What a difference a win makes. Castigated and written off a few days ago Rangers are now suddenly back in the game as title contenders according to the Hotline thanks to Saturday’s 4-1 demolition of Aberdeen.
Gio Van Bronckhorst ’s side shut down the big talking Dons despite falling behind early on and put a miserable week that saw them draw with Livingston and lose a fifth successive Champions League away to Napoli. And with the win the pressure on the Dutchman began to ease. For now.
George Wilson, West Sussex, said: “Rangers were superb against Aberdeen and could have had 10. A break for the World Cup should see many of their injured players back and in contention for the league title and the two cups.” Alan McGaw, Alloa, said: “That’s more like the Rangers we know. Aberdeen were lucky it wasn’t six or more. Colak was superb along with Sakala, Lundstrum and Tillman. We need to win our next three games before the World Cup to keep us on track and keep the momentum going.”
Chris Lowe, Yoker, said: “With the number of Rangers players on the treatment table growing do you think it possible we could get the winter break brought forward like Celtic were granted last year when they had multiple injuries?”
The bears are happy then. But there’s anger among the Red Army after Jim Goodwin ’s vow that his side would head to Ibrox with no fear was shot down emphatically. Goodwin sent his side out with a brave attacking formation but they were picked apart and Derek Hay, Fife, said: “The Dons were never getting anything at Ibrox as we have one of worst defences in the league. The result should ensure I'll have no Rangers fans crying about Aberdeen only trying against them, they wanted it more.”
Willie Mercer, Dumfries, said: “Jim Goodwin going on during the week about Rangers there for the taking and that he was confident of getting a result is laughable. The stark truth is it was four going on seven or eight. Other than the goal his team offered nothing.”
Tam Bain, Desborough , said: “Everybody sees it bar Goodwin – the Dons defence is rubbish. There were no changes at halftime against Rangers even though we were getting battered at the back. Either change the back or change yourself. And David Bryce, Troon, added: “Once again Jim Goodwin proves he is a bang average manager. What a shambolic performance against a mediocre Rangers side. Goodwin’s tactics were absolutely woeful. That result is an embarrassment to Aberdeen.”
Elsewhere and Graeme Souness’ suggestion that his old club Rangers and Celtic should build a new stadium together and move to the Premier League had one caller checking his calendar. John Scott, Grassmoor, said: “Changing the clocks on Sunday and I had to check it was October rather than April 1. Graeme Souness must be on the wind up? Share a 100,000 capacity? Celtic v Brentford or Rangers v Fulham, with a capacity crowd? Delusions of grandeur surely?”
Joey Vimsante called from Wales to say: “The Old Firm should join a European Super League. Get in at the start in the top tier. I don’t support them joining the English league, as people would think Scotland was in England, Scottish clubs would be starting on no trophies, and would be expected to start many tiers down.”
VAR was never going to escape a Hotline without at least one mention after its second week in the Premiership. Tim Gibbens, via email , said: “What on earth was the SPFL thinking when they decided to give four of the five matches on Christmas Eve 3pm kick-offs? With VAR just having been introduced, there’s no way fans will be able to make it home in time for The big day!”
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