Michael Beale insists it was his destiny to manage Rangers as he targeted bringing glory back to Ibrox.
But Hotline callers reckon the new boss’ fate could soon be headed in a very different direction. The Londoner returned to Govan just over a year since leaving his post as assistant boss and this time he’s the main man. He wasn’t beating around the bush when he said title number 56 needs to be won as soon as possible and their cup record has to be improved.
But James Kennedy, Kilsyth, said: “So Mick The Manager has come in talking big and tough. Such an attitude might strike fear into the hearts of his squad, impress the board and fool the fans into a false sense of security but I don’t anticipate a rush to buy brown underpants from the Celtic board, management team, players and most of all the supporters. Talk is cheap. It’s what happens on the park that will reveal the true state of affairs.” Kevin Kean, Inchinnan, said: “ Beale seems to be very sure of his skills and gave a very cocky introduction speech. It will look very awkward if he fails to get any points against Hibs or Celtic.”
Arrin Geddes, Irvine, had a message for Hotline regular John Bruce. He said: “John said he thinks Michael Beale can continue his earlier Rangers form that saw them land one trophy. But I think Beale should be preparing himself for any backlash if he doesn’t close the gap on Celtic before the derby, Rangers fans are notoriously quick to turn.”
And Celtic fan Bud Hay, Dumfries, added: “Here we go again. Not a ball kicked and Rangers are going to do this and that. I’ve already said the league is over and we’ll be going on to 10 as that's two in the back of the net. So dream on. How long will this manager last, over a year?”
But Jimmy Murray, Edinburgh, took an alternative view and preferred to compare Beale’s appointment to that of Ange Postecoglou at Celtic 18 months ago.
Jimmy claimed: “Whether Beale is a success or not at Ibrox doesn’t really matter. The point is he was allowed to bring is his own staff whereas Ange was stuck with the two failed hangers-on John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan. Can anyone explain this? Why are these proven failures being forced on the club? Did the European shambles not prove they are third rare coaches?”
Sticking with Celtic and Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon, won’t be shedding too many tears if Giorgos Giakoumakis does indeed move on next month.
He said: “It’s a pity big Giorgos could be off but that's the way it is nowadays with foreign players looking for massive wages. Thanks mate, no probs. Ange will bring in another good one.”
Celtic’s four representatives at the World Cup made it a clean sweep of qualification for the last 16 in Qatar this week.
And Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: “Now that Japan have topped their group and defeated World Cup winning giants in Spain and Germany I now understand why they could afford to leave outstanding talents like Kyogo and Hatate out of there squad. However any chance of Ange Postecoqlou raiding the best Japanese talent to Celtic at bargain basement prices is surely over.”
Speaking of the World Cup, the quality of action in Qatar hasn’t been to everyone’s taste. But surely this is a bit OTT?
Neil Renton, Edinburgh, said: “It’s about time FIFA scrapped the World Cup. It’s clear that players aren’t taking this one as serious as they do playing for their club. And if anything it would prevent more heartache for Scotland."
