Paraag Marathe will have known what might happen when The 49ers agreed a majority takeover of Rangers in the summer, while remaining in control of Leeds United.
But Marathe might not have understood or expected the level of vitriol and criticism that his work as chairman at Leeds, and vice chairman at Rangers, might have brought to his door with both struggling.
Leeds fans are fuming after just one goal in four Premier League games, with The 49ers unable to back Daniel Farke in the transfer market and bring in some much-needed attackers at the end of the window.
In Glasgow, Russell Martin is as close to the sack as imaginable. Winless after five Premiership games, drawing four and on Saturday, losing to Hearts at Ibrox. Marathe is coming under intense pressure.
Chris Sutton on punditry duty during an Old Firm game.
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Chris Sutton responds to Rangers, Leeds and Celtic question
Martin, who struggled at Southampton and didn’t pull up trees as a player during his time at Rangers, could well find himself out of a job this week. Whether Marathe sides with the fans remains to be seen.
Chris Sutton discussed the situation at Rangers, and a fan suggested there might be a conflict of interest between Rangers and Leeds, before claiming that Rangers and Celtic are on a “different level” to Leeds.
Rangers and Celtic badges.
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On BBC’s 606 phone-in, Robbie Savage picked up on it and instantly asked Sutton if he feels Rangers and Celtic are on a different level to Leeds. Sutton told fans not to underestimate the size of the Old Firm duo.
Savage asked: “Are Rangers and Celtic a different level to Leeds?”. Sutton replied to Savage: “Do not underestimate the size of Rangers and Celtic. You know that. Let’s not go down the financial route.
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“I don’t know if you recognise, but Leeds play in the English Premier League. They play in a different country,” Sutton continued. Savage replied: “So you’re not going to answer the question again.”
The Leeds United Club Badge
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Joe Rothwell’s Rangers move surely hints at a difference in quality
Last summer, Leeds landed Joe Rothwell on loan from Bournemouth. A mixed reaction met the midfielder upon his arrival but actually, Rothwell proved himself. His set-pieces were crucial in Leeds’ promotion.
But rightly so, the club felt they required better in midfield in the summer and chose to allow Rothwell to return to Bournemouth. Martin pounced, luring Rothwell to Ibrox and forming a Southampton reunion.
Club Season Games Minutes G+A Wins Clean sheets FotMob rating (league)
Leeds 2024-25 39 2500 4 22 19 7.22
Rangers 2025-26 12 693 2 3 3 7.15
Rothwell has been a regular for Rangers, even if he has struggled at times. At Leeds, he was merely a rotational option in the Championship. That surely offers an indication at the difference in quality levels.
In terms of off-pitch matters, Sutton’s remark about finances clearly indicates Leeds have more spending power. But when it comes to size of the fanbase, it is a much more level playing field between the clubs.