No gaps in Brendan Rodgers' Celtic pocket but Hotline can still hear Philippe Clement's Belgian waffle

The claim from Philippe Clement there's not a big gap between Rangers and Celtic was always going to get the Hotline tongues wagging and fingers furiously typing.

The Belgian pointed out that over the last six months, the Gers have actually taken one point more than Celtic and if he had a fully fit squad to choose from, then we'd all see that there was nothing between the teams. Given that there is actually six points, seven goals and soon enough, a Premiership title between them, then it's no surprise that the Belgian has been taken to task by some of the Celtic faithful.

Ian Gallagher, Kirkintilloch, emailed: "That's another Rangers manager safely deposited into Brendan Rodgers’ pocket. It's becoming very crowded in there. When it's time to get fitted for next season's club suit Brendan should ensure it has deeper reinforced pockets as he's going to need them."

Jack Armstrong, Bathgate, said: "I've never heard such rubbish from a manager. Bragging about being a point better off in the past six months when he is the one responsible for throwing away the league. There is not enough space for me to put all the ha ha has in. It's true what they say the best waffle comes from Belgium."

Stephen Mulhern emailed: "I was flabbergasted to hear Clement say there’s no gap between Rangers and Celtic when his record in the fixture clearly says otherwise. The fact is only one of his players would find a place in Celtic’s lineup and I predict Jack Butland will disappear down south so Clement will get the funds to rebuild next season."

Another summer rebuild is on the cards in Govan. The last one didn't go so well and there's doubts over whether Clement can perform the surgery required to transplant the title from Parkhead to Ibrox.

Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, emailed: "Philippe Clement says he going to take Rangers to another level not with these players they are stuck in the basement and there's no point turning up for the Scottish cup Final like their last performances in the league. The only cup one can see them lifting is the one in the Hampden canteen."

John Allardyce, Edinburgh, said: "Next season with Rangers' massive rebuild I will say it now, if Dessers and Silva are still Rangers' strikers the Gers will have to settle for second. Again."

Tam Williamson, Lanarkshire, said: "Big Phil says there will be a clear out at Ibrox come the end of the season but I could bet my life that "he himself" will be accompanying Lundstram on the first available bus heading South on one-way tickets. You couldn't make it up!!

"Ref Willie Column and VAR ref Steven MacLean are a credit to the game for their honesty. The usual anti-Celtic mob accusing the officials of cheating obviously have serious issues in life not related to football in any way."

Nick Montgomery's time at Hibs is up but Dr Robert Pender reckons the players are to blame and seems to be a proponent of an unnamed boss' unorthodox training schedule. He said: "The sacking of the manager at Hibs is a disgrace.The players are the ones that should be shipped out.

"I go back to my time while on staff with SPL clubs one of the mangers set up Tenko treatment. In for training at 7am, train for 40 mins, shower sent out of building to return 1.5 hours later, repeated until 8pm in the evening. This had a positive result either they bucked up their ideas or begged to leave the club."

John Scott, Grassmoor, warns the problems at Easter Road go much deeper than the manager. The emailed: "So yet another head coach has been shown the door at Easter Road. Only this time a light has to be shone brightly on those behind the scenes. They have to be held responsible for the failures in recruitment on and off the park.

"If I could respectfully make a suggestion to the Gordon family. As well as hiring a manager with knowledge of the Scottish game place someone above him to completely revamp player recruitment. I'd suggest people like Gordon Strachan or Mixu Paatelainen. Guys that respect the football in our country as it’s now pretty evident that those presently in power at Hibs have absolutely none whatsoever."

Finally, David Gray will embark on a fourth caretaker spell, but his role in the previous teams hasn't escaped some fans' attention. Kevin Lord, Drylaw, pointed out: "Strange that the one member of the 1st team coaching staff who's been ever present during ALL the sackings is still there...and in charge again!!"