If it wasn't unassailable before, then it almost certainly is now. 14 points separate Celtic and Rangers after the Hoops slammed St Johnstone and Gers compounded their misery at Motherwell, and the Hotline has some thoughts.

Laurie McCall, Carntyne, said: "Although it is still mathematically possible for Rangers to catch Celtic, for all intents and purposes the race is over. What was once upon a time a duopoly between Glasgow's big two is now a mere procession for my team Celtic. Clement will be in the departure lounge at Glasgow Airport awaiting boarding information for a flight to Brussels within days."

Disgruntled bear George McLeish emailed: "How much longer are we going to put up with this dumpling Clement and his team of haddies. Apart from 1 season the last 10 years have been a disaster, plummeting from 1 rubbish team to another, also the directors at Ibrox have no feeling for Rangers or else we would not be in this mess. We need real Rangers people at Ibrox."

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Dr Robert S Pender emailed: "No game plan, no leadership, clueless manager, no defence. The only way to bring change is not to turn out, empty seats bring action."

But Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, offered a more sympathetic voice as he said: "Time for calm heads at Ibrox, and simply support the manager and the players. There’s no shortcuts to success here, and any attempt at sacking the manager and replacing with someone else would be financially disastrous, and in my opinion, non productive."

And Grant Parker, emailed: "I understand peoples frustration at the lack of quality in the Rangers team just now but think about it, if you sack the board, who is going to keep the club afloat? It is only by the board putting up the millions that the club is able to exist. Unless you all know of some multi billionaires out there be grateful for what we have."

There was some controversy over Tony Watt's disallowed goal at Fir Park and Steve McSherry, Uddingston, said: "After VAR disallowed a perfectly good Motherwell goal when Butland punched the ball into his own net, will Motherwell now demand an explanation from The SFA? Of course not, because they have more class."

Across the city, it's all rosey in the Celtic garden and Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: "What a team Brendan Rodgers is building here with Arne Engels starting to look a standout, if he does another Treble and overtake Rangers claimed trophy haul and make the next stage of the Champions League all in the same season. It will be our best since the European cup quadruple season. The gap has never been wider."

And there was a nice New Year message from Stephen Johnstone, Ayr, who said: "Hi Folks. One would like to thank all behind the scenes at the Hotline football page where readers and supporters get their say, and the ones who take our emails on various controversial issues regarding the Scottish football game, not forgetting the dreaded VAR, and all who subscribe with their concerns - from Alfie Mullen and Chris Lowe to wee Jim Mclean and the other diehards. Without them we would have no Hotline so looking forward to another year of Hotlines and many thanks to all at the Hotline sports page for giving us a platform. Happy 2025."

Happy New Year, Stephen - and to everyone else reading!

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