Frankie

BD, some of the issues Ferguson had last season weren't always to do with a lack of colleague quality. I found his work-rate (or lack of it) very very poor and generally I've never seen him play as many bad passes as he did last season. He seemed extremely unfit as well so hopefully the rest after his recent op will have energised him again. I felt he was a player short of personal motivation at times. The signing of Mendes and Davis should help him pull his finger from the proverbial. He also has the same challenge at international level. All good news for us I think.

I think Ferguson is far from being guaranteed a start when he returns. I'm sure he will get back in the team but he'll have to improve a hell of a lot on last season to stay there. Remember, Smith bought these new midfielders so he'll feel compelled to play them. The competition will be good for them all.

Go on Kirkie!

Ooooh name dropper! Perhaps Neil would be interested in doing an interview for Gersnet mate... Would you mind asking?

Took me a full edit of S_A's spelling mistakes to figure out it was the title which caused it...

Fixed...

And Barry fucks the template CSS...!

Was going to do that later actually.... But I'll let you do the honours! Remember folks, if you think you'd like to write for the main site, let us know and we'll upload your posts or give you logins/instructions so you can do it yourself.

Also Davis may not play given there have apparently been complications with his wife's pregnancy. He didn't play for NI last night as a result.

He's been carrying it for a while apparently mate.

Excellent post mate.... Unfortunately, the fans can often be to blame for manager's overly cautious approach. Far too many supporters - especially Rangers ones I'd contend - don't give new/young players a chance. Thus it's easy for many managers to react to this by opting for tried and often not so trusted players. But I guess that's where bravery comes in. There's none braver than SAF. Smith has direct experience of that courage so he should use it.

How can anyone say they don't like this?

Achilles problem... Looks like Thomson, Lafferty and Miller will be all missing on Saturday http://www.rangers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,5~1388830,00.html

From what I have seen of him, he is similar in style though - decent touch, skilful, strong, reasonably quick, aerially competent and can score goals.

Agree with that Cotter... I've not seen a great amount of the lad but when I have he's impressed me. Seems Thomson could be out for a while (again) while Lafferty still has a back problem.

I think the fitness of Lafferty could be quite crucial now Cousin as gone. Cousin was the best player to lead the line (when mentally sane) and I'd say Lafferty is bets placed to replace him in the long term. We are quite strong in midfield but I'd prefer Beasley to Adam for most games - although I understand why he played last weekend. The extra bit of creativity that the American brings is agreeable! Will be interesting to see if Miller, Weir and Thomson are fit as all 3 are struggling with injuries.

Good point Cammy.... There are plenty 'deserving' subjects so perhaps this could be retained as a regular quarterly event? Removes any accusations of complicity and mischievousness.

I think there are plenty of players who were playing at the weekend who'd be better off on a building site... Kirk >

I can't remember the last time I took a real interest in the Scotland football team. Even with Rangers players in it, I struggle to get motivated for their games.

BTW, I've forwarded the full report to all relevant parties, such as the Scottish Executive, the SIF Working Group and all my media contacts. It will be interesting to see who (if any!) reply to the document.

Great point UCF... Instead of blaming internet forums for exacerbating the problem, the medium should be used to solve it. The irony is delicious. Mmmmm

Great post bmck... Encapsulates everything regarding the hypocrisy of the likes of McConnell. Can you post it on the main site article comments section please?

It's probably easier to read via the main site link mate...

Conclusions Frustratingly, one can only conclude that the SIF Working Group now appears to be stagnant – perhaps even redundant. Despite some reasonably positive (although incomplete) initial work and agreed action points, it seems few of these points have been met and problems still exist with regard to the main aims. As such, I offer the following conclusions/recommendations: 1. Sectarianism/’Unacceptable Conduct’ in football is still prevalent and unpunished throughout the country. Songs about ‘huns’, sectarian terrorist groups and other offensive content are regularly heard and little or no action appears to be taken to remove/prevent them. This applies to more than the ‘Old Firm’. 2. A clear definition of what is unacceptable is required. If we are to progress in this regard, it is vital a clear definition of what is and what is not offensive is found. As such, all relevant parties should be working together to compile such a document which can then mean clubs and fans can work towards their removal instead of not knowing what is suitable or not. 3. Supporters organisations must be invited to take part in the process Much work needs to be done in improving trust and relations between all parties. Until supporters are invited to indulge in positive, constructive dialogue with the SIF Working Group members, and each other, genuine progress will be slow and arguably doomed to failure. 4. The SIF Working Group must be revamped. The SIF Working Group must be revamped to include further in-depth consultations with supporters and other suitable parties such as the Irish Football Association. A full public debate would also be agreeable. McConnell complained of ‘secret shames’ but to find out more information on the subject seems similarly difficult for the individual. 5. Organisations must take responsibility or else the process is doomed to failure. The author of this article has attempted to speak with all parties in this issue. What is obvious from the replies is that no-one is taking ultimate responsibility for the actions of the working group. The aims of the group have not been met adequately – who is responsible for ensuring that is addressed? What does the future hold for the group? 6. Football is not to blame for sectarianism. It’s obvious that many commentators on Scotland’s sectarianism problem blame it solely on football. While that is certainly a symptom of the disease, if other more important factors are not also highlighted and debated (eg separate schooling) then the whole argument becomes disingenuous. References a: ‘Calling Full-Time on Sectarianism’ - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/12/11144623/0 ; b: SPL ‘Unacceptable Conduct’ Guidelines – no longer available from SPL website; c: ‘Discussing the Responsibilities of the Scottish Media...’ - http://tinyurl.com/5bvqbs Please note a full 13 page report (PDF file) on the above is available by contacting us through the website

Discussing the Responsibilities of the Scottish Media in Regard to Sectarianism in Scottish Football One thing that also interested me was part of the key findings of the initial fan consultation on sectarianism in Scottish football. In this, the report recommended that elements of the SIF Working Group hold meetings with editors/sports editors of major Scottish media companies c. It is unapparent if this has happened – certainly recent polemic and completely unsubstantiated articles from the usual unqualified commentators suggests it hasn’t. Any reasonable fan would agree with the working group with concerns in how certain sections of the media portray and amplify the sectarianism problem – often without offering serious debate in how the problem can be addressed. As can be the case with many of the other relevant parties, condemnation and not education appears to be the main aspect of their input and this certainly doesn’t always help our chances of success in communicating with fans. There is no doubt that there exists in the Scottish media an element of disappointing opportunism in terms of erratic commentary on the bigotry problem in football. This has created a severe problem for the authorities in that many sides of the debate feel they are unfairly targeted while others are not – leading to time being wasted on unsubstantiated claims of bias or inaction. There is also distinct evidence of incongruent behaviour from different media platforms and the working group should, as a matter of urgency, establish a coherent strategy to ensure media coverage of the bigotry issue is fair, consistent and balanced. This would help avoid the current climate of complaint after complaint based upon unjustified and inaccurate media reporting. [Continued in Post 4]