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I think our GK situation is fine. I'd like to see McLaughlin become #1, with McGregor around as back-up - if he doesn't retire. McCrorie can come in now and again too. I don't think we need to spend money, here. Goldson is leaving, so we need a replacement CB. We've got Souttar coming in. I think Sands might get more games in this position. Balogun should be let go, so we'll need another replacement. Barisic, maybe, should be moved out, but I would not push it. The full-backs are fine, with Zukowski and Devine around. I'd like to see Mayo get a shot. Simpson and Katic should go. I think we need more Lowry-types -- who should be a starter, or very close to it next season -- and wingers. We have the engine room, with Jack, Lundstram, Aribo, Arfield (I would have released him, but he's signed for another year) and Kamara. McCann could get games. I'd maybe let Davis go, to free up wages. We need a couple of Right-wingers, IMO. Kent and Sakala on the left, is fine; Wright is decent as a squad player. Hagi is still to return. We have a duty of care over Ofoborh because it's a heart issue, so he'll stick around. If he gets the all-clear, then he'll get a shot. Otherwise, he'll run down his contract. Up front, we need a replacement/competition for Morelos; Probably a couple, since Itten looks surplus to requirements. For me, everyone is for sale. If someone gets sold, we'll need a replacement. In summary, we need a couple of CBs, a couple of Right-wingers/#10s, and a couple of strikers - plus any replacements for departures.

I cannot wait for the game tomorrow. Hopefully we can shake off some of the fall out from Wednesday by lifting the cup. 🏆

I don’t think anyone is more disappointed than Ramsey himself. What’s done is done, I’d rather we parted company with him showing generosity instead of bitterness.

Despite these facts and the searing heat, we finished the stronger team and looked fitter than them in ET.

The finance for meaningful progress required a win on Wednesday. For progress at this level you need better players. For better players you need more money. We have another opportunity to qualify for the CL in August. By no means impossible but I tend to think it will be asking a lot of a team with a few new faces.

I was in the lower tier behind the goal and when I entered the stadium a full two and a half hours before kick off there was onyl water and cola in the fridges and no food at all at the kiosk. I bought a couple of bottles of each to last the evening, ended up giving some away as stories started coming through about lack of supply. Clearly they were replenishing throughout as others beside came back during the game with hot dogs and beer and water right into extra time (who goes to a European final and pisses off to stand in a queue for a hot dog in the middle of the game?) A wee bit OT here, but I have never come across so many fans in our end who looked like they had never been to an away Euro game before. So many looking for specific seats, splitting up from their mates to go in different directions to their appointed seat etc. That NEVER happens at any other Euro game, and to my mind is also partly responsible for the poor atmosphere/backing generated by our sections. For us having about 25K fans I have heard louder, so much louder, from 1-2000 at other away games of lesser importance.

The issue with Jack has nothing to do with his capabilities as a footballer or his contribution when he plays. It has everything to do with his injury record.

I expect McGregor and Davis to retire (have heard rumours this was confirmed internally months ago but kept under wraps till the season ends) and obviously Goldson leaves on a free (hallelujah). I agree with those here who have said we should be moving on the most unreliable in terms of availability through injury (Roofe, Jack, Helander). All 3 are very good players when available but their unavailability at crucial times costs us trophies. Not sure all 3 will leave though. I don't really rate McLaughlin as much as others , I think McCrorie looks every bit as good a keeper and handled the pressure brilliantly when we needed him in 2 huge games at the start of the season, so I dont mind if we use them as the 2 keepers for the start of next season, and they can fight it out for top spot between them. It is a massive decline in standard from McGregor though, and this may need addressed in Jan '23 or next summer. Defenders; Goldson out, Souttar in, Katic returning. I feel we need what I felt we needed this season, a good CH to replace Goldson. Sadly we didnt get one this year and it cost us big time. We need to make sure we sort this for next season. Into midfield and we have it seems a million players here for 3 spots. We must thin this down and add one quality starter. I am happy with most of our midfield (when fit and on form) but wouldn't lose any sleep if any were sold. Big decisions for the management. Up front we have Alfie who will hopefully be back to his best and then its up for grabs. Roofe too often injured or coming back to sharpness. Sakala can go, not clinical enough. Kent's numbers are not as good as they should be. He either needs to improve his numbers or be moved on. Wright is a backup player, not sure how Hagi is going to be when he returns. Itten doesnt seem fancied. Again, big decisions but we need to add starting quality to our line-up. To summarise, I think we need to bring in one starting CB, at least one starting midfielder, and 2 forward players, at least one of which should be starting every week. I feel over the last year or 2 we have only been adding squad players of no greater quality than already in the squad. I want to be reducing the overall numbers in the first team squad to ensure there is a pathway for our potential to come through. We got a glimpse at Tynecastle, and have seen enough of Lowry, King to know there is talent waiting for their chance. 4 in, 11 out (McGregor, Davis, Goldson, Helander, Roofe, Sakala, Polish RB, Itten, Katic, Ramsay, Amad) and bring through the youth players. If the 4 we bring in are improving our first team, this will work IMO.

Anyone who thinks the team would benefit from letting Jack go is spending way too much time on their phone and not enough watching what's happening on the park .... because it's the most ludicrous suggestion yet.

I found the Final (the thread topic), very disappointing. Of course, the European campaign as a whole was exceptional but we didn't do ourselves justice against Eintracht. The quite amazing Calvin Bassey apart, I don't think there is a Rangers player who can say they played to the best of their abilities. For that reason, alongside how close the contest turned out, I find the defeat more difficult to 'process' than any other Rangers defeat in 49 years. I'm just glad we have tomorrow's Hampden cup final that will soon help take the mind off it. With hindsight, I tend to think that the semi-final second leg at Ibrox was just so good in every way, that it was always likely to be our high point and expectations (as well as the occasion itself) started to weigh heavy on some of the players going into Sevilla. On the pitch, as in the away games at Braga and Leipzig, we badly missed Alfredo Morelos. Allowing Eintracht to push an extra man into the middle and forcing our defenders into countless long balls that were never going to come to anything. I think John Lundstram was very honest and correct when he said that the players had let the fans down on Wednesday evening. I'd also repeat, that they have a lot to be proud about when it comes to the European run as a whole.

No. He’s a Rangers fan. Some extreme views. Much like yourself. I agree with some. I disagree with others. Our cousins across the Atlantic are a little more forthright than we are.

Time to move on surely.

I think McGregor should retire if he is not gonna be the number one guy in goal. McLaughlin is already a 'Selkirk' (replaced Babe Ruth) so the last thing we need is a keeper who is less confident in his position. The team, fans, and McLaughlin need 100% buy in. We have a lot of consistently lame ponies in the squad as well (Helander, Jack, Roofe) who should be moved on. Yes, Jack is still not 100% fit, and everyone knows it--move on--yes I know, my feelings hurt too--move him on. Both Helander, and Roofe were gambles who won us a few key games. In the end, they are the paper airplanes we feared--out Simpson--UNSAT--out Itten--UNSAT--out Davis--old out Barisic--inconsistent--sell Kamara--inconsistent--sell Haji--great vision, nice touch, great comm--slow as a slug in winter--just blew his knee out which wont help--more suited for mgmt, than the pitch--sell Obafor--release if possible--I don't know the rules on moving on chronic medical cases...but those should be looked into. Arfield--Worrying the psychology behind that extension...visibly diminished capes--why? More game time for Lowry--King--Mayo. Especially Lowry...needs a little more meat on him, in time, but that kid is a gamer. The decision to give the B Team a slot in the Lowland League was 'muah' brilliant. The Polish kid, Zukowski looks a real gem too...would love to see him get some game time. Hopefully Gio & Vos can work some angles and get some Holland talent in here...they play some pretty football over there. Aug 2 is coming fast. Stoked.

I hate mentioning Celtic, but they have used the loan market very successfully over last 5 or 6 years.

The reliability issues around Roofe are a big issue for me. When fit, he was very good, but wasn't available when we really needed him. Will be sad if Morelos goes but then maybe we need a change here. Based on their domestic seasons we can easily upgrade Barisic and Kamara. We need to allow Aribo to play in his best position and see some more of that winter form he had. Half expect him to be sold though. I hope McGregor chooses to go out at the very top and not see out a decline. This may also enable a change to tactics and playing styles. Happy for a few to remain as squad players but we can surely upgrade Wright, Sakala, Itten etc. The youngsters look capable replacements. If Davis accepts reduced terms then happy for him to stay. He's an experienced, professional winner.

I have a feeling GvB and his team will long ago have decided where this team needs strengthened. Surely the way the Rangers brand has been enhanced recently will only help their mission.

Inspired by the posts above, my thoughts on the squad for next year in terms of who we keep, develop and sell (some reluctantly but probably necessary to fund incoming transfers) Keep GK: McLaughlin, McCrorie (ADD GK) Keep DEF: Tavernier (C), Balogun, King, Bassey, Devine (ADD 2 x CB, ADD LB) Keep MID: Lunstram, Jack, Arfield, Lowry, McKinnon (ADD CAM) Keep FWD: Morelos, Roofe, Sakala, Wright (ADD CF, ADD RW) That's only 23, but would prefer to add only 5 quality players that will be contenders for the 1st XI, and add other worthy youngsters to make the rest of the squad. The following I see retiring, moving on/loaned out, or be sold for decent money (if the right offers come in) Out GK: Firth, McGregor Out DEF: Helander, Barisic, Goldson, Simpson, Zukowski (loan), Katic Out MID: Kamara, Davis, Aribo, Kent, Ofoborh Out FWD: Itten I'd reluctantly add Morelos to that list if a good offer came in, but I think he'll stay. Bassey, I'd really want to keep unless a silly offer comes in e.g. £25m+, but equally can see him being sold for less. How we use our youngsters will be crucial. I really want to see Lowry command a regular place, and see more opportunities for King, McKinnon, Devine, McCann Weston and others. In fact I'd start from Saturday, they've already shown their quality against Hearts.

It was when I saw Arfield stepping up for out third penalty I was close to keeling over!

We have to be realistic with the Champions League - the top level sides just have too much quality and squad depth but since SG turned up, we have proved we can hold our own against clubs like Porto, Dortmund, Crvena Zvezda and Benfica. Wednesday night was a disappointing end to a terrific run but we can now justifiably believe that's where we should be.

The European Conference League gives teams at our level an increased chance of winning something in Europe. Basically doubles the possibility.

They've been working hard sweeping child sex abuse under the carpet. You know what they say about men and muti-tasking.

I think it was the Germans 48th game of the season,....it was our 64th. Yes, a fit and firing Morelos would have made defending much more difficult for them.

Being generous shouldn't extend to a first team slot for the final tomorrow. He has done nothing to deserve or merit it. His current form is poor for obvious reasons. His big-game mentality deserted him when it mattered. Lowry is the future, play him from the start.

Even if Jack only plays 20 games a season he is great squad player, bring someone in to be a starter and let Jack come in when fit and needed he is always reliable and consistent when he is playing so playing him less would be good for his body and he would be a good standard of backup player we should have. Also people saying ship him out are not thinking who is going to buy a injury prone player or are we gonna spend more money releasing a perfectly good squad player.

Absolutely right, a top player, makes us better when he is fit and playing well, but a body made of chocolate. Hard decisions need to be made, and we cannot afford to carry a player that is unavailable for large parts of every season. If he could stay fit and play 40-50 games next season I dont think anyone would be talking about him going anywhere.

Accepting defeat is a very long way from seeing it as "good". Accepting defeat is merely acknowledging reality. I haven't heard anyone say it was good to lose. How someone deals with defeat and disappointment tells you a great deal more about them than victory ever will.

You didn't read what I posted obviously - financial and reputation were enhanced GETTING to the final

Calvin Bassey apart, losing the final in the way we did has enhanced neither.

Guaranteed to be a popular choice for anyone that reads red top newspapers.

Back again. Good man. Was there some unfinished business? Best leave it unfinished. I’ve forgotten what it was.

Lewis Ferguson...

Lowry is a heads up player. I hope the next phase of Rangers is built around him. I hope he starts tomorrow?

Yes, Itten was floored by something this year, possibly after-effects of covid, not sure if it was confirmed anywhere. Those players who seem to struggle fitness-wise, its a shame, but when you play as many games as we do with Europe on top of the league, we can't afford to carry them anymore, so is that Helander, Roofe and Jack we need to move on?

Parody/fake Twitter account.

Just checked and it appears I was talking nonsense. My head is mince today.

Was it not revealed that Itten had health issues, perhaps pertaining to Covid? And that's why he's not been involved? If that's the case, and he gets over it, then he's still a decent option to have around.

Where has this been reported , can't see anything other than Arfields extension.

Nope.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022–23_UEFA_Champions_League

Apologies... I'd only be suggesting that if we had a loan with an option to buy. I couldn't see it happening otherwise - he's also entering the last year of his contract so maybe that would be a more realistic option at the moment, I don't know.

I'm in complete agreement with your last point, but we're not getting him permanently. He's a terrific talent. He'll be a star in years to come. However, right this moment, I'm not sure he's that much better than what we have. And even then, why would we bring in a loan for a season? I don't get it.

Well, that was tough to take. I don't think we deserved to win the match but we could have and penalties is always a bit of a lottery, although probably not as much when the opposition are German. Definitely lots of one-off Rangers fans at the match and that, combined with the rather poor situation with refreshments after a day drinking in the sun, resulted in us being totally showed up by the Frankfurt support. One guy near me spent most of extra time looking at his phone... Unf*ckingbelievable! Sitting at a bus stop in Albufeira from 3.30-7.10am hasn't helped me - strange the things you see and people you encounter at that time in the morning. Sitting in Faro airport just now and can't wait to get home. We had better win on Saturday! No excuses.

Just met @forlanssister up near the stadium.