Rangers landed transfer blow on Celtic but Jury crowns the REAL winners of the January transfer window.
Transfer controversies, the Aberdeen job, and Scotland’s Six Nations performance dominate the headlines as our top team examines the major concerns.
The transfer market has closed, but who will emerge stronger: Celtic or Rangers?
ANDY NEWPORT: With the acquisitions of Fabio Silva, Mohamed Diomande, and Oscar Cortes, the Ibrox side is definitely in better shape than it was a month ago. Rangers fans believe they could benefit from adding a striker to help them compete against Celtic, who have had a disappointing transfer window.
MICHAEL GANNON: Rangers did decent business but failing to land a striker could cost them – and let Celtic off the hook for a woeful window. The Hoops have left the door wide open.
MICHAEL: Killie look in great shape but Dundee had a belter of a window. The likes of Owen Beck returning and Micky Mellon coming in could have them pushing for Europe. Who knows about Hibs after a raft of new recruits.
FRASER: Hibs have certainly shook things up with seven arrivals right across the team but only time will tell how successful that has been. Hearts have added a bit of quality as have Dundee. But in landing Kevin Van Veen Kilmarnock have produced a deadline day blockbuster that might just clinch them Euro football.
ANDY: Only if it is on the strictest of understandings that it’s a short term gig to allow Dave Cormack time to source a proper, lasting appointment. The Pittodrie chairman can’t mess this up having blundered with his three previous picks. If I were him I’d be taking a serious look at Airdrie player/boss Rhys McCabe.
MICHAEL: Warnock would undoubtedly steady the ship and be a welcome addition to Scottish football. But Aberdeen could do with some long-term stability.
FRASER: It’s hard to resist having a bit of Warnock in Scottish football even for a few months so I’m all for it.You wouldn’t put it past the wise old head to get the Dons into the top four. But long term? Aberdeen need a proven manager who will bring experience and energy. Alex Neil would be a really interesting appointment.
ANDY: Scotland has a horrible schedule to begin with. Wales will play first at the Principality Stadium, where they have not won since 2002, followed by championship favourites France at Murrayfield. Gregor Townsend’s injury-plagued side may struggle as a result of those fixtures.
MICHAEL: Ireland and France are on another level but Scotland are in decent shape and can have a successful campaign if we beat England at Murrayfield and end this long wait for a win in Wales.
FRASER: A lot depends on today’s trip to Cardiff. A first win in Wales in 22 years will prepare the Scots well for home games against France and England. If they lose today, they may face a lengthy, agonizing campaign for a team that has flattered to deceive in recent years.
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