Maurice Ross has responded bluntly to Kris Boyd’s claims that Rangers and Celtic should be concerned about Tony Bloom’s proposed investment in Hearts.
Brighton & Hove Albion owner Bloom is reportedly in discussions with the Scottish Premiership side over a £10 million investment.
As part of the deal, Hearts would utilise Bloom’s analytical company to enhance their player identification and recruitment processes [Sky Sports, 18 September].
Boyd, speaking on Sky Sports, suggested that this development should alarm Rangers and Celtic.
He stated: “They’ve caused problems for the big ones, so if I’m Rangers and Celtic, I’m worried about his appointment – if I’m Hearts, I’m biting your hands off.
“Rangers and Celtic should be worried. There is potential for Hearts to go and challenge Rangers and Celtic. This could be a big thing for Scottish football.”
However, Ross, the former Rangers defender, seemed unimpressed by Boyd’s comments.
Taking to his X account, he posted a dismissive “Zzzzz” in response [19 September].
Why Rangers and Celtic should be worried
There is a clear and well-documented financial gap between Rangers, Celtic, and the rest of the Scottish Premiership. Rangers, in particular, have had to scrape together funds this summer to strengthen their squad, and after five games into the new season, the difference in class between them and Celtic is evident.
While Hearts are not in a stronger financial position than Rangers, the potential investment from Bloom could prove to be a significant boost.
Under Bloom’s guidance, Brighton have earned a reputation for their sharpness in the transfer market, consistently identifying and nurturing talent before selling on at significant profits.
This summer, Brighton spent a substantial £194 million on new players, but this was funded by £200 million in player sales over the past two years.
The standout deal was Moises Caicedo’s £110 million transfer to Chelsea in 2023, having been signed for just £4 million the year before.
It’s exactly this kind of financial savvy that is missing at Ibrox. Ross’s dismissive attitude towards the news could be misplaced, as this is the sort of strategic move Rangers should be pursuing if they are serious about keeping pace with Celtic.
Should Hearts benefit from Bloom’s expertise in scouting and transfers, the dynamic in Scottish football could shift dramatically, making life even tougher for Rangers in their pursuit of Celtic. Hearts with Bloom’s backing could be a new force to reckon with in the Scottish Premiership.