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Larsen agent in Ibrox talks over possible �£1.4m move Rangers have been offered Soren Larsen, the Danish international striker, as a potential replacement for Daniel Cousin. Larsen is available for �£1.4m from the German side, Schalke 04, and his agent, Ivan Marko Benes, met with Rangers chief executive Martin Bain yesterday to discuss a possible move for the 6ft 4in centre-forward. Rangers have also been linked with a move for the Hearts goalkeeper, Steve Banks, after Derby County reached agreement to take Roy Carroll to Pride Park. Paul Jewell, the Derby manager, had hoped to have the Northern Ireland goalkeeper at training this morning, but Walter Smith was only willing to sanction the transfer if he had another back-up to Allan McGregor in place. "The chairman has spoken to his agent and Walter Smith and hopefully we can get that one over the line today or tomorrow," said Jewell. "If he comes, Roy Carroll is a top-class goalkeeper." Banks has reclaimed his first-choice status at Tynecastle after the recent failed experiments with Eduardo Kurskis and Anthony Basso. Hearts caretaker manager Steven Frail is reluctant to lose the Englishman, who also doubles as goalkeeping coach, but moving to Rangers would be more lucrative for him. Benes left Bain with a DVD of Larsen's scoring feats for club and country in an attempt to expedite a deal. Rangers are in the market for a centre-forward regardless of Cousin's future but while no deal is imminent, Larsen fits the bill. He scored six goals in his five international matches for Denmark two years ago and has been nicknamed Die Waffe - The Weapon - for his prowess alongside his countryman and former Rangers attacker, Peter Lovenkrands, in the Bundesliga. He has scored 17 goals in 55 starts but wants a new challenge. He would cost around �£1m per year in wages but his physical prowess is ideally suited to the rigours of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League. Eintracht Frankfurt, Wolfsburg and FC Copenhagen have already enquired about the 26-year-old - who was linked with a move to Celtic in August 2006 - but Larsen has no intention of returning home to Denmark. Smith was at the Emirates Stadium last night on a scouting mission at the Carling Cup semi-final between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Bolton and Middlesbrough have been alerted to Cousin's situation. Rangers are confident they can keep the striker, who signed a three-year deal in August, at least until the end of the season but may find a bid of around �£3m irresistible.

RANGERS have asked the SPL for permission to postpone next Sunday's league meeting with Gretna at Fir Park in order to give Walter Smith's squad more time to prepare for the Champions League showdown with Lyon. The Light Blues' recent trip to St Mirren was cancelled, as was Celtic's home game with Falkirk, so that Scotland's Old Firm players would not pick up injuries before the Euro 2008 qualifier with Italy. Although asking for the clash with the Borderers could lead to a fixtures backlog, chief executive Martin Bain hopes the SPL will support Gers' bid to progress to the last 16 of Europe's premier club competition by agreeing to put it off. Rangers must avoid defeat against Alain Perrin's Ligue 1 title holders to go through to the knockout stages of the event with Barcelona. Having the match with last season's First Division champions moved back would give Smith and his players 11 days to get ready for the biggest game of the season so far and improve their chances of reaching the latter rounds. A club spokesman said: "Following media enquiries Rangers can confirm that we have approached the SPL and Gretna Football Club this week to seek the postponement of our fixture at Fir Park on Sunday December 9 in lieu of our Champions League match with Lyon."

You're Fan-tastic RANGERS Chief Executive Martin Bain today praised the Club's supporters for creating an 'outstanding Champions League atmosphere ' against Barcelona at Ibrox. He said the Rangers fans ensured that Ibrox was seen 'at its very best' and the supporters provided a massive boost to the team. The chief executive said: "Our fans deserve real credit for the effort they put in to create another outstanding Champions League atmosphere at Ibrox. "The players have asked me to convey their thanks to the fans for their tremendous support. It really makes a difference to the team to have the whole stadium in full voice. "Our supporters put an enormous amount of work into creating a card display which reflected the visitors are 'more than a club' and that they feel the same way about Rangers. "They also made sure the atmosphere was kept up throughout the game which was a great boost to the team and showed Ibrox as an excellent arena for these big games. It was a very good night all round for Rangers." Mr Bain also paid tribute to Rangers fans groups for launching their 'Champions League - We're Having a Ball" campaign to celebrate the Club's two glamour games against Barcelona. He said: "The fans are determined to create a party atmosphere around these games and Barcelona is a special place for our Club. To see the Barcelona supporters applauding the Rangers fans at full time was fantastic. "The 'Having a Ball' campaign deserves the full support of every Rangers fan and everyone associated with the Club." :cheers:

http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=136&Itemid=1 The Board and members of the Rangers Supporters' Trust were delighted that after four years of campaigning by the Trust, Sir David Murray yesterday opened to door to supporterââ?¬â?¢s representation on the board of Rangers Football Club at the clubââ?¬â?¢s 2007 AGM. The core aims of the Trust include securing supportersââ?¬â?¢ representation and widening share ownership amongst Rangers fans. The Rangers Supportersââ?¬â?¢ Trust is therefore pleased to announce that it has today put forward the name of it's Chairman, Malcolm McNiven, to be appointed to the Board of Rangers Football Club. Mr McNiven's nomination comes at the end of a lengthy series of discussions between representatives of the Trust and club chairman Sir David Murray and Chief Executive Martin Bain, on supporter representation and all key aspects of the relationship between the club and the supporters. During these negotiations it was felt it might be helpful to the process of democratisation if an additional director was appointed to the RFC Board, with the remit that includes considering the electoral mechanism best suited to giving a fair representation to all members of the Rangers Family. Mr McNiven's nomination was unanimously agreed at a meeting of the Board of the Supportersââ?¬â?¢ Trust on 8 August. Mr McNiven accepted the nomination and pledged that he would take forward the Trust's ideals, with an initial objective of helping develop a sustainable system of supporters' representation at the club. Mr McNiven said: "I view this as a great opportunity to develop and improve the relationship between the club and the support base, and open channels for constructive dialogue on what the supporters believe are meaningful issues" NOTE: Malcolm McNiven, aged 34, is a prominent figure in the Glasgow financial community and Finance Director of Direct Sharedeal Limited, a fast growing brokerage business with offices throughout the UK. Malcolm has been Chair of the Trust for 2 years and involved since its inception in April 2003. The Rangers Supportersââ?¬â?¢ Trust is the fastest growing supportersââ?¬â?¢ Trust in the UK and the leading organisation for Rangers fans, open to all on a ââ?¬Ë?one person one voteââ?¬â?¢ basis. The Trust has already created thousands of new shareholders in Rangers FC, and through its innovative ââ?¬Ë?GerSaveââ?¬â?¢ scheme will shortly make its first sizeable investment in the club. The Trust AGM takes place in Glasgow on 1 September 2007.

By Lindsay Herron IAN MURRAY has signed a contract with the Championship side Norwich City after agreeing a deal this afternoon. Rangers agreed tIan Murrayo let the versatile former Hibs captain go as he had found himself on the periphery of Walter Smith's squad. The Light Blues had initially looked for a transfer fee for Murray, who joined Rangers from Easter Road in the summer of 2005, but decided to let him move for free. Chief Exective Martin Bain said at today's Annual General Meeting: "We took a decision based on the players' wishes, the manager's wishes and where he sits on our books. Ian was not going to feature so we are saving money on the wage bill." Murray made 56 starts for Rangers in all competitions over the past two seasons but with the arrival of Carlos Cuellar, Kirk Broadfoot and Steven Whittaker he has been pushed down the pecking order. The deal with the Canaries has yet to be completed but manager Peter Grant would like to get it done today so that Murray can play in Saturday's game at Hull. Grant said today: "I watched him a lot when he was at Hibs as a boy and he was captain very, very young. "He has all the attributes you look for in a player. A top class professional, left sided and can play left-back, left midfield, central midfield and centre back - and he can do them all well." Sorry if this has already been posted but i couldn't see it anywhere.

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.

As the new season approaches, and everything off and on the field appear to stay the same (Groundhog Day for us Bears) and gets harder and harder to unearth new, imaginative Rangers related subjects to ââ?¬Ë?rant aboutââ?¬â?¢. You can only write so many words on the financial mismanagement of David Murray, on the woeful negotiation skills of Martin Bain, on the shambolic Rangers ââ?¬Ë?PRââ?¬â?¢ or on the mediaââ?¬â?¢s perpetual attacks on anything remotely linked to RFC. I would love to start the new season ranting about our new and exciting signings, but deep down, I think we all realise that none of our new players are truly exciting ââ?¬â?? they all look decent professionals who may (hopefully) improve our team, squad, results etc. I would love to wax lyrically about the rejuvenated Rangers squad, the new found hunger for success from our board who were pushing us in a new and exciting direction. However, as said above, weââ?¬â?¢ve all grown sick and tired and a tad disillusioned by Mr Moonbeam over the last 3-5 years. So, it looks like the opening rant of the season is yet another tale of woe emanating from our club. On Tuesday I waltzed along to Ibrox for the first home pre-season friendly and for the first time in my life, I was hit by the fact that how filthy Ibrox is. Now, I donââ?¬â?¢t mean that it just needs a lick of paint and we arenââ?¬â?¢t talking about ââ?¬Ë?shabbyââ?¬â?¢ here. Tardy doesnââ?¬â?¢t quite describe it either. Ibrox is absolutely filthy. The toilets are stinking (and not just of stale smoke), most of the seats in my area are covered in traces of food, drink and bird shit. The ground under the seats is covered in remnants of food and drink, chewing gum and God Knows what else. Now, having looked through some Rangers websites, this appears to ring true for throughout the stadium. Basically, Ibrox looks like it hasnââ?¬â?¢t been cleaned for sometime. We all pay a hefty price to go to Ibrox, be it through a season ticket or on a match by match basis and I think the least we can ask for is to watch the game from a clean seat, be able to place programmes and fanzines under our seats without them getting filthy and go to the toilet in comfort. This is just another tale of woe and another example of how our club is being run at the moment and nothing will change until we get rid of the current regime. Cammy F ââ?¬â?? We Are The Peopleââ?¬Â¦.

A Trust delegation met with Chairman Sir David Murray and Martin Bain on Monday at Charlotte Square, Edinburgh. The Trust challenged the chairman on many issues and members can download the full minutes of the meeting via the following link. RFC Meeting Minutes - Monday 02 July, 2007 (PDF File - 80k) http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=122&Itemid=1

So we finally get cover for the left midfield after years of having nobody in this position. We now have Beasley, Adam, Gow and even Thomson who can play there and Lee McCulloch will be another if he ever completes his move. But all of a sudden our right side is vacant. Sionko wants out as he and Smith dont talk and Burke is not up to the job over a season as he is weak and injury prone. 1 or 2 fans have said Sionko should be gievn another chance and im all for given players a 2nd chance so this one is all about opinion. However, Faubert would have been the answer and in typical Rangers fashion we lost out on him due to Murray and Bain. The player was begging to join us and even went on strike to try and get his deal. But Faubert must be forgotten now although we wont forget the reasons why he never signed. And if we see him flying in the EPL next season it will be a sickener. So who do we turn our attentions to?? Is there anyone realistically out there who we can go for. I seriously am racking my brains thinking if there is anyone affordable because IMO he needs to be a first teamer. I know I might get pelters for this but Ray Parlour is a free agent. Ok, he is 33/34 and would be another stop gap signing but his experience wouldnt do us any harm and I still think he could do a job in the SPL for a season until we identify someone. He cant be any worse than Burke anyway!! Suggestions?

now, we've all been put under the impression that murray and bain will be delivering a few quality players this close season. as someone said, the statement that we don't want to spend all our money on one player, brown, implies that there is at least 4 million odd to spend. the general figure that has been bandied about in the press was ten million. but you sceptics think that perhaps neither will be realised. that there may even be a chance we get to the beginning of the new season without bringing any new faces in, or, at least, till after the qualifiers. this would, of course, gutting to all the players that came out to the press and stated their desire for more quality at the club, and would be contrary to all the promises made, but i get the impression that some people here think that, despite this, nothings going to happen. so, for those people, my question is 'how do you think david murray's going to portray this fact that we havent spent anything to the fans?', or 'how is he going to get away with it?'. yesterday the labour justice dude came out with a plain faced announcement that they would be releasing 25k prisoners early, despite, in an interview a few weeks earlier saying that it wasn't supposed to saying not one would be released early, and to do so would be 'wrong, wrong, wrong'. do you think murray's just going to do such a barefaced turnaround, or is there going to be something more subtle at work? cynics, lets hear ye.

As the Rangers support rightly becomes ever more impatient with the slow and apparently minimal strengthening of the playing staff this summer itââ?¬â?¢s interesting to note that this Wednesday the Queen will hold an Investiture at Buckingham Palace. This essentially means that after a 6 month wait since being announced as a Knight Bachelor in the New Year Honours list, David Edward Murray will finally be officially known as Sir David Murray. Mere mortals such as I can only imagine the pomp and glamour associated with such an event. Iââ?¬â?¢m sure the pride and indeed honour of being recognised by oneââ?¬â?¢s peers could be considered the pinnacle of oneââ?¬â?¢s professional career. Certainly, Sir David Murrayââ?¬â?¢s business career has been impressive and he deserves much credit for the way he has led his life whilst battling several personal tragedies. Ergo, I sincerely hope our chairman enjoys the day and accepts our good wishes. I then hope that, after the ceremony and upon his return to Scotland, Sir David will then commence a renewed campaign to return our club to the pinnacle of their domestic fraternity. In the last two seasons our great club has not won a thing and the outlook isnââ?¬â?¢t bright ahead of any new campaign. Beaten to the signature of Scott Brown, embarrassing and pointless bids for Steven Naismith and the usual media stooges announcing non-existent bids for the likes of Claudio Pizarro means the pawns in this game of transfer chess are interesting to discuss. Is it the first class players who we allege we will buy? Is it the young domestic players who we canââ?¬â?¢t compete with Celtic for? Or is it the fans who are being asked to renew their season tickets at an increased price for little return? No matter the answer to that question, we are losing the game ââ?¬â?? even at this early stage. Alan Gow, Kirk Broadfoot and Jean-Claude Darchville are all reasonable signings. All three have the game to add to our squad as well as the potential to improve it. However, we still need more and we still need players of a class to settle quickly ahead of a huge game in late July where weââ?¬â?¢ll be involved in the second round of the CL qualifers. Teams such FenerbahÃ?§e, AEK Athens and Sparta Prague then all await if we make it to the third round in mid/late August. Can we genuinely say weââ?¬â?¢re confident of beating these teams? Do we have the squad to cope with these huge matches while getting off to a much-needed good start in the SPL? To maximise our chances, itââ?¬â?¢s vital we make any further signings as soon as possible. Pre-season will soon be upon our players and its imperative that, considering the number of changes Smith intends to make, all new players are integrated into the squad as soon as possible. The longer our new team has together in terms of training and actual matches the better. Waiting till the window shuts in late August to make the bulk of our signings is very risky and we donââ?¬â?¢t exactly have a great record of doing good business on deadline day. I guess the likes of Murray and Bain will be trying to ensure that we only spend money we can afford. Obviously, that makes fiscal sense but instead of gambling on CL Group stage qualification with an under-strength squad, why not spend the allocated funds (whatever they may be) early enough to maximise our chances? Yes, that is also a gamble but the odds are arguably not as long as the former. Spending money on players is always a risk. We have suffered in the past from this and will continue to do so in the future. We havenââ?¬â?¢t helped ourselves by having a non-existent scouting system and by negotiating the kind of contracts that make players lazy. Again, we have to minimise risk by taking the time to analyse prospective players fully in what they may bring to the club. As such, perhaps our lack of real movement on the transfer front is explained by a greater need for full analysis. If this is the case then patience must be advised. However, weââ?¬â?¢ve been patient now for over two years. Weââ?¬â?¢ve also been incredibly loyal and weââ?¬â?¢ll continue to be so. What we now need is ambition, commitment and leadership from those we follow. What better leader than a newly honoured knight of the realm? He may not be here for much longer and perhaps his battle days are behind him. But can he leave a sporting legacy that would match the pride he has for his business work? Or is this one step too far for a warrior who can no longer lead from the front? Arise, Sir David... http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=425&Itemid=1

Will we ever be successful in the transfer market with Martin Bain as our 'negotiator'? I for one believe that as this man cares not one iota about Rangers, he isn't the man to be discussing transfer fees and wages to potential players and their representatives. He should be removed forth-with and replaced by a 'footballing person' who has Rangers long-term interests at heart and who is helped identify targets by a scouting network. It is too late to empoly Gordon Smith in this role and I don't know if Campbell Ogilvie would come back as he was shafted by Murray / Bain. So, here is my suggestion - I would employ Graeme Souness in this role and would employ ex-players like Laudrup, Albertz, Numan, Mols, Wilkins, Klos, Prso etc as 'scouts' - these players are well respected in their homelands and would be ideal people to represent us across Europe and beyond. Thewy would also be well placed to spot a player and would have insiders who could also tip them of players who are coming to end of contracts and looking for moves etc. This would take time and money to establish, so under Murray would be a non-starter, but we can but dream.... Cammy F

just what the hell was he up to today when celtic were signing brown? what has come to light is the fact that it wasnt the tranfer fee that cost us the player it was his wages. sources tell me that brown was offered 15 k a week and septic topped that by 10k. yet again the mhanks have left us standing twiddling our fingers and nipped in and stole another player from under our noses (see riordan & Mcdonald). If we really need an insight to this mans negotiating skills then you only need to take a look at the offer made to the sheep for Jamie langfield. 70k. time and time again this guy takes the piss with pathetic offers for players and time and time again he loses out. Hes reputed to be on 500k a year at Ibrox but in my opinion the only thing he should be on is unemployment benefit. time this deadbeat was shown the door.

Taken from the official site: Views? I have to say I don't know much about him other than recognising his name from playing too much Championship Manager.

Where did all go wrong for us this season? Why aren't we witnessing the 'moon-beams' of success promised by (perennial liar) SDM? What went so drastically wrong with the PLG appointment? We were all excited by PLGââ?¬â?¢s appointment and some were blinded by SDMââ?¬â?¢s ââ?¬Ë?moon-beams and financial investmentââ?¬â?¢ promises, both have failed to materialise over the last 9 months or so. In fact, it could be argued that all SDM has achieved over the last 12 months is sell of our most profitable asset in the deal that saw JJB inherit our merchandising sector and brand name. On the pitch, after watching Rangers play wonderful football at Fir Park on the opening weekend of the season (well for about 45 minutes), most of us believed, only to have our dreams shattered and our frustrations heaped upon. It isnââ?¬â?¢t hard to find reasons for us losing the league so weakly ââ?¬â?? dropping 7 points (out of 9) to ICT, dropping 5 out of 9 to DUFC (same record v Tims) and dropping further points to Motherwell, Kilmarnock, St Mirren and DAFC. Our inability to snatch victories from the jaws of defeat (or draws) hasnââ?¬â?¢t helped either. So another season of abject failure that was made worse by the total and utter mismanagement of our club which doesnââ?¬â?¢t bode well for the future. It doesnââ?¬â?¢t take a genius to realise that our squad requires major surgery in the summer, or that the club must pro-actively defend themselves and us the fans as we are continually under fire at the moment. Do we have the leaders at the club to sustain these challenges and come out on top? It is my opinion that Rangers Football Club will never again be successful if Murray, Bain and McIntyre remain in charge. Cammy F

Our club has hit another new low, with the news that the fans who displayed the banner below, were removed from Ibrox for displaying this banner. This comes hot on the heals of the (alledged) lying from larry mcintryre who implied that the fans banned for displaying the 'Don't Vote Labour' banner were banned for 'diaplaying a sectarian banner'. I am really at the end of my tether with those charged with leading OUR club forward. They must be removed for-with. I am seriously considering NEVER returning to Ibrox if Murray, Bain and McIntyre remain. Cammy F

http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=96&Itemid=1 http://www.rangers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,5~1004155,00.html RANGERS' supporters groups today announced the launch of a major 'self-policing' initiative in a continued effort to eradicate sectarian behaviour. The groups, with the full agreement of the Club, intend to immediately undertake a range of self-policing measures in an attempt to isolate and shame so-called 'fans' who are 'bringing the Club into serious disrepute'. It was agreed last night that Supporters' groups will self police at domestic away matches until the end of the season and will then meet the Club to review the behaviour at these away games. If there is unsatisfactory behaviour at domestic away matches then the suspension of ticket allocations for away games in Europe will be considered jointly. Rangers and the supporters' groups have been engaged in positive and productive talks since the UEFA Cup match against Osasuna in Pamplona on March 14. Following their latest meeting this week, Rangers Chairman Sir David Murray, Chief Executive Martin Bain, the Board of the Club and supporters' organisations agreed the following joint statement: "The match in Pamplona turned out to be a watershed for the Club and supporters. At that game, Rangers encountered the poorest safety and security arrangements for a match for many years which gave the Club deep concern for the welfare of supporters there to enjoy the game. "The poor arrangements led to questionable policing and shambolic segregation that was clearly visible to all attending the game and those watching on TV. "This Club knows better than most the tragic consequences that can result at football matches and we believe the arrangements in Osasuna were a recipe for disaster. We continue to pursue this matter with UEFA in the strongest terms. "We accept there were a small number of so-called Rangers fans who let themselves and the Club down during this match and we condemn them out of hand. That said, much of the distress and injury suffered by many supporters could have been prevented. "Quite rightly, clubs in the UK have to adhere to the strictest safety regulations and it is disappointing to see this is not the case in countries which are regarded as advanced footballing nations. "We are grateful for the support of the First Minister, MPs and MSPs who have expressed their concern at events on the night and have agreed to raise the matter through appropriate channels. "Regrettably, we also witnessed sectarian singing at the Pamplona match by some of our fans and we are united in our condemnation of this. It is deeply disappointing since we have achieved so much on sectarian behaviour, particularly at Ibrox this season. "We all agree that we still have some way to go on this issue and we are very grateful to the fans who have embraced the Club's Pride Over Prejudice policies. "We are agreed that the strongest possible action should be taken by the Club and supporters against people who continue to indulge in sectarian behaviour. This kind of behaviour will simply result in a doomsday scenario for the Club and the vast majority of fans. "Since Pamplona, we have held exhaustive and constructive talks on finding the best way forward. It is clear to everyone that the future of fan behaviour lies in the fans' own hands and real improvement in fan behaviour will work best through self-policing. "This, of course, will be done in addition to the stringent policing and stewarding measures already enforced by the Club and the police. "The issue of ticket allocations for away matches has been discussed at length. Although this sends out a strong message to those who let the Club down, it was agreed that, in general, it is not the people who use Rangers ticket allocations who cause the most problems. "However, we will review this position again at the end of this season. We remain deeply concerned at Clubs willingly selling tickets to fans at away matches in Europe on the day of the game. fans in osasuna"This is a matter we will be raising again with UEFA and with clubs Rangers may play in Europe next season. We do not want Rangers fans to travel to away European matches without officially endorsed tickets. "There is complete unity between the supporters groups and the Club. We agree there are people who refuse to come on board with our anti-sectarian campaign who are bringing the Club's reputation to the brink of ruin. "The supporters have pledged to do everything in their power to isolate and shame these people. It is time for everyone to move on. They cannot and will not be allowed to spoil the enjoyment and pride so many take from being part of the Rangers family. "Our message to them is clear - come on board and show pride in yourselves and your Club. Remember what being a real Rangers supporter is all about. It is about setting standards that should be the envy of clubs around the world. "Collectively we will also work together to devise a code of conduct for Rangers supporters which we hope to develop into a fans' charter. "This work will go on over the next few weeks. We intend to present this to UEFA who may wish to use it as a guide for good practice, as they have done with the work we have done on racism. "This has been a difficult time for Rangers over the past few weeks but we feel now we can go forward together. "There is a renewed determination to eradicate sectarianism and the supporters have an opportunity to demonstrate that this great club - whose pedigree is respected throughout Europe - has a great support that does the Club proud." The measures to be undertaken include: > Supporters groups to issue anti-sectarian guidance to all supporters clubs > Anti-sectarian messages to be featured on all possible websites including Follow Follow fanzine > Supporters groups and the club to urge fans not to travel to away matches without officially endorsed tickets > The Club will undertake a major review of the Rangers Travel Club operations > Supporters to inform fans on songs and chants that 'do Rangers proud' > Code of conduct to be produced by supporters for supporters > Players to deliver anti-sectarian messages to supporters' clubs "Supporters' representatives and the Club agreed at the start of the season a list of songs in the Wee Blue Book and we would urge fans to focus on these at all matches." Signatories: Jim Templeton, President,The Rangers Supporters Assembly Jackie Robertson, Secretary, The Rangers Supporters Assembly Alex Milree, Scottish Delegate, The Rangers Worldwide Alliance Roddie Maclean, Scottish Delegate, The Rangers Worldwide Alliance Ryan McNamee, Scottish Delegate, The Rangers Worldwide Alliance Mark Dingwall, The Rangers Supporters Trust Jim Kirk, The Rangers Supporters Association Sir David Murray, Chairman, Rangers Football Club Martin Bain, Chief Executive, Rangers Football Club

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php That time is here again. The letters will soon be through the door and RFC are asking for your hard-earned cash – often more than £400 in many cases. Are you automatically reaching for your bank account details? Is it money well spent or could it be considered emotional blackmail? Whatever you think wait a few minutes before getting your wallet out – read on! The end of this season will now see 2 years of no success – not one trophy! The product on offer has been depressing and if it wasn’t for a decent CL run last season and an interesting UEFA Cup run this term, we’d have no positives to talk about. I think it’s fair to say that at the beginning of the season we were all pretty happy. Attracting and installing Paul Le Guen as our new manager must have been no easy task. He was one of the youngest and brightest managers in world football and we all thought David Murray had secured a gem. We were back and nothing would stop us was the cry! How wrong could we have been? Investment into the playing side was minimal because of more pay offs and no CL football. However, even with the money PLG did get it appears to have been wasted on players that have offered little or no improvement on previous personnel. It all soon went downhill and I don’t think we need reminding about how bad it was. As such, in a marked difference from last season, SDM acted quickly and removed PLG immediately. ‘Back to the Future’ was the theme as Walter Smith returned along with Ally McCoist who would surely help dressing room differences. As a short-term solution it seems to have worked to a degree. Decent SPL form and a much-needed away win against Celtic means the feel-good factor is returning slightly. It remains to be seen if it’s the right medium-long term appointment and our quick Euro exit showed Smith et al have a lot of hard work ahead of them. In addition, we still don’t have our problems to seek off the pitch. The UEFA charge of early 2006 has hung over us and we have all been criticised in the media every other day since. At that time, Murray’s statement condemning sectarianism and bigotry was appropriate and the responsibility certainly lies with us all in eradicating the offensive content from our support. It is a challenge but one that we must overcome. The continued witch-hunt by various parties (independent, anonymous or not) shows that the matter won’t be laid to rest so we have to act soonest. I do wonder though at the club’s reluctance to combat the media on these issues. Too often now we seem impotent when it comes to their ever more frequent diatribes. Journalists such as the odious Graham Spiers, Gerry McNee and Hugh Keevins seem able to say what they want without fear of reprisal from the chairman or the club. Others have jumped on this bandwagon while other clubs seem to do what they want with minimal coverage. Why is the press coverage so seemingly one-sided? Criticism of our club and its fans goes with the territory. It’s is often valid and we should neither deflect nor deny the problems we face. However, at the same time we cannot allow our enemies to blacken our name by sensationalising a terrible issue. We cannot afford to give people like the above carte blanche to say what they like about the fans and our club. With new SPL rules on the horizon the danger has never been clearer and we have to be ready for further attacks. David Murray, as our club’s custodian and our ultimate ‘leader’, should answer on our behalf. Yet the only people I see standing up for our fellow fans are voluntary fans’ groups. Surely if someone like Murray or even Martin Bain did what Peter Lawwell of Celtic seems to be doing very successfully, these attacks wouldn’t be so frequent or so over the top? The last 2 years have been awful but there are signs that we can rally. However, unless the club start defending the fans, the Rangers family might not be as happy or together as it should be. David Murray and the board are the head of the family and they must start leading from the front. Once again, I implore the club to act in the good name of Rangers FC. There is a battle going on out there and we desperately need a General. Is David Murray that man? Where has he been lately? As such, I would ask every Rangers fan reading this to not blindly fill out that renewal form. Have a think what you want from your club. Do the arrival of Walter Smith and some more new players satisfy your ambitions? As well as the primary media issue, what about the other problems we have? Dangerous European away trips; hindrance of invaluable singing sections; over-the-top policing and stewarding; a confusing and forever changing Youth system; poor match-day facilities; questionable scouting policies and minimal appreciation of the club’s history. These are all negative issues which should concern every one of us. Are you still ready to sign that form? I know you will. I know I will. After all we are amongst the most loyal fans in the game and supporting a club such as Rangers isn’t always done logically. But, fellow Rangers fan, why not do what I’m going to do: accompany your renewal with a letter or with a simple piece of paper if you prefer. On it use the following words to show that you’re a customer who doesn’t appreciate being victimised in the media and who will not blindly accept second best year after year. This simple message will suffice: David Murray – Show some leadership and defend our club.

Carrying an article on the Police - http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/display.var.1260981.0.0.php However, look at the some of the 'eye-witness' reports. Am I right in being sceptical of these, especially Billy Williams from Airdrie who claims ; I've just got back the game last night and the whole episode was an embarrassement and I don't mean the result. It was my first trip abroad to watch Rangers. The majority of the Raners fans at the game were very drunk and very abusive to the locals all during the day and especially at the match. Every second song was sectarian about the Pope or Catholics etc. The trouble kicked off when some fans started abusing Ehiogu and other fans objected to it and that's when the fighting started. The police only moved in to stop the fighting. It really was a disgrace. Martin Bain should look into the facts before blaming everything like the police, segregation etc. Our fans were a disgrace and I won't be back abroad to watch them. Before people start abusing me, I've had a season book at Ibrox for 20 years now. -------------------------------------- The underlined part is what 'gives this away'. As a member of the TC with 5 points I didn't get a ticket for the game, so how come he managed it on 'Zero points'. Cammy F

Firstly, I'm defining success as being still in Europe after Christmas and I'm talking about the media and general public taking it for granted. I'm fed up hearing about how poor Tel Aviv were from the media. Yes, they played poorly, but every time Scotland play or we come up against an unknown side in Europe, we hear that there's no such thing as an easy game in Europe. So after losing 2-1 in the first leg and destroying them at home in a superb display, I see lots of negative comments in the media and from people on forums, at work etc saying that we were playing a crappy team. Very little was said about just how well Rangers played. Besides, if I remember rightly, it wasn't too long ago that pundits were moaning consistently about the OF in Europe. How we were a disgrace for signing lots of foreigners and never managing to make it past Christmas in Europe. Every season the whinging from the usual characters was the same. They even complained that it was our fault the national team was going downhill and because we were always winning the league, no-one else was getting a chance to experience European football. And now? Suddenly they've forgotten all of the above. Rangers in Europe after Christmas? Nothing special apparently. 9 Scots starting? Hardly mentioned. A powerful victory to get through to the last 16? Weak opposition. I don't think there's a particular agenda in the Scottish media against us as every club's fans think the press has it in for their own club, but I do believe the industry is full of lazy journalists, some of whom do have their own unique views about us. These guys will never give us due credit for results on the pitch and even any attempts to improve the issues we have off the pitch. The just seem intent on spewing forth any nonsense in the name of a headline. Has anyone seen McNee's comments about the bouncy, which he's chosen to print again today for example? The Billy Boys is banned and after a few shaky matches, its gone. That should have been a monumental step forward for the club and been heralded from all corners of the press, public and even Holyrood. But there's been barely a murmur about it. Instead, we get even more negative stories about the remaining songs we're singing. The remaining songs, which don't contain even a trace of an *** and have been given the all-clear by UEFA. They're considered folk songs and shouldn't be offending anyone, so why are they constantly mentioned in newspaper reports and by other fans? More to the point, why isn't the club doing more to promote to the press about the good things we've achieved? Bain finally said some positive things about the support this week, but that's well overdue. When the infamous red hand salute raised its head again, why didn't the club come out with a very strong line? Firstly, name & shame the guys in Israel and ban them. How about pointing out that in this case, it really is a minority of fans involved? How about saying that the club will take a zero tolerance approach to this and ensuring that anyone doing it from now on is ejected from the ground? (I understand that this would involve the polis and stewards actually growing a spine and doing their job for a change). Bain could even have come out and quoted articles which we've all seen, which seem to prove that there is no such thing as a red hand salute. Lets educate the fans who still think they're just upholding the history and tradition of our club before taking the heavy handed approach outlined above. Why don't the men at the top of our club stand up for us in the public eye? With the press. With parliament. With other clubs and their fans ffs. Its not difficult. Most fans of other clubs don't like us as a club or a support. So there's nothing to lose. Week in week out we take a slagging and no-one stands to fight our corner. Part of the problem is that we live in such a paranoid and parochial-minded country that success does breed a hell of a lot of jealousy. The recent comments from Romanov about corruption within the game have shown exactly that. What should be dismissed as the mad ramblings of someone who is too used to getting their own way, are actually greeted by lots of fans as relief that someone is actually standing up to the OF and telling it as it is. What do we do in response? Not very much as it happens. Given the down-sizing that's been happening at Ibrox over the past 5 years or so, I think the loyalty shown by the fans has been tremendous. I think its now time for the men at the top of the club to repay some of that loyalty, show they have a set of balls and start standing up for the club we all love. Man, where did all that come from? Time for a lie down I think.

Rangers to defend McGregor Mentioned this in the poll thread, however thought i'd give it it's own thread with the link and quote posted so it didn't get lost in the otehr thread.

You're Just Fan-tastic IBROX was rocking last night as Rangers stormed into the last 16 stage of the UEFA Cup with a 5-2 aggregate win over Hapoel Tel-Aviv. The biggest crowd of the night in Europe - 46,213 - gave Walter Smith and his boys sensational backing which was sparked by a brilliant pre-match flag display. The supporters have been getting unwarranted stick in recent weeks but last night they were simply the best. And Chief Executive Martin Bain praised the Ibrox faithful after the club's sensational win. He said: "All of us at Rangers congratulate our supporters for the tremendous atmosphere they created at Ibrox tonight and the backing they gave the team on a big European night for the club. "Too readily our supporters are subject to criticism and tonight showed they can create an atmosphere that would be hard to match at any other stadium in Europe."

just some of the comments made in various sources: and i'm sure a few more will follow. all the incentive needed surely for a similar atmosphere next european night!

http://www.gersnet.info/fmrangers/newmain/110107.html First of all I think itââ?¬â?¢s quite important that we keep an element of perspective in this article. Not many Rangers fans like Bain in a personal way and that can often cloud judgement when it comes to the job he does. Martin Bain first joined Rangers in 1996 serving under former commercial manager Bob Reilly. At that time football was in the midst of a commercial explosion; TV money was high even in Scottish football and other opportunities were there to be grasped because of that huge media exposure. As a result, Bain ââ?¬â?? like other members of the commercial team ââ?¬â?? can say he was partly responsible for bringing in the large amounts of money to the club in those heady days. Because of his relatively young age in those days ââ?¬â?? he was 29 when he joined the club ââ?¬â?? Bainââ?¬â?¢s potential was spotted early by the senior staff. Although not having a background in football his good work in the commercial arm helped him secure the (rather vague and general) post of ââ?¬Ë?Director of Football Businessââ?¬â?¢ in late 2002 ââ?¬â?? a year after being appointed to the Rangers board. Of course that season really saw the Rangers financial downsizing begin in earnest. Although Mikel Arteta joined the club for a near Ã?£6million, Rangers fans started to see the influx of below average Bosman players such as Kevin Muscat ââ?¬Ë?complimentââ?¬â?¢ the squad. Alex McLeish was the manager and it was soon obvious that he, and Bain to be fair, would have a difficult job on their hands delivering success to the restraints of a club trying to ship excess baggage to attain an even financial keel. To that end, they were reasonably successful. McLeish delivered 7 trophies and Martin Bain made some difficult decisions to ensure Rangers (as of their 2005/06 accounts) were back almost into the black. Of course both still suffered for their thankless work. McLeish couldnââ?¬â?¢t achieve real consistency, and, as the Ibrox Scrooge, Bain was the ultimate supportersââ?¬â?¢ scapegoat of an unimaginative board and a chairman who had disappeared for a few years and lacked the ambition of his initial spell. In February 2005, nine years after his first arrival at Ibrox, Bain was appointed Rangersââ?¬â?¢ 4th Chief Executive. David Holmes was the first such employee and no-one can forget the club-changing work he did under the Marlborough administration. Since then, the club has had another 2 such CEOââ?¬â?¢s - Alan Montgomery and Bob Brannan (now the chairman of Dundee). Both perhaps had it easier than Bain working in less stressful times. Unfortunately, it was around this time that Bain was starting to make mistakes that this high-profile job couldnââ?¬â?¢t afford. Dragan Mladenovic, Jose Pierre-Fanfan and Olivier Bernard were just 3 examples of players that had to be paid off their lucrative contracts. Meanwhile rumours of staff fall-outs were rife. Retail director Nick Peel, long time club secretary Campbell Ogilvie and Youth manager George Adams were all moved on in quick succession amid rumours of disagreements with Bain. In more recent times, Bain has also been seen as incompetent in other areas. On holiday in the Alps while Paul le Guen and Barry Ferguson had their much publicised fall out and failing to get any sort of fee for players on the transfer list. Bainââ?¬â?¢s biggest detractors point to the success of Celtic and specifically their CEO ââ?¬â?? Peter Lawwel ââ?¬â?? as the main evidence for his failure. Continuing and unacceptable media problems, continued transfer market underperformance and continued poor relationships with his staff and our fans are all a marked contrast to Lawwel ââ?¬â?? who has to operate under the same financial restrictions and in the same market as Bain. In the last year we have seen 2 managers sacked from Rangers. The last 2 seasons have also delivered no trophies to our club. That is wholly unacceptable and that underperformance can be attributed to the mistakes and incompetence of Martin Bain. Sure, could be argued that, in the same way as the departing managers, he has suffered from a lack of backing from a chairman who seems to lack the fight and ambition for the challenges we face. However, our now infecund owner canââ?¬â?¢t be sacked which leaves the right hand man he groomed for the job. Mistakes have been rife and success has disappeared. Martin Bain should no longer be the Rangers Chief Executive. Now, is the time to make that change.

I think all that is coming out now Shows PLG was was indeed fighting dressing room cliques. Unfortunatly the instigator seems to be getting away with it. If Murray knew this then it is diabolical that he never backed his manager.