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  1. WALTER SMITH today hinted he will be starting the new season with the same faces - despite the fact the Ibrox exodus has begun in earnest. Barry Ferguson is expected to travel to Birmingham today for talks with former boss Alex McLeish. The midfielder will embark on a second stint in the Premiership in a deal that will earn Rangers �£1m, with that fee rising with various add-ons, and free up his �£25,000-a-week wages. Andy Webster is also on the move, with the injury-plagued defender set for a season-long loan at Tannadice. The defender has made just one appearance for Rangers since signing from Wigan, but Dundee United manager Craig Levein believes he can give the 27-year-old a new lease of life. United will take of part of the responsibility of Webster's wages and it is an opportunity for the player to rebuild a career that has been derailed because of repeated injuries. Brahim Hemdani, Christian Dailly and Graeme Smith have also all moved on, clearing over �£30,000 a week from the pay-roll. But in an admission of just how tight the finances are the club, Smith revealed today that he doesn't expect to be bringing any new faces on board for the start of the season. Instead, the onus will be placed on youth as Rangers tighten their belts. Smith told the Rangers News: "Basically our squad will be the same as last season, and hopefully the younger ones can add to that as well. "John Fleck came through last season and we think players like Danny Wilson and Jamie Ness are ready to follow him." Meanwhile, despite reports that Madjid Bougherra is attracting interest from Wigan and Bordeaux, Rangers say they have had no approaches, nor do they want any. But, in the current climate, everyone has their price and a mega-offer for the Algerian would be hard to turn down. The French club, however, have distanced themselves from any approach. "Someone called me," said Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud. "I don't know if it was the agent of the player, the agent of the agent or someone else. "We have had no contact with Rangers. Maybe Laurent Blanc is interested but he hasn't told me."
  2. Into July then and the new season is now upon us. The transfer window is open, pre-season training will begin next Thursday and preparations will be under way to ensure we retain our SPL crown. With key club figures at pains to say our squad size must be reduced and with the year-end finances expected to be somewhere around �£30million in the red, once again Walter Smith will have to be imaginative with his squad. Versatility has been his buzz-word since he returned in 2007. Players like Whittaker, Broadfoot, Dailly, McCulloch, Miller, Naismith, Novo and Lafferty have all been utilised in a wide range of positions as Rangers compete on all fronts over the last 2 seasons. For the most part, they've done OK but there's no doubt our lack of consistency on the park can be explained by a lack of consistency in selection compounded with players out of position. To add to that, we've already we've had several players move on - young and old - and we'll need more to go if we're to create finance for incoming players. Barry Ferguson remains our highest earner and if we can attain a decent fee for him and Charlie Adam, to name but two fringe players, we may have some flexibility in the transfer market. Players like Beasley, Gow, Graeme Smith and Webster should also be on the move. Even so, any new players will be minimal despite the expected ~�£5-10million bounty of the CL group stage. Key areas for strengthening remain a centre-back to complement 'Madjestic' Bougherra and perhaps allow Davie Weir an easier path to retirement. Meanwhile the wide areas of our midfield remain a problem - especially the left side - as the use of up to 10 different players there last season showed us. Therefore, a left-sided midfielder in the vein of Chris Brunt may indeed be our priority if we do manage to move on the surplus high-earners. Of course the �£3million fee over his head places doubt on our ability to not only sign him but entice him to Glasgow ahead of richer EPL clubs in terms of wages. Thus, with the doubt over who leaves and our budget, how can the manager be flexible with a necessary reduction in squad size and minimal funds to find new players? To add to that dilemma, the fans will expect a better standard of football, more consistency and less defensive play when we do play in Europe. As usual, the pressure on the manager will be high. As such, the answer may ironically lie in another head-ache that will come his way once two of our main midfielders are fit. Both Kevin Thomson and Maurice Edu are injured after being important components of our side last season. While neither player can be considered as tough as a Souness or an Ian Ferguson; their controlled aggression, strength in the tackle and mobility were imperative to allow the creative players such as Mendes and Davis to do their stuff. Therefore, the quicker they both return the better - though Thomson looks the more likely to make the season opener at Ibrox against Falkirk. However, what happens when Edu also retains fitness? Can we really afford to keep such an exciting young talent on the bench for another season? After all, it's doubtful that a central-midfield pairing of he and Thomson would be creative enough in the absence of genuine wingers in the squad? This is where the 4-3-3 formation comes in and I'll contend that makes sense for several reasons: - Playing Edu and Thomson in deeper 'holding' roles means we have a more solid unit for the tougher games without compromising on our need to retain attacking players. - Davis could move inside from the right to play in a free role behind the attack. His creative play is his strongest suit and he is all too often isolated on the right. With Mendes sitting behind him alongside Edu/Thomson we also have a player capable of picking him out when he does find space. - Our current lack of wide players means we don't have to play a Naismith, Miller, Novo or Lafferty in unfamiliar roles they're not as effective in. Instead they get to concentrate on their preferred attacking positions and compete for the two slots up front (or one if Boyd continues to score goals). - We also get the best out of John Fleck. The lad is a prodigious talent so we shouldn't be minimising that by shunting him out to left midfield. Let him compete with the senior players for the free role and we'll see the best of him. - The midfield positions are easily interchanged or rotated to ensure freshness and strategic flexibility when required depending on opposition. 4-5-1 can still be utilised if the situation really demands it. - We free up space for our full-backs to get forward. Steven Whittaker is a player that is at his best roaming forward with space in front of him. No winger allows both him (and to a lesser extent Papac) to support in space with players around them to help them keep possession (not their strongest suits) more effectively. - The strategy above means we may not need to sign a left-midfielder or even another defender given the added protection for the defence. Any money could be kept back for January when new players are often needed more desperately. 4-3-3: The answer to our problems - or a way for the board to hide decreasing squad quality and the manager to go overly defensive again in Europe? You decide!
  3. Fine article from Pete discussing the mistakes of last pre-season and how they should be rectified to minimise risk this year. http://www.gersnetonline.co.uk/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=803&Itemid=1 As June slides into its final stages and the summer solstice has come and gone, most people look forward to their summer holidays. Meanwhile, as Britainâ��s airports reach fever pitch, football players are looking to return to training and the cogs of a new football season start to grind into action. As in the last few seasons Rangers will be heading to Germany for a training camp and three pre season friendlies. During last seasons visit to Germany two amateur teams managed to dominate Rangers for large spells of the game. In addition, the glamour game against Schalke saw us defending on our own 18 yard line for most of the game. The signs of football poverty were there for everyone to see. It would seem everyone that is, except the Rangers coaching staff. It was obvious to all we were crying out for midfield reinforcements but still Rangers stalled on buying Stevie Davis to save �£500,000. A decision that probably cost us �£10million in the long run, by missing out on the Champions' League and European football in general. Surely the reason for these pre-season games is not only to get match practice, but also to evaluate the development of the team. Newspapers, football forums and everyone who had the slightest piece of football knowledge, could see that Rangers were struggling to beat teams at amateur level. Then came the first leg of the Kaunas debacle. Still the signs that we were not equipped to even beat a so called pub team at home never got the alarm bells ringing. Only when we lost to Kaunus in Lithuania did the penny drop that we needed reinforcements. Closing the barn door after the horse had bolted springs to mind. It is of course easy to blame Walter Smith but we also have to ask ourselves in how much Walters hands were tied in spending any cash for players. Looking at it from a distance it looks like the club board had decided the risk of losing to Kaunas was minimal and saving money on transfer deals was worth risking the �£10million Champions' League cash. A decision that came back to haunt us. A decision that meant that Carlos Cuellor - arguably the best defender to play for Rangers in years - had to be sold to finance any new signings. This season, with the tour of Germany leading the way to a tournament at the Emirates where we meet Paris St Germain and Arsenal, followed by two friendlies against Manchester City and Portsmouth, there will be plenty of chances to assess our development. While knee-jerk reactions to bad games are no use to anyone, these games will offer up an insight to where our weak points are. Indeed, most Rangers fans will aleady agree we need to strengthen our defence (especially if Bougherra is lost to international duty during much of January) while left-midfield remains a priority. Of course, as it stands, finance is an issue so that is as good a reason as any to ensure the younger players (such as Wilson and Fleck) are given the chance to impress and develop in the close season. Our technical staff have to monitor this and act upon it if necessary. While advancing in the Champions' League would be financially fantastic, a more realistic run in the UEFA Cup should be achievable where we'd have to end at least third in the CL group. With the SPL television money uncertain we have to look to Europe to make our money. As such, if we do not strengthen then I feel we will be missing out on valuable income. The technical and management staff must use the close season to spot the weak spots and patch them up immediately. We cannot afford another such weak start to the season as last year. Our management have to read the signs and make certain of a Euro run and Euro money whilst consolidating our place as the SPL's best side. Gambling with money is a mug's game. Let's minimise the risk by making sure the team is ready immediately. :spl:
  4. WALTER SMITH has vowed to hand Murray Park's top kids a shot at Ibrox stardom. Double-winning Gers boss Smith is ready to axe several fringe players this summer. He will slash the first-team squad from 28 to 20 and give youngsters like John Fleck and Danny Wilson a bigger role. Jim Sinclair, Gers' head of youth development, believes the kids for fame can make a big impact. Sinclair said: "They are as good a crop as I have seen and I hope they can go on. "For them, the ultimate achievement would be to grab a first-team jersey and keep it. "It would be too presumptuous to expect them to pick up a jersey every week next season. "But the season is going to be all about contributing to the team in whatever way they can. "There is no better time than now in view of the fact that the manager has chosen to reduce his first-team squad and use our lads to complement it." Fleck, 17, has the highest profile of the kids on the Murray Park conveyor belt. He became the youngest-ever Scottish Cup winner in 2008 and has already made over a dozen senior appearances. But he will be joined by several other homegrown talents in Smith's plans for next term. Andrew Little has already won senior caps for Northern Ireland at just 20 and has played in a Scottish Cup semi-final. Jamie Ness, Steven Stirling and Ross Perry were among five Gers kids in the Scotland Under-19 squad at the recent Euro elite qualifiers. Andrew Shinnie, Jordan McMillan and Rory Loy are all back at Ibrox from valuable loan spells in the First Division. And 17-year-old centre-back Danny Wilson was frequently on the bench in the run-in to the Double. Wilson, a signing target for Spurs last season, will provide cover for Madjid Bougherra and veteran captain David Weir. And Sinclair believes the teenager has already benefited from working with Gers' senior stars. He said: "The experience Danny gained, despite the fact he didn't actually get on the pitch, would have been invaluable. "Just being around the dressing room, hearing the chat from the manager and seeing how they prepare for such important matches is all part of the education - and a very important part. ''The biggest thing all these lads could ask for is the opportunity that seems to be going to arise. But they have seen other young players go through the system at Murray Park and make it. "So that shows them it is a realistic proposition." There are three reasons behind Smith's decision to promote this batch of kids. He's keen to reduce the wage bill by letting go big earners who played just a handful of games last term. He also wants to give encouragement to everyone in the Murray Park system that they can get the chance to progress. But, above all, he believes this group of youngsters have the potential to become Gers stars of the future. Sinclair added: "The whole reason for Murray Park being here is to breed youngsters for the first team. "It is difficult under any circumstances to look at a youngster and say categorically they are going to become first-team players. "But these boys are making steady progress and any opportunity they get will add to their experience. "They've had a bit of success as they have come through and that can stand them in good stead. "The fact that they have trained with the first team - some on a daily basis and some on a more selective basis - has been brilliant for all of them." http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/2501133/Gers-kids-wont-let-us-down.html
  5. Won't make any games this year as i am on holiday. Well at least i hope i don't as it will mean my boat has broken down.
  6. Aaron gone without getting a real chance. Another Gow mystery. In the time he had he looked reasonable. I guess he couldn't play centre-half.
  7. Taking on from the thread cut from the paper about players leaving, I started thinking about I personally would like to stay and go for next season. With Dailly and Hemdani already gone, and Ferguson (the top earner) on his way it seems, I would hold fire on trying too hard to get rid of McGregor and Boyd. I think that together with Edu Thomson Davis Lafferty Whittaker we have the makings of a good young side that are not only all worth big money should they have an impact on the CL games, but ultimately are good enough to win consecutive SPL titles and are not on huge money (Davis aside probably). The ones we should be more concerned with leaving are McCulloch, Velicka, and Smith(G), and we couldn't cry over more of the fringe players being replaced with our young promising players. We could get a decent fee, this year only, for Mendes and I would reluctantly sell him before I would sell McGregor or Boyd as I think the loss of Mendes would have a lesser effect on the team than the other two would. That is seven players I have noted that I dont think would affect us too badly, and if you add Adam, Gow, Smith(S), Naismith, that would be 11 leaving and would allow one or two more experienced players to come in to fill the real problem areas of the team, like the wide areas. My 24 man squad for next season is starting to look like this; GK: McGregor (1st team), Alexander (2nd choice), Robinson. DF: Weir, Bougherra, Papac, Whittaker (all 1st team), Webster, Wilson, Broadfoot, Wylde, MF: Davis, Thomson (1st team) Edu, Aaron, Beasley, new LM, new RM, plus one of Furman/Shinnie/Efrem. ST: Boyd, Lafferty (1st team) Miller, Fleck, Novo. We also have a lot of good proscpects in our reserves/U19's who should be looking to make a breakthrough, even from the bench this coming season. Players like Ness, Emslie, Loy, Campbell, Lennon, Lowing, Little, McMillan, Hutton. We have heard a lot of good things about these lads, and I would love to see us giving them a taste at the right times. Clearly I would love to see better players throughout the team, but given the financial mess the chairman has made of us again, coupled with uncertain times ahead, this squad should be good enough to see us through the season, unless we have major injury problems. The new midfield signings would have to be first team picks, but as we are getting rid of 11 and bringing in only 2, surely we could afford the wages for a couple of decent players that would bring the flair and creativity so badly lacking in recent years. Any thoughts bears?
  8. Heard Dailly needed another game to earn a medal. Heard Fleck needed two prior to the last game. But saw some fans saying the club can request as many as they want. Seems a bit of a nonsense that a guy who has played say 10 games deserves a medal, but a guy who play 9 does not. For my money anyone who played any game in the title winning campaign deserves a medal. Not a big deal perhaps, particularly considering Dailly isn't the most popular but I would like to think that everyone who played a part gets a medal.:spl:
  9. Thought I'd pick out five games that set us up for number 52. Others might disagree but hopefully get some debate. It's the nature of the season that I could also list five games where we almost blew it... Falkirk 0 - 1 Rangers (09.08.08) http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7548329.stm Bit of a forgotten victory this one but vital nonetheless. Just days after the Kaunas debacle, there was a horrible atmosphere surrounding the club, the fans reaching breaking point with an under-fire Murray. I recall a stream of posts on messageboards by Rangers fans stating they'd rather we lost the first game of the league season as it would put unbearable pressure on the custodian. Unsurprisingly Rangers played like arses, and had to rely on a McGregor penalty save and a second half Velicka strike to take three big points to get some semblance of normality back at the club. We won five of our next six games, only drawing at Pittodrie thanks to Corrupt Officiating Decision No. 1 of the season ruling out Beasley's late strike. Rangers 2 - 0 Dundee United (31.01.09) http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7858967.stm This match had dropped points written all over it at a time when Celtic were still 4 points clear. Rangers huffed and puffed without creating much in terms of chances until Fleck netted a high-pressure penalty with 10 minutes left. A last-minute Lafferty goal put gloss on the scoreline but I feel we'd have struggled to come back if we'd dropped further behind Celtic at this stage. Admittedly that sounds strange in a season when we clawed back a 7-point deficit not once but twice, but at the time the fans were all in agreement what a vital 3 points this was. Unsurprisingly speccy had something to say about the penalty decision. Roon ye. Hibs 2 - 3 Rangers (19.04.09) http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8003509.stm This is the game the bheasts had earmarked as the day we would fall out of the title race. It was also the game that put the shiters up me more than any other towards the end of the season. The monkeys had won the day before so the pressure was well and truly on. Drop points, and I didn't fancy our chances of taking the flag, but win and it would lay down a marker that we had the bottle to close out the title. Just as we had to yesterday, we came out the traps from the first whistle and scored three good goals and the final scoreline flattered Hibs IMO. I reckon the chimps' morale took a bit of a blow after we left Easter Road with all three points. Celtic managed two streaky wins from their next (last) five games while we romped home to take the title by four points. Rangers 1 - 0 Celtic (09.05.09) http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8032832.stm One of the biggest games in the history of Rangers IMO. We're all aware of the stakes tied in with this season's title. If we hadn't won this one I firmly believe we'd have lost the league as I reckon Celtic would have won their last three games, certainly the two home ones anyway. A draw would have kept Celtic a point ahead with three games left, while a defeat would have been game, set and match to the bheasts. While Celtic enjoyed the bulk of the possession, we scored and they didn't. This defeat killed them psychologically for me. Dundee Utd 0 - 3 Champions (24.05.09) http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8062744.stm Hey, hey, hey, it's a beautiful Sunday...
  10. 3 changes: Papac returns, Lafferty and Miller start. Alexander Whittaker Bougherra Weir Papac Edu Mendes Davis Lafferty Miller Boyd Ferguson on the bench!! Subs: McGregor, Ferguson, Novo, McCulloch, Dailly, Fleck, Wilson.
  11. Rangers v Aberdeen Venue: Ibrox Date: Saturday 16 May Kick-off: 1230 BST Coverage: BBC Radio Scotland & BBC Sport website. Rangers v Aberdeen Rangers striker Kenny Miller has recovered from a hamstring injury and fit-again midfielder Barry Ferguson also returns to the squad. Defender Sasa Papac should also feature after weeks on the sidelines but forward Andrius Velicka is ill. Aberdeen midfielder Mark Kerr returns from suspension. But Jamie Smith, Andrew Considine, Zander Diamond, Darren Mackie, Derek Young and Tommy Wright are all out injured and Peter Pawlett is doubtful. Rangers manager Walter Smith: "Aberdeen have been difficult opponents for us over the period of time that I've been back. "That will be a hard enough game for us so we'll just have to approach it in the manner that we can take advantage of the fact we're at home and go and try to win the game. "At Rangers and Celtic, the pressure is on and you've got to win whether you play on a Saturday or a Sunday. That's the bottom line. "I don't think all this stuff about pressure being put on you by the one who has played on the Saturday is there. "You've got to win the game anyway." Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood: "We are under no illusions about how difficult it is going to be. We have played well there in recent years and, if we had taken our chances, we could have come away with a victory. "Eighteen years is a long time for Aberdeen. It is the only ground that I have not won at since I came here and, having been born only a mile away from the stadium, it would be nice to get that monkey off my back. "I don't think Hearts and Dundee United would be too happy if we won, but we just have to look after ourselves. "If we get a draw and Hearts and Dundee United draw, or Hearts win, then that may be a good point for us." Rangers (from): Alexander, Dailly, Bougherra, Weir, Whittaker, Papac, Davis, Mendes, Edu, S Smith, Lafferty, Ferguson, Boyd, McCulloch, Miller, McGregor, Novo, Fleck, Wilson. Aberdeen (from): Langfield, Foster, Severin, Mair, Mulgrew, Duff, McDonald, Kerr, Aluko, Miller, Maguire, Bossu, Vidal, Stewart, Paton, Ross, Holme, Stirling Smith. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8051174.stm
  12. What happened here? Fleck was stripped and ready to come on for Daily but it didnt happen??? Surely he had to be thrown on as another attacking option! Isnt this about the 3rd time we have waited 10 mins for a sub, but on this occasion it didnt happen??
  13. I've heard we had our awards tonight with Fleck winning YPOTY and Davis winning players' POTY.
  14. A second-half double from Steven Lennon and a further strike from John Fleck have given the Reserves a sensational 3-2 win over Inverness Caley Thistle in their final league game of the season. John FleckTommy Wilson's side looked dead and buried when Adam Rooney put the Highland Jags 2-0 up in the 49th minute. But three goals in the space of six minutes put the Light Blues back in front and they held on to their lead to secure all three points. With an average age of just 18 this afternoon's game was always going to be a big test for Rangers and they were to suffer a blow on 28 minutes when Rooney linked with teammate Garry Wood before curling the ball beyond Graeme Smith. The visitors fought back desperately in search of an equaliser before half-time but Ryan Esson was in inspired form between the Caley posts. Rooney then doubled his team's advantage after the break when he fired the ball home after Iain Vigurs had supplied a cross from the left. Steven Lennon, Rangers Despite their youth the Rangers players battled back brilliantly and they were given a glimmer of hope on 59 minutes when Steven Lennon pulled one back after scrambling home a rebound from a Jamie Ness header. Only 60 seconds and they received a further boost when Pavels Mihadjuks blocked a John Fleck free-kick with his hand and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. Lennon stepped up and the striker confidently sent the keeper the wrong way to put his team level. With Caley stunned John Fleck was to take full advantage by bagging what proved to be the winner in the 64th minute. Lennon, Archie Campbell and substitute Chris Craig linked well in midfield before releasing Fleck who curled a delightful shot around the helpless Esson. It was a great way for the club's second string to end the season and has given them hope of finishing second in the SPL table. ICT: Esson, Gathuessi, Mihadjuks, Finnis, Shinnie, Z. Sutherland (Leslie 70), Duncan, Morrison, Vigurs, Rooney, Wood (S. Sutherland) RANGERS: Smith, Durie, Scott, Perry, Wylde, Stirling (Craig 45), Ness, Fleck, Aaron, Campbell (Forbes 75), Lennon
  15. Just wondering whats going on with him as he was on the scene for a bit and has drifted into the background , as why is Stevie Smith getting a LM slot before Fleck ?? I have heard that Walter doesnt rate him ??? we are crying out for a LM/LW and we have in the squad McCulloch Beasley Fleck Naismith Novo and he goes with a LB Walter worries me with his Crazy Positons for the players.
  16. RANGERS Reserves will be doing everything in their power to stop rivals Celtic clinching an eighth consecutive SPL title at Ibrox this afternoon. Willie McStay's side are currently six points clear at the top with a game in-hand and will be crowned champions if they avoid defeat . The biggest challenge facing Tommy Wilson today will be naming his starting eleven as the first-team squad is already stretched going in to the split and the club's under-19s face Hibs in the final of the SFA Youth Cup tomorrow night. Steven Naismith, Andy Webster, Aaron, John Fleck and Graeme Smith are all expected to feature alongside under-21 stars including Andrew Little and Steven Lennon. Today's Old Firm showdown will kick-off at 2pm. Entry to the match is via East Enclosure turnstiles (26 and 27) only and turnstiles will be open from 1pm. Season ticket holders can take in this game for free on production of their smartcard at turnstile 26. Non season ticket holders can also come along to cheer on the Reserves - kids go free and adults can watch the game for just �£5 - simply turn up on the day and pay at East Enclosure turnstile 27 (cash only). There will be free parking in the Albion car park adjacent to the stadium.
  17. TOMMY WILSON'S reserve side earned a vital 2-1 win over Aberdeen that keeps their league title hopes alive after Celtic lost away to Hearts. With three games remaining Wilson's side are seven points behind their Old Firm rivals with the pair set to meet at Ibrox on April 28. A victory for Celtic at Forthbank would have ended the Gers' league challenge this afternoon but news of their defeat came just as the light blues secured victory. It was a hard fought but thoroughly deserved win for Wilson's side as a penalty from Stevie Smith and a John Fleck strike midway through the second half put them in control. A late Michael Paton penalty for the visitors made it a nervy final five minutes but the Gers had enough to hold on for three important points. They had dominated the opening 45 minutes, hitting the woodwork on three separate ocassions, despite losing Alan Lowing to injury after just 10 minutes. The right back came off worst in a 50/50 challenge and was replaced by Scott Durie who had only been included in the squad after a warm up injury to Ross Perry. John FleckIt didn't disrupt the flow for the home side though and they peppered the Dons' goal with long range efforts as Andrew Little and Stevie Lennon both tested Bertrand Bossu from the edge of the area. Little's rising left foot effort looked bound for the top corner until the giant keeper tipped it away at full stretch. And Lennon cam just as close when his strike from a similar spot was deflected behind after he had collected the ball following some wonderful movement by John Fleck. But the best chance of the first half came a little over ten minutes before the interval when a sweeping move ended with Little laying the ball in to the path of Lennon, but the forward could only fire his effort off the bar as Rangers hit the woodwork for the third time. With the match unfolding as though it may not to be Rangers' day there was relief when the deadlock was broken four minutes in to the second half. Andrius Velicka went down under the challenge of Samuel Stewart and left penalty duties to his first team colleague Smith, who duly despatched the ball low to the Dons keeper's left. Stevie SmithSmith was then replaced by Steph Stirling on the hour mark, perhaps with Sunday's visit to Easter Road in mind. And it took Rangers just five more minutes to secure the points when Velicka picked out John Fleck with a pinpoint pass and the 17-year-old made no mistake from just inside the box. Stirling came close to increasing that lead with eight minutes remaining as he rattled the Dons' woodwork for the fourth time in the match with a powerful drive from the edge of the area. However it was the visitors that would complete the scoring when Scott Gallacher was judged to have fouled Paton in the six yard box and the match's second penalty was awarded. Paton converted, but Rangers held out for the final few minutes to keep alive a slim hope of reserve league success. Rangers: Gallacher; Lowing (Durie 10), Webster, Wilson, Wylde; Lennon, Hemdani, Little, S.Smith (Stirling 60); Velicka (Miller 72), Fleck. Subs: Vaiculis.
  18. TOMMY Wilson's reserve side will hope to keep the title race alive this afternoon but know victory over Aberdeen at Murray Park may not be enough for them. Tommy WilsonThey trail Old Firm rivals Celtic by ten points with four games remaining and know that a win for the league leaders over Hearts will end their hopes. But Wilson, who hopes to include returning first teamers Stevie Smith and Andrius Velicka as well as John Fleck in his match squad, admits while he retains hopes of a title success he knows his side are in a tough spot. He said: "We know a Celtic win will be enough for them but we just have to keep it going for as long as we can. "Given the circumstances surrounding the reserve side this season if I'd thought we would even be in with a slim chance at this stage I'd have been delighted. "We've had so many guys go out on loan and there have been a few move up to the first team too, but that's what it's all about for us. "If you look at the first team squad for Saturday's win over Motherwell it included Neil Alexander, Christian Dailly, Stevie Smith, Andrius Velicka and Mo Edu. "They've all played a big part over the season for us and that's meant that they've been ready when this first team chance has come along for them. "It would obviously be nice to win the reserve league this season but our primary role is to make sure the first team is well served." Kick-off for today's home meeting with Aberdeen at Murray Park is 2pm.
  19. THE family and friends of Rangers fanatic Garry Lynch have helped raise �£25,000 for the Rangers Youth Department after calling on fans to buy Rising Stars tickets in his memory. Garry sadly passed away in February aged just 52 and his family - wife Elaine, son Garry and daughter Angela - have been astounded by the support they have received from the Rangers Family. After discussions with friends and fellow Rangers fans, the idea of helping the Rangers Youths, which was one of Garry's favourite pastimes, came to the fore. Neil Alexander promotes the Gary Lynch Rising StarsFollowing talks with the Club, his family and friends launched a campaign to sell Rising Stars tickets in his honour and in the past few weeks supporters from around the globe have bought almost 35,000 tickets. The Club sells around 5,000 at a typical home game so the Rangers fans deserve great credit for their generosity in Garry's memory. Rising Stars tickets can be bought online via the Rising Stars link at http://www.rangerslotto.co.uk or by calling 0141 427 4914. Tickets can also be obtained before home games or in person from the Lotto Office, 2nd Floor Broomloan Stand, Ibrox Stadium or by sending an email to lotto@rangers.co.uk Tomorrow's Rising Stars draw to be made at half-time during the Motherwell match will also earn one lucky winner the chance to win a jackpot of around �£15,000 - which would be a record payout for any UK football club for a half-time draw. Goalkeeper Neil Alexander joined Rangers legend Ian Durrant, Rangers Youth Academy Director Jim Sinclair, youth star John Fleck and Garry's son at Murray Park today (Friday, 10 April 2009) to give the campaign a final push ahead of this weekend's SPL game with Motherwell at Ibrox Stadium - where tickets will be on sale in Garry's memory for the final time. Garry Lynch Jr said: "This is a great way to honour my Dad's memory and something I know he would have loved to see happen. "We hope to achieve a record payout at the Motherwell match tomorrow and we are delighted Neil Alexander promotes the Gary Lynch Rising Stars the money is going to the Rangers Youth Department. "My dad never missed a game - first-team, reserve or youth - and I have been touched by the messages of support our family has received from fans worldwide. "I'd like to thank everyone who has bought a Rising Stars ticket in his honour and I would encourage supporters to buy them at the match tomorrow so we can raise as much money as possible." Jim Sinclair commented: "Everyone at the Club was shocked to hear of Garry's death. "He was well known to the players and staff at Rangers and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. "Garry was a passionate and committed Rangers fan who was also regular at our Reserve and Youth Team matches. "His family has created a lasting legacy in his honour with this donation to the Club's Youth Department and I can't thank them - and the fans who bought tickets in Garry's memory - enough for their generosity."
  20. RANGERS have announced the nominees for their Player-of-the-Year awards. Pedro Mendes will be favourite to take the award having impressed since his arrival from Portsmouth last summer. Also in the frame are Kris Boyd, Steve Davis, Madjid Bougherra, Allan McGregor and David Weir. Among those up for the Young Player of the Year are John Fleck after his meteoric rise this season in Walter Smith's first-team as well as Kyle Lafferty, who still qualifies in the young category and Spanish midfielder Aaron. Bougherra and Fleck for me
  21. RANGERS' on-loan star Andrew Shinnie was on target for Scotland's under-21s last night as they beat Albania 5-2 at the Falkirk Stadium. Andrew ShinnieAnd there was further good news for John Fleck who was given his second cap following his debut in Elbasani on Saturday. Billy Stark's kids are now flying high at the Group 10 summit and, having taken six points from two games, they could not have got their qualifying campaign for the 2011 European Championships off to a better start. Dundee United's David Goodwillie got the young Bravehearts opening goal in a sluggish first-half but the game burst to life in the second. Chris Maguire doubled his side's advantage before Murray Park starlet Shinnie, who has gained great experience on-loan at Dundee, added a third with an excellent finish after Albania's keeper Shpetim Mocka had blocked a Maguire shot. Fleck had come on for the final few minutes of the country's 1-0 win over the same team on Saturday and he was to replace Aston Villa kid Barry Bannan on 66 minutes last night to huge roars from the 3,080 crowd. Jamie Murphy and Stephen McGinn rounded off the scoring and the fact Albania bagged two goals was irrelevant on an excellent night. John Fleck Elsewhere Gers' Reserve star Andrew Little was an unused sub for Northern Ireland as Nigel Worthington's men sensationally moved to the top of Group 3 with a 1-0 win over Slovenia. Little, of course, made his full international debut on Saturday against Poland having yet to make his top team debut at Ibrox.
  22. JOHN FLECK took the next step in his blossoming career on Saturday when he made his Scotland under-21 debut in Elbasani's Ruzhdi Bizhutu Stadium and he hopes to get another run-out for Billy Stark's team tonight at the Falkirk Stadium. John FleckThe 17-year-old came off the bench in the 80th minute as the young Scots ran out 1-0 winners in the first of two European Championship 2011 group qualifiers against Albania. It was the perfect start for the country's talented kids and they will be looking for a similar result tonight in their second Group 10 fixture. Facing the Albanians was have been a massive boost to Fleck who burst in to Walter Smith's first-team plans earlier this year before taking a slight dip in form which happens to most young stars. After scoring his first senior goal against Dundee United on January 31 John was being tipped for global stardom by sections of the media but the player himself has kept his feet firmly on the ground and realises his first goal is to become an established first-team star at Rangers. He said: "In the past couple of years there has been a lot written and said about me and there is even more now that I have moved in to the first-team. "It is great that people are interested but I let a lot of it go over my head. "I think the most important thing when you are my age is to keep your head down and just focus on trying to play football. "There can be a lot of things happen around you but I just want to do my best at Rangers and keep improving." Despite only making eleven appearances for the Gers' top team to date rumours started back in February that Fleck could be in line for a shock call-up to George Burley's full international squad with the coach admitting he was monitoring his progress. John, however, was delighted to be selected for the country's under-21s and insists this has been the best step for his career. He said: "At times I think people do expect a lot from me but that is something you have to get used to when you are at a club like Rangers. "I have loved the experience of playing in the first-team recently but there was a couple of games where I didn't play as well as I want to. "That has been frustrating but I am still learning and I am sure the consistency will come with the more experience I get." John has not featured in the top team since March 4 against Inverness Caley Thistle but he is fully aware that patience is an important ingredient for any young player at a major club. He said: "The past few months have seen me take a few big steps in that I have played in some big games with Rangers and scored my first goal for the first-team. "I have also been picked for the under-21s and made my debut so I am delighted with the way things are going. "At the same time I know that all the hard work starts here and although I have played against the likes of AC Milan, Celtic, Aberdeen and Dundee United I need to be more consistent. "When you are young your form can go
  23. It was a mixed bag of results for the bears away on international duty this weekend. The senior players in the dark blue of Scotland, Ferguson and McGregor making the starting XI, suffered a disappointing if not entirely unexpected defeat at the hands of the resurgent Dutch. More on the National team elsewhere. There was, however, better news for the youngsters of the under 21 squad. Rory Loy and John Fleck as substitutes, along with Andrew Shinnie, contributed to a 1-0 away victory as they defeated their Albanian counterparts to secure a vital 3 points in their opening u21 Championship Qualifier. The youngsters will be looking for a similar result when they complete the second part of a double header against Albania at the Falkirk stadium in an early kick off on Wednesday. Saturdayâ��s match will have passed by largely unnoticed, with the majority engrossed in the full national teamâ��s match with the Oranje superstars. However it was a big afternoon for Fleck, making his bow at this level when he came on as a late substitute and he will be looking to add to his caps at this level on Wednesday. Another Rangers youngster enjoyed an even bigger occasion on Saturday. With the Northern Ireland squad depleted through injuries and suspensions, Rangers youngster Andy Little received a call up to the national squad despite never having played in the Rangers First team. Little again appeared as a late substitute as the Northern Ireland secured a valuable 3-2 victory over a Poland side inspired by the calamitous Artur Boruc. Most of the people reading this will be familiar with Scottish football and the Boruc blunders that are so regularly you can set your watch by them. So it was no surprise to see him coming charging out of his goal and getting nowhere near a cross allowing Feeney to nod into the gaping goal. Worse was to come for the bungling Pole as a 30 yard backpass managed to evade the outrushing keeper and trundled into the back of his net sealing defeat for Poland. Yet another inept performance has seen the struggling keeper dropped for a clash against the mighty San Marino. A real vote of no confidence in the (donâ��t snigger) �£10 million rated keeper. Up next for Northern Ireland is another home tie against Slovenia. Nigel Worthington will be looking for his troops to collect another three points and reach his target of 6 from 6 this international week. Their hopes will be boosted by the returning Steven Davis, absent against Poland through Injury. The Ulsterman will be looking to put in a good display ahead of the title run in with Rangers, whilst Little may find it more difficult to add to his caps this time out. Perhaps the best news from Saturdayâ��s World Cup Qualifiers came from Africa. Despite only managing a goal-less stalemate with Rwanda, Walter Smith will be pleased that Madjid Bougherra came through the match unscathed. Having been missing in recent weeks due to a bit of a freak injury, the Rangers backline has look far from his stingy best and POTY front-runner Bougherra will be essential to maintaining the title push. Algeria are not in action Wednesday night so I expect to see Madjid back marshalling the defence at Falkirk this weekend. Damarcus Beasley, recently returned to the Rangers first team with an improved display in the disappointing draw with Hearts, played the full 90-minutes as the USA came from 2 down to draw in El Salvador and ensure their qualification campaign remained on track. Maurice Edu, with appearances hard to come by in his debut season in the SPL, will have been pleased to get a late run out for the national team and will look to build on that over the remainder of the season. Wednesdayâ��s Hampden tie with Iceland is a huge fixture for George Burley if we are to secure second spot behind the Dutch and give ourselves a chance of a ply off spot. Further slip up such as Macedonia away and Norway at home cannot be tolerated if we are to have any chance of success. Keep an eye on this site for fuller analysis of the upcoming match. With many of our key performers in action again this week; Ferguson, McGregor with Scotland and Davis with Northern Ireland, Walter Smith, Ally McCoist, and Kenny McDowall will be hoping they come through these games unscathed. Lafferty is already sidelined for the rest of the season and the coaching staff will not want to see the squad further depleted.
  24. RANGERS' Scotland stars were hurting in Holland last night as they went down 3-0 in the Amsterdam Arena. Barry Ferguson captained the side, Allan McGregor was helpless to prevent the three goals and Kenny Miller missed a decent chance early in the game. Barry Ferguson and Scott Brown were left disappointed in AmsterdamThe Dutch were a class above but the Scots were incredibly denied a perfectly good goal when Gary Caldwell headed into the net. French refree Laurent Duhamel implied there had been some impeding of the Dutch keeper Maarten Stekelenburg. No-one else could see it and moments later the Dutch wrapped the game up with a Dirk Kuyt penalty, Former Rangers striker Ross McCormack was also in the side while Alan Hutton got on for the last 20 minutes. That's good news with Wednesday's infinitely more important tie with Iceland coming up at Hampden. Meanwhile Rangers youngster Andy Little was in dreamland last night as he came on for his first Nothern Ireland cap.Andrew Little Little, who has yet to play in the Ibrox first team, got the last few minutes as Northern Ireland defeated Poland 3-2 to give themselves qualfication hope. Steve Davis was suspended for the game but will come back in for Wednesday's game with Slovenia. Meanwhile DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu were both in action for the United States, who had to come back from two down to earn a 2-2 draw with El Salvador in San Salvador. Beasley played the whole game while Edu was a late substitute for Michael Bradley. The result keeps the Americans in ideal shape for qualification for South Africa, DaMarcus Beasley in action for the United StatesAlthough unavailable for Rangers for the past two matches, the Co-operative Insurance Cup Final and the 2-2 SPL draw with Hearts, Madjid Bougherra played the whole match for Algeria yesterday as they drew 0-0 with Rwanda in Kigali in the opening match of their qualification process. That will be good news for Walter Smith who will expect Bougherra to be back in harness for next Sunday's resumption of the SPL at Falkirk. John Fleck and Rory Loy both came on as substitutes as Scotland under-21s, with Andrew Shinnie in their ranks, secured an excellent 1-0 away win over Albania. The two countries meet again on Wednesday at the Falkirk Stadium.
  25. JOHN FLECK has enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom with Rangers this season but the talented youngster is more than happy to take his international career one step at a time. After scoring his first top team goal from the penalty spot against Dundee United on January 31 there were suggestions that John, 17, could be included in George Burley's 'A' squad for the country's forthcoming European Championship qualifiers against Holland and Iceland. John FleckAlthough he would have been as proud as punch to be selected for fixtures of this importance the talented teen always knew his chances would be slim despite many people tipping him to blast on to the international stage like a Wayne Rooney or Michael Owen. This, of course, is a rarity and last week Fleck was over the moon to be picked by Billy Stark for the Scotland under-21 squad that will take on Albania home and away over the next seven days. Having only made six starts at senior level in a Light Blue jersey John has no doubt that being part of this set-up will be hugely beneficial to his development and he couldn't wait to meet up with his new under-21 colleagues earlier this week. He said: "It's great for me as a young boy to be picked at this level. "We have two big games coming up against Albania and I have to thank Billy Stark for giving me this chance. "There was a lot of talk about me possibly being selected for the top team but I think being with the 21s is the right step for me. "People were saying I could play against Holland this weekend but to be honest I never listen to things like that. "I am still only 17 and have just broken in to the first team at Rangers. "Right now I am just very pleased to be picked the 21s for the first time and if I can make my debut even better." Fleck is one of four Murray Park kids to travel to Albania this week for the first of two European Championship qualifiers and he was joined by goalkeeper Scott Gallacher midfielder Andrew Shinnie and striker Rory Loy. The 2009 European Championship finals will be played this summer in Sweden but with Scotland failing to progress they will now get their qualifying campaign for 2011 underway on Saturday in Elbasani's Ruzhdi Bizhutu John FleckStadium with a return clash at the Falkirk Stadium being played on April 1. John is confident his side can start their qualifying group, which also includes Austria, Belarus and Azerbaijan, off to a flyer by taking full points. He said: "When you look at the squad we have there are a lot of lads playing first-team football every week so I won't be going there expecting to start or anything like that. "When we meet up I will try to impress the coach like everybody else and if I play I will do my best to help the team. "Over the years I have played for Scotland at different levels and when you pull on the jersey it makes you very proud. "If I get that chance again in the next week or so it will be a big thing for me so I will give 100 per cent and hopefully we can get a couple of victories. "I would be lying if I said that I knew anything about Albania but if we play well I am sure we can do well and get a couple of good results. fleck old firm_160"At international level you can never underestimate any team, I am 17 and already I know that, but I always try to be confident going in to every game no matter who it is against." John will use his time with Scotland to catch up with two of his Gers teammates Shinnie and Loy, both of whom are enjoying successful loan spells at Dundee and Dunfermline. He said: "It's great that there are a few of us from Rangers in the squad. "Scott is obviously a talented keeper while Andrew and Rory have been doing very well on loan and have been involved in big games. "So being with the under-21s will be a great experience and we will all be desperate to make the most of it." In what is a complex European Championship U21 qualifying system for 2011, ten group winners and the four best runners-up advance to a Final Tournament Play Off stage which will take place between the 9th and 13th of October 2010. The final tournament will then be played between the 12th and 25th June 2011.
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