Arne Engels snubbed the chance to help Celtic's Champions League bid to finalise his record-breaking £22m move to West Ham. But one Hotline caller reckons the only Hammer blow will be for the big Belgian himself as he prepares for life in the English second tier instead of tackling LASK in the play-off for European football's biggest competition.
O'Neill reveals midfielder's refusal
Hoops boss Martin O'Neill revealed that the midfielder didn't want to face the Austrians for fear of scuppering his move to London. Stephen Mulhern emailed: "I was disappointed to read Martin O'Neill saying Arne Engels refused to stay for the hugely important Champions League qualifier. As a Celtic supporter for over 60 years it leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
"I have to admit I was never his biggest fan so the fee we received was remarkable. One thing is for sure, unlike his former teammates he won't require his passport for European football in the near future."
Celtic fans confident but rivals scoff
Celtic face the first leg of their money-spinning Champions League play-off this evening and Hoops fans were confident on the Hotline yesterday. But Alan Flett emailed: "Celtic fans are a constant source of entertainment. Eddie Blanchard is the latest deluded soul to join the comedy club, alongside the Chuckle Brothers Ashley, McAdam and Mulhern. They're so gullible! Two big wins v poor opposition and they're in the Champions League quarter finals! Don't they realise that they've not won a knockout game in Europe for 23 years?"
Tavernier talk and Driouech escape
Back to transfers and Rangers hero Ally McCoist reckons Derek McInnes should pick up the phone to James Tavernier and try to tempt him back to Ibrox to help fill the right back void. But Robert Livingston, Palm Beach, said: "Rangers fans have a lot of sympathy for Tavernier but sometimes the truth can be unpalatable. McCoist wants Tavernier back on a short contract but unfortunately his exit was not in a good way. He was badly treated by Rohl and the club he served with loyalty, he deserved a testimonial for long service but he struggled over the last few seasons. Tavernier was excellent when in attack but just couldn't defend. Sentiment is one thing - truth's another."
Meanwhile, Neil Renton, Leith, said: "I'm not sure why PSV winger Couhaib Driouech is disappointed his move to Rangers didn't go through due to a failed medical. Many would see it as a lucky escape."
Refereeing decisions and Scotland manager
The fall out over the weekend decisions rumbles on. SFA refs chief Willie Collum quickly explained why Celtic's second goal against Dundee United was allowed to stand despite hitting Kasper Hogh's hand - but Hoops fans want a reason why Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez avoided a second yellow card against St Mirren. Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: "Where is the explanation from the SFA over the scandalous decision not to send off Emanuel Fernandez for a blatant second yellow against St Mirren? The truth is, unlike the decision for Celtic last week, there is no explanation. Only a total failure to apply the rules to a club whose only tactic is to intimidate our referees."
On the same topic, James Fitzpatrick emailed in response to a Hotline regular. He said: "Does the joker from Yoker, aka Chris Lowe, only see decisions that Celtic get but blindly ignores the ones that Rangers have been getting for years? I think he's a closet Celtic fan as he talks about us more than his own mob."
The final topic on a Hotline that went round the houses brings us to new Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli who said he will extend his due diligence by speaking to his predecessor Steve Clarke. Iain Morrison, Livingston, said: "Just been reading that the new Scotland manager is going to speak with Stevie Clarke. That's his first mistake. With any luck he'll fall asleep and not hear any of his mumbling claptrap. Do your own thing, and select the guys that deserve it, instead of the favourites like your predecessor."
