Frankie

I've not seen enough of the lad to comment but the general consensus of those who have is that he's certainly not worth the cash. In our current financial state it's vital we use any monies correctly and the homework is done with regard to any signings - especially the more expensive ones.

I can live with poor football if we win the league. But then we have to build on that, supplment the team with real players and show that the Rangers can compete a every level. Basically what should have happened in the 90s. Murray was in charge of the club then, Smith was in charge of the team then and Chester was in charge of the scouting then; so unfortunately I can't be confident we will do better long term than we did then. We can only hope they learn from their mistakes. PS I know talking about mistakes when we won 9iar may sound daft but it it applicable given our current status.

I think in some ways - as I wrote in the article below last week, it's obvious the money was always going to service the debt. In many ways it had to. However, by the same token, if we can win the league and qualify for the CL again, that means we can once more spend decent cash. Obviously this is a high risk, short-term outlook on strategy. That's been the core of SDM's reign. His lack of genuine investment (not in monetary terms but in visionary, future-proof systems) means we're paying now for the lack of vision in the last. http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=587&Itemid=2

You better believe it mate...

Don't think I'd fancy Ferguson for the manager's position...

I think it's FIFA that's deciding Cousin's situation...

JCD lost his appeal... http://www.rangers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,5~1235383,00.html

Quite simply there should be a complete revamp in the way the game is run at youth levels in this country. However, as much as were hear sound-bites from the relevant people, practical and financial help is never forthcoming. Meanwhile, the social evils afflicting our country and our kin increase year on year. But let's blame football fans singing daft songs for that.

No rumours at all my friend. I can't understand why Hutton couldn't have been moved out later but when one considering the rolling�£15million debt is about to be serviced, you may have your answer. The ludicrous wild goose chase to Italy sums up our genuine transfer strategy.

Indeed it would. Unfortunately, some prefer negativity instead of offering genuine, workable solutions. Along with a malaise amongst key employees at the club, the same problems exist even within the more aware fans out there.

I think we can take it as a given McCulloch will start. He can lead a line and, while his touch may not be that of a player than can really hold onto the ball and allow our midfield to push up, I think he's shown his work-rate and physical presence may be useful. In saying that, the Lyon and Stuttgart games showed how our system can affect games. In both matches we started slowly and defensively. However, after we went behind we were more attacking and caused both teams problems. As such, we should employ these more offensive tactics against Pana (at home especially) and take the game to the Greeks. Naismith or Novo up front alongside McCulloch would give us the guile and pace he doesn't have and this would be a decent combination IMO.

I'm sure MD will let you back on soon mate. I share your frustration when it comes to people accepting second best. Unfortunately, when our owner is giving out those same messages, sometimes it's hard to blame less 'politically aware' (trying not be unkind) supporters for not seeing the wood for the trees. I understand why the Hutton money may have to reduce debts but even so the SPL title is more than possible and I won't accept any excuses from Murray, Smith or the players if we don't still go an and take the title.

calscot: As earl suggests, without every one of our small contributions larger figures wouldn't be reached. Imagine if Moses McNeil and his friends said, ach, we're only a few young lads, how can we achieve the world's most successful football club? �£50,000 tranches may not be too exciting but it's a sign that fans can do more to change things via this worthy scheme.

Nice to see you earl... As for expectations, mine is quite simply the SPL title. Want to do well in the other competitions but if we don't deliver the title this season, then that will be disgraceful.

Gersave Info http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=41

Also: http://www.plusmarketsgroup.com/story.shtml?ISIN=GB0007237380/GBP/PLUS-exn&NewsID=1202223712000827

http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=174&Itemid=1 Rangers received a New Year present at Murray Park today ââ?¬â?? when the Rangers Supportersââ?¬â?¢ Trust handed over a Ã?£50,000 cheque to buy 84,000 new ordinary shares in the club ââ?¬â?? the first of many such acquisitions it hopes to make over the next few years from its pioneering share-save initiative. This unique GerSave scheme, launched last year, and used as a blueprint by other UK clubs, allows fans to invest in shares in the club. Fans can inject from a minimum of Ã?£10 per month into the savings scheme and the cash will be used to buy shares in The Rangers Football Club plc. In return, fans who are members of the Rangers Supportersââ?¬â?¢ Trust will receive an entitlement to ordinary shares in the club. Handing over the cheque, Malcolm McNiven, chairman of the Rangers Supportersââ?¬â?¢ Trust said: ââ?¬Å?We are delighted to be able to provide this level of support to the club and particularly pleased that Murray Park is the venue for the handover.ââ?¬â?¢Ã¢â?¬â?¢ This press release is issued by and its contents the sole responsibility of The Rangers Supportersââ?¬â?¢ Society Limited. The Rangers Supportersââ?¬â?¢ Society Limited and the ShareSave Scheme operate independently of The Rangers Football Club p.l.c. and The Rangers Football Club p.l.c. is not party to any offer or promotion relating to The Rangers Supportersââ?¬â?¢ Society Limited, the ShareSave Scheme or any shares acquired through the ShareSave Scheme. No liability or responsibility is accepted by, and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given by any person other than The Rangers Supportersââ?¬â?¢ Society Limited in relation to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this statement or any other information which may be received, or relied upon, by persons subscribing to The Rangers Supportersââ?¬â?¢ Society Limited and/or the ShareSave Scheme or otherwise acquiring securities in reliance on the contents of the above statement or such other information. This press release has been approved by Direct Sharedeal Limited which is regulated and authorised by the Financial Services Authority for the purposes of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

Amen brother...

This won't be an easy game but we are capable of beating them....

Just to let all that are interested know that I'll be looking to try and get the money in for the end of this month - Friday, February 29th. That makes sure our table is booked and we can then concentrate on saving money for the actual evening. A couple of my mates and myself will be paying this weekend though so if you want to do so now, that's fine obviously. There are a variety of ways to pay - including the RST's secure online service (preferred), Paypal, cheque or by cash to my good self (or a colleague) at the RST shop on match day. If you pay online before then, let me know so I can inform the organisers that you'll be at my table. As said before everyone is invited to join us and you really will have a good night and be made to feel welcome by all attendees on the evening. We can arrange to meet a couple of hours before the event for a relaxing beer or two. Myself and a few mates will also be staying in the Crowne Plaza itself which is �£89 for the night per room - including B&B. Any questions please pm me.

Excellent article mate - now online: http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=593&Itemid=1 Would be good to see more regulars submitting stuff for the main site. It is very popular and satisfying to know that so many people enjoy your work.

To be fair to Andy - I invited him here from another forum - I found the piece well written and the metaphors very funny. I actually agreed with a fair part of it and while it's tone was perhaps a wee bit confrontational, there's nothing wrong with a bit of emotion when writing. It's not easy to go onto other forums as a newbie and post in such a style and expect to be 'accepted' by regulars. However, we have a good core of posters on here who are more than capable of debating his points and agreeing to disagree when necessary without insult. Andy can do the same and doesn't need me to defend him. That's what makes this wee forum a bit more agreeable than the busier ones out there. Strong opinions are healthy especially when they can be backed up with intelligent, reasoned debate. Even better when there are clear disagreements of opinion which can only be constructive for Gersnet.

Of course it was fine to post it here... This is exactly the kind of robust debate this place needs.

http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=173&Itemid=1 While the Trust usually ignore the demented ramblings of Gerry McNee, his laughable assertion on Sunday 03/02/08 shows the depths Gerry is willing to plumb. He wrote: "My mole close to that clutch of busybodies, the Rangers Trust, tells me they've been in a bit of a lather in case I found out about their recent attempt at holding a convention. Well bad news chaps - I Have. I'm told it was so packed there wasn't room for one more body in the phone box" 1. The conference was three months ago. 2. It was all over our website, various fans websites and other public forums. 3. Press releases were sent out about it. 4. It was very well attended. 5. Guest speaker Ian Davidson MP was involved in discussions on the day with the RST about our magnificent Charity work in the local community. Quite why Gerry would want to mock people organising Charity events is a matter for his conscience. So, apart from the facts, a terrific scoop from Gerry. We hope we can help him and his mole fill this column by telling him that Alan Hutton has moved from Rangers to Spurs. At the rate at which Gerry and his mole pick up information, this was probably scheduled to appear in his column in May.

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=592&Itemid=1 Probably McGregor for me... :cheers: