Derek McInnes has claimed that Ange Postecoglou and Celtic have no hope of reclaiming the Premiership title – if they don't improve in January.
The Australian arrived to replace Neil Lennon in the summer after a drawn out managerial process and loss of the 10-in-a-row dream, leading to a madcap summer transfer window.
But his Hoops side have won plenty of plaudits for their swashbuckling style of play and they've managed to keep up with Premiership champions Rangers in the title race. They're also in the Premier Sports Cup final.
Even amid the upheaval of Giovanni van Bronckhorst replacing Steven Gerrard as Ibrox manager, Rangers could be seven points clear before Celtic kick off against Aberdeen today.
Former Dons boss McInnes has been impressed by some of the Parkhead transfer business – including Kyogo Furuhashi. But he reckons a big January shopping spree is the only way Rangers won't claim the title.
He wrote in his Mail on Sunday column: "The fact Postecoglou came in alone, and seems happy working with inherited staff like John Kennedy and Stephen McManus, suggests a real confidence in what he does.
"He's had to suffer a wee bit along the way but there are now signs of stability. He does look good, to me he looks like a capable guy.
"My take is that he is an idealist. Postecoglou has earned himself a place in a cup final, a chance to win his first trophy before the turn of the year. But, in January, he needs the Celtic board to back him.
"Unless they make improvements, add more quality to the squad, then no matter how good he is, I just don't see them having enough to wrest the title away from Rangers.
"I'm pretty sure Postecoglou's hand will have been strengthened by the work he did over the summer.
"The success of Kyogo Furuhashi, a player he identified from Japan, should give Celtic the confidence to give him the funds required, and perhaps return to that market."
