JibrinRangers and Celtic blame game answered, how will Robinson fair at Aberdeen and who’s next for St Mirren? Saturday Jury
What is your main takeaway from the aftermath of the latest Old Firm showdown and the responses from both Glasgow giants?
Scott Burns: “There was fault on both sides. That is the bottom line. Neither side can take the moral high ground. Celtic fans shouldn’t have spilled on to the pitch after the game and the so called Rangers supporters shouldn’t have ran on after it. It is about time both club took their share of the responsibility.”
Michael Gannon: “Pretty predictable. It would be nice if both could admit to the bad behaviour from their own fans while promising to address it, but, hey, they need to keep the money makers on side as much as possible.”
Gavin Berry: “That nobody seems to want to take responsibility. Everyone – police included – seem to be pointing the finger of blame in other directions.”
Andy Newport: “I think like most sane minded on-lookers, I’m just thoroughly bored of the whole thing now. It would be great if both sides would just grow up. It’s heartening to hear both clubs say they will work with the independent inquiry but they must now live up to their promises and implement any recommendations.”
Will Celtic secure the triumph they require in this weekend’s standout fixture, or can Motherwell continue to significantly influence the championship chase?
Scott: Motherwell will be raging they allowed three points to slip away against Dundee. I suspect they will travel to Celtic Park believing they can win. The Hoops aren’t firing on all cylinders and I fancy Motherwell to grab something from this contest.
Michael: This will be a serious examination for Celtic. Motherwell will be seething after Dundee last week and the Hoops must discover a way to control the engine room and unblock a path to goal. It could be another tense afternoon but Celts can edge it.
Gavin: I’m backing a home victory. Celtic might not have reached top speed yet but they’re grinding out results and a win at Parkhead is on the cards.
Andy: “It would be no surprise if Motherwell got a result at Parkhead but the one thing you can praise about this Celtic side under Martin O’Neill is their character. When the chips are down, they find a way to win.”
Will Stephen Robinson kick off his Aberdeen tenure with a victory against Falkirk, and how do you envision he will fare in the long run at Pittodrie?
Scott: This is a tricky one because Falkirk will head north knowing they can secure a top six berth. Aberdeen are short on belief and it all hinges on whether Robinson can provide them with a spark. I believe he will prove to be a strong, reliable appointment in the long-term for the Dons.
Michael: It’ll be difficult to begin with a victory against a polished Falkirk side but Robinson will sort things out eventually. He’ll stop the slide and bring organisation to Aberdeen for starters and the Red Army should offer him patience and support.
Gavin: I’m baffled why Aberdeen supporters are so unenthusiastic. This is a terrific appointment and he will deliver success to Pittodrie down the line. Having said that, I wouldn’t be shocked if he endures a losing start. But long term he’ll be fine.
Andy: “The problems at Pittodrie stretch far beyond the manager’s office but Robinson has proved with Motherwell and Saints that he knows how to set up a team to get results. It might not be pretty but the Dons should be harder to beat from here on out.”
St Mirren chiefs have kicked off their hunt for a new manager. Who should the Buddies target?
Scott: I believe they require an experienced boss simply to calm things down and preserve their top-flight status in the short-term. I’d opt for someone like Robbie Neilson or Billy Davies. A steady presence who could steer them clear of their current Premiership jeopardy.
Michael: It might be challenging to lure him back to Scotland but Diarmuid O’Carroll would be a sensible shout, given he understands the club thoroughly and would represent a safe pair of hands.
Gavin: Tam Courts might be worth considering. He performed creditably at Dundee United and could be a solid choice.
Andy: “Robbie Neilson deserves another crack at managing in the Premiership. If the Lommel assistant coach can’t be tempted back from Belgium then the Paisley side should ask Steven Naismith if he fancies the gig.”
Jibrin
