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The Whiff of Spliff. Andrew Phillips resigned from the role as the SFA's Compliance Officer on the 1st of September. I suspect Phillips successor flashed the necessary credentials this week? Michael McKeown of Callahan, McKeown and, Company, Renfrew was up before the Scottish Solicitors' Discipline panel due to choosing to pay a £325 fixed penalty for possession of the class B substance, cannabis. Payment of the fixed penalty ensures Michael does NOT have a record of criminal conviction. However, the professional Disciplinary panel found McKeown guilty of professional misconduct. Further, his behaviour was deemed, "serious and reprehensible". The circumstances surrounding Michael's actions during the Spring of 2020 ensure he is very much Neil Doncaster's man for Compliance Officer. The partner aged 54 years was not working when a regular client called him to attend Glasgow Sheriff Court. He reached the main doors security and informed the Police he was attending to represent a client. The Police doubted his credentials because Michael was wearing a Sellik jersey. After loud remonstration, he was searched and a bag of cannabis was found in his trouser pocket. Michael explained he was suffering from stress and a friend had given him the drug to aid relaxation and help with sleep deprivation. He had forgotten the dope was in his pocket. The Panel found that Michael was acting in a professional capacity when he attended the court and should not have had an illegal substance in his possession. The Panel agreed a censure was the most appropriate outcome. This means Michael can continue to operate as a Solicitor, essentially it is a reprimand which does not impact on his ability to practise law. It is believed Neil Doncaster does NOT object to the 56 year old Lawyer wearing his Sellik jersey to work whilst acting as Compliance Officer? Michael has pointed out he owns the Sellik away top too.

Rangers fans have never been the biggest fans of the international break. Since the nightmare days of 2012 many supporters feel disconnected from the Scotland team for a variety of reasons - not least the SFA's treatment of the club and our own players being jeered by the tartan army. As such, whenever these extended breaks come up, you won't find may excited bears. However, on this occasion, the break could helped us more than hindered. If we go back just a couple of weeks, Rangers were a club in apparent crisis. Three hidings in a row, various injuries to players, a manager apparently struggling to communicate his ideas and Celtic appearing to be running away with the league. Even a home win over Dundee Utd did little to enthuse fans and I'll happily concede to be less than optimistic myself. Fortunately, of all teams, St Mirren managed to do what we, and others, couldn't for the best part of a year and beat Celtic in the league. Ergo, as much as that result didn't solve every issue we have, it did provide a glimmer of light as the autumn nights start to draw in. Fast forward a fortnight and the ball is now back in our court where a win at Tynecastle tomorrow could see us return to the top of the league and apply just a wee bit more pressure to our East End rivals. Can Giovanni van Bronckhorst make the most of that break and the prior unexpected events to turnaround our season? In that sense, not only the team but the system may be interesting. It may be too early for players like Roofe and Lawrence to start the game but it could be an opportunity for the likes of Ben Davies to finally tie down a starting place. Similarly, as much as Antonio Colak has proven himself a useful addition to our strike-force, will Alfredo Morelos reclaim his role as Rangers' talisman. And, what of previously reliable starters such as Ryan Jack, Glen Kamara and Ryan Kent - can they find the kind of quality that has eluded them so far in this campaign? All fair questions which should be easily answered tomorrow as Rangers get a chance to kickstart their season. Starting in goal, I'd expect Jon McLaughlin will also be fit again and, as much as I personally feel some fans over-reacted to his (albeit mediocre) efforts this season, Allan McGregor will most likely be preferred again as first choice - even if he looked less than convincing as Dundee Utd pulled a goal back in our last game. From there though the team is less likely to predict. For example, we've seen Gio toy with a back three a few times this season - unsuccessfully away to Union SG in our CL qualifier but it fared somewhat better at home to Napoli two weeks ago. The advantage of this setup would allow Tav to play higher up the pitch - removing the lack of a right-sided attacker issue often complained about - and give the manager the option of either using a front two or, perhaps more likely given his previous comments, a three which could still allow more effective support for the focal point. Despite that, I'd expect our usual four to be used tomorrow but it will be very interesting to see who partners Connor Goldson. James Sands has been too inconsistent, Ben Davies still has only one start under his belt and Leon King is still finding his first team feet. Surely though, if available, Davies should play in the spirit of this preview's title at the very least...? Moving into the midfield and this area is even more tricky to predict. Despite some average form this season (possibly due to carrying a knock) John Lundstram remains an obvious choice but his partner(s) less so. Ryan Jack does appear to be getting sharper and fitter by the week (thanks again to the international break for helping there!) so has to be favourite to play tomorrow. Steven Davis has been contributing well enough but could be the odd man out against Hearts. Glen Kamara has really struggled for any sort of form but he'll be keen to change that with two huge games against Liverpool coming up. Unfortunately, I can't imagine Tom Lawrence being fit other than possibly a place on the bench. In attack, Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos are in the same position as Kamara. Neither have shown any form of note and their attitudes appear all less than ideal. However, if it is the case they want to move on, then two matches against Liverpool are surely the perfect showcase? As such, I'd expect both to start tomorrow and I'm hoping both can turnaround their and our season with a return to form - Alfie in particular enjoys a game against Hearts. Depending on the system, you can pick a third player to either join them as a front three or slightly behind Morelos. Like many others, none of Wright, Arfield, Tillman or Matondo have consistently impressed so far this season and the manager really needs to find a role that suits one and stick to it. All in all, it's not easy to predict the starting XI. That can be a good thing - no team wants to be predictable - but the reasons for our unpredictability aren't positive. Injury, poor form, ill-discipline and tactical uncertainty are usually our catalyst for change this season and there's no getting away with how bad we were pre-international break. But, as much as that honest concession shows objectivity, it's only fair to remind ourselves of the positives. Yes, we were largely poor through the opening two months, yet we still managed to qualify for the the CL Group Stage and we could easily be top of the Scottish Premiership tomorrow afternoon. We also have a raft of players returning to freshen up the squad and apply a bit more pressure to anyone under-performing. In closing, a trip to Tynecastle is never easy. Even although Hearts have also struggled at times this season, Gorgie is always a tricky away venue and the Jambos will be well up for it tomorrow. Similarly, with a game away to Liverpool on Tuesday, the restart arguably couldn't be much tougher. But what better time to show our credentials and remember what we achieved in Europe and at Hampden under Gio last season where we competed against the finest teams in the game and dominated Hearts to win the Scottish Cup. This squad remains capable. Opportunity knocks.

After another 2 weeks lost to dreary international football it's going to be very interesting to see the team selection and whether it reflects several weeks of fairly intense criticism of management and players. GvB's presser tomorrow is going to be interesting Regardless, I'm struck again by the completely different sense of anticipation for a Rangers game compared with Scotland matches I never even watched.

Would have been nice, but no. He posted on instagram he is back in training with boots etc on so cant be far away.

Tom lawrence should not have been on the park at the end of that ross county game. Easy to say but we absolutely do not use our subs enough never mind well.

Surely Davies will start then? Roofe annoys me so many injuries its untrue. Having said that a fit Roofe wouldn't be at Rangers, he would be in the higher reaches of the EPL

Of course happy to take a looksee at somepoint. Still scarred from last upgrades , but aye. Will have a wee looksee and chat with ya at somepoint

Thanks. See if they just came out and said that weeks ago. People wouldn't be making up silly rumours about kicking chairs etc.

Had to have the ankle injury he arrived with operated on again. Pain free now but needs rehab and to get fit. The after the world cup thing sounds dramatic but its really only 5 weeks out or so.

International breaks are stupid for innumerable reasons. I look forward to the real football. Then in another month, the mother of all international breaks. I would be genuinely thrilled if both Sands, and Tillman were left from the USA roster. As for Sat, I look forward to another tough game. I think we will struggle against a competent Hearts side. Hopefully Lawrence is fit, hopefully Davies as well. We will need them.

Heard rumours he broke his foot kicking a chair. I appreciate if true that's an answer that leads to more questions.

I'd like to see a back-three. I think King needs to play.

Lawrence out for tomorrow. Means we get to enjoy another vintage Kent non performance I suppose. 😂

Mygers? 😂

Apparently Roofe may be in the squad for tomorrow. Helander a bit further away and Hagi probably the new year before we see him actually playing.

Annoys me that we have virtually no idea how long the injured guys are out for. We have literally no idea on timescales for at least 3-4 of the guys that are out

My line up: GK McGregor (he i just better than McLaughlin overall) DR Tav DC Goldson DC Davies (if fit(?) get some gametime in as Sands suspended v Liverpool) DL Barisic (want to see Ridvan get gametime. But also want Barisic to have some good games in the CL and world cup so we can sell him in Jan) DMC Sands (He is not a DMC but him and Lundstram might make a good midfield 2 v hearts and Liverpool. Lets see) DMC Lundstram AMR Morelos (will drift inside and open space for Tav to run in to) AMC Tillman AML Lawrence (if fit) FC Colak (scores goals) Kent for me doesn't seem interested. Matondo can come on for Lawrence or Morelos after about 60 mins and stretch Hearts.

Just get stuck into the opposition and we should be alright

Celtics loss to St Mirren gives us a chance to go into the world cup break in a relatively good position at worst. That is if the players and management really want it. We have largely had a rest and we have improving injury situations hopefully. Tomorrow is a big test of where we really are. We better be up for this and fight all the way. Falling short is hard but acceptable if we put the effort in but capitulation just once more should see swift action before it is too late.

It simply lays bare what is a stark financial reality. Agree regards domestic priority although not sure the players see it the same way, it has tended to be the reverse. Football is all about the pursuit of revenue these days. Whoring it in the CL group stage is the dream.

Let’s hope Tom Lawrence is fit. And GvB drops Ryan Kent.

Hi Gers, Doing a Degree Masters Survey called European Club Football. Supporters, Identity and Politics. Would love to get Rangers fans views. It takes 10 mins and the link is below. Cheers! https://forms.microsoft.com/r/83zhT9gQc9

I can get my pic made into a poster for your study? I've changed cell since that one was taken as well...