As World Cup fever grips the nation, the Hotline refuses to let the small matter of a first appearance in nearly three decades get in the way of petty domestic squabbles. Alan Flett caused a ruckus with his comments the other day and he's back to seemingly double down: 'I see I got the predictable reaction to my comments about Celtic. Their fans just never learn. They call themselves the biggest club in the land, but they have a small club mentality.'
'Happy to simply be top dogs in Scotland by any means possible, take the CL money and run! Pitch invasions to celebrate like it's the first trophy they've ever won! Not in the least bit embarrassed at the fact they haven't won a game in Europe for 23 years! They're pathetic!'
Kenny Wilson, Moffat, had his tongue in cheek when assessing the prospect of a rebuilt Rangers: 'Now that the Rangers are officially coming and going to stroll the league yet again it’s time for Celtic fans to start panicking. Well I don’t think many are but Celtic as always will start as favourites and hopefully Sir Martin will get money to justify that and do what he does best and put them in their place once again.'
We don't think Lance Little, Erskine, was being entirely serious either: 'Two weeks has elapsed since the season ended and any intelligent Rangers supporters must be happy with last season. They made the quarter final of one cup and the semi-final of another. Great. But most of all, unlike most seasons the team didn't capitulate in Feb/March and managed to hang in until the break this time. Don't get down about losing 4 of the 5 last games, feel proud about being in the chase longer than most seasons.'
With Martin O'Neil set to sign on for another year, it's time for the champions to tool up. Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, wants them to look at a previous target gain: 'I’m not impressed to read that Frenchman Elias Filet is seemingly Martin O’Neills top target to lead the forward line next season. To sign him from the Swiss second tier and potentially play him in the all important champions league qualifier is surely too big a step up. We need a proven goalscorer at this level and if Kasper Hogh is available at 12 million it’s a no brainer as far as I’m concerned.'
Craig Gordon admits he'll never get over Hearts' final day title heartbreak. And Harry Haddow, Brora, doesn't blame him: 'No wonder Craig Gordon is struggling to get over his teams recent title bid. Hearts were absolutely robbed.'
'There is only one reason Celtic won the league and that was referee decisions. It certainly wasn’t Martin O'Neill's tactical nous his methods were outdated 20 years ago never mind today. It’s going to be same old story next season as Rangers aren’t winning anything under Rohl. Scottish football had the chance to be a breath of fresh air last season. Instead it showed itself up to be what it truly is, a complete joke.'
Rab, Dumfries, reckons the old Rangers bias is at play when it comes to Scotland: 'For over 3 years Hearts fans have justifiably been calling for Shankland to lead the Scotland attack, however Clarke continually ignored him, not even including him in his last squad. But, lo and behold, minutes after signing for Rangers he is now first choice, ahead of all the previously preferred strikers, with the only outstanding question now - who will partner him? And people still claim there is no west coast bias - dream on!!!'
