Scotland's faltering Nations League campaign is heading to the furthest flung corner of Europe for a must-win clash against Armenia.
But for Hotline callers still bristling at Saturday’s thrashing off Ireland, Steve Clarke and his troops should be sent to Siberia.
It’s fair to say the fury over the drubbing in Dublin has not died down.
Peter Lyons, Blantyre, said: “I don't like to kick a man when he is down but I will make this the exception. We have the best bunch of players we’ve had for the last 20 years and Clarke and his assistants are failing them big time. Team selection, formation and lack of tactics. This manager is so negative as he was at Killie. He is being found out. Please do not pack your case for the Armenia game and do the honourable thing.”
William McCarron, Glasgow, said: “Scotland's failure to retain possession of the ball is down to the manager’s tactics. Straight from kick off one long diagonal pass to the wing for someone to head on and it goes for a shy. Playing with one forward and no support and no defensive midfielders - they are wide open to any attacking team. Not to worry, if they beat Armenia they will become superheroes again.”
And Bill Park, Bathgate , blasted: “I’m old but it’s a possibility I have more mobility and pace than Scotland’s centre backs, Hanley, Hendry and McKenna. As for McTominay, he is a bomb scare every time he is in a defensive position. The defeat to Ireland brings back some reality after the hype and expectations of the Scotland team.”
Harry Melvin, Blantyre, said: “What a pathetic, embarrassing display from Scotland in Dublin. Ralston and McKenna were good against Armenia, but were found out when the pressure was on. Clarke qualified for the Euros after a penalty shoot out provided by the work done by Alex McLeish. He is a fraud and needs to go.”
And Brian Kennan emailed: “What’s the old saying, never change a winning team? Why bring back players he had already dropped for being rank rotten? Unbelievable, Clarke has lost the plot.”
Rab Roberts, Bo’ness, said: “Scotland’s result was a real sickener but I had an awful feeling that Shane Duffy would play a villain’s role in the proceedings, and it proved to be horribly correct. A man who was ridiculed and dismissed as a flop in Scottish football was a colossus in Dublin, defending one minute, providing the next. Karma stinks!”
There has to be some sort of silver lining surely? William Hutchison, Aberdeen, tried his best when he said: “Yeah it was really bad result on Saturday we were woeful, wasteful, outplayed in every area. But there is always someone worse off than us.. has anyone looked at England's table? We will, and I know we will, come good.”
Onto domestic matters and the transfer window is now in full swing.
John Bruce emailed: “Celtic fans appear to be delighted with the signing of Cameron Carter-Vickers but remain anxious over the permanent addition of Jota. Two players that are already at Celtic and will allegedly cost them £15-£20 million. A lot of money to spend in Scotland, especially for two players who couldn't even cut it in the third tier of European football.
"Meanwhile, Rangers fans are waiting to see which of the club's high value jewels stay, who moves on and how many quality players are added to their respected and experienced European squad. There's no doubt that, with his own team and a full season in front of him, Gio will be fully prepared and won't take his eye off the ball this time.”
But Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: “If Rangers are that serious about challenging Celtic for the title they should have bought Calvin Ramsay. The money wasted on Arron Ramsey could have bought Calvin twice.”
Rory McIlroy aimed a dig at LIV Golf tour chief Greg Norman after overtaking his PGA Tour wins at the weekend.
But Robert Sheridan emailed: “I was not impressed by McIlroy having a personal dig at Norman about the number of tour wins. He needs to remember that the reason he and others are getting the rewards they get nowadays is because of the popularity that Norman and others brought to golf during their playing careers.
"Okay you don’t agree with the LIV Tour but then if your a struggling pro and you get the chance to make enough for yourself and family why would you not. It’s a choice that is for each individual to make.”
