CammyF

Some nice words from Sir David Of Backham - http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.2487333.0.Beckham_talks_the_talk_Fleck_walks_the_walk.php Cammy F

Anyone been lucky enough to catch this show on ITV4? Basically reruns of ITV's The Big Match from the late 70's and early 80's. A truely wonderful show with some great matches and great players on show. Yesterday's edition showed Middlesboro v Notts Forest and Man United v Arsenal and both were funny for differing reasons! During the Notts F game, which they won 3-1, all their goals were greated by a chorus of 'Your gonna get your f'in head kicked in' from the irrate locals (ah, the memories)! Easy to forget what a great side that Forest team were with players like Shilton, Burns, Robertson, McGovern, Martin O'Neil, Tonny Woodcock and Gary Birtles. The Man U v Arsenal game finished 2-0 to the Gooners with Alan Sunderland scoring both goals. It was ManU's 4th consecuative defeat, 3 of those at Old Trafford - changed days indeed. Try and catch this if you can, a real treat for those who like(d) their English Football. Cammy F

And in the long run, Rangers would make MORE miney if fans did this instead of blindly renewing season tickets! Cammy F

Rangers have a very proud history in Europe being the first Scottish club to play a competitive European tie whilst participating in the European Cup in season 1956-57 season and became the fist Scottish or British Club to reach a European final when in 1961 we lost 4-1 on aggregate to Fiorentina in the inaugural European Cup Winners Cup final. During this campaign we defeated Wolves in the semi-final the game that gave us the wonderful Wolverhampton Town song which has thankfully, found it’s way back onto our hymn sheet in recent years. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwzxN0jPiS4]YouTube - Wolverhampton Town[/ame] As we will all be ware off, John Greig was the only captain to lead Rangers to a European trophy when he captained Rangers to the historic and exhilarating victory over Moscow Dinamo on that unforgettable night on Barcelona (May 24th) John Greig also has the distinction of playing in two Cup Winners Cup Final as he also played in our defeat at the hands of a young and upcoming Bayern Munich team that contained the likes of Beckenbauer, Muller, Maier and the scorer of the winning goal, Roth. The 1967 Cup Winners Cup Final was historic in the fact that it was the first time two clubs from the same city had played in both major European Finals in the same year. Ultimately, Rangers wouldn’t match Celtic’s victory and were defeated 1-0 by the Germans in a game played in Nuremburg. Losing this final was a disappointing end to a disappointing season that saw Rangers finish the season trophyless for the first time since 1951-51 season and saw Celtic claim a clean sweep of trophies. This was also the season that bore witness to one of the most embarrassing defeats in our history when a Berwick Rangers side inspired ironically by Jock Wallace knocked Scott Symons charges out of the Scottish Cup. A result that at the time, and is still thought of as nothing other than a catastrophe. However, the defeat at Berwick hastened the introduction of much needed young blood with Sandy Jardine and Alex Willoughby both introduced into the team. Willoughby would score 16 goals in 14 games, a run that astonishingly saw him dropped from the Cup Winners Cup Final and replaced by Roger Hynd, a huge error of judgement from Symon that arguably cost Rangers the Cup Winners Cup Final. Rangers had defeated some very decent teams to get to the final with Glentorn, holders Dortmund, Real Zaragoza and Slavia Sofia all defeated. The tie against Real Zaragoza was decided by a coin toss after thhe clubs draw 2-2 over two legs. The Rangers team that evening was Norrie Martin, Kai Johansen, Davie Provan, Ronnie McKinnon, John Greig, Sandy Jardine, Davie Smith, Willie Henderson, Roger Hynd, Alex Smith and Willie Johnston. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1967_UEFA_Cup_Winners'_Cup_Final [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgn9tb4wZsE]YouTube - 1967 European Cup Winners Cup Final Rangers vs Bayern Munich[/ame] We would ultimately gain revenge on Munich when we defeated them in the semi-final of the same competition in 1972. The calibre of opponents we faced during this competition was simply outstanding. Not only Munich in the semi-final, but we overcame the likes of Rennes, Sporting Lisbon. However, the Munich side were mightily impressive and would go on to win the European Cup three years in succession. They also contained 6 West German internationals who would help West Germany win the European Championships mere weeks after Rangers defeated Munich. Sandy Jardine and the young Derek Parlane (who replaced Greig in the starting 11) scoring the goals. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e60DMeCc1_w]YouTube - 1972 ECWC Semi-Final Rangers vs Bayern[/ame] The highlight of this campaign was a balanced side, scoring in every away tie we played, the critical goals from Colin Stein, Willie Johnston and Alex McDonald and the conversion of Derek Johnstone into a superb centre-half. The early tie against Sporting was decided on away goals after Rangers lost 4-3 in Portugal after winning 3-2 at Ibrox. However, with the scores tied, the officials commenced a penalty shoot-out that we eventually lost. The officials had forgotten about the away goals rule and declared that the Portuguese side had progressed and only changed their mind when challenged by Rangers officials and Scottish media once they realised their mistake. The final in Barcelona was unforgettable and one of the major achievements in our long and proud history. Our opponents were off outstanding quality, as was shown in the later part of the game as the Russian’s tried to overhaul our 3 goal salvo. This was Rangers 14th European Campaign and was already our 2nd Final (we had also reached the semi-finals for The European Cup) and we became the first club to have reached three Cup Winners Cup Finals. Willie Waddell’s charges had a determination to exorcise the memories of Nuremburg and had a brilliant knack of raising their game in Europe that season which was in stark contrast to our domestic form. The game was hugely anticipated and everyone hoped that it would live up to the friendly between the two clubs when the Russians toured Britain in 1945 in a precursor to European Football. The match at Ibrox was fascinated, with 90,000 fans missing work and school to witness the light-blues take on the welcome visitors from Russia; [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnBb7ZgEEng&feature=related]YouTube - Archive Footage - Rangers V Dynamo Moscow[/ame] A game that would see The Rangers play in blue and white hoops. Rangers, as always were well supported in Barcelona with in the region of 16,000 fans making there way in varying ways to witness Rangers triumph. Rangers dominated the game for around 50 minutes and raced into a three goal lead thanks to Colin Stein and Willie Johnston. Despite a late rally from the Russians Rangers held on and won the game 3-2 finally getting out hands on a European Trophy at the 3rd attempt. The scenes at the final whistle are well documented and the over reaction from Franco’s Fascist Police Force was an utter disgrace and spoiled what should have been the best evening in our illustrious history. Historically, the events that evening have been blown out of all proportion with the Rangers support being accused of rampaging and destroying chapels and assaulting Nuns. None of which is even close to the truth. In fact, the Rangers support are held in great esteem in Barcelona for putting the fascist Police in their place. The subsequent UEFA ban led to Barcelona inviting Rangers to their pre-season celebrations the following season and Barca captain Carles Puyol stated as much when interviewed prior to last seasons Champions League encounter. http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0047/print.shtml [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlgmhGkh4Eo&feature=related]YouTube - 1972 ECWC Final 1st half Rangers[/ame] [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rvPIy0Q8ps&feature=related]YouTube - 1972 ECWC Final 2nd half Rangers vs Dynamo[/ame] I guess the saddest aspect of the events was that John Greig wasn’t allowed to lift the trophy in front of the static Rangers support, but the celebrations on their arrival back in Scotland and at Ibrox certainly made up for any disappointment. Rangers winning team – Peter McCloy, Sandy Jardine, Billy Mathieson, John Greig, Derek Johnstone, Dave Smith, Tommy McLean, Alfie Conn, Colin Stein, Alex McDonald and Willie Johsnton (other members for the official squad – Penman, Parlane, Jackson, McKinnon, Denny and Fyfe) http://www.glesga.ukpals.com/rangers/rangers1972a.htm Cammy F

Done - Mon The GersNet Cammy F

Yip, I rate Woods as better than Goram - better keeper, better professional and was IMO the major reason we were successful in the early part of the Souness and Smith era. The Goalie was an outstanding keeper, that there is no doubt, just think Woods edges him out. Cammy F

That is overtly sexist - what about the fair ladies that follow the Rangers Cammy F

Thinks more to do with the fact of when there contracts expire - Novo and Ferguson entering the last year of theirs. Looks like Rangers WILL sell Boyd sooner rather than later, no matter what the fans think? Cammy F

http://www.clydebankpost.co.uk/articles/1/33639 This attched happend on the same day Neil Lennon was involved in an incident in Ashton lane - an incident that merited untold minutes and hours on news shows and untold paragraphs in national newspapers. Why no lead stroies on BBC and ITV? Why no front page articles from The Scum & The Retard? Why no indepth articles from Britney Speirs? Why no comment from NBM and The Catholic Church regarding this 'incident'? Cammy F

In a word - NO Rangers fans demand success and as soon as these kids failed to deliver, the fans would be on their backs - just look what happened with Adam, Burke et al. There is an interview in Silversmith with an unnamed ex-Rangers player who states that during 9-in-a-row, the abuse the players received from the stands was unbelieveable. He recalls one game where we were 3-0 up and Ally McCoist missed a chance - a howl of abuse was hurled at McCoist including a line of 'Fcuk off McCoist, you're sh1te'. Cammy F Cammy F

I know, I said this in my original post - it's the lyrics that I've always sung to The Billy Boys - call me a traditionalist. Would love to see this traditional Rangers song back at Ibrox and on our travels. Just can't see it happening, too many fans will revert to TBB's. Cammy F

Slightly off topic, but is Chris Woods in the hall of fame? Controversial statement here, by I believe Woods was the best keeper we ever had. Cammy F

It is interesting as TBO have, this season, already sang the first part of your proposed lyrics (we are the people who sing of victory) and have ended it with Edu, Edu..... No one batted an eyelid. As Frankie says, rightly or wrongly, singing that we are up to our knees in anyones blood leaves us open to be lambasted by those who strive to demonise us. I do agree that the issue of the tune, along with revised lyrics needs clarified once and for all. The club need to clarify this. Cammy F

:devil: WBA will just need to concentrate on the EPL now! Cammy F - Baggies Loyal.

Congratulations to all three - well deserved. Not before time when is comes to Harold Davis and Sam English IMO. Cammy F

IMO the toughest challange is ensuring that these promising young players make the gigantic step up to 'first team level'. We have witnessed promisng players in the past; Burke, Adam, MacLean, McCormack et al receive these same headlines, but fail to materialise into regular first team players. There was no doubting that the players mentioned abovve showed genuine talent when they were introduced into the first team at a young age. However, that talent failed to shine on a regular basis. Is this a coaching issue? I read somewhere on another forum that these palyers may be being introduced young enough, but aren't being established into the first team squad at a young enough age. I would therefore like to see us have a link with another club where we can loan out these players and ensure that they receive as much first team action as possible and where they are watched by Rangers on a regular basis. I am sure Man U do this with a Belgian club Might be problematic arraging this with a Scottish club (St Mirren, Falkirk or Hamilton - as they try to play football in the correct manner), but this could be arranged with a European club. But agree with Frankie, I am genuinely enthused by this - probably down to the fact that Fleck does look like the genuine article Cammy F

And the fact that there will be 'fans' who'll refuse to sing a 'new version' (although MF's lyrics are the original version) and would use the 'billy boys' banned version. Cammy F

Reports today suggesting that eight players will leave in the summer, including Ferguson, Boyd and Novo, along with Daily, Hendami, Weir and Adam........ Cammy F

Silversmith ââ?¬â?? The Biography of Walter Smith ââ?¬â?? Neil Drysdale (Birlinn ââ?¬â?? http://www.birlinn.co.uk) I had been looking forward to reading and critiquing this book for sometime and have to say that, in the main, Neil Drysdale doesnââ?¬â?¢t disappoint. His biography of Walter Smith is excellently written, well put together, historically correct (unlike some official publications) and is an honest assessment of the ex and current incumbent Rangers manager. There are a few minor complaints regarding the content of this book (which Iââ?¬â?¢ll cover later) but overall, this is a fantastic read and I would recommend the book to all Rangers supporters. Walter played for and was Dundee UTDââ?¬â?¢s assistant manager under Jim McLean and has also managed Everton and Scotland, however, as the vast majority of his managerial career was served at Ibrox, the book dedicates most of its pages to his two stints as Rangers manager. The book also serves as a brilliant insight into the ââ?¬Ë?privateââ?¬â?¢ aspects to Walter Smithââ?¬â?¢s characteristics which have served him well in his professional career. When reading about Walterââ?¬â?¢s Calvinistic views and ideals, his strong family ties and his love for Rangers Football Club, it is easy to see why he treasures his time at Rangers and as well as treasuring our traditions and history, he also installs these great values into anyone and everyone who is employed at Ibrox. The book starts in poignant fashion as it details the happenings in and around Ibrox on the day of the Ibrox disaster where 66 of our brethren were tragically killed whilst watching The Rangers. Walter Smith was in attendance that day and the events and aftermath of this tragedy stayed with him forever. This opening chapter is brilliantly written and is worth purchasing the book for in itself. Whilst reading any account of that tragic day, I always get goose-bumps and a lump in my throat. Drysdales account is no different. The book then goes on to tell of Walters playing career that saw him play for junior football with Ashfield whilst serving his time as an electrician. He then played professionally for Dundee United and Dumbarton. In his earlier career with Dundee United, Walter also held down a fulltime job as an electrician. After playing 250 games for Dundee United he was invited onto the coaching staff by then manager Jerry Kerr who coincidently, played for Rangers after the 2nd World War. The book also gives an insight into how Walter missed the opportunity to move to Ibrox when Jim McLean refused the Rangers managers job the subsequently led to the return of Jock Wallace and then the Souness revolution, which Walter Smith would play a hugely influential part. As youââ?¬â?¢d expect, the vast majority of the book is dedicated to the Souness revolution and the nine-in-a-row era. This vastly successful part of our history is well documented, but again, Drysdale manages to document the successes whilst also questioning the obvious failings during this period. Near constant failure in Europe, an ageing team kept together which limped to 9-in-a-row and failed in itââ?¬â?¢s quest to achieve 10-in-a-row. All of the detail is in the book, all major games discussed and all through the book, events are punctuated with interviews / comments with the main protagonists. As I said in the opening of this review, there are a couple of minor points that concerned me and these are the old sectarianism chestnut. In the book, the Mo Johnston signing is detailed as is the outpouring of sectarianism for a tiny minority of Rangers supporters. To his credit, Drysdale does mention the fact that only 1 solitary season ticket book was handed back. However, all the furore surrounding the MoJo signing is blamed (mainly) on the Rangers support. There is no mention of the fact that MoJoââ?¬â?¢s family were attacked and his father assaulted by Celtic supporters. No mention that Johnston cannot return to the country of his birth due to ongoing death threats he receives from Celtic fans. Another contentious subject that is glossed over (it merits two lines in the book) was the vile racist abuse Mark Walters received on signing for Rangers both at Parkhead on his debut, then the following week at Tynecastle. There is also no mention of the fact that the racist abuse wasnââ?¬â?¢t consigned to the terraces with Walters being subjected to racist abuse on the pitch as well. There are also the tenuous and tedious remarks regarding Andy Goramââ?¬â?¢s unfounded links to the UVF. As I said, none of this should take anything away from the book, just something that I thought should be raised. After detailing Walters stints as Scotland and Everton manager, the tale end of the book looks at last seasons quadruple attempt which ultimately fell tantalizingly short. The author is obviously supportive of our attempts to have the season extended and puts in print what most of us think of Scotlandââ?¬â?¢s governing bodies. Walter Smithââ?¬â?¢s and Martin Bainââ?¬â?¢s public comments regarding this, and Celtics shameful approach to our request is also highlighted and supported. All in all this was a fantastic read and one that I would recommend to one and all. If asked to rate this book, I would say 8 out of 10. In closing the cover of the book states that this biography is ââ?¬Ë?a timely portrait of a man chiselled in the traditions of Rangersââ?¬â?¢ and the book certainly does deliver on this promise and it is hard after reading this book to argue that Walter Smith isnââ?¬â?¢t ââ?¬Ë?one of usââ?¬â?¢. I closing, I will quote Walter Smith; ââ?¬Ë?This Club is different; This club is Rangers Football Clubââ?¬â?¢ and the author ; ââ?¬Ë?It doesnââ?¬â?¢t matter how tough the task has proved, because Smith strives under scrutiny and being presented with challenges at Ibrox, the place where he and his grandfather thrilled to the sight of blue-clad warriors giving their all for what they sincerely believed to be the greatest club in the world. And, as Walter Smith will tell you, Rangers remain just thatââ?¬â?¢. Cammy F

A Glimmer Of Hope It appears that everything and anything that is related to Rangers at the moment is as gruesome as the plot in an Allan Guthrie novel, isnââ?¬â?¢t ironic that we have been given the kiss-of-life in our quest to regain our title for the first time in 4 years? Following the fortunes, performances and results of our beloved club usually through gaps in clenched fingers and with bated breath, isnââ?¬â?¢t the easiest at the moment (that is an understatement). Despite our, and other, results going in our favour over the weekend, the overall performance from Rangers is no better than dross. However, we do have the ever improving and at times exhilarating performances of John Fleck to give us hope and some newfound confidence that the art of running at pace, pinpoint passing, guile, strength and belief in ones own ability isnââ?¬â?¢t a dead art in and around Ibrox. This was penned hours before the transfer window is due to close, so as I write this, John Fleck is still a Ranger! Iââ?¬â?¢ll touch on the off-field furore surrounding Fleck as this cannot be glossed over. Now, John Fleck wonââ?¬â?¢t have been the only 17 year old in a nightclub at the weekend, but he should know better. I hope that Walter Smith fines the lad and that the lad learns his lesson. It is also worth critiquing the coverage of this ââ?¬Ë?incidentââ?¬â?¢. When a Celtc player is accosted in public, you read about sectarian abuse, sectarian thugs, sectarian language etc. When a Ranger player is involved, this is downgraded to ââ?¬Ë?yobsââ?¬â?¢. Wonder why that is? Anyway, back to the positive side of this, as yet, short success story. We have all heard, read and seen Fleck over the last couple of years and we have all been raving about this young prospect, and rightly so. It isnââ?¬â?¢t often that such a talent is unearthed, coached correctly and is able to turn promise into real class. John Fleck has all the attributes to become ââ?¬Ë?the real dealââ?¬â?¢. If early glimpses of Fleck are to be built upon, we have a lad that is destined for greatness. We all want Fleck to develop like some of his predecessors; Hutton, McGregor, Ferguson et al, rather than bursting onto the scene only to disappear like; Adam, Burke, McCormack and McLean. Last seasons cameo in the Scottish Cup Final couldnââ?¬â?¢t have failed to wet our appetite for Fleck to burst onto the scene this season. He has been unlucky with injury and this meant that his opportunities were curtailed to a certain extent and we are now only beginning to see glimpses of his undoubted talent. If John Fleck can continue to mature and improve, there is no guessing on how good this player could be. He has all the attributes; fast, strong, character, awareness, guile etc. His strength of character was summed up at the penalty on Saturday. For a seventeen year old to physically out-manoeuvre and out muscle, not only the overetly physical Dundee United defence to win the award, but to out-muscle anyone who was going to attempt to stop him taking the resulting penalty. As someone near me commented; ââ?¬Ë?Baws of steelââ?¬â?¢. Now that we have a genuine reason to be cheerful, I donââ?¬â?¢t want to sound negative here, but we as fans MUST allow Fleck the space and opportunity to blossom. As will be the case, heââ?¬â?¢ll have off days, heââ?¬â?¢ll miss sitters, heââ?¬â?¢ll misplace passes. When this happens, we MUST stay with him. We mustnââ?¬â?¢t get on his back (ala Burke, Adam et al) and we mustnââ?¬â?¢t expect John Fleck to carry all our expectations on such slender shoulders. John Fleck is the genuine article and we MUSTNââ?¬â?¢T ruin him before he has an opportunity to deliver on his unmistakable promise. Back In The Race Thanks to Aberdeen and now Inverness Caly, we are well and truly back in the title race, and with out next SPL fixture being the third old-firm game of the season, we have the opportunity to go top of the pile. There will be plenty of time to analyise the forthcoming OF game as well as the merits of differing tactics and team selection. If we prepare correctly and enter this game with correct team and tactics there is no reason as to why we canââ?¬â?¢t get the performance and result that would see is leap-frog Celtc. However, that is for another day. Saturday saw us once again struggle to open up a very compact and resilient Dundee United defence. Whilst we werenââ?¬â?¢t at our best the officials once again didnââ?¬â?¢t help our cause. I thought that Grainger should have received a yellow card (at least) for his awful tackle on Nacho Novo which will see Novo miss at least 3 games (why did our medical staff allow Novo to continue for 20 minutes after being clearly in agony with this injury?). Television evidence also shows that Kyle Laffertyââ?¬â?¢s ââ?¬Ë?goalââ?¬â?¢ shouldnââ?¬â?¢t have been chocked off for off-side. He is clearly on-side and BOTH linesmen were quick to flag Rangers players off-side all game. The referee got the penalty award correct no matter what Craig Levin says. Looking at our performance, only Boogie, Novo (prior to injury) and Fleck rose above mediocrity and there are a few players who could and should be offering more. However, three points is three points and coupled with Celtcââ?¬â?¢s inability to defeat ICT (even after another incorrect off-side decision going their way) has allowed us to close the gap and given us another opportunity to get back into pole position in the SPL title race. State Of The Nation It isnââ?¬â?¢t often that I deviate from Rangers in my rants, but a couple of incidents that occurred on Saturday, coupled with the economic down-turn has moved me to discuss the dwindling state of this once great nation. On Saturday evening, a man was murdered in my street, allegedly knifed to death by a 16 year old youth over an argument relating to volume of music being played at a party (this wasnââ?¬â?¢t late, 10:30PM). The Mobile Police Incident Unit sitting round the corner the only reminder of this incident. Whilst discussing this with a friend yesterday, he told me about an incident that he witnessed on returning from the football on Saturday. He was walking towards Paisley Road West and saw a young Rangers fan being threatened and chased by knife wielding thugs (sounds like a headline from the rags). Now, after doing some investigation, it appears that this isnââ?¬â?¢t abnormal behaviour in and around that area. This really saddens this ââ?¬Ë?old-timerââ?¬â?¢ who whilst being able to remember gangs et al, canââ?¬â?¢t remember them carrying knifes as freely and readily as the youth of today. Is it now the norm to complain about noise level and get knifed for your troubles? Is it the norm for gangs of youths to chase down kids whilst wielding (not necessarily using) knifes? If so, our country is further in the shit that even this old cynic believed it was. Cammy F ââ?¬â??

Heard Gregor Stevens and Craig Patterson were also on our radar. Cammy F

Yeah, there were a couple of long-termish timposters on here. Keith was one (who was followed Hamilton Accies more than Celtc IIRC) and the other was our old friend, Bruce Cundy. Keith was a decent guy, wasn't you're regular 'your pure bigots' etc and entered into all types of discussion. BC on the other hand was one of those tims who was OK when the tims were on top, but showed his true colours when we were winning! There was a few more, but I can't remember their names at the moment. Had some fun with the timposters over the years :box: Cammy F

But �£2M isn't going to cover whatever the money is required for! SDM says we need circa four million, so its Ferguson PLUS A.N.Other..... :-) Cammy F

And play McCulloch at centre-half? I'd rather keep Ferguson and sell McCulloch..... Cammy F

Only worry regarding Ferguson is that there is little or nothing in reserve for that position. Davis or Mendes injured and we only really have the permantly injured Edu as back-up. Cammy F