26th of foot

Ah, but late last year, we were not a month away from playing ra Sellik. The countdown of demonisation, dehumanisation, and marginalisation begins.

I believe Falkirk have a couple of first eleven suspensions and injuries reference tonight. Mark Kerr is suspended and Peter the Pointer's son is injured. A loss of experience, running power, and height in the midfield. Anyways, it's all about us; if we crank up what Houston refers to as, 'Rangers power play', we will prevail. Given the on going situation between BBC Scotland and Rangers, Houston will have both pre-match and post match stage to himself. I hope he is spitting venom with his bulldog licking pysh from a nettle face to the full fore.

I wonder if some of the older Gersnetters agree, Jason Holt reminds me in part of Doddy? His innate ability to find space between opposition lines, the constant dropping of the shoulder, and those timeous darting runs into the box. His goal against Dundee was very Doddy.

Ian, Reference Ian Small. Several years past, I was still a serving member of the RST Board. A fellow member and I engaged with BBC Scotland over the lack of objectivity. It took the best part of a year to achieve a meeting inside Pacific Quay. Ian Small chaired the meeting that lasted just over an hour. We entered laden with ammunition, and choose to present three examples, leaving a dossier of another dozen. A couple of Small's flunkies appeared to be genuinely surprised at both the extent and level of subjectivity. We utilised the phrase, "marginalisation and demonisation of Rangers and Rangers supporters appears to be common currency within BBC Scotland". Ian Small regularly checked his watch and was clearly looking to culminate the meeting. Finally, we focused on the then recent League Cup final between Rangers and Dundee United. On the Monday morning, between 10am and noon, presenter Gary Robertson gave over his entire mid-morning chat/phone-in/issue/current affairs show to the day before's Rangers victory on penalties. We were presented with presentations by Levein, United's PRO, a player, the Chair of the Arab's supporters group, ..... etc. The thrust was that United were NEVER going to be allowed to win the cup. There were a number of controversial decisions applying to both sides, only the United concerns were highlighted and amplified. Darcherville's onside goal was wrongly flagged and NOT mentioned. We were told United's Chairman, Thomson was too emotional to contribute. He was in the last stages of his fight against cancer. The phone-in was a litany of Arab who's who. Seriously, Lorraine Kelly, Ricky Ross, Brian Taylor(BBC Scotland's Chief Political Commentator), ...... etc. We were NEVER told that host, Gary Robertson was a Tannadice season ticket holder and the veneer of objectivity was Jim Templeton on a two minute mobile link from a train station. Ian Small listened but did not hear, he spent the next several minutes explaining the machinations of live radio production. Anyways, the culmination of the meeting saw us given assurances that his door was open and he would deal with our concerns. A few weeks later, we received an e-mail reply informing us that some of our concerns were worthy of some attention, but having held a meeting with department heads, he was confident there was no general case to answer. We found out later from another source that Small only took the meeting because London had told him to do so, we had been silently copying in BBC HQ in our correspondence. The very evening of our meeting at Pacific Quay, photographs taken from inside that homage to glass, of myself and colleague, appeared on a well known Sellik supporters forum. We invited Ian Small to comment, still waiting on an answer. You will receive more satisfaction from hand washing a hankie, than engaging with Ian Small. I am sure both Frankie and Bluedell can add reference to the above.

Remember, McLaughlin told the listenership that he always has a word with the Match Commander before compiling his match report. He began his Hibs/Rangers report with, "four Rangers supporters have been arrested for sectarian chanting .......". Specifically, on complaints from Bears, he explained talking to the appropriate Match Commander was normal routine. Now, at Pittodrie he stated he had spoken to the MC and there was nothing to report. The next day's Aberdeen P and J carried a quote from the MC stating six Yahoos had been arrested for sectarianism. So, did the MC lie to McLaughlin? Did Chris talk to the MC? Maybe, Chris had been caught? Thus, Chris has reported on four of his beloved Sellik matches, Hearts, Stranraer, Aberdeen, and Hamilton and has NOT included quotes from the MC or SPFL Delegate; and subsequently had to revisit at a later stage. How embarrassing for BBC Scotland's Chief Football Reporter?

He is one obsessive sick puppy. Dark corners require bright lights.

Jason Holt.

Fellow Bears, remember NOT to disappoint the Morton Chairman. I am taking a 1964 Vespa scooter, I am going to set it aflame, before launching it into the Morton support. Bottles, spiked golf balls, and pieces of pie are not enough. I hear someone has bought an extending cable to attach to a toaster before launching.

Schoolboy Latin was an endurance(patientia); a derivation of patience and sufferance. My schoolboy curriculum demanded eight periods of Latin per week, and only two of PE. Oh me miserum, that's the epitome of hardship and persistence. Often, you wonder the point? Of course, it's derivations; attempt a decent crossword without a working knowledge of Latin and you'll see. Curriculum is a case in point, it's accepted Latin for, 'course of a race'. We might speculate on Mike Ashley's cardio-vascular aptitude to stay in the race, what's the ante-post? There's another thing about the Latin, open to interpretation. Translations are littered with references to specific derivations. Mike Ashley further epitomises the subjunctive eg, the literal derivation of 'Mike Ashley' could be, "criminal greedy cnut". Of course, this is NOT indicative. If fellow Gersnetters can provide the references, you'll get no argument from me. Often, a Roman in the gloamin' would be heard remarking of a stout south Londoner with avaricious tendencies, 'ah, Mike Ashley'. In this gladiatorial world, it's all bread and circuses. Thus, amid derivations and subjunctive tone; the Latin phrase 'Mike Ashley' translates as, 'criminal greedy cnut'.

The biggest trumpet for Scottish football continuing to flourish without Rangers is Stuart Cosgrove. Even Big Stu' was articulating concern at attendances in the top tier, his own beloved St Johnstone's last home match saw less than 2,500 turn up. Further, Killie attracted 2,600 for Ross County's visit. Michael Gannon pens wishful thinking as factual information. A job at BBC Scotland awaits.

Waggy has been missing for four games. We have scored 8 goals in those matches, only one(kenny Miller against Queen of the South) has come from a striker. Our midfielders and full backs have stepped up, whereas our other strikers have failed to fill the void.

Am I right in saying that 'Contempt of Parliament' is akin to 'Raising fire in the Cinque Ports' ie a capital offence? Or, is that wishful thinking on my part?

In the preview, I referred to Paul Hartley's previous in bringing to Ibrox a team from an upper division, on Scottish Cup duty. It's only fair I update the statistics after Paul's second visitation : Played : two. Won : nil. Draw : nil. Lost : two. For : nil. Against : eleven. Come back any time Paul.

I am sure that in the vast majority of Swiss Cantons, it is a criminal offence to be, 'very emotional'. Contemplate triangular bees in triangular trees before you end up in the jail. Glad you enjoyed your day. Clearly, you are good luck, come back for the semi-final?

Forrester was a revelation on Tuesday night, deep starting and allowed freedom to roam. He was far more involved and his splay footed, skipping running style reminded me of Gordon Smith. He was subbed correctly for cardio-vascular reasons, simply he was blowing out his arse. I suspect we will have to hold down both flanks and Tav' needs more help than most in this regard. Law has plenty of practice starting wide with Motherwell. Ball's role will be to counter Gary Harkins at every turn, cannot allow him to get his head up, he can play a pass. A lump of a Bhoy too.

Sunday Service. Over forty years past, Sunday afternoon life could be excruciating. Sunday mornings were consumed with Kirk, Sunday School, and cub/scout parades. God was insistent, it was his/her day and entertainment opportunities were to be frowned upon. Afternoons were for focusing the mind, a choice of further bible study or doing your Latin homework? My Saviour was the Sunday papers, although they had to be purchased by one O'Clock. Once your newsagent closed, no further retail opportunities were available. Of course, Glasgow had the Barras market and the one bus per hour leaving deepest, darkest Lanarkshire might get you there; however, returning after five required a fifteen mile walk. Such perambulation builds a thirst, finding a hotel with the necessary licence to serve 'bona-fide travellers' was a quest worthy of Jason and his Argonauts. You would think the telly and radio would be hoaching with discussions on the ludicrous requirement to travel three miles and provide a guarantee of intent to travel another three, before an establishment would furnish you with a beverage? Nope, the broadcast waves were consumed by praising the God character. Nineteen seventy-four was a God send, providence came in the form of two General Elections. Two three week political campaigns in both February and October relieved the boredom. You know the score? You wait several hours for a bus and two or three arrive simultaneously. Amid the February election build-up, it was announced Rangers were to dip their toe into the turbulent waters of Sunday football. We had drawn Dundee in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup and tens of thousands of Bears were more than aye ready to travel six miles. One hundred and two years had evolved, almost to the day of foundation and Rangers were hosting their first Sunday game at Ibrox. Further, the following week's home league fixture against Dundee United was also declared a Sunday game. The seventeenth of February arrived, weak sunshine dappled the old Stadium and 65,000 souls crowded in to receive God's blessing. Dundee were more than a good side, they were marshaled by former Rangers boss, Davie White and skippered by Lisbon Lion, Tommy Gemmell. They were holders of the League Cup, defeating the hooped horrors one nil at Hampden a few months previously. Their biggest asset, they could play fitba'. We weren't bad ourselves, cup holders after Tam Forsyth's studded winner in a 3-2 victory over ra Sellik. The previous year had seen us compete with the then three times in a row European Cup winners, Ajax in the first ever Super Cup(two legged) final. We lost 6-3 on aggregate. Both teams were finely matched. The game saw the following line ups; Rangers went with, McCloy, Jardine, Mathieson, Greig, Jackson, Johnstone, McLean, O'Hara, Parlane, Scott, Hamilton, and Cutty Young came on as a second half sub for Johnny Hamilton. Dundee were, Allan, Wilson, Gemmell, Ford, Stewart, Wilson, Philip, Robinson, Duncan, Scott, and Lambie. We started well, created and squandered a few chances, and reached midway at nil, nil. The second half was a lesson in short passing, culminating in the longer through ball to the runner. Jocky Scott notched just after the restart, and John Duncan, a truly wonderful forward, chipped in with a double in the last twenty minutes. Our first Sunday experience was a 0-3 gubbing at the hand of a grievous Lord. Our second Sunday saw the Arabs arrive minus their God fearing manager, Jim McLean, he would hold the Lord's day. Forty-five thousand Bears agreed, Rangers defeated Dundee United 3-1, Cutty Young scoring our first Sunday goal in front of 20,000. Saturday's match appears similar. Hartley's team likes to play an expansive game, their full backs are pushed on, and the front three of Hemmings, Loy, and Stewart have movement and goals. It could be argued that they are our better plan A, in that the players are competing at a higher level. The two games against Killie saw an uneasy first twenty minutes as we strove to cope with greater physicality, pace, and mindset. I would go with a Rangers eleven of Foderingham, Tavenier, Wilson, Kiernan, Wallace, Halliday, Ball, Holt, McKay, Law, and Miller. Further, I would remind Paul Hartley that the last time he led a side to Ibrox on Scottish Cup duty, he was leading a club from the division above. Alloa Athletic lost seven zip that day. I am not confident and would happily take a replay at Dens, I suspect it would suit us better. I would be a bona fide traveller. Possible team:

I was late on Tuesday evening, missed the first several minutes of the match. Driving along the M74/M8, I tuned into BBC Radio Scotland to receive team news. I listened to Derek Ferguson provide a full match preview on Queen of the South against Hibs, live from Palmerston. Rob McLean pitched up live from Paisley for St Mirren's match with Falkirk. Remember Tam McManus? He was live from Livingston, providing the necessary details of Livi/Morton. Big Am-Dram Quine, Richard Gordon then stated, "the other Championship game tonight is at Ibrox, Rangers are playing Raith Rovers and I will keep you up to date on that". I know, I know the spat between BBC Scotland and Rangers continues. I know they have decided NOT to send anyone to Ibrox because Rangers took umbrage at BBC Scotland's Chief Football Reporter, Chris McLaughlin's insistence that he checks with all match commanders reference sectarian chanting, before broadcasting a match report. However, in terms of providing a service to licence payers, both supporters of Rangers and Raith Rovers; they have succumbed to the petty and leaving us all ill informed. No team lines for either side were given, and the half time report consisted of Richard Gordon giving the score, the scorer, and time of the goal. Derek, Rob, and Tam all had a couple of minutes at half time. Sadly, the full time situation mirrored half time. Surely, all licence payers deserve a similar service? Please spare me the guff on solidarity, BBC Scotland continued to report from both Dens and Tannadice when Jum Spence was banned. Keith Jackson remains banned at the Stydome and regularly appears on BBC Radio Scotland. Keevins was banned for three years from the same venue and BBC Scotland continued to report. Before any Gersnetters sound off about good riddance to bad rubbish, may I remind everyone that we have disabled/blind/hospitalised supporters dependent upon the BBC service, and they are licence payers too. Further, in my professional life, I relied on BBC World Service to get my Rangers fix/information on a Saturday. And, because Pacific Quay are ignoring our opposition at Ibrox too, it doesn't mean we should. We are better than that, let's be principled and strive to keep everyone informed.

The last eight games have seen all opposition enact the same game plan. Double up in wide areas, show them the inside. Do not dive in, stay on your feet and usher/jockey them inside. If Rangers do engineer width, allow the ball across the box because whoever is playing center will either be back out the box/or already ran wide. They know we are loathe to shoot from outside the box and free kicks/penalties/cautions/red cards have dried due to remaining on their feet/non-tackling. Thus, Holt must remain in the team, he drives between opposition lines and finds the angles to receive passes. Further, compared to the first few months of the season, he is alone in continuing to drive into the box and take the hits. O'Halloran showed on Saturday that he is up for similar responsibility. How about when he is running across the front of the opposition, one or two of our midfielders provide him the option of the reverse pass/ diagonal dink? In the spirit of witnessing Rangers defeat Raith Rovers 10(ten)-2 in 1968, I predict the Bears will administer a sound 1-0 thrashing this evening.

A London based Bear should give new shock Jock, wee Eck a call and ask him to explain his behaviour amid the balaclava clad plastic provos?

I seem to remember during the Commonwealth Games, Hamza Yusuf's secretary tweeting from Ibrox during the rugby sevens. She was of the opinion that the stadium should become a rugby ground because it was full and a comfortable family atmosphere. The usual suspects like Tom English got behind this notion and when Lyndsay Sharp won her silver medal and stated her wish to parade it at Ibrox; Hamza's secretary tweeted she should get to Ibrox during the rugby sevens as that would be Ms Sharp's only opportunity of doing so in front of a full house.

Viewing part of the periscope coverage last evening, I was reminded of Dave King's words after Scott Allan succumbed to the advances of the green'n'grey hooped horrors. Dave's glib response to a crowing reporter on his heroes capture of Hibs then most prominent player was, 'Celtic have done us a favour, separating our main challengers from their best player'. Of course, sending Liam BIG CRANIUM and the slayer of Elvis impersonators across the M8 to help Sellik's future boss is another piece of foresight.

This thread has become moribund these last few weeks, I hope everything is okay with all involved in it's administration? Anyways, just to throw my hat into the ring for previewing the Dundee Scottish Cup game at Ibrox?

There is an annoying refrain running through my head. Toxic Jack, Toxic Jack, don't ever think of coming back.

I could have been a contender. Last evening, I listened to BBC radio Scotland conduct a thirty minute interview with Jimmy Calderwood. Clearly, he was in a heightened state of distress throughout, he cannot fathom his inability to get back into the game? I have some sympathy for Jimmy's plight, his record at the Pars, Dandy Dons, Killie, and Ross County is more than decent. However, Jimmy informed the audience that he was brought over from Holland to manage Dunfermline by Gavin Masterton, on the direct orders of SDM. Apparently, the deal was for Jimmy to spend five years wetting his beak at East End Park before taking over at Rangers. Jimmy was told by SDM that he was Advocaat's successor. Today, it's Billy! Every time Davies is mentioned for a Scottish job these last several years, a game of Editorial roulette begins. Who will decorate their respective front page with identification of Tommy's pal at Cupids? I'm sure Gail awaits with baited breath? Tomorrow, Frank McGarvey assures the readership of another tabloid, 'ah wid hiv been the gers manager if ma wife didnae hiv a second income'.

Gary should turn to his manager, Paul for the necessary experience. Hartley got into a bit of a jam at Ibrox four years past, leading his then club, Alloa to it's second straight promotion. Mired in the bottom tier of Scottish football, Rangers coped and thumped Paul's team, SEVEN-NIL. Go on Gary, ask Paul?