Murdo MacLeod offers hope to old foes

FORMER Celtic captain Murdo MacLeod offered hope to Rangers supporters by pointing to the way two of his former clubs emerged from cash crises to become stronger again.

MacLeod experienced financial problems at Hibs and Celtic, and sympathises with Rangers current plight. “When I went to Hibs I caught the tail end of the issues that they were facing, however Sir Tom Farmer had agreed to back them and they were bouncing back up the way,” said MacLeod, who lifted the League Cup with Hibs in 1991.

“Celtic were close to where Rangers are now but Fergus McCann came in and ensured that they did not enter administration in the manner Rangers have.

“Winning the league with Wim Jansen in 1998 brought that period to an end at Celtic. Tommy Burns had built a fantastic footballing team and we took that on in the rebuilt stadium and stopped ten in a row which was really important to the club.”

McLeod believes full time clubs should be investing with talent reared by SFL clubs. “Bigger clubs should be looking across the leagues as finances are dictating that,” he said. It is all right bringing through your own players but there is other great talent about and they tend to be more experienced than SPL youngsters. Youngsters in the lower leagues have experience of playing for points as opposed to friendlies against English Youth sides. Playing for points makes you a winner in games.”