The comedians were out in force so before we get onto the serious stuff let’s give a couple of them centre stage on the Hotline .
Neil Renton, Edinburgh , said: “I’m dying to know more about the sales pitch keeper Jack Butland got from Rangers manager Michael Beale. I think it went along the lines of ‘Join Rangers and you’ll never need to face a penalty.’“ And Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, asked: “Does anyone know where I can purchase around 5,000 inflatable Kangaroos?” Laugh? I nearly started.
A few Celtic fans will chuckle at Joe Graham’s assertion as well. The Garrowhill Rangers fan said: “I am one of many Rangers supporters who didn’t want Ange Postecoglou to leave Celtic. I was so looking forward to the head to head battle with our Michael Beale starting from scratch. It was obvious the lure to manage a top six team in the English Premier League and the salary that goes with it was probably the deciding factor. However I think he might have been a little bit scared of facing Michael Beale’s new Rangers this coming season. He would probably have been looking for a new job anyway before Xmas even if he had stayed.”
Rab Picken emailed: “I’m stunned Spurs took a chance on Postecoglou. They will regret it big time. But clearly he didn’t fancy a full season as he knows Beale will be wise to him so he bolted. Have to laugh at the names they'r banding as replacements. Put yer money on Scott Brown as no one else will go near them.”
Steve Macleod, Wokingham, said: “It’s always enjoyable to watch some angst down Parkhead way and while Ange alas did well domestically can we never forget that his first treble in Scotland was being dumped out of three European tournaments in one season.”
But Paul McArdle, Gourock , reckons the stats don’t lie, saying: “Celtic - 2016 new manager, 2017 Celtic treble, 2018 Celtic treble. 2019 Celtic new manager, 2019 Celtic treble. 2020 Celtic treble.2021 new manager. 2022 Celtic double, 2023 Celtic treble. 2023 Celtic new manager - Rangers, it’s the hope that kills them.”
And Gerard Kelly said: “Yes, it's sad to see Ange go, but do I blame him? No, and I wish him all the best! But you know what, Rangers fans said they would win the league when we signed him and he proved everyone wrong. It took Gerrard three years to win the league! As for Celtic, we move on and it’s time the Board got someone that can take us forward in Europe!”
Bill Lockerbie, Northampton, said: “A wee reminder to Alfie Mullen London bleating about his team equalling Celtic’s treble haul next season. Celtic fans don’t shout about equalling anything any other team had done, more especially his team. Indeed, if ever his team achieve treble number eight, they will have been the SECOND team to have done so!“
John Robertson, South Queensferry, said: “I cannot believe Celtic fans are so naive. Forgive and forget what Brendan Rodgers did? Don't make me laugh! Any manager could have had the success he had at Celtic before, no competition, Rangers in turmoil, nothing to beat. Sacked at Liverpool, sacked by Leicester and now relegated. Rodgers has never built his own team and Rangers would be delighted to see him back.”
Frank McFerran, Carrickfergus, said: “I read Paul Price on your site saying the Rangers fans’ who slagged big Ange off are now glad he’s gone? We as Rangers fans always knew Ange was a good manager, and I wish him all the best.”
Finally, onto Scotland and Kevin Lord, Drylaw, said: “I suggest that Scotland tell Steven Naismith thanks and cheerio. Our most important build up for years following a great start, but apparently we can do without one of our main coaches? Disruption is exactly what we don’t need as an excuse should we blow it this time.”
