Allan McGregor has decided to give it another year at Rangers but could the veteran goalkeeper be putting his Ibrox icon status on the line? Some fans reckon the 40-year-old shotstopper’s decision to sign a new deal should be applauded.
Others fear it’s time his gloves should be hung up, in a playing sense at least.
Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, said: “ McGregor one of the finest goalies I have ever seen so it’s good to see he'll finish his career at Ibrox. Today's players are only interested in big financial paydays, their greed knows no bounds. Loyalty is a totally meaningless word to them so I have respect for McGregor knocking back a payday from the Arabs to play his last hurrah with his beloved Rangers. That's the meaning of the word true blue.”
But Robert Wilson, Glasgow, claimed: “McGregor’s standing as one of the greatest ever Rangers goalkeepers is undoubted. But I fear next season will be one too many if he is number one. That shirt should be Jon McLaughlin ’s. And I wouldn’t blame Robby McCrorie for pushing for a transfer if he has to spend another year as number three. McGregor is a legend but it’s someone else’s time now - maybe McGregor could concentrate on coaching instead?”
Sticking with Rangers and Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill , is full of optimism ahead of the new season.
He said: “I cannot wait for the new season. Rangers are back and it's official. Money in the bank, assets on the pitch, youngsters coming through from the academy and totally vindicated on the shameful cinch deal. We have put Scottish football back on the map. Celtic supporters are so obsessed with what's happening with us rather than focusing on the Champions League. A repeat of the Bodo/Glimt debacle could be extremely bad for our coefficient.”
Ah, the co-efficient! Peter Lyons, Blantyre, said: “Europe and co-efficient, thats all we seem to hear from Rangers fans. Can I put this to them - yes they had a fantastic run in Europe last season but before a ball is kicked here is every team's priority: one, the league title, two, a good run in Europe and three, a domestic cup.”
The fallout from the revised cinch deal continues to rumble on.
John Scott, Grassmoor, said: “Reader Scott Gowers is quite correct, due diligence should have been carried out before the SPFL signed a contract with cinch. However, perhaps he and Rangers could suggest another company waiting in the wings to throw millions at Scottish football.
"It's all very well clever people saying our game is undersold. Where's all this money coming from then? Sky have little interest in Hearts v Aberdeen or Hibs v Dundee United. They would rather cover Rangers or Celtic at Livingston on a plastic pitch with black rubber crumb flying in all directions. Is it any wonder we can't attract the sponsorship we all think our clubs deserve?”
Christopher Jullien says he wants to stay at Celtic and fight for his place in the centre of defence now he’s fit. But Jimmy Murray, Edinburgh, said: “So Jullien wants to fight his way back into the team? This is the guy who walked off the field in tears after being bullied for 90 minutes from Livingston legend Lyndon Dykes.”
Hotline regular John Bruce got it in the neck for his claim Celtic had been handed an easy opening day fixture against “perennial bottlers” Aberdeen.
Dons fan Derek Hay, Fife, hit back: “According to John Aberdeen are one of the smaller clubs so if that's the case I hope I don't see him on Hotline crying if my team fails to get a result against Scotland's biggest club on the opening day.”
George Priest emailed: “Another rambling diatribe from Mr Bruce. He says that Aberdeen are bottlers but seems to have forgotten they drew twice with the mighty Rangers last season. And I suppose a trip to Dingwall must be a scary thought for someone who thinks Govan is the centre of the world. Merry Christmas John!”
Speaking of those fixtures, Dr Robert Pender emailed: “On Christmas Eve we have St Mirren v Aberdeen and Ross County v Rangers. Surely a simple solution to reduce travel for Aberdeen and Rangers fans would be for the clubs to swap so it’s St Mirren v Rangers and Ross County v Aberdeen?”
