The Old Firm have gone back to the future after reappointing former servants to top positions last week. Michael Beale has returned to Ibrox to take over as Rangers manager, while Peter Lawwell is back at Parkhead as chairman. But some of the Hotline callers appear to be living in parallel universes with their contrasting opinions on what this week’s rejigging of the deckchairs mean for Glasgow’s big two.
John Bruce was first up to say: “The return of Michael Beale to Ibrox appears to have spooked the powerbrokers at Parkhead, with the return of Peter Lawwell as Celtic's chairman. Beale had the measure of Celtic, as part of the management team who went unbeaten in Old Firm games for three years. It would appear that Beale has already made quite an impact before a ball is kicked.”
But Stephen McCormack, Hamilton, said: “It’s a shrewd move by Dermot Desmond to bring Peter Lawwell back as chairman. He knows the club inside out and still holds a strong influence over the Scottish game. His presence can help Celtic cement their position as the dominant club in the country.” Beale’s first test comes a week on Thursday when his new side host Hibs at Ibrox and Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: “The Rangers manager wants his players to turn up on match days suited and booted. Well I don't care if they turn up in a boiler suit, we just want them to start turning up and scoring goals. If they don't they, will be suited and booted out the door.”
Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: “I read that Ange Postecoqlou was more concerned with what he was having for dinner rather than talking about Michael Beale’s appointment. Might I suggest to Ange that he also prioritises his breakfast menu because he’ll have Beale on toast by the end of this season.”
Saturday’s caller Bud Hay suggested Beale would be lucky to get a year in charge at Ibrox. But George Wilson, West Sussex, said: “So Bud reckons the league is over with 23 games still to go and Celtic are heading for 10 in a row. Where have we heard this before? Celtic thought they had the 10 in the bag before and comically had to cancel all their advance party celebrations. Not only did they fail but they failed by a massive 25 points and also failed to beat Rangers under master tactician Beale. Hay talks about Rangers fans being boastful yet he’s saying this season’s league is over. He’s obviously trying to hide he’s running scared of Beale.”
Jimmy Murray also raised the hackles of the Celtic support when he called to slaughter John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan. Leading the retort was Liam Birney, Paisley, who said: “Jimmy called John Kennedy a failure. Since joining the first team coaching staff in 2014 John has won 18 trophies. If that's a ‘failed hanger on’ I will take that every day of the week! As for his comment on Celtic’s European shambles this season, it was his club who won the big award in that arena. The worst team in Champions League history! Focus on your own teams failures.”
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