Frankie

As Alistair Darling prepares to delight us all with more stealth taxes and minimal financial comfort for British citizens, Gersnet thought it would be good fun to find out how Rangers could go about such an initiative. With the debt we have and the various spending cuts we've seen during the last decade, the country's situation does mirror that of Rangers to a degree. As such, some medium term planning to secure our club's recovery and invest in its future would not go amiss and as the season ticket 'tax' payers, how would we like to benefit as a result? In addition to the club's offerings, there are various people linked with buying the club, so as proven committed investors, what kind of changes/initiatives would you like to see for you to 'vote' for your 'party' of choice this summer during the Rangers General Election? Where do supporters organisations fit in - what should be in their manifesto? So, could Martin Bain deliver 'a budget to secure the recovery, tackle borrowing and invest in our club's future'. At its heart could there be 'a growth package' to help individual areas of the club, 'promote innovation, invest in infrastructure and key skills'. And could this package be partially paid for by going to the supporters and invite them to become real members of the club? I look forward to your replies!

Probably Weir for me at the moment but Davis, Miller and Boyd could all win it still...

I think Novo will play as he usually gives Kovacevic a hard time... Between Naismith and Beasley for the other slot.

No idea what has happened to Fleck but he's certainly not been involved at all for whatever reason.

Something that does worry me for tomorrow night is the threat Utd will have from set-pieces (including long throws from Kenneth) - especially with McCulloch missing. Edu is reasonable in the air though thankfully...

Yeah I doubt Boyd will be dropped/rested but given the midfield/creativity issues we may have if Davis doesn't make it, it might be an option to play a five considering we may lack cover for Edu as well... Something like this wouldn't surprise me with Novo and Naismith expected to do the tracking back when required. :sn: :me: :jf: :nn:

Yeah, Dixon is a much better player than Dillon so hopefully he's not fit enough to start. Should be another good game as both teams are capable of creating chances and scoring goals. Extra time wouldn't surprise me actually.

Part One of the Treble has been completed and with a healthy lead in the SPL, Rangers travel to Dundee to retain their interest in the Scottish Cup. With injuries and suspensions again starting to build up, tomorrow evening's task won't be an easy one at a ground we regularly struggle at. First change to the team will be in defence with Allan McGregor a certainty to be recalled after his usual CIS holiday at the weekend. Despite his red card at Hampden, Danny Wilson should keep his place alongside captain Davie Weir, with Bougherra still out with a hamstring tear. Whittaker and Papac should complete our usual back five of late in the full-back roles although the former has been linked with a move into midfield. With Kirk Broadfoot also injured and Andy Little unimpressive at right back, that is unlikely. Injuries and suspension will also ensure a new look midfield for this vital cup tie. An injury time booking at Ibrox in the first game means he's suspended for the replay. Kevin Thomson is also suspended but if rumoured Rangers appeal his red card, he may be available while that process takes its course. Meanwhile, Steven Davis didn't train today but the manager and fans alike will be hoping he can make the starting line-up tomorrow. However, with difficult matches in the league coming up, he may be given a few more days to fully recover from the viral infection which seen him substituted at half-time at the Cup Final. Fortunately, despite our rapidly thinning squad, we still have a range of options for deputies. Maurice Edu has looked good in recent weeks so will assume a central midfield role irrespective of Davis' fitness. Other players in the frame will be Novo, Beasley, Naismith, Lafferty and Fleck who all have experience of a variety of midfield roles. Youngsters Jamie Ness and Thomas Kind Bendiksen are unlikely to be utilised although both have been training with the first team squad. Moving into attack and most bears will be expecting the fruitful partnership of Miller and Boyd to again be our front two. However, don't rule out a return to 4-5-1 tomorrow given Boyd's recent form has been below par while the likes of Naismith and Fleck play better in deeper roles. Kyle Lafferty will also be desperate for a return to a striking role if required. All in all, Walter Smith may decide to freshen up his squad and tactics after signs of stagnation in the last couple of months. However, with several first team players unavailable it is doubtful he'll make any more changes than already required even if the Scottish Cup may not hold the same significance as the League. The same character, commitment and industry seen on Sunday after going to 9 men will be required again tomorrow night if we're to keep our Treble hopes alive. Possible team (4-4-2): :sw: :wilson: :sp: :sn: :sd: :me: :nn: :kb: Prediction: Dundee Utd 1 : 2 Rangers

Heard about this the other week - should be a good change from the normal match-day routine!

Yeah, 2 goals last season at Parkhead put a bit of history behind many of us and his contribution this season - both in terms of goals and link-play - has been a valuable one. Like you, I wasn't too happy when we brought him back as I felt Novo was just as good to partner Boyd but it has proven to be a decent signing over the piece. More goals to secure the title will cement that.

He did mention this around 10 days when Bougherra missed the initial Utd game so hopefully this is a rehash of the same quote and the big man is closer to a comeback.

Can't be easy for Keane playing in front of just 30,000 at Celtic Park every week... That crowd was a disgrace for them at the weekend.

We've not seen a lot of the big man this season with his various injuries and international commitments. It's a pity as he is an important player whose attacking prowess and physical abilities we miss when he doesn't feature.

15 years today since he was taken so young... It's a Kind of Magic! [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhRrUjCq_pM]YouTube- Davie Cooper Tribute To A Legend[/ame]

Quick bump for this thread as I hope the Trust bods here may still be interested in replying to a few of the suggestions...

More Donnie Darko for me considering the big fella in the middle's scary stare...

Yeah, we've been clever by accepting the decisions and not moaning... Anything else would have got the refs back up further while this strategy may soften the stance they'd be looking to take after the exaggerated scrutiny of late.

Agreed, Zappa... I'd fancy a start for him on Wednesday now.

Naismith is capable of being a fine player for us but like many Scottish lads who make the step up, he's struggling to make a starting berth his own and is suffering from being too versatile (as well as a couple of bad injuries). I'm happy to persevere with him for another season but he really has to find this level (or better actually) to justify a new contract after that - no matter where he plays.

Yep, Boyd had to be taken off and Naismith provides more versatility than Beasley...

Hastie was on his best behaviour as he has the cold.... I even had to drink one of his double vodkas for him.

If it keeps them playing I'm up for that...

People's ingenuity when it comes to comedy in football never fails to amaze me...! Yet, some would dismiss this kind of stuff as sectarianism...

I bought Hastie several drinks yesterday in the wee bowling club we were kindly invited to pre-match. Him, Pete and I enjoyed the hospitality from 11.30am right up to half 2 in the company of some friendly Ayrshire lads including a former St Mirren player! Pity you weren't there - the beer was cold, the cider sweet and the grub tasty!

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS41eOIELp4]YouTube- Billy Dunbars Bunny Billy boys[/ame] Hilarious stuff! :spl: