The eve of the new season is a time for optimism and bold predictions and there’s already some big calls coming from Rangers fans. Ibrox punters are excited by Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s summer reshaping and they are convinced the title is returning to Govan and Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou will be packing his bags.
Alan Flett , via email, said: “The honeymoon period is over for Postecoglou. He’s spent £18m to have the same team as last season and is a one trick pony. It’s all very well wiping the floor with SPFL cannon fodder on a weekly basis but unless he comes up with a Plan B Celtic will continue to be a laughing stock in Europe. GVB is a far more accomplished operator and with the quality he’s added to his squad I fully expect Rangers to win back the title and once again outperform Celtic in Europe. In six months time it won’t be Ange ball, it will be Ange who?”
John Bruce, Glasgow, said: “Celtic fans are clearly rattled by all the good news coming from Ibrox - from the tens of millions brought in on player sales, to the number of quality signings being bought and the great reviews about our results. They are even confusing the Rangers fans' excitement and optimism with bragging about what the team will do next season. Could the real issue be the Celtic fans' lack of excitement at their own clubs' underwhelming transfer window, with some doubts creeping in too?”
Jake Curley, Edinburgh, said: “Rangers are becoming stronger by the day. A month ago Celtic were so pleased with themselves stating they were certainties for the title. Now they could be facing real pressure again.”
Some Gers fans are not as confident.
Brian Quinn, Paisley, said: “I would like to see Rangers sign another striker. Antonio Colak may have got his first goal against Tottenham but I just don’t think he has the mobility and link up play that you need at the top level and I’ve not been overly impressed. Kemar Roofe is always injured and who knows what is happening with Alfredo Morelos. We need to push the boat out for one last signing.”
As for the other side of the city, Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: “Who are Rangers fans trying to kid? All West Ham’s internationals had been back training for about nine days. They should worry more about the fact Antonio Colak looks a waste of money and Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent are set to run down their deals.”
But Hoops fan David Bryce, Troon, is worried and said: “If this is the complete Celtic squad for the season ahead we’re in huge trouble. We have been unconvincing to say the least in pre pre-season. Kyogo, Jota, Carter-Vickers and Juranovic have been rank rotten. I fear for the season ahead. There is a real dearth of creativity in the squad and we have looked hopeless at the back.”
William Hutchinson, Aberdeen, said: “I’ve been disappointed with the friendlies. Although Celtic didn't lose, we should have put on better performances. I’m still not impressed with new signing Alexandro Bernabei, so I hope he ups his game for the new season.”
Hibs are feeling the heat already after getting bounced out of the Premier Sports Cup. Davy Matson emailed: “Hibs moaning about matches being played too early in the season as they are having work done to the stand. Why didn’t they schedule their workload appropriately.”
Hearts fan Alex Stevens, said: “I had a good laugh at Hibs chairman Ron Gordon complaining about the fixtures. His club can’t even get it right about suspended players playing game, leading to them being ousted from the League Cup.”
Finally, there’s even optimism up north as Aberdeen fan Allan Brand said: “Rangers beat a West Ham team still blootered from their holidays and Celtic scraped a couple of draws. Meanwhile, the famous Dons have been scoring for fun and conceding nothing. Be afraid – we’re coming back!”
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