ian1964

Remember Goram hitting Dicanio on the back of the head TWICE at Ibrox?? [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YP1guLeKFg]YouTube - an andy double[/ame]

ANONYMOUS is here there and everywhere. And now it would appear He She or It, has joined that old red rag, the Guardian. It isn't long since I highlighted some chancer on the paper by the name of Glendenning, who had branded Rangers - the club that is, not the supporters - as Huns. Now the latest attack has by the paper, which the great Richard Littlejohn so accurately branded, one of the "unpopulars," has been directed at the Ibrox club's fans, and features the biggest managerial failure in Rangers long history, Paul Le Guen. Now - to quote Private Eye - as any fule know, Rangers got rid of the French flop almost four years ago after a short period because he showed, beyond debate, that he was ill equipped to handle the task handed to him by Sir David Murray. It was something I had predicted four years past in February when it was first announced Le Guen was to succeed the successful Alex McLeish. My view was based on research of his record, the resources he had needed for his undoubted success in France, and the circumstances in which he had managed. My conclusion was that he would not have similar resources at Ibrox nor would the circumstances there be anything like what he had experienced in France, and that he was, therefore, the wrong man for the job. It was a view which flew in the face of popular opinion and united most Rangers supporters against me when I expressed it at the time when LeggoLand was published in the old fashioned print form. Press pack pals thought I had gone bonkers, despite me explaining my reasoning, while Ibrox season ticket holders among my Partick pals just did not want to listen. In common with Rangers supporters everywhere, they bought into Murray's poetic prediction of riding a Le Guen moonbeam to glory. Their almost fanatical belief in him was there for all to see when Le Guen took a bow in front of the Ibrox crowd for the first time. The splendid red, white and blue Tricolour of France flew in all corners of Ibrox and the crowd loudly and lustily belted out the tune of that most magnificent of anthems, La Marseillaise. Stirring stuff! I do not think I can recall a new Rangers manager getting a more vigorous reception. Not Jock Wallace when he returned, or the legend that is John Greig when he stepped up from the captaincy, not Graeme Souness, or even the second coming of Walter Smith, when he replaced Le Guen. Rangers supporters believed Le Guen was the man to make them a force and any thought of the Frenchman not being what the Guardian's Mister or Ms Anonymous called, "Rangers-minded" never entered the head of anyone I met. It did not seem to be present among the crowd whose welcome for Le Guen was loud, long and genuine. Yet, with a fine and blatant disregard for these facts, the Guardian has chosen to use a fairytale in the London Times, linking Le Guen with the vacant manager's job at Hibernian, as a sorry and sordid excuse to try and blacken the name of Rangers again. What appeared in an Anonymous article in a Guardian supplement gave a perfect example of why so many folk do not trust this ailing and failing newspaper to tell the truth. This is the libel - for that is what it is - which appeared in the Guardian supplement.... "Paul le Guen, formerly of Rangers, but not considered 'Rangers-minded' by the more confused denizens of Ibrox, could take over at the significantly greener, Hibernian." Just pause for a moment, go back and read that again. Rangers supporters reading this may care to take a deep breath, pause for another moment and then go back and read that outrageous lie again. They may then feel like going to Google and researching the Press Complaints' Commission. Perhaps the Guardian's Anonymous is getting confused with his clubs. Perhaps he is thinking of the view expressed by the veteran journalist and long time acute Parkhead watcher, Hugh Keevins - who makes a welcome return to Sunday column duty with the Sunday Mail this weekend - and his view that there may have been many Parkhead fans who did not take to Gordon Strachan due to a lack of what was described as his Celtic DNA. This opinion was given at a time when, under Strachan, Celtic had won one title, were on their way to a second successive championship, and before he managed them to a third, the first man to do so since Jock Stein. Or - and maybe you believe this is the more likely scenario - Mister or Ms Anonymous in the Guardian, was just venting their spleen against Rangers and their supporters, because that is the sort of stance which is expected of such a newspaper. It has certainly never been kind to the Ibrox club, dating back to the time when current Celtic director, Brian Wilson, was its Scottish football correspondent for a decade from the mid 1970s to the 80s. But - and this includes Glendenning's Huns slur - this latest ,absolutely without any basis of foundation libel, should be the last straw. The very least that should happen is that the Guardian should be put under pressure to unmask the He, She or It who is to good reporting what Subo is to singing. And the first step in that direction is reporting the Guardian to the Press Complains Commission. http://davidleggat-leggoland.blogspot.com/

NEW SFA chief executive Stewart Regan has pledged to bring greater haste and clarity to the organisation's disciplinary system after admitting his unease at the timing of Allan McGregor's one-match suspension. Allan McGregor, who was outstanding for Scotland against Spain, trains with Rangers yesterday, but the goalkeeper will miss Rangers' SPL clash with Motherwell today due to a controversial ban Picture: SNS The Rangers goalkeeper will miss his club's SPL match against Motherwell at Ibrox today because of the ban imposed for aiming a kick at Aberdeen striker Chris Maguire during a match at Pittodrie three weeks ago. The incident was not spotted by the match officials at the time but was subsequently referred by the SFA to its independent video review panel. To Regan's discomfort, the judgment on McGregor was passed on Monday, both the chief executive's first day in the job and the eve of the player lining up for Scotland in Tuesday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Spain at Hampden. Rangers manager Walter Smith yesterday described the situation as "embarrassing" and accused the SFA of ignoring "glaring discrepancies" in what he claims is a "flawed" disciplinary process. Within four hours of Smith making his comments at Rangers' weekly media conference, however, there was a response from Regan in the form of a lengthy statement in which he directly addressed the former Scotland manager's complaints. "In light of recent publicity surrounding Allan McGregor's retrospective punishment for violent conduct," said Regan, "I would like to clarify a few points which, hopefully, will better explain the process. "I can understand the media and supporter interest in the situation that arose at the start of the international double-header. The timing was unfortunate - and not how I intended to spend my first day in office - but the investigation process is designed to ensure violent conduct is eradicated from the game, while also providing a support network for match officials who may have missed such instances. "There are elements of the process that I, as a newcomer to the Scottish FA, am not entirely content with. I have already requested a tightening-up of certain elements which I believe will help improve the transparency and functionality of the procedure. It is my intention that formal notification of investigations will be made sooner and that a fixed timescale for any subseqeunt appeal is established. It should be noted that, compared to previous procedures, the current investigation system is now completed within a two-week timeframe and is therefore more efficient." Smith believes Rangers and Celtic suffer a disproportionate number of suspensions such as the one handed out to McGregor as a result of fixtures involving the Old Firm clubs being televised live more than any others in Scotland. Regan, however, dismissed that view. "While some of our more prominent clubs argue that their media exposure leaves them unfairly at risk of such investigations, I would point out that, adopting the same principle, they are also in a position to have a higher percentage of claims for wrongful dismissal acted upon," he said. "Furthermore, we have dealt with many cases from lower divisions using club television or analysis footage. "The process, when initiated by the chief executive, is referred to an independent review panel before being ratified by the chairman of the disciplinary committee. This is a far more streamlined process than previously was the case. It is the responsibility of the referee development department and disciplinary department to be aware of instances that may be worthy of investigation. This will be highlighted primarily by using television footage or feedback from the referee observers." While Regan seeks greater transparency in the SFA system, there will be no change to the anonymity of the pool of former players, managers and referees who make up the independent review panel. "It ensures a cross-section of opinion across the football family," added Regan, "but to reveal their identities on a case-by-case basis would be detrimental to the integrity of the process." Rangers' sense of disquiet over McGregor's punishment has been heightened by the serious ankle injury suffered by Nikica Jelavic during their match against Hearts at Tynecastle two weeks ago. The Croatian striker faces three months on the sidelines as a result of the damage caused by a foul from Ian Black. The Hearts midfielder was booked at the time by referee Craig Thomson, meaning no further action can be taken. "Allan has been suspended for not kicking someone while the lad who kicked Nikica doesn't get suspended," said Rangers captain David Weir. "There doesn't seem to be much logic to it. It wasn't even a tackle (from Black], he just kicked Nikica." Regan, however, will not seek to make any change to the procedure surrounding incidents like the one involving Jelavic and Black, insisting that to do so would undermine the match officials. "It has been mentioned that while the process deals with misconduct missed by a referee, it does not include instances where it is believed a referee 'maybe didn't judge properly'," added Regan. "This falls under the category of claims for wrongful dismissal, a procedure with which clubs are familiar. "It should be emphasised, though, that the investigation process is designed to assist match officials. To intervene in instances that fall between investigations into incidents missed by a match official and claims of wrongful dismissal would compromise the authority of referees in relation to the laws of the game." http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/Allan-McGregor-ban-prompts-SFA.6584285.jp?articlepage=3

Just been thinking,and drinking:),about this Rangers team,now I know we have had a lot better Rangers teams but with all the shit that has happened in the last couple of seasons,off the park,I think the players are showing an incredible hunger and desire to win every game,so far,and are still unbeaten in the league and CL. We have in the next three fixtures that can shape our season IMO,I know it's early,but if we win our next three games it would be a tremendous achievement for this group of players,and the manager and backroom staff. So I guess my question is if they win the next three games,which with the way they have been playing I'm actually confident they can/will win the next three games,how good a team will that make them?

I honestly think if one of the big EPL sides come in for him and offer something in the region of �£7m he will be off,I agree he would not got to a mediocre EPL side as he is used to winning trophies and will want to keep winning trophies,he knows he can keep winning things with Rangers,and has already been said he would/could become a Rangers legend,however money talks and with all the shit he recieves in Scotland,a lot of that is down to himself,he might just be tempted.

FINANCIAL RESULTS As highlighted in my report last year, the effect of the economic downturn and the focus on the level of debt within the Club resulted in the Board imposing greater financial disciplines to ensure the long term sustainability of the Club. The continuing attention on cost reduction and revenue enhancing initiatives together with our participation in the 2009/10 UEFA Champions League and qualification for the group stages of the 2010/11 UEFA Champions League, have resulted in the Club surpassing initial objectives and being on a more sound financial footing than last year. Cost control and revenue generating initiatives continue to be key challenges for all SPL clubs in light of decreased broadcasting rights, the impact of the recession on core revenue streams and Scotland’s ranking in European competition. Balanced measures have been, and will continue to be taken at the Club to reduce any negative impact, while maintaining our competitive edge on the pitch, to ensure long term financial stability. Bank debt levels as at 30 June 2010 under our Term Loan and overdraft facilities improved by Ã?£3.7m to Ã?£22.3m reflecting the net income earned from Champions League participation, offset by the outlay of Ã?£8.0m in the year on historic player transfers and a decrease in advance season ticket sales for the forthcoming season. The Group’s turnover at Ã?£56.3m and operating profit of Ã?£5.1m increased by Ã?£16.6m and Ã?£22.4m respectively on last year, benefitting from Champions League income and a reducing cost base. Gate receipts and hospitality sales increased by Ã?£1.6m to Ã?£25.8m due to the additional games in the season. In total 54 matches were played in all competitions in 2009/10 as against 49 in the prior year. The three home European ties made up the majority of the increase in revenue, although this was slightly offset by the exit at the quarter final stage from the Active Nation Scottish Cup. While the number of season tickets reduced due to the impact of the recession by 2,801 to 40,306, the improved mix of adult versus concession tickets and increased matchday income meant that the decrease was not as pronounced in revenue terms. Hospitality sales were affected by the economic downturn, with seasonal occupancy levels dropping to 56% (2009 - 66%), with occupancy for SPL matches averaging 86% (2009 - 90%). Challenges remain in the key revenue streams of ticketing and hospitality for the current season given the state of the economy. Income from sponsorship and advertising increased by 4% to Ã?£2.9m in a difficult market. The Carling agreement came to a close in May 2010, and has been replaced by a three year sponsorship deal with Tennent’s from 2010/11. As has been well documented, the demise of Setanta in the summer of 2009 has had a major impact on broadcasting revenues in Scotland. While the new BSkyB and ESPN contract with the Scottish Premier League is welcomed, the financial impact on the Club’s income is highlighted in the Ã?£1.4m reduction in broadcasting revenue to Ã?£3.8m. This reduction includes a decrease in income from domestic cup competition and the Club’s TV channel. In August 2009 the new media offering http://www.rangersTV.tv was launched. This offers live broadcasts and archive material to be viewed on demand and at the year end had 23,000 registered users. Commercial income increased by Ã?£16.1m to Ã?£21.7m as a result of participation bonuses and market pool related income from the UEFA Champions League group phase, together with improved revenue from publishing. The market pool element from UEFA was enhanced given we were the sole Scottish representative in the group stages. Although we have secured direct qualification into the 2010/11 Champions League group phase, a cautionary note should be made for the 2011/12 season, when, due to the Scottish co-efficient in European competitions, the winners of the Scottish Premier League may have up to three qualifying rounds to negotiate before entering the lucrative group stages. The guaranteed net royalty receipts from JJB Sports plc of Ã?£3.0m together with the annual amortisation of the initial 2006 payment of Ã?£14.5m are included within the commercial turnover figures. Other operating income principally comprising events and catering income increased by 8% to Ã?£2.0m due to our participation in Europe. Net operating expenses decreased by Ã?£4.4m to Ã?£43.9m reflecting the reduced salary levels and efficiencies introduced in the year. Total payroll costs as a percentage of turnover reduced to 50% (2009 - 77%) as a result of the Ã?£2.5m decrease in salary costs and the improvement in turnover. Despite the cost to service the European campaign and the launch of the new media platform, http://www.rangersTV.tv, other operating charges also decreased by Ã?£1.1m to Ã?£13.6m. With player amortisation costs decreasing by Ã?£1.5m to Ã?£7.3m, reflecting the disposals from the squad, operating profit increased by Ã?£22.4m from a loss of Ã?£17.3m to a profit of Ã?£5.1m. The gain on disposal of player registrations, including Barry Ferguson, Charlie Adam and Pedro Mendes, was Ã?£5.7m less than the prior year at Ã?£0.5m. Interest costs of Ã?£1.4m, reflecting the reduction in debt and lack of activity in the transfer market, resulted in a profit before tax of Ã?£4.2m, an increase of Ã?£18.3m on last year’s loss. As there are sufficient tax losses brought forward from prior years to negate the current year’s taxable profit, the tax charge was nil as against a credit of Ã?£1.4m due to Group relief in the prior year. The retained profit for the year to 30 June 2010 amounted to Ã?£4.2m, an overall increase of Ã?£16.9m on the prior year loss of Ã?£12.7m. FIXED ASSETS The cost of player registrations in the year amounted to Ã?£0.4m (2009 - Ã?£11.8m), reflecting only contract extensions. The net book value of player registrations at 30 June 2010 stood at Ã?£10.9m (2009 - Ã?£20.2m). FUNDING Total net debt at 30 June 2010, including our bank facilities, finance lease and other loans, amounted to Ã?£27.1m, a reduction of Ã?£4.0m on the prior year resulting in a debt to equity (gearing) ratio of 38% (2009 - 47%), and headroom on existing facilities of Ã?£11.7m. The cash outflow of Ã?£8.0m relating to historic transfers, together with the cost to service debt, diluted the impact of cash receipts from the Club’s participation in the 2009/10 Champions League. The term loan, repayable over 19 years, stands at Ã?£19m following the scheduled repayments during the year, with the Ã?£15m revolving credit facility reviewed annually in November. The Ã?£15m swap arrangement entered into with the Bank of Scotland in March 2008 remains in place at a fixed rate of 4.67% until at least March 2011. Last year a rigorous plan was embarked upon to reduce costs and debt levels. Cost reductions and on-field success has resulted in these targets being surpassed both in terms of profit and debt reduction. This, coupled with securing direct qualification for the 2010/11 Champions League group stages, has resulted in the Club being in a more stable position financially than twelve months ago. The Club is now in direct contact with Lloyds Banking Group, with more constructive dialogue and an improved understanding from both parties of the current issues and future objectives. A level of investment has been agreed for the playing squad within a revised business plan, but the future has to be viewed with a degree of caution given the current Scottish co-efficient for European competition. A balance has to be struck on remaining competitive, whilst reducing our dependency on debt funding and thereby ensuring the longer term sustainability of the Club. OTHER MATTERS In May 2010 UEFA approved the Financial Fair Play Regulations. This means that the Club’s financial position and ultimately European participation will be assessed on a series of different indicators and requirements. A phased implementation of the regulations will take place over the next three years, culminating in a ‘break-even requirement,’ being a balance between expenditure, in particular salaries and transfer fees, and income generated. These requirements will be closely monitored to ensure compliance. On the basis of expert tax advice, the Club is defending a query raised by HMRC into the operation of the Murray Group Management Limited Remuneration Trust, established to provide incentives to certain employees and other service providers. This is part of an ongoing tax enquiry scheduled to be heard by a tax tribunal before the end of the year. It would therefore be inappropriate to comment further on matters pending the outcome of this tribunal. In conjunction with Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Housing Association, a number of options are currently being explored regarding the potential development and regeneration of land adjacent to Ibrox stadium. The wider community will be involved and consulted in the planning process once specifics on mixed use and financial returns have been agreed between the main parties.

Chairman’s Statement I am very pleased to present the Rangers Football Club Annual Report against a backdrop of success for the Club. To win our 26th League Cup was outstanding but to secure our second successive Clydesdale Bank Premier League title at this juncture was not only a tremendous achievement but one of paramount importance to the welfare of the Club. I would like to extend my congratulations to Walter Smith, Ally McCoist, Kenny McDowall and the playing squad for their efforts. The result of that success was qualification for the UEFA Champions League this year, the net revenues from which will, in turn, provide us with greater financial stability. One of the immediate benefits of this was the commitment by Walter to manage the team for another season and Ally and Kenny agreeing to new contracts. The benefit of participating in the UEFA Champions League in Season 2009/10 is clear with our turnover increasing by Ã?£16.6m to Ã?£56.3m. This, together with measures taken on reducing our cost base, resulted in an increase in operating profit of Ã?£22.4m to Ã?£5.1m from last year’s loss of Ã?£17.3m. Retained profit for the year amounted to Ã?£4.2m, an increase of Ã?£16.9m on last year. The current year incorporates a Ã?£0.5m gain on sale of player registrations compared with a gain of Ã?£6.2m in the prior year. In terms of debt, our net cash inflow in the year amounted to Ã?£4.0m. As I highlighted last year we still had Ã?£9.2m payable in terms of historic player transfers. The cash flow in the current year reflects payments of Ã?£8.0m on these prior year acquisitions, and resulted in our year end debt in relation to the term loan and overdraft facility with Lloyds Banking Group of Ã?£22.3m. Total debt at 30 June 2010, incorporating finance leases and other loans, amounted to Ã?£27.1m. A balance has to be struck between debt reduction and remaining competitive on the playing front. To this end, we agreed a business plan with Lloyds Banking Group in recent months, and whilst we continue to look for new investment, this has enabled an allocation of funding for new players, while at the same time retaining the nucleus of the squad that has served us so well in the past two seasons. The financial results and the team’s success have assisted in stabilising the business and strengthening our balance sheet. Some caution must be exercised, however, given the effect of the recession on our core revenue streams and the implications to Scottish football of the country’s European ranking. Challenges therefore still remain but I am confident that the management team under the guidance of Martin Bain can continue to enhance the company’s financial performance whilst maintaining our team’s competitive edge on the field. Every Rangers fan, myself included, knows only too well the issues we have faced in recent times given our debt levels and the distraction of ownership speculation. However, we are now in a position to look forward more constructively and positively as we make every effort to achieve continued success for this great football club. As I did last year, it is my intention to deliver a “Chairman’s Address” at the AGM on 18 October 2010, when I will update our shareholders and supporters on major developments pertaining to the Club and provide further insight into issues of concern and interest to all of our patrons. More Info: http://www.rangers.co.uk/staticFiles/f6/56/0,,5~153334,00.pdf http://www.rangers.co.uk/page/annualreport/0,,5,00.html

Join in the fun,name your scorers:)

Chisholm & Dodds sacked as well now

Champions 3 Miller,Lafferty2 Motherwell 0 :spl:

Pete,I think you might be correct,however how come Shagger is the cheaper option of the other goalies mentioned?

It does merit it's own thread:)

http://www.gersnetonline.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?t=21254&page=6

A gifted goalkeeper now rated among the best in the business. But James Beattie fears it's only a matter of time before the cream of Europe are lining up with offers to end Allan McGregor's glove affair with Rangers. Manchester United see McGregor - who was sensational for Scotland in Tuesday's brave 3-2 defeat to Spain - as the ideal long-term replacement for the retiring Edwin van der Sar. But Beattie believes a host of top clubs will soon join Sir Alex Ferguson in the battle for his signature. He's just hoping Gers can keep hold of Gregsy's golden gloves for a while longer at least. The striker said: "I don't want him to go, but Allan could play anywhere. He is that sort of character. "He is very focused and he knows what he wants. He wants success and he has been carrying a couple of injuries for two months. "He plays through them because he wants to play, succeed and do really well. "That's a good start and then on top of that, he is a very talented keeper. I don't know what Allan's position is contractually.Everything gets looked at nowadays. "Allan is probably one of the top keepers in Europe. "If he keeps playing then he is going to get the attention. "Then it is up to Allan and the club to sort out what he wants to do. "It's the same as everything else, something is worth what others want to pay for it. "That's always the case - whether it's a house, a car or a footballer. "There's been eyebrows raised numerous times about players' transfer fees and why they have been so high or so low. But if someone is willing to pay the money, then a player can be worth whatever." Former England international Beatts believes McGregor is now regarded as Scotland's first-choice keeper. The 28-year-old's desire to win, coupled with his disgust at losing, has seen him rise above �£9million Sunderland ace Craig Gordon in the pecking order. McGregor has been through more than most in the quest to play for his country and last night Beattie paid tribute to his dedication. He said: "They are a different breed, really. They are all mental. "You obviously read about people and see them play on TV. "But when you see them every day, you get a clearer picture. "Allan has got to be one of the angriest goalies around. "He doesn't like people scoring against him in training. "When he gets out on the pitch, he is even worse. "If you look at every player, there is an edge to them. "With certain players, if you take that edge away then they are only half the player. It's up to the management team and the player to channel it in the right way. "I don't mean Allan is an angry person, just when he loses goals." Beattie, meanwhile, has his mind firmly set on scoring goals for Rangers. The former Everton star has yet to find the net for Walter Smith's side following his move north from Stoke City in the summer. But he knows the ankle injury to Nikica Jelavic has handed him the chance to kick-start his Ibrox career. Beattie said: "Jela came into the side and he did really well. "It was unfortunate that he got injured against Hearts. But it has given me a chance to get back into the team and establish myself. "Jela was in great form and he was establishing a good partnership with Kenny Miller. "He was taken out most cynically by one of the Hearts players and he's undergone an operation. I've spoken to him and he sounds upbeat but obviously disappointed. "You don't want to see dirty challenges. It is pretty unacceptable among the players and they shouldn't be doing that to each other. "UEFA make the rules and the referees follow the guidelines." Beattie is fully recovered from the thigh injury which kept him sidelined for five weeks. And he's desperate to get off the mark against Motherwell at Ibrox tomorrow. Speaking at Murray Park yesterday as the Rangers Charity Foundation announced the Prostate Cancer charity as its new National Partner for the season Beattie confessed: "The first four games went all right, probably because the team was winning. "My last competitive game had been back in December so I was surprised when the manager asked me to start in the first game of the season. "But I was delighted to do so. "We won the first four games and then I picked up an injury. "I've only been injured for two weeks but I've missed five games so from that point of view it's been frustrating. "I'd have got a lift in the first game and it would have been nice to hit the ground running. "But in the games I felt I was getting stronger and was contributing but a striker is judged on his goals. "I'll feel better when I score. It's not something I worry about massively, but it will be nice to get off the mark and go on a scoring run." Beattie hopes Gers can extend their unbeaten run against Well. He admitted: "It is a big game for us. Motherwell are sitting in third place in the table just now and a lot of the lads have been away on international duty. "We need to focus on the league again." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3181058/The-gloves-are-off.html#ixzz12PhxQOPq

Is it this Monday?? If you could go and ask a question what question would you ask??.

Veteran Brechin midfielder Charlie King got a rousing ovation when he took to the Glebe Park pitch on crutches to greet the Rangers XI for his testimonial match. City's longest-serving player, who joined the club in 2001, is likely to be sidelined for the rest of the season after breaking his right ankle, but the side sent from Ibrox featuring a number of first-team players marked the respect with which he is held in Scottish football. City got off to a cracking start and opened the scoring in five minutes when Craig Molloy knocked the ball in after it took a deflection off the kneecap of a defender. Two minutes later Calum Booth had a chance to double their lead after a great solo run down the left flank but his sharp-angled drive was well stopped by the Rangers keeper Grant Adam. The visitors levelled on 16 minutes when Rory Loy headed home from a John Fleck corner. Five minutes later Rory McAllister was given an opportunity to restore the home side's lead when he took a free-kick from the edge of the box but another great save from Adam thwarted him. Just after the half-hour City keeper Craig Nelson prevented the visitors going ahead when he blocked a Ross Perry header from a Sarin Kerkar corner. Rangers fought hard for the winner in the second half but the City defence proved unbreachable. City came close to breaking the deadlock in the last 10 minutes when Gary Fusco's cracking shot from 25 yards hit the outside of the far post. Attendance�619. Brechin�Nelson (Scott 46), McLean, Cook (White 46), McLauchlan (McKenna 46), Moyes (Johnson), Janczyk (Byres 46), Redman (Fotheringham), B Smith, McAllister (Millar 82), Molloy (Fusco 46), Booth (D Smith). Subs not used�Docherty. Rangers XI�Adam, McMillan, Wylde: Perry, Webster, Stirling (Naismith 81), Campbell (Wiktorski), Hutton, Loy, Fleck, Kerkar (Dick 81). Subs not used�Smith, Little. http://www.thecourier.co.uk/Sport/Football/article/6257/match-report-brechin-1-rangers-xi-1.html

LIVERPOOL supporters must be looking on in horror at the court room battles and legal wrangles surrounding the ownership of the club they support. However, in contrast to what Rangers fans have suffered, and continue to suffer regarding the sale of their club, the Scousers are getting an easy ride, with the Royal Bank of Scotland appearing to give the club greater support and understanding than seems to have been forthecoming for Rangers from Lloyds Maybe that has got something to do with the fact there are plenty of folk out there who are lining up to try to buy the Anfield outfit. Just as there was no shortage of interested parties when Manchester City went on the market. But, despite some big talking by some, which proved to be all hat and no cattle, and other shadowy and equally lacking in substance parties, nobody with the cash needed wants to buy Rangers. Which begs the question... WHY? For at the moment, with debts of around �£25M and falling, and with the way the market stands, Rangers could be bought for a knockdown price. Of course the revenue stream available to such as Liverpool, City, Aston Villa and the others in England, from massive Sky pay outs, plus megabucks via the Champions League, is not available to Rangers. Though, and even given the fact they suffer the problem of being a big club in a small country, Rangers remain a club with a massive tradition and they could provide a terrific platform for anyone who wished to own a big football club. Someone whose resources cannot compete with the Americans who are flooding into the market south of the border, or the others from various countries, but who, nevertheless, has substantial means. Indeed, right now Rangers represent a massive bargain. Almost a steal. So again the question must be posed. Two years after Sir David Murray first made it known Rangers were up for grabs, still no serious and acceptable bid has been made.... WHY? And the answer....... Well, Rangers, whether they like it or not, have an image problem. A difficulty brought on by Murray's refusal to take on those whose actions suggest they have nothing else on their journalistic agenda than wishing to damage Rangers. Nobody needs names spelled out here. Everybody knows who the leading light is... and who his wee handmaidens are. Would that this campaigner against Rangers was so dilligent in his day-today duties for his ailing paper - at least it is in Scotland - once known as the Thunderer, and once upon a time highly regarded as a paper of record. For instance, the day before Rangers played Manchester United, he was nowhere to be seen in the splendid Old Trafford, Europa Suite as the reporters from every other daily newspaper who had travelled south, sat down in what was a pre official UEFA press conference briefing to them from Walter Smith. Is there nobody among the ranks of his superiors in London - where the Scottish sports operation is run from - who know what a mug he is making of them? Or does the Scottish editor either not know, or not care? Or is he too busy lunching with Richard Holloway, a friend of both the editor and the anti Rangers sports writer? This man has consistently attacked Rangers supporters for some of the songs he says he hears them singing, while he has with equal consistency, failed to hear any of the offensive songs belted out by the followers of any other club. Now, not for a moment do I think all Rangers supporters are blameless for the plight their club is in, and I have the record of a column I wrote four years ago attacking them for getting the club into trouble over their singing of the "Billy Boys." In it, I told them to stop it and coined the slogan - ***-RIP. It appeared in the newspaper I worked for at the time. Maybe that was because it fell in with the ethos of that paper's owners, Trinity Mirror, whose flagship paper, the Daily Mirrior, once splashed with a TROOPS OUT! demand at the height of he IRA bombing campaign on the British mainland and in Northern Ireland. Therefore, my credentials of being balanced and objective are clearly established. Not so the man from the Times. Fortunately his influence wanes with every plunge in that paper's circulation in Scotland since he joined, just as the Herald's sales figures hit the skids when he was there. However, the damage he has done to Rangers remains, and that is part of the problem - though not, as I have said, all of it - Murray is encountering as he tries to find a credible buyer. Murray indeed is also part of the problem. During his period as chairman - and through the spell when he vacated the chair but remained the most influential figure in the boardroom - there were many inside Ibrox who wanted to pick a fight with those they saw as being fervently anti Rangers. My information is Murray often sat in his Charlotte Square office and listened to their plans, gave them the go-ahead, only to call to cancel that green light before whoever it was he had spoken to, had reached the Maybury Roundabout. You reap what you sow, the Bible tells us, and Murray, by failing to stop what appears as a systematic campaign aimed at the club he owns, now finds it hard to find the buyer he so wants to unearth. Eventually though someone will come forward. Someone with shrewd enough business acumen to spot the nature of the bargain which is Rangers. When that happens there are plenty of people within Ibrox who will be only too happy to point the new owner in the right direction when it comes to those who seem to harbour hatred for Rangers. The Bible will be proved right in then end. It always is. http://davidleggat-leggoland.blogspot.com/

You are correct Craig,it does make perfect sense,however I just think anything in I read in the papers is normally shite:)

Of course he will be attracting attention with his performances,however January is a long way off,if that's when he would move?, so why is it even up for discussion now so near to our visit to the BHEASTS??

There wouldn't be an OF game coming up by any chance would there ?

I believe every manager of every team has an obligation to do pre/post match interviews,I'm sure sky sports would have something to say about it if a manager continued to evade any questions from a reporter which is relevant to the game,as well as the relevant association,also the fans who want to here what he has to say.

MANCHESTER UNITED are eyeing �£5million-rated Rangers keeper Allan McGregor. Old Trafford superscout Martin Ferguson, brother of boss Sir Alex, watched the Scotland No1 at Hampden on Tuesday. McGregor, 28, pulled off a string of stunning saves in the Euro 2012 clash with world champions Spain. And he's now on the Old Trafford radar as Fergie seeks a long-term replacement for veteran Edwin van der Sar. SunSport understands United have also watched Ajax's Maarten Stekelenburg, Atletico Madrid's David de Gea and Manuel Neuer of Schalke. But all three keepers carry �£20m price tags and McGregor has emerged as a lower-cost alternative for a club saddled with debts of �£716m. McGregor's Ibrox contract runs until 2013 and Gers have offered him a new five-year deal to stay with the champs. The keeper is in the form of his life after Champions League clean sheets at Old Trafford and against Bursaspor. His heroics against Spain followed a world-class stop from Jan Polak in Scotland's loss in the Czech Republic on Friday. McGregor also produced a string of stunning saves in the 3-0 friendly defeat against Sweden in Stockholm in August. United are looking for a new No 1 with van der Sar, 40 this month, set to retire at the end of the season. Gers team-mate Steven Naismith says McGregor has taken over from �£9m Sunderland ace Gordon as Scotland's first-choice keeper. And he is shocked that no Premier League giants have already tried to nab McGregor from Ibrox. He said: "Allan is up there with the best in the game now. To be honest I'm surprised no other club has come in to try and buy him from Rangers. "He's been fantastic for us ever since I've been at the club. "En route to the UEFA Cup Final with Rangers some of his saves were absolutely tremendous. He's carried that on since then. "He's had his problems off the park, but he's learned from them. "He's now Scotland No1 and while big Craig is a top keeper too, it's roles reversed for the two of them now. "When you look at the likes of Arsenal needing a keeper it's unbelievable no one has come in for him. "I'm not complaining though. The longer Allan stays at Rangers the better it is for the club. "It's been great for the manager to call on Allan. Some of his saves in the Czech Republic were terrific and against Spain he was really good. "We have two good goalies here and that's great." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3179327/Fergie-set-to-swoop-for-Al.html#ixzz12KKxO0Ic

I don't think you will ever get a total boycott, there are too many fans who want to go and support Rangers no matter what the circumstances are. FWIW, I agree with the boycott,in fact it is long overdue IMO,but that's easy for me to say as I don't get to away games

Fair enough,however he is the obvious choice to replace Jig, unless Wattie goes with Hutton??

We have Edu as a direct replacement for Jig,lafferty to replace Jelavic