Scotland’s Nations League campaign ended in a Greek tragedy and the Tartan Army reckon it’s time for Steve Clarke to rip up the usual script.
The national team boss was in the Hotline crosshairs following Sunday’s shocking 3-0 defeat. And punters think it’s time for the manager to change his approach – or it will be him getting the chop.
Jim McClean, Rothesay, said: “This result was always coming for Scotland. Clarke can’t get away from playing his pals, some of whom can’t even get games at their clubs. It’s time he ditched them or it will be the same old story in the future.”
Neil Renton, Leith, said: “Clarke has been loyal to too many of his players for too long and it’s costing him now. Craig Gordon has been tremendous for his county but it’s time for him to go gracefully. If I was Clarke I’d start by finding out if Hibs keeper Jordan Smith has any Scottish grandparents.”
Scott McAdam, Glasgow, said: “Time is up for Clarke now. That must be about four huge games he has blown due to his tactics and playing the old pals’ act. This is the best squad we have had in years and he is ruining it with his demoralising football.”
Jay Turbo emailed: “Clarke should have replaced Billy Gilmour with Lennon Miller, who has a track record for passing into feet and would have been a striker’s dream, and he also has a goal scoring left peg on him.
“Clarke has said he’s running his contract down, that’s not a good thing for a previously galvanised team to hear. As much as we’ve had good times with Steve, I think he should do the honourable thing and resign before the World Cup qualifiers.”
Keith Phillips, via email, said: “We are back where we belong, group B. Sunday night was a disgrace. Passing along the back is all very well but it needs to quicken up in the final third. The ball was passed left to right and back again in our own half slow slow slow then it gets tighter and tighter through their press gets passed back to Gordon and the ball is lost. This happens time after time. He needs to pick guys that are playing regularly.”
Davy Matson said: “No aggression, no attacking flair, 40 yard back passes, a manager who couldn’t get anything out of his so-called players. Seen more excitement in a chess game. Toss the whole lot out and start again with all fresh faces who are not afraid to attack.”
Tom Paterson said: “I’ve told my wife not to make any dumplings this week as you are getting them for free at Hampden.”
It wasn’t just Scotland who were copping it for Sunday night’s no-show – the Beeb also got flak for the television broadcast. Frank Jackson emailed: “The coverage by BBC Scotland was embarrassing to say the least.
“Remember we pay for this shambles. It was clearly was a hurried amateur production.”
Finally, domestic football is on the way back this weekend and one caller reckons it’s all about the Rangers.
George Wilson said: “It must be very galling when the Celtic camp and the rest of Scotland should be talking about a potential Treble when in fact all the talk is about Rangers in the quarter finals of the Europa League, a new manager and of the 49ers take over.”
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