Rangers only sign diddies and Celtic never do as mischievous Hotline regular whispers a riddle that's not what it seems

It's bleep test season for many Scottish Premiership players but punters are racing out the blocks to get the trash talking started.

There's no offseason when Celtic and Rangers are involved, of course, and their supporters are limbering up for another 12 months of recriminations, boasts and dismissing their rivals out of hand. And it was the green team who made their move first with another season of drama. Bud Hay, Dumfries, said: "Here we go again, the other mob is going on about the season that's not even started, we heard it all last season about what happened to the Mickey Mouse Cup and the champions are doing the business, so dream on."

But another regular feigned doubts over Rangers before turning right back it on Celtic. George Wilson, East Sussex, said: "Rangers have signed quite a few players already but they are all unknown duds. I know this because countless Celtic supporters have said this even though they haven’t seen any of them play. I was going to be petty and say all Celtic's signings have been duds but they haven’t signed anyone."

But optimism wasn't universal for those of a blue persuasion as one punter hopes for better. Ross Douglas, Dalmarnock, said: “I am worried about the Rangers recruitment. We are about to bring in our sixth recruit but they are all in their early 20s. I know Philippe Clement said experienced players are still to come but there has to be more urgency. The squad flies out for pre-season on Sunday and we don’t have any players who would strengthen the XI.”

And the man with a serious gripe about perceived inflated Celtic transfer values was back on his high horse. Chris Lowe, Yoker, said: "A caller said I’d got it wrong with previous values of Celtic players, they must be the