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Saturday, 26 January 2008 Aberdeen v Hearts, 15:00 Hibernian v Gretna, 15:00 Kilmarnock v Dundee Utd, 15:00 Motherwell v Inverness CT, 15:00 Rangers v St Mirren, 15:00 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, 27 January 2008 Falkirk v Celtic, 14:00 Aberdeen Hearts looks like a draw to me. Hibs v Gretna well there is a game i would have betted on Hibs a few games ago but Hibs have been rank and Gretna have found a new burst of life. I am still going for the Hibs win though. Kilmarnock v Dundee Utd Utd have signed Mark de Vries as far as i know and i think he will be a handfull for the Killie defence. That added to the form of Barry Robson makes dundee the favourites for me. Motherwell v Inverness The Caley new manager effect, has ground to a hault after their run of good form. Motherwell should be far too strong for them at Fir park Rangers v St Mirren. We are coming in to a run of home games whereas the tims are on the road for three games. Lets hope we win all our home games and the tims drop some points.Rangers to win. Well there's a surprise. Falkirk v Celtic. i still think the tims will be too strong for Falkirk who have been pretty crap recently. We can only hope they pick this game to return to form. celtic will win by a country mile.

Scottish Cup ---------------------------------Round-------Time Airdrie Utd v Kilmarnock,----------- R4,--------15:00 Celtic v Stirling,------------------- R4,--------15:00 Clyde v Dundee Utd,--------------- R4,------- 12:45 Cove Rangers v Ross County,------- R4,--------15:00 Falkirk v Aberdeen,----------------- R4,--------15:00 Hamilton v Brechin,----------------- R4,--------15:00 Hearts v Motherwell,--------------- R4,---------15:00 Hibernian v Inverness CT,----------- R4,--------15:00 Huntly v Dundee,------------------- R4,--------15:00 Livingston v Cowdenbeath,---------- R4,--------15:00 Morton v Gretna,------------------- R4,---------15:00 Partick v Dunfermline,--------------- R4,-------- 15:00 Queen of South v Linlithgow,-------- R4,---------15:00 St Johnstone v Raith,--------------- R4,-------- 15:00 St Mirren v Dumbarton,-------------- R4,---------15:00 Sunday 13 Rangers v East Stirling,--------------- R4,---------15:00 Too many games to write separate stories about but the ones that stick out are: Hearts v Motherwell, Hibernian v Inverness CT Hearts v Motherwell, Interesting to see how Motherwell will handle the death of PoD. They will be going into a huddle before the kick-off. I think if they ever want to win a game it will be this one as they will want to honour it to Phil. Would be worth getting a copy of the match programme and putting it in plastic without opening it. One of the ones that will be worth something over a few years. I Think Motherwell will fight to the death to win this one and i hope they do. I have been saying Hibs will come good every week and they haven't. Will a new manager be able to gee them up, that remains to be seen. I will give them the benefit of the doubt and tip them to beat Caley but as usual i could be wrong. Falkirk are the form team at the moment and again are playing some good football. Aberdeen are as always, over the last few years hot and cold. I think Falkirk at home will be too good for Aberdeen

I don�t know if anyone else was due to do this or Gribz will be back on but if so then feel free to scrap it. Rangers V Dundee Utd After our unexpected rest during the festive season the first big issue on Saturday will be a one minute applause in respect of Phil o�Donnel. A directive from the SPL has asked all teams to hold the applause before the kick-off. Reading through other forums the last few day�s this seems to have split the Rangers support with many refusing to applaud and preferring a minutes silence. Rangers have no choice in this as the SPL made the decision probably projecting the wishes of the family. This is not a time to make a political stand in my opinion so hopefully everyone will show their respect and put there hands together and clap. Apart from the only long term injury steven Smith, Lee Mc Culloch is doubtful and probably be out for three games now as he has a two match ban kicking in after Saturday. Charlie Adam and Nacho Novo are available for selection again. Rangers had a much improved performance at Hibs last time out and the chances will be that Walter Smith will keep the same starting line-up. Adam replacing Hemdani is also a possibility judging on Walter not playing Hemdani in the SPL games. Dundee Utd bounced back from a run of defeats with an impressive victory against Hearts on Wednesday but an undisciplined performance by Hearts saw them reduced to eight men. Going with past performances United will come in the hope to smother the midfield and play a 4-5-1. Barry Robson has been in fine form of late and could be rewarded with a move to celtic(at least in wages) so he will be looking to impress. He does have a good goal tally for the season but most have come from penalties or free kicks. We certainly have to worry about giving stupid free kicks away around the 20 yard area. Rangers squad:: McGregor, Hutton, Weir, Cuellar, Whittaker, Burke, Ferguson, Hemdani, Thomson, Cousin, Darcheville, Naismith, Carroll, Adam, Broadfoot, Boyd, Furman, Novo. I think walter will keep the same team as against Hibs and that was: McGregor Hutton Cuellar Weir Whittaker Burke Ferguson Hemdani Thomson Naismith Cousin

Saturday, 5 January 2008 -----------------------------Time-----TV Falkirk v Aberdeen------------15:00 Hearts v Kilmarnock-----------15:00 Inverness CT v Gretna---------15:00 Rangers v Dundee United-------15:00 St Mirren v Hibernian-----------15:00 Sunday, 6 January 2008 Motherwell v Celtic--------POSTPONED --------------------------------------------------------------------- Falkirk v Aberdeen Two teams showing really good form over the last few weeks. Aberdeen won at home to an in form Inverness Caley, and Falkirk went to Rugby park to take the spoils against Kilmarnock in a 0-1 win. Aberdeen are one point in front of Falkirk but both have the exact same goal difference of -1. Falkirk have scored six goals more than Aberdeen so if you take the 7-2 defeat by Rangers into account then Falkirk do actually have a better record. I fancy a draw for this one. Draw. Hearts v Kilmarnock Hearts are so unpredictable that this game can go any way. Both lost last time out with Hearts being reduced to eight men. They miss the three players sent off on Saturday but nobody really knows if that is good or bad,considering Romanov picks the team. I think Hearts will win this one if they can finish with eleven players. Hearts win Inverness CT v Gretna Gretna have made a big improvement over the last few weeks only losing to Celtic and completing a double win against Dundee Utd. Inverness were stopped in their tracks against Aberdeen at Pittodrie but up until then had taken some super scalps including that of Celtic. Inverness at home. Far travel for Gretna, Must be a Caley win. Inverness win Rangers v Dundee United Never an easy game for us and they beat us 2-1 in Dundee. The last time they came to Ibrox they played super negative and we whipped them 5-0.We will be hoping for more of that.I will settle for less and go for a 2-0 Rangers win. Rangers win. St Mirren v Hibernian Another game that could go any way. Hibs have been rank rotten of late and only had two draws in December against Celtic and Falkirk while losing to Aberdeen, Inverness and Rangers. St Mirren have been slowly catching Hearts but bottom placed Gretna have been creeping nearer to St Mirren making the fight for relegation a bit more interesting. I will stick my neck out here and go for a St Mirren win. St Mirrren win. Sunday, 6 January 2008 Motherwell v Celtic--------POSTPONED Rightly so. Motherwell need time to get back on track.

Saturday, 24 November 2007 ----------------------------------------------Time ---TV Falkirk v Rangers------------------------- 12:30--------*** Celtic v Aberdeen------------------------ 15:00 Hibernian v Dundee United-----------------15:00 Inverness CT v St Mirren-----------------15:00 Kilmarnock v Motherwell-------------------15:00 Sunday, 25 November 2007 ------------------------------------------- Time--- TV Gretna v Hearts ---------------------------14:00---*** Rangers head to the Falkirk stadium on Saturday for a 12.30 kick-off. Falkirk have not been able to hit the heights this season like they did last season. A word of warning for us should be that it was around this time last year that Falkirk started to get their game together. Russell Latapy remains a special player but a good Rangers midfield should be able to dominate the game and close down Falkirk in their own half. I don�t expect a repeat of the 7-2 score line but this is a game we should not dream of losing points. If we do then we really have to doubt our SPL chances. Rangers win Celtic will not have it easy against an Aberdeen team that has been growing in confidence. Aberdeen are the Jekyll and Hyde of Scottish football. They can come out and be brilliant one week and the next lose without putting up a fight. They have given Celtic a good game at Parkhead in recent years but always seem to lose out in the end. Probably a game that will be 1-1 until five minutes to go and Celtic win 3-1. Celtic win. Hibs against Dundee utd is a game we will be hoping for a draw. I think Dundee are the better team at the moment but Hibs have home advantage and on their day are second to none. They have shown that by beating both Rangers and Celtic this year. Both teams seem to rise to the big occasion but flop against the minnows. This could be the game that anything can happen but i am going to go for a Hibs win as i think they have more fighting spirit. Hibs win. Inverness against St Mirren is my draw tip for the week. Inverness had a great manager change period, but seem to be coming back down to earth in recent weeks. St Mirren have made it difficult for better teams than Inverness so i can only see a draw here. Draw. Kilmarnock get a visit from Motherwell. On form it should be a win for Motherwell but Killie are also a team who at home can wrestle a win. Motherwell play attacking football home and away so the fact it is at Rugby park won�t make them change their system. This game can go anyway really as both teams will probably be fighting for the fifth and sixth spot at the end of the season.I will go for the attacking game of the Steelmen to get the points here. Motherwell win. Gretna meet Hearts at Fir park and to be honest I find it hard to say anything positive over the marriage men. In fact I find it hard to say anything positive about anything to do with marriage. Joking apart I think Hearts will be too strong for Gretna and the highlight for me in this game will be watching Laryea Kingston for the reason that we are said to be interested in him. Every week and every defeat puts Gretna nearer where they belong in the lower leagues. A team from a village with a population of 3000 people is not bringing anything to the SPL and the quicker they return to the lower leagues the better. Brooks Mileson would be better putting his money in a team with the possibility of getting some supporters through the gates like Dundee or St Johnstone. I will admit not playing at Raydale park hasn�t helped them and they probably would be tough to beat there, but the chances of them building up a decent following are very slim. Hearts win.

To have a chance to win one of the prizes below you simply have to shop online at any of over 500 stores using http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/rangers'>http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/rangers The incredible list of prizes is as follows:- 1. Rangers home shirt personally signed by Barry Ferguson; 2. Hospitality for 4 in the Wee Rangers Club for the day of the Dundee Utd game on the 5th Jan (including match tickets); 3. 17" x 13" framed print of Fernando Torres personally signed by the player himself; 4. Ã?£50 in Amazon vouchers; 5. A Brick at Ibrox for the Bill Struth panel; 6. Personally signed Marvin Andrews DVD. If you already shop with stores such as NEXT, Amazon, John Lewis, M&S, HMV, Toys R Us, DELL, Dixonââ?¬â?¢s, Expedia or Debenhamââ?¬â?¢s, simply use the links provided on the easyfundraising site when you shop and at no extra cost to you, we'll receive a free donation of up to 15% from each purchase you make. Over 500+ well known retailers are featured so if you already shop online, why not use easyfundraising and raise funds for us at the same time. During the busy Xmas period this is an ideal time to raise significant funds for the RST. Every time you use the website http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/rangers to purchase goods online you will have an automatic entry into the prize draw ââ?¬â?? eg: if you make 5 separate transactions then you get 5 entries etc. The closing date is the 15th December and the winner will be drawn by 'easyfundraising' and their decision will be final. No personal information from this competition will be passed onto a third party. The incredible list of prizes is as follows:- 1. Rangers home shirt personally signed by Barry Ferguson; 2. Hospitality for 4 in the Wee Rangers Club for the day of the Dundee Utd game on the 5th Jan (including match tickets); 3. 17" x 13" framed print of Fernando Torres personally signed by the player himself; 4. Ã?£50 in Amazon vouchers; 5. A Brick at Ibrox for the Bill Struth panel; 6. Personally signed Marvin Andrews DVD. Please also consider using the link http://rangers.easysearch.org.uk/ when you search the web. Powered by the world's 2nd largest search provider, easysearch works just like Google, giving you fast, accurate results every time you search the web. However, unlike Google, easysearch gives you something back! Every time you search the web using this link 1p is donated to the trust. This does not sound a lot but for the average web user this would raise Ã?£25 per year for the RST. All from a simple task we often do several times every day! http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rs...53&Itemid=1

Not like me to post an overly negative thread but yesterday (and in other matches) our set-pieces were absolutely dreadful. Barry Ferguson and DaMarcus Beasley seem to be the worst culprits since they take most of the corners but even our throw-ins in offensive areas lack any sort of imagination. No team can expect such set-plays to be perfect or yield goals/chances every time we have one. However, yesterday and against Dundee Utd in recent weeks, we seem incapable of getting the ball past the front post. Front post corners are all well and good (see Lyon) but more often than not we don't even have a man there to aim for. The reason I'm posting about this is because this month we have a lot of away games including two especially tough CL encounters in Spain and Germany. This means we will have to maximise our chances of scoring and scoring via set-pieces is one good way of doing just that. Currently that looks very doubtful. Let's hope we can get back to the quality of corner we seen against Lyon and on a couple of other occasions earlier this season. When you think of the tall players we have in the team (Hutton, Cuellar, Papac, Weir, McCulloch and Cousin) there really is no excuse for poor delivery or minimal imagination at corners, free-kicks and throw-ins.

There has been a fair amount of debate recently regarding the formation and tactics deployed by Walter Smith as he attempts to be competitive both domestically and in the Championsââ?¬â?¢ League. Thus, is 4-5-1, described as ââ?¬Ë?anti-footballââ?¬â?¢ by Lionel Messi the spawn of the devil or is that far too simplistic a way to look at it? Firstly, I think itââ?¬â?¢s important to look at the context of when and why this formation is deployed. Obviously a game (home or away) against the cream of European opposition is different from a game against stuffy, well organised Scottish outfits. Thus, while 4-5-1 against Barcelona is exactly that ââ?¬â?? a defensive strategy to try and contain the oppositionââ?¬â?¢s attacking players - a 4-5-1 against Dundee Utd could and should be more attacking in its set up. So far this season Rangers have employed three different variations of this system: 4-5-1 per se with 3 central holding players and only one real attacking midfielder which allows for our strong defensive nature (eg v Barcelona); 4-1-4-1 which is still very defensive but with a strong central spine capable of attacking quickly on the counter (eg v Lyon); and 4-2-3-1 which is a solid unit much more offensive in its outlook (eg v Stuttgart). Moreover, in the majority of our games we have actually seen every one of these sub-formations depending on the in-game situation. Therefore, itââ?¬â?¢s easy to see that while the 4-5-1 formation may be the parent system, it is extremely flexible in situ and hence far too empirical to label it is as defensive outwith the most difficult of games. The formation also fits our current squad very well and we have players capable of playing many roles within it. Even the likes of Kris Boyd can fit into this style as long as the selected players support him properly (see Livorno last season as well as other games). ââ?¬Ë?Whatââ?¬â?¢s the problem then?ââ?¬â?¢ I hear you ask! Well, where this breaks down is the actual choice of players on the day and, indeed, this is where Walter Smith had made the odd error this season resulting in needless dropped points. For example, while it may be agreeable to play 3 holding players against the likes of Barca (Thomson, Hemdani and Ferguson usually); itââ?¬â?¢s not necessarily required against Dundee Utd or Hibs. Recently Smith opted for Thomson, Faye and Ferguson against Utd and because Ferguson isnââ?¬â?¢t consistent in the striker-supporting role we struggled to retain possession in the first half. He then dropped deeper and deeper; the midfield became too congested and chances were few and far between. Add to that the many SPL teams who will also use the same system against us, that then places a lot of onus on our wider players. We know the attacking qualities of Hutton and Beasley but Papac and McCulloch are not so creative and we lose a fair amount of balance in games. The result? Weââ?¬â?¢re easy to read, lop-sided, one-dimensional and unimaginative in our play. As such, this is where the ââ?¬Ë?anti-footballââ?¬â?¢ accusations come in. When we do struggle in games we quickly resort to bypassing the congested midfield and look for the strength and aerial threat of McCulloch and Cousin. Ergo, while the direct route may not be the most attractive of strategies sometimes it has to be used to grind out results. Indeed, this typical British style has helped our teams not just at home but in every European competition. Liverpool, Man Utd, Rangers and most recently Celtic have utilised the traditional route one style to bully opponents not always used to physical threats ââ?¬â?? playing some good stuff along the way. Is this 'anti-football'? Of course not! Football is a sport which changes in style throughout the years but some things never change. Is there a more defensively natured team that the current Italian World Champions? Do German teams achieve success through exciting attacking football or strong, solid team-play? Is English football based on skill and pace only? I think we all know the answers to those questions. Of course teams need to score goals to win matches but without a strong defence, exciting attacking play wonââ?¬â?¢t assure success ââ?¬â?? ask Spain and Holland! We all want to watch such football but I think every football fan would temper their expectations with realism generally. The simple fact is that almost every team at all levels will set their stall out to frustrate on occasion. Rangers are no different. Similarly, while such strategies may at first sight appear negative, itââ?¬â?¢s not always the case. Neither do they necessarily promote a less attractive style of football. The variation of 4-5-1 we played against Lyon showed stout defensive properties but the 3 goals we scored and some of our general footballing play was first class. Such tactics should not be the antipathy of good football but just one more positive example of the game. Walter Smith came back to a Rangers team struggling on many fronts. With a few shrewd transfers, by shoring up a leaky back-line and by giving a physical competitive edge to our midfield heââ?¬â?¢s managed to turn things around to a decent degree. Some results and performances have been excellent ââ?¬â?? some not so good. Generally the team is doing well and with a bit more flexibility, a bit more consistency of attacking personnel and some more time for the younger new players to settle, weââ?¬â?¢re not far off where we want to be. If that means continuing with 4-5-1 for another wee while until we do gel enough to have the kind of attacking understanding that confidence and consistency brings then so be it. That isnââ?¬â?¢t negative or ââ?¬Ë?anti-footballââ?¬â?¢ ââ?¬â?? just common sense and playing the percentages to maximise our chances of winning games. Isnââ?¬â?¢t that what the game is about?

Saturday, 3 November 2007 Time Res Att Tab TV Kilmarnock v Celtic------------ 12:30-----------------------*** Aberdeen v Dundee United------15:00 Falkirk v Gretna-----------------15:00 Motherwell v St Mirren----------15:00 Rangers v Inverness CT---------15:00 Sorry for the late entry but i can only say i was busy doing nothing. Apart from that i fought to make a Taxi that i didn't find good enough so ended up dumping it. Kilmarnock took points off Celtic in the first game of the season but have struggled really until they had a good result last week against Hearts. I have went the whole season picking Celtic for a win but i see a draw on the horizon here so my choice is. Draw Aberdeen against Dundee utd looks like a draw on paper but i think Aberdeen will win this one so i am going for an Aberdeen win. Aberdeen win. Falkirk against Gretna can only have one result for me and that is a Falkirk win. I still question if a rich man bringing a club like Gretna with a small fan base to the highest level is good for any parties. Firstly they need a stadium that can never be filled and secondly as Rangers fans know a chairman can turn the money tap closed to leave the club in financial problems. Falkirk win Motherwell - StMirren This is the best chance of a draw for me as SMirren as St Mirren have been difficult to break downin recent weeks and have a knack of even snatching the odd win. Motherwell will trying to get back on track but i fancy this for a draw. Draw. Even although we lost to Inverness at Ibrox last season i don't see it happening today. Inverness will try to get players behind the ball and close down the midfield quickly. A lot will depend on getting the first goal i feel if we get that goal early, then we will go on to get three or four. If we struggle to get that opening goal then it will get harder and harder to break Caley down as they grow in confidence. If we have any asperations of winning the league then we have to win these games. Rangers win. Sunday, 4 November 2007-------Time--------TV Hibernian v Hearts---------------14:00 ------*** Sorry forgot the Sunday Game. Hibs win.

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=516&Itemid=1 Erm, probably McGregor - just.

------------------------------time-----------TV Celtic v Motherwell------------15:00 Gretna v Inverness CT---------15:00 Hibernian v St Mirren-----------15:00 Kilmarnock v Hearts------------15:00 Sunday, 28 October 2007 Time-----------------TV Dundee United v Rangers-------14:00---------*** Aberdeen v Falkirk-------------15:00 A great looking fixture list for this weekend with four of the top five playing each other. Only Hibs seem to have a slightly easier game. Celtic-v-Motherwell. Celtic have been struggling of late with a very lucky last minute win against bottom team Gretna after being behind 1-0 for 85 minutes. Then a decisive 3-0 defeat at the hands of Rangers at Ibrox last week, followed by a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Benfica in the champions League. If there is a team at the moment you would not want to meet on that form then Motherwell springs directly to mind. Motherwell have been playing some of the best football in the SPL this season and Mark McGhee will be urging his players to have a go at a injury hit Celtic team. At Fir park i would go for Motherwell but i think Celtic will still be strong enough at home to win the points. Celtic win. Gretna-v- Inverness. Craig Brewster has got Caley going again and i would expect them to be too strong for a Gretna side that look more and more like the strongest candidates to drop back to the first division. Their defeat by St Mirren last time out means they are losing points to the teams they need to beat to secure a SPL place next season. Inverness also fall into that category if Gretna want SPL football next seson they have to win these games. I don't see Gretna beating Inverness. Inverness win Hibernian-v-ST Mirren. This would be easy to say a certain Hibs win but St Mirren are a team you have to be sharp to beat. They can grind out results as they make it hard for opposing teams. Hibs lost to Motherwell last week but played most of the game with ten men. If Hibs play to form then they should win but any weakness could see St Mirren grind out at least a draw. Hibs win. Kilmarnock-v-Hearts. Of all the teams Hearts are the Jekyll and Hyde of the SPL. A great game one week and an atrocious game the next. Before last week they seemed to have hit form but at home against a good Dundee united team they were always playing second fiddle. Kilmarnock are a refined middle of the league team who you need to be at your best to beat, but have had attacking problems this year. This game depends on what Hearts team turns up but i fancy it as a Draw, Draw. Dundee United-v-Rangers. Once again Rangers seem to get the inform team. It happened at Motherwell and Hibs and now at Dundee UTD. If you only look at October then United would in fact be top of the league as they were the only team not to drop points. This will be a game where we really have to be at our best to get the win. I can't see Dundee Utd beating us but they could grind out a draw and we really have to be sharp. Hopefully we can get a result as it would be a shame to undo the good work we put in last week. Rangers Win. Aberdeen- v- Falkirk. Aberdeen come back from a disappointing defeat at the hands(or feet) of Panathanikos, As they played on Thursday then they could suffer from Fatigue but i would expect them to get back on song and beat Falkirk to keep up their fight for a Euro place next year. John Hughes wants to play attacking football but to be honest he will have to rethink that strategy if results keep going against him, if he wants to keep his job. Even allowing for Jet-lag i think the Sheep will win and keep up their fight for that Euro place. Aberdeen win.

I have a spare for this game but am unable to go . Wanted to offer it up for the guys / girls on the board in case anyone wants it? �£22, face value of course, seats in the west stand row S.

Last year we seemed to struggle against the lower teams of the SPL, but this season a pattern already seems to be setting in against the teams from the top half. The first game or 2 was looked at as one-off's but taking this approach is dangerous simply because we can all see problems in our play. Take away our fantastic CL results, the hard work and good start to the SPL may have to be done again. We didnt show up at Tynecastle, had an off day at Motherwell and then lost against Hibs. Yet we had a few reminders last season about this kind of results. We have Celtic followed by Dundee Utd and that will be the first round of games complete. Over a season we can drop points but we cant drop points in around 40% of our games in each quarter. Now getting something from this first OF match of the season is vital, as we just dont want to have to play catch up again from October. If we are going to have squad rotation then why cant we also have formation and tactics rotation. Looking at our squad, I still think its the best in the country and easily the most depth but we need to play to our strengths. We have attack minded young talent that arent being given a chance. I really think the only problem we have is not setting the stall out right in these type games. I dont mind the 4-5-1 as long as it can be changed onto a 4-3-3 on attack or even a 4-2-4. Id still also like to see JCD strike up a partnership with Cousin but if they are out and Smith wants to play Boyd upfront in a 4-5-1 then why doesnt he give this a try: ______________McGregor____________ Hutton____Weir_______Cuellar____Papac ____Ferguson___Buffel____Hemdani____ ___Novo________Boyd_______Naismith You could swap Naismith with McCulloch or Gow but either one of these players and Novo will get back and form the 4-5-1 again, but that team is attack minded and surely too good for most SPL sides.

Now I won't pretend I wanted you to win last night, but I will recognise an outstanding result and performance when I see it. I'll even concede it probably shaded Celtic's tonight, but a win over the defending European champions is also a great result for Scottish football. Lots of Scottish players in both sides. Add in the national team's win in Paris and their whole campaign and we have seen nothing like this from Scottish football in many years. I suppose we had Aberdeen and Dundee Utd's european ventures in the early 80s and two Glasgow teams playing a European semi final in 1972. Maybe have to go back to 1967 to beat the current efforts - Scotland the first side to beat the World champions, Rangers only losing ECWC final to Bayern Munich in Germany after extra time and Kilmarnock reaching the semi final of the Fairs Cup (old UEFA cup). I've not missed anything from that year have I?

Since the start of the calendar year Walter Smith has came in and installed stability into the Rangers team again and we finished last season strong in the league. There was huge question marks in the summer as to whether David Murray would stump up some cash so we could add to our thin squad. We werent asking for Henry and Rooney but just enough to improve and start climbing the mountain again. Murray supplied the cash and we now have players in abundance. Not every player will be a good buy but when money is tight at Rangers its important the manager buys well and id rather go for more experienced players than potential talent. There isnt wrong with having 1 or 2 potential talented players in the squad and let them gain experience and gradually build up the younger ones. But I have to question a couple of Smiths buys. Thomson just hasnt done it for me. He has had a handful of good games but I now think he is struggling. Whittaker reminds me in a Smith buy from the 90s when we were able to throw a few million at players who dont work out but the RM isnt near settled and he looks a terrible buy. It is early days for him and we hope he transforms this soon. Naimsith is a player whom we chased and chased - He hasnt featured much so cant be really judged but he hasnt started too badly at all. The other SPL talent that was bought havent kicked a ball - Gow and Broadfoot. The latter was always going to be a squad player but many thought Gow could play apart and his game is a attack minded with creativity - something we havent had this year. Now Im not for one minute slamming Walter as we are sitting nicely in all competitions but we got a few reminders last season with poor draws towards the end of the season that complacieny (sp) must be eradicated from our play. We have had 2 away games in a row in the SPL and turned up poorly twice not looking like a team who has played together. Our next 3 games are Hibs, Celtic and Dundee Utd - 3 of the 4 sides making up the top 4 in the league along with ourselves. I think Walter needs to work out his best team sooner rather than later and he MUST start bringing others in who deserve a chance. We dont need major re-shuffling, just a wee tweak here and there. The CL games will differ from SPL matches but only in the shape of the side which would mean a couple of changes at most. Our chopping and changing should be left until forced upon us with injuries and suspensions and for the League cup games. I think everyman and his dog would have Novo in the team right now. he offers 110%, wants to play for the shirt and scores goals. And there is a huge shout for Hemdani to play again. Gow and Buffel need to get mileage onto them again so id be bringing them on for the last 30 mins of games until they are ready for a start.

Saturday, 29 September 2007 _________________________________Time ____TV Motherwell v Rangers_______________ 12:30___ ** Aberdeen v Gretna _________________15:00 Celtic v Dundee United ______________15:00 Hibernian v Kilmarnock ______________15:00 Inverness CT v Falkirk ______________15:00 Sunday, 30 September 2007 St Mirren v Hearts _________________14:00 Looking at all the fixtures this week it is a predictors nightmare, as all the games look like they could go any way. Rangers travel to Motherwell for the early kick-off Setanta match on Saturday. Motherwell at Fir park are always a difficult proposition but one where we have almost always managed to come away with a tight win. Although the Steelmen lost last weekend they got a super boost of confidence by knocking Hibs out of the CIS cup on Wednesday night 4-2. Playing Rangers always makes teams fight that bit harder so I think we will have a real battle on our hands and possibly our first real big test. I am judging that on the fact we did play with a weakened team against Hearts. I don�t see Saturday being any different as other years I think we will have a really hard game but we should scrape through with a win, albeit a skin of the teeth 1-0. Rangers Win Aberdeen welcome Gretna to Pittodrie and it would seem that Gretna are the form team of the two at this moment. Defeat for the Dons could actually see them hit bottom place depending on the Inverness result. Although a win in the CIS may have eased some pressure, the pressure could really start to mount on the two Jimmy�s if they are bottom of the league after the weekend. Gretna have really tightened up of late and were rewarded with their first win against Dundee Utd last weekend. Gretna did lose to Caley in the CIS cup however I think Aberdeen will win, just because they really have to. Although I won�t back my money on it. Aberdeen win. Celtic get a visit from Dundee United at the piggery, where United get a chance to play catch-up on them for the second week running. Up until Boruc literally dropped the points against Hibs, the Celts were hitting most teams for five. The Arabs have always managed to make it difficult for Celtic, and I see this game as no different. Craig Leveign will have taken note, how his City rivals Dundee had Celtic under pressure for large parts of the game on Wednesday, and try to emulate that. Both teams will be trying to bounce back from defeat in the league, and be trying to get back on the rails as quickly as possible. With the loss of Nakamura, Celtic lose a lot of their creative edge and danger from set peices. I will be surprised if United win but I do think Craig Leveign can organize his men for a good draw. Draw. Part of Hibernian�s recent history is that they beat the top teams, and then play crap against the likes of Kilmarnock, who visit Easter road on Saturday. Hibs will be on a high after beating Celtic but Killie just seem to role along all season grinding out results. The loss of Naismith to Rangers remains to be a creative loss to Kilmarnock who failed to break down a tough St Mirren�s 5 man midfield block last Saturday. Both had a shock elimination from the CIS cup during the week, but with home advantage, and in my opinion, the team more determined to make amends, Hibs will bounce back to win this one. Hibs win. Inverness against Falkirk looks on paper as one of the most difficult games to predict. Since Craig Brewster has come back in as manager they have taken an upward curve, resulting in a win against Hearts on Saturday and 3-0 win against Gretna in the CIS cup. Falkirk were knocked out by Dundee United in the same tournament. Falkirk can on their day give the best in the league a good game but this may be more based on credits from last season as results from this season. They have, to be honest, played most of the in-form teams this season, with a good win against Motherwell and a draw against Hibs standing out. This looks like a draw to me. Draw, Sunday�s game see�s a visit of Hearts to Love street to meet a gritty St Mirren team. Even Nostradamus would find it difficult to predict what Hearts team is going to turn up. Hearts beat Dunfermline 4-1 midweek, although it did take extra time to do it. Their last league game was a defeat to Inverness which was Caley�s first points in the league. St Mirren just seem to turn out gritty performances which see them just one point behind Hearts. They will be hoping to surprise Hearts and move up at least one place in the league. I am going for St Mirren to frustrate and conquer. St Mirren Win

In Pete's absence I'll quickly do this: Saturday, 22 September 2007 Falkirk v Motherwell, 15:00 Gretna v Dundee Utd, 15:00 Inverness CT v Hearts, 15:00 Kilmarnock v St Mirren, 15:00 Sunday, 23 September 2007 Hibernian v Celtic, 14:00 Rangers v Aberdeen, 15:00 Mark McGhee's Motherwell have been impressive so far this season and following their win in Aberdeen last week they make the trip to Falkirk who are conceding goals for fun despite trying to play a bit of football. This game doesnt look attractive on paper but probably wont be a bad match for the viewer. Id say a narrow 2-1 to Motherwell but a draw wouldnt send any shock waves. Gretna are now finding their feet in the SPL and may be getting used to playing at Fir Park. They entertain Dundee Utd who were my tip for a top 5 finish this season. Craig Levein has got something about him with this team and they are IMO back as a top 6 team where they belong. They have a winning streak about them and the chairman is getting on well with the manager and morale is high. I cant see anything other than an away win here. Hearts have finally kicked off there season with 2 good wins at Motherwell then against Rangers. They play a Caley side who are being beaten every week despite Craig Brewster returning to the team. Brewster has been a bit unlucky fixture wise since returning with trips to Hibs and Celtic so will expect better in his first home game in charge. I can see a draw here although Hearts will start as favourites. Kilmarnock v St Mirren - This has to be a banker home win. Killie have started well and have a chance to open up a gap between them and the bottom clubs here. The Saints are a never say die team but they dont have the quality to win every other game. 2-0 to Killie. Easter Road arguably has the game of the weekend on Sunday. Hibs are playing well again this season and are tough to beat at home. They have started well and like always will fancy there chances of getting something when the Old Firm come to the captial. Celtic are coming of the back of another away loss in europe despite a good winning run in the SPL. Should be an entertaining game and a score draw would be my prediction. Finally the other game of the weekend see's rivals Rangers and Aberdeen meet. The home side are on a high after getting their champions league campaign off to a winning start. They lost last time out in the SPL for the first time this season so that will be in the back of there minds and spur them back onto winnings ways. The Dons travel down to Glasgow with a disappointing return to Europe. They only managed a 0-0 with there Ukrainian opponents and now have it all to do in the 2nd leg. They havent won at Ibrox since 1991 and that will remain the same - I cant see anything other than a banker home win by 2 or 3 goals.

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.

Dundee United v Hibernian 15:00 Hearts v Gretna 15:00 Motherwell v Kilmarnock 15:00 Rangers v Falkirk 15:00 St Mirren v Inverness CT 15:00 Sunday, 19 August 2007 Time Aberdeen v Celtic Looking at the SPL fixtures for the coming weekend we seem to be the only team in the top half of the league who do not have a potential banana skin. I know Falkirk have dogged us in the past but if we have any asperations in winning the league then Falkirk at home must fall in the category of a game we will dictate and win comfortably. Maybe i am putting the curse of death on us, but we must start these games filled with confidence. This must be a win for Rangers. Celtic travel up to Pittodrie which has actually been a safe haven for them in recent years but Pittodrie remains a place you look to see teams slipping up and Aberdeen will be looking to kick start their season after a poor start. Lets hope that Jimmy Calderwood can rally his troops and and at least hold out for a draw. Unfortunately i think Celtic will come through this one with a win. Aberdeen seem to be more up to meeting us. Hibs visit Dundee and Craig Leveign will be hoping his team can bounce back from their defeat at Kilmarnock. If i was looking to bet on a banker then i would go for a draw here. Hibs have had a great start to the season but it is easy for them to get geared up for Hearts and you would expect them to beat Gretna. Dundee utd at Tannadice could really be their first big test of the season. A draw here for me, i would almost bet on it. Motherwell will be hoping to continue their fantastic start but Jim Jefferies has done a fantastic job at Killie, steering them to 5th place in the league two years in succession. He has got them off to a flyer this year as well with a draw at the midden and a good win at home against the Arabs. I think Kilmarnock will will also be too strong for Motherwell who have done well in beating two of their contenders for demotion in Caley and St Mirren, but Kilmarnock will ask more questions of them and in my eyes will be too strong for the Steelmen. Heart of Midlothian F.C. who are named after a dance hall, which was named after a book by sir Walter Scott, have had little to dance about since mad Vlad sacked George Burley. After a nightmare defeat against their biggest rivals Hibs in their opening game, they put in a good second half display against Aberdeen at Pittodrie to earn a draw. The visit of Gretna should be a game to get them off and running, as Gretna have lost eight goals in their opening two games and would seem to be struggling with the step up to the SPL. Hearts have bagged seven million pounds for Craig Gordon which may help them bring in some new players, but will more likely rehouse another fifteen Lithuanian refugees. Hearts should win this one easily. St Mirren get a visit to Love street from fellow struggler's Inverness Caley. This is probably the most difficult match to predict. Gus McPherson did well last year in keeping the Buddies up and must be happy Gretna have started so poorly.Even at this stage in the season this is a possible fight for survival. I would think this will be two teams who are too frightened to lose and will fight out a boring draw.

Unlucky bastards. Henry penalty rebound on 90 minutes for 1-0.

6th place Hibs cant catch 7th placed Falkirk. The SPL must scrap this joke of a split.

Brian Laudrap with a bullet of a header against Dundee Utd won us 9 in a row :cheers: How things have changed since then

Was played at Ibrox today and i pooped along and wathced the game along with my friend who is a Celtic fan :admin: Anyway here is the report from the Official site Fleck looked very good but his challenge was shocking, Furman and Lennon were very impressive . The whole defense had a comftable game with Utd only having one chance. Djeziri looked no bad when he came on and was show boating a bit . Not a bad game and the team looks very good Anyone else go

Shocking score at Tynecastle. I wonder what the Hearts fans are saying to this!!

Really looking forward to the game. Should be a cracking atmosphere. Don't think WS will change much and I imagine we'll go 4-4-2.Not too sure how injuries are(Prso Clement Smith), but I'd go for __________McGregor_________ Hutton___Hemdani____Svensson___Muarry Burke____Fergie_____Rae_________Adam ___________Boyd____Prso Novo for Prso if the big man isn't fit