Steve Clarke reckoned love was in the air at Hampden on Monday night as Scotland dumped Denmark to seal a World Cup play-off spot.
And the smitten Tartan Army are in no mood to halt the doting three days on after bombarding the Hotline with more declarations of delight after the national team’s 2-0 win.
Kicking off the love bombing was Wullie Graham, Bristol, who said: “Having watched Scotland for over 60 years I have to say Monday night’s performance was magnificent, a joy to watch.
“In years gone by Scotland were all about out the big hoof up the park as we gifted possession away but against the Danes some of the intricate passing to get away from tight spaces was just sublime. A big congratulations too for John Souttar after the dark weeks and months he went through. It was great to see him back having a brilliant game.”
Paul McCormack, Coatbridge, said: “When was the last time Scotland thrilled the fans by playing so well? What a fantastic performance against a cracking, highly-rated team. Steve Clarke has had more than his fair share of abuse but it’s time to turn that round and give him massive credit for the job he has got his team to do in this campaign.”
Gerry Clifford, Coatbridge, added: “What a superb performance from Scotland. From Craig Gordon in goals to Che Adams up top, every single man played his part. As a lifelong Celtic and Scotland fan, it’s been a while since I’ve seen Hampden rock like that. And how on earth did Craig Gordon not get a suitable contract with Celtic beats me. Same goes with John McGinn, who clearly was undervalued by Celtic when they made a derisory offer to Hibs. And a special mention to big John Souttar. What a performance from the guy. Loved his goal celebration.”
Alan Kincaid, Alexandria, said: “Now that Scotland are within touching distance of the World Cup finals next year, I dare the Tartan Army to change the words of our new anthem to, ‘Yes sir, I can boogie, Qatar will hear our mental song’.
“Please use the power of social media and share this far and wide and hopefully we will hear it chanted at the play-offs next March.”
Some people are never happy, as Dave Rooke proves.
He said: “I don’t know if I was the only one but it was like watching a fight that was fixed. I can’t remember seeing any tackles going in, it was just like a friendly. Scotland looked good with the short, tight passing but the Danes made them look good. I hate to be a killjoy but wait till we meet a full team that is trying."
Meanwhile, Hotline regular Gordon Ashley called in on Tuesday to question Giovanni van Bronkhorst’s credentials for the Rangers job.
And the response from the Ibrox faithful was as expected.
James Anderson, Irvine, led the rebuttal as he said: “It’s great to hear from Mr Ashley, the only Celtic fan that constantly is concerned with regards to Rangers’ health. He states that Van Bronckhorst lost a league by 20 points with Feyenoord. Funny but I recall not long ago a certain team he claims to support losing a league by 25 points, but don’t worry Mr Ashley, you still have £60million in the bank.”
Danny Robertson, Paisley, added: “Your regular comedian Gordon Ashley has surely surpassed himself this week. Relevant calls about the passing of a football icon, Bertie Auld, congratulations on our national team securing a home tie in our World Cup qualification effort or Gerrard’s move to Aston Villa? No, none of that for him. Instead he has a swipe at the managerial record of a Dutchman who isn't even in a relevant job yet for any sane fan to comment on.”
Phil Hignett, Bishopbriggs, said: “I’m English and have been up here living for five years. I started buying the Daily Record and love the Hotline. I’m absolutely fascinated that regulars like Gordon Ashley speak so often about Rangers. Yet he doesn’t support them. The obsession is very amusing to an outsider. I’m a Liverpool man but rarely think about Everton. Obviously not the same up here! Very funny.”
Let’s give the last word to the man himself. Ladies and gentleman, Ayr’s one and only, Gordon Ashley : “Last year all the pressure was on Celtic without their globally famous support, but this year the world’s greatest fans are back and all the pressure is on Rangers. They need Champions League money next year and will still be miles behind Celtic financially if they get it. If Celtic land the £40million bounty, they will leave Rangers behind.”
