The Celtic and Rangers transfer clear-up that could stretch 'massive' Premiership gulf even further

The former Jambos boss assembled an impressive side on a limited budget in his first spell in charge at Tynecastle. But one member of that Hearts squad reckons the gulf could be even bigger next season due to the devastating financial impact of the coronavirus crisis. Two years later McKenzie was at Livingston and conceded 19 of the 21 goals the Glasgow giants put past the West Lothian outfit in another season when the title was settled on the final day. Others teams are set to go with youngsters next term after losing prized assets such as St Johnstone, who have lost Drey Wright and Kilmarnock, who will be without Scotland full-back Stephen O’Donnell. While the Old Firm are still feeling the impact of Covid-19, Rangers have recruited Ianis Hagi on a £3million deal and highly-rated youngster Calvin Bassey from Leicester City and the Hoops will inevitably do business. It’s looking ominous just a season after Brian Rice claimed the gap between the Old Firm and the rest was the biggest he’d seen in 40 years in football. In 2002/03 Celtic thumped Aberdeen 7-0 at home while Rangers hammered Dunfermline 6-0 at East End Park. It’s a shame because kids are going to be getting exposed to the top flight through necessity but getting battered at Ibrox and Parkhead isn’t great for their confidence. “Rangers fans were probably split on whether they should sign him permanently after his loan spell but with Hibs offloading players Gers can get him for a reported £150,000. “In fact, if Hibs become desperate then Rangers might even get him for £50,000.” McKenzie’s former club Hearts won’t have a chance of mounting any sort of challenge to the Old Firm as things stand. They still hope to change that through the court system after the controversial season-ending vote and last week’s latest failed attempt to win backing for league reconstruction. McKenzie can’t believe the lack of strong SPFL leadership in a time of crisis with Partick Thistle, joining the Jambos in taking legal action, and Stranraer also relegated with games left to play.