ian1964

Great victory for the young bears

It's an age thing for sure though,if he was to be judged on football he'd be a stick on for a new contract

Without doubt IMO,if it's a choice between Rangers{SPL} and the EPL then the player is always going to choose the money.The SPL is not an attractive option for most players

HE'S a Samba stopper... Brazilian born and bred. But Rangers target Emilson Sanchez Cribari has been given the highest praise possible by former Ibrox skipper Lorenzo Amoruso. He defends like an ITALIAN. Cribari, 31, has been offered to Ally McCoist and is under serious consideration by the new Gers boss and coaches Kenny McDowall and Ian Durrant. As SunSport exclusively revealed yesterday, the Napoli centre-half is available for free. Scottish football has not been the greatest platform for the boys from Brazil. Celtic had dud defender Rafael Scheidt with Juninho also flopping. But Amoruso has high hopes that former Empoli, Udinese and Lazio stopper Cribari will be an Ibrox hit if he lands a move. He told SunSport: "I like Cribari, he is a good defender. "He moved to Napoli last year and didn't play too often, not as much as he'd have liked. "The team did so well last season that it was difficult for him but that was not his fault. "He didn't get a proper chance to be fair to him, but he is a decent player. "He is Brazilian but more like a typical Italian centre-half really. Cribari has been in my country for so long now. "He has learned how to be totally focused and concentrate on defending 100 per cent. "Brazilian defenders tend to want to go forward, show everyone they can play football and that can create problems for themselves. "But Cribari isn't like that. Because he has played so long in Italy he is very good tactically and could do a job for Rangers, absolutely no doubt about it. "Cribari is also at a good age, in his early 30s, and good enough to go to Scotland and be one of the top players. "He is quite hard as a defender so I don't think the SPL would be a problem to him. "Rangers fans might not know the name right now - but they shouldn't worry about that. He is a player with enough experience." Cribari has been told he can quit Napoli after becoming a bit-part player for them last season. He played just nine games in Serie A with five other appearances in the Copa Italia and Europa League. But Amoruso insists that could now make him more determined than ever to get his career back on track - and is convinced his time with Lazio could prepare him for life in Glasgow. Amoruso added: "He has played for Lazio in the past and even though they have not been doing great he's still been one of their best players. "It would also have been demanding for him at Lazio. "They are a huge club in Rome and there is a lot expected of their players, just like Rangers. He would need to look at the move like a big challenge. "Everyone knows it's not easy to play in Scotland, but if he goes there in the right frame of mind then that would be important. "That will be the important thing if Rangers sign him." Cribari might not be totally convinced by the SPL. But big Amo won't have a bad word said about the league where he had the best six years of his career. He added: "Scottish football is still a good league. "Remember, in the last few years both Celtic and Rangers have reached the UEFA Cup final. "Okay, I understand there aren't the top class players there from a few years ago, but it's changing again. "For players looking to go there it's all about what they want to achieve in their careers. "I went there because it was one of the biggest clubs in Europe and I could play in the Champions League. It offered me a chance to change my way of life and culture - on and off the football pitch. That's the way players must look at it. "I have no regrets about moving to Scotland - none at all - and that's because I embraced everything about the country. "I think that's important for all players going to a new country. "Of course, every player would like to play at the highest level, in the best league with the best players. "But not everyone can do that and Scotland is a good level." Amo also has high hopes for old pal McCoist as he embarks on the biggest challenge of his football career. He added: "Ally is clever, very clever. "He has worked with top managers throughout his career and will have learned from them. "He also has good people around him and that will help. "I just hope he is given enough money to spend. "I know what's happening at Rangers, I know there are a lot of players who are looking for longer contracts. "It's important Coisty keeps these players and is also allowed to sign new guys. "It's a difficult job he has at Ibrox and that's why it's important they look everywhere for players. "The fact they are interested in Cribari shows that they are working hard behind the scenes. "Ian Durrant and John Brown are good guys who will be doing everything they can for the good of the club. "It's obviously been a difficult time for Rangers. "But despite all the problems it's not stopped the manager, the coaches and the players from winning. "That's the most important thing. The fans must now be behind the team more than ever because of everything that's happened. "They are united together and as passionate for the club as they ever have been. "The Rangers family is strong and I really believe they are through the worst."

RANGERS have been offered the chance to sign German World Cup ace Torsten Frings. The midfielder, 34, is looking for a new club after being told that he can leave Werder Bremen, although he has an offer to join their coaching staff. But Frings wants to look at options which would let him play on and SunSport can reveal he's offered his services to Gers. Boss Ally McCoist is considering him as an option. He wants to add experience to his midfield and Frings had a magnificent career at the top level. He made 70 international appearances - playing in the World Cup in 2002 and 2006. He's nearing the end of his career but it would be seen as a major coup for McCoist if he could lure him to Ibrox this summer. Meanwhile, Gers target David Vaughan has opened talks with West Brom. The Welsh international midfielder has been looked at by McCoist for a Bosman switch to Ibrox. The 28-year-old has held talks with the SPL champs as well as Sunderland after his Blackpool contract expired. Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3616175/Frings-benefit.html#ixzz1OBnw5wVx

ABERDEEN have announced that goalkeeper Jamie Langfield will be released from hospital today to continue his recuperation from a seizure at home. Langfield, 31, was admitted to Glasgow Southern General on Monday after suffering the brain disorder. His club said there were a "few details regarding the cause of Jamie's illness to be determined" and asked for his family's privacy to be respected. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2011/06/02/aberdeen-goalie-jamie-langfield-to-be-allowed-home-from-hospital-as-he-recovers-from-seizure-86908-23174477/

A Russian powerbroker who bought into English football by landing Championship club Portsmouth had already failed with a bid for Rangers last summer, Sportsmail can reveal. Vladimir Antonovââ?¬â?¢s company, Convers Sports Initiatives, completed a takeover of the Fratton Park outfit from their Asian owners after months of negotiations. But Sportsmail understands that the London-based businessman initially eyed Ibrox, with Sir David Murray ultimately deciding not to pursue preliminary discussions last August. Former Leeds United chief executive Chris Akers was involved in the Andrew Ellis bid for Rangers last summer, and was named alongside Antonov and Roman Dubov as Pompeyââ?¬â?¢s new owners. It is believed the Antonov interest arose four months before Motherwell-born Craig Whyte arrived on the scene to finally purchase Murrayââ?¬â?¢s controlling stake just before the conclusion of the SPL season. The 36-year-old Russian has interest in various sports ventures and claimed Portsmouthââ?¬â?¢s potential to return to the Barclays Premier League ââ?¬â? after relegation last summer under Avram Grant ââ?¬â? had influenced his decision to buy the Fratton Park club. ââ?¬Ë?We have conducted extensive due diligence and held detailed negotiations with a number of clubs in the English Premier League, Championship, League One and Scottish Premier League over the past 12 months,ââ?¬â?¢ said Antonov. ââ?¬Ë?We ultimately selected Portsmouth because of its history, loyal fan base and potential to return to the Premiership. 'The supporters are among the most passionate in the game and that gives the business a strong foundation to build on.ââ?¬â?¢ Antonovââ?¬â?¢s CSI company have interests in the World Rally Championship, PowerPlay Golf, Spartak Moscow ice hockey team, Ferrari Team Russia and the Isle of Man TT motorcycle race. As for the Rangers interest, it appears Murray simply decided against taking further the initial interest from the Russians ââ?¬â? brokered by middle-man Akers. Portsmouth chief executive David Lampit said: ââ?¬Ë?In CSI, I believe we have found owners who will take a long-term view.ââ?¬â?¢ Meanwhile, Rangers signing target Tomer Hemed has attracted interest from FV Mechelin in Belgium and a Serie A club. Manager Ally McCoist has asked Ian Durrant to watch the Maccabi Haifa player make his Israel debut in Euro 2012 qualifying action against Latvia this weekend. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1393339/New-Portsmouth-owner-tried-buy-Rangers.html#ixzz1O7UZ6CZq

http://leggoland2.blogspot.com/2011/06/catholic-church-backs-celtic-ira-songs.html http://www.sconews.co.uk/feature/9624/anti-sectarian-law-must-be-enforced/

ALLY McCOIST is weighing up a move for Samba stopper Emilson Sanchez Cribari. The new Rangers boss has been offered the chance to sign the Brazilian defender from Italian outfit Napoli. Cribari, 31, is available on a free transfer after being told he can quit the Serie A side. The big centre half has been tipped for a return to his homeland with Brazilian cracks Botafogo leading the chase to land him. Cribari's agents have also been working to get him offers from clubs in the UK. McCoist has been running the rule over him as he ponders offering him a deal. The new Gers gaffer is desperate to sign a defender with Davie Weir's future uncertain. The 41-year-old could be offered a new 12-month deal but would NOT be expected to play throughout the season. Madjid Bougherra is also likely to attract attention this summer. Meanwhile, Turkish outfit Bursaspor's move to tempt both Allan McGregor and Steven Whittaker to Turkey last night appeared to have stalled. Reports there claim �£5million-rated keeper McGregor - also wanted by Aston Villa - is too expensive. They are now eyeing Stijn Stijnen of Club Brugge in Belgium. Bursa believe they could land Whittaker, with only one year left on his deal, for �£1m. It's understood, however, that McCoist will fight to keep him. Gers have received NO formal bid as yet. Bursa hitman Kenny Miller, who has struggled to adapt to life in Turkey, has been linked with a THIRD spell at Gers. McCoist is looking at other options with Israeli Tomer Hemed a target Gers received a major boost yesterday when they were confirmed as top seeds for the Champions League third qualifying round. Should they reach the final qualifying round they'd again be seeded. Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3613972/Coisty-eyes-Samba-stopper.html#ixzz1O6E7k45j

QPR are prepared to double Steve Morison's wages to head off competition from Norwich and Rangers and sign the Millwall striker. The Wales striker, 27, had a transfer request rejected last week but will be allowed to leave if a club matches Millwall's �£2.5million valuation. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1392886/QPR-ready-splash-cash-sign-Steve-Morison.html#ixzz1NydZ9yZt

By Ronnie Esplin IT IS only now, more than two weeks after vacating the post, that Walter Smith can look back with pride at his achievements as manager of Rangers. Smith stood down at the end of the season to be replaced by assistant Ally McCoist after clinching the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title to add to the Co-operative Insurance Cup won earlier in the campaign. Those two triumphs took the former Scotland manager's trophy tally to 21 during his two spells in charge of the Govan club, which included ten league titles and a Uefa Cup final appearance in 2008. Smith, speaking in STV's two-part documentary, Walter Smith: The Football Years, to be screened on 7 and 14 June, insists he was too busy trying to achieve success during his career to dwell on it. "You obviously take a pride in your job and a pride in winning and helping the team win, but the one thing that drives you on is to continue winning," he said. "I think pride comes now, looking back over a career as a whole. "At that stage you just said to yourself: 'Oh, that's great, thank goodness we've got that one out the way and on we go.' In the end, it's not all about managers anyway, it's about the team. "And I keep preaching that to all the teams that I've had - it's about the team, it's about us winning. "It's not about a manager standing up there accepting plaudits. They only last until the first game of the next season anyway and then you've got to go and do it again." Many believed Smith had cut his ties with Rangers when he left at the end of the 1997-1998 season. He was happily ensconced at Hampden as national team manager when, in January 2007, he was asked by then Rangers owner, Sir David Murray, to return to Ibrox and fix the mess left by outgoing manager Paul Le Guen. The former Dundee United player admits it was a call which he found impossible to turn down. "I was just going about my job as Scotland manager and I got a call from Sir David Murray asking if I would be interested in coming back to Rangers again," said Smith. "It was right out the blue. "I would certainly not have left the national team job for any other job, but to come back to Rangers again was something I felt that I couldn't turn down." Smith, who began his Ibrox career as assistant to Graeme Souness before becoming manager in 1991, regrets that his grandfather, who first took him to see the Light Blues as a boy, was not alive to see him at Rangers. "I can always remember kicking a ball about in his house as a youngster and early memories of Don Kitchenbrand and Johnny Hubbard and others, but it was my grandfather who was the one who started me on the trail of supporting Rangers." he said. "My family then were delighted (on Smith first going to Rangers]. "I was just disappointed that my grandfather had died and he wouldn't have seen that. "But my mum and dad were obviously elated that the oldest son had got an opportunity to work (at a club] where he had stood on the terracing." http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/Walter-Smith-finally-able-to.6777639.jp?articlepage=1

Should be good Frankie,looking forward to even better,louder times next season:rfc::robbo:

http://leggoland2.blogspot.com/2011/06/rangers-wont-ban-me-boasts-creep.html

In the market: Ally McCoist is looking for new recruits Rangers will this week intensify their interest in Israeli striker Tomer Hemed as Ally McCoist targets his first summer signing. The Maccabi Haifa player is available on a free transfer and has caught the eye of the new Ibrox boss. Sportsmail understands Ian Durrant will fly to Riga to assess Hemed in Euro 2012 action for Israel against Latvia on Saturday. Scout John Brown has already repeatedly watched the 24-year-old striker, who scored 17 goals for Maccabi last season. Rangers are searching for a striker following Kenny Miller's departure to Bursaspor last January and the expiry of David Healy's short-term deal. Celtic raided the Israeli market well last summer when they bought Beram Kayal from the same club and now McCoist is keen on the man whose goals helped Maccabi win the title. Hemed has only just been called into the national squad, but is in line for his debut against the Latvians and Durrant plans to be in the Skonto stadium to further check him out. The striker spent the season before last on loan at Nazareth Bnei Yehuda under the charge of English boss John Gregory. Meanwhile, young midfielder Jamie Ness is desperate to start next season injury-free and stake a claim for a regular first-team place at Rangers under McCoist. The 19-year-old - who burst on the scene with a surprise Old Firm start at Ibrox on January 2 and a Scottish Cup goal against Celtic the following month - has had groin problems and has been assessed by a German specialist. Ness said: 'It was a great season for Rangers as a team and for me personally, but I was disappointed that injuries stopped me featuring even more. 'Hopefully, next season I will be able to get into the team again and stake my claim. 'If more central midfielders come to the club over the course of the summer, then I think that can only be a positive thing for us. 'It would give us more competition for places and means everyone will have to push more and work harder for their place in the team. 'You know that you are playing on merit and not just through injuries and suspensions. 'I found it difficult to watch the last few games in the stand but I was delighted when the boys were able to clinch the championship. 'We'd a great run of form over the last few games and I was pleased for Gregg Wylde as he was involved in those games.' By PETER JARDINE,Daily Mail

Jamie Langfield is described as being in a 'stable' condition. Aberdeen goalkeeper Jamie Langfield is recovering in Glasgow's Southern General Hospital after suffering from a seizure. The 31-year-old is described as being 'stable'. ââ?¬Å?Obviously this is an extremely worrying time for Jamie and the thoughts of everyone at the Club are with him, Louise and the girls,ââ?¬Â said Dons chief executive Duncan Fraser. ââ?¬Å?Jamie had a comfortable night and there have been no further setbacks but, until the results of the tests he has undergone are known, we are not in a position to comment further." The former Partick Thistle and Dundee goalkeeper signed for Aberdeen in 2005. http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/aberdeen/253616-aberdeen-goalkeeper-recovering-after-seizure/ I hope the guy gets better,shocking.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/the-best-players-available-on-a-bosman-free-transfer-2288799.html?action=Gallery

ONLY MANCHESTER UNITED COULD TEMPT ME AWAY FROM RANGERS ADMITS JELAVIC NIKICA JELAVIC has promised Rangers fans that he would only consider leaving Ibrox for a mega-club such as Manchester United. The 25-year-old striker has been linked with the English champions after his agents were spotted at Old Trafford and admits he couldn't turn down a dream move there. But he has made it clear he would not even think about moving south to any of the Premier League's also-rans even though there might be bigger wages on offer. Asked how he would react to a bid from a lesser side such as Newcastle, Jelavic replied: "I would stay in Glasgow - no question at all." The ex-Rapid Vienna man was a smash hit last term with 19 goals in 30 appearances and is refusing to think too much about the United rumours. Jelavic told the Croatian media: "If that happened, I would hardly stay in Scotland because an offer from such a big club is something that you cannot reject. Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/249816/Only-Manchester-United-could-tempt-me-away-from-Rangers-admits-JelavicOnly-Manchester-United-could-tempt-me-away-from-Rangers-admits-Jelavic#ixzz1NuZ2IlQ9

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON has targeted Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra as the man to lead Leicester City back into the Premiership. The Foxes boss has made an experienced central defender his top priority this summer and looks set to launch a �£1million bid for the Algeria international, who only has one year left on his deal at Ibrox. Bougherra has knocked back the offer of a two-year extension at Rangers and the club's new owner Craig Whyte could choose to cash in on the man who has helped the Govan outfit to three SPL titles on the spin. Former England gaffer Eriksson turned City around last season and they finished just eight points out of the play-off places. And with Leicester backed by wealthy Thai chairman Vichai Raksriaksorn they have already been installed as favourites, with relegated Birmingham and West Ham, to clinch promotion from the Championship next season. Eriksson signed centreback Sol Bamba from Hibs in January and he has quickly established himself as a cult hero with Foxes fans. The Swede now wants Bougherra to partner Bamba and with defenders Patrick van Aanholt and Jeffrey Bruma returning to Chelsea after their loan spells last season he will look to snap up the Algerian stopper sooner than later. Eriksson said: "We need to be active because this league will be even more difficult next season when you see the clubs coming up and the clubs coming down from the Premier League. It will be more difficult." Bougherra has never hidden his desire to take on a new challenge at this stage in his career and a move back to England could be tempting for the former Crewe and Sheffield Wednesday ace. And there could be more bad news for Rangers coming from the Championship with Birmingham gaffer Alex McLeish weighing up a bid for David Goodwillie. The Dundee United strike star has been a long-term target for Gers but McLeish is understood to see the hitman as the ideal player to fire his side back to the Premiership. The St Andrews boss last week released veteran hitman Kevin Phillips while loan stars Obafemi Martins and Matt Derbyshire went back to their parent clubs. Brum's Championship rivals Bristol City are also rumoured to be interested in �£2million-rated Goodwillie. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2011/05/31/rangers-defender-madjid-bougherra-may-be-set-for-switch-to-leicester-city-86908-23168798/

http://leggoland2.blogspot.com/2011/05/burley-blast-at-celtic.html

ALLY McCOIST returns as Rangers boss to Murray Park today facing a battle to hold onto keeper Allan McGregor and defender Madjid Bougherra for next season. Both international stars are wanted men with Aston Villa in pursuit of the Scotland keeper and Turkish side Kayserispor upping their bid for the Algerian icon. Villa's assistant boss Gary McAllister has confirmed McGregor who is rated at �£6m is on manager Gerard Houllier's summer transfer list following his impressive performances for both club and country. "Allan is a very good player who has proved himself at international and champions league level . He is under contract however and we have not been in contact with Rangers about his availability" said McAllister. And former Gers hero Shota Arveladze who is now in charge of Kayserispor says he will up his original offer for Bougherra to around �£1.5m this week in the hope of landing him before his Ibrox contract ends next May. "I am trying to sign Bougherra and I think he is keen to come.We have given our offer and hope we can do it. " revealed Arveladze " I have already spoken to Rangers and the clubs will speak again once he has completed his spell with Algeria." McCoist meanwhile knows that even with Craig Whyte's input of new money at Ibrox both players can double their money with a move away from the club. He will though try and convince them to stay on with the lure of another crack at the Champions League. If Bougherra is to leave then he will attempt to firm up the return of Arsenal reserve team skipper Kyle Bartley while exploring other defensive options in the coming weeks. Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/249629/Ally-McCoist-faces-fight-to-keep-top-starsAlly-McCoist-faces-fight-to-keep-top-stars#ixzz1NoglvYdg

ASTON Villa are weighing up a �£12million double swoop for Scotland stars Allan McGregor and Charlie Adam. Villa assistant boss Gary McAllister has revealed the Rangers keeper and Blackpool playmaker are on gaffer Gerard Houllier's list of signing targets. The Frenchman will get another chance to run the rule over the duo in today's Celtic Nations Cup clash with the Republic of Ireland. Veteran US keeper Brad Friedel looks set to leave Villa after failing to sign a new contract. But they would have to dig deep to buy the 29-year-old Ibrox No.1 as Gers value him at �£6m. And Villa had a �£4.5m bid for Adam rejected by Blackpool in January. But the 25-year-old former Ibrox midfielder wants to leave the relegated side and Midlands giants Villa will battle Spurs and Liverpool for his �£6m signature. McAllister said: "It's no secret we've been chasing Charlie. He has been outstanding this season. "And Allan's proved himself at international level and in the Champions League." http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sunday-mail/2011/05/29/scotland-stars-allan-mcgregor-and-charlie-adam-are-12m-targets-for-aston-villa-86908-23164904/

CRAIG WHYTE, Rangersââ?¬â?¢ new majority shareholder, has responded bullishly to the demands made by deposed chairman Alastair Johnston that he must ââ?¬Å?walk the walk and not just ââ?¬Å?talk the talkââ?¬Â by reiterating his financial commitment to the club. Johnston, axed on Monday night along with director Paul Murray after the pair refused to resign, had called on supporters to ââ?¬Å?remain vigilant and continue to exert pressure on Mr Whyte to support the club financially as he has publically committed to doââ?¬Â. In a statement yesterday on the clubââ?¬â?¢s website, however, Whyte confirmed that Rangersââ?¬â?¢ debt to Lloyds Banking Group had been cleared, and insisted he remained committed to backing new manager Ally McCoist financially with a view to improving the squad. ââ?¬Å?It is a huge privilege and honour to have become the majority shareholder at Rangers Football Club,ââ?¬Â he said. ââ?¬Å?My commitment to take the club forward is unwavering and, like all Rangers supporters, I want to build on the tremendous success achieved by the team in recent years. ââ?¬Å?I believe most Rangers supporters understand that, as a result of the takeover, the clubââ?¬â?¢s debt to the Lloyds Banking Group has been cleared and I have repeatedly stated to the board my intentions to invest in the team. ââ?¬Å?I have had discussions with Ally McCoist regarding his ambition to secure players already playing for the club and also to bring new faces to the squad. These discussions will resume when Ally returns to Ibrox this week. ââ?¬Å?These are exciting times for Rangers and the clubââ?¬â?¢s supporters. This past seasonââ?¬â?¢s achievements were truly great and I am determined to continue that success for Rangers and our supporters around the world.ââ?¬Â As well as removing Johnston and Murray from their positions, Whyte has also suspended Martin Bain, Rangersââ?¬â?¢ chief executive, and Donald McIntyre, the finance director, pending an internal investigation. Whyte, who assumed ownership of the club on May 6, would not expand on the reasons behind their suspension, but tried to assuage supporters that changes were always inevitable following upheaval on this scale. Fears that Bainââ?¬â?¢s removal from office, and Whyteââ?¬â?¢s inexperience in running a football club, would leave Rangers rudderless with the transfer window set to reopen shortly, were dismissed by a source close to the new owner. ââ?¬Å?It is business as usual,ââ?¬Â said the source. ââ?¬Å?He has a team around him who are more than capable of dealing with contracts, financial matters and any other immediate business.ââ?¬Â Whyte will send a document to all 26,000 club shareholders before a deadline of June 6 explaining the background to his takeover, the financial commitments and other crucial details. http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/rangers/whyte-reiterates-his-unwavering-commitment-to-invest-in-rangers-1.1103530

http://leggoland2.blogspot.com/2011/05/philmacgiollabhain-and-liam-murray.html

Brian Laudrup was part of a dream Rangers midfield that included Paul Gascoigne BRIAN LAUDRUP has admitted he snubbed a switch to Barcelona weeks after joining Rangers - a decision that left even Ibrox boss Walter Smith in a state of shock. The Dane had fallen in love with football again in Govan but revealed gaffer Smith was stunned to hear he would rather face Falkirk than head for the Spanish top flight. The man who won three Scottish titles at Ibrox insists Johan Cruyff's bid to lure him to the Nou Camp was always doomed - because he had watched older brother Michael fall out of love with life and boss Cruyff at Barca. Michael Laudrup was a celebrated member of Barcelona's 'Dream Team' that won the European Cup against Sampdoria at Wembley in 1992 and four La Liga titles in a row. But it all turned sour when Michael fell out with Cruyff two years later. The Dane sat in the stand of Athens' Olympic Stadium for the 1994 Champions League Final against Brian's AC Milan - as did his brother - and that triggered Michael's dramatic defection to Real Madrid. Brian penned a deal with the Light Blues that summer and having instantly warmed to Smith's style of management, he was in no mood to jump ship to the Catalan cracks. He said: "I could have signed for Barcelona after five months at Rangers. I told Walter that I did not want to go. He looked at me and said, 'Brian, you've turned down Barcelona?' I said I would prefer to play against Falkirk. "My years at Rangers were the happiest of my career. Finally, I had a manager who told me to go and play with freedom. Compare that to Milan, where boss Fabio Capello told me to stick to the right flank and just run up and down in straight lines. "Capello was tough and unapproachable but you'd go out on to the pitch at Rangers thinking you owed Walter a result." Another key reason in saying no to the Nou Camp was Laudrup's fear he would become a victim of the UEFA rule in the 1990s that teams could only have three foreign players on the pitch at any one time. Cruyff's addition of Romario after lifting the European Cup in '92 meant Michael Laudrup was the regular member of the Dream Team's foreign trio to be axed, instead of Ronald Koeman or Hristo Stoichkov. Brian said: "My loan move to AC Milan from Fiorentina in 1993 was never right. "It was the time of the three-foreigner rule and Milan already had five, so I never really felt part of things. "I played for Milan in the 1994 Champions League semi-final against Monaco but I was dropped for the Final against Barcelona. "My brother Michael was at Barca at the same time and a victim of the rule, too. We sat in the stadium, 200 yards apart, laughing at the situation." Laudrup won a Serie A title in his one year on loan at Milan, but only started nine games. In contrast, his four years at Ibrox delivered three titles on the spin, a Scottish Cup and a League Cup triumph - as well as eternal admiration from the Ibrox fans who fell in love with the gifted Dane's skills. And he admits quitting in 1998 to join Chelsea was a huge mistake. He said: "I had been in talks with Ruud Gullit but when I flew to London to meet him for the first time I was introduced to Gianluca Vialli instead. "I was amazed to learn he was my new manager. Looking back, I should never have made the move. I tried to get out of it but Chelsea would not hear of it." Brian has fought back from a recent cancer scare. Last September he discovered he had lymphoma but after three months of treatment he was told the disease had gone. Now he works for Danish TV and will be in the studio for tonight's clash between Man United and Barca in the Champions League Final. He said: "The football in the Champions League is incredible, better than the World Cup. I love to watch Barcelona in action." http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2011/05/28/rangers-legend-brian-laudrup-i-turned-down-switch-to-barcelona-five-months-after-arriving-at-ibrox-86908-23162435/

Blackpool fans forum http://www.fansonline.net/blackpool/mb/view.php?id=755492