Celtic fans reckon the league is a four-gone conclusion already after the Old Firm drubbing of Rangers at Parkhead.
The Hotline was ringing off the hook with Hoops punters desperate to rub it in to their rivals and our own columnist Barry Ferguson at the forefront of the stick after he claimed Gio van Bronckhorst appeared to have Ange Postecoglou sussed. A 4-0 thumping suggests otherwise and for all the gloating Celtic fans calling in there were plenty of Bears with sore heads looking to vent their anger at Gio van Bronckhorst, Jon McLaughlin and basically anyone in light blue. Let’s start with the Hoopy callers though. Barry, look away now.
John Melrose, Edinburgh , said: “What a total humiliation our manager has handed Barry Ferguson and the big-mouthed Rangers fans on the Hotline. We totally outclassed and embarrassed them from start to finish. We are the biggest and best club in the country and now have a young talented squad with at least eight players worth £20m or more. We take on the world’s biggest club in the most atmospheric stadium in Europe on Tuesday with the world watching and have a chance.”
Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon , said: “I had to laugh at Barry Ferguson’s effort of trying to play mind games with Ange. We went with not plan a - but plan w for win - a great performance by Celtic.”
Frank Duffy emailed: “Gio has Ange sussed as he only had plan A? What about plan E by Ange? As in easy!”
Rab Roberts, Boness , said: “Barry was so wide of the mark he hit the corner flag. But I’m happy to see that Ange’s professionalism is continually underestimated by his opponents.” And Cammy Murray, Leven , added: “Maybe Gio should let his players in on his secret if he has Ange sussed because they were running about like rabbits caught in the headlights. We welcome the chase. It’s Real Madrid up next for Celtic but after Saturday’s derby demolition supporters are in fearless mode - with Ange Postecoglou hailed as the greatest manager since Jock Stein.
Gerry Milligan, Erskine , said: “One cannot praise Ange high enough. The transformation in just 13 months is colossal. Almost all the dross has gone and whoever is recruiting this new batch knows where to look. Celtic's second string is in fact the second best team in Scotland. Ange will be here for as long as he wants to be.” Tam Williamson, Lanarkshire , agreed: “Ange is the greatest manager since the late great Jock Stein. His football is a joy to watch. The only consolation is that Rangers supporters can watch the replay on TV and learn how football should be played.”
Gary Kelly emailed: “Celtic yet again outclassed Rangers. It was men against boys. I've got to say the depth the character in the Celtic squad and what Ange has done with the team is magnificent. Roll on Tuesday.”
Meanwhile Paul Conner emailed: “Another easy win for Celtic against last season’s Scottish Cup champions. Celtic free flowing against a creaking, static Rangers. They should be thankful Celtic eased off in second half. Also good to see that UEFA watching the financial situation at Ibrox.”
Adam Gordon joked: “Rangers were so poor they couldn’t keep up with the ball boys never mind the Celtic players.”
Colin McArdle chipped in with: “Celtic may win or may lose to a fabulous club like Real but I will watch Rangers v Ajax/Liverpool matches and it will remind me of watching my favourite Aussie soap opera when they are gubbed both home and away.”
Celtic wide men Jota and Liel Abada stole the show and Stephen Mulhern , said: “Any debate about comparing Ryan Kent to Jota was shown again with Jota’s world class finish. It’s akin to comparing a spam sandwich to a plate of caviar. Celtic where ruthless and Rangers where toothless and although it’s to early to say Rangers have collapsed already in the league race a ‘mind the gap’ scenario is rapidly developing.”
Now for the Hotline’s blue corner. And it doesn’t make for comfortable reading.
Jimmy Strangers, Tranent , fired: “Disgraceful performance from Rangers. The whole team was absolutely shocking. GVB has to start playing the young guns and drop the garbage that readily walk into the first team. Jon McLaughlin should never be allowed near the team again, I've said from the start of the season he can't handle the pass backs and he proved that without doubt on Saturday.”
John Bruce emailed: “No lessons appeared to have been learned from the team's last visit to Parkhead both from the players' and manager's point of view. A number of players failed to turn up. It’s difficult to understand, when they have performed so well throughout Europe. On the day though, Celtic played well when it mattered, giving them an early season advantage. Already it looks like the league could be defined by Old Firm games and Euro hangovers.”
And Jamie Thompson, Clydebank, said: “That performance was shameful. These signings are not good enough. We will be whipping boys in the Champions League. Gio’s job is on the line and if Celtic win league in a canter it’ll be bye-bye.”
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