Rangers transfer tick policy sums up dire state of affairs at Ibrox and SFA should clamp down – Hotline

Scotland may be gearing up for a Euros party but there were domestics flaring up all across the Hotline. Even with the transfer window being days away from officially opening, Rangers and Celtic fans are getting impatient.

Jimmy Mac, Glasgow, said: “What is it with the Rangers board selling players at a loss so often? Now they’re selling Sam Lammers for a reported £1m loss. Lammers cost £3.5million and reports are Rangers are asking £2.5m? After the half season Lammers had in Holland Rangers should be looking at making a profit not a loss on the fire sale price that's been reported.”

Gerry White isn’t impressed with Rangers’ loan with obligation to buy deal for Oscar Cortes. He emailed: “It highlights the dire state of Rangers finances when they are reduced to buying players on tick. Where are they going to get £5million next year if they don't have it now? It's not as if they are going to win anything next year. The SFA should stop this kind of immoral practice in pursuit of a tainted victory.”

Meanwhile, Celtic fan Gerard Milligan, Renfrewshire, is concerned about the goalkeeping position at Parkhead with no replacement yet signed for the retired Joe Hart. Gerard said: “Celtic have known for three months that Hart was going, so they've had all that time to pick out targets. Why is there no one in the door yet? I'd also like to know what Siegrist has done to be completely ignored by two managers for three years – not even rotating with Bain on the bench.”

It wasn’t long before the calls descended into another Old Firm sledging fest. Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: “Celtic fans should maybe think before calling Scottish trophies Mickey Mouse. People outside Scotland are paying attention, perhaps that's why Matt O'Riley wasn't named in a 28-man squad for Denmark and why Edouard, Jota and Tierney cannot get a start. We know our league is not of the highest standard but the more we criticise it the worse it will become.”

Mark McManus emailed: “Here we go again. The season has only just ended yet all the reports written are about how we will see a different Rangers next season.It's like listening to England supporters saying they’re 'bringing football home' before a ball is kicked in a tournament. Show some humility at least by acknowledging your weak points. One out of four in a so-called quadruple season is not something to be proud of.”

Brian McColligan emailed: “Stuart McLeod slagging off Celtic for losing in three European competitions is laughable. That can only happen if you are in the Champions League, something his club isn’t too familiar with.”

Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: “Rangers fans are coming up with comical excuses for Celtic’s vastly superior Champions League record, so let’s hear their excuse as to why Celtic continually beat them at Ibrox, Parkhead and Hampden under every manager they can throw at us. We utterly dominate them and their denial is hilarious.”

George Wilson, West Sussex, took issue with Gordon though and replied: “Gordon’s most recent garbage criticising Rangers for their worst ever season in the Champions League was rightly called out by other readers. Rangers were poor for that one very bad season. Celtic have been a laughing stock in Europe for over 20 years and everyone wants to draw them in the Champions League groups as it’s a guaranteed victory.”

Okay let’s finish with some international positivity. But forget the Euros for a moment. Anyone for cricket? Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: “Scotland have a major chance of qualifying for the last eight in the T20 World Cup at the expense of current world champions England. Beating or drawing against Australia would see us through. There is also a scenario where England win both games and Scotland lose to Australia that Scotland can still qualify through net run rate. Qualification would be well deserved after getting 90-0 against England after only 10 overs before being rained off and only getting one point.”