Derek McInnes' reign at Rangers began with a 1-1 draw away to Dundee United at Tannadice, and the new Ibrox boss has already come under fire from fans.
McInnes was not impressed by his side's performance in Tayside and insists further signings are needed to give Rangers the best chance of ending Celtic's title dominance. The Record Sport Hotline has warned him he will be sacked like predecessor Russell Martin if he does not quickly improve.
Hotline callers turn on McInnes
Peter Cooperwhite said: "I would like it if Derek McInnes would read the Record Hotline. Well if you do Derek, here's some thoughts. I didn't want (Steven) Gerrard back but I'm not swayed by you either. But it is what it is. You are a better dressed version of Russell Martin but get yours and the teams act together or you will end up getting hounded out too. We've had enough of has-beens."
Cooperwhite also felt Dundee United looked good on Friday night and could be a shout for second place, though hard to judge given the level of opposition. He said Rangers appear to have spent the transfer budget on budget players, and that McInnes wants the board to open the cheque book again because he has not been buying players for the positions they need. He added that United might have taken all three points were it not for a linesman flagging a player who was in his own half offside, and wondered how bad that decision rates on Del's 'disgusting' scale.
Steve McSherry, Uddingston, added: "Dundee United will be disappointed that they only got a draw against Rangers. I honestly think Celtic will stroll to the title unless Hearts and Dundee Utd can mount a challenge. I can see McInnes being sacked by Halloween."
McCann backed to replace McInnes
Denis Bruce, Bishopbriggs, went further, claiming current Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann would be the ideal candidate to replace McInnes. He emailed: "It's early days yet but that draw against Dundee United - who should have got all three points - suggests that the Nearly Man could live up to his nickname yet again. Football is a funny game and perhaps his results will take a turn for the better."
Bruce added that if the nickname looks like being realised again, Andrew Cavenagh should be thinking of bringing in Neil McCann, an advocate of no fear football, as the next manager. He predicted Rangers supporters will be watching forthcoming games through their fingers, hoping against hope McInnes can rid himself of his nickname, but without much confidence and already wondering who his replacement should be, and that McCann is the man.
Jamie Thompson, Glasgow, instead lambasted substitute Youssef Chermiti, who was brought on from the bench at Tannadice. Thompson said Chermiti only fouls other players and is lazy, had an opportunity to square the ball but instead took a pathetic attempt at goal, and insisted McInnes has to get rid of him as soon as possible.
Celtic break record for Hogh
Celtic broke their transfer record to sign Kasper Hogh for £11million from Bodo/Glimt next week, but Martin O'Neill is resigned to losing Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels amid big money interest from Everton and West Ham respectively.
Paul McCormack, Coatbridge, said: "During the week we bring in a marquee signing & everybody gets a lift. A few days later & it looks like two first team starters will leave in this window. We need to sign players right now to stand still on last season's numbers, never mind allowing first XI players to leave."
Alec, Buckie, warned Celtic fans not to get their hopes up with the arrival of Denmark star Hogh, saying: "Got to laugh at all they Bhoys lauding the signing of world class Hogh who' had been playing in the mighty Norwegian league. We also signed a world class Dane in (Andreas) Skov Olsen and looks how he turned out. Just cause he's great in one league doesn't mean he will be in the physical Scottish league."
Final day controversy recalled
Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said he hopes the new season is as exciting as last without the controversy taking over. He said: "Let's hope this season is as exciting as last without the controversy taking over. Chris Sutton' words confirm that the last game of the season was officially abandoned which must be used when this match hits the disciplinary panel which it must."
Chris Sutton's words during commentary were that Celtic fans must get off the pitch, with no further play, which 100% deems the match abandoned due to a pitch invasion. The SFA surely can't defy IFAB laws and claim there is no bias from the Scottish football authorities, with the audio evidence clearly there by Sutton's comment and the lack of a final whistle being blown.
