Few things are straight forward in Scottish football – not even when cinch are involved.
The SPFL title sponsors might have got a better bargain than they hoped for thanks to the league’s ongoing row with Rangers over displaying of the branding which even reached the courts.
But Wednesday’s news the Ibrox club can continue not displaying the logo while still picking up their cut of the cash has caused quite a stooshie with Neil Doncaster coming under fire.
Bill McLellan, Cumbria, said: “The fact that Rangers will profit from the cinch sponsorship of the SPFL whilst not requiring to advertise the sponsors name brand proves conclusively that the Ibrox club are are in the right. Surely Neil Doncaster would have started legal proceedings in the courts had he believed the SPFL had been wronged. Let us hope the truth will out.”
But Lance Little, Erskine, blasted: “Can't believe those cowards at the SPFL are going to pay sponsorship money to a club who refuse to advertise the sponsor. Just when you didn't think Scottish football couldn’t embarrass itself any more they prove you wrong. Unbelievable.”
And Andy Kirkpatrick, Cambuslang, said: “This looks terrible for the SPFL and Neil Doncaster. A complete waste of time and money to lose the argument almost a year down the line.”
Elsewhere and Jack Ross looks set to return to the dug out with Dundee United.
Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: “Great to see Jack Ross back. He has a point to prove and hopefully he can bring back the famous European nights at Tannadice and make the Hibs board wish they never pushed him out the door.”
Rangers full-back Borna Barisic is a target for Trabzonspor and an unnamed Serie A side. But Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, said: “At 29 and injury prone Barisic’s chance of a big money move from Rangers has surely gone. The boy can't defend and I'd be amazed if Rangers get more then £3million for him.”
Sticking with transfers and Kilmarnock fan Tom Paterson, Falkirk, is concerned at the lack of arrivals at Rugby Park. He said: “I know Derek McInnes had Covid but he has an assistant there and we should be more active in getting decent players in as soon as possible. Frees Scott Allen and Karamoko Dembele for starters. Billy Bowie has put up the cash and it's about time moves were made to improve the squad or we will be fighting relegation yet again.”
Scottish football lost another great this week when Rangers legend Davie Wilson passed away at the age of 85.
Tam Williamson, Lanarkshire, said: “As a kid from Ireland way back in 1957 I went to Ibrox with my pals and my hero was Davie Wilson. My heart goes out to Davie and his family from a now Celtic fan. God Bless Davie RIP.”
And Bryce McCutcheon emailed: “As an 11-year-old Kilmarnock fan in 1967, I was at a Killie v Rangers league game which Rangers won. The next day my father and his friend, who was a racing pigeon fancier, arranged to buy a couple of pigeons In Kilbarchan. I was in awe when stood in front of me was Davie Wilson. At a wedding reception six years ago my partner introduced me to a man who used to play football. It was Davie Wilson again. He remembered that day and not only was quick to remind me he scored the winner in the second half. I retorted that Andy King right back for Killie that day let him do it as fellow racing pigeon fancier too!”
The fall-out from Scotland’s uninspiring June fixtures continues even after a 4-1 win in Armenia put a little gloss on things.
Joe Graham, Garrowhill, said: “The final score flattered Scotland. If it hadn’t been for indiscipline in the Armenian players , the result could have been so different. Still, give Scotland the credit for taking advantage to keep Steve Clarke hanging on to his job.”
But Malcolm Nimmo, Dunlop, added: “I think it's a bit unfair that Clarke is getting stick for what he is doing with the national team. At the end of the day he has not got a decent central defender and the strikers are woeful. You can only work with what you have. The midfield, left and right backs are the only ones performing at a decent standard.”
