Scotland boss Sebastien Pocognoli is only two games into his tenure, but the Belgian is already feeling the heat from the Tartan Army after a winless start. It was a painful Hampden bow for the new man as Jack Hendry's early red card allowed Switzerland to run riot in a 3-0 battering. And it seems some fans are already pining for former gaffer Steve Clarke.
Fans question tactics and personnel
Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: "I had to double check the touchline to confirm that Scotland hadn’t appointed Wilifried Nancy as our tactics were identical to his. Playing so high against an outstanding opponent like Switzerland was sheer folly and I didn’t think the sending off would have stopped a Swiss stroll. Scott Bain must now be given his chance as Angus Gunn must be given the bullet. Who’s never our number one keeper."
Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: "Two games, no goals and still the constant negative backwards passes. It might be a little early to judge, but I am truly wondering whether this is another Bertie Vogts. I'm not saying foreigners can't make good managers, as at club level they often do, but unfortunately, when it's not your own country, it must be hard to drive another nation on. Let's hope I'm proved wrong but I have serious doubts already."
Charles Maxwell said: "Dire, depressing, uninspiring and worrying. But we can't put it all down to a red card. Yes, it looked like a naive error from a player who should have known better. But let's be honest. We were outclassed by a team who would have given us a lesson, even with 11. It still looks like Seb's coat is on a shoddy peg, however. It was interesting to note how muted the Hampden anthem sounded. Maybe we've been spoiled of late with the sounds of Boston. Even 3000 fans in Serbia were able to create a better atmosphere than 30,000 in the old lady. I wonder what our Swiss guests made of the relic that's standing in Mount Florida?"
Wordsmith Robert Burns would give his namesake a run for his money: "One’s heart soars to witness the new Scotland manager maintaining decades of tradition, in leading the team to glorious defeat."
Hendry red card and team selection criticised
Pocognoli's failure to find a role for livewire Ben Gannon-Doak is a huge gripe for Peter Cooperwhite. He emailed: "Let me say first, he's not an upgrade on anyone. No way. No Gannon-Doak or even Curtis? Robertson is done, Gunn is useless. Hendry's the same. Gilmour's an enigma. The ball was played to him perfectly for a blast at goal, but what does he do? Passes to Robertson when he's not in a position to score."
Red card sinner Hendry sold the jerseys with a moment of madness - and forced Pocognoli to rip up his gameplan after just 10 minutes. And Colin Simpkins, East Kilbride, raged: "Jack Hendry and Scott McKenna should never play for Scotland again. Hendry should have let the player run through and hope Gunn could maybe save the shot, and still have 11 on the park, but to get sent off is a disgrace and gave us no chance against 11 men. McKenna just let the ball pass him when he could have made an attempt to get the ball. Both players were absolutely abysmal in the World Cup, they should never be in another squad."
It's not cheap to watch Scotland these days. And fans certainly didn't get value for money on Tuesday night. James Thomson, Glasgow, said: "Scottish football is the worst in Europe. Look on the bright side. The SFA's bank accounts are full. These Scottish fans have been taken for mugs."
Rangers derby dominance sparks backlash
Old Firm fans only have to wait another week and a half before their teams are back in action. Rangers currently have the bragging rights after two derby wins - and Alan Hutton's claim that no Celtic player would get into Derek McInnes' squad made headlines.
Paul Price, Glasgow, said: "Alan Hutton is even funnier than his namesake Alan Flett. Rangers win a few games and they are world beaters! Put out of not one, not two, but THREE European competitions...embarrassing. A couple of pointers for you, Alan... how many trophies did you win with Rangers? One league title in several years! Secondly, how many Celtic teams would you have stepped into? Please let us know. Until Rangers actually win something, I suggest you calm down."
Rab Picken said: "This is a simple fact that can't be ignored. There is not one Celtic player in that whole squad who would get anywhere near the Rangers bench on match days. The times are changing; their eagle has flown. Move over impostors. We won't need tainted titles to dominate again. Your club is a busted flush."
