Lyndon Dykes has urged the Tartan Army to show patience but Scotland fans are split when it comes to sticking or twisting with Steve Clarke. Another formidable test awaits the national manager and his players when Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal arrive at Hampden this evening - with the Scots looking for a first competitive win in 13 months.
A fourth Nations League defeat to CR7 and Co would intensify the clamour for Clarke’s P45. But some punters are already convinced it’s time to part ways. Bill Lockerbie, Northampton, said: “Steve Clarke could give Scotland the perfect boost by packing his bags and allowing the best squad since the ’70's to unleash their undoubted potential. He could take over as Celtic’s Euro away coach, specialising in anti-football and the odd draw.”
Paddy Gowans emailed: “Clarke and have his team have told the Tartan Army that a victory is coming… so is Santa Clause.” However, Derek Williamson had a message for a regular caller when he emailed: “Stephen Mulhern reckons Steve Clarke should be binned and replaced by Davie Moyes. The biggest gripe from the Tartan Army after the Euros was how defensive we were, Moyes won West Ham their first trophy in 40 years and was still chased out because of his defensive attritional football. Clarke has led us to two tournaments, if we are going to replace him it needs to be an upgrade not someone who plays an even more defensive type of game.”
Chris Lowe, Yoker, reckons change is needed at right back. He said: “Anthony Ralston was woeful at the Euros and not playing first team football and apart from feigning head injuries at every aerial challenge he goes for to get the game stopped brings nothing to the team. How does he continue to get a game for Scotland under Clarke?”
But right on cue Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon, said: “Only in this country do you get clowns going on about Celtic players or Euro performances. Scotland are the biggest underachievers ever, we know that, but get behind team or don’t watch them.”
And Eddie Easson, Ballingry, said: “The usual Celtic and Scotland haters on here, keyboard warriors all with the masterplans. Get a grip. Steve Clarke has taken us to two major finals, a feat that the great Rangers managers including the true gent Walter Smith couldn’t manage. This campaign has been beset with injuries. We now have a great midfield including Doak, Gilmour, McTominay, McGinn, McLean and more to pick from. We have a squad that want to play for the jersey. True Scotland fans will get behind the manager and players.”
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Turning to domestic football and Hearts look set to appoint former Blackpool and QPR boss Neil Critchley as Steven Naismith’s successor. Neil Renton, Leith, said: “After trawling through Tony Bloom’s algorithms Hearts are set to announce Neil Critchley as their new manager. As his last job was at the mighty Blackpool I can see the Jambos have settled on a boss they’ve won on the Pleasure Beach with a game of Hook A Duck. I’ve got a feeling this will leave Jam Tarts fans feeling as ill as they would on a rollercoaster.” Neil Hunter, Penicuik, added: “So Neil Critchley it is. Very underwhelming. He wouldn’t have made my shortlist - even if you asked me to whittle it down to 200.”
Meanwhile Celtic and Aberdeen put the last 100 per cent records in the SPFL on the line when they clash at Parkhead on Saturday. Dons fan Hugh McKirdy emailed: “The truth is we've done well with the help of an angel on our shoulder in some games. But if we can come away from Celtic Park with something other than a sound beating then what a boost that would be.”
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