Graeme Souness has message for 'anti-Rangers brigade' as he revels in Steven Gerrard title win
The Rangers and Liverpool legend was fulsome in his praise for Steven Gerrard and his players after Celtic s 0-0 draw with Dundee confirmed the Ibrox side as Scottish Premiership champions for the first time in a decade.
Souness, who led Rangers to three consecutive titles as manager and was on the verge of completing a fourth before departing for Liverpool in 1991, was also overjoyed to avoid the prospect of Celtic winning a record-breaking 10th consecutive title.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"I'm delighted for Steven Gerrard and all his team. It's been a long time coming," he told Sky Sports.
"Celtic have had a period of dominance that was uncomfortable for us Rangers supporters.
"They thoroughly deserve it, they've been fantastic all season, and I just wish I was in Glasgow right now.
"There's part of me wishes Celtic had won today so Rangers had to go to Parkhead next week, being the in-form team and winning it there. It would have compounded Celtic's problems, but I'll take that today."
Souness also reflected on the journey his former club have been on as they climbed back through the lower leagues following their demotion to League Two after suffering liquidation in 2012.
"Fair play to the players and the staff, and the Rangers support, because in their history they've never had turmoil like they've had to experience in the last 10 years, being thrown out the league unfairly in my opinion, and all the anti-Rangers brigade that were coming out of the woodwork up there,” he said.
"When you're in the third tier and you've got 50,000 people turning up to your stadium, that's a proper support. I'm absolutely delighted. There will be some parties going on right now."
After a trophyless first two years at Ibrox, Gerrard’s stock has risen considerably this season with 28 wins and four draws in an unbeaten league campaign combined with progress to the last 16 of the Europa League.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"He's worked away quietly," Souness added. "This is his third year. Nothing was going to happen overnight simply because of where Rangers had been. So it's been a slow burn. He's got them back and now they are reaping all the rewards of the hard work him and his staff and the players have put in.
"I'm delighted for everybody connected with Rangers Football Club. I have to throw in my old pal as well, Walter Smith. I see him occasionally and if I say 'Walter, celebrate tonight', he'll know what I mean."