Transfer business is the hot topic of conversation on today’s Hotline with supporters of all clubs watching the market moves closely. Naturally, Rangers and Celtic got the most comment with business starting to ramp up heading into the new term.
Ibrox punters are delighted to see a new hitman on the agenda with Croatian striker Antonio Colak in the mix. Bill Park, Bathgate, said: “Good to see that Rangers are prioritising signing new strikers as that was the letdown at the end of last season. Alfredo Morelos looks likely to move on, he has scored some valuable goals for Rangers, but it was frustrating him going away to Colombia, never kicking a ball then coming back with a season-finishing injury.”
Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, added: “With time slowly starting to run out and will Morelos leave or let his contract run out, it’s imperative to find a proven goalscorer some who knows his way around Scottish football grounds who’s scored over 100 goals with Queens Park, Ayr and Dundee United. Of course it’s Lawrence Shankland. The others they’re looking to sign can’t score a big number of goals.”
As well as fresh faces, Rangers have extended the stays of experienced duo Allan McGregor and Steven Davis. But Jonny Robinson, Edinburgh, scoffed: “All Rangers need to sign now is Boaby the barman as they have already snapped up the rest of Still Game.”
Robert had been on earlier this week to salute the loyalty of McGregor for staying put, but that didn’t wash with Christopher Currie, Ayrshire. He said: “Robert hails McGregor for knocking back a payday to remain at Rangers proclaiming his loyalty. Is Robert only nine years old or has 2012 suddenly disappeared from his mind?”
James Kennedy, Kilsyth, added: “Is Mr Livingstone having a laugh applying words such as loyalty and 'his beloved Rangers' in the same sentence as McGregor? Think back to when the brown stuff hit the fan 10 years ago. McGregor would have beaten Usain Bolt in a sprint for the door.”
John Bruce, Edinburgh, had a general point as he said: “There’s no doubt that, last season, some Rangers players had trouble adjusting from the adrenaline pumping, high level, high pressure European nights to their bread and butter league games. Just as there’s no doubt that the Celtic players gained a slight advantage from putting their feet up on a Thursday night for all those months. However, forearmed is forewarned and Rangers’ players European experiences from last season will stand them in good stead for next season.”
Across the city, Celtic are making inroads in the market with signings in the door and more on the way. Cameron Carter Vickers has sealed a permanent deal with keeper Benjamin Siegrist also joining the ranks. Argentine full-back Alexandro Bernabei is also on his way and Paul Reid, Linlithgow, said: “I’m encouraged by what we are seeing so far. The business looks to be ticking along.”
Stephen Morrison, Blairgowrie, added: “Ange Postecoglou has proven himself adept in the market and if the likes of Bernabei turn out to be anything like boys like Jota and Kyogo, that’s another result.”
Mick Carr, Shettleston, said: “It’s some change from scrambling about trying to get guys in for Champions League qualifiers and not knowing if you are banking on a budget for Champions League or Europa League or nothing. Postecoglou has to make this situation he has earned for himself by winning the title really count in the next couple of months.”
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