RabiDuck

Got to say, I tend to avoid the politics of fan groups. I'm a Rangers fan end of story and don't need to be part of a membership for that to be the case, this being the case I'm not overly aware of the issues with the RST (nor do I particularly want to so it's not an invitation for people to inform me of them, that's probably the last thing this discussion needs!). It does strike me, however, that the solution to the above situation is that an investment to Supporters Direct could perhaps carry a non-voting membership of the RST, meaning that investment can be made without the added expense of a membership fee (and if wished, no further involvement with the RST other than an administrative purpose), but that this doesn't have to impact on the organisation or running of the RST.

I'm starting to think the same. I was very wary at first, and when the Smith group came in I was thrilled at the thought they might get him out, Rangers run by Ranger's men. But since then, his defence of the club has been admirable, he seems to be doing the business in the right way. Ranger's men got us in this mess (and I'm not saying Smith would be as bad as Murray) but the club run by a business man is what we need right now, and Green appears to be doing agood job. At first I was worried that he was in it to make money out of the club, now I think about it, that's what we need from the top, someone here to make money because they only do that if the club is run properly and profitably (or they're Craig Whyte, but I have the feeling we're not going down that route again.) Others are still mistrusting and I understand why, there are still questions to answer, but I for one am currentyl giving Green the benefit of the doubt!

A fair point, and I must admit I hadn't considered it in those terms, you are quite correct.

Lazy journalism yes, but in some case it's a way to hark back to better times and look for a link to the past. "we were a great side when we had XYZ in the team. ABC is the new XYZ" kinda thing...

Thats a very good point! Wasn't putting the piece down at all, and I think (although slightly biased) that the loyalty and determination of the fans and some of the players is a great example of how sport can be a positive force, so in that view I agree with a lot of the original story!

A lovely story, but a touch of hypocrisy in the comments regarding the unfairness of funding givent he OF position in Scotland potentially!

If I was on their kind of money, I'd have had any mortgage paid off pretty quickly, but then I guess that's just me! even 5k/wk is still quarter mill a year!

Bah, I was close!

The only issue with the idea of such a wage system is that people do tend to live to their incomes so such a drastic cut would potentially have an impact on lifestyle in a heavy way. Though I can't begin to imagine how I'd spend 5k a week!

I'd be hoping he'd prove himself while out on loan. The salary would be an issue it has to be said, but if (as was mentioned previously) his contract is coming to end, it could be renegotiated with decent promotion increases etc, see if he really wants to stay with us or not. I'd like to see something along the lines of 5k/wk div 2, 10k on promotion and back to 15k on promotion again, but doubt he'd take that!

I see where you're coming from, and agree that his performance so far this season has been grossly unprofessional in a number of ways. If you're feeling generous you could say it's a lack of preseason, if you're being malicious you could put it down as trying to manipulate his way out of the club (which he seems to have achieved). But if he were to come back next season, put in performances for us of a decent standard in div2, I'd take him. Least of all he'd be a 'new signing' while still under the transfer embargo...

With regards Goian, it's surely not beyond the realms of possibility he'll be back with us next season. He quite rightly thinks that SD3 is bad for his international chances, so a loan move abroad might help that and then return next season, or even repeat the deal? How would people feel about that. I know he's had a shocker so far this season and he's not been interested as well as completely underestimating the standard (didn't think I'd be saying that!) but when we get back up into higher divisions would he be able to come back and do a job for us?

Spotted this little piece ont he BBC Gossip thread. Anyone heard any more on it? "The Scottish Premier League has ordered Rangers to remove all archive footage of their top-flight matches from their website because the club does not own the copyright to he highlights. (The Scottish Daily Express)" How petty can they get, they obviously really dislike us! Surely they can't prevent us using images of our own team?

The bit I find rather interesting is that they keep refering to the money we owe Rapid Vienna for Jelavic, however today is the first I've heard that the payment on that isn't due until October. Now I have a mortgage on my house, this obviously is a debt that I have, however as my payments are up to date on it there is no issue with that debt. Is it only Rangers that this idea does not apply to? I also love the inconsistant reporting from the BBC on the Dundee issue, they go from the statement on Monday that the SPL have the money and the fracas about them not wanting to play the clearing house role, to this ridiculous story today and not even a mention of the SPL involvement. They just get worse and worse every day!

I was hopeful of a possible 100% record this season, certainly in the league and had been tempted to quiz a few bookies about odds on that. Glad I didn't after first game! Attendance records should be nicely broken, and a few more along the way but not sure it's going to be a walkover as many believe. Remember every game this season is a cup final for our opponents, it's going to be tough keeping a high level of performance and interest from the squad. Certain players (Goian particularly) didn't look at all interested in being on the pitch last weekend and that worries me!

BBC reported earlier that "Furthermore, the club was given a written commitment from the SPL [scottish Premier League] in May that it would settle an outstanding debt to Dundee Utd." so assuming we have that in writing, the debt to Dundee Utd has been paid by us and is simply being held up by the SPL. What a surprise there!

Got to consider that end of season matches, after we've already (hopefully) secured the league championship would be a chance to experiment with new ideas, young players and may result in some defeats also. Such experimentation when already safe certainly shouldn't be held against him!

Knocked out over two legs by York City. 3-0 to York at Old Trafford playing very much a third string side really. Brought the first team to Bootham Crescent and won 3-1, out 4-3 on agg. Great day!

Got to admit. Initially I had my doubts, the situation early on with Ally, the promised 30 or so investors which ended up as 4, the big name that was going to shock the football world. so many early promises didn't materialize. I was disappointed that the Smith fronted bid didn't succeed and was really concerned about Green and the situation we were in. However, seeing the team go out and perform, winning two games with no warm up and getting the season underway. The signings coming in and the rhetoric coming from the top, I've revised my opinion substantially. I'll still keep a wary eye open, but as things stand, I'm won over and my doubts are swiftly lifting! Good to see someone prepared to fight for the club, and the Regan situation at Brechin was fantastic!

Anyone know if the game is shown anywhere tonight? Be amazing to see first home game of the season!

On a Friday? about 12 non I think, although the last hour is down the pub...

90 minute license? Given the typical game has 1-2mins stoppages in first half, about 4 in second half, that gives Brechin 5 minutes of unopposed play? Surely that's a little harsh as a sanction!

Except, even with 25mill in the bank, would that really be enough to keep the club running for a year without any tangible revenue from tickets etc?

Just thinking that myself. Spookily quiet on all fronts today...

I just worry that both sides are so firmly entrenched that we may get to Saturday evening with no one willing to back down, and no get out to allow the game on Sunday go ahead. As a hypothetical situation, what would happen if we're not granted the license does anyone know? I assume it would be too short notice to promote Spartans or anyone... so one division will be playing a team light, as promotions have not been completed pending the license award, would the SPL play a league of 11 for a season, no relegation and then an opening in SD3 next season? Crazy thoughts!