Tuesday 14 March 2017 15:20, UK
Maurice Johnston says the Rangers board need to back Pedro Caixinha in the transfer market if they are to start making up ground on Celtic.
The 53-year-old, who crossed the Old Firm divide back in 1989, can barely believe the size of the gulf currently separating his old sides, with Rangers in third place in the Scottish Premiership, 33 points behind Brendan Rodgers' team.
Johnston, who lives in the United States, is aware of Caixinha following his stint in Mexico at Santos Laguna but called his appointment at Ibrox a "gamble" due to his lack of experience in Scottish football.
The Gers board have promised the Portuguese money to spend this summer, but Johnston says it is essential that major investment is delivered for Rangers to compete with Celtic.
"He's a good coach. He spent a couple of years in Mexico and won three trophies. But I think he needs some money now he's at Rangers," Johnston said.
"It's a huge gap he needs to close. How many points is it at the top of the championship, 33? I've been really impressed by the work Brendan Rodgers has done but the gap is so big.
"I think it's a big gamble for Rangers because he really doesn't know much about Scottish football. I don't think you can prepare yourself for the Old Firm. Right now it's not possible to close that gap. Rangers are so far behind it's not even funny.
"It was a great draw they got at the weekend because they are so far behind in the league. They can take a lot of confidence from that. We all thought Celtic would have run away with Sunday's game but the game proved to be different. I thought Rangers played well the last 20 minutes and deserved a draw.
"It's a little bit sad [that Rangers were happy with a draw]. They really need to spend a bit of money, give the coach a little bit of finance and allow him to bring in better players to try and bridge this gap."
