CammyF

It is also worth noting that last season, we received over �£20M for our CL and UEFA Cup run and the same amount in transfer money, yet still posted more debt. So, even given the best run in Europe for over 35 years, generating more money than we ever have in Europe, we still continue to LOSE money hand over fist. That kind of flies in the face of SDM's mantra that as long as we get into Europe, we are OK. I hope I am not the only one seriously worried about our current and future financial state. I think we will continue to bleed money (without explanation) no matter how well we do on the pitch. This will automatically mean that players will have to be sold to bridge the financial gap - selling fringe players won't help, it'll be our 'better' players who will require to be sold. This will equate to it being harder to win the league, harder to qualify for europe and a lesser standard of player on the pitch. Meanwhile, we'll pay top $$ for this. Also, and this is meant with the greatest respect, it is always easier for someone removed from paying �£400 each season to watch Rangers to come up with arguements for those who do to continue doing so. As it is easy for Rangers fans who don't travel to watch Rangers to slate, criticise and slag the Rangers away support. Sometimes being on the frontline opens your eyes and gives you a true understanding of how bad things really are. As an example, there was an unreported attack on Rangers fans at Easter Road on Sunday. Two young Rangers fans attacked by a group of Hibs 'casuals' with one fan having a bottle smashed over his head. This happened as the young fans tried to get to the train station. There was also the chance of serious trouble outside Middletons pub on Easter Road as the Hibs casuals gathered there in search of their Rangers counterparts. As they were getting edgy, they started throwing abuse at 'normal' Rangers fans and were about to be set-upon when the riot police arrived. Cammy F

Maybe this is the reason for Celtc (and Rangers) asking if they can field their reserve teams in the SFL. Rangers have always stated that if they moved into a European or other league they would ensure that they would have a team left in Scotland. Cammy F

No its not - season ticket holders CAN receive �£10 pay back for any games they miss. Supporters clubs can also return any unsold tickets back to the club as well. Calscot's arguement is that due to Ibrox being 'sold out' we pay a premium to guarentee a ticket. Cammy F

Yip, too many clubs down in England who would stand to loose to much money - it would be turkeys voting for Xmas. Cammy F

Oh aye, he COULD, but come on - when has SDM ignored a 'cash cow'? He'll milk it dry If and it's a big if we were ever to get into the top flight in England, it would be a financial wet dream for the club, it would be the end of the ordinary fan IMO. Cammy F

Oh aye, SDM will 'freeze' season ticket prices Cammy F

Rangers are lucky if they have a complete sell out (at Ibrox - domestically) 4 times a season. So youre arguement doesn't add up. You can buy a season ticket for Ibrox at any time during a season. Walk around the RSC Buses any Saturday at Ibrox, or walk around the stadium and you'll pick up a ticket for any game outwith an OF game easily. So again, your supply and demand arguement doesn't add up. Same is true at Parkhead. The price for a 'one off ticket' at Rangers is �£27 (IIRC) plus you're booking charge (which goes straight into SDM pocket, think it is �£1.50 per ticket). We are now also being charged anything between �£5 and �£10 for having tickets delivered to your home (finals, European games etc). Comparing Rangers to Chelsea is a JOKE. Chelsea have LOST a vast majority of their traditional fanbase due to the price of admission at The Bridge. Their true fans pick and chose games and attended sporadically as they can not afford to attend every home game, or purchase season tickets. Once again, you can purchase season tickets for Chelsea throughout the season and can buy tickets for most, if not all games. In fact, I'll try and dig out the last email I received from Chelsea regarding tickets (was for a CL game IIRC). Thats correct, someone who has bought the grand total of 10 tickets (for home games over 5 years) from Chelsea gets emails with the opportunity to purchase tickets for ALL their games, including away European trips. I even had the chance to purchase a CL cup final trip from Chelsea (�£1000 per person for flight, ticket and one night 5 star hotel). See, the fat cats who now outnumber the real Chelsea fans at The Bridge, didn't fancy a trip to Moscow. In fact, they don't follow Chelsea anywhere away from The Bridge, that's left to the real fans. The same is true at most, if not all EPL grounds. I have even seen Man United advertising tickets for games at Old Trafford, something that hasn't happened for years. I suppose in a way it is a good thing, as it shows that fans can no longer, or have decided that they are no longer being 'blind loyal'. Over this season alone, I have been offered tickets to see Chelsea, Arsenal, Sunderland, Newcastle, West Brom and Blackburn. Prices varying from �£45 to �£25. Man City v Hamburg last week was �£5 for adults and �£1 for children. A friend was at an EPL game last week and has told me that Blackburn are offering fans the opportunity to buy tickets for their three remaing games for �£20 for all three games. Also, your arguement that Ibrox is 96% full is flawed. Rangers, like most if not all clubs, include all sold season tickets in their average attendences, even if a large % of these seats aren't taken. This has been most visable at Parkhead this season but lets not kid ourselves that it doesn't happen at Ibrox. So, the average gate of 49,000 isn't really 49,000 it is more likely to be around the 45,000 mark - and falling. Cammy F

Whilst this would be fantastic for the club for financial reasons, it would be a nightmare for those who follow the club. Season ticket prices would increase as would cost for away travel (not to mention the logisitics involved with travelling to away games). Cammy F

I agree S-A but the difference I witnessed on Sunday was a different attitude from Boyd. Although he wasn't having a good game, his attitude was better. He (and Velicka) were being kicked all over Easter Road by the thuggish Hibs defence with no protection from the officials. Usually, this would see Boyd 'hiding' or going in the huff, but on Sunday he continued to try and continued to go back for more punishment. I also agree that if Velicka was match fit then Boyd would have been replaced sooner. Cammy F

Aye, it is! I posted a topic on this guys shops / website the other week! He also has another addition to the Mr Men family - Mr Bluenose but I don't think there is a picture of Mr Bluenose on his site as yet. The guys t-shirts / products are first class and I'd urge anyone looking for something different (even to give as a present) to give the guy a visit - all the t-shirts I have bought from the guy are brilliant quality. BTW, you are cheaper buying them at Ibrox - �£10 t-shirt! Cammy F

Celtc have NEVER played a team away three times in a season. After the MOPES complaining about Rangers defeating DAFC at Ibrox 6-1 to clinch the SPL title, whilst they were away to Killie, the SPL stated that both OF teams would be away from home last game of the season to avoid conspiracy theories. Celtc are playing the games that they were supposed to be playing - i.e. none of their fixtures have been moved or reversed. All teams are required to play 19 home games and 19 away games. I have an idea for next season, maybe the SPL should just ask Liewell to arrange all the fixtures and let him decide if / when who plays who. It's the only way the MOPES will stop moaning. Cammy F

Playing one or two players out of position isn't an issue, it is something that most managers do now and again. However, the issue I have with Walter Smith is that, on more than one occaision, we were playing 40-50% of our outfield players out of position. Cammy F

Apologies for any mistakes in the report / ratings but in my defence, I had had a social event in Edinburgh on Saturday evening and was 'dragged' into a wee bowling club off London Road prior to the game Rangers tend to look better through beer goggles and I was seated near the rear of the top tier of the stand.....! Cammy F

In the continued absence or 'Faither Frankie', I thought that I'd grasp the mantle and post a match report and players ratings..... Rangers rolled into Easter Road on the back of three consecutive SPL wins and the confidence that this feat would have undoubtedly given the players was evident as we raced into an early lead thanks to a wonderful strike from Whittiker. The former Hibee defender controlled a loose ball, steadied himself and fired a swerving and dipping volley into the net via the cross-bar. Instead of using this fantastic start as a platform, Rangers reverted to type and allowed the home side to grow in confidence and dictate the game. Neil Alexander ensured that our lead continued to be in tact as he pulled of a couple of saves, but couldn't stop the inevitable equaliser. A simple cross into our box wasn't defended properly and Fletcher lost Weir and planted a header into our net. Hibs tried to crank up the pressure but thankfully Rangers held out without conceding further until half-time. The weaknesses in our play were evident in the first half again. Failing to use a fantastic start as a springboard, sitting back on a lead and allowing the opposition back into the game. Our midfield was fragmented so our strikers were starved of decent service. The massed Rangers fans, who were once again a credit to their club were demanding an improved 2nd half performance and were hoping for some changes after the break. This looked a distinct possibility as Kenny Miller went through a lengthy warm-up during the break. The 2nd half started quite evenly with neither Rangers nor host Hiberian creating any notable chances. Rangers regained the lead with another well taken goal. Whittiker found Velicka with a wonderful pass into the channel. The former Hearts striker latched onto this pass and blasted the ball into the net. This happened just as it looked like Velicka was about to be subbed. This goal was well received by the travelling blue and white army, but sickened the Hibees. 2-1 down and goals scored by one of their ex heroes and ex Jambo! Rangers started to control the game at this point and this control was cemented when Kenny Miller replaced Velicka. Miller's pace and directness was what had been missing and he caused the home defence problems. They were happy with the physical battle against Boyd and Velicka, but Miller's pace certainly worried them. This was borne out with the third goal when Miller latched onto a Mendes pass, turned two defenders and drew a great save from the keeper. From the resulting corner, Boggie nodded the ball goal-wards and the ball rebounded back to the defender. Instead of settling for another corner, Boogie hooked the ball back across the six yard line. Miller met the cutback in acrobatic style and his volley was somehow cleared off the line. However, it was met by the lurking Edu who prodded the ball high into the net. The game should have been over, and we continued to create opportunities. Once again, Miller's pace and directness almost brought a forth goal when he managed to get between two defenders and surprised the keeper with a shot which was smothered round the post. Hibs throw themselves a lifeline when Rankin scored a thundering volley in the closing minutes, but Rangers held out without any problems to secure another vital away win and ensure that the destination of the title is still in out own hands. We should be helped with the news that most of our injured players are on the mend and they could contribute to the title run-in. Miller should today the benefit of having players with pace and directness, especially away from home against immobile defences like Hibs. Player Ratings Alexander - two or three notable saves and little chance with either goal - 6/10 SW - once again the best player on the pitch. Scored an early goal and set up the 2nd goal - one of only two players who starts who can beat an opponent with the ball - 8/10 Weir - apart from losing Fletcher at the goal did well - 6/10- Boogie - like SW, the only one of two players who has the ability to take a player on - 7/10 Papac - struggled badly through-out and finally replaced due to injury - 4/10 Davis - MIA again - 3/10 Edu - growing in stature and still has a lot to learn - HOWEVER, doesn't hide (take note Davis) and tries his hardest - chipped in with a goal - 6/10 Mendes - frustrating again - when he's good, he's very good, when he's bad he is very bad. Flashes of genius aren't good enough - needs a consistent level of performance during a game - 6.5/10 Smith - rightly praised for his performance last week and rightly kept his place. However, like Papac struggled through-out - 5/10 Boyd - starved of service so we know that he'll not flourish in those situations. Change in attitude though as he didn't hide and seemed up for the challenge - still, not his greatest game - 6/10 Velicka - once chance, one glorious goal - 6.10 Miller - did more in his short time on the pitch than either Velicka and Boyd, pace and directness was exactly what we have been missing - 7/10 Dailly - replaced Papac and did well - not shy in getting forward and one brilliant cross that Boyd should have gotten on the end off - 6/10 Novo - not enough time to contribute. Cammy F

There was (Homecoming Celebrations) and is (Commonwealth Games)... Cammy F

Just seen this on another forum and it highlights how we are missing out on potential money, new fans and good PR exposure ; --------------------- One of the areas highlighted was our lack of involvement with tourist organisations not only within Glasgow but around the country. I made sure that i had done my background work, and through contacts that i have due to previous employment within the industry i discovered that groups like City Tours would be more than happy to expand over the river to the Ibrox area. Only problem they have is a continual one : Ibrox Stadium is closed. Anyway,i brought this up and asked about us producing a leaflet, talking to these organistions and getting Rangers/Ibrox on the tourists radar. ''Anyone who wants a tour of Ibrox is catered for'' i was assured. I came home after the meeting, and that one comment above all else kept ringing in my head.Next day i rang the 0871 number and got through to ''Stadium Tours''. The following happened : Rangers : ''Hello Stadium Tours can i hlep you'' Bluebear : '' Hello there i'm looking to make a block booking for a Stadium Tour'' Rangers: '' What day are you wanting the Tour Sir ? '' (I was aware that they only do them on a Friday and a Sunday) Bluebear : ''Next Monday please'' Rangers: '' Can't help you we only do them two days a week, not on a monday'' Bluebear : '' Listen i operate a Tour company ( false of course) and i have 50 American Tourists arriving on sunday, they're only in Glasgow for two days and some have expressed a wish to visit the Stadium'' Rangers: '' I'm sorry, we can't help you' Bluebear : '' listen mate, between you and i i'm a bit of a Rangers man myself and i would also look at taking my party through the Rangers Shop and maybe up to the restuarant for some lunch, you know what these Americans are like with their money''. Rangers: '' We only do Tours on a friday and a sunday'' I thanked him, hung up and rang Celtic whose number i had beside me, gave them the exact same story and got this : Celtic : '' No problem mate, listen just give us 24 hours notice and i'll have someone at the front door to greet them, we can also do a discounted lunch''. Who gives a feck i hear many of you say ? I do. Believe me when i say that phone call and response is only scratching the surface. We're losing out big time in many areas within our own City, simply because the people at our Club can't be bothered. This is a Club that is in the financial grubber. Our City is gearing up for the Commonwealth Games and a major influx of Tourists. Are and will Rangers be 'READY' ? I'll let you make up your own minds. ------------------------------------------- Cammy F

Did the tour of The Allience Arena couple of years back and I'm sure you could pick up a cheap ticket for E20 for Bayern games and E10 for 1860 games (2nd division). Bayern also limit the number of season tickets they sell so to increase revenue from match to match sales. This also helps tourists, people who don't always go to games and I suppose, glory hunters get tickets as and when they want. As for supply and demand, IIRC, Porto had a waiting list for season tickets, and a healthy average attendence and I dont think they'll get much more from TV than we currently do. I don't have the answer, and can see both sides of the coin and I'll have huge regrets no matter what my decision is!! Cammy F

Officially, I'm still undecided There are many valid reasons not to renew and the only reason I have for renewing is, well, its what I do and have always done! Is this enough to justify renewing and giving SDM the pleasure in believing that we'll blindly folloe on no matter who badly he is running OUR club? Cammy F

The answer is a club that is managed properly. A club who don't assit strip and sell of the family silver. A club that has long term plans and ambitions. Look at clubs like Porto and Lyon who you would class as smaller than Rangers, who have managed to assemble teams (over the course of several seasons) that have dominated their domestic leagues whilst doing well in Europe. These clubs have also gotten recognised youth development as well as having an established scouting system in place. For what it's worth, when we visited Porto in the CL under AMc, the average price for a ticket to watch Porto in their brand new spanking stadium was E15. If these clubs can do it, why can't we? I also believe that there is more to supporting your club than turning up week-in week-out. As a fan and / or a customer, you have the right to question the way OUR club is run, to demand that the custodians share our culture, share our ambition and the likes. We must also expect that the custodians would defend us in the face of constant hostility from the press.

Another video from last night - the whole Hamburg team seated in front of their fans, their keeper takes a mega-phone from the crowd and leads them in a sing-song - [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEjar4dpQbU]YouTube - Hamburg Fans at Man City[/ame] Cammy F

They used to be all the rage - remember an OF game at Parkhead where the Rangers end was awash with inflateables (ranging from bananas, red hands, blow up dolls, champagne bottles and the likes).... Think some clubs and stadiums banned them due to health and safety....! Cammy F

I think it harks back to the 80's when inflatables (sic) were all the rage. Man City fans embraced the banana and have been taking them ever since. Think their fans asked for everyone going last night to bring along an inflatable banana with them! Cammy F

It is also worth remembering that under this current regime TBO have had 20 members banned from Ibrox for prolonged standing. The 20 members banned were picked at RANDOM and included some members that weren't even at the game in question. This is despite fans of visiting clubs, Aberdeen and Celtc in particular standing for the entire 90 minutes every time they visit Ibrox. TBO have also been referred to as causing more problems for the club than Hibs, Aberdeen and Celtc fans combined. Yip, thats right, the current regime believe that a band of fans who bring colour, noise, humour back to the stadium whilst giving the team the ONLY backing at Ibrox cause more problems than fans who sing songs celebrating the death of 66 Rangers fans and who sing songs in celebration of terrorists. I haven't even mentioned the casual element that two of those three bring to Ibrox. Also, this is a regime that watched as Rangers fans were victimised at Parkhead and were 90 times more likely to be arrested than Celtc fans. The man in charge of security at the match in question is now employed by RANGERS. The same man was in charge when Fernando Ricksen was struck by a lighter thrown from the Celtc fans. To this day, the culprit hasn't been identified. Niether has the person who throw a mobile phone at the recent OF game at Parkead, As for cost, in the past, Rangers rightly heralded Ibrox as a brilliant state of the art stadium. In the past few years, this has also been allowed to be eradicated. Ibrox is looking it's age and is badly in need of a make-over. Maybe I should tell SDM to take what he needs for this makeover from MY bank account. Cammy F

I expected more from PSG to be honest and thought that Kiev were far better than the Parisians. I didn't see the first leg, so can't comment on how PSG faired in that game, but as said above, was expecting more from them. They didn't look a patch on the PSG team we knocked out the UEFA Cup on penalties (in fairness, we're not a patch on the Rangers team that managed that). Cammy F

Not what I said at all - if Rangers were playing wonderful football, had a thriving youth development, had a team full of skillful players, I don't think anyone would mind paying the 'going rate'. I was merely pointing out that other clubs in better leagues offer better value for money and are willing to help fans who have bleed themselves dry supporting a club, in these current financial recession. SMD on the other hand still wants us to pay top $ for the current dross. Cammy F