26th of foot

No, no and, thrice no. Surely, we want to face St Mirren at Ibrox in the quarter-final?

All very well but, I will wait for both Compo and Scott7's personal recollections of the match.

I suspect you are correct. It must be over a couple of years past that I was told of an alleged rumour involving former Chair of the Football Association of Ireland, John Delaney. He was also a Board member of UEFA's Executive Committee. I am sure you remember the outrageous circumstances of his resignation from both posts? Anyways, apparently the unravelling of Delaney's life provided opportunity for Lawwell, he had always fancied a post on UEFA's Executive Committee. The shoo in became acrimonious as Delaney believed he had been back stabbed. Remember the FAI was on the brink of bankruptcy when Delaney(the Chair) provided a one million Euros emergency loan from his property portfolio account. His resignation was demanded and subsequently he lost his treasured place on UEFA's Executive Committee. He divorced the wife, married his long term mistress and, moved his new wife and child to London. He had been in the UK a matter of months when the well connected Delaney swore revenge. I was asked to connect the dots. I believe Peter serves on two UEFA Committees, Vice-Chair of one.

Whatever became of Police Scotland's investigation into the fire bombing of Peter's house in Thorntonhall? I remember Police Scotland's first response was they were refusing to rule out a sectarian motive for the attack. Maybe the investigation led down a road closer to home? We should be told.

You are correct, only Rangers voted against the continuing governance of Neil Doncaster and Murdoch MacLennan. When Rangers resisted, the then Sellik TV pundit, Michael Stewart utilised his platform on BBC Radio Scotland to participate in a debate and conclude : "I do not understand Rangers' criticisms of Neil Doncaster and Murdoch MacLennan, in this issue Neil and Murdoch are the good guys". Those were the last words uttered on the issue, no dissension as team line ups were then broadcast for that Saturday's games. It was the way Peter wanted it and Michael took great delight in being the very epitome of the establishment man. At that time in an effort to support Michael's support for Neil and Murdoch, RAB Cosgrove's contribution to Off the Ball's topic, 'pleasant surprises' was thus : Folks will be surprised to hear that for a period of just over a year I worked for Cannel 4 in a building next to the newspaper where Murdoch MacClennan was CEO. He had a chauffeur driven car and would regularly give me a lift home to my flat just south of the river. He was a most pleasant man with a sound knowledge of Scottish football. You see how the Scottish football establishment works, it is a web with Peter at it's very centre. Doncaster, MacLennan, ............ Stewart and Cosgrove; all willing lackeys.

Brenda' reaction to the Aberdeen appointment of Neil Warnock was a surprise. I suspect he is feeling a tad pressurised by warning the Yorkshireman about the both the state of the pitches and Refereeing in Scottish football? I watched, listened and, read most of Warnock's reaction to Ibrox and it was overwhelmingly complimentary. Further, he praised Referee, Don Robertson, particularly for NOT changing his on field decision to red card Sterling after being asked to check the VAR screen. The 75 year old Englishman did have one criticism and it was the Ibrox ballboys, specifically quick recycling the ball when the game was all square but, going AWOL after Rangers nudged ahead. Now, before Brenda grabs at this life line; may I point out this practise was an important aspect of 'Angeball'. Mercurial speeds and choreography saw Sellik Park ball bhoys draw admiration from the All England Tennis Club, Wimbledon such was their efficiency. Sellik were warned off by UEFA for the practice. Oh the irony of Angeball biting Brenda on the arse just like that night he endured with the Chick with a Stick.

Rangers 2 Aberdeen 0 FGS : Cantwell.

Tomorrow evening's Aberdeen at Ibrox is a collective shoulder applied to the wheel situation. Rangers players and Rangers supporters must create the necessary atmosphere, I want the electricity to crackle, I want the support to stay to the end and, I demand we all realise how important this game is to the club going forward. Be brave, go at them and get at them.

Warnock has been appointed interim Gaffer for the Dandies, he will be in the dug out at Ibrox tomorrow evening. Aberdeen supporters on the whole appear to be up for the appointment of the 75 year old Yorkshireman. How will it go? I suspect both Cormack and Burrows are going for the short term new manager bounce, if so I hope it is after their visit to Govan. The style of play will be interesting, do the Dandies have the players to fit Warnock's preferred style? He is a motivator but, Aberdeen need no motivation when facing Rangers. Further, what becomes of Bookies' favourite, Neil Lennon? Continuously, Neil is heavily hyped for the now, regular vacancies in the world of football, particularly in Scotland. Is there something lurking in Lennon's past that prevents appointment? Surely, a man that led ra green'n'grey hooped horrors to victory over Barca' cannot be allowed to languish on Peter Martin's Sellik Podcast, PLZ Soccer? Have Aberdeen appointed the wrong Neil?

I voted for Ross McCausland because he always showed for the ball and took it whilst often closed down. However and there's always a forever. I wish Ross would occasionally go on the outside of the opposition defender and hit the by line. Particularly, at Ibrox when the low block is in operation.

Charlie Mulgrew. The only employee of ra Sellik arrested for leaving a child alone.

Rangers 4 Livingston 0 FGS : Desser.

Lord Carloway strikes again and, again and, again.

Interesting, sounds like the FARE template.

Back in the day, a drummer who could not hold a four on the floor rhythm was classifies as a Jazz Drummer. Is Kenny Ball still touring these days? The Ibrox drummer could bring an eclectic note to the Jazzmen.

Through the Window. Seventeen years ago, Richard Gordon aka, 'BIG DICK' hosted BBC Radio Scotland's three hour transfer speculation show, 'Through the Window' on the 31st January'07. The transfer window slammed shut at midnight and reporters were stationed at various grounds to report on last hours movement. It was a slow night and the usual suspects resorted to their favourite fall back position, sticking the boot into Rangers. It was several minutes before the witching hour when Big Dick announced he had just received a hilarious transfer related e-mail and he would broadcast it, if his Producer deemed it appropriate. Over the next twenty minutes or so, he returned to the communication and told us he was still waiting for approval. Clearly, Richard Gordon was anxious to broadcast the details. A few moments later he asked for quiet and told of a last minute shock transaction : "Edinburgh Zoo have accepted the transfer of Rangers player, Filip Sebo, they plan to exhibit him". Big Dick, Chris McLaughlin, Kheredine Idessane, ....................... etc all laughed like drains. Dehumanisation of Rangers players and supporters was a big thing at Queen Margaret Drive back in the day. Only an Excuse had the portrayal of a gorilla replete in a Rangers scarf banging a drum in an orange parade, RAB Cosgrove often referred to Rino Gattuso as, "a monkey" or, "the wee chimp" so, why shouldn't Big Dick be denied his particular pleasure of depicting a Rangers player caged in a zoo? Depiction, a picture being worth a thousand words - the Sellik support had a banner at the time - the Darwinian seven stages of the ascent of man. The first two characters were apes on all fours, dragging their knuckles wearing Rangers jerseys. The last character walking upright on two feet was a blond haired, Billy McNeill. Complaints reference Richard Gordon's conduct poured in and, BBC Scotland launched an internal inquiry. It took almost a year and it was accepted the e-mail should NOT have been broadcast. Big Dick turned himself into the victim he said, "it was the worst year of his broadcasting career and he would not want to repeat it". Seventeen years later to the very day and, inclusive of Richard's thirty minute radio bio-pic where he began, "I was raised to absolutely hate Rangers", Richard Gordon remains employed at PQ. I hope this provides a window into the workings of the Gang Hut.

Specifically reference BBC Scotland's handling of the Celtic Boys Club investigation and compensation, the Assistant Editor and News Editor over the period has been Claire Kelly, daughter of former Celtic Chairman, Kevin Kelly. There are several claims from those involved that Claire Kelly has both suppressed and pulled interviews and items relating to the issue. The most recent one was a lengthy interview conducted with Pat Nevin. He was anxious to reposition himself after a glib contribution from a couple of decades past, where he admitted knowing what was going on but since he was the son of one of the senior coaches, he was left alone.

I suspect both Cormac and Burrows will have drawn up a list of the usual suspects. Alex Neil, Tony Docherty, Stephen Robinson, Jack Ross, Ian Murray, Craig Levein ................... and, Yogi Hughes. Neil Lennon would be quite delicious, Scott Brown as his assistant.

The Dandy Dons have parted company with Barry Robson and Steve Agnew. Who will be responsible for ensuring the Pittodrie players are well lubricated for those bacon bayonet wielding Bhoys this coming Saturday?

Serious point. During August'23, Celtic relented their 'Separate Entity' stance and proclaimed they were looking to settle out of court with the victims of child sex abuse whilst members of Celtic Boys Club. Negotiations between the abused representatives(Solicitors) and the club's reps(Solicitors) have been on going since September. I believe a six month limitation was set on the negotiations? Thus, an offer of compensation must be made by the end of March'24 or, the case goes to court. There is an American aspect to this and we know their culture is most litigious. I suspect either Craig or Bluedell could provide better insight? Monies will have to be set aside.

A Fire without a Chimney. Peter does NOT tolerate Sellik problems being vented. The weekend saw the kindling assembled being lit by both Sellik admin' staff allied with favoured Sellik-minded Journos. The flames grew and the Podcasters were articulating the thought that something was rotten within the state of Peter. Of course, the biggest Sellik vlogging site is the PQ Gang Hut and they were on the cusp of picking up the bellows. Peter acted to douse the the fire and stop the necessary supply of oxygen. Today, there is barely an ember glow. Sellik stories are dominated by tranfers our ie david Turnbull, James McCarthy and, Gustav Lagerbielke. The Daily Record's Michael Gannon is another trusted shill, he has a piece today setting out the way ahead. The rarified air no longer crackles. Stephen McGowan and Ewing Grahame will be pulled in later this week for interviews without coffees and chairs. The will be informed they must live ra Sellik reality, they will not be aloud to effect it. McGowan and Grahame opined the £70 million in the bank and, highlighted the wealth available to this season's title winners from the revamped, bigger Champions League. They identified the spectre of Clement and extrapolated, "Rangers will throw every penny at it" combined with McGowan's heartfelt plea, "Rangers will do everything to win this title by hook or by crook". Whatever does he mean? Chris McLaughlin and Peter Martin are not fanning the flames, they know the reality. They have appeared before Peter, dropped their breeks and, took their sans lubrication punishment. The reality at Sellik is a distinct dynamic, three seats of power. Dermot Desmond is the majority shareholder but is an absentee landlord. Peter dominates Scottish football from Sellik Park whereas, Brenda is confined to Lennoxtown. Is Mark Lawwell carrying stories from the training centre back to his Paw? The Sellik family might want to be told. As the smoke clears, the one certainty all Yahoos can absolutely rely upon is Sellik's next game is against Aberdeen. Three points from six goal margin victory is guaranteed. Perhaps PQ Gang Hutter, Big Dick will utilise his Aberdeen Press and Journal column to further soothe worried brows?

Kelloggs are launching a specific product to keep Rangers supporters regular : Cereal Dessers is presented in a red, white and, blue box with the Belgian guaranteeing you begin your day with a snap, crackle and, pop.

The rumour mill was being heavily cranked by Sellik admin' staff on Saturday evening. Brenda did his after match presser, complaining both bitterly and pointedly about the state of the pitch. Apparently, this was a dig at Peter who decided to cap funding on pitch maintenance. Brenda has participated in a running feud with Mark Lawwell since Peter's mini-me insisted upon signing Liverpool's Phillips on loan. Further, Mark and Peter fail failed to secure the services of Liverpool's Owen Beck. Brenda was pyoor ragin' and headed off on an errie tae Chamonix. Brenda does NOT ski. Desmond does ski and Brenda traveled to put his case. BBC Radio Scotland had Peter's favourite shill in the print media, Stephen McGowan on with RAB and Tam the Token. The boos continued to ring in Stephen's ears and he attempted to articulate supporters' concerns, "they're unhappy with nepotism inside the club". Whatever the truth, the PQ Gang Hut are attempting to get a handle on the narrative. The ongoing spat with Peter over Tom English's current banishment makes the Gang Hut most uneasy.

I was waiting for your review of Kneecap. I propose BBC Scotland produce a Quay Session featuring Kneecap with Martin Compston conducting the Green Brigade choir.

Long Term Calculation. During the first week of the New Year, I listened to the Open Goal podcast featuring Jonathan Watson(Only an Excuse) and Graeme Stevely(Grado from River City). Both related advice they received from their respective Agents when first attending BBC Scotland for auditions/work, they were told to deny their support for Rangers. In fact, both were told expressing a preference for ra Sellik would enhance their careers going forward. On arriving at BBC Scotland, they were further surprised by a number of Staffers who they knew attended Ibrox refusing to admit they did so. Only an Excuse was first broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland in 1987, it transferred to TV in 1993. There has been at least a forty year intent to marginalise, demonise and, dehumanise Rangers and Rangers supporters. It begins with the nameless unless, you read the end credits to identify the Producers, Directors and, Researchers. The Writers and Actors adhere to instruction. The QM(Queen Margaret) - PQ(Pacific Quay) Gang Huts know a plethora non-Sellik supporting Rangers haters are required as Useful Idiots. The likes of RAB Cosgrove, Jum Spence, Big Dick, James Cook .................... were anxious to be seen sticking the boot in, again and again because it is financially rewarding. The energy of the converted can also be harnessed, from Greg Hemphill to Sanjeev Kohli know the required rite of passage demanded. Currently, BBC Scotland are broadcasting, 'How the Scots and Irish Changed English Football' - a three part series being utilised to lionise the contributions made to English football by a specific section of society. Did you know the GAA(Gaelic Athletic Association) had made such a telling contribution? You may remember the GAA banned all members of the Security Forces in the UK from participating in GAA sports from 1897 until 2001 but, BBC Scotland failed to mention. Instead, we had long calculating contributions from : Martin O'Neill Neil Lennon Ardal O'Hanlon Patrick Kielty Niall Quinn RAB Cosgrove The rest of the series contributors are : Charlie Nicholas, John McGinn, John Aldridge, Keith Gillespie, Josh McGennis, Pat Nevin, Graeme Souness, Brian McClair, Jonny Evans, Chick Young, David Moyes and, Sanjeev Kohli. Heavily slanted I am sure you will agree, RAB Cosgrove does his usual snide thing by referring to Souness as, "a calculating assassin". As bad or worse than his comment on Richard Gough(see Frankie's post on the 20 jan above), "ah don't think Gough was against apartheid"? Separate development ie the Scottish Education Act 1918 allowing the separation of children at aged five years for the purpose of education. Educational apartheid has been running for two more years than the GAA's ban. The last named contributor, Sanjeev Kohli has a first class honours degree in Mathematics thus is fully qualified in calculation. His primary and secondary education was courtesy of St Aloysius College where he tells us he supported Rangers. He told Scotland on Sunday's supplement, Seven Days 25 years past he rejected Rangers in favour of ra Sellik because of the events surrounding Mark Walters debut at ra Piggery on the 2nd of January'88. Sanjeev was appalled at his fellow Rangers supporters standing beside him in the Rangers end, dressed in Gorilla suits throwing bananas at the debutant. Tell a lie, tell a BIG ONE. The only two folks who believed Sanjeev was in attendance that day were the Sports Editor, Kevin McKenna and Seven Days Editor, Charleen Sweeney. Sanjeev is interviewed at ra Stade de Gadd, in front of the European Cup replica where he tells us another fantasy, "I always had a soft spot for Nottingham Forrest". We endure a montage of MON(John McGovern, John O'Hare, Kenny Burns, ..... etc all ignored) then the voiceover contributes, "when the Irish and Scots were good, they were the best". As the best is uttered, we cut to the Lisbon Lions strolling on to the Portuguese turf. This picture and voiceover are repeated continuously. Sanjeev's calculations have been well rewarded and he is intent upon remaining useful. You thought his brother, Hardeep was the pernicious creep? The GAA is the recipient of the Gang Hut makeover. Last week, we suffered a GAA Social sponsored interview with Neil Lennon and the promotion of Irish rap band, 'Kneecap'. Jolly craicsters replete in republican balaclavas with names such as, 'DJ Provai' and, 'Mo Chrra'; performing in front of a flaming RUC vehicle backdrop. BBC informs the viewers Kneecap are not sectarian and are, "the epitome of wonderful Irish erudition". Sounded like another RAB contribution to me? Anyways, Kneecap sing, "Get them Brits Out" another appeal for separate development but only after they had secured £1.7 million in British Arts funding. Finally, we return to RAB Cosgrove and yesterday's two hour sigh, "ah've fell out of love wi Scottish football". He vented for a couple of minutes on St Johnstone being rank without uttering the words, 'Craig Levein'. It is akin to Humza's two minutes of Holocaust remembrance without saying the word, 'Jew'. It is a long term calculation.