Frankie

Super_Ally explores the wide-ranging implications of the now defunct Rangers TV channel and asks just how important this could be with European leagues again being mooted... http://www.gersnetonline.co.uk/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=806&Itemid=1 Whilst all fans of the Bluenose persuasion revelled in the demise of the Irish Broadcaster Setanta with the knowledge we will no longer have to suffer a distinctly anti-Rangers agenda from what should be neutral coverage of the Scottish game, it does bring to the fore an important question. What now for Rangers TV? Many of us will have ââ?¬Å?Sky+ââ?¬â?¢edââ?¬Â the RTV coverage of the 2008/9 Double Winners and their celebrations. Probably the defining moment of RTVââ?¬â?¢s short lived run was wee Nacho Novo serenading the lovely Lindsey Archibald with a rendition of ââ?¬Å?Ha ha Samarasââ?¬Â and performing "The Bouncy" on Ibrox Uncovered. RTV took a lot of stick in the early seasons it broadcasted. Excessive repeats of the few programmes shown throughout the week, the same games from seasonââ?¬â?¢s past played again and again and again and various quality issues were often levelled at the channel. However, in recent seasons the programming did improve. There were still repeats of games, but this may well be put down to who owned the rights to show matches from various eras. Ms Archibald, taking over as the face of RTV from Ali Douglas, improved immeasurably over her tenure. Indeed, persons associated with the channel were committed to a project exploring the club's founders. It is sad therefore that just as RTV really began to turn into a quality medium for Rangers fans to follow the club, the Tannadice/Ibrox celebrations and Rangers Mastermind being particular favourites, the demise of Setanta has led to uncertainty over the continuation of a Rangers dedicated TV channel. Further confusion has arisen from the fact that the dedicated Liverpool and Arsenal channels are still broadcasting. It appears however, that there must be a difference in the deals struck between these clubs and Setanta that has allowed the Premiership sides to continue to run their own TV channel. However, it begs the question, if these clubs can run their own club TV station, why canââ?¬â?¢t the mighty Glasgow Rangers. A club with an enormous global fan base; a World Record making and breaking history; and a majesty and mystique appealing to commercial broadcasters must surely be capable of a similar provision? I can understand most fans holding this view point and so it is important that we realise that for many years MUTV, perhaps the fore-runner of Club Football TV, was run by Man United as a loss making venture. In this time of financial uncertainty across the globe and with the knowledge that Rangers are looking to reduce our costs, cut the wage bill and hopefully enhance profit margins, the club could not commit to a loss making project. It is even more distressing then, that in viewing the Portsmouth FC website I came across a stream for PFC TV. Free on the website, I didnââ?¬â?¢t even need to subscribe (though having subscribed to the Rangers website sometimes gives you full access to other clubââ?¬â?¢s pages as they use the same provider). Unlike the Rangers website and Rangers World, there was no fee and/or no monthly cost for this facility. They had an interview link with a former player. With the recent demise of Setanta and RTV I was intrigued and clicked the link. It was a perfect stream, good quality and no doubt highly informative to the Portsmouth fans. With the knowledge of the free availability of PFC TV on their website I do wonder how a club the size of Rangers cannot produce an equivalent service. Sure, there are some fans that are never happy and will knock it whatever, but I am sure such a concept would be welcomed by many. Even the possibility of improving the Rangers World service (something I am ignorant of) and/or transferring the programmes from RTV to this medium should be explored. The feasibility of this could be ascertained by the club. Surely it is something that is worthy of investigation. I know from perusing various websites that whilst RTV was initially not well received, since the cessation of broadcasts many fans miss their daily fix of Rangers news and the behind the scenes insights that Rangers Uncovered allowed us, something hitherto unavailable. With European Leagues again being mooted by the Spanish elite, Rangers should once again be ââ?¬Å?Setting the Standardââ?¬Â to emphasise our world-wide appeal by not just providing a valuable service to the clubââ?¬â?¢s loyal fans but by making the club instantly accessible to all via modern technology. The current economic climate across the world means more than ever our commercial and marketing ventures are crucial to our financial well-being. The replacement of Rangers TV and the upgrading of our club website/Rangers World would go some way to addressing that.

Really like that strip...

Very nice...

Not my drawing mate... I'd certainly prefer that design but without the checked watermark...

http://www.rangers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,5~1711689,00.html From official site: Unofficial mock up based on that:

From Contacts: Johnny Hubbard & Billy Simpson Tribute Events I am delighted to tell you that over the next few months there will be a number of tribute events organised for Rangers Legends Johnny Hubbard & Billy Simpson. When Johnny & Billy played for Rangers for 9 years in the 50s they were best friends and they are still best friends today as they go to all the Rangers games at Ibrox together along with their families. They can always be found in the Wee Rangers Club for a couple of hours signing autographs and chatting to all the bears. At 78 & 79 years old they are both a credit to our club and when we won the title this season the old boys went straight to Ibrox to wait on the team returning with the trophy. I am involved in organising 3 separate events for them and I am hoping there will be another couple as the interest of folks to get involved has been marvellous. If you are interested in attending any of the following events then please contact me. Saturday 18th July - Stonefield Tavern (Teddies) Blantyre John Bomber Brown & Mark Hateley will be saying a few words on the night and there will be a Q&A with Johnny & Billy. There will also be a raffle and auction. The Stonefield Tavern (Teddies) has worked hard to become a great Rangers pub so please take this opportunity to come along and visit the pub whilst having a great night out with Rangers Legends. Tickets are priced at Ã?£5 and can be bought directly from the pub itself or PM me and Iââ?¬â?¢ll get them sorted for you. Alternatively you can purchase tickets by post at the following address - - Stonefield Tavern, 225 Glasgow Road, Blantyre, G72 0YS. Cheques to be made payable to ââ?¬Å?Stonefield Tavern.ââ?¬Â Friday 2nd October ââ?¬â?? Sportsmanââ?¬â?¢s Dinner in the Wee Rangers Club This will be the main event and we are preparing a real quality night for everyone. The night will consist of a three course meal, top quality speakers (Jimmy Nicholl is the first to be confirmed), tales of their careers from Johnny & Billy and an auction including some real special items. Tickets are priced at Ã?£35 and will be sold purely on a first come first served basis as demand has already been huge. Mearns Castle Golf Day This event is still at the planning but will definitely go ahead as again demand has been brilliant. It will take a similar format to others with teams of four playing for what may become an annual trophy. More details will be posted in the coming weeks. If you would like to attend any of these events and I hope you can all make it along to the first one on the 18th July then contact me through PM. Finally I would like to say that it is an absolute pleasure to be running with these events to raise some funds for two wonderful Rangers gentlemen.

Some very valid points and even with a 4-3-3, I think we will need a new wide player to benefit fully. Obviously in the article I did mention that we should only use the two holding players for the tougher games. For most games we'd get away with one of these players sitting deeper to break up the play while the other gets forward to support the attack. That's where IMO Davis could return to a deeper role allowing us to play another creative player (such as Fleck or Naismith) behind the two strikers. This player can drift wide when required and the full backs can also offer width. Of course a 4-4-2 was successful last season eventually but even in the games we did play well in (e.g. Dundee Utd) we still had Lafferty at left wing. As such, all I'm saying is that, unless we do sign a proper wide player; 4-3-3 may suit our squad better to avoid the square peg scenario we're all frustrated by. The formation can work in Scotland - as shown by Eck previously. Obviously we need the right players though - especially in forward positions - so I accept that may not be the case as it stands.

Apparently they are playing them in Manchester - possibly as part of Samaras deal.

8pm Saturday - Sky Sports 2 http://www.skysports.com/tv_guide/0,19953,,00.html

The online sales will only get a portion of tickets. Most will be kept for phone or in-person sales I'd imagine.

Rbr: I understand your position and I was unsure myself about renewing for this season. However, I felt that the club still needed my money and there were some signs last season that our team were capable of playing some good, attacking football. Probably just optimism rather than a genuine point of order but I think with less pressure on the team (and manager) this season; the football may improve and the more contentious, overly-conservative strategic decisions (e.g. McCulloch in midfield) a thing of the past.

Poll added. For me, we move him on. I don't think he's good enough and I don't think the fans will ever take to him which doesn't help his chances of playing well regularly.

I agree concentrating our play centrally could make it easier for other teams to defend against us. In fact it happens already - even under a 4-4-2 because we don't use any natural wide players. All the more reason for a 4-3-3 if we can't afford these required new wide players, because of the extra attacker where a player like Davis can find the space necessary to bring others into the game. There is also nothing stopping a Lafferty or a Miller utilising the wide areas so we're not restricted to a centrally dominated outlook. Edu's injury status means a 4-3-3 is unlikely initially but it is certainly something I'd like to see explored especially if we don't have the funds to bring in players more naturally suited to an orthodox 4-4-2. Essentially I want to see teams worry more about our threat than us theirs.

I'd be surprised if the game sells out quickly mate.

Ticket office service is very slow and poor. Perhaps SDM needs to take the contract away from the company who provides the service...

I think Boyd can still fit into a 4-3-3 easily enough and it is because of his goal threat, I'd ensure he retains a partner like Miller or Lafferty who can do the running while Davis/Fleck/Naismith are deployed further forward to also support the main striker. For the most part Boyd did show improvement in his work-rate and link-up play last season so hopefully that will remain the case this season. Certainly, having more competition for his berth would help and I feel a 4-3-3 would keep the pressure on him to deliver. That should make both sides of Boyd debate happy...

:D Definitely!

Into July then and the new season is now upon us. The transfer window is open, pre-season training will begin next Thursday and preparations will be under way to ensure we retain our SPL crown. With key club figures at pains to say our squad size must be reduced and with the year-end finances expected to be somewhere around �£30million in the red, once again Walter Smith will have to be imaginative with his squad. Versatility has been his buzz-word since he returned in 2007. Players like Whittaker, Broadfoot, Dailly, McCulloch, Miller, Naismith, Novo and Lafferty have all been utilised in a wide range of positions as Rangers compete on all fronts over the last 2 seasons. For the most part, they've done OK but there's no doubt our lack of consistency on the park can be explained by a lack of consistency in selection compounded with players out of position. To add to that, we've already we've had several players move on - young and old - and we'll need more to go if we're to create finance for incoming players. Barry Ferguson remains our highest earner and if we can attain a decent fee for him and Charlie Adam, to name but two fringe players, we may have some flexibility in the transfer market. Players like Beasley, Gow, Graeme Smith and Webster should also be on the move. Even so, any new players will be minimal despite the expected ~�£5-10million bounty of the CL group stage. Key areas for strengthening remain a centre-back to complement 'Madjestic' Bougherra and perhaps allow Davie Weir an easier path to retirement. Meanwhile the wide areas of our midfield remain a problem - especially the left side - as the use of up to 10 different players there last season showed us. Therefore, a left-sided midfielder in the vein of Chris Brunt may indeed be our priority if we do manage to move on the surplus high-earners. Of course the �£3million fee over his head places doubt on our ability to not only sign him but entice him to Glasgow ahead of richer EPL clubs in terms of wages. Thus, with the doubt over who leaves and our budget, how can the manager be flexible with a necessary reduction in squad size and minimal funds to find new players? To add to that dilemma, the fans will expect a better standard of football, more consistency and less defensive play when we do play in Europe. As usual, the pressure on the manager will be high. As such, the answer may ironically lie in another head-ache that will come his way once two of our main midfielders are fit. Both Kevin Thomson and Maurice Edu are injured after being important components of our side last season. While neither player can be considered as tough as a Souness or an Ian Ferguson; their controlled aggression, strength in the tackle and mobility were imperative to allow the creative players such as Mendes and Davis to do their stuff. Therefore, the quicker they both return the better - though Thomson looks the more likely to make the season opener at Ibrox against Falkirk. However, what happens when Edu also retains fitness? Can we really afford to keep such an exciting young talent on the bench for another season? After all, it's doubtful that a central-midfield pairing of he and Thomson would be creative enough in the absence of genuine wingers in the squad? This is where the 4-3-3 formation comes in and I'll contend that makes sense for several reasons: - Playing Edu and Thomson in deeper 'holding' roles means we have a more solid unit for the tougher games without compromising on our need to retain attacking players. - Davis could move inside from the right to play in a free role behind the attack. His creative play is his strongest suit and he is all too often isolated on the right. With Mendes sitting behind him alongside Edu/Thomson we also have a player capable of picking him out when he does find space. - Our current lack of wide players means we don't have to play a Naismith, Miller, Novo or Lafferty in unfamiliar roles they're not as effective in. Instead they get to concentrate on their preferred attacking positions and compete for the two slots up front (or one if Boyd continues to score goals). - We also get the best out of John Fleck. The lad is a prodigious talent so we shouldn't be minimising that by shunting him out to left midfield. Let him compete with the senior players for the free role and we'll see the best of him. - The midfield positions are easily interchanged or rotated to ensure freshness and strategic flexibility when required depending on opposition. 4-5-1 can still be utilised if the situation really demands it. - We free up space for our full-backs to get forward. Steven Whittaker is a player that is at his best roaming forward with space in front of him. No winger allows both him (and to a lesser extent Papac) to support in space with players around them to help them keep possession (not their strongest suits) more effectively. - The strategy above means we may not need to sign a left-midfielder or even another defender given the added protection for the defence. Any money could be kept back for January when new players are often needed more desperately. 4-3-3: The answer to our problems - or a way for the board to hide decreasing squad quality and the manager to go overly defensive again in Europe? You decide!

Nicky Walker was before Woods. As a 'keeper myself (allegedly), I've always been interested in our goalies. Woods and Goram were obviously brilliant (I rate Goram as highly as any goalie in the world) but we really have been spoilt for choice at Rangers for the last 20 years or so.

Don't really bother with it not having Sky Sports but it does look like fun. Mols is a good addition and Celtic look like they have a good team this year.

Fine article from Pete discussing the mistakes of last pre-season and how they should be rectified to minimise risk this year. http://www.gersnetonline.co.uk/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=803&Itemid=1 As June slides into its final stages and the summer solstice has come and gone, most people look forward to their summer holidays. Meanwhile, as Britainâ��s airports reach fever pitch, football players are looking to return to training and the cogs of a new football season start to grind into action. As in the last few seasons Rangers will be heading to Germany for a training camp and three pre season friendlies. During last seasons visit to Germany two amateur teams managed to dominate Rangers for large spells of the game. In addition, the glamour game against Schalke saw us defending on our own 18 yard line for most of the game. The signs of football poverty were there for everyone to see. It would seem everyone that is, except the Rangers coaching staff. It was obvious to all we were crying out for midfield reinforcements but still Rangers stalled on buying Stevie Davis to save �£500,000. A decision that probably cost us �£10million in the long run, by missing out on the Champions' League and European football in general. Surely the reason for these pre-season games is not only to get match practice, but also to evaluate the development of the team. Newspapers, football forums and everyone who had the slightest piece of football knowledge, could see that Rangers were struggling to beat teams at amateur level. Then came the first leg of the Kaunas debacle. Still the signs that we were not equipped to even beat a so called pub team at home never got the alarm bells ringing. Only when we lost to Kaunus in Lithuania did the penny drop that we needed reinforcements. Closing the barn door after the horse had bolted springs to mind. It is of course easy to blame Walter Smith but we also have to ask ourselves in how much Walters hands were tied in spending any cash for players. Looking at it from a distance it looks like the club board had decided the risk of losing to Kaunas was minimal and saving money on transfer deals was worth risking the �£10million Champions' League cash. A decision that came back to haunt us. A decision that meant that Carlos Cuellor - arguably the best defender to play for Rangers in years - had to be sold to finance any new signings. This season, with the tour of Germany leading the way to a tournament at the Emirates where we meet Paris St Germain and Arsenal, followed by two friendlies against Manchester City and Portsmouth, there will be plenty of chances to assess our development. While knee-jerk reactions to bad games are no use to anyone, these games will offer up an insight to where our weak points are. Indeed, most Rangers fans will aleady agree we need to strengthen our defence (especially if Bougherra is lost to international duty during much of January) while left-midfield remains a priority. Of course, as it stands, finance is an issue so that is as good a reason as any to ensure the younger players (such as Wilson and Fleck) are given the chance to impress and develop in the close season. Our technical staff have to monitor this and act upon it if necessary. While advancing in the Champions' League would be financially fantastic, a more realistic run in the UEFA Cup should be achievable where we'd have to end at least third in the CL group. With the SPL television money uncertain we have to look to Europe to make our money. As such, if we do not strengthen then I feel we will be missing out on valuable income. The technical and management staff must use the close season to spot the weak spots and patch them up immediately. We cannot afford another such weak start to the season as last year. Our management have to read the signs and make certain of a Euro run and Euro money whilst consolidating our place as the SPL's best side. Gambling with money is a mug's game. Let's minimise the risk by making sure the team is ready immediately. :spl:

Broadfoot should be fit again by then so I'd expect him to deputise at centre-half unless we sign another player or Danny Wilson is given his chance.

You don't have a problem with the effort but you then go onto describe it as 'feeble'... There is also no 'back-slapping' going on. Some hope and positivity but nothing else. Good try but no cigar indeed... :fish:

To be clear Norris, we're not looking for thanks or admiration anyway but simply want as many fans as possible to get involved so that the club can't swat this away easily. Indeed, so far it hasn't been the club that are trying to do the swatting but one or two fan organisations who seem extremely reluctant to comment. To that end your final sentence is all we're looking for in many ways. As such, the fact the report will be discussed amongst the more 'politically active' fans in the support represented via the Assembly means a small first step has been taken. Only after the club/fan reps have commented further can we decide whether or not how successful the project has been. But, as posted earlier, the hard work has only started IMO. As always, we welcome ideas and suggestions for how to move forward.

Some great points there cal... At the risk of sounding like a broken record, no-one associated with the project is naive enough to think the club will drop everything in amazement and/or implement everything before the next AGM. However, we do hope the constructive approach will yield a reaction in kind from the club in terms of opening up the debate between the supporters and the board-room. Then we can examine the issues in the report in a more in-depth fashion and that is where ideas and suggestions can become something more tangible. Of course that strategy will frustrate those of us who'd prefer a more vocal, more aggressive, more in-yer-face approach but we can't please everybody. That isn't to say such a strategy may not be utilised in the future if necessary...