Nils Koppen’s appointment as Rangers technical director has left the Ibrox diehards reeling – and put interim chairman John Gilligan in the firing line.
The Belgian has stepped up from his role as director of recruitment at Ibrox and will continue to oversee the club’s transfer strategy but also have an overall responsibility for the men’s academy, medical, football operations and performance and analysis departments. Irked Jimmy Mac, Glasgow took aim at the board over the decision: “Nothing the Rangers board does anymore surprises any Rangers fan and the appointment of Nils Koppen as technical director is another one of their huge failings led by a temporary chairman who couldn’t organise a free bevvy in a brewery.
“I hate to admit it but that board of inadequate individuals is a case of the lunatics running the asylum. If allowed to continue with their outrageous disgraceful failings the club and team will continue on the downward spiral which they created.”
Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach said: “What a joke – Koppen! From a really poor scout to technical director may just be the final straw in a bad season. Firstly, he knows nothing about signing players. He’s brought in some real duds and hasn’t a clue what Rangers are about.
“The fans know that former Gers men are what this board should’ve brought in with their knowledge of the club and what’s needed for success. Koppen is basically an smart opportunist who’s wormed his way into the job. Another Gilligan blooper.”
While the big calls aren’t going down well in the blue half of Glasgow, Celtic fans are delighted with another payday set to make its way to the east end of the city. Gordon Ashley, Ayr, emailed:”What a stroke of luck the champions have had with Alexandro Bernabei absolutely flying in Brazil and clubs lining up to pay £8m for him.
“Add that to the sell on we will likely receive in January for Jeremy Frimpong and that is an eye watering £15m without losing a squad player. It must be demoralising for Aberdeen and the rest.”
It wouldn’t be the Hotline without some sparring between Rangers and Celtic supporters. Michael Edmonds was left reeling after the Light Blues were awarded a penalty during their SWPL derby win over Celtic.
The debate rumbled on over the call with Donald Dundas, Uddingston chiming in: “Can someone PLEASE inform the Celtic fans that if they put the bitterness aside they will note that penalties are like hens teeth for Rangers compared to their team. And if Michael Edmonds remembers 90 minute matches rather than play on till Celtic score. But any excuse to slag off big bad Rangers seems to be the prime subject.”
And while the nation is basking in back-to-back wins for Scotland during the international break, Hotline regulars John Scott and Gordon Ashley were clamped over their Steve Clarke love-in. Unimpressed Alan Fleet said: “It’s good to know that we can always rely on that great Hotline comedy double act, Messrs Scott and Ashley to brighten up our day.
“Their latest words of wisdom are, Clarke is the best Scotland boss since Jock Stein and the current squad is the most talented in decades. Pure comedy gold!”
Scott Gowers, Edinburgh also has concerns going into Friday’s Nations League draw. He said: “Although Ukraine are a very good team, the turmoil the country are going through would surely make Ukraine an easier play-off match for Scotland. Yes, Clarke has managed to turn round results in the last two matches but prior to Croatia having a player sent off Scotland were second best, we got a lucky win which gave the players slightly more confidence to scrape a win (although deserved) over a Poland side without there star man who if playing wouldn’t have missed the sitters Poland missed.
“Poland got down the flanks far too easily with plenty of space, better shooting and it would be the same old for Clarke and Scotland. Clarke still needs to get Scotland playing attacking football from the off and not wait until it’s pretty much a doom and gloom scenario.
“Clarke’s tactics are suspect to say the least but a positive result earns the points no matter how bad the set up. Scotland have to defend the wings better as we are often left two or three against one which only poor finishing and luck comes to Scotland’s aid on occasions such as against Poland and Croatia.”
In League One, Dumbarton have fallen into administration and been slapped with a 15 point deduction. Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: “It’s so sad my local team has gone into administration and unlike Inverness the Sons produced Graeme Sharpe, Ian Wallace and Murdo MacLeod who became Scottish international players.
“And I fear relegation is now on the cards. As a Celtic supporter I have fond memories of watching Lisbon Lion squad member Charlie Gallagher starring for them in the twilight of his career.”