Record Sport’s top team has weighed in on the biggest talking points in Scottish football ahead of a landmark summer.
The SFA’s decision to hand Scotland boss Steve Clarke a new contract before the World Cup has divided opinion among pundits this week.
Andy Newport argued that holding off until after the tournament might have made more sense, given Clarke should be judged on how the team performs at major events.
Newport acknowledged that Clarke “has done an incredible job getting us back to major tournaments” but insisted the real challenge is performing once the team arrives there.
Michael Gannon took a different view, saying Clarke “has earned the right to decide his own Scotland future” and that a new deal removes uncertainty heading into the competition.
Craig Swan agreed the contract was well timed, stating there “was no reason for a new contract not to be put in front of him at this stage.”
On the World Cup warm-up clash with Curacao, Newport stressed that avoiding injuries is the top priority, with a clean bill of health more important than any result on the night.
Gannon called for a morale-boosting win with goals, adding that Clarke should hand some newer recruits game time to offer additional options ahead of the tournament in the States.
Swan echoed that sentiment, noting the manager has the opportunity to hand experience to younger stars, with the crowd eager to see them given their chance.
The proposed move of Lawrence Shankland to Rangers has drawn a positive response across the board from the panel.
Newport said Rangers “should have made this signing years ago” but welcomed it regardless, insisting Shankland will deliver the goals and leadership the club desperately needs.
Gannon described Shankland as “as close to a sure thing as you’ll get in Scottish football,” capable of guaranteeing goals and adding bite to the Rangers attack.
Swan pointed to Shankland’s record at Hearts as evidence he can transfer his talents successfully into the Rangers setup without issue.
The panel was more divided on whether Shaun Maloney is the right fit for Celtic’s head of operations role, with some questioning the wisdom of removing him from coaching duties.
Newport suggested it “might be a savvy choice,” highlighting how Maloney helped Martin O’Neill rescue a season that had been heading badly off course.
Gannon warned that moving Maloney into the role would represent “a bit of a loss in terms of his coaching,” given the tactically astute job he has done in recent months.
Swan was the most direct in his opposition, stating plainly that it “doesn’t make sense to take him off the grass when he’s doing such a good job.”
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