Hello darkness my old friend. It’s been a while.
Just as we thought hope was being replaced by expectation as far as Scotland is concerned on the international stage along came a World Cup scudding to Ukraine to put us right back in our place.
Steve Clarke said his troops would get “back on the horse” ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
But some callers would rather see the national boss ride off into the sunset after another World Cup passes us by.
It was a grim old morning manning the phones but it’s good to talk so off we go..
First up Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: “Scotland were second best all over the pitch. I thought the team selection was wrong as was the formation. Dykes up front with Adams was never going to work and all we did was punt high balls up to them also a left back playing right back and McTominay in defence in a back three certainly never worked. McGregor and Gilmour probably had there worst games in a Scotland jersey and our midfield was totally dominated.”
Jim Mackenzie, East Kilbride, said: “Once again Scotland were all mouth and no trousers. Clarke says we're all hurting together but the fans hurt over and over every time.”
Bill Lockerbie, Northampton, fumed: “I'm pleased to hear Clarke is getting on his horse and the quicker the better. Potentially the best Scottish squad in many years, held back by his negative style and lack of flare, reminiscent of his boring Kilmarnock days. How on earth anything positive can be said about his tenure as Scotland manager is beyond me. Time to ride into the sunset Steve.”
John Stewart, Newton Mearns, said: “Clarke, it’s time for you to pack your bags and go. And you can take all those no-hopers with you.”
Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: “A fantastic result for Ukraine, they came with fire in their belly and now they can go and achieve a historic victory against the Welsh and book their place at Qatar. It's time to replace Steve Clarke with Jack Ross as this was the worst performance I’ve ever seen from a Scotland team.”
And Brian Keenan, Torquay, added: “Clarke should have been sacked after the Euros, another bad team selection. Anthony Ralston should have played right back and David Turnbull and Stuart Armstrong from the start.”
The Hotline onslaught continued, much like the opening 20 minutes of the second half in front of Craig Gordon’s goal on Wednesday night.
Kevin Kean, Inchinnan, said: “An odd line-up. It was really too big a game for Aaron Hickey and I've never understood the praise afforded to Billy Gilmour. Lyndon Dykes doesn't score enough. Good luck to Ukraine.”
Tomas Marshall said: “The Hampden Roar was more like the whimper again failing against a team who have only played friendlies. Embarrassing of the highest order - now let's put bigotry aside and roar on England in the World Cup.”
And Brian Duff, Glenrothes, blasted: “Ukraine wanted the win more than Scotland. That Scottish performance was from 10 years ago. Shocking.”
Meanwhile, Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: “What a chance missed by Scotland. The publicity we would have received for stepping aside would have been mind blowing. But no, we wanted to play to reach the World Cup. Well done to Craig Gordon for keeping the score down. There were no more positives and I hope that Callum McGregor brought another 10 masks to hand out. Graeme Souness was right. Pure and Simple. Good luck Ukraine.”
Let’s take a break from that Hampden horror show to finish. And the news Connor Goldson has penned a new four-year deal at Ibrox had Rangers fans singing from the rooftops.
Irwin Houston, Greenock, said: “Absolutely delighted that ‘True Blue’ Goldson has signed a new contract What a formidable partnership it will be with new signing John Souttar. Add Niko Katic, Leon King and we look very strong defensively. Well done Gio for getting this deal done.”
Alfie Mullin, London, agreed: “Great news. Defensively we look safe next season, the midfield is good, let's strengthen up top and take our title back.”
And Frank McFerran, Carrickfergus, said: “Goldson and Souttar playing together will be a formable duo . Well done the management team. Now we need another striker.”
