The New Year is off to a dramatic start and both Old Firm managers are in the Hotline firing line for different reasons.
Philippe Clement copped it as Rangers couldn’t capitalise on their derby win over their rivals. But Brendan Rodgers managed to put a few noses out of joint too after taking a pop at supporters following his side’s win against St Mirren.
Sean McGarvey, Cumbernauld, said: “Brendan’s ego is running rampant again n regards to having digs at the fans, may I remind him he isn’t Celtic, and no man is bigger than the club. Especially one who slipped out the back door and came running back when he failed. He’s playing with fire.”
Paul McCormack Coatbridge, said: “That interview was a car crash. The headlines should be all about Clement and his latest ramblings but he’s made it all about him because his ego has had a wee dent. All the good work he’s done to bring the doubters back onside could be undone after that total petulance. And for me, Tierney and Taylor in the squad together works just fine.”
Meanwhile Rangers stumble at Hibs has left them 13 points adrift of Celts. Mark McManus, Purley, said: “I had to laugh at the caller claiming Celtic were a myth following their poor performance against Rangers. Here’s the thing, after Rangers dropped points again, giving Celtic further advantage, I think it is Rangers who are the myth. Not as good as some of the hotline callers, think they are, it’s minus 13 in Govan.”
Brian McColligan emailed: “Do the boys from Govan only try against the big teams?”
Lance Little, Erskine, said: “It just showed that the Celtic result was a freak.”
John Rush, London, said: “It was entertaining to see the dominance of world football by Glasgow Rangers lasting a whole three days and poor old Phil was back on the treadmill of everyone to blame but him.
“Clement’s dismal one performance every three months is fine for us – we will all even pay his wages, as he is to football management what Eddie the Eagle was to table tennis.”
Neil Renton, Leith, said: “Clement can talk about the performance of refs and VAR officials until he’s royal blue in the face but he needs to admit it – the current Rangers team aren’t good enough. After watching Hibs fight for a well earned draw against the Ibrox side at Easter Road I’m of the opinion it’s one of the worst Rangers teams I’ve seen.”
There were some crumbs of comfort for Gers – such as Hamza Igamane’s perfect hat trick against Hibs. Dr Robert S Pender emailed: “If you bully Rangers central defence it crumbles.
“After a great start at Easter Road it was sad to see the rear guard panic. Rangers urgently need an old fashioned central defender who will not be bullied. The only good point is Igamane is a sensational young striker, he will have big English clubs on his doorstep.”
Robert Livingston, Palm Beach, said: “I, like others, was way off the mark about Igamane’s ability as a centre forward or of even him getting into the side. It was two points thrown away at Easter Road but the bright side was his superb treble. Igamane is starting to look more and more like Rangers best attacker. The future’s looking bright for him and maybe financially for the club because if he keeps scoring, EPL sides will be looking at him.”