Celtic fans are in open revolt, with diehard supporters walking away from the club they adore. The Hotline has been inundated with calls from furious fans who are demanding a clear vision for the future, including a director of football and a raft of new signings. With the Premiership season just two weeks away, only £6m striker Camilo Duran has arrived, leaving supporters seething.
Fan Exodus and Fear of Trophyless Wilderness
Denis Bruce from Bishopbriggs said: "Maeda is leading the exodus from Celtic with no sign of an influx in the opposite direction. Following him out of the door are Engels, Nygren, possibly Johnson and perhaps McGregor which would surely be the final nail in Celtic's coffin consigning the club to a trophyless wilderness. Would O'Neill be willing to plough on as manager with such a humiliation awaiting his legacy? Is this the way the board is going to repay the thousands who bought their season tickets in the belief that the board had learned its lesson?"
Sean O'Keefe from Inverness is quitting the team he has followed for 30 years: "I am actually scunnered with Celtic now. I've been a regular follower for 30 years and spent more than I should on a club who don't love the fans back. Duran looks decent but we need a whole new team when you factor in the players who need to go. Seriously, I'm quitting the team I love until there is change at the top. Last year was a warning and this season we'll be punished for all the mistakes we keep making."
Anger at Board and Managerial Concerns
Jamie McCartney from Easterhouse added: "I refuse to give Celtic my money now but that new away kit is a beauty. It's a shame my team has sickened me, and countless others, from spending cash. Dermot Desmond and the rest must understand how angry we all are – just wait until the results go wrong."
Another fan, Sam Mitchell from Cambridge, voiced concerns about manager Martin O'Neill: "There was something a touch sad about watching Martin O'Neill sitting in his chair in the Algarve. He's 74, for goodness sake, he shouldn't have been asked to do this job, just because he was brilliant as the interim boss. We need fresh blood in every part of our club."
Rangers Fan Optimism Amid Defensive Needs
Across the city, Rangers fans are more optimistic but still see work to be done. John Smyth from Uddingston said: "I know my fellow Rangers fans are excited but we need some defenders pronto. Did you see big Godfrey in that friendly? He looked like he was towing a caravan. I think we need a right-back, a £10m central defender and a left-back - come on Mr Cavanagh, make it happen."
Other Sports News: Golf and Commonwealth Games
Scotland's golfing hope Bob MacIntyre is chasing his first Major at Royal Birkdale, but a fan is unhappy with his tee-time. Bruce Cargill emailed: "Why is Bob MacIntyre not in a feature group for this week's Open? He's out two hours before all the big names. Playing with players ranked in the 40s and 80s. Not saying they are not good players as they certainly are. Just thought a group with a couple of players in top 20, after all, he's 15th in the world."
Commonwealth Games fever has yet to grip one punter ahead of next week's start. Steve Fry from Kelvinhall said: "I really hope the Commonwealth Games buzz kicks in soon. I loved 2014, both as a spectator and volunteer, and hope some of that buzz returns. Glasgow was the place to be and fingers crossed it is again. I loved the bowls, the boxing and the track events were incredible."
