Under-fire Steve Clarke has urged the Tartan Army to “keep believing” after Scotland were zapped in Zagreb.
But it seems a large section of the Hampden faithful have lost faith in the manager after seeing the national team nullified in the Nations League yet again. Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Croatia means it is now four straight defeats for the Scots, with the summer’s pre-Euros kick-about win over minnows Gibraltar the only victory in the last 15. And that brutal run has lead some to the conclusion that the time is up for Clarke.
Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, was the first raging punter on the phone as he said: “I’m afraid with the losing run continuing, Steve Clarke’s position must now be close to being untenable. David Moyes would be the ideal replacement to reinvigorate the squad as fresh ideas are required to qualify for the World Cup.”
Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, added: “Steve Clarke has to go now and take his Celtic contingency with him. Tony Ralston once again was responsible for Scotland not getting a positive result. It's a shame for John Souttar as he was Scotland's best player by a country mile.” Alfie Mullin, London emailed in: “I must say thank you to Steve Clarke … for turning us into a laughing stock and keeping us there! Please Steve, quit before you cause us any more damage. Get a new job. Your skills will be more appropriate at Celtic, when their manager shows his true credentials by getting his team humiliated in Europe, as per usual.”
Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: "Lets face it Scotland don't have a abundance of talented players nor managers to represent us at international level. We have a few playing for big clubs but they have world-class players around them. If the hierarchy at Hampden want success they need to appoint the best and only one name stands out, Neil Lennon. Controversial but brave he is a leader, a fighter, a charismatic character.”
Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, called to say: “It's strange that when a goal is chalked off for offside in the Scottish league's it hardly warrants a mention, yet when it's the national ream words like ‘travesty’ and ‘injustice’ are used. One win in 15 against Gibraltar is beyond embarrassing.”
George Monro, East Kilbride, said: “We gave Croatia a good game and played well but the result was the same as usual, yet another failure. How long can Clarke continue on like this?” Jamie Thompson, Yoker, added: How much longer are we going to put up with Clarke? His record is embarrassingly shameful.
“Scotland teams have not made one bit of progress in 30 years. We’re being left behind by the other nations. Enough is enough.”
Davy Manson said: “Steve Clarke said Scotland’s run of one win in 15 has been a horrible experience. At least he’s getting paid to watch it. How does he think the paying punters feel?”
The Scotland support were forced to log in online to watch the match on YouTube after rights holders Viaplay failed to reach a deal with rival broadcasters to show the Croatia clash on TV.
And John Bruce said: “In last week's Record Sports, there was a column for fans on 'How to watch Croatia v Scotland'. Perhaps it should have been 'How to miss Croatia v Scotland'. After his latest defeat, the Scotland manager said that his team 'is on the right path'. It looks more like 'the road to nowhere'. He is going through death By 1,000 cuts, so maybe now would be a good time to put him - and the fans - out of his misery.”
But not everyone was calling for the manager to go.
Jim McSorley, Bothwell, said: “Results have certainly not been in Scotland’s favour in last 18 months but the big wigs at Hampden have got to stick with Clarke for the World Cup qualifiers. Performances have picked up since the Euros and the results have been no embarrassment for the squad Clarke has available.
“The players still seemingly want to play for him so it would be folly to rip it up and start again with a new boss with the World Cup qualifiers just around the corner next march.”
Meanwhile, Hotline regular Chris Lowe took some stick after his comments on Celtic winger Luis Palma.
Liam Birney, Paisley, said: “Just when we all thought Chris Lowe wouldn't be making any more prediction over Celtic's transfer selling fees after embarrassing himself over the Matt O'Reily £30million sale he's at it again. Word of advice Chris, quit while your behind and change the record. Your previous predictions were laughable!”
John Davidson, Kilmarnock, added: “Got to laugh at Chris Lowe suggesting Celtic fans will soon be rating Palma at £20m. We leave that sort of nonsense to his lot. Alfredo Morelos anyone? Also. Alan Flett thinks Celtic are average and Rangers will give them a run for their money. Really? After being gubbed 3-0 last time they played and currently sitting 3rd. Not to mention the trophies won. Deluded much?"
