The countdown is on to Sunday’s Old Firm showdown and both sets of fans are turning up the heat – on their own managers.
Celtic and Rangers both have bosses who could badly do with winning the encounters for lots of reasons and the battle lines are being drawn.
Michael Sheerin, Liverpool, said: “If Neil Lennon wants the Celtic job he needs to win comfortably on Sunday. He needs to make a statement as I’ve not been convinced by them of late.”
Jim Newall, Rutherglen, said: “ Steven Gerrard told Rangers fans he would never pull his boots on again yet there he was playing 82 minutes for Liverpool at the weekend. We know he’s a Liverpool legend but we need a true blue with passion for the club, not getting wrapped up in other clubs. We are the ones who pay his wages.”
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Denis Bruce, Bishopbriggs, said: “The stakes are high for both managers in the Old Firm game. For one his job is on the line, the other his reputation. The key will be Alfredo Morelos - if he can keep himself out of trouble and use his muscle and skill to good effect.”
David Bryce, Ayr, said: “Celtic really need to step up to the task on Sunday. Too many players have been poor for too long and owe the fans a big performance.”
Meanwhile John Hartson was in the firing line.
Jim Eadie, Maryhill, said: “We’re trying to clean up Scottish football and we have John Hartson talking about bullying Rangers players. It’s a joke.”
Alastair Mills, Hampshire, said: “Hartson has never got over being turned down by Rangers. If Celtic win the league they won’t have romped it, mainly because Rangers have suffered bad luck, injuries and refereeing decisions.
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"Gerrard has also been serving his apprenticeship. Rangers will have handed Celtic the league.”
Celtic’s cash doesn’t count with some Gers fans.
George Wilson, on email, said: “Celtic supporters are terrified because they know their days of dominance will soon be over and they have to keep telling themselves all their wealth will buy more success. The money stays in the bank.”
Mal Carruthers, Troon, said: “Celtic could have all the money in the bank they want but Rangers are still the biggest and best in Scotland and they will show it on Sunday.
“Alfredo Morelos is a certainty for first goalscorer.”
Meanwhile Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: “The decision to give Bobby Madden the Old Firm game is laughable. This referee has made mistakes that have favoured Rangers or cost Celtic in almost every game involving these two clubs over the last three years. Other referees deserve a chance.”
The Scotland set up is still copping it.
James Robertson, Dennistoun, said: “Can someone tell me what the SFA president actually does? As far as I can see it’s just a hand-shaking exercise. The SFA needs reformed from head to toe as it’s being run like a bowling club, with blazers, badges and old pals’ acts.”
Billy Hampson, Lochwinnoch, said: “I think those calling for the sacking of McLeish are missing one major point. Regardless who the manager, it is the players who are rubbish.”
John Robertson, South Queensferry, said: “The standard of Scottish players is absolutely terrible. Our top clubs are a joke in Europe getting turned over by average teams every year and most of the players in England playing for lower league teams.
“It is too late to do anything, we are hopeless and will continue that way so stop blaming managers. The talent is no longer there.”
Pat Thompson, Parkhead , said: “McLeish’s back four against the worst team in the world was up there with Craig Levein’s 4-6-0. McLeish has brought all the pressure on himself.”
Terry Cord, Lochee, said: “The Scotland assistant manager reminds me of my favourite meal – Grant’s mince and peas. He has been a failure at every club he has been at.”
But Alan Clark, on email, said: “I’m confident Scotland will still qualify for the finals without the need for a play off. We’ll beat Cyprus home and away, thrash the other two minnows at Hampden, and when we take four points off Russia and a point off Belgium, that’ll be good enough for second place. It might be a big ask, but it’s not impossible.”
That’s the spirit.
