The Euro 2020 kick-off is almost here and a mood of optimism is sweeping the nation. Even the Hotline was a little more tartan tinged than usual in the wake of the 1-0 win over Luxembourg in the final match before the ball starts rolling for real.
William Hutchison, Aberdeen, said: “Although this time that performance wasn’t the best we still got a win. But how on earth that Luxembourg player just got a yellow after a shocking challenge on Billy Gilmour is beyond belief. That guy could have broken Billy’s jaw.... and it was good to see no knee, no applause, no boos just got on with the game.”
Gordon Ashley, Ayr, emailed: “ Steve Clarke needs to ignore the noise from Rangers -biased fans, half of whom will be supporting England against us! Callum McGregor and Stephen O’Donnell have played pivotal parts in getting us to the Euros and should both start in our bid to qualify from the groups.”
Allan Docherty’s mate has come up with a new Scotland catchphrase: “Che you Jimmy, well done. Stolen from my mate Chris!”
And Lance Little, Erskine, emailed: “To the caller who tried to liken the Scotland fans’ pilgrimage to Wembley to the carnage caused by Rangers fans in Glasgow.
"Scotland fans bring colour, happiness and friendliness when they travel. They are welcome everywhere they go.
“Your fans cause disruption, mayhem with their actions. Destruction of property, urinating in the streets, attacking police, innocent bystanders and even fellow fans.
“The difference between these two sets of fans is as wide as the gap between your team and Celtic in nine of the last ten seasons.
“Both the team and the fans will do the country proud this month. “
Away from Scotland, Kyle Lafferty’s departure from Kilmarnock has divided opinion.
Jim McClean, Rothesay, said: “I would like to see Kyle Lafferty staying but he hasn’t got a divine right to get his wages quadrupled. He is not exactly a Gareth Bale. I would rather believe Tommy Wright’s explanation than Lafferty’s. And just to answer my critics I have renewed my season ticket again.”
Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, responded to former Killie striker Willie Watters’ claims that Lafferty has ruined his reputation with Rugby Park fans.
He said: “Willie Watters needs a reality check. Being a Killie ‘ Hero ‘ doesn’t pay a player’s mortgage or put food on the table . If Kyle Lafferty can quadruple the 10 bob a week he was getting at Killie , then good luck to him .”
And Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, emailed: “Long gone are the days when playing and wearing the jumper of the club you loved and supported was everything and money came a distant second. Now it’s just pure greed with Kyle Lafferty, who showed no loyalty in demanding a four times pay increase to stay at Kilmarnock in a lower division. He was quite rightly shown the door. A Jimmy Millar or Jim Forrest he’s not.”
Elsewhere, Alan Milligan emailed: “Kristoffer Ajer really thinks he is a good player. He is supposed to be a central defender but he can’t do the basics like head a ball and simply defend. Any team who pays over £5million for him will be very disappointed with him.”
And we ended with Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon saying: “ I had to laugh at the recent share issue at Rangers. How many times has that club gone to the well? It must hold the record for shareholders.”
