Wake up Wullie Graham, Sir Rod Stewart has something to say to you! Fans of Scotland’s three UEFA representatives might not wanna talk about it, but the pop icon had plenty to get off his chest about last week’s Euro horror show.
Sir Rod was compelled to call in to the Hotline after reading Saturday’s contribution from Bristol caller Wullie, who thinks we are sailing towards the European abyss after a dreadful week for our teams on the continent. Sir Rod said: “Dear Wully Graham from Bristol, I feel I must jump to the defence of Scottish teams in Europe.
“I’m sure you are aware that Scottish teams have punched above their weight for decades. Scotland’s football economy is slim to say the least. Let’s look at the squad values - Real Madrid’s £328million against Celtic’s £28million. Ajax’s team is worth £102million compared to Rangers’ £14million. This gulf in wealth obviously means that the elite of Europe can buy the best players and there lies the difference.
“In saying this, let’s not forget Rangers amazing run in the Europa League last season and Celtic’s first half display against Real Madrid, where Celtic had Real Madrid rattled in the first half and could have taken a 2-0 lead. Let’s also not forget that way back when all teams were playing on the same playing field, so to speak, Celtic won the European Cup, the first British club to do so, and with an all Scottish born team of players.
"So one could theorise that if the transfer market was governed and all clubs had access to all players maybe a different outcome would be seen nowadays. To be honest Wully, I can’t see any Scottish team winning the Champions League due to the level of competition and the extreme wealth required to be competitive.
“Scottish football’s level is the Europa League, so let’s get real and stop complaining and instead get behind the teams. Ok Wully you can sit down now.”
Sir Rod wasn’t the only one crying for some perspective on last week’s results.
Charles Buchanan said: “Funny how people on here go on about Scottish teams being humped in the Champions League. Did last year’s finalists Liverpool not get gubbed 4–1 by Napoli?”
But Jimmy Mac, Glasgow, still isn’t ready to forgive and forget after Rangers were annihilated in Amsterdam, saying: “It's a fact that the Rangers board, along with Ross Wilson, have not backed Gio van Bronckhorst in the transfer market with any quality players.
“Rangers need two centre-backs, a box-to-box midfielder and a goal-scoring centre-forward, not someone running around like a headless chicken.
“The players Wilson brought in this summer none have made the team any better and Ross Wilson must be held to account along with the board of directors - they are all guilty of complacency and negligence.”
Brian Quinn, Paisley, added: “What a downward spiral the manager has this team in, we couldn’t string two passes together against Ajax and were totally humiliated, while Celtic are playing great football and have made good signings for bargain fees.
“Our signing are head scratchers! Ridvan Yilmaz looks a waste of money and Ben Davies was being slaughtered by Sheffield United fans last season and is another sick-note signing.”
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