The Old Firm have gone back to the future after reappointing former servants to top positions last week. Michael Beale has returned to Ibrox to take over as Rangers manager, while Peter Lawwell is back at Parkhead as chairman. But some of the Hotline callers appear to be living in parallel universes with their contrasting opinions on what this week’s rejigging of the deckchairs mean for Glasgow’s big two.
John Bruce was first up to say: “The return of Michael Beale to Ibrox appears to have spooked the powerbrokers at Parkhead, with the return of Peter Lawwell as Celtic's chairman. Beale had the measure of Celtic, as part of the management team who went unbeaten in Old Firm games for three years. It would appear that Beale has already made quite an impact before a ball is kicked.”
But Stephen McCormack, Hamilton, said: “It’s a shrewd move by Dermot Desmond to bring Peter Lawwell back as chairman. He knows the club inside out and still holds a strong influence over the Scottish game. His presence can help Celtic cement their position as the dominant club in the country.” Beale’s first test comes a week on Thursday when his new side host Hibs at Ibrox and Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: “The Rangers manager wants his players to turn up on match days suited and booted. Well I don't care if they turn up in a boiler suit, we just want them to start turning up and scoring goals. If they don't they, will be suited and booted out the door.”
