CammyF

Nah, just shouting, scuffles and Police segrating fans - still trawling you-tube as heard there is footage of 'boxing' as it kicked-off outside Old Trafford (as some Man U fan outraged timmy by having a Red Hand Of Ulster!) Another video from last night and sensatipnal news - Celtc fans singing to the world that they want to go home - [ame]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=a1VV6aj_EU4[/ame] Cammy F

As there is no Rangers related football to discuss as the Dundee UTD game was (rightly) called off due to the sad death of their Chairman Eddie Thompson I was going to, surprisingly perhaps, direct my weekly rants exclusively at Walter Smith. Firstly for his cowardly and ill informed comments regarding internet bigots, but bmck and Calscot not only beat me to it, but penned far more eloquent articles that I could ever muster : http://www.gersnetonline.net/vb/showthread.php?t=8519 http://www.gersnetonline.net/vb/showthread.php?t=8511 However, Uncle Walter doesn’t escape my attentions thanks to those excellent articles, I have a tantalising question to set you regarding Walter : If We Had A Theo Walcott, Would We Witness Is Wonder? Over the course of this season, nobody who has witnessed the mercurial skills of Theo Walcott could fail to marvel at the guile and genius of this young and raw talent. Walcott has not only starred for Arsenal, but has burst onto the international stage and set England on their way to automatic World Cup qualification thanks to brilliant displays and fantastic goals. I watching in wonder last night as a youthful Arsenal put Fenerbache to the sword in their own back yard and Walcott was at the centre of everything that was good about Arsenal. It is easy to forget just how young this lad is and his tender age can be used as an excuse (if any are needed) for when his form, inevitably falls a few percentage. So, this question that I’d like to pose is, if Rangers had a ‘Theo Walcott’, would Walter Smith play him in the starting 11 – not just in the mediocre SPL, but in European games? Now, I understand that Wlacott is a ‘one off’, the best talent to come out of England since Wayne Rooney, and don’t think for a minute that we have anyone on our books with the talent that Walcott processes. However, we might have, as when was the last time a ‘youth’ player was given an extended run in our team? I’d guess at Alan Hutton who as soon as he showed any sign of ability, was swiftly dispatched to White Hart Lane. The only young players currently that are being ‘talked up’ at Ibrox are / were John Fleck, Dean Furman and Aaron. Furman has gone on lone and the remaining pair are semi-permanent fixtures on our substitute bench. From the admittedly little that I have seen of the above trio, Fleck is without a doubt the most gifted and hopefully likely to cement a place in the Rangers team in the near future. Fleck was introduced into the dieing embers of last years Scottish Cup Final and along with the return of Beasley, Flecks fleeting appearance was the highlight of that day. Simply put, he didn’t look out of place. I don’t think I was the only Rangers fan who left Hampden that day convinced that I would see a lot more of Fleck this season. Sadly, me and a few others have been left disappointed. Given Walters record at Rangers, he doesn’t appear to be the type of manager to bring youth players into the team and give them an extended run. During the 9-in-a-row years, we saw glimpses of players like Sandy Robertson, Gary McSwegen, Stephen Pressley, Neil Murray et al who contributed to some fantastic Rangers performances both domestically and in Europe, but none were given extended runs in the team. So people, I am convinced that we have or own ‘Theo Walcott’ (in context) sitting at Murray Park but remain unconvinced that we’ll see him get an extend run in the first 11 – much to his, and our detriment. Green With Envy Yip, I’ll admit to being green with envy as I sat down last night to be entertained by Europe’s finest in the Champions League, and I’ll be just as envious as I settle down in front of the TV tonight. I’ll also admit that I am envious of our green foes participation in the CL, and yes, even given their drubbing last night, I am still a little envious of them. In fact, I’m even a tad envious of their 1 point from 50+ available away from home – Christ that’s what you call consistency (ok, ok, ok, that was a big tongue in cheek)…… There is nothing better than an European night, especially at Ibrox, or when you enjoy a fantastic trip to a foreign land. I think we’ve all got stories to tell of our expeditions and of the friends that we’ve made on our travels, both within the travelling Rangers support and friendly locals. For long-term GersNet readers this next statement will come as no surprise, but to newer readers and ‘younger’ Bears it might. Whilst I have no ‘love’ of Manchester United, I do not hold any hatred for them either. I, for a while, took delivery of Man United fanzines (some of the best zines around). I applauded and continue to applaud the Man United fans fight for their club (something we could learn from). I met a fair few Man United fans when I was down for our CL game, and every last one of them were fantastic company and the one thing that I noticed was their burning love for their club – in that respect, they reminded me of US, the Rangers support. For them, its Man U first and Man U last – they have no time for ‘2nd teams’ and no time for ‘love-ins’. Lastly, I believe that we have much in common with Manchester United. Both our clubs are deemed the most successful in our respective countries (although Liverpool would have something to say on that matter), both clubs have overcome terrible disaster and tragedy in their long and illustrious history. Both clubs are ‘hated’ in their own country due to their dominance and both clubs draw fantastic support from out-with the city and country that they belong to. So, its fair to say that I have no qualms regarding Manchester United or their fans. Some Rangers fans will point to the supposed love-in between Man United and Celtc – lets get this straight, this is a one-way street. If you read any Man United fanzines or books written by fans (or their casuals) you’ll understand that they don’t like Timmy at all. Why would they? Timmy sing a Liverpool anthem and sing songs about a terrorist group who targeted Manchester killing citizens and destroying the city. Also, it is worth noting that Manchester United pull a large section of their fanbase from the loyalist and unionist communities of Northern Ireland. Anyway, apologies for digressing, back to the point in hand. At this stage next season, I don’t want to be a mere spectator when the business end of the Champions League comes around. I want Rangers in their and fighting for the right to progress to the knock-out stages of this prestigious tournament. However, after watching some of the awesome performances last night, we have a vast amount of improving to ensure that we can compete annually at this level. To make CL qualification assured we must win the SPL title this year and that is not a formality or a foregone conclusion. Oh, I’ve added a clip from the infamous ‘you-tube’ site (you know, the one UEFA and the media use to try us) of what can only be described as an altercation outside Old Trafford last night – not much love on show here : [ame]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=bo3C4FoJ0Mk[/ame] Know Your Enemy At the moment, being a Rangers fan, especially one who uses the internet to discuss his team and on occasions, history, politics and religion, it isn’t hard knowing who your enemy is. However, until recently, you wouldn’t have put the manager of your team into the enemy camp. Some of us understand that the Chairman and his lap-dog Bain are well entrenched in the enemy camp and like nothing more than feeding the frenzied media with ‘own goals’ and attacks on Rangers fans. Walter Smith has decided to pitch in with SDM and Bain and thus, must accept the ire that will be directed at him. Now he has opened himself up for criticism relating to topics out-with squad selection, signings and tactics. He has entered the big, bad bigoted Rangers fans debate and hang his colours to the ‘establishments’ mast. I can take the agenda driven media having a go at me (as I don’t except anything else, it goes with territory). I can take agenda driven politicians having a go at me (as I don’t except anything else, it goes with territory). I can take agenda driven organisations like NMB having a go at me (as I don’t except anything else, it goes with territory). It may hurt me to the core, it might drive me to despair, but I can take SDM and Bain having a go at me (as I don’t except anything else, it goes with territory). But I’m sorry Walter, I expected better from you. Cammy F -

Brilliant piece Barry, and you know I'll disagree with you regarding the schooling issue :devil: As for you're question regarding Catholics losing their jobs due to their religion - this is a very good indication of who is being discriminated against. Wonder if anyone is brave enough to poll the religion and football leanings of employees at Glasgow City Council..... A few years ago (3 I believe) I went to see Rancid at the Barra's - as most of the guys I were with were Tims, they dragged me (kicking and screaming) into Bairds Bar for a pre-concert drink. Now, we were in early and it was us old punks and a group of young rebels (lack of a better word as I don't want to offend anyone) in the bar, and tehy were belting out their songs. One approached us and spotted me wearing a 'broken up union jack with the Sex Pistols on it' and started coming wide saying that I couldn't weat that badge in 'his pub'. Now, I was going to explain to the missguided fellow, exactly what the badge and band were all about, but I didn't think his one brain cell would cope. He was set straight, and told to fook off buy one of our group - so, it justs shows you, that they can even get offended by an anti-unionist badge / band if they so desire. BTW, some would say that I am a not only an internet bigot, but a real live bigot :cheers::devil: Cammy F

excellent post... As for Thommo v Fergie as an attacking threat, Fergie wins hands down - I believe that Thommo has scored 4 goals in his ENTIRE career (3 against the TIMS ), Fergie, when on his game and played correctly (football players around him) will get you double figures most seasons. Ferguson like all players will flourish with better players alongside him - Fergie has seen all our best midfield options sold season after season - IMO, Fergie and Pedro will be an exciting pairing - far more exciting that Pedro and Thompson IMO Cammy F

Don't know m8 - just seen it on another forum and thought that I'd post it! Wonder if any of our impartial media will tackle Reid regarding these claims now they are out in the open? Not the first time they have used YouTube footage to get us into bother. Cammy F

Stolen from another forum, but VERY interesting listening (1m8seconds in) - wonder what John Reid has to say about these alligations - if they are true (even if they aren't true), I'll not be taking moral lessons from this (alledged) IRA lovin scumbag (Reid)... [ame]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=gG4u4Wy28H0[/ame] Cammy F

Personally, I would like to see all Rangers players retire from international duty, but thats just because I have no interest in international football (even refused free tickets for the U16's game at Broadwood tonight!). However, I respect any player who wants to represent their country but wouldn't slate any player who gave up playing for their country, for what ever reason. Cammy F

4 central midfielders would work if we had natural width in the full back areas, but currently, we don't have this (even tho Sasa and Kirk have performed brilliantly). I fear WS will continue to play 4 centre-halfs in defence and 4 central midfield players in midfield with Miller and A.N.Other up front..... However, if the question is who should play - either Thommo or Fergie, it can only be Fergie - he offers so much more than Thommo especially going forward (Thommo's (lack) of goal scoring record speaks for itself). Cammy F

Given John Reids words that he'd condem fairly and equally, all sectarian / racist incidents in the wake of the 'famine song', I await his scathing attack via the media, on the sectarian bigots who have vandalised Shaggers and Thommos cars and placed wanted posters of Nacho Novo over the internet......... Cammy F

RIP Eddie Thompson - seemed a guy who genuinely cared for his club Thoughts with his family, freinds and those connected to DUFC. Cammy F

Apologies for not penning these on a regular basis, I promise to make more of an effort..... When Will The Inconsistency End? If we are to be successful in the SPL this season, and we MUST be, we must strive for a level of consistency that has been sadly lacking in our erratic start to the season. Having gone out of Europe tamely, coupled with our jittery start to the SPL campaign, I probably wasnââ?¬â?¢t the only Rangers fan who believed that the impressive performance at The Piggery was the turning point of the season. In truth, that performance has turned out to be the exception rather than the rule. The only other performance that matched the mauling of the MOPEs was the performance at Fester Road which was one the most impressive in Leith for a while. Hibs created a few chances, but in truth, we ran out easy and convincing winners on the day. Those two performances apart, we have been ordinary in our performances this season and this must improve and improve soon. I was surprised to hear Walter Smith claim that he still doesnââ?¬â?¢t know what our strongest and best 11 is or what our strongest formation is, or which 11 and which formation will be utilised this season. Again, this is something that has to be resolved and resolved soon. Some of the concerns for this Bear include the fact that we are still employing 4 centre halves in our back four (due to injury and lack of strengthening in this area), no leadership on the pitch (Davie Weir is a great player with wonderful experience, but a leader he is not), we have no natural width in our midfield (again due to injuries and lack of strengthening in this area) and our forwards havenââ?¬â?¢t found their shooting boots (on a consistent basis) as yet. Hopefully the fullback areas will become less of an issue if and when Stevie Whittakar and Stevie Smith regain full fitness. In saying that, you canââ?¬â?¢t fault Sasa Papac and Kirk Broadfoot for their effort in the full back areas, but they arenââ?¬â?¢t natural full backs. Hopefully either Sasa or Kirk will become the ââ?¬Ë?long termââ?¬â?¢ centre partner to Bougherra who has fitted seamlessly into the heart of our defence. The wide areas of midfield are a little more difficult to fill at the moment and Walter appears to be keen to use ââ?¬Ë?forwardsââ?¬â?¢ for this role ââ?¬â?? Novo and Lafferty. The natural selections would be young Aaron and Beasley, but a combination of injuries and ââ?¬Ë?fitnessââ?¬â?¢ has curtailed this area of the team as well. As for a leader, well all this Bear can say is ââ?¬Ë?hurry back Barryââ?¬â?¢. Ferguson isnââ?¬â?¢t everyoneââ?¬â?¢s cup of tea, but the team is badly missing him at times. When the team require a ââ?¬Ë?shakeââ?¬â?¢ and ââ?¬Ë?urged onââ?¬â?¢, we currently donââ?¬â?¢t have anyone that will drive the team forward like Ferguson can. As for the forwards, credit where credit is due, Kenny Miller has been the most consistent forward in our team (performance level) and heââ?¬â?¢s scored 4 very decent goals this term. Kris Boyd remains an enigma, Lafferty has been plagued by injuries, JCD is just rank rotten at the moment, ditto Nacho Novo (although no one can fault his passion) and Velicka has turned into the invisible man. So hopefully from today onwards, we can see a level of consistency that can ensure that we regain our title from the MOPES as we simply canââ?¬â?¢t allow them to win another league title this season. Racism and Sectarianism ââ?¬â?? Main Offenders. Yip the MOPES have re-instigated their moral campaign on racist and sectarian songs sung at football games, whilst completely ignoring the fact that they are in fact the worst offenders. Since the mauling of the MOPES they have turned the spotlight onto the ââ?¬Ë?famine songââ?¬â?¢ and even politicians have gotten involved in the debate about this ditty. Now, take away all the hysteria and hyperbole surrounding this ditty, there is no way that it can be classed as racist or sectarian. However Bears, watch yourselves on this one. As this song has been elevated to the new ââ?¬Ë?Billy Boys, and whilst our club dithers around not defending us (in fact, they prefer to make public statements claiming that we are to blame as we constantly sing and post bile), this song could come back to haunt us big-time. There is no way on Gods Earth that the ââ?¬Ë?unbiasedââ?¬â?¢ Scottish media are going to douse the flames fanned by the MOPES, John Reid and the politicians, they are more than happy to portray us as the big, bad bigots ââ?¬â?? it is their agenda after all. However, it appears that we have some support in some quarters, including Southern Ireland where the Irish Independent penned the following : http://www.independent.ie/opinion/co...y-1491629.html UM, SLIGHT DISCONNECT, ANYONE? Two scenarios -- two different results. Rangers fans are reported to the police, politicians go mental and everyone is upset after they sing, to the tune of Sloop John B, "The famine's over; why don't you go home." It's quite funny and, in the context of the poisonous atmosphere between the clubs, verging on the affectionate. Spurs fans, on the other hand, have a chant about Sol Campbell which makes out that he is mental, has HIV and should be lynched. So, one chant about an event that happened over 100 years ago becomes a political hot potato, while another one which manages to evoke slavery, is racist and homophobic and threatening, is treated as little more than an unpleasant example of fan passions. It is indicative of Scotland at the moment that we are continually dragged over the coals for perceived indiscretions whilst the MOPES can sing their vile and repulsive songs and have banners commissioned and made by a convicted IRA terrorist with impunity. Why will no one ask for clarity on the above, or take them to task? F*** You Celtic Youââ?¬â?¢ll Never Win Away I understand that we are in no position to slate anyoneââ?¬â?¢s woeful European record this season given our nightmare against Kanuas, but this is more about the press reaction to the MOPES latest CL away defeat, rather than a gloating at another away day defeat. I was down in deepest, darkest Staffordshire when the MOPES travelled to Villarreal for their latest CL defeat, sorry game. Given this, there was very little pre-match coverage and I had to make do with listening to Paul Dumbertââ?¬â?¢s commentary of the game on ââ?¬Ë?SKY Sportsââ?¬â?¢ football programme. For the duration of the game, Dumbert was praising the Spaniards and claiming that Celtc were in for a ââ?¬Ë?tonkingââ?¬â?¢. When the goal eventually came, Dumbert proceeded to state that Celtc couldnââ?¬â?¢t get back into the game as they couldnââ?¬â?¢t get the ball back from Villarreal. Given this, I was astounded to read on my return of how unlucky Celtc were and that this was their best CL away performance of all time. Now imagine the fun the media would have if we had their CL away record. Hell, we got to the UEFA Cup Final last year and got WORSE press for our performances that they have received for 1 solitary point from 18 CL away games. Cammy F ââ?¬â?? Support The Dublin Loyal - We Are The Peopleââ?¬Â¦.

Welcome statement from the RST. If anyone is interested, below is an extract from the Irish Independant newspaper regarding the famine song : -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.independent.ie/opinion/co...y-1491629.html UM, SLIGHT DISCONNECT, ANYONE? Two scenarios -- two different results. Rangers fans are reported to the police, politicians go mental and everyone is upset after they sing, to the tune of Sloop John B, "The famine's over; why don't you go home." It's quite funny and, in the context of the poisonous atmosphere between the clubs, verging on the affectionate. Spurs fans, on the other hand, have a chant about Sol Campbell which makes out that he is mental, has HIV and should be lynched. So, one chant about an event that happened over 100 years ago becomes a political hot potato, while another one which manages to evoke slavery, is racist and homophobic and threatening, is treated as little more than an unpleasant example of fan passions. --------------------------------------------------------------- Cammy F

RDB at times looked 'disinterested' at times - however, I'd would say he is one of the best players I've ever seen at Ibrox. Cammy F

Belfast Telegraph's take on 'Ulster Day' http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Rangers-to-honour-players-from.4510922.jp Cammy F

Yip, a chance for the fringe players and players returning from injury to get a run out : Burke, Velicka, Lafferty, Aaron, Edu, JCD, Fleck et al. Cammy F

As many have said, Miller was by far the most effective of the front two yesterday (as he has been in most of the games he 's played this season to be fair). As for Boyd's arial powers (or lack off), someone on our RSC said that he shrinks by at least a foot when he tries to jump! The guy also set a decent question : when was the last time Boyd scored with a header? I can't remember and neither could anyone on our RSC bus....? Cammy F

Oh dear, I got pelters for saying that Shagger shouldn't walk back straight into the team. Yet those who said he should as he is (really?) the best keeper we have, are now saying that the best player we've had for the past 3 years shouldn't walk straight back in to the team. What a fickle bunch us football fans are....:admin: I can't wait to see BF back in the Rangers team (when fit) and he, more than anyone will benefit from the the presence of Pedro Mendes. Mendes, Ferguson, Davis and Thompson make a foremidable midfield. KT will play the holding role allowing BF, Mendes and Davis to use their skill, guille and passing ability to service 2 mobile forwards. We have been, and in some respects (long periods of last weeks game) still are, a poorer side without the presence of Barry Ferguson. Cammy F

Remember folks, we have 2 GersNet flags that belong to everyone who uses the forum and are open to anyone who wants to take these banners and display in their section of Ibrox, or indeed to any away games. I currently have the GersNet1 banner (flags all stitched together) which I think I'll take along to the Ulster Day on Sunday and Del has GersNetII (blue, white and red 'tri-colour'). Anyone wanting these banners, give us a shout and we'll arrange something. Cammy F

Well, well, well, I don't think the MOPES expected this type of response from football fans in Scotland - a quick search of rival teams web forums has seen a huge level of abuse directed at the MOPES and their continual offendedness - an interesting read : http://forum.followfollow.com/showthread.php?t=467485 Cammy F - The Singing Is Over, Now Were Laughing at You Loyal RSC

The only issue I have with the otherwise excellent and positive statement from the club, via Mr Bain, is what the club are doing to highlight the onesided reporting of offensive songs? This is where we the fans and the club are failling, we are not exposing the sectarian, racist and offensive songs that are sung the length and breadth of the country on a weekly basis. Until we do, we will be seen as Scotlands problem, a statement that is as rediculous as it is false. WE MUST RE-DRESS THE BALLANCE Cammy F

Quite clearly, it is just OUR songs - as stated above, the MOPES were at their IRA loving best on Saturday yet not a peep on the radio, TV, or even a single line in the printed media. Even at our game on Saturday, the Killie fans indulged in 2 sectarian songs - No Huns In Europe and Go Home Ya Huns - again, not a peep in the media. Sectarianism in Scotland is a one way street. Cammy F

Yes - agreed. However, the MOPES have also changed, and have cottened on to the fact that the establishment is very much pro them and anti us. This has given them a free reign to attack us at every opportunity and to have a media that is far to easily coerrsed (sp) into taking up and promoting their 'offendedness'. What can we do? Nothing, we need our club to help us here. That is a scarey thought as Rangers won't do a thing to support us. In fact, Rangers would be more than willing to help the MOPES rather than help us. Cammy F

and ironically the MOPES sing an IRA song called 'let the people sing'.... BTW, you're not likely to hear any condemnation of that, or any other IRA, political or sectarian song the MOPES sing - the reason? Well, the people running our club are spineless b@stards and our fanbase prefer to sit back and moan about our songs, heritage and culture being attacked, rather than take action against those who are attacking us. PS - a quick search on YOUTUBE will gain you videos of many IRA and sectarian songs belted out by the MOPES at Fir Park on Saturday. Cammy F

Mendes for me - closely followed by Davis (2nd half in particular), Broadfoot and Kenny Miller. Cammy F

So after ââ?¬Ë?international weekââ?¬â?¢, the bears are back in SPL action on Saturday when we host Kilmarnock in what is a ââ?¬Ë?top of the table clashââ?¬â?¢. I hope that the break for the internationals hasnââ?¬â?¢t impacted on the momentum that we should have gained from the wonderful performance and result at the Towers last Sunday. That performance should be the benchmark for all our performances this season, that performance shouldnââ?¬â?¢t be a ââ?¬Ë?one-offââ?¬â?¢, but the standard that we must achieve on a weekly basis starting against Kilmarnock. The forthcoming home games against Killie and Motherwell are now as, if not, more important that the OF game. We need to continue to improve on the pitch and MUST secure 6 points from these two awkward home games. If we succeed in this, we can put more pressure on Celtc who will still be smarting from the comprehensive defeat dished out by The Rangers. As well as starting to look for consistency in performance, I hope that (injuries, suspensions and loopholes in contracts permitting) that the management team can now look for consistency in selection. I have to admit that the loss of Cousin is a blow as when he was ââ?¬Ë?switched onââ?¬â?¢ he was by far the best forward we had on our books. However, that ship has sailed and WS and his team require to decide on what pairing they think will be best for Rangers. I can see them plumping for Miller and A.N.Other. We have the strongest midfield at our disposal than we have had for a long time. Davis, Mendes, Thomson, Edu, Beasley, Aaron, Novo (although, Iââ?¬â?¢d like to see Nacho given a run through the middle), Adam, Whittikar (what has happened to him?) et al. Our defence also has a solid look about it, but I believe weââ?¬â?¢ll be without Davie Weir for a few weeks due to injury. That will see Kirk Broadfoot moving to centre-half to partner Bougherra (although, Edu could play there). So after the shock and disappointment of losing out in the CL qualifiers, the management team and the players have to set their sights on the SPL title and channel all there energy into consistently turning in scintillating performances akin to the latest humbling of the hoops. Cammy F