Giovanni van Bronckhorst finally had his tenure as boss ended by Rangers chiefs. Now the hunt is on for a new Ibrox manager and everyone has an opinion on the potential fall-out from the Dutchman's ditching.
Van Bronckhorst had a reign of just over 12 months concluded by the Light Blues hierarchy to the relief of many fans and sympathy of others. Jamie Wilson, Edinburgh, said: “Ultimately, it was the correct decision, but Gio was unlucky with recent injuries and definitely didn’t get the backing he deserved. Hope that doesn’t put potential new managers off.”
Robert McCann, Bishopbriggs, said: “Better late than never. Gio had lost his way and there was no way that could carry on.” Kenneth Lanigan, Manchester, continued: “Van Bronckhorst had to go. I’m just surprised it took over a week after that shambles in Paisley.” Eric Ramage, Edinburgh, said: “He did a decent job. You can’t complain about a European Final and he was one penalty kick away from going into folklore and being a legend. But you can’t live in the past and Rangers have had a nightmare this season. The board has to get the next appointment right.”
Paul McCormack, Coatbridge, said: “It never goes down well when a Celtic fan has an opinion about our biggest rivals, but GVB had to go. The injuries aside, his tactics and the gutless performances recently from being in a European final only a matter of months ago are all on him. It’s like the whole squad has lost interest at the same time. The lack of leadership on the park starts with the manager.”
Sean Dyche has been installed as one of prime candidates and Steven McDonald, Glasgow, said: “The club now has time to have a look and make the proper call. This season is still salvageable.”
Andy Logan emailed to say: “Now I see why Rangers didn’t go to Sydney. It was about finances. They need all they have to pay off their manager and coaches. At least they won’t have to come up with a compensation package for their incoming manager...one Stevie Gerrard!?”
David Bryce, Troon, eyed the situation from a different point of view and said: “Given Rangers have sacked Gio, I expect a reaction from them post World Cup. It’s time for Celtic to recruit better players in the coming transfer windows. I think it’s a huge risk buying players from the J-League. We need established players to come into the first 11 because we really struggle when we play teams above Scottish Premiership level.”
David McGill, Balornock, had a word on Celtic’s trip to Australia and said: “Lots of people on this Hotline having a pop at Celtic for not coming out on top in two rather meaningless friendlies over in Oz. Well I’d much rather they worried more about our march to another and possible treble.”
Naturally, there’s plenty of World Cup chat. James Forsyth, Bellshill, had something to say on the armband controversy which struck prior to England’s game with Iran. He said: “Disgusted at the threat from FIFA to impose sanctions on any captain wearing OneLove armbands. They are now restricting freedom of speech on member states. All teams should do it in protest. FIFA needs the member countries more than they need FIFA.”
Qatar’s dismal performance in the opening game led Neil Renton, Edinburgh, to comment: “There should be a rule that host countries need to qualify for the tournament they hold. Qatar’s performance was so bad I think Scotland would have scraped a draw against them.”
Argentina get going on Tuesday morning against Saudi Arabia and Alan Lough, Dunbar, said: “I want to see Lionel Messi end his international career by lifting the only trophy he has never won. Come on Argentina.”
So what do you make of Gio's sacking?
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