Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Matthew Fulton

Michael Beale's Rangers Celtic 'mind games' a cry for help as pundit shares transfer theory

Michael Beale's 'mind games' of comparing his squad's investment to rivals Celtic could be viewed as a nudge to the Rangers board.

That is the view of former Ibrox defender Alan Hutton who believes the Light Blues boss was always going to stir the spot when his side are chasing the Scottish champions. Nine points is the difference on the park but off the field Ange Postecoglou has made four January recruits, topping off the arrivals of Alistair Johnston, Yuki Kobayashi and Tomoki Iwata with the newest signing in Oh Hyeon-Gyu.

Meanwhile Beale has recruited Todd Cantwell from Norwich City on a long-term deal and is eyeing the likes of midfielder Nicolas Raskin and forward Morgan Whittaker but no deals have been struck. The Ibrox gaffer previously claimed Celtic had 'spent a lot of money' and that his counterpart Postecoglou was a 'lucky man'.

READ MORE: Ryan Jack Rangers English transfer 'interest' warning as Michael Beale urged new deal is a 'priority'

Hutton revealed his theory on Beale's comments and says they are commonplace in football when chasing down a rival team. He told Football Insider: “ I think it is just a little bit of mind games. Celtic are nine points in front, it seems like everybody they bring in hits the ground running and does really well.

“Maybe a case of that or maybe it is a little cry to the board to say Celtic are strengthening, they are in a place of power at the moment and if we want to get to that level then we need to spend.

“It could be a little bit of both of those things. I understand it, it always goes on in football especially when you are chasing Celtic down. I get what he is saying but I understand why Celtic are probably getting a bit annoyed with it.“

READ NEXT:

- Key Rangers factor that could help Ryan Kent contract extension as ex-Celtic star rates deal chances

- Todd Cantwell details Michael Beale Rangers chats as he delivers play style insight and Ibrox aims

- Todd Cantwell Rangers transfer complete as Michael Beale secures first signing as Ibrox boss

- Amad Diallo profits from Rangers and Celtic connection as Sunderland rise continues with stunner

- Charlie Adam felt more pressure at Liverpool than Rangers as he opens up on Morgan Whittaker pursuit

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.