Steven Gerrard myth debunked as Rangers punter reckons Celtic ‘fear’ is clear for all to see – Hotline


Robbie Copeland takes your calls as Rangers close in on their next manager

It’s looking more and more likely to be Steven Gerrard in the Rangers hotseat as the club close in on their replacement for Russell Martin.

And, as ever, it’s a development that’s split opinion on the Hotline.

George Wilson, West Sussex, said: “What nonsense we are hearing mainly from the Celtic camp that Steven Gerrard only won one trophy out of nine and it was because of Covid and having no fans in attendance. He won the most important one by 25 points in an undefeated league campaign.

“Conditions in the Covid season with restrictions and no fans in were exactly the same for everyone. Including Celtic. It was just that Rangers under Gerrard that season were streets ahead of everyone else.

“The only tangible effect Covid had on league titles was that Celtic did not win but were awarded the league title in a zoom conference the season before when there were still eight games to play including Rangers vs Celtic twice. I repeat they were awarded it, they did not win it as the fixtures were not completed. All the Celtic fans taking the trouble to say they don’t fear the return of Gerrard is because they really actually do fear him.”

Along similar lines, Alan Flett said: “I see Celtic fans are still trying to blame covid for their failure to win 10 in a row. There’s no doubt they are running scared at the possibility of Stevie G returning to Ibrox. His sheer presence will give the club a huge lift and he would command instant respect.

“His name alone will attract better players to the club. Celtic, on the other hand, will have to make do with Ange Postanoclue, when he takes over from Buck Rogers.”

Not everyone is fully convinced by his credentials though as Dennis Mirren said: “I think fans want Gerrard back on sentiment, but it’s experience that wins, not sentiment. I believe Slaven Bilic is wanting a job, he’s a far superior choice. Or if looking for a manager who knows Scottish football, not Derek Mcinnes but Stephen Robinson. That guy has worked wonders at Motherwell and St Mirren with small squads and small budgets. He’s earned the right to a bigger job.”

Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: “Stevie Gerrard’s track record made a slip up at Liverpool and cost them the title and cost Brendan Rodgers his job and ended his career as a player. Then as manager of Rangers, one title and no cups in three years. Jumped before he was pushed went to Aston Villa, sacked.

“Rangers want to re-employ a former failed manager and it’s another act of desperation. They should have stuck with Gio van Bronkhorst, so let’s say good Dubai to Stevie G.”

Switching gears, Scotland picked up a massive if fortuitous 3-1 win over Greece to set up a massive finale to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

It’s within touching distance now and Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: “Not the performance to write home about but a huge congratulations on Scotland getting a result, which at the end of the day the result is all that matters.

“A win against Belarus on Sunday would leave Scotland knowing that a win at Hampden against Denmark would see Scotland top the group no matter any other result including our away match to Greece.

“A win on Sunday and against Denmark would mean that Denmark’s goal difference would be irrelevant as Scotland would top the group on head to head if the other results go as expected.”

Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: “That was by no means a magnificent performance by Scotland however it was a magnificent result. The Greek gods were certainly on our side. Lyndon Dykes must now lead the line against Belarus but the real hero of the night for me was Angus Gunn for his incredible save.”

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