Celtic and Rangers pre season pantomime leaves Hotline rivals in knots but Steven Naismith claim is no laughing matter

It's only been a matter of days since Celtic confirmed the return of Brendan Rodgers and it's been Hotline tonic for the usual close-season lull. Some callers believe the Irishman has their Rangers counterparts running scared and others aren't so convinced.

Danny McLean, Glasgow, said: "I guess given all the talk of Rangers fans living in fear of the return of Rodgers, they shouldn’t have sold out all their season ticket allocation and bought a record amount of the new home and away strips. That sounds like real fear."

Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: "Surely the Celtic supporters are wrong to suggest that they have £50million in the bank. They are searching for players in the football backwaters of Australia which suggests problems elsewhere. As for the Rangers supporters being scared of Rodgers, we are delighted. It seems that the Green Brigade is less so." John Bruce said: "Celtic fans seem a bit bewildered that Rangers supporters are more amused than anxious over the re-appointment of Rodgers. He was the winner of trophies in an SPFL with no competition, he bombed in Europe and then abandoned his devotees when a credible adversary arrived to put up a challenge? We'll gladly take our chances. Rangers fans have a great deal to look forward to. The team rebuild is well under way and the fans can't wait to see all the new additions lining up alongside the two gems who joined in January, Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin."

Bud Hay, Dumfries, said: "I like the two signings Rodgers has made so far and can't wait for the new season to start. We might do the treble again and we will be the most successful team, not the other mob so come on the Hoops."

Frank McKenna, Cumbernauld, said: "Hotline regular Alfie Mullin should be