It's virtually impossible for fans of both halves of the Old Firm to be happy at the same time but Ange Postecoglou and Gio van Bronckhorst managed that feat at the end of last season. And it seems the feelgood factor survived the summer with Rangers and Celtic supporters convinced in equal measures that their team will go from strength to strength in the coming season.
That doesn’t mean the back-biting and sniping at each other doesn’t continue unabated. There’s no dolphin music in the background here, folks, so without further ado, let’s get started. Lance Little, Erskine, said: “I can’t wait for the new season. Celtic have signed well in keeping the two best players in the league last year and adding a few more quality players. Our Japanese stars have had rest time and look even more dangerous. We missed the Treble last season but I’m confident of getting it this time. We are the champions, and we welcome the chase.”
But Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, Florida, emailed: “With so many new Rangers players ready to take the field and Morelos back in weeks, the Gers fans will be looking forward to a great season of Scottish football. The Rangers squad looks much stronger than when they last won the title, so winning three domestic trophies may be a possibility. But no matter what the critics spew out about SPFL, it’s always great to see the start of a brand new season. I’m looking forward to watching the live game on Saturday and let’s make it a great season for the fans whoever they follow.”
Eddie Easson, Ballingry, Fife, emailed: "In answer to the out of touch George Wilson of West Sussex - the cart horse and one trick pony he is talking about have got their league winners medals safely tucked away and are looking forward to playing in the Champions League Group stages. That was the reward for seeing off Rangers last season.
“These were two loan players who came good and were signed up along with O’Reilly, Abada and the Japanese boys. Or are they all duds as well? Now he talks about the seven quality players his team has signed or borrowed. I will bet my bottom dollar that GVB and the whole Rangers support have got everything crossed that at least half of them come good.”
Alfie Mullin, London, said: “What a load of nonsense ex-Celtic players talk. Peter Grant said Celtic will win the title, because they have the best squad in Scotland. He says they have 22 players whom they could call first team players. He then goes on to say they still need another defender. Make up your mind Peter, they’re either the best squad or not. In your contradictory statement you are saying that Celtic have 22 first team players but not enough of them are defenders.”
Jamie Thompson, Clydebank, agreed, saying: “ Celtic has-beens Charlie Nicholas, Chris Sutton and Grant are all spouting that Celtic have the best team in the country. We’ll see next May who is the best team in Scotland. All three cannot hide their hate for Rangers Football Club and it’s shameful.”
Malcolm Nimmo said: “So Morelos is supposedly signing a new contract with Rangers. Could that possibly be to do with the fact that no one else wants him? As for all the ‘my team has signed better players than your team’ rubbish, let’s see how the season goes. In my opinion Celtic have the better squad. Last season Rangers got a head start on us and we still won the league. 'Oh but Rangers were playing in Europe and Celtic were getting more time between games'. Just another feeble excuse.
“The title will be staying in the East end of Glasgow. As for the Champions League If I’m honest I think both teams will find it hard in the group stage. That’s IF Rangers make it. But one thing for sure, they need the money more than Celtic do.”
Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: “I would like to wish Calvin Bassey all the best at Ajax. As a Rangers supporter I feel we owe him so much. He has left us with firm foundations through the transfer money brought in and we are now mixing it with Europe’s best. Thanks for the memories.”
John Bruce emailed: “Last season without VAR, it was intriguing the amount of contentious - and game defining - decisions that Celtic were involved in, that also went their way. And they ultimately won the league. It was even more intriguing that in Europe, with VAR and good referees, Celtic were barely involved in any questionable, let alone contentious, decisions. And they were ultimately eliminated from three competitions.
“Conversely, Rangers didn’t share such good fortune in our league without VAR, yet excelled in Europe with VAR. So it should be very interesting to see how the league pans out this season with the new technology.”
And finally, Record Sport ’s Hearts columnist Ryan Stevenson seems to have annoyed John Scott, Grassmoor, who emailed: “Hibs really live inside Ryan Stevenson’s head don’t they? Then again, it’s easy to kick someone when they’re down as he will remember from his playing days. Here’s a few facts he should bear in mind though. Neil Lennon had Hibs in fourth in 2018 with 65 points, 15 points behind champions Celtic. Last season Hearts finished third on 61 a massive 31 points behind champions Celtic. As for Hearts moving closer to Celtic and Rangers? Aye only if they move to Harthill, Ryan.”
