There are times when I look at headlines and I just scroll past them.
We all know the headline game in this industry. You need just enough information there to draw in the reader but not so much so you can peak interest.
But the most important rule of headline writing is that you must not make a claim that your content does not back up.
That’s so vitally important if you want people to come back and read your content.
So I was taken aback when Football Insider splashed this headline about Celtic star Alistair Johnston: “Alistair Johnston facing Celtic axe after what expert has spotted”
Immediately, my interest was peaked because how can Johnston, who has been an absolute standout since he signed for the club, be facing ‘the axe’?
And what has this expert spotted?
The expert was Frank McAvennie and this is what he told Football Insider, “You see Ralston has not had a game for a while.
“Although he was superb the other night, there were a couple of times where his crossing never went near anyone.
“He was laughing at one point and if he laughs it must be a bad cross.
“That is just lack of game time and that will come back to him.
“He is definitely a backup to Johnston now who has settled in very well.“
Wait. *reads back*
Where is the part where McAvennie says Johnston faces the axe?
It’s all about Ralston and the reasons why he is looking at ‘the axe’.
As if that is even a thing. There is no axe. There is a player that is playing out of his skin and another who will drop in to help give him a rest.
It’s called ‘rotation’.
How could a football report get this so wrong?
I’ll leave that open to you to make a conclusion.
Football Insider, HITC, The transfer tavern.
I will never click on their tripe ever again
Best to just move on to the next article as soon as Mc Avennie’s name pops up. Same as when you see a comment from Charlie Nicholas.
It’s another fable designed to plant doubt and consternation for the Celtic club ,team ,staff and supporters ! Operation Disrupt ! Mark my words ,these fantasies from every conceivable media platform shall occur right up until the end of the season . It’ll be an attitude of ,no team can beat them so let’s worry them into submission … Big Ange has watched that movie before !
Rent a quote strikes again! Honest to goodness, wish that MacAvennie would wheest.
Frank obviously is too old now for “The Burds” and is now trying to be relevant with “The Bhoys” sadly his ability as a sports commentator does not match his ability as a player
To be fair to Frank, I think he has been done a belter with the person who edits the headlines rather than what he says about the players.
(Football Insider) Too twisted to be without motive.
It’s Frank throwing sh*t against the wall see if it sticks get a real job Frank and stop living of celtic name remember you left us why don’t you tell us the reason why you left the club your an expert on now are you aloud in the players lounge now tell the truth Frank been a long time you have done that