Rangers fans have been left reeling after the shock departure of Steven Gerrard to Aston Villa and emotions are running wild.
It’s a bit like the five stages of grief when a gaffer goes suddenly. There’s bargaining, anger, resentment, acceptance, and finally optimism.
The Hotline has the lot.
John Bruce emailed: “ Rangers fans will be forever grateful to Steven Gerrard for 55.
“But no man is bigger than the club.
“Whoever takes over is off to a flyer. Rangers are in the semi-finals of the League Cup, in with a good chance of progress in the Europa League, and are top of the league, which brings entry to the Champions League group stage.
“Exciting times ahead for all Rangers fans.”
John Davidson, Armadale , said: “Would like to thank Stevie G for the transformation he achieved at Rangers, and stopping 10 in a row.
“Wish him all the best with his new venture at Aston Villa. Here's hoping the Rangers board go for Giovanni van Bronckhorst and hopefully he can keep the juggernaut rolling to 56.”
Eddie Lauchlan, Largs , said: “I for one am glad to see him go, he offered us nothing this season other than inconsistent team selections and a product on the park was as uninspiring and unwatchable.
“Good riddance, roll on 56.”
James Forsyth, Bellshill , said: “I expected Gerrard to leave next summer. To go now with important games coming up and take his staff is a slap in the face to his players and the fans.
“I know it's hard being away from family but people in other professions do that on less money.”
But Frank McFerran, Carrickfergus , said: “I wish the guy all the best, he did his best with buttons . He couldn’t buy the players he wanted, who can blame him?”
What next for Gers though. There’s a few interesting ideas flying around.
Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach , said: “Maybe having a player manager until the end of the season would be ok.
“Similar to Souness, perhaps either Allan McGregor or James Tavernier. Both are highly respected by all players.”
Unsurprisingly, rival fans have jumped on the Ibrox upheaval.
Jim McClean, Rothesay , said: “Rangers fans will need to expect an exodus of players in January when Gerrard and Aston Villa come calling for their players.
“They might even get some of their debt cleared by Gerrard and it could be a lifeline for them.”
Tam Williamson, Lanarkshire , said: “Steven Gerrard did not win the league as he was handed it on a plate by Lennon and Lawwell and players like Odsonne Edouard and Ryan Christie who wanted to leave the club.
“Gerrard and McAllister have jumped ship as they knew Ange would expose them this season.
“The nearest he will get to managing Liverpool will be in his dreams.”
Celtic fan Stephen O’Donnell, Port Glasgow , said: “After all their harping on about player trading models, the only thing Rangers could sell was their whole management team and their fans down the river.
“Roll on the One and £40 million Champions League Bonanza. In Ange we trust.”
James Flemming emailed: “Gerrard is leaving a sinking ship and taking the crew with him. He will see what it's like down there with decent ref's and VAR.”
Finally, one for whoever gets the Rangers gig next that sums up the madcap world of Scottish football.
Dr Robert S Pender , emailed: “Steven Gerrard would not voice his opinion on Rod Stewart’s music abilities therefore Rod should stick to music. His opinion on the football credentials of Steven are irrelevant.”
Don’t listen to him Sir Rod. Your opinions are always welcome on the Hotline...
