The countdown is on to the start of this year’s European qualifiers with Motherwell and Dundee United hoping to join Celtic, Rangers and Hearts in the group stages.
But while the 'Well, Terrors and Jambos are all looking forward to lift-off on their continental adventures, the Old Firm fans calling the Hotline are still too busy squabbling to notice the new campaign is on the horizon. Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, got the first dig in when he said: “Well done to Celtic for winning the European Cup in 1967. I only found out yesterday as nobody ever mentions it.
“Have any of the Celtic fans got a recording in glorious technicolor as I still have an old Betamax recorder and love the old black and white films. It's hard to believe when you see Celtic get embarrassed in Europe year upon year but well done anyway. You really should mention it more often!”
Celtic fan Henry Moffat, Stirling, hit back: “In reply to the two regular Hotline dumplings who seem to say the same thing every day, the only embarrassment Scotland has in Europe is the laughable European Cup/ Champions League record of Scotland’s second biggest team. A couple of runs in Europe's consolation tournament does not make up for the worst record of any club in Europe in the big one supplemented by being the first team to chuck away three qualification attempts in one season.”
Kenny Wilson, Moffat, added: “While there’s no argument Celtic's recent record in Europe is dismal and Rangers had a great run last season to the Europa League final, but can any of the Rangers support remember how they got on in the Champions League qualifiers? As they have selective memories, they got beat home and away by Malmo!
"The Swedes aren’t exactly a member of the European elite and we will see how they get on this season in the qualifiers. Going by their bragging it should be easy.”
But Paddy Gowans said: “When are these Old Firm fans get it in to their thick heads they will never do anything in the Champions League? They are living in Toyland with Noddy and friends!”
The gears of the transfer merry go round are slowly but surely grinding into motion and Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: “Rangers need to spend the dosh and sign Ross Stewart from Sunderland. The Scotland hitman is what Rangers need to mount a serious challenge of getting into the group stages of the Champions League and also wrestling the league flag back from Celtic.”
Celtic keeper Vasilis Barkas aimed a parting shot as he ended his Hoops hell by joining Utrecht on loan, advising fellow goalkeepers to avoid a move to Parkhead. Eddie Fraser said: “Well let's hope that Barkas has a good season on loan and finds the love that he obviously needs as it looks like he's already planning in not coming back to Scotland - and let's be honest he won't be missed.”
And Aberdeen fan Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, was happy to bid farewell to Scotland stopper Declan Gallacher, saying: “I felt Aberdeen were sold a bit of a pup in Declan Gallagher. He was slow as syrup and wasn't even that good a defender. St Mirren are about his level.”
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