Frankie

It is a decent reply but, like I said in the other thread, actions (like the Nithsdale's) speak louder than words... Time for the club to do more to stop the exploitation of our fans.

Good luck with that mate... Utd's actions are anti-social at the very least and if they can't handle a bit of valid criticism in that regard without resorting to cheap shots then they don't deserve the financial consistency of our fans' attendance at their disgraceful wee ground. I was pleased to see Bain retort to the above but actions speak louder than words.

Fair points by the guy and the ongoing form of the team (or lack of it) coupled with the obvious problems we do have should concern every fan - Walter Smith supporter or not.

I'd imagine every club has their fair share of such minor incidents but our reputation and our national media means undue attention is placed upon us unfortunately.

Our manager's cautious nature is definitely an important contributory factor as our defensive tactics of the 2007/08 season are still clearly affecting player decision-making now. Add in his erosion of genuine wide/creative players then we're extremely one dimensional and rather easy to play against. Walter Smith is very much a percentage gambler and, domestically at least, that has served him well wherever he's managed (even at Everton one could argue). As such, it is difficult to criticise all that much when, no matter how bad we're playing, we're still a game in hand off top spot. The problem is that Celtic are likely to strengthen further, are starting to string some good results together and we have a run of difficult matches culminating in an away game at Celtic Park to begin 2010. I'm extremely worried we don't seem to be anticipating the above. I'm extremely worried we seem unable to motivate ourselves for any game - never mind the tough ones. I'm extremely worried that we're struggling to react or are flexible enough to improve. I don't see many easily workable answers unfortunately.

I don't disagree - the way we stand off teams is really quite strange at times - particularly when we allow opposition players the time and space to cross balls from dangerous areas. However, the reason we suffer from allowing space is two-fold: 1. David Weir - I love the auld guy and think he's been an excellent addition over the piece. Without his experience and positioning I doubt the likes of Hutton, Papac, Cuellar, Bougherra and Wilson would have developed in the same way. However, his lack of pace means we have to compensate to avoid balls in behind so we sit very deep leaving gaps between defence and midfield for good teams and intelligent players to exploit. 2. Our creative edge (or lack of it) - Because we often lack genuine width and/or forwards who can take in the ball, shield it and bring midfielders into the match; no player is confident enough to make decisions outright. Everything is reactive instead of anticipative so players are hardly ever in the right position. The amount of times our midfield are caught out of position because they're unsure whether to sit deep or support the attack is obvious in many games. Meanwhile, using central players in wider roles (such as Fleck, Davis, Lafferty and Naismith) means they come inside too often and leave gaps in wide areas. If unqualified fans like me can see this, then real students of the game in managers and players will be rubbing their hands whenever they play us. Apply the general malaise of the club where we appear unfit, slow and physically weak; then that explains our inconsistency. When we do score a couple of goals, we do look quicker, stronger and play better football. Yet, we can't appear to retain that throughout the same game, never mind take it into the next one. Even after wins over Celtic and good results elsewhere, we seem to be back at square one for the next match. I believe we have a distinct mental problem at the club.

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http://www.thesun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/2765554/Rangers-fans-in-riot-hell-police-were-lashing-out-at-anyone.html

Hi Curly. Miss you on Corrie but those new detergent adverts are great!

Handshake doesn't check out...

I don't think there are any 'uber-fans' on here but fortunately I don't think weebluesoandso is using it in a derogatory fashion...

Yeah, I find that figure unlikely as well. I actually would like to see Rangers move to a performance related pay model where applicable for the bulk of our playing staff. Low basics supplemented with PRP for goals, clean-sheets and appearances as well as other OPTA-based stats is an interesting concept IMO. Unfortunately key players like Boyd (for he is a key player) would probably be immune to accepting riskier contracts like those.

More unlikely over-analysis but perhaps re-naming the stadium forms part of any new owner's business plan so AJ was using that aspect to discredit it in part if/when any new owner does release their model?

Boyd could also have been being rather clever himself. Denying all knowledge puts more pressure on the club to expedite said talks...

Sorry missed this... Nah I wasn't joking but I agree it is unlikely. I think though that Bain making something up in front of shareholders to a question that was inevitable is equally unlikely. As such, there must be a reason for the conflicting information. Several players allow their agent complete freedom when it comes to negotiations while others players conduct the negotiations themselves (e.g. Papac IIRC). Therefore, the fact Bain alluded to these negotiations being at a very early stage means perhaps the agent didn't feel it worthy of speaking with the player.

Yeah must admit it wouldn't bother me all that much depending on a few factors including the proposed sponsor and associated sponsor. Would always be Ibrox to me in any case.

Aye, I always have to buy my own gifts... That fucker Claus is one fat, barsteward. Ignores my letters even when I've been a good boy all year.

Lovely - may just purchase myself one of those this weekend!

Indeed it is... gratuitous negative press ahead of a match; shurely shome mishtake?

Overseas members are permitted mate - don't think they haven't been before...

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I'm happy that we had the lad along but we're always going to struggle to persuade genuine stars (young or old) to play for us ahead of the bigger teams in other leagues. The uncertainty surrounding the club (and its manager) won't help any potential transfer either.

Yep, don't disagree with that. To be honest, I'd have though announcing a new contract for Boyd would be the perfect Xmas present for most fans but the fact we're still quite a way from that is somewhat disconcerting. This new strategy of relying on people's loyalty (be it the manager, the coach, the players or the fans) is unacceptable.

I don't know enough about his plans to comment either way. One thing is for sure, I bet he wished he'd kept his counsel as I'm not sure what his media presence has created other than uncertainty.

Duffy is the only one that has broken cover but he did say he had others interested and the club have suggested this is so also - either as part of the consortium or otherwise.