Alexander Isak transferred to Liverpool for a British record (Credits: Imago Images)
Fans and rivals have flooded the Hotline with strong opinions on Celtic’s record capture of striker Kasper Hogh ahead of the new season.
Celtic supporters are largely delighted by the blockbuster move, but critics from across the game are far from impressed with the Hoops’ latest business.
Stephen Johnstone from Ardentinny said: “If Kasper Hogh was that good he would not be signing for Celtic. The Celtic board are kidding no one by this latest signing desperation to appease the frustrated paying fans due to the boards lack of signings in the transfer market. Better with Kasper the ghost as this signing will come back to haunt them.”
Gary Stevenson from Newtonhill was equally unconvinced, questioning why none of Europe’s top clubs had moved for the striker before Celtic made their approach.
Stevenson said: “After we thought that Celtic’s transfer attempts were futile the Celtic crew are lording Kasper Hogh as the next Erling Haaland. Amazing that none of Europe’s elite were interested. Great work from Lennoxtown Analytics.”
David Beattie from Rothesay acknowledged the effort on attacking recruits but raised serious concerns about the overall depth of the squad still required before the window closes.
Beattie said: “Credit to Celtic for the two strikers they’ve brought in but what will the net spend be when the window shuts? Significant dealings needed to come in namely creative winger, two midfielders, two centre halves, a left back and goalkeeper – and that’s if they sell no one else. The clock’s ticking.”
Charles Maxwell emailed to question the logic behind the club’s transfer decisions, particularly the contrast between passing on Kelechi Iheanacho and then breaking the club record on Hogh.
Maxwell wrote: “Celtic appear to have a very successful business model although it’s stopped making sense to me any more. We pass up Kelechi Iheanacho for a nominal signing on fee. Then break the club record on Kasper Hogh. It’ll be interesting to see what an extra £11m gets us.”
A separate debate erupted after caller Alan Flett claimed Celtic had not beaten a decent Rangers side in 40 years, drawing a sharp response from Kenny Wilson in Moffat.
Wilson said: “Alan Flett has officially proven he talks the biggest rubbish ever heard on the Hotline with undoubtedly the worst statement ever heard on here. Celtic have never beaten a strong Rangers team in 40 years? Every season he keeps telling us how good his team are and every season Celtic win the league.”
Flett himself hit back without hesitation, delivering a blunt assessment of the club he has long criticised on the Hotline.
Flett said: “Why on earth would I be jealous of Celtic? They’re a club with no class, no dignity, no vision, no ambition and they play in a stadium that was built with Meccano. They don’t win league titles, they’re awarded league titles, and they spit the dummy whenever they don’t get their own way.”
Elsewhere, Stuart McLeod raised questions about consistency from the SFA following scrutiny of St Mirren boss Craig McLeish in the wake of the ban handed to Derek McInnes.
McLeod wrote: “It will be really interesting to see how the SFA deal with Craig McLeish at St Mirren after the ban dished out to Derek McInnes. Gagging certain managers for saying what they see and allowing others to go unpunished only clouds the transparency the game needs.”
Hearts faced criticism after their European exit, while Hibs supporters were nervously looking ahead to their own continental challenge later in the week.
Gordon Ashley from Ayr was unsympathetic toward Hearts, saying: “Hearts got exactly what they deserved with their European humiliation. They may have put Aberdeen and Rangers in the shade but they will never take the champions.”
John Scott from Grassmoor offered a message of support for Hibs manager David Gray while reminding players of the pressure that comes with the role.
Scott said: “Every single Hibernian supporter wants David Gray to succeed. Whatever happens he will still remain a club legend. Just as Pat Stanton is. I just want each and every player to be aware of that. It’s down to them to perform on Thursday.”
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