Celtic transfer splash is dangerous vanity project for team who are Champions League whipping boys - Hotline

The summer DIY season is well underway but Ian Maxwell has warned the Tartan Army Hampden may only get a lick of paint if the UK wins the right to host to stage Euro 2028.

Scotland and the rest of the home nations are the frontrunners to be named hosts of the tournament when the announcement is made in September but SFA chief exec Maxwell admits the profits on offer from the UEFA event don’t tally up to the figures generated by the originally proposed push for the 2030 World Cup. And that means plans for a major renovation of the national stadium are unlikely to go through - a revelation that has left the Hotline regulars feeling short-changed.

Jim McSorely, Bothwell, said: “Surely an upgraded Hampden has to be a priority for the SFA. It's a must that both stands behind the goal are moved closer to the pitch like the renovation to the Mercedes Benz arena in Stuttgart. Fans and players both deserve the increase in atmosphere this would bring.”

Gavin MacLeod, Renfrew, added: “Ian Maxwell needs to have a word with himself. Hampden has been crying out for development for years. If the SFA can’t afford to do the job properly, there needs to be bigger questions asked. If an international tournament isn’t the catalyst, what will be?”

But Nick Campbell said: “Rather than pouring more money into the Hampden white elephant, a bid for 2028 should be viewed as an opportunity to retire the national stadium in style and start to rotate our prestige fixtures around all other Scottish stadia.”

Maxwell also gave under-pressure Scotland boss Steve Clarke his backing this week after his side’s failure to qualify for this year’s World Cup.

But John Scott, Grassmoor, said: “This weekend marked the 24th anniversary of our last game at