The Old Firm haven’t kicked a ball in anger yet this pre-season but the summer squabbling is well under way on the Hotline.
Rangers have been quickest out the blocks with six new signings compared to the two fresh faces Brendan Rodgers has secured. But while optimism is soaring at Ibrox ahead of the new campaign, the Celtic faithful reckon their Bluenose counterparts are getting a bit ahead of themselves.
Andy Logan, Livingston, was first on the blower to say: “Love the Rangers optimism on their new signings no-one has heard of. I seem to recall a similar furore when they signed Aaron Ramsay, Malik Tillman, Rabbi Matondo and Amad Diallo - but how did pan out? A solitary Scottish Cup win! How long before they are out demanding this new lot are shown the door?”
Liam Birney, Paisley, rang in: “Rangers players and fans are all about what they are going to do. Celtic's players and fans are all about what they have done. Trophy cabinets don't lie! As for caller John Robertson's assertion in Friday's Hotline that Rangers are no longer in a mess can, I remind him that Celtic just beat his team in EVERY domestic tournament to win a world record eighth Treble!”
Lance Little, Erskine, is also expecting the status quo to persist next season. He said: “Whilst their team trawls the bargain baskets of freebies, out-of-contract and buy-now-pay-later signings, the Rangers fans keep their heads in the sand and instead choose to comment on the champions’ signings so far.
“Can't they see that we have a team of serial winners that we’re tying up on longer deals? Once that’s done, we will assess what we need and then put the cherry on the top with new signings. Rangers best hope is finishing third next season and that's only if their team of has-beens and nobody's gel quickly.”
The Celtic faithful may not be holding out much hope for the Ibrox side this term but the blue half of Glasgow are feeling bullish. John Bruce said: “Michael Beale's rebuild addresses a few of the issues that clearly needed resolving from last season - the need for taller, younger, and more athletic players.
“Starting with 6'5' Jack Butland in goals, the new physical presence throughout the squad is certainly a welcome one for the Premiership. Although the addition of Dr Mark Waller to keep everyone fit could possibly be the most astute addition of all. With even more still to come, the Rangers fans - and the opposition - look like seeing a transformed Rangers team next season.”
Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, added: “Beale's a bit outspoken for my liking, but give him a bit of credit for signing a fair number of players to strengthen the side.
“The big question to be answered, is this new squad good enough to win at least three Old Firm games? Realistically, that’s what they must do to win the league. A good start is a must and if they can win the first derby at ibrox that would make a big statement that Rangers are ready and up for it."
It’s not just in Glasgow that the fans are bickering. Hibs fan George Fairgrieve called to say: “Davy Cook claims Hearts are being ‘patient’ in the transfer market. Could it be that they foolishly presumed on a third place finish with the £5million European jackpot it comes with and now find themselves short of the dosh they had anticipated?”
Jambo Ian Jardine, Brechin, said: “The bad news is that Josh Ginnelly has left for Swansea but the good news is that Beny Baningime, Liam Boyce and Craig Halkett are returning from long-term injuries. Surely there will also be a couple of new signings in the pipeline as we must get back to third place at worst.”
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