Rangers have moved quickly to bolster their squad under new manager Derek McInnes, securing their fifth signing of the summer with the arrival of midfielder Dan Neil on a free transfer. However, the loan capture of England international defender Ben Godfrey from Serie A side Atalanta has drawn sharp criticism from one Hotline caller.
Fan Fury Over Godfrey Loan
Stephen Johnstone from Ardentinny did not hold back in his assessment of the deal. He said: "Derek McInnes signs another loan Ranger, Ben Godfrey of Atalanta. They'd be better with Godfrey out of Dad's Army. Millions wasted on transfers to various clubs. Does that not tell you that he's last chance saloon with a loan move to Ibrox? No one wants Godfrey, not even for nothing."
Godfrey, who has accumulated over £40 million in transfer fees during his career, has failed to impress at previous clubs, and Johnstone questioned whether the move would pay off. He added: "Let's hope Ivor Pandur becomes Ivor the Great if he replaces Jack Butland or it's back to square one with Derek McInnes wishing he had taken the Scotland job to leave Rangers pandering for an eighth manager in nine years."
Celtic Transfer Talk Heats Up
Meanwhile, Celtic have yet to make any new signings, but speculation continues over the future of forward Daizen Maeda. Gary Stevenson from Newtonhill mocked the Hoops by suggesting a move to Kazakhstan's Kairat Almaty, saying: "I hope Daizen Maeda gets his wish of a move to a bigger club. I hear that Kazakhstan's Kairat Almaty have him on their radar."
Arne Engels is reportedly attracting £20 million interest from the English Premier League and Serie A, but Chris Lowe from Yoker dismissed that valuation. He commented: "17 goals in two seasons with 12 of them being penalties, yet somehow Celtic want £20m for Engels. You’d be better off paying £4 million for Elijah Just from Motherwell as he’s a better player. He's an internationalist unlike Pengals, as Belgium already have a penalty taker."
Set Piece Coach Controversy
Celtic have made a notable backroom addition by luring Hearts set piece coach Ross Grant to Parkhead. Charles Maxwell, however, warned that it could backfire: "It's looking a bit more positive for Celtic now we're sorting out the backroom staff. A set piece coach is essential, but I'm not convinced Ross Grant was the best option. Surely signing someone the Rangers manager has first hand knowledge of will somehow give them a window into our tactics? I just hope Ross Grant has kept a few tricks up his sleeve."
Scotland Manager Debate
With Scotland's World Cup exit still fresh, Adam Peters from Bathgate believes Falkirk boss John McGlynn is the ideal successor to Steve Clarke. He said: "I'm seeing his name getting mentioned more, for me it’s the ultimate no brainer. He’d have us playing football the way it should be played and is perfect for bringing through the kids. He has won Managers of the Year three seasons in a row and was a revelation in the SPFL with a team that cost nothing. He is a likeable guy and would unite the whole Scotland fanbase."
Tam Bain from Desborough was scathing about Scotland's performance, labeling them the worst team at the tournament: "We might be the best supporters at the World Cup, but we had the worst team at the World Cup. I've watched all the teams playing and all the so called lesser teams have all got stuck in, gave their all and fought like hell. I seen more from Ivory Coast in the first half against Norway than I did in all the Scotland games. Sorry, but Clarke had to go."
However, June and Bob Kinniburgh praised Ally McCoist's commentary work, saying: "After the fans, surely the biggest Scottish success at the World Cup must be Ally McCoist. His co-commentary is really knowledgeable and witty."
