Davie P

Not sure if anyone has watched it on RTV, but here is my observations: 1. Rangers dominated the game, but didn't take their chances (primarily Waghorn, who's finishing was/is abysmal). Looked like a 4 2 3 1 formation with a high press. Good energy from the players considering this is their second kick around and hopefully we get it altogether by the time of the first leg. 2. Wes made a good save from a free kick, but didn't have much to do for the rest of the time. 3. Tav, good going forward, not under any real pressure. 4. McCrorie, good young player, think he will probably go out on loan again this season. 5. Cardosa - Bossed the game, strong in the tackle and has a good outlet ball. 6. Wallace - had some good moments but probably still attempting to get his match fitness back 7. Jack - Didn't waste a pass, think that this may be one of our best bits of business in this transfer window. 8. Holt - Played alongside Jack, and was his normal busy self. Can't recall any moments of brilliance, but equally can't remember too many mistakes! 9. Miller - Full of energy, but just adds nothing to the team out wide. 10. Kranjcar - less eye catching than against Coleraine, but still some moments of sublime skill. Just not sure that the fitness is going to be fully recoverable. Obviously very harsh observation after only 2 bounce matches and hope I am wrong. 11. Dalcio - Flattered to deceive, but decent overall and with moments of good skill, but seem to recall him giving the ball away fairly often. 12. Waghorn - Would rather play Miller down the middle, and may do so once Candeias (spelling?) comes into the team. I think Waghorn is for the off when Herrera arrives, just can't see how he would make that team. Won't list all of the subs, but thought Rossiter and McKay (in particular) did quite well when they came on. McKay was looking for the ball and can provide the creativity that this team requires if we don't have a Kranjcar. My guess is that Rossiter will play with Jack as one of the two holding midfielders once the serious stuff starts. I wouldn't read too much into a bounce match and have to consider the level of the opposition, but the team appears to be gelling and understanding Pedro's instructions. Will be interesting to see where Pena and Dorrans fit into the picture, if or when they arrive.

Just makes his signing all the more baffling. I could not imagine a player less suited to 4-3-3 than Garner, and yet that was Warburton's only system that he would consider. I could see Garner doing a job for a Mick McCarthy long ball 4-4-2 team but I have never seen a player more bewildered in how to play the lone striker role. Very strange...

Well, so much for the rumour surrounding Sports Direct being the kit sponsor in return for Rangers getting a bigger share of the profits! Still hope we can sort something out, we have a generation of supporters who are missing out on that special feeling of putting on the replica kits.

Coincidentally, I was listening to the Big Interview podcast last night. Graham Hunter was chatting to Bennie McCarthy, who mentioned that in his Porto playing days, Mourinho used to routinely send Carvahlo home from training as he was frequently dopey and just unable to get his mind around the training routines. However, Carvalho would be the first name on the team sheet every week, and was always a 7 (or above) out of 10. Whereas Bennie was disliked by the Celta Vigo coach Fernandes, but put every effort into training despite knowing that he was not going to be played in the La Liga matches. Mourinho spotted McCarthy at an open Celta training session and came back for 5 consecutive days, liked Bennie's attitude and brought him across to Porto on loan at 25% of his Celta wages. Forrester could take a leaf out of McCarthy's book, and put the effort in, either with the intention of changing Pedro's mind, or perhaps been scouted by another club. If he is seen to be a poor trainer with a bad attitude and out on the piss every night, he is definitely not doing himself any favours, with Pedro or future employees!

I agree with much of what you have said, but from memory, I think that McKay provided the most 'chances created' over the course of the season. Unfortunately, his assists are always going to be low, when you have Garner and Waghorn as strike partners, neither of whom could be defined as regular goal scorers. I think there is a real player in McKay and hope that we don't lose him now, only to see him become the finished article at another club. With better players around him, we could just yet see him fulfil his potential.

Straight out on loan again this coming season, I would imagine.

Before we have a go at the jury, look at the amateur manner in which the 'investigation' was carried out. There was never any danger of Whyte being found guilty, amateur investigations (search warrant at Duff and Phelps) and the court case being to big for the prosecutor appointed. Absolutely disgusted. If the 'common sense' approach (per the HMRC appeal) was applied, Whyte would be locked up now. We have had 5 years of being trod on by all and sundry due to the actions of Whyte (and make no mistake, the asset strip was the plan from day 1), and we get a joke of a prosecution. For the first time in ages we have had a really good vibe surrounding the club, and this has just deflated that mood for me.

Is this a genuinely well connected ITK website or just gossip retailers? Reason for saying that is that they announced Dalcio and Cardosa as done deals yesterday. I will read anything Rangers related outside of the MSM, but would be interested if they really do have some inside scope.

Was AJ an executive or non-executive Chairman. if the latter, would he even have had the authority to agree the Bain/McCoist deals, without Murray's nod and a wink?

Has there been any improvements made for the disabled supporters yet?

Are Laura and Joanne doing everything? Seems like nothing happened during their absence. What were the remaining board members doing during this period?

That's the question isn't it. What is Traynor's mandate, because it sure as hell is not defend the club or the support! When was his last release - the aftermath of the cup final?

Aye, probably a wee bit harsh on them, and perhaps comparing them to titans of our past teams. I am just not sure that they are going to kick on and take us to the next level, but this will not be the first time that I hope to be proven wrong!

After the SC 2016 semi-final, we all entered the season believing that there was very little gap (if any) between the Championship and the Premier League. Even after losing the final to Hibs (another Championship team) we blamed that on the delay between the season ending and the cup final. (OK, we also blamed the defence as well!) However, I think that the majority of fans expected that we would have a decent season and if not win the league, at least put up a strong showing. Sadly from our very first match against Hamilton, it was clear that we had underestimated the opposition and overestimated the abilities of MW, DW and the BITB to acquire quality players. As has been said above, we don't know the extent of the allocations allowed by King and Co, but when you are shopping in the bottom rung of English football for the core of your team, that is the type of performances that can be expected. Foderingham - B. I liken him to a typical African goalkeeper, making expansive showy saves, but often caught out from distance. However, I do think that over the season, he was one of the better players. (Sell if we can get a decent offer). Tavernier - D. Expected much more from him. He was being rated as a 2m pound player in the Championship, but probably needs to play as a wingback in order to provide the same threat going forward without leaving the defence exposed. His final ball generally was awful, but we did score a few from his crosses, so perhaps a work in progress. (Not certain as to whether we stick or twist?) Kiernan - F. Absolute and total dud. His incriminating photos of MW are no longer of any use, now that we are under new management! Perhaps Forest will come calling... (Get rid) Danny Wilson - D. Really rated this boy when he came onto the scene and played next to DW, however, I think that early move to Liverpool set him back a few years. He does have a decent passing range and in a back three may be less exposed for his lack of physicality. (Keep, but will need to up his game substantially to get a place amongst the first team) Hill - B. I was massively underwhelmed when we signed him, as I felt that he was finished at QPR, however, he was a pleasant surprise and improved as the season went on. I did vote for him as our player of the year, which to be fair was around the time of his goal against Celtic, so perhaps the rose coloured glasses came to the fore, but generally, he never let us down. Sendoros - F. I think this was the signing that probably signed MW's death warrant with King. If he was being paid 1k per week, he was still robbing us blind. Again, you would question why the BITB would possibly recommend him when he was finished at Arsenal (probably 5 years before joining us) and was living on his reputation. You would have thought that the BITB would be aware of that, but perhaps there was an agency that needed supporting? Bates - C. He did surprise me with his performances as his matches at u20 had been slightly underwhelming to say the least. Whole hearted, good in the air, and would expect that he will remain in the squad for next season. Aidan Wilson - B. Performed well in both of his matches and would expect that he will be in or around next seasons squad. Looks solid. Still only 18, so good future ahead of him. Wallace - D. I really had high hopes for Wallace and thought that he was Scotland's best left back whilst in the Championship. However, again, a real disappointment. The partnership with McKay just didn't work this season and perhaps he had been feeling the injury for a while. I am and always will be grateful for those players that stuck with us throughout the journey, however, at some stage, we will need to look at strengthening throughout. LB is probably not as urgent need for an upgrade as some other positions. Hopefully, following surgery, he is playing pain free and can get back to his best form. Keep Beerman - C. Love the youngsters coming through and I thought at times Beerman did well. However he looks like a re-cycled winger who is being forced into a LB position as an emergency. As an 18 year old, he can only grow further into the role, carries an attacking threat (see winger comment) but at times was a bit naïve in his defending. Safety first! Holt - C. Had his moments and was probably better as a defensive midfielder doing his best Kante impression. I cant recall Holt scoring and or creating too much over the course of the season and probably a squad player for next season due to his versatility. Keep Halliday - E. Like everyone, we always want the home town boy to do well and live the dream on behalf of all of us. He did well in the Championship as a re-treaded defensive midfielder but the Premier seems a step too far. Was caught in possession in every match that I can recall, was too slow to get back into the DM position when we lost possession and it cost us dearly. I hope that he joins a decent club and maybe goes back into a left sided position, but just cannot play the role expected of him at higher levels. (Sell) Windass - D. Not sure if his preference is for modelling or playing football, but did not seem that interested when ever he was fit. Certainly not the future star that MW had spoken about when we signed him from AS. When a player gestures at the crowd (and it must be difficult when your own support is having a moan) it becomes very difficult to win us back. Only way to do that is with performances and to paraphrase Pedro, he has moments in a match when he is an 8, other times he is lucky to get a 3! Just no consistency at this level. I would probably keep, but warn him about his attitude. Keep Barton - F. Was never fit, having spent the entire pre-season commenting. I thought that it was disrespectful to the club and to the league that he would expect to arrive without training and be the best player in Scotland. Poor management from MW in firstly signing him on that basis and then not having the balls to address the issues that Barton raised after the first Celtic hammering. Kranjcar - D. Was never really fit and had always been playing catch-up. Proven at the highest level, but I would be surprised if he ever fully gets over the ACL injury. Would give him a further season but possibly playing from the bench. Keep. Barjonas - B. His few sub performances had the supporters enjoying his skills and certainly showed against St Johnstone that the idea of placing a round peg in a round hole can work. Would definitely expect to see him playing more often next season. Keep Crooks - E. Injured, then horrible debut vs Hearts, then loaned out and got injured again. One for the future, don't think so, would definitely be behind Barjonas in the pecking order. Sell. Toral - E. Another major disappointment but didn't seem to enjoy the physical aspect to football in Scotland. Who knew? Perhaps would have been better as a 10, but cannot play as a 6 or an 8 and be the box to box player. Certainly didn't show the player that has been through the Barca and Arsenal youth set-ups. Hyndman - B. Could play at the highest level and probably has the game to suit the EPL. I thought he did very well although it tapered off towards the end. Best of luck to him at Bournemouth. Forrester - D. Another how enjoys the lifestyle of a top pro before he has achieved anything on the pitch. All downhill after not squaring the ball to Dodoo for the tap-in. I think he will be gone and will end up in the English third or 4th tier. Waghorn - D. Jury is out on him. As has been said before, he looks like a Rugby League convert, but rarely used his physicality to his benefit. Was too easily shown the outside onto his right foot and although we actually scored from this v St Johnstone, he just does not appear able to play the inverted winger role with any confidence. Sell O'Halloran - F. To think that we spent money on this man. Another who was just not fit for purpose and given that his only real attribute is pace, the ball retention strategy (otherwise known as Plan A) was never going to allow MW to bring him into the team. Will definitely be off in the summer. Garner - E. Cool song bro. Oh, was there some football played as well? Another invisible man shoehorned into MW's team and was never going to be able to make his mark as the solo striker with inverted wingers. As Pedro says, play to his strengths and we should be able to see more goals from him. Just not sure that he is a natural goal scorer and I think that he would need to play in a 4 4 2, with someone getting onto the end of his flick on's. I do expect to see him up front next year, but would not be heartbroken if he went back to a Preston or such like. Miller - B. Was disappointed that he signed a further extension before the start of the season and even then expected that he would be a bit-part player. Unfortunately, the team was that poor that Miller was a stand-out. I have always admired his hard work off the ball and cringed with his technique, but fair play to him, without his goals and leadership, we would be closer to Hearts than to Aberdeen. McKay - D. I remember this boy making his debut in a friendly against Linfield (I think) and he scored a screamer from the edge of the box. I thought that at that time we had a real player on our hands and that he had been badly managed by McCoist. In MW first season, he was a revelation and the partnership with Wallace was superb. It just hasn't clicked this season. He has wonderful touch and the ability to glide past players, but inconsistency in his performances makes one wonder if it is time for him to be sold and the proceeds put back into the team. Personally, I would rather that we kept him (provided he signs a new contract) and perhaps move him to a number 10 position. Dodoo - D. I actually saw his Leicester debut and he looked a real quality player. He is probably young enough to improve substantially on his first season, so would keep but there was a reason that Leicester didn't extend his contract with them. Management - F MW and DW have either been lead by the nose by the BITB, or there is genuinely some backhanders going on. To have signed MoH and Garner and then maintain the same style of play was suicidal. We don't have 2,3m to splurge on Plan B which he never implemented. I agree that the ball retention is an attractive style of football but there has to be an end product and MW just didn't seem to be able to grasp this. The manner in which they departed did no-one any favours and it looked like amateur hour at the club. Pedro To say that his changes and formations have been 'interesting' would be a massive understatement. I can only hope and trust that he has been tinkering with the players and formations to see who is able to fit into next seasons master plan. I'll reserve judgement just yet given that it is not his players, but I had hoped for a much better response when he came into the club. Board D I do think that they have achieved their first objective which was financial stability. They backed MW with the money for Garner and MoH (which was pissed against the wall) as well as the signing on fees and salaries for the Barton's, Hill's, Kranjcar and Senderos type signings. They have put their money into the club by way of soft loans but I just feel that the attempt to pass Resolution 11 (If IRC) was half hearted. MW/DW/TBITB departures was handled very poorly (from the outside looking in, there is always more than meets the eye) and the communication with the fans over the DoF was ridiculous. I had hoped for more progress iro the Sports Direct issue, although I accept that this may only be resolved legally. In spite of all of the above, I thank God every day that I support Rangers and WATP!

I think the intention is to have more working groups per specific projects, presumably under the control of a responsible Director.

Aye, I thought he looked like a proper midfielder, but that should be taken in the context of his teammates in the middle of the park. Windass & Toral were abysmal, and Kenny Miller was doing the normal 100% effort but very little quality or end-product. But credit where it is due, Beerman was good going forward, Bates and Wilson were left massively exposed by the lack of a defensive midfielder but won their tackles and headers, so all is not lost!

1. We got the Joey Garner song to No1 at Xmas. 2. Clint Hill scored against them. 3. It's nearly over! Any more positives?

Will you stand for nomination again D'Art?

How can the current board vote, is there even a quorum? I agree with BH, let all directors resign and hold fresh elections. Unfortunately and depressingly, Rangers fans will always agree to disagree and anyone willing to step out of the trenches is going to get shot down. We seem unable to fully support one of our own, irrespective of the level of effort that they bring to the position. I believe that we need to have a figurehead as the Chairperson, perhaps an ex-player or manager (Walter?). The troops needs to be rallied, not divided further and the man in the street supporter will not do that for C1872.

It is quite clear (and was pointed out on this forum, as well as others as early as January 2016) that we did not have a strong spine throughout our team. The Centre backs were suspect defensively, the full backs were great going forward but were defensively inept, our holding midfielder was a square peg in a round hole and our top goal scorer was a left footer playing on the right wing. Pedro has been left with an entire team of squad players i.e. you could replace any player with anyone sitting on the bench and it would neither weaken or strengthen the team substantially. I am still struggling to work out Pedro's preferred tactics as this seems to vary i.e. high press - no press; long ball - playing out from the back and through the midfield; 1 striker - 4 strikers in a 4-2-4 etc. so difficult to say how the rumoured signings will fit into any coherent system. However, what I am encouraged by is that the rumours would appear to be players that would add quality throughout the spine. (All rumours other than Wes & Garner) GK - Wes CB - Alves HM - Dorrans/Jack AM - Naismith (I know but take away the emotion for a minute) CF - Garner Now if you start to build around this, you can see the importance of a strong spine GK - Wes DF - Tav: Alves: Wilson: Wallace Holding - Jack: Rossiter (if fit) Attacking MF - Dorrans: Naismith: McKay CF - Garner You then have Miller, Hodson, Bates, Beerman, Kranjcar, Dodoo, Holt etc. Just the signing of 4 strong players would make a massive difference. Over a period of time, you could then look to strengthen in the other areas, but it probably wouldn't be the crisis that we currently face where basically every player (perhaps bar Wes and Barrie) could be replaced. Tav and Wallace would provide the width and Jack would drop back into the 3rd CB role when they maraud forward (ala Dier at Spurs). From Pedro's comments it does appear that Garner has a future and the team has to play to his strengths to get the best out of him, whereas under MW formation and structure, it was impossible to see any value that he brought to the team, particularly with that price tag. We would probably need another CB (surprised by Clint Hill decision) and possibly another Holding midfielder - (Will Rossiter ever be fully fit?) I'll wait and see how the signings transpire, but I will be quietly optimistic for a much better season if we get them over the line.

I think that's incredibly harsh. MW was never going to play anyone outside of his favourites, which means that these boys only really had the matches under Murty and PC to try to force their way in. Players develop at different ages and those released may not be good enough right now, but may become decent players in time to come. The one I am surprised about is Max Ashmore, who I heard was closer to first team selection than Jamie Barjonas, who played last weekend. I appreciate that Murty has had them for a season at u20 and is able to evaluate them and come to this decision, but to suggest that they are atrocious is entirely wrong.

He certainly didn't stand out in our matches against Motherwell. Would be as well persevering with Bates, who seems to be a similar type player. I would be surprised if this is genuine interest. More likely, an agent knowing that Rangers are looking at Centre Backs, and talking up his client.

More likely to be Walker from Hearts, if a swap deal is possible.

That Ajax team has some smashing players Pete. Watched them demolish Lyon in the first leg of the Europa Cup SF (average age was 21 if I recall correctly), so imagine if Advocaat can bring through one or two of those into the Dutch national team. Probably too late for current WC qualification, but could leave a legacy of youthful exuberance for the next manager and the Euro's in 2020. He has previous with promoting Fergie and making him captain, so not scared to throw youth into the equation.