Celtic favourite Jota’s mega money move to the Middle East has got the Hotline in a tizzy.
Hoops fans are preparing to count the cash – a bit like the winger – but Rangers supporters reckons it’s only the start of the Parkhead exodus. They don’t call this silly season for nothing. Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: “The speed that both Ange Postecoglou and Jota upped sticks from Celtic was beyond belief. It appears that loyalty is not a part of their new mantra. Who's next?”
The Jota move has split opinion though and John Scott, Grassmoor, said: “Please spare us all the righteous indignation about Jota. He's only going for the money? Really? I personally am more angered that the Saudis are throwing so much money around on a continent where there's children who still can't draw clean drinking water.”
Alan Flett, via email, said: “Football fans need to get a grip. If Jota has the chance to set himself up for life by moving to Saudi, then why shouldn’t he go? I wish I was in his shoes. If it came down to a choice between having money in the bank, or playing football for a living, I know which one I would pick. If Joe Bloggs wins the lottery, he’s not going to turn round and say, I don’t want the money, I’d rather carry on working for a living.”
Michael Beale’s rebuild is well under way but Tam Williamson, Lanarkshire, said: “Rangers are bankrolling a policy of signing unknown bench warming nonentities. Celtic will sell Jota, Kyogo, Hatate and Abada for possibly in the region of at the very least £100 million plus and the money will be spent to strengthen our team even further to take on the best in the Champions League.
“That is the reason why Celtic will remain Scotland's premier club for the foreseeable future.”
But David Bryce, Troon, said: “As Celtic yet again sign a project player, I have a terrible feeling that out board are again sleeping at the wheel, which coincides with Peter Lawwell rejoining the club. Whilst Gers are making statement signings, we are now weaker than we were last season. I feel Brendan is being short changed already.”
Seamie Gallagher, Glasgow, doesn’t agree and he said: “Brendan Rodgers and the Celtic machine against Michael Beale and his squad of reserves and benchwarmers. It looks a total mismatch as the Rangers squad is weaker than last season.”
Henry Moffat, Stirling, said: “Rangers have no money while Celtic are rolling in it. If Jota leaves Celtic will have well over £70m in the bank. Meanwhile Rangers spend over £4m on a player who will soon be 29 years-old. No wonder they are Scotland’s second club.”
Rangers have added firepower but Kevin Kean, Inchinan, said: “A bit puzzling what Beale's plans are for five strikers Colak, Roofe, Sima, Lammers and Dessers even if he's switching to 4-4-2 that's three of them not playing could take a while to work out best combination.”
Meanwhile John Bruce, Glasgow, picked out his best signing so far and said: “It was great to hear that Michael Beale still wants to add two or three players to those he has already signed.
“But Dr Mark Waller could prove to be the best signing of all. When he was last here, Rangers were far and away the fittest side in the league, playing 120 minutes with ease. But last season, neither Gio nor Beale were ever able to play their best team, due to the horrendous injury list Rangers had all season.”
Finally, Scotland pulled off an incredible win against the West Indies in the cricket in the ICC World Cup qualifiers.
Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: “Congratulations Scotland, let's hope you can beat Zimbabwe and qualify after such an impressive drubbing of former world champions.”
READ NEXT:
