The Old Firm bantering and bickering often takes centre stage on the Hotline but calls about Hearts and Scotland – although not very complimentary – knocked the usual suspects off their perch.
Ian Urquhart emailed: “All season we have been hearing from Ryan Stevenson how great Hearts are and how they are this big force which is going to split the Old Firm. Really? Well knocked out the two cups, miles behind the Old Firm in the league and only five points ahead of Hibs who like Aberdeen have had struggled at times this season. Hearts should be well ahead in third but in reality they are not any better than a team that will finish in the top five.”
John Scott, Grassmoor, may have had his tongue in his cheek, saying: “There’s no debate, Hearts are indeed Scotland’s third force. It’s irrelevant that Hibs and Aberdeen have been rank rotten for the last two or three seasons. It's irrelevant that Hearts have won 13 games to their 12 apiece. They’re third and ahead of Hibs so that’s what matters, to them at least. So respect to the Jambos. Third biggest club by miles. All hail Hearts.”
Onto the national team and Eddie Easson, Ballingry, Fife, emailed: “For goodness sake get a grip, of course Angus Gunn has to be Scotland No 1. This is no disrespect to Craig Gordon and the other keepers. Gunn is 27 with at least 10 years in front of him. He is first choice at his club in a decent league. He has given Scotland a leap of faith. If he doesn’t play this is a disaster and would warrant Clarke being sacked.”
Tim Gibbens emailed: “What exactly do Lawrence Shankland and Kevin Nisbet have to do to merit a place in Steve Clarke’s squad? If the Scotland manager has such an issue with them 'only' playing (and scoring!) for lowly Hearts and Hibs. Maybe they should rename themselves Lawrence Haaland and Kevin Messi to get his attention?”
Robert McNab said: “There are only two options to save Scottish football as let’s be honest it is boring and predictable when two teams are streets ahead. 1. Investors buying into other clubs to drive better competition (and I don’t see anyone lining up) 2. Creating a pyramid system into the English leagues. That way the Old Firm can attempt to climb to the Premier League, the SPFL becomes more competitive and it also gives other teams a route into a more lucrative league. Can we please get around a table and start the discussion? It CAN be done, Welsh teams have been part of the English league system for years!”
But Tom Moultrie. Exmouth, Devon, said: “Rangers and Celtic going to EPL won’t happen. If Scotland gains independence, no doubt they would be asked to leave."
And a couple of Scottish Cup calls rounded us off. Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon, emailed: “Re Alfie Mullin in paper saying it’s Gers’ Cup. And there’s only three diddy teams left. What a clown. You’ll know what it’s all about Alfie when one of the aforementioned teams lifts the treble.”
lan Flett emailed: “What planet do some football fans live on? The fact that two lower division clubs will play each other in the cup semi-final shows just how poor our game really is. What’s good about a small club getting humped by one of the Old Firm in our showpiece game? The glory hunters from Falkirk or Inverness, who will no doubt crawl out from the woodwork in their droves for a jolly to Hampden, will only succeed in causing Scottish football further embarrassment.”
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