JFK-1

It’s going to be an intimidating spectacle for the opposition. And perhaps even more so given the excitement around our first competitive game of the season and our first ever competitive game of the Gerrard era. I’m looking to take at least 3 off them with no reply. Don’t want a nerve wracking away leg.

It can sometimes be a fine line between imposing yourself on the pitch and going over the top. Morelos is a hothead too but he somehow manages to stay on the pitch though accumulates yellows.

Yes indeed. Having the cards rescinded does us no good at all in that game. It was a large part of how hubz managed to rob us in the first game at Ibrox.

While a lot of attention will be given to the fact that Bury on paper will and should be viewed as inferior to us wasn't that also the case against many of the SPL 'inferiors' we dropped a heap of points to last season? Dundee etc? If SG has taught them how to consistently impose themselves against lesser teams and get the result in a comfortable manner then that's half the battle already won.

Personally I think Wes is a better shot stopper than Alnwick. But is it a possibility that Gerrard thinks he has a good enough defence and a strategy that will reduce shots on target to a minimum? And if that were the case might he then prefer a goalkeeper with other qualities? I like Wes but if someone were to come in with a 3 million plus offer I think we need to take it if he's going to be stuck on the bench at best where his value will reduce.

Glad he focused on the importance of a clean sheet. Leaking goals was a large part of what killed our season last time out. If we can continue being the highest scoring team in the league while consistently keeping them out we're on our way. And despite the fact Bury are lower tier in England keep in mind that the bulk of the opposition in the SPL are signing players from these lower tiers. And we just blew them out of the water with a goal rampage and a clean sheet. Example, the latest 'big' sheep signing Chris Forrester. Signed from third tier Peterborugh where he couldn't get a game. I'm encouraged that this may be the year we at last generate some fitting consistency and make the points dropped so often to lesser lights at Ibrox a thing of the past.

I'm happy to see them register a clean sheet which for me is a crucial requirement for next week.

I doubt Morelos will be leaving and certainly not for the price being quoted. I'm not overly concerned right now as I feel we have enough to negotiate the upcoming Europa league tie. Would like more activity before QR2. I'm guessing Friday night should go a long way towards telling us what his first 11 will be and how they will set up.

Rangers director of football Mark Allen must be sacked if he accepts the reported seven-figure bid for Rangers talisman Alfredo Morelos, due to the Colombian’s crucial role within the team and the paltry nature of the offer. The Turkish news outlet Tavkim reported that Fenerbahce have tabled a £2.5million bid for the Colombian, but Allen and Steven Gerrard must ignore this bid. A natural goal threat is what any debutant manager needs to take the pressure off, and Morelos is one of the Gers most electrifying attacking options, so it must be Allen’s absolute priority to supply Gerrard with this ahead of his first season at the Ibrox. Morelos, 22, scored an impressive 14 goals in the Scottish Premier League last time out, as well as aiding his team-mates with six assists. In fact, during his debut season at the Ibrox the dynamic forward lead the team with 18 goals in all competitions, and Gerrard cannot be without this attacking presence. The fact that the former Liverpool captain has brought in more attacking players should not tempt the Gers bosses into selling the former Colombia under-20 international, as his goals record speaks for itself. In the league alone, the 22-year-old accounted for a goal every two games just about, scoring every 181 minutes for the Gers. This is an impressive statistic, and any of Gerrard’s summer additions do not have the experience within Scotland to be able to deliver this expectation immediately. Although the Colombian is likely to succeed in Turkey, Rangers must make it their absolute priority to retain his attacking services, as the pressure to mount a serious challenge to Celtic’s silverware will be much reduced with his presence. This responsibility lies with Allen himself, and he must face the consequences if he leaves Gerrard without one of the most exciting players in Scottish football. https://thisisfutbol.com/2018/07/blogs/scottish-premier-league/rangers-must-not-sell-alfredo-morelos/

Even that might not be guaranteed. And personally I would be severely disappointed if they let him go for the price being reported. Fenerbahce have reportedly tabled an offer of £2.6 million. I'm looking for 'funny' money if we're going to let him go and that price isn't even mildly amusing far less funny.

Rangers defender Bruno Alves is reportedly undergoing a medical with Parma as the Portugal international prepares to join the Serie A outfit ahead of the 2018-19 campaign. Alves joined Rangers from Cagliari last summer, and made 25 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants during the 2017-18 season. The 36-year-old has a contract at Ibrox until next summer, but according to Sky Sport Italia, the experienced centre-back is currently having a medical with Parma. Alves, who was a part of the Portugal squad that competed at the 2018 World Cup, has represented Zenit St Petersburg, Fenerbahce, Cagliari and Rangers since leaving Porto in 2010. Parma finished second in Serie B last season to secure a return to the top flight. https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/rangers/transfer-talk/news/bruno-alves-having-medical-at-parma_329823.html

We can't read too much into a game like this but prior to it the TNS management were talking about being a couple of weeks ahead of Rangers in pre season and already played some games. They thought this may show but clearly not in what sounds like a comfortable win. Though I have to say i'm disappointed to hear that again an early goal was lost. SG needs to get this tendency worked out.

Definitely versatile and must have something about him since PSG apparently also showed interest before acquiring someone else. Versatility: Though natural in the centre of the park, Coulibaly has featured in every midfield position throughout his short career and, according to Transfermarkt, has even appeared at right full-back - a lot like a certain Rangers manager. PSG interest: According to Goal, Coulibaly was considered by Paris Saint-Germain as they sought to replace Blaise Matuidi before the former player's move to Angers. And the French champions eventually turned to another Lassana - Diarra.

Beckham was always like that and obviously never grew out of it. I saw him talking one time about when he was a kid he used to hang 3 or 4 car tyres along the crossbar from ropes and would vary the heights of these tyres. Sometimes they might be hanging on a short rope up in the postage stamp corner at either side for example with others more central. Then he would stand outside the box taking free kicks having decided on which tyre to go for and would do this for hours. He got to a stage he could put it through any tyre at any height almost every time. Whatever we might say about Beckham in other aspects of his life he worked hard to get to the top and patently didn't stop working hard when he got there.

You might very well see similar attacks in Rangers games. This happened last season versus Hibs at Ibrox. And if you think this would be an obvious automatic red card think again because he stayed on the pitch and the Rangers player actually got a yellow. Must have arrogantly got back up too quickly for the refs liking.

I'm beginning to think they actually could.

To try to be fair to Derek I think we can all acknowledge that he is no student of English literature, likely has minimal input on these articles, and certainly doesn't write the headlines. His input may have been little more than trying to make the point that this is the best squad we have had since the pre admin era. Then the journos take over.

England have been by far the most dangerous side. Colombia limited to constant niggling fouls and disruption. The ref seems to have had enough at last but he should have been flashing cards long ago then it may not have progressed to the stage where the Colombians now appear to be totally losing the plot.

Ankle injury if that be the case just sounds like one of those things that happen to anybody. Not connected to his previous long term issues.

I had a look at a Livi forum last week and they were suggesting one of the sticking points holding it up was that Miller was insisting he was a number 1 pick for every game. Impossible to tell if that's true but if he's the best they have from week to week why wouldn't he pick himself. And then again if he isn't the best available choice from week to week he's not much of a manager if he were to sacrifice the strongest possible team to give himself a game.

Maybe shared the same bus as the yahoos

Coincidence they played SJ? Or maybe organized after the draw and wanted a warm up against an SPL side?

Derek Johnstone: This is Rangers' best squad for a DECADE - even I'm beginning to get excited A MANAGER who does not command respect from the dressing room is a dead man walking. He can be popular, clever and even tactically aware, but if his players don’t have that great esteem the top man needs, mixed with a bit of fear of their gaffer, then it’s not going to work. Rangers know this better than most. Steven Gerrard wouldn’t have had to mutter a single word to his squad on that first day of training to get over the message that he was The Boss. I think this is why more punters have backed Rangers to win the league than even Celtic. I must say, I raised a wry smile when I heard that. Anyone who has read this column will know that time and again I have warned against the Rangers supporters getting carried away, simply because the gap to Celtic is, and has been, so huge. However, I’ve got to admit that even me, someone who has preached keeping feet on the ground, getting as excited as the supporters about what MIGHT happen and while I’m happy with the players brought in, my positivity is growing because of Gerrard. I believe this to be the best Rangers squad in a decade – you read that right - and at long last there are some leaders on the pitch, so badly missing, and players who can put in a proper tackle. Gerrard is missing just one player, I believe, a big centre-forward and once he signs one I think he will be happy with that. I expect something to happen with regards to this pretty soon. Rangers have a chance next season. I now honestly believe that. Recruitment has been good and I’m told the players have bought into what their new manager is preaching. As if they have a choice. Gerrard has clearly not been fazed by the size of Rangers, and the demands and expectations placed on any manager of that football club. This is a Liverpool legend we are talking about here and so this is his kind of environment. And if someone has some doubts about whether they want to be a part of it, then they know where the door is. This is why I believe Josh Windass will leave if Cardiff City or another club bid £3m for a midfielder. Even if he is 50/50 about making a move, he goes. Rangers is not for him and he would leave with my best wishes. Gerrard was a 100 per cent player and that’s what he wants from his players. Total commitment to Rangers. Bruno Alves is a player who has been accused of lacking commitment; however, I am not convinced that we have seen the last of the Portuguese. I fancy Gerrard will play with a three-man defence and that is why I feel the veteran defender might be kept on. I will end on a sad note. Harold Davis, a Rangers legend, passed away this week and I would like to pass on my condolences to his family and friends. Harold was a proper gentleman and will be missed by all the Rangers family. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/16321349.derek-johnstone-this-is-rangers-best-squad-for-a-decade-even-im-beginning-to-get-excited/

Going to be his last chance to decide on a team for the real business. The clock is rapidly ticking down and I can't wait.

The latest thing they're all frothing about is AC Milan being banned from next seasons Europa league for being "in breach of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules and club licencing regulations" You can guess where the raving goes from there.