26th of foot

A Celtic State of Mind? These last couple of years I have highlighted the growing influence of the podcast, 'A Celtic State of Mind' enjoys within the PQ Gang Hut. It would be worth some Gersnet detective taking the time to source the monies behind this production and it's growing influence. The high production values are heavily influenced by Youtube's, Tiny Desk concerts. The Presenter is Kd Lang lookalike, Paul John Dykes and he has appeared on various BBC Scotland outlets these last few years promoting the establishment club. RAB Cosgrove praises ACSOM, it's approach and professional values. A former contributor, Amy Canavan has been a Gang Hut staffer for three years and finds it difficult to distinguish between presenting for the national broadcaster and lionising her green'n'grey hooped horror heroes. Remember, Beeb Scotland are always telling us, "we support every Scots club in Europe". Amy appeared on, 'the View from the Terrace' last year to tell of her and her family's delight at watching the Europa Cup final penalty shoot out culmination. Their Bonnyrigg home erupted in cheers as the Aaron Ramsey penalty was saved. The regular panelists on the show smiled widely as Amy evoked a warm memory. I believe it is what RAB Cosgrove refers to as, "cheeky rivalry"? Rangers supporters must be the wrong kind of Scots. This week, Amy presented two editions of BBC Scotland's, 'the Scottish Football Podcast'. Even as the wrong kind of Scots, we expect the national broadcaster's podcast to be accurate and objective. Amy's first attempt was on Monday and her guest was the epitome of Plastic Paddydom, Aiden McGeady. The Dens Park postponement was unfortunate but, more importantly ra Sellik were back where they belong on top of the Premiership. Tuesday had Amy talking about VAR blame culture and Scotland's involvement in the Euros. Her guest was Kevin McCluskie, described as a Hungarian football expert. This reminded me of Newsnight a dozen years past when during Rangers financial implosion, Angela Haggerty was introduced as, 'a Financial Expert". Of course, Angela's only qualification is an HND in Journalism from Cardonald College. Kevin McCluskie's expertise in the Magyars emanates from his regular appearances on the Celtic State of Mind. His real reason for appearing was VAR and the blame culture and, it is NOT ra Sellik's fault. No, no and, thrice no; Sellik are the vicTIMs. Amy and Kevin support Sellik speaking out after the ridiculous VAR calls at Tynecastle. The PQ gang Hut Producers set the topics(agendas) and they do not want Amy and Kevin screaming in the wilderness. On Monday and Tuesday, the main topics on A Celtic State of Mind were : Sellik right to speak out and Dermot Desmond and Peter must exert more influence. As License Fee payers, particularly for the wrong kind of Scots it is becoming harder to distinguish between the Youtube podcast and the national broadcaster podcast, "new VAR officials must satisfy the criteria of having been a Rangers season ticket holder or are wanting to become a Rangers season ticket holder". My favourite was, "as Celtic fans we attempt to be as balanced on a subject as we can". This Masonic/Orange conspiracy thing is incredibly inefficient : Sellik have secured 12 titles in 13 seasons, a quadruple Treble, more penalties, least cautions, least red cards, titles awarded mid pandemic, ........ etc. Constantly articulating victimhood by utilising pseudo intellectual rhetoric is the true Sellik state of mind whether, it is on Youtube or the national broadcaster.

Fifty years past, I attended the Manchester United v Rangers friendly at Old Trafford. It was a hastily arranged friendly because both clubs had been knocked out of their respective national cup competition. Rangers had succumbed 0-3 at Ibrox's first Sunday fixture in February whereas, Man U fell at home to Ipswich Town 0-1. Both Scottish Cup and FA Cup quarter-finals day was Saturday the 9th of March and both clubs had free Saturdays. Tensions had been raised by Lou Macari, he sold a piece to the News of the World saying he had always enjoyed facing Rangers as a Sellik player. He explained that his win bonus was placed at the Bookies before old firm games such was the confidence of victory. The Strathclyde Uni Union mini bus was an 18 seater, 28 travelled and, 22 returned. The attendance was given as 25,000 but, I suspect it was several thousand higher because the Rangers support walked in over the demolished exit gate. Start to finish, the game was, 'a bottle party'. It was a typical early 70s game, lots of running fights including on the pitch. Rangers won 2-3, our scorers were Greig, Johnstone and, Parlane. The winning goal was a King of Ibrox Park penalty, as Derek hit the net a few hundred fans from either side were on the turf swapping punches. When we returned to the bus, both back door windows had been panned. I remember this proved fortunate as the lad who had purchased a match programme, ripped off the front cover and lobbed it through the gaping aperture. The reason being a portrait of Lou Macari was on the front cover. Sincerely, I hope all Bears have a happier day at Murrayfield.

The Dundee climate stats compiled over 150 years tell us the city is sunnier(almost 1,500 hours of sunshine per annum). Glasgow has 1250 hours by comparison. Reference rain, Dundee is far drier averaging 8 days of precipitation during the month of March, the dear green place averages 12 days for the same month. Another aspect of Dundee weather is the drying wind/breeze constantly emanating from the silvery Tay. John Nelms gave Kheredine the patter on unexpected overnight millimeters but, it was deliberate interference. The reason he was forking the Dens Park pitch at five in the morning is because he and his Board took a decision NOT to fund the necessary installation of proper pitch drainage. Four postponements in one season because of a waterlogged pitch whereas, one hundred yards DOWN the road, Tannadice has been playable all season. John Nelms and Kheredine Idessane were both standing on the CONNING tower.

John Nelms forks the Dens Park pitch with his tongue. John Nelms is a former US Navy submariner, he spent several years based at the Holy Loch. Continually diving too deep, enduring weeks of breathing each others' farts and, when they open the hatch you find yourself in a midge infested hell hole; it all has an effect. This Bubblehead's particular bubble is helium, have you heard him speak? John keeps his mouth open because he is attempting to equalise head pressure, a fortunate trait that Peter finds most convenient. John is happy to be compliant. According to John he fell in love with ra Sellik whilst moored in Argyll and when he returned to Scotland, fronting Texan millionaire, Tim Keyes investment he was anxious to follow his heart. Dundee were the club he utilised to beat his Yahoo desire. He proposed a Dundee - Sellik league fixture should be played Stateside on St Patrick's day, preferably in Boston. He voted twice by e-mail to secure Sellik's nine-in-a-row and muddied the waters by claiming spam folder happenstance that annoyed Partick Thistle, ICT, Stranraer and, Rangers. He created a scheme allowing Gordon Strachan to have dual roles at both Dundee and ra Sellik. John thinks both Neil Doncaster and Murdoch MacLennan are stand up guys and we can all look forward to the SPL investigation that will blame Sean Batty for getting the weather forecast wrong and fining Rangers because they turned up. Of course, Neil and Murdoch will take the line(s) thrown by Gang Hutter, Kheredine Idessane as the basis for the investigation. John Nelms grasped at his fellow Bhoy's buoys : You and your groundstaff have been here since five this morning forking the pitch? Another thirty minutes and this pitch would be playable? The last fixture was delayed for thirty minutes because Rangers arrived late(Kheredine fail failed to mention the crash on the Tay Bridge). The last fixture saw a further twenty minute delay because of pyro' being ignited within the Rangers support(banged to rights on this one). Kheredine did not confront John Nelms with information garnered from his interview with Philippe Clement : Rangers only found out there was a problem after 09.30 hrs because the club kitman had arrived at Dens to see Nelms and groundstaff forking the pitch. He was told they had called a local Ref' to undertake a 10.15hrs inspection. The game was the only senior professional match in the UK postponed over the weekend. Dens Park has hosted 16 league fixtures this season and four of them suffered postponement due to a waterlogged pitch. I will save the SPL the time and expense. Neil and Murdoch will say exactly what Peter tells them to say, just like John Nelms.

I see the Dundee Tourist Board(does such an entity exist) are trolling travelling Rangers supporters. They are extending an invitation to the fans to stay in the city and enjoy a wonderful St Patrick's Day visiting the castle, museum, jute mill and, the two boats moored at the harbour. In these times of wokery, I would have thought Dundee Tourist Board should be putting their shoulder to the wheel for Scotland to receive compensation from the Irish. I believe Patrick was a teenage lad taken from Dumbarton against his will by raiding Irish pirates. He was condemned to years of slavery. Further, the postponement has lifted the spirits of Dundee's faltering neighbours. United fans are smiling again after their humping by the Pars because the thought of inconvenienced Rangers supporters being further inconvenienced makes their weekend. Desperate Dan Loyal RSC.

I would have given the award to Neil Warnock. Thirty-three days of pure joy, facilitating the journey for the Dandies to arrive in the Championship. Neil should be able to sit down, feet up in the Dunoon Rangers supporters club with the award sitting proudly on the bar.

I have no complaints over the aggregate score over the tie, we competed and were not disgraced. Even after last week's admiral 2-2, I felt the Portuguese had too much width, pace and, guile for a leggy injury compromised Rangers at Ibrox. However, the three goals conceded were the perfect storm : 1. a VAR awarded penalty; Souttar heads the ball on to his arm and I feel the decision was contrived? 2. a Goldson own goal, cracking finish. 3. a three minute VAR check for a correctly awarded goal at Ibrox. The penalty is the only one I would take issue with but, the trio as a collective has a certain uniqueness.

Rangers 2 Benfica 1 FGS : Silva.

Do we stick or twist? Remember, away goals no longer count as double; thus, sticking is not an option. If we get after them, they have a lot of pace, width and, guile. They will pick us off. I hope the Gaffer has the answer?

Good points, well presented.

Chris McLaughlin and Hibs - Rangers games. It was August'15, Rangers had been drawn away to Hibs in the opening round of the Petrofac Cup. BBC Scotland sent Chris along to cover the match at Easter Road. Pre-match, Chris was confident newly appointed Hibs Gaffer, Alan Stubs would triumph against Rangers new manager, Marc Warburton. After twenty-odd minutes, Chris reported, "as expected, Stanton has put Hibs one up". At half time, Chris reported injustice, two quick time Rangers strikes saw a 1-2 scoreline, "Hibs have been mugged". The full time result was Hibs 2 Rangers 6 and McLaughlin's match report began, "Four Rangers supporters have been arrested and charged with offensive, sectarian chanting". Chris was still on Twitter nine years past and few Rangers supporters engaged with him, myself included. Chris assured us the information was supplied by the Match Commander and that he always conversed with the MC after a game. Four weeks later, Chris's favourites were away at Pittodrie and those of us watching on TV were regaled with the full IRA karaoke from the travelling support. Chris was pitch side for BBC Scotland and his match report was all about the football. Again, he was engaged on Twitter and he told us he had conversed with the Match Commander and no arrests for offensive chanting had been made. Imagine our surprise when Tuesday's Aberdeen Press and Journal reported six Yahoos in court, four for offensive chanting. Chris left Twitter. The next two seasons saw Chris double down on his perception of accuracy and objectivity. Rangers withdrew his press credentials and for the next five years, BBC License Fee paying Rangers supporters received next to no service from the national broadcaster. Chris was promoted twice during this period, his current designation is, 'Sports News Correspondent'. Sectarianism remains a problem in Scottish football and an element of our travelling support contribute to it. However, sectarianism is NOT a one way street and Chris MUST acknowledge this.

Oh good, he will be ready to participate in the annual large open air music festival that takes place in Larkhall. I believe a masked flautist would be novel?

The Rangers travelling support should take careful note of the Hibs statement. We can indulge in whataboutery because hypocrisy drips from the Hibees travelling support but, it will NOT help. The Scottish Government are determined to push their 'Hate Crime' policy through Holyrood and they are looking for a specific to aid the process. As a club, Hibs enjoy a raft of both political and social influence. Ian Blackford, Peter Murrell, Kenny Macaskill, ....... etc are all Hibees. There is not a single elected representative in either the SNP or the Green Party will admit to supporting Rangers. Our club is not the establishment club in this country and has not been for in excess of half a century. I will remind you of Humza's determination to see club and players punished for a clearly doctored video of supposed sectarian singing within the Blue Room. The initial consequence will be a cut in the Rangers allocation. The long term effects will be harder to bear, we are already on FARE's hate list and they have considerable influence within UEFA. Rangers do not have the excuse regularly awarded to other clubs ie 'cheeky rivalry'.

After we face the Portuguese custard tarts on Thursday, our separated brethren take on the Perth Saintees at ra Stade de Gadd on Saturday. By the time we travel to Dens on St Paddy's day, we could be one point behind in the Premiership.

I have seen it and it is not pretty. Remember, there are three types of Accountant and, their actions are always in triplets. Get a BIG tub of lubrication, he will beat you around the head with his slide rule whilst ramming his abacus up your jacksie. Some of those wooden abaci can be most uncomfortable to accommodate. Three types, those that can count and those that cannot. There lies the rage.

Careful, you do not want to be the subject of Bean Counter rage.

Back during the festive period, I saw a Tweet referring to the attention seeking Michael Stewart, it might have been in the wake of the last old firm game? It went along the lines of : 'if I was stranded on a desert island with a packet of Jammy Dodgers and Michael Stewart, I would eat Michael and talk to the fcuking biscuits'. Kinda sums up dearest Michael.

Earlier in this thread, I articulated the worry of leaving the pitch in Portugal at 22.15 hrs, rehydrating, sleeping and, returning to Glasgow Friday afternoon. Saturday was a loosener and an assessment on whom was prepared to go out on to the Easter Road pitch on Sunday evening. Joe Newell expressed it perfectly, "I hope the Rangers players are knackered after their exploits in Lisbon". Hibs started as expected, pressing us all around the pitch, particularly high in our own eighteen yard box. It was a hard watch because we did not pass the ball well. The players remained calm and were prepared to play the percentage game. If we ran out of options, we slung it over the top. The calmest character in our camp was the Gaffer. Both pre and post match, he keeps it simple, respectful, humble and, focused. The evidence is increasing, the players respond to his approach. We did not become involved in an increasingly fraught situation. Philippe has drilled the players and we all benefit. Our manager is blessed with penetrative thought, he sees it, calls it and, the players respond.

Hibs 1 Rangers 2 FGS : Silva.

I suspect Neil knows the semi-final Scottish Cup draw will pair Aberdeen with Rangers? Thus, Neil would rather watch the game wearing his scarf from within the Dunoon Rangers supporters club.

Hibs midfielder, Joe Newell is in today's Herald expressing his hopes that, "Rangers are knackered from Thursday night's Euro exploits". We left the Lisbon pitch after ten O'Clock, rehydration and sleep would ensue then a mid morning flight return to Glasgow. Today will be a loosener and discovering of the extent of injuries and further injuries. Tomorrow will be an Easter Road challenge from a well rested and prepared Hibs. I suspect Newell will get his wish. The Gaffer should pin his wish list on the dressing room wall as a reminder; the team will have to up for it from the off.

I voted for Jack Butland, his frequent saves kept us in the game/tie. However, as JohnMc has alluded, his distribution was erratic. A couple of wayward throw outs caused us difficulty which he resolved. I wonder if he is being coached on his kick-outs, both from hand and ground? The flat trajectory from hand looks like it is being done to aid the forward's purchase on the flick on? When Roofe came on, he showed how a forward can win and hold a ball.

Benfica 2 Rangers 2 FGS : Silva.

Our next three games are all away, played in a short ten day period and are in different competitions. 1. Tonight in Lisbon against Benfica in the Europa Cup. 2. Sunday at Easter Road in the Scottish Cup. 3. The following Sunday at Dens Park against Dundee in the Premiership. After our defeat by Motherwell on Saturday last, this next ten days could be the defining point of our season. The Gaffer has a ton of credit in the bank but, I fear our specific injury crisis in the creative - wide areas of the pitch will be a huge factor. I suspect the consensus among our support is to survive Lisbon, no further injuries and remain in the tie? A waiting Hibs team finding a bit of form and growing confidence is probably as hard as it gets having only one day recovery. If we are leggy and, we will be then, our start will be most important ............. etc. Trepidation Loyal RSC.

Sam English was from County Londonderry and grew up in Dumbartonshire. He was a shipyard apprentice before his professional football career, returning to the tools after retirement. Tom English is from a wealthy middle class Limerick family who owned a number of local newspapers. Tom was privately educated hence, his obsession with rugby.