Michael Beale has only performed minor surgery so far but it’s clear Rangers require more radical treatment if they are to cure their inability to live with Celtic.
That’s the consensus of the Ibrox support on today’s Hotline as the post-mortem to Sunday’s Viaplay Cup final loss continues. First to pick through the bones of another sobering derby defeat was Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, who said: “The reality is Rangers are a work in progress who, in my opinion, won't beat Celtic over a league season unless Ange Postecoglou and his best players move on. Rangers need at least another three new faces.”
Alex Jappy added: “Considering that Rangers were only playing with eight players, 2-1 really was not a bad score. John Lundstram and Malik Tillman were nowhere near fit and Glen Kamara did not turn up. The Celtic midfield could not believe their luck. The three of them should have been off at half-time.”
But Robert Pender is taking a more optimistic view: “Rangers will use the rest of the campaign to assess the squad and plan for the next season. Mick Beale is a good coach, his players let him down by not being honest about their fitness levels. I predict next season Rangers will win the league and if I was a betting man I would place a few hundred on this. Happy to be reminded at the end of season 23-24.”
Joe Graham, Garrowhill, said: “Keith Jackson's summary of this cup final was spot on. A poor show to be watched world wide wasn’t the best advert for our game. Beale probably got it wrong on his team selection. Rangers struggled to capture the midfield especially and were only holding on to keep it even until just before the interval.
“Even starting the second half with no changes proved to be the wrong move. The subs came too late when conceding a second goal.
“Introducing Ryan Jack, Todd Cantwell and Nico Raskin changed the game completely and Rangers began to look like a team again wanting to win this trophy. Unfortunately it was too late.”
Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, emailed in: “There's a major debate as to who the better team are between Rangers and Celtic. I know tables don't lie and cup finals are one offs (well done Celtic by the way). But Rangers with far less money than Celtic sit 25 places above Celtic in the European coefficient which is judged over a five year period.
'I don't want to upset anyone's bubble but Fashion Sakala was spot on with his comments, even though it was a stupid move to make before the cup final. Money may buy titles in a two-horse race but Celtic’s European coefficient is so embarrassing compared to a Rangers team with far less money.”
Joe Sneddon rang to say: “Got to laugh at Celtic fans dishing out comments about Rangers being a disgrace during the minutes applause for Ron Gordon. The minute’s applause was born as a direct result of the anti-poppy brigade.”
Elsewhere, Aberdeen and Dundee United remain on the hunt for new bosses. Dons fan Hugh McKirdy said: “The first thing the new manager at Aberdeen should do is get Graeme Shinnie on a permanent deal as he's the heartbeat of the team!”
Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon, added: “There’s been a revolving door for bosses at Tannadice lately so United have to get their next appointment right. Owen Coyle would be the perfect fit for them. He's doing a great job with Queen's Park and deserves another chance in the top flight.”
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