Scotland's win over the Republic of Ireland has the Tartan Army united in praise of Steve Clarke and his players in a Hotline of almost resounding support.
There's also one or two critics of the national side but after moving top of our Nations League group, they can be taken with a pinch of salt. William Hutchison, Aberdeen , emailed: "That's two good results against Ukraine and the Republic of Ireland and we can get the point to finish top of the group but the performance was a bit of letdown. We got the points and that's all that mattered."
Colin Walsh, Glasgow, said: "It's been a brilliant few days to be a Scotland fan and the back-to-back wins over Ukraine and Ireland have really boosted my spirits. Clarke has been a brilliant manager and he has forged together a squad which fights for the cause. It was a gutsy win over Ireland and not so long ago we had a raft of players withdrawing but now everyone is bursting to play."
Derek Innes, Paisley, said: "Scotland can go to Poland and beat Ukraine on Tuesday night as this is the best group of players we have had for a very long time. We took a while to get into our stride against Ireland but we more than deserved the win. Clarke also merits praise as he's put a bit of pride into being a Scotland fan and long may it last."
Paul Egan, Kilsyth, said: "Special praise must go to Craig Gordon for another superb display for his country despite being with his wife as he gave birth hours earlier. He bailed us out again and has a claim at being our best ever keeper."
However, not all members of the Tartan Army were full of support for the Scotland boss. John Stewart, Newton Mearns, said: "Ireland must be shaking their heads at how they came out of that game without three points. Scotland were absolutely terrible and stole those three points."
Gordon Ferguson, Kilwinning, said: "I'm still a bit bemused why Clarke didn’t include Zander Clark in his squad as he’s Craig Gordon's able back up at Hearts now. It stands to reason as he's learning from Scotland's number one, so why not forge that relationship by keeping them together. It’s a no-brainer to make your goalkeeping position stronger."
However, Andy Scott from Edinburgh , rounded off: "Who knew we had so many fantastic managers sitting at home winning games? The level of criticism thrown at Mr Clarke, after a resounding victory, is unfathomable. Whatever happened to the football supporter? Stand up and get behind your team. Support your team. It's not nice to kick a guy when he's down and it's just plain daft to do it when he's sent out a winning team. I look forward to calls for Mr Clarke to be sacked for having the temerity to finish top of the group."
Domestic matters were also on the agenda. Jim Goodwin found some support on the Hotline, having been pulled up by the SFA for branding Hibs defender Ryan Porteous "a cheat".
Campbell Strachan, Falkirk, said: "I believe in calling a spade a spade so why are the SFA against the use of the word', 'cheat.'? That is what some players are doing when feigning injury to win free kicks and penalties. Is there another word for it? Let’s name and shame them, it’s the only way to get it out of the game."
Barriemore Barlow, Dunbartonshire, said: "With the arrival of defensive midfielder Oliver Abildgaard and him being available after the International break this will keep the Celtic squad on their toes. It also means we may never get to see Yosuke Ideguchi at all as he's possibly even further back than James McCarthy. One setback at St Mirren won't derail the Celtic charge."
Jamie Thompson, Clydebank, said: "It is time for Neil Doncaster to get out of Scottish football and take his gold plated pension with him. He is telling all Scottish football clubs to sign this pathetic £150 million TV deal yet Sweden are receiving double what Scottish clubs are being offered. Just how much of a bonus is he getting if this deal is signed?"
Alan Lough, Dunbar, said: "This current England team is nothing more than a bunch of overrated numpties. They have a manager who has all the personality and charisma of a bucket of fish. A new manager and better players are needed if they want to stand any chance of not being a laughing stock at the Qatar World Cup."
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