Rangers fly out to France for their latest Europa League challenge.
But there is nothing Nice about the comments on the Hotline as they get set for travel. Philippe Clement’s struggling side, his management and the troublesome situation at Ibrox continues to dominate the chat. Bill Lockerbie, Northampton, made comment on the appointment of a new chief executive and said: “After successfully guiding the Starship Enterprise for many years, it’s good to see Patrick Stewart has decided to boldly go where no man has gone before and try to navigate the starship Rangers to new horizons.”
Supporters are not happy with events on the pitch, but Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: “The so-called Union Bears should settle down a bit before announcing more protests. Disharmony off the park quickly spreads on to the playing surface. The Rangers board are aware of the current shortfalls and will be working towards improving all areas of the business. The real supporters want to see the team winning without the distraction of kids’ fireworks and protest banners.”
Clement’s position is under severe scrutiny, but David Daly said: “I keep seeing Rangers fans telling people they want a ‘Rangers’ man as manager? Could somebody tell me what that actually means? I’m baffled, this isn’t the 1990s and early 2000s anymore, they need to realise there is no quick fix, no finances at all, the fans expect too much because they are living in the past.”
Benjamin Clarke, Balornock, said: “So Alan Flett wants Barry Ferguson for manager. Did he not manage Alloa, Kelty Hearts and Clyde to no avail. Don’t think he’ll do much better at Rangers.”
Donald Dundas, Uddingston, said: “As much as I regarded wee Barry as a player his management record doesn’t convince me he could manage our club. Walter Smith would be squirming today watching Mr Clement struggle to know his best team while working under the restraint of no money to help improve the squad. Surely we have a boy in the Academy who can actually play the striker’s role as Cyriel Dessers just doesn’t seem to cut it. But I’m convinced it’s not just the playing staff where the problems lie within our club.”
Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, said: “Have to agree with Connor Goldson that the way he and James Tavernier have been treated by large sections of the Rangers support has been frankly, disgraceful. Even Vaclav Cerny has been insulted numerous times on social media. Rangers have zero right to win every game.”
Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, added: “I read that Cerny doesn’t get it after sharing his goal on instagram. However in his defence what he definitely wouldn’t get is his side being booed-off at half-time when they had a full second-half to win the game.
“Cerny doesn’t hide and always demands the ball unlike several of his team-mates who hide when the support gets restless.”
Rangers struggles aren’t annoying everyone as Liam Birney, Paisley, said: “Rangers fans have to wake up to their sad reality that since 2012 they are not and haven’t been the same club and cannot compete with Celtic. Yes, they have and will win the odd trophy same as St Johnstone with three trophies each in the last 12 years, but fans must manage their expectations to avoid all this pain.”
Tam Williamson, Lanarkshire, added jovially: “It’s shocking that the fans are turning nasty towards Big Phil. The big man is doing a tremendous job. He has got them into another League Cup final, still in the Europa League plus a chance to try and finish in the top six. Considering the club is totally skint, it’s remarkable what he has achieved. The Gers fans should be campaigning for him to be Knighted immediately.”
Celtic face Club Brugge in the Champions League as they look to maintain an excellent start to the new-look league phase. But James Robertson, Alabama, has issued a warning to Brendan Rodgers’ side about the dangers of the visiting Belgians. He said: “I read where some of the Celtic fans think Wednesday’s game is a foregone conclusion and an automatic win. I won’t get that bold because anything can happen.”
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