Never Once: Grant calls out Clement over pleading poverty

Former Celtic hero Peter Grant has thrown his weight behind Brendan Rodgers’ comments about Celtic’s financial stability, rejecting Rangers manager Philippe Clement’s excuses about his club’s financial muscle.

Clement had argued that Rangers were not in Celtic’s league financially, but Grant spoke up Go Radio Football Showwas quick to highlight how similar claims were unheard of during his playing days.

Grant, who played for Celtic in the 1980s and 1990s, pointed out that Rangers were miles ahead in financial power in that era, signing world-class players under Graeme Souness and Walter Smith. However, there was no one at Celtic who blamed defeat on economic inequality at the time.

“I agree with (Brendan Rodgers) 100 percent,” Grant said. “No one said anything when Souness came in in 86-87 or through the 90s. Never once when we lost to Rangers or anything did anyone say it was financial because they were stronger.

“They had better players, big players – the England captain came on at the time. So financially they were on a different planet to us but every game you take them on you can punch them in the nose and it did we at times.”

Celtic’s organic growth

Brendan Rodgers recently praised Celtic as a well-run club and highlighted that their financial success is the result of decades of prudent management and organic growth. The club’s strong position stands in stark contrast to the financial chaos that almost saw Celtic go under in the mid-90s.

Grant echoed those sentiments, stressing that managers at clubs like Celtic and Rangers must avoid making excuses, whatever the circumstances.

“I thought it was stupid of Clement, to be honest. You can never make excuses when you’re a Celtic or Rangers manager,” he said. “Even if you think it deep down, you can’t say it.”

Lessons from the past

Grant also reflected on the difficulties Celtic faced in the 90s, a time when Rangers dominated Scottish football. Despite the clear financial gap, Grant insisted the Hoops’ focus was always on competing hard rather than bemoaning their lack of resources.

“I can’t ever remember a Celtic manager ever coming out and saying it was because Rangers were better off financially than us and I thought that was a stupid statement,” Grant added. “He obviously wasn’t here in the ’80s and ’90s when it was hard to take.”

Clements interviews under fire

In a scathing criticism, Grant suggested that Clement’s handling of the media could undermine his credibility as Rangers manager.

“I think he’s still learning, and sometimes that’s what kills him — his interviews,” Grant said. “I thought he started very well, but I think he’s gotten poorer.”

For Celtic, the focus remains on the pitch, where their financial prudence and strong squad depth continue to pay dividends. Meanwhile, Clement’s comments have left some questioning whether Rangers’ current struggles are about more than just money.

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