Gio van Bronckhorst hasn’t had much to wish for much this summer. Seven new faces in through the door with around £30million banked in return following the departures of Calvin Bassey, Joe Aribo and Cedric Itten. But the blue contingent on the Hotline are keeping their fingers crossed for one more piece of good news after GVB announced he was hopeful of a new deal for Alfredo Morelos.
Gavin MacLeod, Renfrew, was first on the blower to say: “Gio saying that Morelos is close to a new deal might be the best bit of news for Rangers fans this summer. He’s at the peak of his powers and it looks like he realises the club can match his ambitions of playing at the top level. Hopefully, we can see him tear up the Champions League like he’s done the Europa League for years.”
Jake Curley, Edinburgh, added: “I’m delighted to hear that the legend Alfredo could be about to sign a new contract. No-one can score the goals he can. His link up play before injury was exemplary. He’s not letting numpties rile him so much and he’ll pay his beloved fans back in spades. Giovanni will be growing in confidence.”
But Celtic fan Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: “So Morelos wants to sign a new contract? What a surprise as yet again in this window we have Rangers fans telling us he would be going for tens of millions, yet there has not been one club interested! But no doubt once he signs a contract we will be told how he turned down offers to stay. It’s like Jackanory!”
The big Premiership kick-off is still three days off but the Old Firm squabbling has been going strong since the curtain came down on last year’s campaign. Duncan Morrison, Woking, said: “Rangers fans keep banging on about how Celtic spent £13million on two players to stand still. Yes, they were loan players but look how that turned out, they helped us win the league. I'll take that and now they've signed permanently it’s Champions League here we come and in no small part thanks to them. How we do, I've no idea, looking forward to it though!”
John Bruce said: "Celtic only won the league by four points last season. Having seven days rest between games for several months, while Rangers were playing high-pressure, high-stakes European games mid-week certainly helped.
“Their manager has spent big on keeping players who failed him so miserably in Europe, without really strengthening much for going into the Champions League. It doesn't make sense. Especially when Gio has added quality signings all over the park, improving his successful Euro squad, ensuring that he has cover and isn't caught short in the league or Europe again. That does make sense.”
George Wilson, West Sussex, added: “Messrs Easson and Ashley are saying they are not running scared nor bothered by Rangers’ seven new signings yet they are on here again shouting and obviously very bothered.
“Celtic have apparently signed the two best players in Scotland. I am not sure who they mean but I would be concerned if they meant Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers who aren’t even the best two players at Celtic. Jota is a one trick show pony who has now been sussed out and only plays one good game in four.
“Carter-Vickers is a cart-horse or donkey in the Shane Duffy mould and goodness knows what a half decent team in the Champions League will do with him at the heart of the defence. Both of these players will be shown up in Europe with the rest of the Celtic team.”
Rangers fan Forbes McGarva, Doncaster, emailed: “Wow, can't wait for Saturday's game against Livingston. We have made impressive signings, can't wait to see Tom Lawrence and Rabbi Matondo.
“Interesting that Celtic fans Ashley, Easson and Hay spend more time talking about Rangers finance and our players than their own team. Guys are you Rangers supporters in disguise? Just admit it, you will all feel better in the end.”
Jambo Jim Melville, Edinburgh, gets the last word: “I’m genuinely worried about VAR being introduced only part way through the season. Last season Celtic won the title due to favourable decisions by officials. Particularly linesmen. Will they be allowed to build up a lead again this season by their friends in black? It’s a worry for all other clubs including my team Hearts.”
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