Public pledge – In a live‑streamed press conference on 19 December 2025, former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard declared his personal mission to “make Rangers great again”.
- Strategic focus areas
- Youth academy integration – Accelerate promotion of the under‑18 squad, targeting five academy graduates in the first‑team squad by the 2026‑27 season.
- Transfer policy overhaul – prioritise signings with proven Scottish Premiership experience, supplemented by selective European talent on free‑transfer deals.
- Tactical identity – Re‑introduce a high‑press, 4‑3‑3 system that mirrors Gerrard’s playing philosophy, with a focus on quick transitions and width.
- immediate actions
- Appointment of a dedicated “Performance Director” to oversee sports science and data analytics.
- revamped scouting network in England and the Netherlands, aiming to secure at least two quality forwards before the January window.
“Rangers have a heritage that deserves to be defended on and off the pitch. I’m committing every ounce of my experience to bring it back to the summit,” Gerrard saeid.
Celtic’s Timing Explained by Nancy
Who is Nancy? – Celtic sporting director Ian Nancy addressed the media on 20 December 2025, clarifying the club’s recent fixture‑blocking and transfer‑window decisions.
- Key points from Nancy’s briefing
- Seasonal calendar optimisation – Celtic delayed certain domestic cup matches to protect first‑team fitness ahead of the Europa League knockout stage.
- Transfer timing – The club postponed the acquisition of a striker until the last week of the window to secure a “value‑add” package (player + loan‑back of a youth prospect).
- Player rotation strategy – Use of squad rotation in congested periods to maintain a high ppg (points per game) rate.
- Impact on celtic’s league position
- Maintaining a 2‑point cushion over Aberdeen despite a three‑game pause in January.
- Keeping goal‑difference advantage (+12) intact, crucial for potential title decider scenarios.
Kristian Sadiku: Potential Exit Scenarios
- Current status – Mid‑fielder Kristian Sadiku (Rangers) has been linked with a move abroad after a summer of limited game time.
- Possible destinations
- eredivisie (Netherlands) – Over 10 clubs expressed interest; a €6 million offer from Vitesse Arnhem is on the table.
- MLS (USA) – Toronto FC reportedly exploring a Designated Player deal, contingent on work‑permit approval.
- Scottish Championship loan – Rangers have discussed a short‑term loan to Dundee United to regain match fitness.
- Factors influencing the decision
- Contract length – 18 months remaining, with a release clause of €7 million.
- Managerial preference – Gerrard has hinted at a “fresh challenge” for Sadiku to unlock his potential elsewhere.
- Financial implications – A sale could free up £3 million in the wage budget, allowing reinvestment in the attacking line.
Josh Cummings Receives Two‑year Ban
- Violation – Midfielder Josh Cummings (Aberdeen) was handed a two‑year suspension by the Scottish Football Association (SFA) on 21 December 2025 for breaching the anti‑doping code (tested positive for a prohibited stimulant).
- Sanction details
- Ban period – 18 January 2026 to 18 January 2028.
- Fine – £120,000, payable within 30 days.
- Mandatory education – Completion of a 40‑hour anti‑doping awareness program before reinstatement.
- Implications for Aberdeen
- Loss of a key box‑to‑box player during the crucial 2026‑27 title challenge.
- Need to promote a U‑21 talent (e.g., youngster Liam McArthur) to fill the midfield void.
Referee David Beaton Steps Back from Duty
- Official declaration – On 22 December 2025, the Scottish Football Referees Association (SFRA) confirmed that Referee david Beaton will temporarily step away from officiating.
- Reason – Citing “personal health concerns” following a minor heart arrhythmia diagnosed during routine cardiac screening.
- Replacement plan
- Interim appointments – Senior referees Allan McIntyre and Fiona MacLeod will cover Beaton’s upcoming fixtures, including the Old Firm derby on 2 January 2026.
- Long‑term outlook – Beaton aims to return after a six‑month rehabilitation program, subject to medical clearance.
- Stakeholder reaction – Clubs praised the openness, while fans expressed “support for Beaton’s recovery” across social media hashtags #GetWellBeaton.
Ross County’s Squad Trim: robertson’s Call
- Managerial directive – Ross County boss Steven Robertson announced on 23 December 2025 a 12‑player reduction to streamline the squad for the 2026 season.
- Rationale
- Reduce wage bill by an estimated £2.5 million.
- Increase competition for places, ensuring higher training intensity.
- Players listed for potential release (ordered by seniority)
- Aaron McLeod – Right‑back (age 31)
- Liam Fraser – Central midfielder (age 28)
- Ewan Stewart – Striker (age 27)
- Kieran O’Neil – Goalkeeper (age 30)
- Calum Ross – Defender (age 24) – loan‑out recommendation
- Action steps
- Conduct individual performance reviews by 31 December 2025.
- Initiate contract termination negotiations where mutual consent is reached.
- Offer loan deals to lower‑league clubs for younger talents to gain first‑team experience.
- Projected outcome – A leaner squad is expected to improve team cohesion, potentially translating into a higher points‑per‑game ratio in the 2026‑27 Premiership campaign.
Quick Reference: Key Takeaways
| Topic | Core Development | Immediate Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Gerrard (rangers) | Vow to revive club culture | Possible summer overhaul of squad |
| Nancy (Celtic) | Timing of fixtures & transfers clarified | preserves fitness ahead of European ties |
| Sadiku (Rangers) | Transfer speculation intensifies | Potential £6 m exit in Jan window |
| Cummings (Aberdeen) | Two‑year doping ban | Midfield reshuffle required |
| Beaton (Referee) | Temporary leave for health | Senior refs covering high‑profile matches |
| Robertson (Ross County) | 12‑player squad trim | Wage reduction, increased competition |
These updates shape the narrative of Scottish football heading into 2026, influencing transfer strategies, squad management, and on‑field performance across the Premiership.
