Another tale of World Cup woe for Scotland.
Another week of ‘what ifs’, ‘where nows’ and ‘will we evers’?
Scotland supporters are a resilient bunch though and for every caller looking for heads to roll after Wednesday's defeat to Ukraine there was another desperate to get the ball rolling on our next campaign.
James Thomson emailed: “The result against Ukraine was utterly embarrassing, humiliated in our home ground. It's time for real change and the people responsible for managing and improving Scottish football must go. None are accountable for their inept performance and it’s the usual pathetic excuses. Sack these people.”
Gordon Jack said: “No surprise how Ukraine spent their prolonged lay-off. No matches, so they just practiced keep ball routines. The result was we never got near them all night. Marvellous to watch, murder to play against. Will we ever learn?”
Duncan McDougall, Greenock, blasted: “As usual we have the big build up with high expectations but on the night we failed to deliver and were outclassed by a better side. Even Scotland's goal was a bit dubious and did not appear to be over the line. It reminded me of Geoff Hurst's in 1966. At least we will not have to play in the baking heat of Qatar. The players would fry at gas mark nine.”
And George Fairgrieve, Edinburgh, said: “Having declined to follow due process with under 21s selection, young Aaron Hickey may now realise you can’t just move up to the big boys without serving the normal apprenticeship. Wednesday was a step too far, in his case.”
But Tartan Army footsoldier Tommy Turner emailed: “We didn't perform to our recent standards and were beaten by the better team on the night. No complaints because this happens in football. I will be back in my seat versus Armenia and am travelling to Dublin next weekend because that's what you do when you're a supporter.”
Frank McFerran, Carrickfergus, said: “I see Scotland supporters asking for Clarke to go, whilst we in Northern Ireland are pleased that our manager is giving kids a chance, Scotland and Northern Ireland will come good, but miracles will not happen.”
And William Hutchison, Aberdeen, said: “Yes it was a bad result and yes Ukraine were better but look at the other results Steve Clarke delivered to even have a chance of the play off. He can come good at the Nations League. Finally, to Thomas Marshall asking us to now roar England to World Cup.. that ain’t doing to happen!”
On the domestic front and Rangers pulled a rabbit out the hat this week as Connor Goldson penned a new four-year deal after looking like he was for the off.
Andy Kirkpatrick, Cambuslang, said: “That’s the best signing of the summer right away. Goldson is a rock and in the prime of his career. The biggest problem now for Gio is just who he selects to play beside him but that’s not a bad headache to have.”
But Kevin Kean, Inchinnan, said: “Connor Goldson wants to stay for 56 and 57? It's only a four year deal. If he stays until he's 40 he still won't see them.”
And the debate over just who is the greatest Scottish team of all time refuses to go away.
Rab Roberts, Bo’ness, hit back at two Hotline regulars when he said: “I hope the following information will help George Wilson and James Thomson understand why the Lisbon Lions were the best.
"Prior to winning the European Cup they firmly established their credentials by beating the team who would win it in 1968, Manchester United 4-1. After winning the European Cup they proceeded to beat the mighty Real Madrid 1-0 on their own patch. I think that’s enough to be going on with.”
