Celtic’s much-needed reinforcements are starting to roll into Parkhead – but the blue half of Glasgow are not expecting much of a cavalry charge from the east end of the city.
Hotline regular Gordon Ashley declared his delight over this week’s double swoop for Joe Hart and James McCarthy in yesterday’s Record Sport .
But it is fair to say the arrival of former England No.1 Hart from Spurs and Ireland midfielder McCarthy following his Crystal Palace exit haven’t exactly got the Rangers faithful shaking in their boots.
Gary Shields emailed say: “It’s good to see the likes of Gordon Ashley getting excited about a has-been Hamilton Accies player and and a burst-baw goalkeeper. Seriously pal, you lot are grasping at straws! You must realise Rangers have the best keeper in Scotland right now.”
Steven Richardson also chipped in with his tuppence worth, adding: “Ashley said Hart and McCarthy are great signings. If Celtic are to improve they need to buy players who are going to improve them rather than standing still. After those signings all the clubs in the Europa League will be panicking … I think not.”
Frank McFerran, Carrickfergus, added: “It just proves the Celtic manager Ange Postecoglu has no say in most transfers. There’s no way he has ever heard of James McCarthy or Joe Hart from afar.”
The Hoops support were given brief hope of a European lifeline this week after rumours emerged that their Champions League conquerors Midtjylland had fielded an ineligible player.
UEFA chiefs have now cleared the Danes of any wrong-doing, insisting they had done nothing wrong in playing defender Juninho in both legs of their 3-2 aggregate win against Postecoglu’s men.
But David Bryce, Troon, would not have wanted to see his side claim a backdoor route in any case.
“It would be wrong if Celtic appealed our defeat to Midtjylland. We were beaten fair and square by a poor team and have to take it on the chin.
“Unfortunately now we are no longer Europa League standard, we are now Conference League standard. For that, this board and Peter Lawwell should hang their heads in shame!”
Gerrard Kelly has not been impressed by Rangers chief Stewart Robertson’s antics as Gers go to war with the SPFL over the league’s cinch sponsorship deal.
He said: “What is it with this Rangers MD? Every time he gets on the SPFL board he tries to cause trouble! Does he not remember being left with egg on his face the last time he tried to oust the board? Does he think that Rangers are better than every other team And they don’t have to follow the rules? If this guy continues to cause disruption then he should be removed!”
The aforementioned Mr Ashley of Ayr also could resist having another bite at the Ibrox board.
He said: “Rangers’ stance over the cinch deal is laughable. Fans of every club in Scotland know they are deliberately causing trouble to gain vengeance for their liquidation and the fact they had to apply for league membership as a new club. No amount of trouble making will ever change the fact Rangers FC were liquidated. Get over it!”
Willie Purvis, Bathgate, wasn’t impressed by Rangers’ display in their defeat to Malmo, saying: “Rangers have proven along with Celtic they are where they belong. The Scottish Premiership is one of the most mediocre leagues in Europe. Isn’t it a coincidence that the two most successful clubs in the world – Linfield and Rangers – come from two of the poorest leagues in Europe .You couldn’t make it up!”
Light Blues boss Steven Gerrard hopes having a sold out Ibrox will be enough to see his side over the line against the Swedes and into the Champions League play-off round.
But Gordon McDonald said: “Is Stevie Gerrard having a laugh? Your team needs “roared home”, against Malmo? Rangers won the league without fans, do your job Stevie. With the squad you’ve got Malmo shouldn’t be a problem. And it might help if you stop playing planks of wood like Cedric Itten.”
