From Annan Athletic to Borussia Dortmund in the space of five days - the past week has been something of a poetic microcosm of the journey Rangers have made over the past decade.
Ten years on from their financial collapse the Ibrox side are preparing to face the Bundesliga giants in the Europa League just days after disposing of Annan in the Scottish Cup.
And John Bruce emailed: “Ten years ago Rangers were playing in the Third Division. Their journey back from those dark days has seen them climb to to the very pinnacle of Scottish football as Premiership champions, winning their 55th title and stopping Celtic's coveted 10 In A Row.
"On Thursday we play Borussia Dortmund in one of Europe's two premier competitions, having rebuilt our reputation as one of Europe's top clubs. How many other clubs could have completed such a journey - and done it so successfully?”
Colin Hall, Carrickfergus, said: “Away to Dortmund is an extremely difficult game but if we could get a positive result, even a draw then, depending on injuries, I think we could do the business at Ibrox a week later.”
Celtic are also gearing up for Euro action against Bodo/Glimt and Vincent McGhee, Greenock, hit back at caller George Wilson who poked fun at the Hoops' participation in the Conference League.
Vincent said: “The start of the season came too early for Ange to get his squad together but let's be realistic, Rangers, who are skint, would welcome what George called the ‘money spinner league for failures’ with open arms if they were in it. Regardless of its stature it’s still a European competition.”
Sticking with the Hoops and a couple of callers reckon it’s time for Ange Postecoglou to cut his cloth. Gerry Milligan, Erskine, said: “The Celtic squad needs trimming. It’s not working for Mikey Johnston so best to let him go in the summer. Postecoglou's system doesn't suit James McCarthy although his contract makes it difficult to move him on and if David Turnbull can't force his way back in a big money offer would prise him away.”
David Bryce, Troon, said: “Celtic, prior to Jota coming on, were absolutely woeful against Raith. Johnston should never play for the club again. I think Ange will sell him at the end of the season. James Forrest has been dire. The difference when Jota came on was unbelievable and his introduction raised the level of Hatate who had been poor up until then.”
Up to Aberdeen as the hunt for a new boss continues and Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, said: “Please, Dave Cormack, don't fall for the hype of Jim Goodwin or Jack Ross. Ross has been sacked twice now and the football was awful at Hibs. As for Goodwin, his best asset was that he kicked a few and rent-a-gloom St Mirren is his level. Neil Lennon is probably as good as it gets.”
Former Hull boss Grant McCann is another whose name has been mentioned but Frank McFerran, Carrickfergus , said: “McCann would be a great coup but I doubt Aberdeen could afford him. He’ll be waiting in the wings for a Championship outfit. And he’s also a big Rangers fan.”
Graham Roberts, Edinburgh, said: “I have a sure fire way for Aberdeen to start climbing the league. Dave Cormack should insist that all visiting clubs at Pittodrie this season wear red, white and blue strips because that's the only time these under achievers try a leg.”
Alfie Mullin, London, couldn’t resist a dig at Scott Brown saying: “Well done Scott ‘Jinx’ Brown. You're doing a grand job. You've got two managers sacked in successive seasons. I bet the next manager you have will be quaking in his boots, at the thought of getting an early P45.”
Dundee eased past Peterhead in the Scottish Cup on Monday night but not before the League One strugglers had a stonewall penalty denied by ref David Munro.
John Caw emailed: “Mr Munro, who I have seen a few times, hasn’t been too good but at Peterhead he could have been wearing a white shirt. What a disgraceful performance. He should have the pea removed from his whistle.”
Finally to boxing and Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: “Only in Britain could the public allow themselves to be conned into paying £22 for a Pay Per View event between two washed up fighters. Amir Khan, of I’m a Celebrity fame, takes on Kell Brook, of Dancing with the Stars fame. Both fighters are way past their best and their best was only decent. Let me be audacious here and predict a draw on points, with a rematch on pay per view.”
