Rangers land unwanted Treble as Celtic pranksters turn Hotline into a roast about transfers, trophies and turnstiles

Steve Clarke might feel he's very much in the public glare but the Scotland boss is almost a figure of anonymity on the Hotline despite a flop at Euro 2024.

You see, good or bad, the fate of the Scotland national team blows over quickly in a week when Celtic and Rangers stars returned to training. And, for once, the narrative on the call-in is following results on the pitch. Celtic fans are a heady mix of excited and mischievous - as they press their rivals' buttons over trophies, transfers and the Ibrox stadium headache which doesn't have a solution yet.

David Bryce, Troon, said: "Rangers are signing a lot of dross, there is no question that the players they are bringing in are downgrades on the ones who have left, however at least they are showing intent. The lack of transfer business at Celtic is absolutely disgraceful given season tickets have sold out and we have the most lucrative Champions League campaign in history beckoning! The obvious issue is Peter Lawwell. It is time for him to hand in his resignation."

And a Hotliner wasn't far behind with his usual hot takes. Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: "Rangers fans are being so ironic when they talk about Celtic not spending the vast amounts of cash from last season. Yes our signings were poor but they still couldn’t beat us at our absolute worst. Those players are now being moved on and we will have double last season's amount to spend and this time we will bring in quality. Our domination will continue for the next decade and they know it."

Stadium-gate rumbled on as the usual suspects were accused of turning mute when their own team was feeling the heat.

James Fitzpatrick said: "I see the usual suspects, Chris Lowe, George Wilson, Gary Stevenson to name but a few, have been struck dumb about the "crumbledome" namely Ibrox, they're quickly off the mark about anything Celtic but are strangely silent about the mess their stadium is in."

Mark McManus said: "I feel for all the Rangers supporters who have bought season tickets who will now have to fork out more to travel to a yet unnamed ground to cheer on a team in transition. Surely the club knew there were problems yet urged fans to buy up season tickets. I would be demanding compensation from the club. As Depeche Mode once sang, 'Everything counts in small amounts'".

Jimmy Mac, Glasgow, said: "Rangers should play all games at home/Ibrox even although the renovation work is incomplete. It would mean roughly 8000 would miss games until completion and Rangers could reimburse those who miss out or deduct the monies from the following season ticket prices (2025-26) for those who missed out in those games that way Rangers will have their supporters at home." Charlie McArdle said: "The Ibrox biscuit tin must have been originally bought in Poundland as Big Phil is now splashing out on a spending spree using its contents? This man is truly a magician."

Jamie Thompson, Yoker, said: "Ex-Celtic star Jota would like to return to Celtic what does this say about Jota. He could go to other clubs in England or Europe. Now he wants to go back to Celtic for easy money to play football in one of the worst leagues in Europe where the standard of football is embarrassing. Jota has no ambition, just easy money."

But another brought a rare Rangers transfer bright spot – if a gaudy estimation rings true. Gary Stevenson said: "It will be tough setting a valuation for Ianis Hagi. I thought around £10 million but drawing comparisons with recent valuation figures on Matt O'Riley who was not selected for the Euros at as much as £30 million I would say £50 million seems fair."

James Robertson, Alabama, said: "Watching Steve Clarke after the loss to Hungry I remembered a saying Richard Petty would say after a race car crashed into the wall. 'That race car is all used up'And that’s what I thought after watching Steve Clarke exiting the stadium. He’s all used up. Not to start Lawrence Shankland was a head scratcher, not to use James Forrest in a do or die situation made no sense. Time for a new direction, a new coach."