Rousseau

"When I heard the learn’d astronomer; When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me; When I was shown the charts and the diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them; When I, sitting, heard the astronomer, where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room, How soon, unaccountable, I became tired and sick Till rising and gliding out, I wander’d off by myself, In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time, Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars." --Walt Whitman HAMPDEN -- It is easy to become lost in the many details of a season, lost in the nitty-gritty of churning out results, that we can forget what Rangers is all about: winning trophies. These last few years have been a journey, and in many ways the steps taken are unimportant and forgettable, for nothing matters except completing that journey. But in other ways the steps are important. When we look back we tend to forget the details, but, among the memories of particular goals, moments, players, it is the trophies claimed that give shape to our history. The Challenge cup may indeed be a trinket in comparison to many past accolades, but it is a another trophy to add to our glittering list, another chance to add to the history of Rangers. Our record in this competition has been nothing short of embarrassing, failing not once or twice, but thrice to lift this trophy. With resources many times that of our competitors, it is inconceivable -- even on our worst day -- that we have not been able to succeed in this quest. Our first campaign can (maybe) be forgiven for the youthfulness of the line-up: youngsters will always be at a disadvantage against men. But to then lose in the final against Raith, then to be humbled by Alloa in Semi-final (after leading 2-0) in successive years will always bring back painful, unacceptable memories. The Scottish Challenge Cup will never be the most prestigious of trophies, being comprised of lower league teams, but it has been a popular addition to the football calendar. Intended to run for only one season, the Challenge Cup was created in 1990 to mark the centenary of the formation of the Scottish Football League. However, due to its popularity the competition was renewed thereafter, and has since been expanded to include Highland and Lowland league sides. Giving smaller sides their only real opportunity to claim silverware, the later rounds generate relatively high attendances, with a full capacity crowd of 11,000 for the first final -- unsurprisingly this record was broken when Rangers fans attended the 2013/14 final. This record will be shattered again at 3pm on Sunday. Rangers' route to the final began in spectacular style, with a 2-6 thrashing of Hibs in Mark Warburton's first game as Manager -- a precursor for what was a blistering start to the season. Routine victories over Ayr United, Livingston and St Mirren, conceding no goals in the process, saw Rangers comfortably through to the final. Similarly, Peterhead have eased through to the final scoring 13 goals in 4 games. An unexpected 3-5 victory against Falkirk being one of their most impressive results. Rory McAllister scored 5 goals in that game and is the competitions top scorer with 7. The League One side are currently in the Play-offs and have a good chance of promotion, but being comfortably second to Dunfermline and unable to now win the league, they have been in poor form. In the last 6 games they have won only twice, losing twice. Despite possessing the leagues top goalscorer in McAllister, Peterhead have struggled to find the net of late, scoring only once in the last four games. Generally, Peterhead score quite a few goals, but also concede a lot too. Despite a rousing, albeit narrow, win against Dumbarton to finally clinch the Championship title, Rangers have been in indifferent, almost disappointing form. The last win came after only one win in three; goals have been free-flowing, but so have the goals conceded. The head-to-head record between the two sides is disappointing reading for Rangers fans. Our last meeting was a 3-0 win in August of this season. That comfortable victory was a long way from the previous meeting: a 1-2 home defeat in the Third Division in the 2012/13 season: McCulloch's early opener was eradicated by goals from Ross and -- that man again -- Rory McAllister. In fact, our first game in the Third Division was against Peterhead, which ended in a frustrating 2-2 draw. Two subsequent victories corrected that record somewhat. Even though our pride may remember, history forgets these games. Only the fact that we won that Third Division title -- and that we've just won the Championship title to regain our rightful place in the top flight once again -- is what matters. History only remembers the trophies. Peterhead line up with a 4-4-1-1, with McAllister being the focal point. The squad features former Rangers Goalkeeper Graeme Smith, who has been a mainstay in the side over the last few years. Also present are former Celtic youngster Simon Ferry (who thereafter played for Swindon and Portsmouth), former Inverness striker Shane Sutherland and former Dundee player Nicky Riley. These players have played at a higher level, most playing over 100 games for half-decent clubs in Scotland and England. It seems over the last few games the manager has been resting several regular first-team players -- possibly with Rangers in mind? They will be well-organised, with their core group of players looking to bring all their experience to bear. Long-term absences remain missing (Templeton and Waghorn), but otherwise there are no new injury worries for Rangers. The bench will likely see some youngsters, and it would be good to see some get experience of playing in a Cup Final. Some of the fringe players may get a run-out and we may see some players rested also, with next weeks game in mind. O'Halloran and King are cup-tied for next weeks Scottish Cup tie, so they may start on Sunday. I predict the following line-up: Foderingham Tavernier - Kiernan - Wilson - Wallace © Shiels - Halliday - Law O'Halloran - Miller - King An experienced Peterhead side will be well-organised and shrewd in everything they do; and Rory McAllister leading the line will always be a threat if we're not careful. It will be an opportunity to correct some of the bad results against 'The Blue Toon' over the last few years. It's possible Warburton may give some game time to youngsters and fringe players, while resting some of our key players for next week. Peterhead will be well rested and up for the game, but we are undoubtedly favourites. For many, the Challenge Cup represents just another step in the journey, a mere trinket. But perhaps, it's another opportunity to add another trophy to our glittering history. It may not be as prestigious as the Scottish Cup or Premiership title, but it is a trophy nonetheless. And what is the history of Rangers without trophies? Like Whitman's "learn'd astronomer", frustrated by his everyday routine, it's only when he takes a step back and gazes up at the stars that he remembers why he does what he does. When we look back in years to come, at the many gleaming accolades accumulated, both prestigious and not, we can look back "in perfect silence", and smile. It won't matter what it is, as long as it adorns our trophy room; it will be just another layer in the long, illustrious history of Rangers.

Outwith the veracity of his figures, I don't really disagree with what he is saying. Celtic do indeed have a much bigger budget, but I don't think it'll require us to match it per se. There is a gulf in class, but I don't think it's as big as he suggests -- although he is one manager who'd know. I think Hearts have reverted to a more simple game. They played some nice stuff last year, but have since gone back to a game that simply seeks to match opponents for energy, strength, desire etc. If we can add that without having to sacrifice our philosophy, then we'll do alright IMO. To be honest, I don't think we'll be competing with Celtic next year. I'd just like to see us get top 3, and to compete with Hearts and Aberdeen. Not what we want, of course, but I think that's a reasonable target for our first year back.

I'll do the Cup final. Might as well make it a hat-trick!

IBROX -- There was a collective sigh as the embattled ground saw the first shoots of spring and the warming rays of the sun. It was one of the worst winters on record, with blizzards battering the length of the United Kingdom, and the public were relieved to see the light at the end of the tunnel. On the 25th of April, 1891, Rangers welcomed Dumbarton to Ibrox Park for game 16 of the 18-game season. A crowd of 12,000 saw Rangers claim the points, winning 4-2 thanks to goals from McPherson, McCreadie, Hislop and Kerr. Finishing level on points, Rangers and Dumbarton would go on to draw a play-off decider 2-2, ensuring that the first Scottish Championship was shared. It would be the first of many league titles as Rangers would carve an illustrious history, laden with silverware. Meanwhile, The Sons -- derived from the phrase 'Sons of The Rock', a term used to describe those born in the town of Dumbarton, under the rock -- despite going on to win the second Scottish Championship the following year, never reached the same heights, and settled into a position of mediocrity outside the top flight. 54 league titles and 125 years later, Rangers and Dumbarton square-up again with another title at stake; this time 50,000 will watch Rangers go for the lesser prize of the Scottish Championship. It comes at the end of a particularly difficult period for Rangers as the club has fought to regain its rightful place at the top of Scottish football, after being demoted to the 4th tier. In the wider context of the history of Rangers, the Championship title is nothing special, but after four years of turmoil, both on and off the pitch, it represents another priceless step completed. In the narrower context of this season, the game comes at the beginning of a series of 'big' games, where the proverbial eyes could quite easily be taken off the ball. The game comes at the start of a grueling run of 4 games within two weeks, including a Petrofac Challenge Cup Final and an Old Firm game. A young and inexperienced 'Gers side has never dealt with a series of games of this import -- despite these games not being at the level that the fans are used to, it does represent a new challenge. The Sons have shown indifferent form over the past two months. An excellent victory against Hibs and a draw against Falkirk -- arguably two of the best sides in the league -- have been the only high points in series of games that has seen them lose 5 of their last 9, including a 6-0 mauling at the hands of Queen of the South. The results against Hibs and Falkirk suggest that have some ability when they get it right. Rangers' form has also been indifferent of late. Coming off a 15 game unbeaten run, Rangers have lost to Falkirk, narrowly beat Queen of the South and drew last weekend against Raith. The most worrying aspect is the 9 goals conceded in those 3 games. The only upside is that goals-scored remain abundant, with 9 goals scored in the last three. With the end in sight, Rangers seem to be stuttering and stumbling towards the title. The head-to-head has been the most one-sided of any match-up this season. In the three games played thus far, Rangers have won all three, scoring 12 goals. Invariably well organised, Dumbarton frustrated Rangers in the first game before eventually falling to two Waghorn goals, then goals at important times (just before and then just after the break) opened the floodgates in the next two meetings, paving the way for 4-0 and 0-6 victories. Dumbarton generally set up with a 4-4-2, but have experimented with a narrow 4-1-2-1-2 formation recently. A solid defence includes the experienced Frazer Wright (once of Kilmarnock and St. Johnstone) and former Motherwell and Scotland prospect Steven Saunders; the experienced Darren Barr strengthens the midfield. The powerful Christian Nade -- fresh from his Player Of The Month award -- and experienced Paul Heffernan lead the line; a somewhat immobile front two, but both can provide a serious threat at set-pieces. There are no new injury worries. Rangers, likewise, have no new injury worries (outwith the long-term absences of Bell, Templeton and Waghorn) and no after-effects from the recent international call-ups for the younger players. There will be no change in the formation, with the 4-3-3 used in every game this season. With almost every player available, I predict the same line-up as last weekend against Raith. The game is there to be won and the prize self-evident, so the defensive aspect of Ball's game is unnecessary. I predict the following line-up: Foderingham Tavernier - Kiernan - Wilson - Wallace © Holt - Halliday - Forrester O'Halloran - Miller - McKay Dumbarton are invariably well-organised and can provide a strong test for our offensive line, but with the prize of Premiership football next season it's important that we finish the job. A series of 'big' games in the space of a fortnight could easily be a dangerous distraction for our young and inexperienced side. Despite being in poor form, Dumbarton can pose a danger as their results against Falkirk and Hibs indicate. Silverware is the prize at the end of it; it's there waiting to be taken. It may not be the league title we want, but it is silverware. The history of Rangers is synonymous with silverware. More importantly, it represents another stage completed in our struggle to regain our place in the top flight; and one more step towards league title number 55. In the immortal words of Winston Churchill: "Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."

I've done the Dumbarton preview. I know not to post now, but when do we usually post it? On the day or the day before?

I agree, but it should be stopped before that.

Where do we stand with the points needed now?

I'm convinced it's the midfield, not the defence (although they play their part). Once they start punting balls into the box it's 50/50, so it's no wonder we start conceding. And, I'm still convinced we've been really unfortunate: 9 goals conceded in 3 games is abysmal, but how many were unfortunate?

Ah well, Tuesday is more fitting anyway.

We are piss poor at finishing games. We had sort of lost control of the game second-half. Raith weren't anything special, but we lacked that control. Again, we couldn't deal with the stupid punts into the box.

Eh, maybe not...

I'd like to see King come on for Miller, with O'Halloran moving central.

He does make sloppy mistakes now and again, but I think they're few and far between enough to make him worth that risk -- at the moment anyway: I may change my opinion if it continues!

It's certainly a worry, but every shot against us seems to be going in at the moment. You can't defend every shot. Like I said above, as much as complacency plays its part -- which it undoubtedly has -- those goals today were unfortunate. I felt the same way last week, despite the goals being more our fault. It's frustrating. Admittedly, the midfield is not shielding the defence well enough too.

As much as defensive complacency plays its part, those goals were seriously fortunate: a worldy snap-shot and a silly volley that deflects in? Fortunate. I don't think we're shielding the centre-backs enough though. It's been difficult to break them down, with their park-the-bus tactics, as we expected. And although we've created a few good chances, we've been a little slow. Miller has been poor, but the pitch is doing him no favours. We could do with Hardie!

Ha! Not bad for a team prediction, eh? Strong side, with more offensive ability. We need to score today, so Ball is a luxury; Halliday offers more offensively. I reckon it'll be a tricky game. Raith are always well organised and don't concede many goals. The players should know what's at stake, so it's up to them to go out and do the job.

Stark's Park -- A seemingly innocuous away trip to Fife could see us finally cross the line in our long struggle to regain our place in the Scottish top flight. Although we could cross the line today, we are dependent on Hibernian dropping more points -- not out of the question considering their recent form -- and need to make sure we do our jobs. A win is not as easy as it appears, as games against Raith have been very tight. Rovers have been on an excellent run of form, winning 7 of their last 9, including a 2-1 victory against Hibs. Their last defeat was against Rangers at Ibrox in a tight affair where goals from Forrester and Wallace gave us a narrow 2-0 win. Raith's form has seen them consolidate a play-off spot -- the other play-off hopefuls will not get an easy game against them. Rangers meanwhile have bounced back after a first defeat in 15 against Falkirk, winning a pulsating game against Queen of the South 4-3. The stuttering victory was only ensured after a superb period just after half-time where 3 goals were scored in quick succession. Three goals conceded suggest the defensive frailties have re-appeared after it seemed we were starting to tighten up at the back. Meetings between the two sides this season have been tight. Despite Raith being the only championship side yet to score against us this term, Rangers have only scored 1 or 2 goals against them -- omitting the 5-0 thrashing early on in September. Raith play a solid 4-4-2, with young, disciplined players throughout the side. On loan Ranger Ryan Hardie (who has raced to being Rovers' 4th top scorer this season dispite playing only a handful of games) is ineligible. But on-loan Leicester forward Harry Panayiotou returns to the squad following international duty for St Nevis and Kitts. Forward Ryan McCord is always lively and will be dangerous on the counter. Likewise Rangers will have Barrie McKay and Billy King available for selection again after international duty for the U-21's. Long-term absentees Templeton, Bell and Waghorn remain sidelined, but Zelalem seems to have recovered from his illness and will likely take his place on the bench. The return of the youngsters, again from international duty, will see them bolster the bench. I suspect McKay will return to the first-team, with Forrester reverting to a midfield position alongside Holt and Halliday, with Ball returning to the bench. I predict a line-up of: Foderingham Tavernier - Kiernan - Wilson - Wallace © Holt - Halliday - Forrester O'Halloran - Miller - McKay Going by recent form and previous meetings, a tight game is on the cards. Our defensive frailties suggest we could quite easily concede today, but with the title within our grasp I suspect we should see a strong offensive performance. Score early and we could see a scoreline similar to the early 5-0 game, but if Raith keep us at bay for the first half-hour or so, then we could be in for a long afternoon. Again, patience and craft in the final third is key.

No bother, I'll put something together -- I've got a bit on time on my hands.

I can cobble one together for today if needed?

Sorry guys, I've not really done many of these. I'll do the Dumbarton game if it's free?

I still think Little was better than his achievements/performances with us suggest. Ironically, he suits Warburton's game more IMO. I would have liked to have seen him stay around.

You can see the beginnings of this philosophy being implemented at Rangers. The real test will be what happens when Warburton leaves. I'd like to think what he's started will be continued, giving us a glimpse of La Masia at Murray park. Interesting that the Barca fans were crying out for balls lumped into the box at the beginning! Clearly, it's worked well for them, but the change in 'culture' on the terraces will take time. There is no doubt it's the right way. We just need to be patient. Good read.

No discussion needed. Superb.

I saw the third goal again (from Queens) and although Wilson did indeed turn his back on the shot, he was too far away to do anything about it; it was Halliday (throwing himself at nothing) and the other midfielder failing to close the space that was to blame IMO. If the midfield stay on their feet and close the space, the goal doesn't happen. The second we conceded was just mentally switching off -- even then it was lucky to find the net.

I think it was a bit of both. Omitting the penalty (Wallace slipped IMO), the second was switching off mentally and the third was dropping too deep and not closing down the man. We need to do better. It's not the whole game too; just when certain players go off. It doesn't excuse it though.