Euro fever is back as Celtic and Rangers tackle Young Boys and Manchester United knowing Champions League and Europa League progression could be secured. Don’t think for a minute that means a united front on the Hotline though. Not a chance.
More of that in a minute but starting with Rangers, Record Sport revealed Ianis Hagi is willing to sit down and discuss an extension to his contract in the summer. Jimmy Mac, Glasgow, said: ”Both Rangers and Hagi must meet in common ground, neither can undercut or overprice themselves. Both must be reasonable and I would say to Rangers, if you want to keep you’re best players, never attempt to low ball otherwise you are guaranteed to lose. Hagi has always been loyal and never hidden his love of Glasgow Rangers.”
Sticking with the Ibrox club and Jim McLean, Rothesay, said: “I thought Philippe Clement couldn’t spout any more rubbish after the last few weeks but he excelled himself with the comments after Sunday’s win over Fraserburgh. Did he really know who they were playing?”
On to the midweek action and regular caller George Wilson sparked a Euro debate when he claimed Celtic had been handed a “walkover” draw and will only face “proper Champions League” sides in the knockout stages. Joe Hailey, Baillieston, bit back: “Well George, that ‘proper Champions League side’ won’t be Rangers, will it? Haven’t you got enough to worry about playing the ‘worst Man Utd team ever’? Should be an evenly matched game eh?”
Peter Lyons, Blantyre, added: “I’d just like to remind George that before a ball is kicked to start a season the number one goal is to win the league. The champions Celtic are second to nobody in this category. For some obsessed fans it’s all about the co-efficient cup. Oh, how we laugh at this.”
Fellow caller Alan Flett was also in the firing line for claiming Celtic are happy to “plod along in the SPFL lapping up routine wins against dross”. John Rush, London, said: “The histrionics from the used–to-be most successful club in the world is comedy gold. We hear how Celtic are playing the diddy clubs while Rangers, in the diddy competition, are playing Europe’s elite. Celtic can gain a play off place in the Champions League by beating the Swiss champions while Rangers can gain a place in the Europa by beating England’s relegation fodder. Hopefully they both achieve their aim.”
Glen Mitchell emailed: “Just to remind Mr Wilson and Mr Flett, that their club is the worst ever in Champions League history. Also that the answer about who Celtic play in Scotland is correct, it is all dross and that includes the Ibrox club. Freak results do happen, as it did at their place, same as it did a few years ago at Hearts’ place.”
John Scott, Grassmoor, said: “Can someone please explain what Alan Flett’ point is? He claims Celtic are content to plod along in the Scottish league playing dross every week. So is he saying Celtic should head south for a tougher league challenge? If that’s the case, where does that leave his beloved Rangers? Being dross in a league full of dross. No Celtic to keep Rangers fans awake will provide a quick return to the eighties with a half full Ibrox. Or half empty depending on your outlook eh Alan.”
Meanwhile, tributes continued to flow in for Scottish football greats Denis Law and Jimmy Calderwood. Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: “I think a charity Denis Law Memorial Cup should be set up between Manchester United and Scotland each year. A fantastic player, the only Scot so far to be voted the worlds best player, he did this whilst with Manchester United so a memorial cup makes sense. The Scottish Cup draw is a tribute in itself to Jimmy Calderwood as he did so much for both Dunfermline and Aberdeen.”
Frank Jackson emailed: “Been reading about the legend and people debating Scotlands greatest. It is a generational subject, therefore being 80, The Lawman occupies No.1 spot for me. RIP Dennis Law and Jimmy Calderwood. The latter would always stop and have a chat, was never in a hurry to go. Lovely man.”
And Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, added: “Scottish football has lost another character in Jimmy Calderwood. He took Aberdeen and Dunfermline on a rollercoaster and was as colourful as his tan. There should be a bronze statue in his home town as he was up there with the best in management.”
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