The Record Sport team have their say on on all the big issues from the second tier title tussle to Euro 2024
Scotland’s Glasgow, December 30 On December 30, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland, Celtics’ Paulo Bernardo celebrates after scoring to make it 1-0 Celtic in a decisive Premiership match against Rangers at Celtic Park.
Is £6 million too much for Paulo Bernardo, or has he done enough to earn a permanent Celtic contract this summer?CRAIG SWAN: Flashes have been shown by Bernardo. But not enough to throw away £6 million. That is too costly.
ANDY NEWPORT: The supporters of the Houston Rockets had hoped for a Jota sequel, but the Portuguese winger’s countryman has only occasionally lived up to expectations. He showed signs of promise with his Old Firm strike, but they have been infrequent, which is why he has been in and out of Brendan Rodgers’ side the entire season. I would try to use the money for other things.
Wilson Fraser: Not for me. It’s not clear from the data that he’s a £6 million player. That kind of money needs to be made every single week. Bernardo is not as good as Matt O’Reilly if they were to lose him.
This summer, Crawford Allan will leave his position as head referee; should we be seeking to replace him with a foreign national?
CRAIG: The most qualified candidate ought to be hired. if he hails from the Moon or Maryhill.ANDY: It doesn’t matter if they are from Motherwell, Munich, or Mars—we should be searching for the best candidate for the position.
FRASER: They’re on a hiding to nothing, regardless of where they’re from.The offside and handball laws are a problem, and VAR is a complete mess. Above all, that is the most important thing to resolve.
This weekend’s Premiership is off, so attention is fully focused on the Championship. Who will win?
CRAIG: Dundee United is the clear favourite once more, and their roster is capable of winning.
ANDY: Given the calibre of their roster and the money they’ve spent on it, you would think Dundee United would end up being too strong, but Jim Goodwin’s team has given Rovers several opportunities to hold on.
Ian Murray, manager of Raith RoversThe Tannadice team will alone be responsible for their own actions if they fail to win the league.
FRASER: It was eye-opening to see Dundee United give in to Dunfermline last week. Despite having a stronger team, their performance remains inconsistent. The big game comes at home against Raith next weekend; whoever wins will be ahead in the standings. I have a thing for Raith.
During this international break, whose player do you think will win the summer’s European Championship?
CRAIG: France is typically a top contender for these competitions, and this year is no exception.
ANDY: France is my clear favourite since they have an absurd amount of skill at their disposal.
FRASER: It appears that there is a renewed emphasis on the noisy neighbours. But France seems like a better option. Their ranks are filled with strength and quality.
