Boyd refused to be drawn into a debate about which of Glasgow’s two clubs had the easier run of games heading into the new season.
The SPFL released the 2026/27 Premiership calendar, with Rangers kicking off on Friday, July 31 away at Tannadice against Dundee United.
Celtic will unfurl their 56th league championship flag at home to Dundee just 72 hours later on the Monday night.
Glasgow’s big two will each play three home and three away fixtures before they meet in the first Old Firm derby at Parkhead on Sunday, September 20.
Boyd was asked on Sky Sports News which side had the easier fixture list building up to that blockbuster showdown, but he declined to take the bait.
He said: “To be honest, I’ll say it again, you have to play everybody anyway. There’s a lot made out about the fixtures in Scotland, especially when the split comes.”
Boyd acknowledged that Celtic’s early schedule carries its own difficulties, pointing to a trip to Kilmarnock, who are returning to grass this season, and a visit to newly promoted St Johnstone.
He added: “The key thing for me between the two of them is always that first home Old Firm game. Celtic have got it this season.”
Boyd was clear that losing that fixture would crank up pressure on whoever is in the dugout, saying Celtic’s home advantage makes it a critical early marker in the title race.
He said: “If Rangers don’t go into that level or above Celtic and then all of a sudden you lose that, the pressure then starts to mount on the managers.”
The spotlight then turned to newly appointed Rangers manager Derek McInnes, who was recruited from Hearts after Danny Rohl departed for RB Salzburg.
McInnes led Hearts to the brink of a historic title triumph before making the move to Ibrox, following his former captain Lawrence Shankland down the M8.
Boyd was clear that McInnes, a nine-in-a-row winner as a player at Rangers, would be afforded no settling-in period given the expectations at the club.
He said: “You’re always expected to hit the ground running, that’s why he’s been selected as the next Rangers manager. Derek has brought stability to more or less every club he’s been at.”
Boyd also referenced the boardroom changes at Ibrox, including the arrival of Andrew Cavenagh and Jim Gillespie, expressing hope those appointments would finally bring the stability Rangers have lacked.
He said: “It cannot continue. It’s happened season after season for the last few years. Rangers have changed their manager.”
Boyd did not shy away from his assessment of last season’s performances, insisting there remains significant work to be done at Ibrox if Rangers are to mount a serious challenge.
He said: “When you go back to the start of the season and then towards the end of the season, there’s a lot of things that need to change at Rangers if they’re going to be successful.”
About the Author
