The Rangers are coming claim triggers furious Celtic fans as Hotline battle royale kicks off over Ibrox trophies. Andy Newport takes your calls as World Cup fever starts to sweep the nation and domestic bickering continues.
Scotland's World Cup Hopes
Scotland's World Cup adventure is upon us - but it looks like the Tartan Army won't be satisfied with just going along for the ride. Steve Clarke's side have made it to back-to-back European Championships but flopped on the big stage. Now as they prepare for action in the US, fans expect to see some progress and qualification for the knockout stages.
Jim McSorley, Bothwell, said: “Scotland really need to be getting out of the group for this World Cup campaign to be seen as any sort of a success. There's no point in just enjoying being there, especially with this extended format. But a win against Haiti should be enough and once you get to the knockouts, you never know!”
Scott McCormack said: “The last two Euros were major disappointments, which is why I was surprised the SFA decided to give Steve Clarke a new deal before this tournament. If he's to justify that contract extension, we have to make it out of the group.”
Graeme Campbell, Lenzie, said: “After 28 years of not being there, I'm buzzing for the action to get underway. I'm filled with hope of progressing to the next round but I would be happy to see a few Scottish goals and exciting games.”
And Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, added: “Lawrence Shankland is on fire and at the World Cup, it will take more than the New York Fire Department to put him out. He is our very own trailblazer and Scotland will be hotter than my local curry house! Vindaloos all round!”
Women's Team Coverage Concerns
The nation is looking forward to cheering on our boys - but William Simpson wants to know why it's so difficult to do the same with our girls. He said: “Why is it that as a supporter of Scotland Women, I cannot get the game live on STV and have to scour through the BBC iPlayer to find their games. Yet we are forced to watch the England-Ukraine match on STV? I thought STV stood for 'SCOTTISH' Television, obviously not. What a disgrace.”
Domestic Rivalry Heats Up
Back to domestic matters, regular caller Alan Flett found himself in the firing line after branding Celtic's impending appointment of Martin O'Neill on another year's deal the “cheap and easy option”.
James Logan, Glasgow, said: “It's the same old from Alan Flett, telling us that next season Rangers will canter to the league. Look at last season: Russell Martin, sacked after two months. Danny Rohl, lost four games out of five after the break and was dumped out of three competitions by Celtic, with millions wasted on duds. They couldn't even organise a proper send off for their best player in the past decade. The same old story from this dysfunctional club. Meanwhile, Celtic just keep winning trophy after trophy. When will Alan learn?”
Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon, added: “This guy Flett never gives up, it's the same thing every year. Celtic won the league because we had more points than Hearts. Third-placed teams don't really matter.”
Sean Beech, Hampshire, said: “The Rangers fans on here should really concentrate on supporting the mediocrity that is Rangers - the winners of three trophies in a decade - rather than spouting off like a broken kettles. All hot air and no whistle. Rangers lost because you weren't good enough (again) and all this hot air about Hearts being cheated is like watching a bairn having a tantrum. Hearts had their destiny in their own hands and let it slip. Green with envy doesn't suit you folks, stick to the out in the cold looking inwards blue.”
