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http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/6966391.stm Jarosik reveals Celtic exit hope Jiri Jarosik has revealed he hopes to leave Celtic before the transfer window closes on Friday. The Czech midfielder, 29, has failed to force his way into Gordon Strachan's side since he moved from Chelsea last June for an undisclosed fee. He told the Herald: "There are still four days to go in the transfer window and I am just waiting for the call from my agent. "Gordon Strachan knows I want to move. I would prefer England or Russia." Jarosik moved to Chelsea in January 2005 from CSKA Moscow, but made just 20 appearances, only six of them starts. He spent a period on loan at Birmingham before signing a three-year deal with Celtic. Jarosik said he was resigned to leaving the SPL champions, with England or Russia his preferred destination. "It would be easier to do that because I know the language," he said. "I also have the chance to go to Germany but I don't want to have to learn the language." Yet another one of them could be on the way out. Would that leave their squad looking rather lightweight?

Itââ?¬â?¢s with great interest this morning that I view the following video of Saturdayââ?¬â?¢s match at Celtic Park. Despite Celtic FC and their fans constantly telling us the problem of sectarianism has been eradicated from their support ââ?¬â?? especially at home ââ?¬â?? here a large cross-section of their fans are clearly heard singing ââ?¬Ë?Go Home Ya Hunsââ?¬â?¢ to the Hearts away support. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft_NLT_kUCM After another weekend of certain journalists telling us how allegedly a small number of Rangers fans were booed by their fans as they tried to imbibe ââ?¬Ë?Follow Followââ?¬â?¢ with an offensive add-on, itââ?¬â?¢s equally interesting that the biggest and most obvious circumstance of such discriminatory singing occurs at Celtic Park and is largely ignored by the very same people. Once again the Scottish media show they will not report Celtic in a negative light despite the most overwhelming of evidence. Graham Spiers, Gerry McNee and Jim Traynor have all been keen to stick the boot into Rangers and their support in recent years but theyââ?¬â?¢ve been strangely quiet over the last few days ââ?¬â?? one even suggesting Rangers fans should ââ?¬Ë?get a lifeââ?¬â?¢ for complaining. I canââ?¬â?¢t remember him telling his peers in the Fourth Estate that or taking that advice personally in the past. Why now? Or is Traynor right? Are supporters of clubs being all too easily offended? Perhaps they are but its bizarre how these intense bigotry crusaders are now backtracking on the nomenclature after the rules are put in place to aid their concerns and stop the kind of thing being sung on Saturday. So, is the term ââ?¬Ë?hunââ?¬â?¢ sectarian? Well, despite doubts about that when one considers its literal meanings(1), when one looks at the background of its usage, there can only be one conclusion. Firstly, several media platforms [including the Observer(2), CBS News(3) and the Irish Political Review(4)] have all showed that the term is used in Northern Ireland with sectarian connotations. Secondly, most (if not all media platforms in this country) have banned its use ââ?¬â?? the BBC, Real Radio(5), Talksport(6), and the Scotland on Sunday(7) are just four examples of this. Finally, and arguably, most importantly, the anti-sectarianism campaign ââ?¬Ë?Nil by Mouthââ?¬â?¢ also describe this abusive term as sectarian(8). Of course, if the story did make the news, weââ?¬â?¢ll get dozens of replies from concerned Celtic fans suggesting the opposite is true. Much in the same way a small number of Rangers fans try to defend the word ââ?¬Ë?fen!anââ?¬â?¢ (which has very similar literal meanings but has been banned by the footballing authorities and deemed criminal by the police) they may actually have a strong argument. After all, how can anyone know what someone means when they use an insult? And thereââ?¬â?¢s the rub. Hun is insulting. Fen!an is insulting. Neither term has a place in footballing stadia nor should football fans want to include them in their songs. Surely, we can have a bit of banter without this kind of crude nonsense? If we canââ?¬â?¢t, then going by previous action against Rangers supporters by UEFA and the SPL/SFA, further problems will arise. All along, itââ?¬â?¢s been obvious that Rangers are not the only club with offensive songs. It will be interesting to note if other clubs will now face the same censure by both the authorities and the media. No excuses. References 1 - http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hun 2 - http://observer.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,2078535,00.html 3 - http://www.cbc.ca/news/viewpoint/vp_byrne/20060529.html 4 - http://www.atholbooks.org/archives/pastipr/feb05.php 5 - http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80&Itemid=48'>http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80&Itemid=48 6 - http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80&Itemid=48 7 - http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=1855222005 8 - http://www.nilbymouth.org/history.htm

Hot news at the moment is Fulham and Derby are looking for a striker who scores goals. Funny thing is they are willing to pay 3mill for Kenny Miller. Celtic are hoping to offload a striker who couldn�t score. They are willing to accept 3 million. This makes me think of the old car auctions, you think you got a Rolls Royce and it turns out to be a banger. Gordon Strachan is hoping that magic Zurawski will perform one more piece of magic. Make himself, Thomas Graveson and Bobo Balde disappear. Hearts coach Stevie Frail wants his team to go out and have a pint together to get them to play better. The way they have been playing looks like they have had too many pints together. He stated we have to play with pride. They look more like a herd of Lithuanian goats, rather than a pride of lions. Hearts have lined up a new sponsor - Tampax. Mad Vlad thought it was an appropriate change as the club is going through a very bad period. Walter and Ally promised us last year Sebo would come good. seems they were wrong but they found a goal scoring Cousin. Dragan Stojkovic the Red star president said his team are going to Trash Rangers. Walter Smith said, it was rubbish. Hibs who seem to have difficulty in getting a keeper to catch a ball, brought in Goalkeeper Ma-Kalambay. After he blundered two goals on Saturday, John Collins was reputed to say he would have been better with Ma-broon. Gretna manager Davie Irons called for his team to show a lot more balls. Not likely if he�s going to have a kick at them. Craig Brewster had a two goal, scoring swansong at Easter road before leaving Abedeen to take over at Inverness. He pleaded with his new team to start speeding on their way home from training. They need all the three points they can get. TAXI!!!!!!!!

Miller, "Magic" Zurawski and Gravesen are all available for transfer. I wonder how much they'll get for those three

Rangers manager watches on as Celtic's forwards take part in shooting practice: :devil: From today's training pics.

Heres a couple of OF based Scotland squads for comparison: Celtic ------ Brown Wilson McMannus Pressley Kennedy Brown Caldwell Hartley Riordan Miller Sheridan Subs: McGovern, Cuthbert, Lawson, Quinn, McGlinchey, Riley, Ferry Reserves: none Rangers -------- MacGregor Hutton Weir Webster Smith Whittaker Ferguson Thomson Adam Boyd McCulloch Subs: Smith, Broadfoot, Burke, Gow, Lennon, Lowing, Shinnie, Emslie Reserves: Gallacher, Campbell, McMillan, Perry, Kinniburgh We'd stuff them in my opinion! Here's a non OF squad for comparison: Gordon Alexander Anderson Dailly Naysmith Fletcher Teale Severin McFadden O'Conner Beattie Subs: Turner, Maloney, Murty, MacNamara, McEveley, Robson, Pearson

1. Question about SDM selling: He says not to anyone who would asset strip and they would need to have funds to take club on. 2. Was sale of retail division a mistake: no - bottom line profit and not too turnover important 3. Mad old lady asks if players will stay whole year: everyone laughs 4. Tommy Daniels asks about Scott Mcdonald transfer; Walter says enquiry made but they would not release at the time but was made available for transfer in the summer then Celtic came in 5. Gary Lynch called into question length of time for questions being cut year on year: SDM says they will stay as long as they need 6. Badge on shirt: why no name of Rangers - Bain says will look at for best one 7. Question about Murray to Norwich: best to let go to free up budget - SDM nips in to say 10m spent net backing Walter - Brown transfer would have screwdriver up wage structure 8. About agent involved with Boumsong and other deals: Murray says club is clean and paperwork in order - confident all dealings stand up to scrutiny 9. Questioner asks why as head of the Rangers family SDM does not defend his brothers and sisters: Murray says media advisers campaigns and legal fees mean cost of defending clubs reputation has cost 700k in last year 10. Bain just said he is going to SPL board this afternoon to defend club over ICT issue. 11. Murray just accepted principle of democratically elected director of the club and process in place in time for next AGM and club issuing consultation paper within the month 12. Punter asked if club ashamed of our identity with remove of the union flag from many areas: Murray denied absolutely 13: Increased capacity: Murray says plans in consultation to expand footprint of land around with development and capacity will come into that 14: Travel abroad: what guarantee of protection from foreign police - new security adviser praised for attitude; number in Belgrade city to ensure safety 15. Questioner wants club to strive to 20/20 vision always being in top 20 in Europe on and off the pitch: Murray talks down and says finances depend on being in champs league 3 out of + seasons otherwise problems - Murray calls for 'realism' 16: Policing and safety in Scotland questioned (Dundee Utd in particular): Bain says feedback taken note of and presented to clubs and authorities 17. Eddie brown from Springburn says brand not being exposed enough in USA and isn't not available: Bain says 10k kids in Rangers soccer camps in Toronto in recent years - SDMurray seemed to say better return on money promoting within UK 18. Betty aAuld from Troon asks last question - about u21 rule: Bain says various clubs not happy and is being discussed by sub committees THE END Lasted one hour.

Week 4 Saturday, 25 August 2007----------------Time Kilmarnock v Rangers---------------------12:30 Celtic v Hearts--------------------------15:00 Falkirk v St Mirren------------------------15:00 Gretna v Motherwell----------------------15:00 Hibernian v Aberdeen--------------------15:00 Inverness CT v Dundee United------------15:00 The first thing to note about this weeks fixtures is that Rangers visit to Rugby park, has a Saturday 12.30 kick-off. Beware all you guy�s who are dragged round the shops on Saturday morning. Rangers must be oozing with confidence after their 7-2 hammering of Falkirk, but Kilmarnock could prove to be a snake in the grass, as they too have remained unbeaten in their first three games. Steven Naismith will be looking to promote himself for a move to Ibrox but the current form of the Rangers strikers make this look improbable in this transfer window. Rangers should do the business and hold top spot. Parkhead will host their version of the Mad hatters ball when Wee Cheney meets Mad Vlad as Celtic get a visit from Hearts. Hearts have had a poor start to the season, with only a draw against lowly Gretna getting them off the mark. Celtic have recovered from an early hiccup against Kilmarnock to score seven goals in their last two games and should prove too powerful for hearts. Still we live in hope of a surprise result. Falkirk manager John Hughs will have dried his eyes after greet�n like a Bairn, after their 7-2 thumping against Rangers, and will welcome St Mirren to Westfield park. The Buddies had an excellent win against Inverness at the weekend, but Falkirk have been playing some of the best football in the SPL of late and should send Gus McPherson�s team home licking their wounds. Falkirk win. Gretna welcome the visit of Motherwell to Fir park or is it the other way about? Seemingly Motherwell keep claim to the home dressing room with Gretna staking claim to the home dugout. Motherwell have been playing well recently and were robbed in extra time against Killie. Davie Irons asked his team to show more steel but I don�t expect the steel men to buckle to the Weddingmakers. A Motherwell win,home or away. Hibenian v Aberdeen looks like the best bet for a draw on paper and probably will be one. I have a sneaky feeling that Hibs will win easily as Aberdeen are like a pint of Guinness. They don�t travel well. Considering Hibs lost so many key players since the turn of the year they have actually had an excellent start to the season getting two wins and a draw under their belt. Aberdeen�s have had a stuttering start and up until now only seem to be able to produce any form for forty-five minutes. A Hibs win for me. Inverness have had a disaster of a start to the season and have already lost their manager. Neil Warnock, Craig Brewster and Owen Coyle are top of the list to fill the role. Caley hope to have a new man in place possibly before Saturday, so he can asses the situation before the transfer window shuts. Dundee Utd lost their only away game this season to Kilmarnock,so they still have to prove they can pick up points away from home. Inverness will be hoping for the new manager effect, but to get anything from the game they will need to tighten their defense who went AWOL at the second St Mirren goal on Saturday. A draw for me.

The big talking point of the weekend was of coarse Gordon Strachans tantrum at pittodrie. It is thought he could get a seat in the stand for up to 10 weeks. Celtic are now contacting all clubs to reserve the front row otherwise it will be a stand on the seat. The commotion was started by the assistant coach sticking 2 fingers on one hand and 1 on the other, to joke about Celtic winning 2-1. it is now rumoured that David Murray does not want to be outdone by Celtic and are scouring the country for a assistant coach with seven fingers, Mark McGhee was asked on Scotsport last night if he had ever had received abuse. He replied he was once hit by a pie. That would be the original McGhee pie then. Mark was furious after Motherwell were robbed in the last minute against Killie. The Steel men against the Steal men springs to mind Charlie Christie quit as coach of Inverness on Monday. The Inverness defence had already quit after 55 mins on Saturday. Hearts are planning a redevelopment of Tynecastle, which will increase the capacity by 6000 to 23000. they have also applied for for 6000 work permits for Lithuanian footballers. The new stadium will produce 300 jobs which means another 5700 on the dole. Frail the hearts coach is said to be weak. Irons the Gretna coach wants more steel in his team, Taxi.....

Its been an interesting few weeks for us watching our new signings find their feet and one in particular has made me think about Sebo's position at the club and its also cemented the opinion that I've had of him. Firstly, let me say that I'd be delighted if Sebo made it here. He seems like a nice enough bloke, he's worked hard in the summer on his fitness and everyone has been willing him to do well. But watching Cousin since he signed has made me realise that the argument about Sebo not having enough time to prove himself is somewhat flawed. Cousin started here with a couple of substitute appearances, probably totalling no more than 40 minutes. But if we take the Red Star game as an example, he showcased his own potential in 25 minutes in a way which Sebo has failed to do over a season with us during which he made 33 appearances, albeit only 7 starts. From when Cousin came on, he showed eagerness to get involved, which is something Sebo also does. However, from there the comparisons end. Cousin showed an awareness of what was going on around him. He showed good vision and played a few passes to other players with precision weighting and pace. He also had a couple of efforts on goal which was more than we'd managed all night up until that point. But in all, he just looked like a real player. Like someone who would bring something to our squad. And since then I think he's gone on to prove that he can be a real success here. The thing with Sebo was that I was looking for him to do something special during one of his appearances. Just a flash of brilliance which would make us all think that the lad was worth hanging on to and it was only a (short) matter of time until he'd "come good". But that's just never happened IMO and it is a shame. We all looked for something to take from his performances but never really got it. We started to talk up every little thing he did and it got to absurd levels following the Celtic game last year where he was asked to do a certain job (noise up the opposition) and he did it well. But anyone with half a physical presence could have done that job, it just so happens that last season we were lacking a physical element to our game, something which WS has since addressed. It certainly didn't make me change my mind on what I'd seen so far and I was a bit surprised to see how many fans still cite that performance as an indicator that Sebo can develop in to a good striker for us. The lad is still young enough that he can improve as a player. But to do that he obviously needs time and games. And I don't think he'll get that here. Regardless of all the other strikers who are now ahead of him for a first team place, no-one knows better than WS that at Ibrox you have to deliver and you don't get much time to prove yourself. Maybe a loan deal is the answer, but unless he sets the goal-scoring charts alight at his new club, he's still going to face the same problem of trying to break in to our first team when he gets back. The move just hasn't worked out, for whatever reason or reasons. I think its now in the best interests of everyone if we move on and I wish him luck wherever he ends up.

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=476&Itemid=1 So it seems we have another weekend of the unhinged Celtic manager causing problems on the touchline. If this guy hasn't had enough by abusing the media, referees and fans (including his own) he now moves onto officials of other clubs. And yet some Celtic supporters still appear reticent to bring him into the 'Celtic-minded' camp? That's strange given he certainly fits the description going by the incidents below. I remember Martin O'Neill (supposedly Strachan's good friend) suggesting Ian Ferguson was big enough and ugly enough to deal with any abuse (sectarian or otherwise) from the Celtic support. Seems it's only Celtic players and management teams that are permitted to take offence whilst being on the fringe of starting riots with their own aggressive and undignified behaviour. 1. In November 2004, Neil Lennon spits on a Rangers scarf and calls the Rangers bench and support cheating DOBS. He has never apologised and Celtic 'disciplined' him by, erm - giving him a lucrative new contract and making him club captain. 2. After the same match, Martin O'Neil marches Lennon to the Celtic support and makes several aggressive gestures to the home fans. No punishment or apology was forthcoming. 3. In February 2005, Fernando Ricksen was hit by several objects thrown by the home support as he clapped his own fans. The culprit has never been found and Celtic have never apologised. 4. The following season Lennon verbally and physically assaults referee Stuart Dougal amongst further public disorder offences at Ibrox. Lennon receives lenient 3-match ban. No response from Celtic or the player. 5. In 2006, Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc is cautioned by the police for several rude and aggressive gestures to the Rangers support. No apology by the player or discipline by the club. 6. Only 3 matches into the 2007/08 season, Celtic assistant manager allegedly reacts to the Aberdeen fan victory taunts with a 2 fingered gesture of defiance. A steward is asked to deal with the incident and is verbally abused by the Celtic manager in an extremely heated exchange. Celtic back their employee's behaviour "100%". I could go on for longer but rather than risk boring the reader I'm sure one appreciate the emerging pattern. Ergo, the following questions should be asked. Why does one club deem itself to be above reproach when it comes to the kind of shameful behaviour that would embarrass children in the school playgrounds? Why do the usually eager media refrain from debating the issue to the same level they treat other clubs and players for similar issues? Will the SFA/SPL ever take this club to task for constantly bringing our game into disrepute? What is clear is that every player and club suffers from being abused by opposition fans. It's not nice and although it's certainly difficult to separate what's offensive from banter; players and managers should be above reacting no matter the provocation. Of course certain supporters are equally culpable for looking to cause trouble and they too should be dealt with. In saying that, perhaps Celtic wouldn't suffer from such problems if they didn't seem to actively encourage and tolerate similar neanderthal behaviour from their own staff. Once they apologise for the embarrassing incidents above maybe they (and their support) can actually assume the moral high ground when it comes to the long list of issues they complain about.

Sheep have just taken the lead! Craig Brewster 24 mins.

Irish international Ian Harte hopes to have a new club sorted within the next week. The former Leeds left-back has just left Spanish side Levante and is now locked in talks with a number of prospective employers. Sunderland and Celtic are said to be heading the chase for the 29-year-old. Talks "I'm flying back to England on Sunday or Monday and I will hopefully have a few offers on the table by then," Harte told The Irish Daily Star. "My aim is to get a club move sorted as quickly as possible. Then I can see about nailing down a place in Steve Staunton's squad for the rest of the Euro 2008 qualifiers." Never realised that he was only 29,a decent left back IMO

The only problem with Barry Ferguson is he's better than his team-mates

Hutton, McGregor, Boyd. Official site link

------------P GD Pts Rangers-----2 5 6 Hibs---------2 3 6 Motherwell--2 2 6 Celtic-------2 3 4 Had to post this guys as it's a while since i've seen it this way. Long may it continue. :cheers:

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/16047/Qu-Bo-says-no-to-Rangers- RANGERS have been foiled in a bid to land Chinese World Cup star Qu Bo. Express Sport can reveal that Walter Smith had hoped to bring the international striker over on trial but that move has been blocked by his club, Qingdao. The Chinese Super League club had initially given their 27-year-old striker permission to travel to Scotland but that agreement has now fallen through due to Rangers and Qingdao's new season commitments. Rangers wrote personally to issue the invitation to Qu Bo and hoped to get him over after China's Asian Cup campaign but that has now collapsed. His club are keen to cash-in on their �£1 million-rated star but the timing meant that the Ibrox trial was going to run too close to the Chinese signing deadline and Qingdao don't think they had enough time to find a suitable replacement. Qu Bo has been told that he can come over on trial in November but now the frontman, who can also play wide on the right, faces an anxious wait to see if Walter Smith will go back in for him. The Chinese star is seen as his country's top frontman and played in all three World Cup games back in 2002 against Brazil, Turkey and Costa Rica. Not long after that he had a successful trial at Tottenham where he was offered a contract but it collapsed because of work permit problems. Former Rangers boss Graeme Souness at Blackburn was also keen on him but he also failed to get a work permit but since then Qu Bo has played in enough domestic and international games to meet the strict British criteria. If Rangers do keep the door open for him then he could become the third Chinese professional to play in the SPL after Du Wei's infamous stop-off at Celtic and Fan Zhiyi also has a brief spell at Dundee. Rangers, though, are aware there could be a massive commercial spin-off if they do decide to take a chance on Qu Bo.

Jumping the gun a bit maybe but thought peopel may be interested in this. Been meaning to post something similar myself but its easier to steal what someone else has already written:devil: : The Tims going out is good for us for all the usual reasons but also because we would only need one other seed to fall to sneak into pot 3. It's not certain Celtic will go out, although it is a definite posibility, I suppose the same could be said for us, although we have the easier tie. But where else does a seed look like they might go out? Benfica maybe?

Rams eye up Hemdani By PETER JARDINE Premiership new boys Derby County are lining up a �£1million bid for Rangers midfielder Brahim Hemdani. Manager Billy Davies and his Pride Park staff are believed to have monitored the player in the recent Ibrox friendly win over Chelsea. And now they could invite Walter Smith to decide if he wants to part with Hemdani, who has two years left on his contract in Glasgow. The Frenchman could be tempted by the lure of Premiership wages, while Rangers may feel they could redirect the funds elsewhere during the remainder of the transfer window. With Kevin Thomson, Barry Ferguson, Lee McCulloch, Steven Whittaker and Charlie Adam all chasing places, Smith already has a series of Scottish options as cover for the midfield. Former Marseille captain Hemdani was signed on a Bosman by Alex McLeish before his final season in charge, but injury troubled the 29-year-old initially at Ibrox. He won a regular place last year under Paul le Guen and Smith and scored spectacular goals against Celtic and Osasuna. He was then later named as the club's in-house Player of the Year. Sources close to Hemdani suggest he may be content to remain at Rangers but a Derby bid could change that situation and there may be other interest if it becomes clear that he might be allowed to leave.

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=464&Itemid=2 Quite incredible, isnââ?¬â?¢t it? Two difficult matches played; one decent CL Qualifier win at Ibrox and one solid away win against a physical side we couldnââ?¬â?¢t beat last season. Celtic also only draw at home after spending nearly Ã?£8million and we get a decent CL draw while they get a stinker! A great week surely?! Nope, instead of being able to gloat about being above Celtic for the first time in about a year (possibly longer), weââ?¬â?¢re once again having to fire-fight the stories of sectarianism from small sections of our away support. Despite being fined by UEFA twice and despite knowing that the SFA were keen to cement those censures with their own; the mindless minority continue to tarnish our clubââ?¬â?¢s reputation again. What are they trying to achieve with this stuff? Do they even have any answers to that question? They think they do but none can satisfy the concerns of the good, honest majority of bears who do realise that all these yobs are succeeding in doing is silencing our fans and suffocating our club. Take away our vocal support at games and remove the 12th man. Take away our points and second place may even be beyond us. Take away our money and, well, take away our very existence. Of course we get the usual replies from the type of person who wants to defend the ââ?¬Ë?F.T.P.ââ?¬â?¢ nonsense. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢ll sing what I want, where I wantââ?¬Â; ââ?¬Å?Weââ?¬â?¢re being persecuted anyway so who cares if we get sanctionedââ?¬Â; ââ?¬Å?Other teams get away with itââ?¬Â and that old chestnut, ââ?¬Å?Youââ?¬â?¢re not a real bearââ?¬Â if you want to remove the moronic add-ons to our favourite songs. One can understand some fansââ?¬â?¢ frustrations when it comes to certain aspects of the overall debate. Yes, there is nothing wrong with ââ?¬Ë?The Sashââ?¬â?¢ and ââ?¬Ë?Derryââ?¬â?¢s Wallsââ?¬â?¢ per se. Yes, we do appear to be the only club being pursued for this kind of offensive behaviour. Sure, some fans are too quick to castigate their own for being proud of the kind of ideals that they may not share. However, continuing to chant ââ?¬Ë?F.T.P.ââ?¬â?¢ at the end of a culturally expressive song has no relevance to any of these valid questions. Neither does it answer them. Indeed, it only makes our side of the argument weaker. I find it incredible that any Rangers fan cannot see that. Now, there is no doubt the whole sectarianism, discrimination and offence issue (or is it charade?) must be questioned. The fact the SFA have still not clarified what is defined by these terms and what kind of punishments will be issued is extremely disappointing. The same questions exist about who will be censured, what for and exactly what will the censures be. Even so, it would be astounding if Rangers continued to be the only support highlighted for their indiscretions. As such, fans of other clubs shouldnââ?¬â?¢t poke too much fun this week. Nevertheless, the Rangers support cannot afford to waste energy on our feelings of persecution ââ?¬â?? no matter how valid. Quite simply, we must isolate the idiots and remove them from our club. Pride, loyalty and dignity are all virtues of our club and the support. We should use those positives to modernise and ensure our club takes precedence. Rangers First indeed! Do the yobs who shout about ââ?¬Ë?F.T.P.ââ?¬â?¢ and ââ?¬Ë?fen!ansââ?¬â?¢ do so for the good of Rangers? I sincerely doubt it. After all, we (rightly) complain when fans of other clubs sing about the Ibrox disaster, the IRA and injuries to our players while referring to us as ââ?¬Ë?hunsââ?¬â?¢ and ââ?¬Ë?DOBsââ?¬â?¢. These issues are all worthy of complaint and they will surely tick the SFA Observerââ?¬â?¢s ââ?¬Ë?Thesaurus of Offenceââ?¬â?¢ in the coming season. As such, the best way to turn the attention away from us isnââ?¬â?¢t to deny our problems exist nor to blame others, but to face our challenges and win our own battles. In the last year weââ?¬â?¢ve been doing that and we can rightly be proud of the strides already made. However, the hardest part is still to come. Sometimes the last step can be the most difficult to make. But we can make it. And, as usual, we can make it together ââ?¬â?? united, proud, loyal and dignified. After all, at least weââ?¬â?¢re prepared to admit our problems. At least weââ?¬â?¢re prepared to make the changes asked of us. At least weââ?¬â?¢ll have the strength of character to improve while others deflect and deny. And weââ?¬â?¢ll emerge from this test to be stronger than ever. Weââ?¬â?¢ve never failed in the challenges placed upon us ââ?¬â?? not in over 135 years of success and prestige. Weââ?¬â?¢re not going to start now. We wonââ?¬â?¢t let the minority pull us down. We are the Rangers. We are the people. This particular opponent may not be green, red or maroon but it can be beaten. And it will. Ready.

HOMESICK Shaun Maloney is set for a sensational return to Celtic just eight months after controversially quitting Parkhead for a crack at the Premiership. Record Sport believes talks between the SPL champions and Maloney's club, Aston Villa, are at an advanced stage and the 24-year-old will return to Celtic in a �£1million deal within the next week. Maloney has sought assurances from friends in Glasgow that he will be welcomed back by Hoops fans Many supporters criticised the striker's decision to leave during the January transfer window. At the time, talks aimed at securing the Scotland attacker on a long-term contract failed and Celtic criticised the influence the player's agent, John Halliwell, had on his decision to move to Villa Park for �£1m on the last day of the window. Maloney has failed to settle in the Midlands and although he had teamed back up with his former manager at Celtic, Martin O'Neill, the little wideman found first-team chances restricted. Maloney started just five games after his move, scoring once, and made it known he would consider coming back to Scotland. Celtic were alerted to the situation and are now close to giving Maloney, who won the SPFA Player and Young Player of the Year Awards in 2006, another chance at Parkhead. Advertisement Celtic coach Tommy Burns, speaking after Maloney scored his first international goal in six appearances, against the Faroe Islands at the end of the season, claimed the player had left Scotland too soon. Burns said: "Shaun decided to take the plunge and go for it. I think I would have stayed here until I was 25 or 26 and had had three or four good years like the season Shaun had the year before last. "I think he basically went too soon. Kenny Dalglish is the perfect example for me. He was 26, had played seven or eight years in Scotland, did everything he possibly could have, and then said he was ready for England." Maloney might have gone too early in his career but it looks like he will be given a massive chance to rectify the mistake by the club that didn't want to lose him in the first place. Rumour or Fact ?

Stumbled across an old thread bumped on FF detailing the Rangers and Celtic squads of as of 1/9/06 (Age in brackets): It makes grim reading now although there was a lot of confidence in the squads being evenly matched at the time, at least accodring to FF. Considering first the goalkeepers. With it taking a while for AM to cement his place as our number one and with erratic early season form, Celtic were stronger in terms of their no. 1. We had the better backup but due to Boruc staying relatively injury and suspension free squad strength never told in this position. Onto the defence. Bardsley was no better than Hutton early season and Hutton only took the jersey due to discipline problems from Bardsley. Hutton became the best right back in the country, but by this point the Tims had the league wrapped up. At the start of last season Celtic probably had the edge at RB, with us becoming strongest here at the season's end. Neither had a decent replacement. At LB we have the better player on his day. Smith is superior to a fairly decent Naylor. However Smith has injury troubles and I would give Celtic the nod for the LB position on last season's squads. Again a lack of a decent replacement is noted. With PLG's squad Celtic easily had a stronger pairing at CB with capable cover. Walter has taken the initiative here. We are now far stronger here but more of that later. Looking at the midfielders listed in that squad we looked to have by far the better first picks in Hemdani, Fergie and Clement versus the likes of Lennon, Jarosik and Gravesen. However our lack of strength in depth is obvious looking at the squad list. Having said that, for reasons still noted in the current set up it did not pan out with us being stronger in this position. Then, as now, we lacked pace, a bit of steel and are devoid of creativity. despite stronger individuals they seemed to have a better midfield unit. Looking at the "attacking midfielders" or wide players. They were stronger again. I don't see much between Adam and "poty" Nakamura but they were stronger on the other flank with better replacements. Ignoring Sebo (sorry) our forwards looked stronger. JvoH and Zurawski were perma-injured (new word?) and Miller and Beattie are mince. Again not sure our individual quality shone through. Boyd won top scorer but we missed out on the big prizes. So this time last year, squad analysis was done on the above squads. General consensus was we matched up well but PLG's superior management would shine through . I beleive I was of similar opinion. In summary, on paper they looked stronger in goals, that pretty much held true. Their stronger looking defence held up to that supposition too. Our stronger looking midfielders did not perform better as a unit. Neither set of strikers covered themselves in glory although Celtic's forward line can bathe in the glory of winning trophies and progressing in Europe. The fact that so many bears ended up with egg on their faces for the bold predictions made this time last year should serve as warning. However I am going to fly in the face of my own comments and predict that (on paper at least) we appear a far stronger squad than this time last year: Goalkeepers Mcgregor is established as number one with experience of playing for the Gers and European exprience. His ability to come for cross balls has improved, although many still worry about him in that respect. We have got rid of Letitzi (a wasteful purchase in the first place) and got rid of the dead weight Klos became on the wage bill. Owing to AM's improved confidence at being No1 and improved play and with Carroll and Smith in for Letitzi and apast it Klos I would argue our first pick and back up options have improved. Left back Papac was signed as a CB and that may well prove to be his best position. However playing LB he has improved over the season from a PLG reject to a player many are happy to deputise for Smith. If Smith regains fitness and with Murray as further back up I would say we are better covered here than this time last year. Right back With Hutton's vast improvement here instead of Bardsley we are definitely stronger. No room for anymore red mist momments though Alan. Whittaker should prove a better back up than Bardsley. Centre Backs What needs to be said here? What an improvement. Weir and Cuellar (a potential POTY and signing of the season) start with capable back up from Webster, Broadfoot and Ehiogu. The major difference from the PLG era. Left Midfield McCulloch if he ends up on the left he will strengthen the team. Adam did well at LM for my money last year, contributing goals and a dead ball threat. He needs to kick on from there with a vast improvement on recent performances necessary. With Beasley in too, the options are there for LM. An improvement on last year for this bear. Right midfield An undoubted weakness for us. Will Whittaker prove to be the man to fill that hole. McCulloch has filled in here although has been bought for LM or up front. Novo and Burke have filled in, sometimes well, sometimes not. Neither are the long term answer. An opportunity for Whittaker to make the position his own. Time will tell if it's an improvement on last year. Centre Midfield The only major change occured in January with Thomson replacing Clement. Clement may go on to be a stronger performer, but for Rangers KT is the better choice, he wants to play for us not just for one man. McCulloch can fill in here if needed increasing cover. As touched on earlier, in this case the stronger individuals (compared to Celtic) does not equate to a stronger whole in terms of the midfield unit. As stated we lack pace, dig and creativity. Debbte rages as to how to include the quality individuals of BF, BH and KT into an effective Rangers midfield. One of Walters big problems at the momment. Forwards Boyd needs to rediscover the goalscoring touch. When he's scoring he's our main and only real (CA aside) goal threat. A wee rest may do him good, however Sebo-esque backing might do wonders for the player too. Many want to give Sebo a chance, others want him sold. Walter says we wont pay anyone off and noone would pay a fee for him, so we continue to hope he comes good, but I have my doubts. Darcheville is not as good as Prso at his peak, but that is not the Dado we saw last year. Novo is a useful replacement who still lacks composure and a decent touch but is held in high regard for his work rate. If Boyd is off form we are very weak upfront, not much has changed from last year then. As I say it is clear there has been a vast improvement in squad depth across all playing positions. Some major improvements have occured since PLG's era in quality as well, notably in defence. However the improvement in quality has not been enough for some fans, with no "star" names brought in this summer. According to SDM we will have one or two more to come to complete this squad. It looks a lot stronger on paper, but on the field two main issues seem to arise. The lack of pace, creativity and obvious first picks in central midfield. Secondly, where the goal threat comes from one Boyd is not banging them in. The next step is to compare this year XI to that from the other side of the city. (Sorry for a long and possibly boring post, but seeing the aforementioned thread on FF tonight sparked a lot of thinking for me).

Hadn't seen either of these articles posted, if they have been, I apologize. Murray on Brown/Naismith: Rangers executive chairman Sir David Murray says that the Light Blues could not afford to sign new Celtic midfielder Scott Brown from Hibernian. He claims Brown could not have been accommodated in a new system which rewards key Ibrox players. He said: "If he's on the wages that have been reported how would that leave us with our other players? "Would Rangers' young Scots be happy to sign new deals on less than half what another young Scot was being paid?" Scotland cap Brown ended up at Celtic Park in a £4.4m transfer despite ongoing speculation that Ibrox was his preferred destination. Meanwhile, Murray also expressed an interest in reviving the club's wish to bring Kilmarnock's Steven Naismith to Ibrox. He remains hopeful of securing the Scotland striker, despite a summer-long signing saga, even though Rangers boss Walter Smith has withdrawn the club's latest bid. Kilmarnock chairman Michael Johnston has reported plenty of interest from other teams. And the Ibrox chief explained: "We've the greatest respect for Kilmarnock but if they have other clubs who want to buy the player, why don't they accept one of those bids they've received? "Walter has already spoken about the offer we made. "He's a good young player and we'd like to have him here but he's 20 years old and at that age you're buying potential." Murray is also backing Smith to bring Rangers closer to champions Celtic in the Scottish Premier League. "What we can't have is the gap there was last season. "Obviously we'd prefer to win it, but I think every Rangers supporter wants to see us compete." Murray On His Future: CHAIRMAN Sir David Murray says Rangers hope to bring in another three players before the transfer window closes and will spend as much as £10m in total rebuilding the squad. And he insists he has not found the right man or men to take over his role as custodian of the club. Murray has made it clear that if the right offer comes in he will step aside but so far he has not been offered an acceptable bid that will guaranteee the future of Rangers. He said: "What I have said repeatedly is that I am coming up for 20 years. I have been here 19 years and I have won 13 championships. "I said that I didn't want to do this job forever but I will only sell if the right person comes along whom I believe can take the club on to a better and higher level. "There have been a few nibbles but not the right people for me to hand over my legacy. "I think you can see we have been quite active again in the market. We will spend over £10million this year on players by the time the window closes. "We intend to bring in two or three more players. I am invigorated that Walter, Ally and Kenny are here. There has been a vibrancy. "I remain committed to the club. A lot of things have happened to me in the last couple of years but I am no less committed to Rangers Football Club. "There is no photo-fit of the ideal person to buy the club. I have to feel comfortable that my legacy and the future of the club will be in good hands. "It is very hard to remain popular for 19 years. I have been through all the highs and all the lows and all the successes and failures. "There is no point in someone coming along and using every single penny they have got to put them in a position to own the club." If the three are Whittaker, Cousin and Naismith.. Well, who knows.

WHo was on here trying to say the mhanks were leaving us behind expanding their global brand out in the states:

Murray tips Celts to retain the title By Ron Scott SIR DAVID MURRAY fully expects to spend well in excess of Ã?£10 million on new players before the transfer window closes. Yet the Rangers chairman admits Celtic remain favourites to win the title. ââ?¬Å?They have won the Championship for the last two seasons and the bookies have made them favourites this time, too,ââ?¬Â he conceded. ââ?¬Å?Itââ?¬â?¢s difficult to disagree. ââ?¬Å?But we must make a serious challenge and be there or thereabouts. We canââ?¬â?¢t afford to be so far behind Celtic again.ââ?¬Â Rangers have already spent around Ã?£5 million on new faces, but Murray insisted, ââ?¬Å?Weââ?¬â?¢re not finished yet. Weââ?¬â?¢ll make at least two more quality signings, if not three. We definitely want another top-class striker.ââ?¬Â Rumours Murray played down rumours in France that his club are about to sign 30-year-old striker Daniel Cousin from Lens for Ã?£1 million, and re-iterated they wonââ?¬â?¢t be increasing their Ã?£1.5 million bid for Kilmarnockââ?¬â?¢s Stevie Naismith. Heââ?¬â?¢s determined not to break the clubââ?¬â?¢s wage structure. ââ?¬Å?Meeting the Ã?£4.4 million transfer fee to Hibs for Scott Brown was not a problem. But we were not prepared to pay the Ã?£25,000-a-week heââ?¬â?¢s reputedly on at Celtic,ââ?¬Â said Murray. ââ?¬Å?Before you know it the deal ends up costing around Ã?£14-Ã?£15-million by the time you add on wages for a five-year contract. ââ?¬Å?We must have parity in the dressing-room. ââ?¬Å?Young Scottish players coming through can expect to earn between Ã?£2000 and Ã?£3000-a-week, rising to Ã?£6-7000 if they get a decent run in the first team. ââ?¬Å?By the time theyââ?¬â?¢re regulars, the figure is between Ã?£10-12,000, going as high as Ã?£16,000-a-week with bonuses. ââ?¬Å?The key is to reach the Champions League proper. Thatââ?¬â?¢s where the club makes money and the players earn huge bonuses.ââ?¬Â Revealed Rangersââ?¬â?¢ financial figures will be revealed this week and itââ?¬â?¢s anticipated they will show a debt of around Ã?£12 million. But Murray insisted, ââ?¬Å?Our debt is totally manageable.ââ?¬Â He has now entered his 20th year as chairman, and admits he wonââ?¬â?¢t go on for ever. ââ?¬Å?Weââ?¬â?¢ve won 13 titles in these 19 years, but some time Iââ?¬â?¢ll decide I donââ?¬â?¢t want to do this forever,ââ?¬Â he said. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢ve been on the dancefloor with a couple of interested parties, but Iââ?¬â?¢ll only sell my legacy if Iââ?¬â?¢m convinced the future of the club is in good hands. ââ?¬Å?There is no point someone having to beg, steal and borrow to buy the club then having nothing left to invest. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m re-invigorated since Walter Smith returned and I remain committed as proved by the money being spent.ââ?¬Â