Rangers have been urged to consider re-signing former 55 title hero Joe Aribo, who is currently without a club, as a free agent. The suggestion came during the latest Hotline, where callers also clashed over Celtic's recent run of results and the pressure on manager Martin O'Neill.
Hotline backs Aribo return
Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, backed Record Sport's Scott McDermott's suggestion that Rangers should look at bringing Aribo back to Ibrox. He said: "Scott McDermott absolutely right. Aribo would be a welcome addition to the side. He has plenty experience and was a important part in Steven Gerrard's league winning side. As a free agent, costs would be minimal and he could be the man Rangers need to win league."
Aribo was part of the Rangers side that won the Scottish Premiership under Steven Gerrard, and his availability as a free agent has sparked debate among supporters about a potential return.
Celtic fans divided over O'Neill and board
Celtic chiefs met with 120 fans in Greenock earlier this week for a Q+A session that the club described as 'hard but fair'. A supporters' club chief who was present at the meeting has since revealed that Hoops boss Martin O'Neill attempted to lift pressure on the under-fire board by answering questions that were sent their way.
Amid the fury about Celtic's recent results, Hotline caller John McAllister urged punters to 'lay off' the 74-year-old. He said: "There's no point criticising Martin O'Neill for Celtic's recent performances. It's like blaming a racing driver for not winning when he's got the slowest car on the track. Celtic's problems all come down to (Dermot) Desmond. He's only interested in the share price and how much is in the bank. He seems more interested in golf than football."
However, Scott McAdam, Partick, vehemently disagreed. He wrote in to say: "So the happy clappers say 'don't ever criticise Martin O'Neill and the board'. Well we'll see what they say when Rangers are 10 points clear at the top of the league come the end of January. The league is almost over, Tynecastle, Ibrox and Tannadice will see to that. And who is to blame for the domestic shambles? Martin and his merry, clueless dugout. So why don't you open your eyes?"
Penrice tackle inquest continues
Record Sport revealed on Tuesday that Aberdeen contacted the SFA for clarity about a challenge from Rangers star James Penrice during last weekend's Premier Sports Cup semi final clash at Hampden that went unpunished. The inquest surrounding the tackle continues on the Hotline.
Ian Morrison, Livingston, commented: "I see Aberdeen were looking for answers regarding the Penrice tackle. I don’t suppose they looked for answers regarding the clear handball not awarded to Rangers?"
Robert McEwan, Mt Vernon, retorted: "Just saw that tackle by Penrice. Some fans are comparing it with (Auston) Trusty's challenge on (Jack) Butland last season. At least he was trying to win ball, unlike the Karate Kid Penrice. It's shocking that there was no booking."
Hibs fans revel in Hearts defeat
Finally, Neil Renton, Leith, is loving Hearts fans fury over their Hampden semi final loss to his beloved Hibs last Sunday. He called in to say: "Tell you what, Hearts fans are taking the semi final defeat to Hibs quite badly. The amount of excuses they’ve made ranging from having too many injuries to Martin Boyle being offside for his goal is ludicrous. They just need to admit they were beaten by the better team."
