Graeme Souness and Barry Ferguson have had their say on Rangers’ woes.
And Hotline callers reckon it’s time the Gers board moved to bring some Ibrox icons back into the management team - with one even suggesting Souness is the perfect man, echoing a fellow caller who wants the Liverpool legend to lead an Ibrox clearout. The 69-year-old reckons the anger and passion has gone out of Gio van Bronckhorst ’s side ahead of a colossal Champions League clash with Napoli in Italy.
And Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: “It's time to sound out Graeme Souness for a return to Rangers. Gio has an obvious disconnect with the players and there are no signs of improvement. Souness understands the demands and is a leader of men who would get the fans onside immediately. I would also get Kevin Thomson on board as he loves the club. Rangers have failed to kick on from last season's European run and Souness would add passion and commitment to our ambitions.”
Drew Ferguson, Oban, added: “Comments from Souness and Ferguson stating that Rangers need more 'spirit and anger' are true but that only takes you so far. Rangers have not recruited the quality to compete with the Napolis or Liverpools of this world and that question needs to be asked of the decision makers at Ibrox.”
Meanwhile Allan McGaw, Alloa, groaned: “Saturday’s draw with Livingston was an absolute nightmare. No passion anymore or drive to win games. I just can’t believe we were in a Europa final five months ago. Why have so many players gone off the boil and have they fallen out with Gio? We have been an embarrassment for last few games and I fear what the score will be in Naples.”
Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, has sympathy with the boss though. He said: “In fairness to Rangers and van Bronckhorst, they’re missing the spine of that team especially at the back and Tom Lawrence is a huge loss in midfield. Having said that, Matondo and Kent are bringing zero spark to any game. Kent is simply working his passage as is Morelos.
“To think Steven Gerrard reportedly turned down combined bids of about £30 million for both Kent and Morelos and now they could both leave for nowt. Mind you, they got £20 million for Calvin Bassey. They did the Dutch up like kippers.”
It wasn’t long until the the conversation was turning back to VAR after the technologies big Scottish roll out at he weekend. Steve McSherry, Uddingston, said: “VAR could be a good thing, however it is only as good as the people operating it and at this present time the people we have operating it are totally incompetent. The blunders at the Hearts v Celtic game highlighted this. We need full time non biased operators to ensure that it is used to its best ability.”
Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon, said: “When Celtic played Inverness in the Scottish Cup semi a few years back, Josh Meekings’ face was as guilty as Michael Smith’s when he got away with a handball in the box. But goalside linesman that day Steven McLean thought differently. The same Mr McLean that was in VAR control room on Saturday.” But Ian McKendrick emailed: “We all knew Celtic would be the first to moan about VAR as they’re the ones more likely to be caught out.”
James Brown, Glasgow, had a bone to pick with Hotline regular Chris Lowe. He said: “Mr Lowe says the Moritz Jenz should have been sent off against Hearts. Someone should tell Mr Lowe that not all fouls are worthy of a first or second yellow card. Funny how he failed to mention anything about Celtic being denied a stonewall penalty, and the other decisions that went against the champions.”
It's another massive week in Europe for Scottish clubs - but what do you make of Monday's Hotline calls?
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