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what is our real level of ambition? when alan hutton left for spurs and quite a few of us asked the very question. Now we know. Suddenly a player who hasnt been fit enough to kick a competitive ball for Rangers is fit enough to sign for Aston Villa. We are told that "he wanted to leave" when in fact the player himself has stated that he was only too happy to stay and see out his contract at Ibrox. The bottom line is we have been lied to by our club. Cuellar has been touted round the premiership since the end of last season (I even posted the news on this site) and it has come to be. Our real level of ambition? Weir, daily, McCulloch, Miller, Broadfoot, whitaker. makes great reading doesnt it. At this moment i have to say i am considering my position as a Rangers supporter. I feel i am being taken for a fool by Murray, Bain & smith. we have been fed with mediocrity on and of the park for far too long and unless that something changes significantly very soon i will be hanging up my scarf and will have nothing to do with the club untill all three are out the door. those three are a damned disgrace. To us and the club that we love.

We have a little over 2 weeks of the transfer window left and there is STILL no new midfielders at Murray Park. Sometimes WS does his business on the quiet like the signing of Bougherra which came out of the blue - so we have a tiny bit of hope that a deal could be done somewhere but i wont hold my breath until i see a player in a blue shirt. I still think Davis is likely but we still need more than him. I can also see him being played out of position if he does sign. Davis had a few good games for us when playing next to Ferguson but signing Davis alone doesnt fill me with confidence. In that 2 weeks we couldnt face a tougher fixture card. Hearts at Ibrox and Aberdeen and Celtic away. Right now with that team that played at Falkirk i dont fancy us to get anymore than 5 points from that 3 games. With the Cuellar sale, the pressure is now at peak for Murray, Bain and Smith.

After the woeful performances against Lithuanian Hearts, we are faced with the prospect of life without our stand-out player King Carlos. Carlos has activated a release clause in his contract and is on his way to Aston Villa. Depending on whether you believed the rumours, this move may have come as a surprise to some of us, but can any of us say we are shocked that our prize asset has been sold? Failing to qualify for the Champions League was always going to leave a gaping hole in our financial report and the only way to fill this hole was to sell players. The only player we currently have on our books who is worth any sort of money is Carlos. So it doesn’t take a genius to work out that he’d be the one that we’d lose. Some fans chose to believe SDM’s latest ramblings that any money recouped from transfers would be given to WS to strengthen the squad. I remain sceptical on this happening and await the closure of the transfer window with interest. Already the rumours (no doubt initiated by SDM’s lapdogs in the media) are flying through cyberspace on Rangers forums claiming that Lovenkrands, Loovens, Maloney et al are queuing up at Ross Hall for medicals prior to signing for Rangers. There are also rumours of bust-ups between McCoist and Bain and claims that McCoist has walked from his post. All in all, not the best publicity for our club and certainly not the behaviour you expect for Scotland’s premier club. So where does that leave Rangers FC? Well, we are a worse team / squad than we were last season and going on the 3 competitive games played this season, we look a team devoid of ideas, of guile and of genuine football players. I would venture to say that in the last week, our club has become a laughing stock and whilst this is hard to stomach, we have also take of the blinkers and acknowledge that we are also trailing our bitterest rivals both on and off the pitch. This is galling admission given how far ahead we were a decade ago. Whilst typing this disjointed article I can feel a lump in my throat and feel my stress levels reaching breaking point. The most frustrating thing about it, the majority of fans will just shrug this latest catastrophe off and still believe that SDM will deliver his promise of ‘moonbeams of success’. This certainly isn’t the Rangers that we deserve, and this certainly isn’t the Rangers that we all love. In fact, if this Rangers were your wife you would have divorced her, and if this Rangers were a family member, you’d have disowned them. However, this is OUR club and we are hardier than that. Will this downturn (downsizing) get any better? Not under the current regime and I can’t see enough support for change so we are stuck with what we have. Don’t know if any of the above makes sense, but I am seething at the moment so not much is making sense to be perfectly honest. Farewell Carlos, thanks for the memories and good luck in the future. For those of us left behind, strap yourselves in, its going to be a helter-skelter ride as fans of this great club vent their frustrations in ways that we all won’t agree on. Cammy F:rfc:

Now that Murray and butty boy bain have really pissed the fans off to the extent that they should be hiring bodyguards, I was wondering what moonbeam exclusive they will come out with to appease everyone. New superfantastic plans for a superduper new stadium? Martin bain to sacrifice and hang himself for the good name of the club in front of the crowd on saturday against hearts. or maybe martain bain is confusing the moonbeams for the sun that he thinks shines out of murrays arse? what do you think folks? what the hell are Dastardly and mutley going to do to dig themselves out of the hole they find themselves in. theres a prize for best answer!

Suprised I hadn't heard anything on here about this but FF is going wild with a rumour of an alleged bustup between McCoist and Bain over the transfer of Cuellar. A quote from McCoist not that long ago which would perhaps explain a part of it. Rumours even gone as far as him resigning, which I highly doubt and this whole rumour could be rubbish aswell, but thought it made interesting reading. Anyone heard anything?

So 15 invited fans speak for the masses now??!!! I dont think he should be sacked but this headline in the news doesnt nearly speak for the real fans. Bit in bold - I'll believe that when I see it!!! That should have been dealt with in June!

Thomas Jordan Evening Times EMBARRASSING. Disgraceful. Shameful. Diabolical. Just some of the words that could be used to describe Rangers' performance as they crashed out of Europe. However, the biggest criticism you could level at Walter Smith's players is that not enough of them cared. Not enough of them wore the blue jersey with pride. And not enough of them were willing to go the extra mile. Yes, they were hurting as they faced up to the prospect of being directly responsible for one of the worst, if not THE worst, result in the Ibrox club's 52-year European history. But, by then, it was too late. How can a team that was playing in the Uefa Cup Final just 84 days ago find themselves not only knocked out, but outplayed and outfought by a team from Lithuania? Kaunas shouldn't have got close to Rangers regardless of whether they were without their two best players in Barry Ferguson and Carlos Cuellar. Or even the fact they are well into their domestic season before Smith's men have even begun theirs. Quite simply, there can be no excuses. Today, the Rangers legions will be selecting their targets and deciding who is to blame. The chairman, David Murray, will be chastised for failing to open his cheque book. Their chief executive, Martin Bain, was forced to run the gauntlet at the end of the match and, as the man who now controls the purse strings, he will also be criticised for failing to fund transfer deals. The manager will have his team selection held respon-sible along with his failure to bring in more new faces. Maybe the three of them can be held to account. But, you know what, none of them come close to the players. Had they found themselves facing a European outfit of genuine quality, then there is not much you can do when playing against better players. However, they were up against guys with a fraction of their ability and with a wage packet that is small change compared to their bulging pay packets. Quite simply, something is far wrong. From front to back, questions will be asked. Goalkeeper Allan McGregor should, on reflection, feel he could have been better at the opening goal when he was beaten from all of 35 yards. He was also extremely fortunate that he wasn't punished when he completely misjudged a Rafael Ledesma free-kick which flew wide of the post. At right-back, Steven Whittaker wasn't even as good as awful. From the first whistle to the last, he constantly gifted possession back to Kaunas and looks like a fish out of water as he struggles to find form. At the heart of the defence Kirk Broadfoot, standing in for the injured Cuellar once again, was steady enough, as was Davie Weir up until he lost Linas Pilibaitis for what turned out to be the winning goal. The 38-year-old has been in the game long enough to know you can have a stormer for 89 minutes of the game, but switch off just once or make a mistake and that's what you are remembered for. At left-back, Sasa Papac was reasonable enough. But, as feared, it was the middle of the park where Rangers struggled the most. Rather than go with just two in the centre, Smith went for three in the engine room at the expense of a second striker. In the holding role was Christian Dailly. Never someone you could accuse of not giving his all, he gave it everything he had but, in a game where Rangers enjoyed a fair share of possession, he was never going to get the ball down and dictate play. It was his lack of control at the end of the game - when he tried to bring the ball down with his chest - which handed Kaunas the corner from which they scored their winning goal. Beside him was Lee McCulloch, who once again allowed the game to pass him by. Kevin Thomson was slightly better, scoring the opening goal but never does he really grab a game by the scruff of the neck and accept the responsibility for being the main man. For all his critics, Ferguson does that on a regular basis. Out wide, Nacho Novo troubled Kaunas with his pace and gave a decent account of himself, although his final ball could have been better at times. On the other flank, Charlie Adam was another who contributed next to nothing. Where has the goal threat he carries gone? And playing the lone striker's role was Kenny Miller. He had another golden opportunity to open his Gers account second time around when he found himself through on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat, but tried to chip the ball and missed the target. Not good enough. Andrius Velicka climbed off the bench and missed a great chance with the scoreline locked at 1-1, and Kris Boyd and Kyle Lafferty arrived on the scene with just minutes remaining and far too late to offer anything to the game. Criticism will not go down well. But the 500-odd supporters who spent their night sitting in the pouring rain watching the players go through the motions, offering up a display that wasn't even as good as mediocre, deserve far better and are entitled to vent their fury. As far as Europe goes, Rangers' chance has gone. If this level of performance and result continues during their quest for domestic honours, then it should be the players who should be on their travels - out of Ibrox.

RANGERS Chief Executive Martin Bain has spoken for the first time on a number of important topics as the new season opens. He revealed record season ticket sales, explained the reasoning behind the five per cent charge on the sale of away tickets and insisted work is still being done to bolster the squad ahead of the new campaign. During the interview, the Chief Executive also announced exciting plans for Ibrox that will make it amongst the most cutting-edge in European football. He said: "We are well on target to set a new record of 44,000 season ticket holders which has been achieved as a result of our new ticketing strategy enabling a higher saleable capacity within the stadium. In the past four seasons we have reached highs of 42,500 but on the back of last season, the demand for the coming campaign has been such that we will hit the new record figure. "Last season was a journey beyond all expectation for Rangers supporters and was what we all aspire to, which is Rangers competing at the highest level in Europe and on all fronts domestically. The last day of the SPL season was our only downside. "Our new strategy aims to make football more affordable to families, and to maintain and create a great atmosphere in the stadium where supporters are safe. It wasn't just about pricing however, we also wanted to provide some additional benefits to season ticket holders. The first of these takes place on Friday with a free training day which will be a great day out for families. "To date the initiative has resulted in an 11 per cent rise in juvenile season ticket holders with many more on the waiting list and we are absolutely delighted with the ongoing response from the fans. "We had 19 European games last season and with the financial pressures in our economy today we could not have asked for more from our supporters, their commitment has been second to none. Tickets for tomorrow's Kaunas game are going really well and the Liverpool match on Saturday is fast approaching sell-out. "Last year we identified the need to address the playing surface and other aspects of the stadium infrastructure, resulting in the commitment of capital expenditure for an interim overhaul. We have ensured that the items invested in are easily transportable should our long term development plans come to fruition. "First on the agenda was restructuring the pitch and Walter Smith told me yesterday that he is delighted with the new playing surface. "Despite the inclement weather in Scotland we are confident we will have no problems with our pitch this season and let's hope it is the same scenario at every other SPL ground. We have invested in our pitch and it would be good to see the other clubs investing in a similar way to avoid the problems of last season. "Our next priority was to introduce a fully integrated stadium entertainment system. This will be phased in from the first SPL home game where our new state of the art LED perimeter advertising system and LED scoreboards will be unveiled. "The perimeter advertising will run the complete length of the Copland, Broomloan and Govan stands. In September we will install LED jumbotrons, giving Ibrox one of the most ambitious media and entertainment systems in British football. We plan to introduce the system into the concourses thereafter. Even the dugouts, uniforms and Club ties are changing!" Rangers begin the SPL campaign on August 9 against Falkirk, one of four clubs who have refused to accept the Old Firm plan of a five per cent charge for the sale of away tickets. Bain remains unrepentant at the approach taken and commented: "It is incredulous that despite our attempts to explain this rationally to other clubs, some of them continue to refuse to accept our approach. Rangers supporters travel the length and breadth of the country, often paying premium prices for grounds which are often found lacking in their overall facilities. This is about our fans. I believe they more than pay their way in Scottish football and we want to alleviate some of the financial pressure. "I am also disappointed at the other clubs lack of understanding of our continual efforts to make it as easy as possible to distribute their tickets with minimal cost and effort on their behalf. We help maximise ticket sales for SPL away grounds to the region of �£2.5million, but accept that this comes at a cost, hence our proposal for the reciprocal arrangement. This would allow us to remove the costs currently borne by our fans. "I am surprised that other clubs have failed to realise that we have maintained a core fan base for away matches and that base may drop off given the convoluted systems they are operating to sell tickets to Rangers fans. "The actions we have taken have been in the best interests of our fans and the Club and we hope this is recognised by our travelling support, despite the complicated and difficult route that may now exist to obtain tickets for fixtures that were once easy to obtain." The Rangers Chief Executive hopes that those who choose to sell to Old Firm fans directly will ensure that they take all the responsibilities which accompany this decision. He said: "The SPL guidelines are such that every person who buys a ticket has to supply their name and address, and I now look to the SPL to ensure that while these other clubs have taken it upon themselves to sell these tickets that they record all these details. That said, it is unfortunate that I won't have the same level of awareness of whom the tickets are now being sold to. "At this stage Falkirk, Hibs, Hearts and Dundee United have indicated that they will sell tickets to our fans themselves and we await confirmation of the official response from the remaining clubs." Although the signing deadline has passed for tomorrow's Champions League qualifying match with Kaunas, the Chief Executive insisted that work is still being done on the playing front. He said: "We are still working hard to make sure we have a squad capable of challenging on all fronts. "The nature of Rangers is such that we are constantly linked with players with no foundation. But we are used to that and know what our priorities are. I am confident through experience of transfer windows in recent years that there will be movement, both in and out, in the weeks ahead. Walter has a core squad to meet the immediate challenges, although we are disappointed to have picked up a couple of injuries at this early stage." http://www.rangers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,5~1353740,00.html

Hmmmmm. Did Walter or Bain not say he was for sale directly after he signed that contract. I am sure it was on the official site.

AT the request of Rangers Football Club, Sir David Murray and Martin Bain met today with Lex Gold, Executive Chairman of the Scottish Premier League. A frank and constructive discussion took place, covering a wide range of issues and concerns. The purpose of this meeting was to 'clear the air' and this was achieved. Going forward, this exchange of views has now provided a platform for the future and will help ensure the avoidance of difficulties encountered last year. A nice wee cup of tea and a friendly chat..................go on guys,you tell them

RANGERS Football Club picked up a coveted accolade at a top awards bash in Glasgow last night for its educational work in the community. The Club's Study Support Centre, and various other educational initiatives organised via Rangers Football In the Community and The Rangers Charity Foundation, was recognised with a 'Big Tick' at the Scottish Business in the Community Awards ceremony. Dominic Sharkey (left) collects award for Rangers Study Support CentreThe Awards for Excellence, which are supported by the Scottish Government, are the most rigorous awards recognising responsible business practice in the UK today and winners have to demonstrate a strategic and long-term approach to creating partnerships which have a measurable and enduring impact. The ground breaking Rangers Study Support Centre was launched in November 2001 and has since inspired thousands of children from across the city, with over 140,000 separate visits being made to the Centre to date. The quarter of a million pound facility was the first of its kind in Scotland and uses football as a vehicle to stimulate and motivate young people to learn. It aims to develop literacy, numeracy and IT skills, as well as develop confidence, self-esteem and motivation. Staffed by qualified teachers, the Centre has developed a curricular designed to enhance and complement the young people's school work while also presenting them with new and exciting ways of learning. Through debating sessions, interviews with players and tutorials in football business and marketing, students are encouraged to think for themselves and enjoy an exciting, proactive learning experience outside the usual classroom environment. In addition to its educational focus, the Centre also runs a series of dance classes to promote health and fitness and offers workshops to tackle issues such as social equality, fair play and sectarianism. Study Support Centre Rangers Chief Executive Martin Bain commented, "Rangers Football Club is delighted to receive this coveted recognition for our work in the community and our investment in the education of future generations via our Study Support Centre and other educational initiatives. "Football has the power to capture the imagination of young people and by harnessing their interest and increasing motivation the Club and Glasgow City Council Education Services have really helped them reach their potential. "The results the Centre has achieved have been staggering and along with our other projects via the Rangers Charity Foundation and Football in the Community, have made a lasting impact on young people in Scotland." Samantha Barber, CEO of Scottish Business In the Community said: "Corporate responsibility - the willingness of companies to go beyond what is expected of them to contribute to building a sustainable Scotland - is powerful and can have a definite and positive impact on our society."

Jun 1 2008 Exclusive By Scott Mcdermott SPANISH star Carlos Cuellar is ready to commit himself to Rangers by signing a new long-term deal. The SPL Player of the Year has been a revelation in Glasgow since his s2.4million transfer from La Liga side Osasuna last summer. Despite Gers' dramatic collapse in the title race and defeat in the UEFA Cup Final, Cuellar has been outstanding for Walter Smith's side. His form has attracted the attention of Newcastle United as well as a host of Italian and Spanish outfits. But the 26-year-old's agent last night told MailSport there has been NO contact or official bid from any club. And Pedro Bravo hinted his client is so settled in Scotland he'd be willing to extend his current contract which expires in 2011. Bravo is adamant the only way Cuellar will leave is if chief executive Martin Bain receives a bid Gers can't turn down - like the s9million Spurs splashed out to land right-back Alan Hutton. Bravo said: "I have heard all the rumours about Newcastle and teams in Italy or Spain wanting Carlos. "But I haven't heard anything official. There has been no contact or bid. "Carlos is happy in Glasgow and doesn't want to leave. The Rangers fans have been incredible with him. "I spoke to Martin Bain in Manchester at the UEFA Cup Final and told him how happy Carlos is. "He told me Rangers are not interested in selling and that was good enough for me. "The only way Carlos would leave is if Rangers received a bid they decide they can't refuse. Then Martin would have to talk with me and Carlos. "But if Rangers want to speak to us about extending Carlos' contract I will be on the first flight to Glasgow. "Carlos is on holiday at the moment but loves life in Scotland and would be keen to stay."

Not a bad thing, he will be a good squad player who can fill in a number of positions.

It is a pity he won't stay as back-up but another year camped in our 18 yard box doesn't appeal to me. Best for everyone i think.

Hi again guys, just to let you know i'm not dead Well Manchester was a great trip, sea of red , white and blue every where you went. Driving down on the Tuesday was great, every second car you passed was decked out in the colours, tooting the horn and giving each other a wave, stopped at the services and fans singing, brilliant. I was in Albert square, was a fantastic day in there, my mates from Manchester came with us and said it was amazing, one of the best experiences they have ever witnessed. We toke over that city last week, although Manchester council/police couldn't handle it. There was hardly any police in/around Albert square, no police walking the streets. The bars and shops opened early doors so everyone could be drinking for 10 hours before the game even started, one PUBLIC toilet in Albert Square for thousands of fans, so police just let everyone pee against any wall that there was. The trouble in Picadili Gardens, i never seen but apparently the screens haden't been working all day, so surely they could inform people to go some where else before the game started. Also heard tat there was already riot police there 5 minutes before kick off so they knew the sreens werent going to work and there could be violence breaking out. Although i am still disgusted at our fans behaviour, actually did i say fans, i am disgusted at those people's behaviour. None of them who acted like that are supporters of our club, which Martin Bain got spot on, there is a rumour going around that football casuals done this, but i think thats just looking for excuses. Even with the screen not working, how can you get thousands of fans to another fanzone with a click of a finger. After the game there wasn't any trams/trains etc put on to et te fans get away from the city centre, it really was a shambles how the city handled the few days, they weren't expecting these numbers. Anyway like i said my second european trip and it was very enjoyable, hope everyone else had a good time, was gutted about the result but i'm over it now. I was gutted about last wednesday but Saturday there was just more sickening, great first half performance and we screwed it up. Don't really want to talk about it, i'm going to the game tonight and if we have got any chance of getting the 7+ goals we need, we need to start very atacking and get a few goals in the first 15-20 minutes, if we are not going to win this on goal difference we need to hope and pray Dundee Utd help us out, but why should they, we beat them in a cup final and after what happened last week , they have no right to help us. I don't know, there is still hope there, hopefully we can win tonight, preferably by a large margin, then beat the sheep and hope Celtic drop points, sounds s easy doesn't it. Saturday, i think we all know what the result will be Anyway i probably won't be on here before the season ends, got an exam tomorrow and thursday, wish me luck, have safe trips to Love Street, Aberdeen and Hampden guys. Keep Believing

RANGERS today received verbal confirmation from UEFA that the Club can proceed with plans to host a massive UEFA Cup Final event at Ibrox by beaming the match live for supporters on Wednesday 14 May. The Club is throwing open its gates and to hold a party in Glasgow for the thousands of Rangers fans without tickets for the final in Manchester, meaning supporters can experience together the Club's greatest European night since 1972.This will allow families and friends alike to come along and enjoy what could be one of the most memorable nights in the Club's history. Chief Executive Martin Bain said today: "To reach the UEFA Cup Final is a tremendous achievement for the Club and everyone involved is looking forward to what is sure to be a great occasion next Wednesday night. Rangers fans"The final has already been billed as the 'friendly final' due to our close association with Dick Advocaat and a large contingent of the Rangers family will travel in good spirits to Manchester. "We also want to make sure the thousands of other fans without tickets have the opportunity to experience the party atmosphere and that is why we are creating a celebration venue in Glasgow, Rangers home city. Supporters and families will be able to turn up at the gates on the night, with entry free of charge. "The Club will be working with Glasgow City Council over the next few days to ensure an extra special night and we will be making further announcements in the coming days. In the meantime, supporters should check the Club's website for all official and accurate updates on the Final." Rangers has announced the appointment of Mark Hateley as the Club's official 'Fans Ambassador' for the UEFA Cup Final in Manchester. Mark's role will be to communicate the do's and don'ts, and to communicate how to support the Club in an official capacity. Martin Bain said: "We are delighted that Club legend Mark Hateley will represent Rangers as UEFA Cup Final Ambassador. Mark continues to play a key role behind the scenes at the Club and his European pedigree speaks for itself." Hmmm, where better to watch it than Ibrox? Other than City of Manchester stadium that is.

Zenit St Petersburg will not play another game until the Uefa Cup final after the Russian Football Federation cleared their fixtures. And Rangers chief executive Martin Bain has complained that the Scottish Premier League has not given similar help to Zenit's opponents on 14 May. "The SPL should take a long hard look at what other federations do, given the enormity of the situation," he said. "And what reaching a European final has done for the coefficient and country." Zenit were due to play Lokomotiv Moscow at home on 7 May and Luch Energia in the Russian Far-eastern city of Vladivostok on 11 May. But the national association says Dick Advocaat's side can play those in June. Rangers, in contrast, now face playing eight games in 21 days. They will host Dundee United at home four days before facing Zenit. The Scottish season has been badly hit by match postponements this season. And, although the SPL has delayed the end of the season by four days, Rangers are angry that they are still being required to play four games within eight days.

Rangers repeat free ticket gestureMaxwell Lynas RANGERS will again reward fans who have travelled to support the team in Europe with free tickets for the away leg of the UEFA Cup semi-final against Fiorentina. The Ibrox club, who bought the entire allocation for the away tie against Sporting Lisbon in the previous round, at a cost of �£50,000, and then gave them away to fans, is repeating the procedure. Rangers will pay �£45,000 for tickets for the tie in Florence, on May 1, and distribute them to fans on the basis of previous European travel. Rangers have also decided to hold prices for the home leg of the tie at �£35 for season-ticket holders and �£40 for the general public. advertisement Martin Bain, Rangers' chief executive, said: "Our supporters have shown extraordinary commitment in following the team this season in four different competitions, so we are delighted to offer fans free tickets for the away game against Fiorentina plus a freeze on prices for the home leg. "Wednesday's Old Firm derby was our 56th game of the season and our fans have continually turned up home and away to cheer on the team. "They have been terrific, both in terms of commitment and support, but also in terms of behaviour at matches. It is also a huge financial commitment and one we appreciate. "We have now reached the business end of the season and with three trophies still to play for, this is an exciting time for everyone associated with the club. With the continued backing of our supporters we hope to secure further silverware in the weeks ahead." Rangers chairman Sir David Murray also announced an initiative that aims to reduce prices of juvenile season tickets in an aim to encourage families and youngsters to football. Club have done the same thing in purchasing al the tickets for the Fiorentina away tie.

mms://video.premiumtv.co.uk/rangersfc/video/martin_bain_fans_hi.wmv Now i must admit i'am impressed with the conduct of this interview...... Never took to Martin Bain to be honest but after seeing him get a bit more involved in the club i/we love ( seeing him jump on mcCoist at the cup final , after seeing him answer back to celtic abot the SPL run in.......... and now this to say a thank you to the fans( IMO it is a thank you to those who follow on in europe) with the "free" entry to SL game away and for the other ST holders the freeze on the ST's................ the bit that impresses me the most is one of my pet hates... i am a proud father of two Girls who want to go to the game with daddy but because im a ST holder i cant take them without buying another tickes for myself (to me is a joke because i have already paid �£400+ for my seat) no the club will move me as a one off so i can sit next to my little girl's ... there now (when this is sorted) will be two more children going to the games now..... also this reduction in Childs ST's might bring more Adult & Kids seats together ...Who knows if i renew it be with one of my children with me!. Happy Times Ahead 1 Down 3 To Go!!!!! Del.

Fcuks sake! http://www.rangers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,5~1271686,00.html This is better.. http://www.rangers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,5~1271661,00.html But still no sign off the Bain interview..... Sheeite!

Rather than bog down the match thread, I thought I'd start a new one about the news that the press have agreed to sit on until tomorrow's editions. Apparently there will be an interview with Bain available on Rangers World from tomorrow morning at 7. I've put the link below, but there's really nothing worth checking out on it just now. Clicky. So far its been mentioned that there's apparently two pieces of big news for us, but some of us have been here many times before, so will take it with a pinch of salt until something concrete is announced. Suggestions so far..... - Stadium redevelopment - Investment by an individual(s) - Bosman signing - Something to do with season ticket prices - Something to do with Sporting Lisbon tickets

Funny the stand from Peter Lawwell,when the cancellation of the New year OF fixture was his doing. They are shaking in their boots. We are the people!!!

Rangers Football Club has today become the first UK-based club to join Superleague Formula - an exciting, new motorsport championship which kicks off at the Donington Park racing circuit in August. Rangers - the last British side remaining in the UEFA Cup this season - will be the sole Scottish representative on the Superleague Formula grid and will compete against AC Milan, PSV Eindhoven, FC Porto, Olympiacos, Borussia Dortmund, RSC Anderlecht, FC Basel, Galatasaray SK and Sevilla plus Brazilian greats Flamengo and Corinthians in the six round championship later this year. The Club's blue, white and red colours will adorn the 750 horsepower, V-12 powered Superleague Formula single-seater car and the new Rangers car - one of 20 that will line up on the grid - will be unveiled at Ibrox Stadium next month. Rangers Chief Executive Martin Bain commented: "We are thrilled to join so many great clubs in a totally new sporting endeavour - a project which will not only promote Rangers across the world but also provide an income stream for the Club. "We will benefit greatly through sponsorship, television and spectator revenues so it is a win-win situation for us. Superleague Formula will introduce the passion of the Rangers brand to a whole new range of fans, in addition to our existing support, and we are proud to represent Scotland in the new venture. "The Club has enjoyed some fantastic European nights of late and we look forward to competing against some of the biggest names in world football in Superleague Formula." Alex Andreu, Superleague Formula President and CEO, is delighted to have Rangers Football Club on board. With a world record 108 major trophies already secured - 51 League Championships, 31 Scottish Cups, 25 League Cups and the 1972 Cup Winner's Cup - he says Rangers are a welcome addition to the list of teams competing for glory. Andreu commented: "Rangers record is really quite remarkable and we are delighted that they are now part of Superleague Formula. "We are looking at bringing together the biggest brands in world football to take part in Superleague Formula and Rangers is a perfect addition for us. "Not only has the club been wildly successful throughout its history, the Rangers fans are incredibly passionate and we are looking forward to encouraging them to make the trip down to Donington Park to see their car do battle in the opening round of the championship. "The Superleague Formula grid is certainly filling fast. We have 12 of the 20 spots now announced, two additional clubs to announce after Easter and we are currently finalising arrangements for the final six places." Pre-season training has already begun for Superleague Formula with the V-12 powered, 750 horsepower prototype hitting the track for the first time recently at Donington Park. Testing will continue after Easter at the Circuito Monteblanco in Spain. For more information on Superleague Formula, log on to http://www.superleagueformula.net Nothing too exciting but should be good to see how it does against that lot.

Apologies for neglecting these recently, but I'll try to get rantings posted from now until the end of the season Nacho Novo Wasnââ?¬â?¢t it great to see wee Nacho score the goal that secured us a last 16 UEFA Cup tie Werder Bremem? The wee man was culpable of squandering a guilt-edged chances at Ibrox and it was fitting that he rammed home the goal that won us the tie on away goals. The wee man may not be the most skilful of players, but he gives you 110% every-time he pulls on a Rangers jersey. Werder Bremem will pose a real threat and will be as good as, if not better than the likes of Lyon, Barca and Stuttgart. It will take a gargantuan effort for us to win this tie. I know that a club like Rangers should be participating at this level annually but in my humble opinion we have more pressing matters on the domestic front as we strive to ensure that we donââ?¬â?¢t complete a 3rd trophyless season. In fact, we have actually done reasonably well European wise in the last three seasons whilst struggling domestically. That is the challenge for WS and his team ââ?¬â?? to ensure that we can regain domestic dominance whilst also challenging on the European front. Groundhog Day So once again the Red Scum were sent back to the frozen North with their fleecy tails between their legs. A visit to Ibrox must feel like Groundhog Day for those who chose to follow Abergreen. Some may say that it is only their hatred for us (only rivalled by Celtc) that drives them to continually turn up to Ibrox and witness their team being dismantled twice a year. Saturdayââ?¬â?¢s game was a very decent game of football and credit to Aberdeen who contributed to the entertainment in the first half. They created numerous chances before we managed to impose ourselves in the game and in the end, we ran out easy winners. Hats of to the impressive Christian Daily and Steve Davis who have illustrated in recent weeks that a stint in the EPL can greatly improve your footballing ability. Anyway, lets all regale the Red Scum with a wee song : 1 year since you won, since you won at Ibrox 2 years since you won, since you won at Ibrox 3 years since you won, since you won at Ibrox 4 years since you won, since you won at Ibrox 5 years since you won, since you won at Ibrox 6 years since you won, since you won at Ibrox 7 years since you won, since you won at Ibrox 8 years since you won, since you won at Ibrox 9 years since you won, since you won at Ibrox 10 years since you won, since you won at Ibrox 11 years since you won, since you won at Ibrox 12 years since you won, since you won at Ibrox 13 years since you won, since you won at Ibrox 14 years since you won, since you won at Ibrox 15 years since you won, since you won at Ibrox 16 years since you won, since you won at Ibrox 17 years since you won, since you won at Ibrox THE SILENCE OF THE SHEEP SINCE 1991 Daniel Cousin So as expected, Cousins projected move to Fulhum has fallen through and the Big Man is back at Ibrox. I for one will continue to give Cousin all my support if and when he pulls on the Rangers jersey. SDM, Martin Bain and McKay have left Cousin in an unenviable position. Everyone knows that you cannot play for 3 clubs in one season and by accepting the bid, they were setting Cousin up for a fall. Hopefully heââ?¬â?¢ll knuckle down and continue to put the ball in the back of the net and help us in our quest for trophies this season. Oh and so much for SDM stating the McLies wouldnââ?¬â?¢t be getting any scraps from our tableââ?¬Â¦.. So The Paranoia Begins Seven short days since Tommy Burns told the world that referees have a tough job and that they get things wrong on occasions (talking about the terrible decision to give diving Naka a freekick that won them the game at Love Street), suddenly the sound-bites from the Towers are oh so different. The Holy Goalie was at it again at the weekend and was gesticulating to the Hibs fans during and after their 2-0 victory and received a booking, where in all honesty, he could and probably should have received a red card. Now, we all know that The Holy Goalie has ââ?¬Ë?formââ?¬â?¢ and is hardly an ââ?¬Ë?innocentââ?¬â?¢ but Chesney will have you believe differently. So instead of claiming that referees have a tough job, suddenly they are all anti-Celtc and the whole of Scotland rejoices when they are defeated. Keep cranking up the pressure Rangers, as wee strapon is ready to implode. Andy Walker Now, I donââ?¬â?¢t like this little weasel for reasons other than he played for ââ?¬Ë?ra selickââ?¬â?¢ but had to laugh and his latest offerings in his media column. He was having a go at Celtc fans for their offensive songs directed at Gazza (no mention of their sectarian and pro-IRA chants) and the Abergreen fans for their songs relating to Ian Durrant (no mention of their vile chants about The Ibrox Disaster and Richard Gough). However, he couldnââ?¬â?¢t pen an article relating to offensive songs without referring to us. He claimed that we sing sick songs about Big Jock (who knew btw) Steins family. I have been following Rangers for too long to remember but for the life of me, canââ?¬â?¢t recall any offensive song relating to Big Jock (who knew btw) family. Andy, like many of your ilk, you are a lying scumbag. Cammy F ââ?¬â?? Support The Dublin Loyal - We Are The People

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=590&Itemid=1 The morning after the night before, eh? Iââ?¬â?¢m sure Iââ?¬â?¢m not the only football fan nursing the equivalent of a hangover this morning as the hype of January transfer window closes for another season. Internet forum server issues, ridiculous radio-phone rumours and around-the-clock satellite sports news excitement ââ?¬â?? coupled together they make for quite a cocktail of commotion and emotion. Hence the hangover this morning; especially when our team havenââ?¬â?¢t been as pro-active as weââ?¬â?¢d all like. Despite my article of Tuesday morning warning all Rangers fans of the unlikelihood of substantial investment in the wake of the Alan Hutton transfer, movement occurred nonetheless and it seems we werenââ?¬â?¢t far off securing the services of Italian striker Andrea Caracciolo from Sampdoria while we did manage to sign the Fulham and Northern Ireland midfielder Steven Davis on loan from the Premiership. Davis is actually a decent signing and although Iââ?¬â?¢m not personally a huge fan of loan deals, he will provide the kind of genuine back-up and depth required for Barry Ferguson and Brahim Hemdani as Kevin Thomson sits out for another two months. Obviously the Ã?£4million deal for Caracciolo was the most exciting rumour of the day and every Rangers fan waited with baited breath as we heard Walter Smith and Martin Bain were in Italy. Unfortunately (or as it may have turned out ââ?¬â?? fortunately) the huge striker chose to stay in his homeland and drop a division to Serie B to play with his former club Brescia. Itââ?¬â?¢s ironic that in the week one Rangers player leaves to realise his ambitions what seems to be our main transfer target lacks the same aspirations in his career to move to the UK ââ?¬â?? instead blaming a lack of self-confidence and the weather for his decision. Hardly the mental and professional discipline you want to hear from a player you want to spend the total of around Ã?£7million on! A lucky escape then perhaps? Unfortunately what this debacle does highlight is the further incompetence of our Chief Executive. Martin Bain quite simply is not up to the job. I bear the man no ill-will and in his Rangers career (over 10 years now) heââ?¬â?¢s done some good work in the face of constant criticism and financial downsizing while being the stereotypical lamb to the slaughter while his boss relaxes in France. A well paid ââ?¬Ë?yes-manââ?¬â?¢ nonetheless though and the way weââ?¬â?¢ve conducted our business this January (and in the past) shows just how out of his depth he is. To avoid any confusion Iââ?¬â?¢m not criticising the club about not spending the ~Ã?£10million from the Hutton/Cousin deals per se. As I wrote the other day, not spending it is understandable to a degree and Iââ?¬â?¢d much rather we were prudent and efficient in our dealings. However, if there was around Ã?£5million to spend, surely the old adage of not keeping all your eggs in one basket applies here? Weââ?¬â?¢re told that the club have scouted Caracciolo for months, yet we leave it to the absolute last minute to try and negotiate our way through the confusing world of the Italian transfer system ââ?¬â?? three clubs involved directly, other clubs interested, translators required and agents hovering with their claws as sharp as ever. Yet, ex-catalogue model Bain is deemed to have the tactical nous to navigate his way through such a tough deal ââ?¬â?? all in a few hours!? I certainly donââ?¬â?¢t pretend to be some sort of finance guru or transfer expert but time was never going to be on our side so instead of wasting time taking last minute flights to Genoa, we should have moved onto our next target. We do have one Ewan Chester, donââ?¬â?¢t we? Or was Willie McLies too busy hawking wee Broon again to furnish us with his usual brand of short-term client information? Certainly Martin Smithers and his merry band of under-achieving assistants are not justifying their inflated wages while the rest of us pay for the privilege of watching them let us down time after time. But, and this is the crux of the article, all the above does not mean we have a convenient get-out clause for not winning the league (or the other competitions weââ?¬â?¢re in). Yes, we should have strengthened while Celtic have done so (to a degree) but we still have more than enough talent at Ibrox to compete on all fronts. Losing Alan Hutton is a big blow and Daniel Cousin (if he does actually leave ââ?¬â?? more crazy dealings by our staff given the obvious FIFA rulings) is a similar loss. However, we have deputies more than capable of taking their place. Steven Whittaker has shown he has the game to develop into a fine player while a fit Darcheville and a determined Boyd would keep out most strikers out of many teams anyway. Christian Dailly and Neil Alexander may not be the most glamorous of signings either but both will provide competition for places and much-needed experience as we proceed towards our goals. As such, despite all the valid criticism aimed at the likes of Bain and despite all the obvious disappointment of not capturing another player or two, itââ?¬â?¢s vital we keep our eyes on the prize. A four point lead is a good one and should be able to defend this over the coming months with the existing squad. Three Old Firm games in two months will be the ultimate decider but we have nothing to fear in that regard either. So, confidence should remain, support for the players and manager should remain and no excuses will be accepted. The SPL is attainable and nothing less will suffice.