Ange Postecoglou claimed he was more concerned about what was for tea than Rangers’ appointment of Michael Beale. But the new boss at Ibrox is confident he can serve his Hoops counterpart his dinner when the Premiership action returns to the table.
Beale reckons he has the ingredients to give Celtic a real challenge and claimed the champions’ squad is no better than what’s at his disposal when Rangers are at full strength. But Paul McArdle, Gourock, said: “Michael Beale claimed ‘Celtic don't have a better squad than Rangers'. But he also said ‘Rangers are the underdog’. The new Rangers manager is definitely two faced.”
Ben Casey emailed: “Caller George Wilson claimed Beale is a ‘master tactician’. It’s a bit early to be hitting the mulled wine George. Is this the same Beale who lost five of his last six games at QPR before dumping on them from a great height?” James Kennedy, Kilsyth, fired: “Beale says that the board will back him financially. They probably will back him - at the bookies for him to be out the door before the end of the season.”
But Gers fan John Bruce emailed: “This season has seen more than a few Rangers players appearing low on fitness, confidence and motivation. The treatment room could muster a full team of players that would give the first team a game, if they were fit. So it doesn't say much for the highly lauded league leaders that they are only nine points clear of this beleaguered team. Thankfully now for Rangers, the only way is up.”
The aforementioned Mr Bruce claimed yesterday that Beale’s appointment had “spooked” Celtic into hiring former CEO Peter Lawwell as their new chairman last week.
But Arrin Geddes, Irvine, pointed out: “John should try and keep up. Ian Bankier announced on July 29 he was standing down, way before all Rangers’ hammerings in Europe, so way before Beale was desperately sought. Nothing spooky at Celtic Park, unlike Ibrox.”
Gary Stevenson moved us on with more than a hint of mischief making when he said: “It would appear that the World Cup has been a huge success and a break from domestic football has been welcomed. Even the Sydney Super Cup is not being discussed by the Celtic faithful. Strange as they done nothing else but to talk it up before the event.”
Sticking with the World Cup and England set-up a quarter final clash against France with a 3-0 defeat of Senegal. Just three games from glory. They couldn’t, could they? Incredibly Hotline callers were unanimous in their backing for the Three Lions.
Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, said: “Despite all the negativity surrounding England, I will be willing them on to beat France on Saturday. The young Lions showed their class against Senegal.”
And Thomas Marshall emailed: “Another great England performance to advance to last eight. How embarrassing it is to be Scottish? Clarke and his players are rotten and the only way they will see a world Cup is on TV. Now stop being bigots and get behind England. Is this another 66? Hopefully.”
Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: “This is England's best chance of moving on from Sir Alf Ramsey’s World Cup winners of 1966. Gareth Southgate's group of players can end a 56-year wait for a repeat and I pray for an Argentina final. I will take a hand of God moment to win it for England.”
From one Argentinian magician, Maradona, to another, Messi, to round off today’s calls. Alan Lough, Dunbar, said: “Keith Jackson says in the Monday Jury that Lionel Messi is ‘on a different planet to everyone else’. Yes he is but Messi needs to win the World Cup for his country to put him on the same pedestal as Diego Maradona.”
READ NEXT
