BrahimHemdani

Pete, if you don't have anyone else I could try to rustle something up tonight, it's a while since I did one and I could lead into the dinner. I have a kernel of an idea but not much time to develop it. Most likely it would be the middle of the night before I could post it.

Rangers 2 Hearts 1 FGS TB's favourite Kenny Miller!

There is no question that the players did not follow the tactics he laid down in the first game v Celtic and there is equally no question that his tactics in the second game were wrong. Understandable that he wanted to go for a win at home; but wrong because the players we have right now aren't capable of challenging Celtic at least not in an attacking contest. There was a contradiction between his comments and those of Wallace re the leaks; but I am in little doubt that his word will be law and those who don't tow the line will train with the boys or at 6.00am. However, we have seen him change tactics twice against PT, for example, and that tells me he is learning more about the capabilities of this group and the opponents. I am looking forward to seeing who he can bring in and how he re-shapes the squad and tactics accordingly. If he can bring players of the quality of Bruno Alves then that can't be bad. (The issue of how to persuade in contract players to leave is not his responsibility.) I am confident that we will have a much better squad and be more consistent next season than this; at the same time I don't think we'll challenge Celtic for the title. However, if we can finish second and close the gap I'd count that as a success. Of course there is a risk that he will be prove to be a costly failure a la PLG & MW (second season); but that risk is always present in football. In any event it's way too early to judge the man trying to shape a team with the dross he's been left by MW.

A request again for everyone who is going to please post here whether you are meeting at the JG or going direct, thanks.

Thank you for your kind thoughts TB. According to the Official Records of the Official Gersnet Dinners, after attending the first two, this will be three in a row you have missed. Time you were making a reappearance. We will be glad to accept a donation to the kitty in your absence and that goes for all other absentees as well :cheers:

That's a very fair point.

Don't know anything about him but shows again how tough it is for anyone to break through unless they are really special.

OK guys. I have confirmed the final numbers as 11, so no late call offs and no refunds from here on. I have also arranged that there will be a bottle of the Merlot opened on the table for the sophisticates amongst the party and the beer drinkers may have whatever they chose for "the first drink free". The only draft beer they have is . However, you can also chose from bottles of Budweiser, Stella and possibly Miller The soft drinks are also included. Budweiser, Stella and possibly Miller bottles will be available thereafter for £3.50, normal price £4.00. House wine is £16.95 (still negotiating on that), Pints of Moretti are £5.20 and other drinks are all per the menu prices. I think this also makes it easy for us wine drinkers to buy bottles and settle separately from the drinkers. Can all those meeting at the JG please indicate here. Anyone going direct don't start without us. First drinks are 2.30pm-3.00pm. Lunch is timed for 3.00pm.

I guess that beats the one about the secretary who told the typewriter engineer that she couldn't understand how her machine always typed 89

Senderos played 114 games for Arsenal somewhat more than a "handful of times" in anyone's language (not to mention Milan and Valencia) and has 57 caps for Switzerland who are generally rated higher than Scotland. I would have had in the team ahead of Kiernan any day of the week. Kiernan has played the sum total of zero games in the EPL, zero games for his country and as many in League 1 and 2 [42] as in the English Championship [41] It didn't work out for Senderos with us. He had a bad start at Parkhead but I don't think it was entirely his fault that he was on the bench or not in the squad for almost the entire season and I see no reason to slag him off.

Is that a German type of airplane?

A reminder that I'll be giving final numbers to the restaurant tomorrow noon.

Europa League: Second qualifying round, second leg is on 20 July. The Third Qualifying Round draw is on the 14th of July. dB has the dates round the wrong way.

Care to elaborate?

I don't think he's that great, if we can get Bruno Alves alongside Wilson, I'd be fine with that.

Please see my post #134 http://www.gersnetonline.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?85269-Partick-Thistle-1-2-Rangers&p=681938#post681938

Whatever the background, Advocaat has all the experience necessary to do the job.

I think I may have related this here before but I met him when he was GM at Partick Thistle and I was refereeing the Reserve League. He phoned me to apologise the day after the night I was inadvertently locked in Firhill after refereeing PT v Dundee and said he hoped it wouldn't influence me in the Saturday match I was due to take again at Firhill vs Celtic. Full story at the dinner for those who might be interested. A true gentleman indeed.

I would add Wilson but that apart completely agree with your assessment (see my Pedro's Choices thread) and would be surprised if PC thought any different.

We were indeed dreadful for most of this match, Thistle passed us off the park and made us look a very ordinary team. But it's a fact that ARE a very ordinary team right now, lacking in quality in all positions. Mackay has it but 10 minutes isn't enough to earn a wage.

Wallace is no leader that's for sure but neither was McCulloch. Hill has been the defensive leader whenever he has played and Miller overall. Miller should be the captain IMO.

What evidence do you have to support your contention that the players disagree with the manager's approach?

I didn't notice your post before posting myself in praise of Miller. The run back was just in front of me and to be fair he wasn't able to join the ensuing attack but who would? Thistle were excellent in the first half and as you say won the 80 minutes comfortably 1-0.

Watching the video only serves to prove the impression on the day of the immense performance of Kenny Miller, who like a fine wine just seems to get better with age. Starting in CMF and ending wide right, in the closing minutes he ran all the way back to cover at RB; then somehow found the energy and no little skill in the fourth minute of injury time, to beat three men in a run that would have made Willie Henderson proud and put in an inch perfect cross for Garner to nod home. For someone who seemed destined to be a bit part player, two years ago, he has made himself an indispensable starter and 90 minute player week in week out. What a fine example he is to all around him. Player of the season by a long way.

He's a very indifferent footballer as well.