The Scottish football season has a few twists and turns to go before signing off for summer but Hotline callers seem intent on going head first into the transfer window already.
Even with the Old Firm gearing up for an almighty Scottish Cup semi final showdown in just 11 days’ time some of the players who could well be key at Hampden are already being packed off by their supporters. Question marks have hung over the futures of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos at Rangers for months now as they enter the final weeks of their contracts. But over at Celtic could Liel Abada soon be waving goodbye with Ajax seemingly joining the list of interested clubs? Eddie Easson, Ballingry, said: “Ajax being interested in Abada could be another great piece of business for Celtic. One thing that is different at Parkhead - if a player wants away he’s gone. Knowing the way Ange works now there will be another waiting to come in.”
Davie Kirkpatrick, Glasgow, added: “Abada is a fantastic player with a real cutting edge but Ange Postecoglou has already shown with Giorgos Giakoumakis that he’s not afraid to cut ties with top stars. It’ll be interesting to see how this one plays out.”
Onto Rangers and Dr Robert Pender emailed: “It will not be a disaster if Kent and Morelos leave which looks certain. They need fresh challenges and new blood coming in will take up the new challenge at Ibrox to highlight their skills. I have every trust in the manager if he is backed.”
Meanwhile Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, hopes one out of favour player at Ibrox is not cut free. He said: “Despite recent negativity, I honestly hope Rabbi Matondo can solve that right wing problem for Rangers. He needs games and hopefully a goal or two will come. The boy deserves a chance.”
It might not just be players who Rangers are after but a sporting director to head up recruitment too after Ross Wilson’s exit.
Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: “Rangers’ new sporting director should not be an ex-player. Look at how Gordon Smith panned out. They need to go abroad and trawl the European market. Do not panic, take their time or they will be back where they started - chasing shadows and buying players that are injury prone and stuck with players on over inflated salaries and lengthy contracts. Take your time and you will reap rewards.”
Onto the football and after Celtic cruised to a 30th league win from 32 games this season and took their goals for tally past the 100-mark questions were raised about the standard of our game.
John Robertson, South Queensferry, said: “Once again we see how bad Scottish football is. Apart from Rangers, and with a help from referees, Celtic have no opposition. Kilmarnock were this week’s spectators like the rest. The standard is pathetic but we all know what will happen when Europe beckons and real opposition appears.”
George Fairgrieve, Edinburgh, took issue with the head of the SFA. He said: “Question for you. Has anyone actually seen Rod Petrie? This highly paid yet anonymous SFA President has taken on a mantra akin to The Stig. I read last week that he had failed in a bid to secure a seat on the UEFA Executive Committee and that’s the first I’d heard of him in months if not years. Another nice little earner too if he’d succeeded.
Finally, and after a Stop the Oil protestor momentarily halted the World Snooker Championship with a cloud of orange powder, Neil Renton, Edinburgh, said: “I’ve no idea what happened at the Crucible but that guy protesting on a table is the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to snooker.”
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