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Sutton delighted to see the big myth demolished

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Image for Sutton delighted to see the big myth demolished

Chris Sutton never believed in the glass ceiling as financial excuses were put up to explain Celtic’s European performances and failings.

Reaching the group stage of the Champions League followed by a third placed finish then a Europa League last 32 ko seemed to be the limit of ambitions with everyone content with the prize money on offer.

As the TV and sponsors money gets concentrated on the clubs from the richer leagues it seemed that dreams had been crushed with the latter stages of the Champions League to be viewed from a distance- and armchair.

On Tuesday night Ajax demolished that theory. After losing at home to Real Madrid they should have went to the Spanish capital to soak up the atmosphere and accept their exit to the club looking to lift the trophy for the fourth season running.

A 4-1 defeat sent a message across Europe that player development and modest wise signings can create something to shake things up.

In the Daily Record Sutton explains:

The Dutch side’s incredible victory against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu this week wasn’t just one in the eye to the UEFA bigwigs who want to make the Champions League an elite team closed shop.

It was also a message of hope to all sides that money isn’t everything, even when it comes to the millionaire playground. Ajax are not even top of the table in Holland.

Celtic fans have been constantly told the club haven’t got the resources to cut it at the very top level any more but interestingly, Ajax have a wage bill that is more than £10m less each year.

Their turnover was £20m less the Celtic’s last season. Talk about getting it right.

Ajax are a club that have obviously got their structure right from top to bottom and they are an example to all of the mid-ranking sides across the continent that success is possible.

Red Bull Salzurg are the same. Everyone assumes they have loads of money but their wage bill is also comparable with Celtic’s. They spent decent money last summer but also brought in about £50m.

The turnaround at Ajax has been even more remarkable in such a short space of time.

When they faced Celtic just over three years ago there didn’t seem an awful lot between the teams and if anything they both looked like spent forces in Europe. Celtic were toiling under Ronny Deila while Ajax were a pale shadow of their former selves.

Last season Ajax were knocked out of the Europa League in the play-off round by Rosenborg who were defeated by Celtic in the third qualifying round for the Champions League.

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