Any anger over Celtic’s failure to bring in a new striker in the January window appears to have vanished as spectacularly as Dundee’s defence at Parkhead.
Amazing what a 6-0 win can do for morale. And if the Hotline is any gauge then Celtic fans are buzzing. Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: “The Celtic board have six reasons after the Dundee result to prove they were right not spend crazy money in the transfer window. They have enough fire power to win the league for the foreseeable future and the Champions League millions they rake in can be banked and spent wisely to buy quality not quantity.”
Paul McCormack, Coatbridge, said: “What a performance from Celtic against Dundee. A selection of goals of the season and Jota is just one of those players that lifts the atmosphere, a real Celtic style entertainer with an end product. Maeda is incredible, his goals and his tracking back in the 93rd minute, while looking so fresh. He’s a top contender for player of the year.” But Jim Docherty wasn’t quite so happy as he emailed: “Where are all the youths that are supposed to be the next generation of stars? It’s no wonder they want to leave as they don’t get a chance – even when we are cruising in the league. Something must be seriously wrong and a waste of money if there is no path forward.”
Greg Taylor’s Parkhead future remains up in the air with reports in Croatia claiming the soon-to-be free agent had reached agreement with Dinamo Zagreb. Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: “I’m disappointed Taylor has reportedly agreed to join Zagreb but it’s understandable with Kieran Tierney back in the summer. Taylor’s been a great signing for us and I’m old enough to have watched the legendary Danny McGrain and his link-up attacking play was so similar to the great man . He’s had his critics among some Celtic fans but for me he’ll be sadly missed.”
Meanwhile Chris Lowe, Yoker, hit back at a regular Hotliner when he called to say: “Gordon Ashley says the value of the Celtic squad is soaring because of goals against cannon fodder teams in Europe. He mentions the Brighton bench warmer and failed Danish trialist who I did predict would flop in England. Engels, or as he’s known Pengels as that’s all he does, and Idah. No laughing at the back now. Then there’s Jota who’s back at his true level. If Dessers played across the city he’d be £30 million rated with his record.”
Gordon was in the firing line quite a bit yesterday as the calls descended into another Euro slugfest. Alan Flett emailed: “Mr Ashley is gushing over a 6-0 win v a poor Dundee side who were beaten by the same scoreline by an even poorer Hearts team. Adam Idah has barely kicked a ball all season but, on the back of one good performance, he’s now an upgrade on Kyogo? He is right about one thing though. The whole world will be watching Celtic take on Bayern, so we can all have a good laugh at the great Callum McGregor chasing shadows.”
Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: “Got to laugh at Messers Ashley and Wilson bigging-up Celtic’s achievements this year. Beating the worst three clubs in the tournament seems to be good enough for some. I forsee a new dvd on how this team overcame Slovan Bratislava.” But Scott McAdam, Glasgow, replied: “How times change. Hotline callers Stevenson and Wilson wanted Philippe Clement out at Rangers. Now he’s manager of the year material! And which top spot were they referring to? It must be the domino’s league or is it the Europa Conference tiddlywinks league? As for the Champions League please don’t go there – that’s for elite teams from elite leagues.”