You’d have thought in the week Celtic took Bayern Munich to the final seconds in the Allianz Arena that they’d dominate the headlines – but a HUGE story has eclipsed that and is the only show in town.
The potential takeover of Rangers that would revolutionise the fortunes of the club has grabbed the attentions of those far and wide since our exclusive story broke the internet. It’s been a tough decade for the Light Blues faithful with Celtic largely dominant and the men from Govan desperately need change. Step up 49ers Enterprises. The NFL giants’ investment arm are part of the game-changing investment proposal that would transform the Ibrox club.
The big story has spilled over to the Hotline and one caller reckons it can prove to be good news for Rangers AND Celtic. Robert Pender emailed: “The investment in Rangers is interesting if it is finalised. This will put Rangers on the beginning of a solid foundation like Celtic. The Hoops have the investment of their Irish billionaire and would wisely but slowly build on this. This could work out well for both clubs.”
Eddie Easson, Fife: “Brace yourself for the takeover talk, all the massive plans, the new signings the millions now in the bank. Will it happen – who knows? The 49ers’ record is similar to Rangers in that they have won nothing for years.”
Not everyone was ready to take the story too seriously with a couple of NFL related gags aimed at Rangers. Neil Renton, Leith, said: “I had to laugh at the report the owners of American football team the San Francisco 49ers are looking to invest in Rangers. Let’s be honest – the closest the Ibrox side will get to that is if they go and see Super Bowl half time performer Kendrick Lamar at his gig at Hampden.”
John Scully emailed: “Just read about the 49ers takeover of Rangers – does that mean they will get six points for a win just to keep up with the Hoops?”
Richard Wharton, Carlisle, said: “SF 49ers take over? Will they get them playing American Football? Might win something then!!”
As mentioned Brendan Rodgers and his troops will still have that feeling of ‘what if’ after their midweek heroics in Bavaria. Nicolas Kuhn’s strike had them 30 seconds from forcing extra-time at the Allianz Arena and who knows what would have happened. But Alphonso Davies reacted quickest to bundle home with 30 seconds to play.
Leading pundit Kris Boyd has been put on blast by one Hoops fan – who has wished Rangers all the best in their Euro journey. While one other caller has told the Hoops they are in ‘Disneyland’ – but not in a good way!
Denis Bruce, Bishopbriggs: “Will Kris Boyd ever grow up and dispense with his light blue spectacles, when it comes to Scottish clubs competing in Europe? On the home front he can gloat whenever Celtic have a bad result in the SPFL competitions just as Celtic supporters enjoy it when Rangers trip up at home against Scottish opposition. As a Celtic supporter, I hope Rangers continue to do well in the UEFA tournament.”
William Hutchison, Aberdeen: “I knew Rangers fans would laugh at us being knocked out but what’s better getting knocked Champions League against a team hadn’t lost at home in over four years or getting knocked a Cup by team mid table of Scottish Championship. I know which I prefer.”
Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill: “I still cannot believe that Celtic were knocked out of the Champion’s League by Bayern Munich. I have now had Bayern’s last gasp goal on repeat for 24hours and have to admit that Bayern were extremely fortunate.”
Peter Cooperwhite emailed: “For the Celtic supporters who say Rangers play in mickey mouse Europa League. Ok, but you are in Euro Disneyland. A land where you close your eyes and dream of where you would like to be in Champions League. Unfortunately when you open them and realise it’s just a fantasy – at least last 12 years and maybe counting. Only saying.”