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Arrivals, departures and SFA charges - but Gerrard's focus remains on title They say that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and that is certainly how it felt in August 2012 when Rangers began their journey back up the leagues with an uninspiring draw against Peterhead at Balmoor – a result only achieved thanks to a last minute equaliser from Andy Little. At that point the prospect of any future top tier title win seemed so far off that even with the benefit of the Hubble Telescope you would have struggled to see it. The road back provided plenty more reminders of how far away Rangers were from a league win, with humiliating defeats to the likes of Stirling Albion, Annan Athletic, Peterhead, Raith Rovers and a 4-0 thumping off Hibs. Add to that the fairly routine thrashings from Celtic on returning to the top tier, and you can see why a title seemed at times almost an impossibility. But today sees Rangers in a very different place. In fact such is the job that Steven Gerrard has done since arriving, he was able to maintain a 23 point lead over Celtic when his side didn’t even have a game – as was the case at the weekend when Celtic’s defeat at home to St Mirren meant they failed to claw back much needed ground on the league leaders and champions elect. Rangers now need just six wins from their last twelve games to win their much coveted 55th title. The journey of a thousand miles, it seems, is almost at an end. You won’t find Steven Gerrard claiming that anything is won, however, and there has been no slacking up as Rangers approach what would be a monumental title win. Late on Monday night he was still at the Auchenhowie training centre overseeing the arrivals of Scott Wright from Aberdeen and Jack Simpson from Bournemouth. Wright could feature against St Johnstone on Wednesday night, Simpson is awaiting a negative Covid test before he can join the group and will have to wait before he is available for selection. “I think the window was really positive for us in terms of getting the two boys done and dusted”, said Gerrard of the clubs January wheeling’s and dealings. “I think they re-energise the squad. They’re both looking forward to getting started”. Rangers also confirmed they had agreed a pre-contract with Simpson’s teammate at Bournemouth, Nnamdi Ofoborh. The midfielder will join the club in the summer. But it wasn’t just about arrivals and Rangers sent Jordan Jones, George Edmundson and Brandon Barker out on loan to Sunderland, Derby County and Oxford United respectively. Gerrard seemed pleased that these players could now get “minutes” in their legs, which will presumably inform the decisions to be made on their long-term futures come the summer. The traditional comings and goings of deadline day is not the only thing that Steven Gerrard has had to deal with recently with the news that the SFA had charged Columbian striker Alfredo Morelos for stamping on Hibs defender Ryan Porteous in the 1-0 win at Easter Road last week. The club has accepted the charge and the striker will now miss the games against St Johnstone, Hamilton and Kilmarnock. Gerrard admitted that there was “no case to defend” in relation to the incident, but went further to say that neither he nor the club were entirely satisfied with the fallout from last week’s game. “Consistencies. That is my answer, consistencies”, he replied when pressed on the matter. “I think that is what every manager wants – a level of consistency and for every player or every incident to be judged in the same way so we find that level of consistency. “I think that will really help the league going forward.” It is hard to disagree with him on the consistency issue. In the game at Easter Road alone there were three similar incidents which were all treated differently, and Gerrard stated that it was something he and the board are pushing on behind the scenes with the game’s governing authorities. On the park Rangers head into the game against St Johnstone in the best possible place. Undefeated in the league and hinting at the form which so lit up their early season performances, Rangers come into this confident and hungry. A once minor injury crisis has also passed with Niko Katic and Scott Arfield now the only players unavailable for selection, thanks to the return to action of Ryan Jack and Kemar Roofe. Gerrard confirmed that Katic won’t play at all this season due to the knee injury he sustained pre-season, Arfield is “almost there” and should be available for when Rangers’ Europa League campaign restarts later this month. Despite Rangers supreme form this season Callum Davidson will be confident about the prospect of going to Ibrox. His St Johnstone side has not suffered defeat since a 2-1 loss at Pittodrie on Boxing Day, and they came back superbly last weekend to overturn a 2-0 half-time scoreline against Kilmarnock to win the game 3-2 – a result which led to Kilmarnock manager Alex Dyer leaving the club. With the Perth side also recently confirming their place in the BetFred Cup final with a superb 3-0 semi-final victory over Hibs at Hampden, there is much for Davidson and his players to confident about. With Morelos now suspended Rangers will look to either Kemar Roofe or Cedrick Itten to provide the goal threat. Roofe has been outstanding since arriving at the club in the summer, Itten has had less game time but has shown enough glimpses to suggest that he is more than capable of leading the line against the Saints. Steven Gerrard will rightly tell you that nothing has been won yet. He has been on the threshold of a famous title win before, only to see it snatched away in the cruellest of circumstances. He will not want to go through that again. But the win at Easter Road, coupled with Celtic’s defeat from St Mirren, felt like both Rangers and Celtic had reached the point of no return with their respective ambitions for the title. A win against St Johnstone will surely be another significant step to confirming the title that Gerrard and Rangers so desperately seek.

Pretty bloody good mate. 1 goal conceded in 12 home league games, winning the lot of them. I suspect that’s never been done before, and we know if it was the bheasts on such a run, there would be reams of articles letting us know just how wonderful and record breaking the run is. All we get is an acknowledgment that the bheasts have imploded and blown “the 10” which is funny as I don’t recall them “winning” “the 9”. Must have missed that game, who scored the winner? There will soon be muttering about us going unbeaten throughout the campaign, which will be completely downplayed and we will be told it’s not a patch on Brenda’s team of superheros and that none of our current team would get into their team. What won’t be mentioned is that they had a £50M advantage over their opponents and started that season as 1/50 favourites. For us, I’m sure I’m just like most Bears in being so proud of this team, the quality of play most weeks, our credibility in Europe, and our class off the field with our management team leading us to glory.

Kent was absolutely fine tonight. Played well first half and him, Aribo and Hagi were all effective together until the last 20mins or so where we dropped a bit deeper as Saints went for it. Why do some fans always want a panto villain to have a go at? It's beyond me...

That’s Ryan Jack 16 league games played , goals against ..........0

A win's a win. I don't care how they come.

Project: Secure Second Place has commenced, with, unsurprisingly, a disgraceful refereeing performance from Kevin Clancy. Expect more of the same, across the board.

Hagi comes up with the goods yet again. Another 3 points and another clean sheet - sufficient. 5 wins and 2 draws will do it.

Agree, every win is crucial now, so for me as long as we keep winning we are happy.

Well this has fair ruined my evening

A somewhat acerbic piece from Scottish Legal News, last year, is below. The bar is set incredibly high to prove 'malicious prosecution', yet, in this case, the Crown Office folded, almost immediately, with significant financial and reputational cost to the Scottish judicial system. It is quite clear that there should be an Inquiry, but there seem to be immediate problems, beyond the major obstacle of political will: a. who, in Scotland, could act, and be seen to act independently as convenor of such an investigation? b. in the light of the Salmond Inquiry, how can it be ensured that both evidence itself, and the giving of that evidence, are not optional? c. is it possible, or, indeed, advisable, to constrain the scope of any such Inquiry merely to the Malicious Prosecution, itself, or would it be necessary to establish, at least, a context, by examining pre-Administration history? https://www.scottishlegal.com/article/opinion-alistair-bonnington-on-scotland-s-malicious-prosecution-shame Opinion: Alistair Bonnington on Scotland’s malicious prosecution shame Published 22 October 2020 Alistair Bonnington An astonishing admission was made by Scotand’s Lord Advocate in the Court of Session at the end of August. He conceded that his predecessor’s 2012 prosecution of the two men called in as administrators of Rangers Football Club was malicious. This is a shameful milestone in the legal history of this nation. For as long as anyone can remember, every Scots law student was taught that there never has been, nor ever will be, a successful application to have a Scottish prosecution declared to be malicious. That’s because the test to prove malice is, in law, impossibly high; and in any event, those who hold the ancient Scots office of Lord Advocate would never misuse their constitutional power in that way. But sadly, all of that confidence in the good faith of our prosecution system has now gone. Why has this happened? There was a good deal of disquiet amongst lawyers when the Scotland Act placed the Lord Advocate alongside the Scottish Ministers in the new devolved constitutional setup. It was feared that the vital independence of the Lord Advocate could be compromised, both in fact and in public perception. After all, how can you say that you have an independent prosecution system when the head of it sits in the “Scottish Cabinet” with party politicians? To accord with international norms, the function of prosecution in a democratic state must be independent of politicians. To be blunt, contact with politicians is regarded as a potential form of contamination of the legal function. Given the quality of many of today’s politicians, that fear of contamination is surely justified. In my voting lifetime, politicians have degenerated from being (usually) well meaning people of some principle, to (far too often) self-seeking folk of no principles and limited brainpower. The self-seekers’ principal interest is in how they are perceived in the public eye – with a view to re-election. The truth doesn’t matter at all. They are happy to manipulate or conceal it to their own advantage. Now it would be good to believe that even such low-calibre folk have some morals, and would leave the prosection system alone. But I wonder, in today’s Scottish political landscape, can we be sure? In any case, we incurable romantics who still believe in democracy, must, I believe, occasionally investigate to ensure that our legal system is still uncorrupted by politics. I am concerned that since the SNP have become the government in our nation, a Stalinist approach has been taken to our public life. The state and all its functions are subservient to the interests of the Party. In such an outdated and dictatorial approach to government, subservience often includes the prosecution service. Stalin’s notorious “show trials” were the result in Russia. We now need to learn if the result in Scotland has been political interference with our independent prosecution system. The seeming undue closeness of certain holders of the office of Lord Advocate to SNP politicians has been questioned before by Scots legal commentators. There have been surprising approvals by Lords (correct) Advocate of SNP legislation, which almost any lawyer would say breaches the European Convention. All this raises important constitutional questions for Scotland. Why the then Lord Advocate, Frank Mulholland, (now a Senator of the College of Justice) acted as he did in 2012 I do not claim to know. But the admission that his prosecution of the two men from Duff and Phelps was malicious, is a watershed moment for the Scottish criminal legal system, which cannot be allowed to pass unexamined. To some degree, that exploration may occur within the current civil proceedings where the two wronged men are claiming many millions from the Lord Advocate (huge interim awards have already been made). But out of court settlement of these proceedings is highly likely. That would leave far too many stones unturned. Even looking only at the cost of this case, the public have a material interest in knowing why, yet again, large sums of taxpayers’ money has been lost in our courts, under the present government. The vital thing to learn now is why, to Scotland’s eternal disgrace, a malicious prosecution was mounted in the first place. Given the current pathetic spectacle of the Salmond Inquiry in Holyrood, it is plain that the Scottish Parliament couldn’t conduct such an inquiry. The only proper method of inquiry would be by a retired senior prosecutor whose independence is guaranteed. It’s sad to have to say so, but that means someone from outside Scotland. Alistair Bonnington former honorary professor (criminal procedure law) Glasgow University

Storm Alfredo. These last several years, the Meteorological Offices in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands have an agreement to use the same name for large scale cyclonic wind storms. It alternates between male and female names, utilising 21 letters of the alphabet. Apparently, the result is far more people in these countries now take greater interest in the mostly unpredictable life expectancy of storms. Often, they begin out at sea, gathering energy before hitting landfall, where the kinetic energy begins to discharge. In Scottish football these last few years, we have a perma-storm that has become most predictable. It begins on a Parks team coach driven by Jimmy Bell, and is discharged regularly at Scottish football grounds. Watching the energy dissipate has become a familiar choreography, and such familiarity has bred contempt. It doesn't matter the provocation, it doesn't matter the circumstance, and it doesn't matter the prevailing conditions. No mitigation can be accepted. The select grouping that is Scottish football storm watchers much prefer it this way. The contemptuous NEVER tell us, certainly NEVER highlight Porteous wiping out Morelos in the first minute, or Scott McKenna running his studs down his calf, or Scott Brown slapping the back of his neck. The Columbian being pelted by coins and scalding drinks to a backdrop of painted bedsheets in guttural Spanish proclaiming his Mother to be a whore, are quickly glossed over. The storm watchers are impatient to get to the end of every Storm Alfredo because they know it ends with another episode of fast track justice, resulting in another multi-game ban. In many ways, BBC Scotland's Michael Stewart is the epitome of such particular observation, "I'm sick and tired of Morelos and the Rangers manager defending his actions". Steven Gerrard is correct, the Buffalo's actions at Easter Road were indefensible, he has been handed a further three match suspension. Similarly, Gerrard was correct to highlight consistency. Remember Dundee United's Ryan Edward's straight legged studding of Morelos at Ibrox? It resulted in a ten pence size puncture wound on the Columbian's upper thigh, no card awarded, no foul awarded either, game restarted with a drop ball. Michael Stewart completely agreed with the Referee's actions. It's about posterity with Mikey, he is playing his part to ensure nothing remains of Morelos injustice. The storm watchers know Alfie is a free hit. Irvine Welsh has not lived in Scotland for quarter of a century. Dublin, New York, Chicago, ..... etc are his homes. He returns to Caledonia's craggy majesty for drug dealer's funerals and the occasional Hibee game. He was a guest on David Tanner Hosted Hibs TV and gave more energy to the storm, he wanted Alfie macheted into pieces and distributed to the corners of the globe. He also referred to Morelos as, "a sticky bun". Step forward Stuart Cosgrove, big mate of Irvine. DrStu' does not refer to the sticky bun remark, again posterity. However, he is consistent with his 'not getting Rangers supporters standing on the sidelines raging and beeling'. Irivine's machete comment was, "comedic exaggeration" and Rangers supporters complaining to OffCom are stupid(for posterity) because Hibs TV broadcasts via the world wide web. Today, Scott Brown's flying elbow into the face of Killie's Tshibola has been cited for further consideration. Has Gerrard sparked a storm of consistency? Michael Stewart was first in, on last night's Sportscene, he noted Tshibola had to lower his head to receive Brown's elbow and the reality was, "Scott was just fending him off". Remember, Mikey was not sure Brown was worthy of a red card at Livi' either. I hope this is the start of a Club attempt to cap this particular storm. Posterity is a long time.

My praise for Newcastle's new coach crashed and burned last night! They actually started well, again, pressing high, creating a lot of chances etc. Then, once they scored, they seemed to sit back and revert to type. The difference in that match was night and day. I think Shelvey is playing on past reputation; he's so lazy now. They'd be better replacing him.

St Johnstone are on a decent wee run and will set up to stop us. A good start would be useful and any sort of win will do. Mon The Rangers! ??

I'm not a stat man, but how good is this team so far? I can't remember a Rangers team racking up so many wins with clean sheets with more to come at home and in Europe!.

Has to go down as the best ever title win! I only hope this COVID pandemic will be relaxed enough to allow us to party!

We will win this before the split.

Kent was "just fine". Listen to coaching staff, every player has a specific role in the team and Kent is doing his job well. We are unbeaten in the league, 17 clean sheets, 23 points clear - if that doesn't show the players are doing "just fine", then nothing will. The thought that we should just turn up, play amazingly and win 5-0 every week as an illusion and never happens. The objective is to win the game, we're doing quite well at that this season. I'll take 1-0 wins every day of the week

Not at all ... it ain`t just black and white. You just see what Aribo and Roofe and Hagi bring to our attack for all their time on the field and look for similar performances from others too. And if they don´t, you ask why they are kept on. IMHO, Kent was far from "absolutely fine".

a win is a win. Pretty uninspiring and looked to miss Morelos again. If we win another 3 games we will have a points total celtc won't match.

We were pretty poor tonight but another win & clean sheet

I'll echo my earlier sentiments: Thank f*ck for that.

Doesn’t matter, he goes right over the ball straight into the player. Dangerous play, stonewall red card. Delighted he got away with it, as it might have cost us the game.

Hagi has really grabbed his chance since he came into the team , not just his goals , but his all round play , great desire .

Bloody hate going in 0-0 at HT. Feeling nervy about 2nd half

Oh my God I'm in! I'm in!

Remember, please don't discuss illegal streams folks. Appreciate folks are frustrated with RTV but take it out on them...

A bit of a meh 1st half, had chances but not clinical enough. Few players not on it, need to up the performance in 2nd half.

Having to rely on a naughty laggy crappy stream now. Just can't get anything on rangers website

Nope, Hibs at Ibrox on Boxing Day... And away to St Johnstone a few days previous to that.

Answered yourself, there, guv.

This is not the Rangers, but the General Football discussion board. Thus, we keep Gersnet clean. That aside, if it isn`t talked about, highlighted and remarked upon, they will go on and on with it. That said, it should be football players (and their union), managers and co. calling out the failings in above`s match and others.

How about ........ McGregor Tavernier - Goldson - Helander - Barisic Kamara - Davis - Jack Kent - Roofe - Hagi

Arsenal may have lost last night, but I've been impressed with their progress. From the little I seen they were the better side last night, hitting the woodwork several times, having a goal chopped off, before the red card and resulting penalty. It took two red cards, a penalty and a 30-yarder to beat them. They've got good youngsters stepping up and have got rid of some deadwood - although there's still more to discard, IMO. They're on the right track.

Here's Adam's tactical article for the first two seasons. A brilliant level of insight and detail. Enjoy!

9-0 to Man Utd. Surely a guy who has lost 9-0 twice cant remain in a job. I didnt do tonights games yet. Burnley 0-2 Man City Fulham 1-3 Leicester Leeds 2-1 Everton (Bit of a classic game with two former big sides.) Aston Villa 1-2 West Ham Liverpool 4-0 Brighton Tottenham 1-2 Chelsea

if that is the case we are out of europe. It's not the case, the exceptions for elite sports still stands.

Leon King has played CB but is more of a right sided player - he actually started at RB with the club.

Further good news is that Scott Arfield is apparently to resume full training later this week.