Old Firm launching their own channels on Setanta

Published on Thursday 17 June 2004 02:17

RANGERS and Celtic are to launch their own television channels after the Old Firm brokered a deal with Setanta Sport, the Irish-based company that will be broadcasting live Premierleague games next season.

The Old Firm channels will not feature live games but will be broadcasting every weekday evening, with the weekend’s game beamed out on Monday nights. It means the Old Firm are following in the footsteps of Manchester United and Chelsea, who each have their own channel.

Rangers chairman John McClelland has, meanwhile, assured supporters that transfer plans are at a far more advanced stage than this time last year.

The Ibrox club are desperate to avoid another trophyless season and have already signed up Dado Prso, the Croatia forward, and French defender Jean-Alain Boumsong. Wolves midfielder Alex Rae is another confirmed Bosman recruit.

McClelland told Rangers World: "We are well ahead of where we were at the same stage last season. We will continue to look to how we can strengthen the squad."

Rangers appear to have hit a brick wall with their pursuit of former England striker Kevin Phillips, however, with Southampton declaring they do not want to sell.