weebluedevil

I hope it doesnt come to this, but that result could be of importance to us if, as looks quite likely, we're going to drop to the EL. In that case we could be in Pot 1 of the draw, only if Zagreb and Ajax don't also make the EL group draw, as both have a higher coefficient than us. We should hope now that Sparta Prague beat Zagreb in the EL play-offs (Zagreb don't drop into the EL groups, as we would if we lose to PSV, they have to play in an EL play-off). Ajax are in the play-off of the EL, against Ludogorets, so chances are they will win that.

I didn't say our reputation in Europe wasn't high, I said we need to continue to build on our reputation. Instant success from such a rebuild was needed, that's the point. Yes, i agree the board failed us, but the point is we need a manager and team capable of winning things now. We've been patient too long.

In response to your above two posts: Let's not exaggerate otherwise the point will be missed. What the fans want and deserve and, IMO, are realistic about it, is the minimum standard that a Rangers as a club should be aiming for: 1. a team that can compete for all honours domestically and not allow the bheasts to continue mopping up trebles to their rotten hearts' desire - we need to start winning titles regularly, not one every nine years, and 2. continue to build reputation in European competition and make enough cash to continue to improve the team as required to keep us winning trophies is Scotland. In winning 55, we had the opportunity to achieve that standard, but then we f*cked it by not building on that success. The team crumbled and has now been rebuilt. It's not about instant gratification, it's about instant success. The support has been patient. Name another support base that has given as much considering what we've been through? Two titles, 5 trophies in total, now bagged across the city, since 55. If not now, when? We have been patient, too f*cking patient IMO.

Reading between the lines, I think the board have allowed Beale to refresh the squad on the basis it’s break even financially - both fees and wages. If Kamara is sold for 5m (we’d be so lucky) then that will have been achieved. If we only get 3m for Kamara we’ll have spent net spend of 2m. Beale has not been given 15m to go buy a new team, he’s been given the sale proceeds from Sakala, Colak, Kamara and Tillman compensation and freed up wages from all outgoings. Make of that what you will.

Hagi impressed when he came on for the last 30 mins and Matondo was dangerous down the right, unfortunately we couldn’t capitalize. I gave it to Dessers for two goals (one of which was inconceivably chopped off by Dick-In-Sin) and an assist.

Couldn't agree more on all 3 points! I'd just add that Sima and Lammers are downgrades on Sakala and Hagi. It feels like Beale was playing fantasy football with the squad this summer. Well he's been backed to make wholesale changes, his changes, so the pressure is on him, let's hope the board make him accountable. I hope we're wrong, obviously, but early signs aren't positive.

100% should have stood! No foul that I could see, not even a soft one. Dickinson had a mare.

If he's the only dud out of all Beale's signings, I'll take it. Unfortunately, I fear there's more.

That was Barisic's BEST game

Has Goodson lost a yard of pace or has he always been so slow?

At least I’ve got FGS

Karma to you Clubfoot, you prick

We should be able to put any team out and win this game

The problem is that Sterling hasn’t pur in one good cross yet.

The problem is that Sterling hasn’t pur in one good cross yet.

I actually noticed the same.

Dickinson the dick

Or he's looking for the decision to be taken out of his hands....

Yes, but you could put Hagi in that bracket (he needs bedded back in) so it’s maybe more to do with Beale feeling that there are stronger options for his style/system I.e the players he’s brought in. Anyway, I agree and would like to see Hagi given a proper chance to prove himself again.

Like I said, I agree with your opinion of Hagi. He's supposedly recovered, having returned at the end of last season, has had a full pre-season but is not being picked as a first choice. Why is that? If he can capitalise on any game time and prove he's worth a starting place, then you never know. I just can't see it.

And I agree with you, about Hagi. It's a catch 22 with him now and I don't think there's a route back.

I think Balogun will get a fair amount of game time. Beale also likes Roofe, so I think he'll get time to get him match fit, to provide options up front. I don't see where Hagi fits in and I wouldn't be surprised if his time is coming to an end. However, we have to play Sterling. Unless he's really poor in training or attitude (which i don't believe to be the case), he must be given chances to challenge Tav. If Beale is not prepared to rotate RB now and again, what was the point in recruiting him. It will be interesting to see the line-up, because if Morton is not the right opportunity, then there isn't one. If Tav gets injured and he's forced play, without match fitness or familiarity with the players around him, it would be a foolish situation....repeating itself.

Thanks for that. good news then. I'll edit the post.

Indeed. Moreover, it depends on what competition they will play in. Club Bruges: Over-performed massively in Europe last year - came 2nd in CL groups with 11 points, but came undone in round of 16. This year they are playing to qualify for the Europe Conf. Groups already 5-1 up from first leg. They could go quite deep in that competition, our biggest threat. Dinamo Zagreb: Like us, in the CL qualifiers. They are 2-1 down from 1st leg (home) against AEK Athens. We should probably hope they make it to the CL, where points will be tougher to come by, but looks like they may also drop into the EL Groups. They played in CL last season and took a gallant 4 points though, but came last. No EL fall-back. Shakhtar Donetsk: As winners of the UPL, they were straight into the CL groups. They managed 6 points in the CL group stage last season and dropped to the EL where they failed at round of 16. A big threat, if they again do well in the CL and drop to the EL, but they are also the furthest behind on current points.