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Post Hibs debacle midweek one poster, might have been Andrew_2010, Said that should we still win this league it would be a case of them throwing it away. Not us winning it. I said it is an idea that annoys me. The league is won for most points over a season. So whether they drop points in the first or the last game is irrelevant, the point is you have won more than them over the entire season to win the league (or not as the case may be). I then, however went on to say, that in this instance however I agreed with the original statement. We would need them to throw it away. The glorious nature of being a football fan is I can be fickle and I can be a hypocrite. But looking at it objectively when not high on emotion and drunk on beer, how can I state that us dropping points at Easter Road was throwing it away, but should Hibs take something from Celtic it would not be us winning it but them losing it? Going into the split, we were just a point behind. Beat Celtic in the "six-pointer" then match their results and we would be champions. How can I then say we have been gifted a title should we beat them and match their other results to win the league. It's a nonsense. Emotion got the better of me. Prior to the draw at Easter Road we were on a 7 game winning streak. We dropped points at a difficult venue for the first time this season, but still took a creditable point. The same as Celtic. Win at Tannadice and it is ours. We would have won it. We would have earnt it. On recent form we more than deserve it. Post split we would have overcome a deficit and taken 13 points from 15 available. Sure, we could and should have beaten Hibs. The timing of the defeat, the apparent apathy from the players and the perceived negativity of the manager magnified a poor result. But even great teams lose when they shouldn't. When it's unexpected. It is all about ensuring these results don't ultimately damage our title ambitions. One draw against hibs to lose the title after a great late surge for the Championsip would be incredibly harsh. If we win this league it is more than deserved and one bad draw, that would have been a win but for yet more dodgy officiating doesn't change that. P.s I reserved the right to turn a 180 as a full time fickle football fan. P.P.s Celtic's mumping and moaning about playing at Easter Road sure bit them on the arse. Hopefully integrity F.C. will have learnt to keep their oversized gobs shot in future.

Hibernian manager Mixu Paatelainen refuses to be drawn on the future of captain Rob Jones. More...

Now I know we've had a topsy turvy season and many think we're still shite despite sitting top of the league, but is it starting to look like we've got the makings of a half decent team for next season and beyond. Now a few results don't make a season but then as some say, "the table doesn't lie" and that is despite seeming to have a team, yet again, in transition. What I think we have definitely seen is quite a few players who have shown potential - and most of them are pretty young and seem to be constantly developing. If we can keep who we choose then our core squad could start with: Alexander - no spring chicken but not exactly old for a keeper, he shown us a safe pair of hands in almost every game he's played. He's consistent and gives us few heart attack moments. I'm warming to him a lot more than MacGregor. Whittaker - a frustrating player who has been inconsistent but shown so many flashes of pure genius. In quite a few games he's been the most exciting player on the park with some goal of the season contenders to show for it, but in others he's incredibly poor. I think lately he's showing a lot more of his good side and if he can continue to do that I think he'll start to be able to fill Hutton's shoes. Bougherra - what can you say about the most consistently classy player in the team? He's acheived the impossible in creating the term, "Carlos who?" It may not be possible but I'd love to see him stay long term and become a Rangers legend like Butcher and Gough. Steve Davis - He's had plenty of poor games this season but when he plays well he lifts the whole team and our overall performances dramatically improve. Many would say he's playing out of position, but would he be better than Mendes in the middle? I think he'll be a far better player next season when he'll hopefully recapture his Aston Villa form but with maturity improving him. You never know, that OF performance could be the making of him. Mendes - he's actually been a disappointment despite probably being the first name on most fans teamsheet. One wonders if he's still adjusting to Scottish football and will show us the real deal next season. He's been too quiet in most games, rarely beating a player and coming up with few decent shots resulting in a low goals return. I sometimes feel he's lacking a bit in pace which even the most skilful players need to skip past players (well except for Gazza). I still see him as massive potential who might also play better with a better performing team around him. Thomson - probably the captain for next season and deservedly so. Seemed to be our best player before injury and has been a huge loss which is only recently been mitigated by Edu. Destined to be an Ibrox great there is no doubting his potential. Edu - slow start for the light blues but now putting in MOTM performances every week. I thought he might be a bit lightweight but he is repeatedly proving me wrong. Shows grit and tenacity which is highly valued in the Ibrox stands as well as composure and ability to read the game. Definitely a better option than Ferguson and together with Thomson will give the manager a selection headache next season. With him deserving to keep his place, we might not see Thomson again for a while... Lafferty - derided with his initial performances which in no way matched his price tag, but perhaps because for some reason he's completely crap at left wing. When put up front he was just starting to convert the Ibrox faithful when he also was struck down with a badly timed injury. Another that perhaps needs some time but who could come good very soon. He certainly has youth on his side. Boyd - the enigma who seems to need a right kick up the arse every few games and actually seems to respond to such a bollocking. He seems to improve his all round game for a while only to slip back to his lazy, immobile, non contributing self. If we can get him to put in a shift EVERY week then he could perhaps unite the fans who are so clearly divided over his usefulness. Miller - He's been a strange one. If anyone needed to win over the fans with a fine run of form it's been him, but he's not quite been able to do that - maybe due to niggling injuries. Blows very hot and cold, but when he's hot, he's on fire. Don't know whether his finishing is poor or just damn unlucky, he could certainly improve his own all round game by even getting half the goals of Boyd. But perhaps he just needs a second, less pressurised season to show his full ability. Velicka - the forgotten man who came in from the cold and showed a Boydesque knack of hitting the onion bag on a regular basis. Seemed to gel well with our most prolific striker with the latter actually providing the Lithuanian with a couple of the final balls for his goals. Seems to me to be a good squad player for the SPL who will certainly get valuable goals in domestic competition. Fleck - showed flashes of the future but probably in the end caught up in the pressure of our make our break season. He's only 17 so probably needs another season of kid gloves before being let off the leash. In the end he may have disappointed a few fans but that would be unfair to such a young lad. He's got talent but few understand the human element of the pressure of 50,000 fans who demand a top notch performance every game. He'll learn and is destined to be the Scottish player of his generation. Appart from those top choices we have the potential of quite a few other in the squad: Aaron - will probably start making more of an appearance next season, especially if we get the SPL title monkey off our backs. Many forget he's still 18 and will need a gentle introduction. Furman - will hopefully benefit from his loan spell and start to figure on the edges of the team. Will have stiff competition from Thomson and Edu but still one for the future. Webster - could be the partner we need for Boogie if he could just get fit enough for 5 minutes to get a shot in the team. Difficult to introduce him with Boogie and Weir forming such a solid partnership in this crucial season, so unless we discard him, he could be a potential equivalent to a new top signing if he gets back to his best. Smith - Still looks a shadow of his former self, done ok at left wing but looking increasingly average. Needs to try to re-establish himself at left back but if he can achieve that is anyone's guess. Adam - doing tremendously well for Blackpool, but then has he just found his level as a Championship player? Beasley - is another who has shown potential but just doesn't seem to stay fit long enough to cut it in the SPL. There's quite a few kids also doing well on loan who could start to make an impression. Then we have some of the lesser sung mainstays of the squad like Broadfoot, Papac and Novo who enhance our squad. So in conclusion, if we could manage a few decent signings in the summer, optimistically with the income from CL, most notably a central defender, a left back, and two wide men, we might have a squad that develops into a pretty decent team.

Rangers will remove the 'For Sale' sign from four of their biggest names if they clinch the SPL title and �£15million Champions League bounty. In another major boost for Ibrox fans, after Saturday's 1-0 victory over Celtic put their team two points ahead in the championship race with three games left, Sportsmail can reveal that Steven Davis, top scorer Kris Boyd, Pedro Mendes and Madjid Bougherra will be retained if wages are saved elsewhere. Boozegate pair Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor will still be sold if the right offers come in, but the capture of the league crown is now vital if Walter Smith's key men are to have a future in Govan. Last night, Bougherra fuelled the feelgood factor by vowing to remain at Rangers next season - and is anxious for David Weir to do the same to preserve their defensive partnership. The 26-year-old Algerian was among a number of star players linked with summer sales after Boyd's January transfer to Birmingham collapsed. City boss and ex-Ibrox manager Alex McLeish was an interested spectator on Saturday, but any pursuit of players may be in vain if his cash-strapped former club claim their first title for four years and beat Celtic to the automatic Champions League revenue. 'From what I see of these lads, the determination is there and I am confident they can handle the situation,' he said. 'The period when we were seven points behind is one that comes to mind. With the consistency Celtic had shown, it looked pretty difficult for us. 'The defeat in December was a huge disappointment because I felt that, for 70 minutes, we played the best we had done in any Old Firm game since I returned to the club. Now we must close it out.' Walter Smith Boss Walter Smith will need a star-studded team to compete in the Champions League After Hibs, Aberdeen visit Ibrox on Saturday lunchtime, with the final fixture at Tannadice on Sunday, May 24. 'I've said often enough that other games can have a massive influence,' said Smith. 'Anyone who saw us at Easter Road the other week will know what a difficult game Hibs gave us. Aberdeen have to come here and Tannadice has always been a hard place for us. 'So they are difficult games - and Celtic face them, too. But we are in a good position. We have to show we can handle it.' Meanwhile, Bougherra, the �2.5m signing from Charlton, insisted that staying at Rangers will see him continue to improve under Weir's tuition. The Scotland centre-back turned 39 yesterday, but Bougherra urged him to carry on into his 40s and hopes an extension to the veteran's contract will be agreed. 'I have learned so much playing with David,' he said. 'Everyone on the staff wants him to stay. 'The way he trains and plays shows what a great professional he is. I don't know if I could do the same at 39. I'll probably be back in Algeria with my family at that age, putting my feet up.' http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1180290/Ibrox-stars-sale-Rangers-clinch-SPL-title-Champions-League-spot.html

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By Andrew Dickson DAVID WEIR insists he'll put talk of extending his stay at Rangers to one side to focus on tomorrow's derby with Celtic. The veteran defender - signed initially as a stop-gap in January 2007 - should make his 120th appearance for the club in this weekend's derby. David WeirFormer Light Blues skipper Richard Gough has urged Weir to stay with Gers for as long as he can because he'll miss playing when he eventually gives up. But while the former Everton stopper is flattered by such comments, he's adamant he'll only look to the future in the summer and the title race is his sole concern just now. Weir, who will turn 39 on Sunday, said: "It was nice of Richard to say those things but I've got to be asked to stay here first. "I'll keep playing as long as I can, there's no doubt about that. I think I'm sensible enough to realise that. "But the priority for me just now is to try to get to the end of the season and to try to be successful. That's the most important thing. "Of course, I'd think about staying at Rangers if I was asked but I don't want to spend any time doing that just now. "We've got more than enough on our plate at the moment and there are more important issues than that to consider. The league deserves all of our attentions." David Weir, RangersWeir maintains tomorrow's game is not a title decider, despite others claiming a win for either side could end the championship as a contest. After this weekend, Rangers still have to play Hibs, Aberdeen and Dundee United while Celtic face the Arabs, Hibees and Hearts. As both clubs prepare for difficult finishing schedules, Weir knows the other teams in the top half of the SPL will be keen to play a part in where the title ends up. He added: "I think both teams would say they've got three tough games after this one and this season there have been points dropped by each side. "I'm sure Celtic would agree that regardless of whether it's them or us that wins this weekend, there's nothing guaranteed after that."

RANGERS' stars of the future will be looking to enjoy Old Firm success when they take on rivals Celtic in the Glasgow Cup final at Broadwood Stadium on May 11. The Light Blues beat Queens Park 5-0 to reach this year's final and will be hoping to get their name back on the famous trophy after losing out to the young Celts in 2008. Glasgow CupJim Sinclair will be in charge of the under-17 side on the night along with coach Alan Kernaghan and the club's youth supremo is looking for his teenage stars to put on a good show. Sinclair said: "The final will give our fans a chance to come along and see our talented young players in action. "Old Firm fixtures at any level always create a bit of excitement and our boys will be desperate to get their hands on the trophy after losing to Celtic last year. "It should be a terrific game and hopefully supporters will come along to Broadwood to support the team as they don't always get the opportunity to play in front of reasonable crowds. "It's a big occasion not only because it is game between Rangers and Celtic but because it's the final of a competition that has been in Scottish football for a long time. "Like Celtic we will be looking to get our hands on the trophy and I am sure our players will be up for the challenge." Glasgow's senior clubs Clyde, Partick Thistle, Queens Park, Rangers and Celtic have competed for the Cup on an annual basis since 1887 although there have been periods in history when the competition was put on hold. Up until 1986 it was effectively deemed a first-team tournament with clubs putting out full strength starting elevens and massive crowds attending the games. In the 20s and 30s it was not unusual for 90,000 fans to turn out for Old Firm clashes. broadwood stadium home of clyde And as recently as 1986 a crowd of 40,000 saw Rangers take the trophy with a 3-2 final win over Celtic courtesy of an Ally McCoist hat-trick. This gave Graeme Souness his first trophy only days after he was announced as the new Rangers manager. glasgow cup 2_160The Ibrox club retained the trophy the following season but the Cup was abandoned in 1988 and relaunched as a youth competition in 2008. Rangers have lifted the tournament on 44 occasions, more than any other Scottish club, but Sinclair hopes his young under-17 team can once again bring the trophy back to Ibrox. He added: "At this moment we have young boys at under-17 level who play in games that are titled non-competitive so the Glasgow Cup is a great vehicle for their education. "A few of our under-17 players including Darren Cole, Kal Naismith and Gordon Dick, to name just a few, have pushed up in to our under-19 team regularly this season and they will have benefited from that. "In last year's final we also saw boys such as Danny Wilson and Jamie Ness involved and this they have now been on the bench for the first-team. "So the Glasgow Cup is a good chance for fans to see the players coming through the ranks in action and the final against Celtic is one we are all looking forward to." The final will kick-off at 7.30pm at Broadwood on May 11. Tickets are priced at �£5 for adults, children under 16/OAPs admitted free of charge.

Aberdeen midfielder Jamie Smith is unhappy that he has not yet been offered a new deal. More...

Taken from http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A50477367 Thought you guys might be interested to see this.

BIRMINGHAM and Newcastle will fight it out over Ã?£4million Madjid Bougherra ââ?¬â? but only if Rangers LOSE the SPL title. Cash-starved Gers will have to sell some stars if they donââ?¬â?¢t pip Celtic to the crown. The Ibrox club are desperate for the Ã?£15million passport direct into the Champions League that comes with the title. And if they donââ?¬â?¢t get it, Algerian ace Bougherra will be high on the list of potential summer departures. Newcastle were keen on the stopper, 26, during the January transfer window and they still want him. They would only move if they keep their Premiership status ââ?¬â? while Birmingham will only bid if they go up. Former Gers gaffer Alex McLeish needs a win at Reading on Sunday to guarantee an instant return to the top flight. But itââ?¬â?¢s understood Bougherra is high on his wish list should he lead City into the cash-rich Premiership. French championship pacesetters Marseille have also had the ex-Charlton star watched this season. But Bougherra would prefer to stay in Britain as he believes his style of play is better suited to the game here. Fresh doubts over the playerââ?¬â?¢s long-term future were raised after the Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren on Saturday. Speaking in a radio interview, he appeared to hint that heââ?¬â?¢d leave if Gers didnââ?¬â?¢t win the title. Those remarks were subsequently retracted in a statement on the clubââ?¬â?¢s website. Bougherra said: ââ?¬Å?I have to say to the fans that I have no intention of leaving.ââ?¬Â SunSport understands he is committed to Walter Smithââ?¬â?¢s side and is happy to stay for the long haul. He wants to sample the Champions League with Gers and is keen to plant roots in Glasgow after several moves over the past five years. But itââ?¬â?¢s believed heââ?¬â?¢s also aware that he is likely to be sold if Gers miss out on the financial bonus of direct entry to the Champions League. http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/article2398932.ece

Roy Keane revealed his aim to take Ipswich back into the Barclays Premier League in one season as he declared: "It's good to be back." The former Manchester United captain, who has been out of work since leaving Sunderland in December, was confirmed as the new manager of the Tractor Boys after signing a two-year deal. Ipswich were last in the top flight in 2002 and previous manager Jim Magilton paid the price for not reaching the Coca-Cola Championship play-offs when he was sacked on Wednesday. Keane, who revealed he had received other offers, said: "It's a massive challenge trying to get the club back in the Premier League. "I'm excited and looking forward to it. I've had a good break. It's good to be back. "Three or four weeks ago I thought, if the opportunity came up, I was ready for it. I've signed a two-year contract but I'd like to try and do it (get promotion) in one year. "If I wasn't up for challenges I'd be out walking my dogs today. I think my dogs need a break." Keane insisted he would need time to take stock before beginning the process of shaping the team. "Nothing will be happening over the next week or two, we've got to take stock and take it from there," he said. He hinted at the possibility of major changes by adding: "There are a lot of players on long-term injuries and players whose contracts are up, so that might suit me. "But it would be unfair to say to players whose contracts are up 'You've got two games to prove yourself'." Keane was asked how his first meeting with the players at training had gone, and was his usual no-nonsense self in his response. "I had a chat with the players, I put demands on the players and they look up for it," he said. "All I've asked of any player as a manager is that they turn up for training on time and give 100%, and that's all I'm asking of the Ipswich players. If they're okay with that they will enjoy working with me, if not it will be a very brief relationship." Keane admitted the two-year contract could increase the pressure to turn things around quickly at Portman Road but added: "I'm very comfortable with the two years, if that means I'm putting myself under pressure - so what? "It's all about the challenge, when I took over at Sunderland I knew that was a big club and I could turn it around and it's the same here." Keane hopes some of the qualities he galvanised in his players while at Sunderland will again be in evidence at Portman Road. "We had a very good spirit and never-say-die attitude," he said of his time at the Stadium of Light. "We scored a lot of late goals and had great desire. "I always felt we would go to the end and I want that from Ipswich players. That's up to me to get into the players. "I'm convinced the players will enjoy working with me." He added the vision for the future laid out by the Ipswich board had played a major part in his decision to join the club. He said: "I enjoy working with ambitious people. There's enough people out there with no ambitions who are happy to go through the motions in life. "It's going to be very difficult, looking at the teams that will come down [from the Premier League]. "It's a massive challenge, but hopefully we will be in the mix. At the moment we are 26 points behind Wolves, so that's a big, big gap to make up." Asked why he had decided to take the job, Keane added: "My gut feeling, the ambition of the club, the history of the club. "It's a proper football club. I think I've been very lucky with the clubs I've been involved with and I'm very lucky to get this job." Chief executive Simon Clegg, who himself was only appointed this week, is confident Town have the right man to achieve their ambitions. He said: "It's an exciting and dynamic new era. It further demonstrates the aspirations and ambitions of this club and its owner, Marcus Evans. "I'm convinced, with Roy Keane as manager, we can build on the club's rich heritage and he will lead us back to Premier League football." Roy Keane Factfile 1971: Born Cork, August 10. 1987: Joins semi-professional League of Ireland club Cobh Ramblers after building reputation with Cork junior club Rockmount. 1990: Signed by Brian Clough for Nottingham Forest for �£10,000. 1991: Makes Republic of Ireland debut in 1-1 draw with Chile in Dublin. 1992: Arrested after rowdy scenes outside a Nottingham nightclub, but released without charge. 1993: January - Thrown out of another nightclub after being caught up in a brawl. July - Joins Manchester United for then British transfer record �£3.75million after 154 matches and 33 goals for Forest. 1994: Marks first season with United by helping club complete their first League and FA Cup double. 1995: Sent off for first time in career for stamping on Crystal Palace's Gareth Southgate during FA Cup semi-final replay. Later fined �£5,000. Two more red cards follow in first three months of 1995-96 campaign, at Blackburn in August and at home to Middlesbrough in October. 1996: March - Sent off on his 30th appearance for the Republic of Ireland against Russia in Mick McCarthy's first match as manager. May - Helps United clinch historic second double with 1-0 FA Cup final win over Liverpool. Fails to report for McCarthy's testimonial and Republic training after going on holiday to Italy, is denied Republic captaincy and left out for six matches by the national boss. 1997: April - Misses penalty for Republic against Romania and escapes without punishment after being involved in alleged scuffle. August - Named United captain following Eric Cantona's departure. September - Injures his knee trying to foul Leeds' Alf Inge Haaland at Elland Road. Misses rest of the season with cruciate ligament damage. 1999: April - Sent off against Arsenal in FA Cup semi-final replay for two bookable offences. Also booked in Champions League semi-final second leg against Juventus ruling him out of final against Bayern Munich. November - Scores the goal which earns a 1-0 Toyota Cup victory over Palmeiras of Brazil. United are the first British club to lift the Inter-Continental Cup. December - Signs a new four-year deal to stay at Old Trafford. 2000: May - Named PFA and Football Writers' Association player of the year before lifting another Premier League title. August - Sent off in Charity Shield at Wembley for two bookings, the second for a cynical challenge from behind on Chelsea's Gustavo Poyet. November - Criticises lack of atmosphere at Old Trafford accusing corporate spectators of being unable "to spell football never mind understand it" and only being interested in prawn sandwiches. 2001: April - Criticises United team-mates suggesting it may be time to break up the squad following their Champions League quarter-final defeat by Bayern Munich. Sent off after pre-meditated lunge at Haaland in United's derby encounter with Manchester City. September - Sent off for the ninth time in his United career after raising his hands at Newcastle's Alan Shearer. 2002: May - Keane is sent home from the World Cup after a row with Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy. August - Admits in his autobiography that his red-card tackle on Haaland was deliberate. September - Sent off for elbowing Jason McAteer during Manchester United's 1-1 draw at Sunderland. October - Banned for five matches and fined �£150,000 over Haaland incident. 2003: February - Despite the efforts of new Ireland manager Brian Kerr to tempt him back into the Republic's set-up, Keane announces his intention to retire from international football. 2004: February - Sent off as United lose in Porto in a Champions League last-16 clash. April - Announces he will play for Republic of Ireland. May - Makes first appearance for Ireland since McCarthy bust-up infriendly with Romania. 2005: February - Involved in tunnel row with Patrick Vieira before United's 4-2 win against Arsenal. August - Sir Alex Ferguson admits he had a row with Keane at United's pre-season training camp in Portugal in July. October - Announces his international retirement for a second time. November - Leaves Manchester United by mutual consent. December - Signs for Celtic in an 18-month deal. 2006: January - Makes Celtic debut in embarrassing Scottish Cup defeat to First Division Clyde. May - Finishes the season at Celtic, who win the Bank of Scotland Premier League. June - Announces his retirement from football. August - Confirmed as new manager of Sunderland. 2007: April - Earns automatic promotion to the Premier League for Sunderland. Team clinches Championship title the following week. 2008: May - Sunderland finish three points clear of relegation zone. September - Says he will not "tolerate people abusing me" after fans react angrily to an unconvincing Carling Cup win over Northampton. December 4 - Leaves Sunderland after crisis talks on Wearside. 2009: April 23 - Takes over at Championship side Ipswich on two-year contract.

I wouldn't rule out a Barry Ferguson comeback yet, warns Rangers coach Ally McCoist ALLY McCOIST last night insisted Barry Ferguson can still salvage a future for himself at Rangers. McCoist spoke out as the deposed Ibrox skipper was coming to terms with the calf injury that has almost certainly brought his own personal rollercoaster of a campaign to an end. But while it now seems sure that Ferguson will be shipped out of the club in the summer, McCoist insists he EXPECTS to see the 31-year-old back in a blue shirt again. Walter Smith's right-hand man turned up at Forthbank Stadium in Stirling on Tuesday moments after Ferguson had hobbled off, 60 secondsinto a reserve team clash with Hearts. If, as anticipated, that was his last appearance for Rangers then it will go down as a desperate and sad ending to the player's long-lasting love affair with the club. But even though Ferguson's relationship with Smith has broken down in the wake of the Boozegate scandal, McCoist remains adamant the midfielder will be back. He said: "I don't think for a minute that's been his last appearance in a Rangers shirt. "He has more than a year left on his contract and, that being the case, there is every chance he will play again. "Absolutely, he can come back next season. All he has is a calf injury. He has everything to get fit for with a year on the contract. "Unless something else happens, like he wishes to leave or a club comes in for him with an offer, then it is common sense he will be here next season. "That is the way it looks from where I am sitting. If that is the case then fantastic." Ferguson, in fact, has not given up hope of returning to action before the end of the season even though medics have said his injury will take six weeks to cure. McCoist also doubts the player's ability to heal in time and said: "I spoke with him very briefly after the game at Stirling. He has had his scan and there is definitely a tear in it. "He is thinking three weeks but I am thinking it may be longer than that - and no one had more calf tears than me. I hope that it is only three weeks for Barry." And McCoist has not ruled out a possible top-team return for Ferguson's Boozegate accomplice, Allan McGregor, in tomorrow's Scottish Cup semi-final clash with St Mirren. He said: "We have to move on. I wish I had a pound for every word that has been written over the past couple of weeks. "It is in the past now. Barry made a mistake, Allan made a mistake but let's move on. "McGregor will be considered and have a shout for selection - Barry would have too. You pick teams to win games." Apr 24 2009 Keith Jackson http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/rangers/2009/04/24/i-wouldn-t-rule-out-a-barry-ferguson-comeback-yet-warns-rangers-coach-ally-mccoist-86908-21302577/

Scottish football faces a bleak future unless it changes its youth system, says Hearts' Csaba Laszlo. More...

Over thee last few years, a number of Rangers fans, including myself, have been vocal in their criticism of the H word, due to its sectarian connetations. I was just having a look at Paul Elliott's blog and found the following entry which may be of interest as it's on a similar theme, and may be of use in any future campaigns. "On another Chelsea connection, I met David Baddiel recently who is looking at making an advertising film to highlight the fact that the word 'yid' is a racially offensive term. I support David's work and will be getting involved. The use of this term has gone unchallenged for too long and often leads to overt anti-semitism. Abusive terms like this just don't have a place in football anymore, whatever the context and we need to educate people as to its meaning." http://the-elliott-blog.blogspot.com/

This was the story of a rekindled love affair, hidden away inside a football match. It unfolded in front of 50,000 engrossed spectators and featured Steven Smith as the protagonist of the piece. An appreciation of the back story is vital. Smith had risen through the ranks at Rangers to become a first-team regular under Alex McLeish by the time he was 20. Despite his youth, he was spoken of as a future Scotland cap and had many anticipating that he and Alan Hutton would become established as Rangers' first-choice full-backs for a decade or more. Alas for Smith, injuries would curtail that progress. Pelvic and groin problems that had troubled him in his youth returned. He turned out for Paul Le Guen in an Old Firm match in December 2006 and was barely seen or heard of again. advertisement The injuries subsided and he was able to play in two Scottish Cup ties last season before disappearing into the background again. This season, fit again after recovering from an ankle knock, he has been simply unable to get into the team. Reluctantly, he agreed to move on from Rangers. A loan deal to St Mirren was agreed in January only for red tape to block the move. Smith, now 23, resigned himself to his fate, training every day knowing there was little chance of him featuring come the weekend. He gave up on ever playing for Rangers again. A mounting injury crisis, though, was to hand him an unexpected reprieve. Saturday marked his first league start for 28 months, in left midfield no less, and he responded with the sort of energetic, wholehearted performance that had helped forge his reputation all those years ago. Little surprise, then, that he seemed a little dazed but delighted as he mulled over a tumultuous few days. "It has been a long time, and difficult as well with injuries and then coming back but not playing," he said. "I never thought I would get the chance to play for Rangers again, to be honest with you, but a lot of the boys are injured and that was what it was going to take for me to get my chance. Hopefully I did well enough to get another one." Smith, an amiable if somewhat private man, did not even notify close family or friends that he would be playing for fear of creating too much of a distraction. "I wasn't really nervous," he added. "I never thought about it too much. If I had it might have hindered my performance. I just put my boots on and went out to play football. That's what I wanted to do. I never even told my family I was playing. I just wanted to go out there and let everybody know that I was back." Even when fit, there had seemed no way back for Smith. He stopped travelling to the matches, preferring to sit at home and watch the results come in from all across the country. Only the joy of looking after Ashton, his seven month-old son, preserved his sanity. He said: "It's hard training Monday to Friday and not getting a game at the end of the week. Playing with the reserves on a Tuesday, you don't prepare mentally the same. You try, but it's not the same as running out there in front of 50,000 every week. It's strange - you get used to not playing and not being involved. It's even harder when there's a squad of 26 going to games and you aren't there. "I didn't come to the games. I sat and watched Soccer Saturday on Sky, watched the scores coming in, and checked my coupon. I've got a wee baby now and when I got home after training on the Friday and I wasn't going to be involved at the weekend, I would go up and see him and it would take my mind off football. Maybe that was a good thing for me, getting away from football and getting my desire back." Smith was certain that he would be moving on in the summer. He recently played in a charity match for Cardiff City, alongside former Rangers team-mates Gavin Rae and Chris Burke, and a permanent transfer to the Championship side had been mooted. Should the door now be ajar for him to reignite his Rangers career, however, the player will be more than happy to stay put. "If I keep playing here then Cardiff doesn't come into the question, because this is the only place where I want to play," he said. "But if I'm not playing football then I'd need to move. I've got another year left on my contract. I still want to be a Rangers player and I've always wanted to play here. Hopefully, I'm back in the manager's thoughts and I've proved to him I can play at this level again. http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.2501515.0.Heartrending_Smith_saga_features_a_twist_in_the_tail.php

Hearts midfielder Michael Stewart believes shamed captain Barry Ferguson's Scotland career may be resurrected in the future. More...

The midfielder, who was suspended and stripped of his captaincy by the Gers for making obscene gestures while on international duty with Scotland, will make a ââ??¬3.3 million switch to the Russians this summer... 6 Apr 2009 09:45:20 Barry Ferguson - Scotland Photo Gallery Zoom Barry Ferguson - Scotland According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mirror, Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson is set to leave the Scottish giants to join Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg at the end of the season. The 31-year-old was recently stripped of his captaincy and suspended by the Gers for his antics while on international duty with Scotland. Along with Rangers team-mate Allan McGregor, Ferguson was dropped for Scotland's World Cup qualifier against Iceland following an extended drinking session in Amsterdam after the 3-0 defeat to Holland. The pair have subsequently been told they will not play international football again after they were pictured making 'V' signs while on the substitutes bench for the match against Iceland. Ferguson's future with the Glasgow-based outfit, for whom he has scored 54 goals in 360 appearances during two spells, has since been called into question. It now appears that Zenit manager Dick Advocaat, who knows Ferguson from his time as manager of the Scottish giants between 1998-2002, is eager to sign him in a deal worth ââ??¬3.3 million (Ã?£3m). "I am sure everyone in Scotland knows what I think of Barry Ferguson," Advocaat is quoted as saying. "He's still a top player. Maybe he needs a fresh challenge elsewhere." Ricky Brooks, Goal.com http://www.goal.com/en/news/461/scotland/2009/04/06/1194407/barry-ferguson-to-depart-rangers-for-zenit-st-petersburg-report

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood believes Jamie Langfield is the goalkeeper to replace Allan McGregor as a regular with Scotland. More...

New Rangers captain David Weir fears that the loss of Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor will be a blow for Sunday's visit to Falkirk and beyond. McGregor and deposed skipper Ferguson have been suspended by Rangers after their misbehaviour on Scotland duty. "Obviously, I'm pleased to be captain," said 38-year-old defender Weir. "But Barry and Allan missing the game on Sunday is a big loss for us. "They are two big players and everyone in the dressing-room is disappointed." Rangers trail reigning champions Celtic by three points going into this weekend's Scottish Premier League games. And there are now doubts about the future of Ferguson and McGregor at Ibrox after their hotel drinking session and subsequent V-signs made while sitting on the Scotland bench at Hampden. "There's been no impact on the squad, but obviously if Barry and Allan aren't playing, that's going to have an impact on the team," said Weir. They are lads that we work with every day, we like them, and it's not great to hear this David Weir "But it's only just happening, so it's hard to comment." Weir was concerned for his team-mates at a personal level. "They are two friends as well," he said. "That's the most disappointing thing. "They are lads that we work with every day, we like them, and it's not great to hear this." Weir said he is ready for the challenge of leading Rangers until the summer at least. "I've stepped in in the past when Barry hasn't been available," he added. "But, obviously, I would rather Barry was the captain." Ferguson was previously stripped of the Rangers captaincy in 2007 while the team was managed by Paul Le Guen, who questioned his attitude and influence on the team. However, the lifelong Rangers fan was reinstated as skipper after Smith succeeded the Frenchman. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/7982111.stm

By ROGER HANNAH Published: Today rigTeaserImage BARRY FERGUSON could have played his last game for Scotland ââ?¬â? after being axed by George Burley last night. Skipper Ferguson and his Rangers team-mate Allan McGregor were booted out after an early-morning bevvy session on Sunday. SunSport can reveal boss Burley has binned the pair for tonightââ?¬â?¢s do-or-die World Cup crunch against Iceland at Hampden. Ferguson, 31, and McGregor, 27, joined team-mates for drinks at posh Cameron House Hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond early on Sunday. Burley sanctioned the post-match bonding session, but was left in a rage when it carried on for several HOURS. Itââ?¬â?¢s believed he has spent the last 48 hours pondering a punishment for the Ibrox duo. Fergusonââ?¬â?¢s sensational axeing casts huge doubts over his future with Scotland. He has played just once for Burley in the last 14 months and, despite winning 45 caps, he has never won over the Tartan Army. McGregor, who will be replaced between the sticks by Craig Gordon, has won only four caps. The SFA refused to comment on the boozing claims last night, although chief executive Gordon Smith will come under pressure to make a statement today. Burley will also have to address the incident after tonightââ?¬â?¢s must-win clash. But it is the biggest gamble of his managerial career. Burley will now rip apart the side which plunged to defeat in Holland. Alan Hutton will replace the crocked Graham Alexander at right-back, while West Bromââ?¬â?¢s James Morrison will take Fergusonââ?¬â?¢s place in midfield. Fit-again Stephen McManus will replace Christophe Berra and also be handed the captainââ?¬â?¢s armband in Fergusonââ?¬â?¢s absence. Steven Fletcher is expected to take Gary Tealeââ?¬â?¢s place. Before the sensational row blew up last night, Burley insisted he would not be scared to axe any of his top stars. He said: ââ?¬Å?Itââ?¬â?¢s a one-off game, a cup final for us, and Iââ?¬â?¢ll pick a one-off team to win the match. ââ?¬Å?These are going to be key decisions, big decisions. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m not going to speak about individuals, but every position is under consideration. Iââ?¬â?¢ll speak to the players in the morning. ââ?¬Å?I had to make hard decisions when we faced Iceland in Reykjavik, but I picked the team that was right and I had no regrets. I will have no regrets this time either. I will back my own judgement. It will simply be what I think will be the best team to win. ââ?¬Å?As a manager, you canââ?¬â?¢t please everybody.ââ?¬Â The absence of Ferguson ââ?¬â? and the circumstances surrounding his exit ââ?¬â? will cause most controversy. Advertisement First capped more than a decade ago, his dreams of a place in the SFA Hall of Fame ââ?¬â? and playing at a major finals ââ?¬â? may now go unfulfilled. He has been capped by FIVE different Scotland bosses ââ?¬â? Craig Brown, Berti Vogts, Walter Smith, Alex McLeish and Burley. Heââ?¬â?¢s also won every domestic honour in Scotland, led Gers into the UEFA Cup Final and twice been honoured as Player of the Year. Itââ?¬â?¢s unclear what the future holds for Ferguson with regard to Scotland as Burley's own job could depend on tonight's result. Defeat or a draw against Iceland would almost certainly end hopes of qualifying for the World Cup Finals in South Africa next summer. SFA chief executive Smith and president George Peat handed the ex-Hearts gaffer the national team job until the end of the qualifying campaign. But if it comes to a premature end this evening, it's certain to prompt calls for the gafferââ?¬â?¢s head after just nine matches in charge. And any future Scotland boss would then have to decide whether to bring Ferguson and McGregor, as well as Kris Boyd, back into the fold. Itââ?¬â?¢s believed the manager is aggrieved that players abused the trust heââ?¬â?¢d placed in them and feels badly let down. A peace pact between Burley and the axed aces canââ?¬â?¢t be ruled out.For now, though, Scotland must enter the most important game of Burleyââ?¬â?¢s reign without their most experienced and influential player. http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/article2353364.ece

Glasgow Rangers are to buy a controlling stake in Charlton Athletic, in a move that will not only completely change the structure of Charlton in its current format, but also impact on the face of British football in general. Following five months of talks and negotiations, the revolutionary deal will be announced at a joint press conference on Friday 3rd April at The Valley after the move was given the go-ahead by the various football authorities on Tuesday. Glasgow Rangers are to pay Ã?£24.2m for a 64.5% stake in Charlton, and will transfer a number of senior and junior players, both in permanant deals and season-long loans during the summer. Discussions between the clubs date back to November, in the aftermath of Charltonââ?¬â?¢s perilous financial position highlighted by the need to pay previous manager Alan Pardewââ?¬â?¢s compensation package. On the 24th February, a Charlton delegation consisting of Richard Murray, Derek Chappell, Bob Whitehand, Steve Waggott and Nigel Capelin met with Sir David Murray, Rangers Chief Executive Martin Bain and Finance Director Donald McIntyre at Londonââ?¬â?¢s Dorchester Hotel to finalise the agreement. Former Chief Executive Peter Varney was also present, and has been working as an intermediary on the deal. ââ?¬Å?The original concept was the idea of Sir David Murrayââ?¬Â revealed a senior Charlton employee. ââ?¬Å?Rangers are acutely aware that unless they absorb some of the Premiership money within the next few years, they are unlikely to ever compete at the highest level in Europe again. They see it as essential to their heritage that some form of presence remains in Scotland, and they believe they can continue to do that to a lesser degree long-term by balancing their squad and remaining competitive in the SPL. But they desperately need the money that is generated by English football, and it is no secret that we desperately need fresh financial impetus to remain a viable entity. The bulk of Rangers resources will be devoted to getting Charlton back to the Premiership as quickly as possibleââ?¬Â. The deal will instantly clear all Charltonââ?¬â?¢s outstanding debts, including the early repayment of both the Ã?£6m on Charltonââ?¬â?¢s mortgage and the Ã?£15m convertible bond issue key directors undertook in 2008. ââ?¬Å?I would be lying if i said that this is the ideal scenario we envisaged for the future of Charlton. But the financial situation is crippling, and the board fell that they are backed into a corner. There are no more funds, there is no overdraft facility and next year we are facing third-tier football. There are no other options on the table, and as it stands the future of Charlton Athletic shows no sign of recovery in its current format. At least this way there is a chance of Premiership football returning to The Valley and the ââ?¬Ë?Charltonââ?¬â?¢ name to be attached to it, albeit looselyââ?¬Â. Since the February meeting, representatives of both Rangers and Charlton have been in continued negotiations with the SPL, Football League and the Premiership. ââ?¬Å?Talks have been intense. The SPL were originally strongly opposed to the move, but are realistic enough to know that financially the big-two in Scotland cannot compete with other leading European clubs, so need to seek unique initiatives. They also now see this as an ideal opportunity for Scottish clubs to continue to benefit from the strong support and finance Rangers and Celtic provide by playing other SPL clubs, but equally by fielding potentially weaker sides it will make the SPL as a league more even and competitive. Rangers believe Celtic will quickly set up a similar arrangement with another English club. The Football League have been very supportive of the move, as it will provide a greater focus and benefit to its member clubs. However, the Premier League were rigid on the legalities, and this is largely what has taken the past month to resolveââ?¬Â. ââ?¬Å?Charltonââ?¬â?¢s imminent relegation to League One was not ideal, but has meant the deal could be agreed at the levelââ?¬â?¢s Rangers could realistically afford. Sir David Murray has made clear that Charltonââ?¬â?¢s location, availability, current structure and potential for development far outweigh long-term the negatives. They believe they can develop a model that will take Charlton Rangers to compete with Arsenal and Chelsea within seven yearsââ?¬Â. Ironically, the name of the amalgamated club has also provided a delaying problem. ââ?¬Å?Rangers see it as essential that ââ?¬Ë?Rangersââ?¬â?¢ is represented in the name. However, there is already an amateur football club registered with the London F.A as Charlton Rangers. Greenwich Rangers and Rangers Charlton were being considered, but its now been agreed that the club can register next season as Charlton Rangers through the Kent F.Aââ?¬Â. The move will see the near-total replacement of both the Charlton Football Club board, and the Charlton PLC board. Richard Murray however, will remain a non-executive director for a minimum 12-month period. ââ?¬Å?There are real concerns on how the Charlton fanbase will react. I have my own strong views, but i am also a fan. Having Richard Murray on board is seen by Rangers as essential to not just providing a smooth transition, but also winning the acceptance of Charlton supporters. I think theyââ?¬â?¢ve underestimated just how this will be taken by the Charlton fans to be honestââ?¬Â. Members of Charltonââ?¬â?¢s Fans Forum were uncontactable late last night, but Bromley Supporters Group representative Ben Hayes said ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m shocked. I know the board are also Charlton fans, and would not undertake such a deal without having the best intentions of the club at heart, and i think on this one we are just going to have to trust them and wait and hear what they have to say. But i can understand not all Charlton fans will be happy with this and i encourage them to contact Fans Forum representatives with their views. It makes sense now why the club have delayed announcing season ticket prices for next season. Charlton Rangers is something i am going to have to think long and hard about though, particularly as i am a lifelong Celtic follower. Iââ?¬â?¢m sure i wonââ?¬â?¢t be the only one with this dilemnaââ?¬Â. http://www.charltonlife.com/blog/?p=218

Stolen from another forum - funny nevertheless - feel free to edit where appropriate and sent to SDM, C/O expensive chateau, south of france Dear Aberdeen Football Club, On Wednesday of last week I purchased 2 Adult tickets for the Scottish Cup replay between Aberdeen FC and the mighty Dunfermline Athletic. Having attended the fixtures against Bayern Munich, Copenhagen, East Fife, Manchester United (friendly), Fraserburgh (friendly), Liverpool (friendly) and Everton (friendly) in recent years, it goes without saying that the chance to see Dunfermline, possibly one of Europe's mightiest and most feared names, was an opportunity not to be missed. You can appreciate that finding the Ã?£21 (including a Ã?£1 booking fee) to buy two tickets was incredibly difficult given the current economic predicament our country finds itself in. I not only had to take on a second and third job, I also had to indulge in a wide variety of criminal activity (mugging old ladies, stealing from my friends, playing for Aberdeen Football Club and sending my sister out to work the streets) in order to come up with the required amount. When the tickets eventually hit my doormat it's safe to say I was so excited I nearly succumbed to a mild stroke......I was going to see the Athletic play at Pittodrie in the SCOTTISH CUP! How could I have been so lucky? Forget your Euro Millions....this was my dream ticket! Sadly this brings me on to the reason for troubling such a busy and professionally run club such as you. Basically I am requiring a full refund (including the Ã?£1 booking fee). Having endured what can only be described as one of the dullest, most limp-wristed, spineless, wet-pantied performances I have ever had the displeasure of viewing in nearly 27 years of being a living breathing human being, I would say that a refund is fully justified. I would like to back up my claim by quoting you a definition of the word "entertainment" (football is supposedly a branch of entertainment after all); enÃ?·terÃ?·tainÃ?·ment (ntr-tnmnt) n. 1. The act of entertaining. 2. The art or field of entertaining. 3. Something that amuses, pleases, or diverts, especially a performance or show. 4. The pleasure afforded by being entertained; amusement: The comedian performed for our entertainment. 5. Archaic Maintenance; support. 6. Obsolete Employment. Please can you tell me at what stage during last night's proceedings were any of the above applicable? Would you classify any of the following as entertainment? This can be argued furthermore with Darren Mackie chasing the shadow of his imaginary friend all night. The poor confused mind of Darren has an inherent suspicion of space and time. To Darren, space is a sinister creation of evil minds that are determined to imprison his precious talent. As well as this, Jamie Langfield was kicking like he'd suddenly developed multiple sclerosis. He seemed to have it in for two people in particular, (Main Stand just above the dug out on half way and the South Stand beside the fence). Was he auditioning for the new series of Ground Force? He accompanied each successful touch finder with a spot of landscape gardening around his box. Last night Jamie was a cross between Stephen Hawking, Bill Oddie and Alan Titchmarsh. There were also the two Professional footballers wilting under moderate pressure and missing penalties in front of their own fans. If Angus the Bull can smash them in why can't they? Angus wears silly wee foam boots and still rockets them into the bottom corner! Perhaps "Tricky" "Ricky" Richard Foster experiments with other forms of penalty footwear in future such as flip flops, clogs, hiking boots or flippers. Exactly what is he doing here? Clearly he's been spending too much time with Titters, Langers and Odders. Watching a six foot turd in a black and white shirt wandering about at half time, Dunfermlineââ?¬â?¢s mascot looks like the result of a nasty and painful trip to the little boys room. Why was he given permission to encroach on to the field of play? As well as this, there was the entire matinee performance of Charlie Mulgrew. For a ââ?¬Ë?manââ?¬â?¢ of such promising physical stature, why is it that opponents half his size and build continuously outmuscle and out jump him? I've seen a tin of sweetcorn stick up for itself with greater authority. Moving on to what can only be described as our game plan. Physics is a wonderful and noble field and has been blessed by such greats as Newton, Einstein and Galileo. These leviathans of history have given us theories on relativity, laws of gravity and kinematics. Now please step forward Sir Jimmy of Calderwood. Clearly Sir Jimmy believes he can defy the laws of physics and has stumbled upon a new branch. The theory of relativity states that E=MC2, where basically speaking energy equals mass multiplied by the speed of light. Sir Jimmy disproves this theory by stating that G=M2xLB/T which is basically goals equals Mackie squared multiplied by the long ball divided by the tombola. The laws of gravity do not exist in the Land of Jimmy. Gravitational forces do not effect strikers measuring 6 feet or less therefore balls rocketed skyward can be controlled and cushioned at any point during the balls trajectory. This eliminates the opposition selecting aging tall donkeys to mark our strikers. --------------------------------- Cammy F

TOLD he is finished, cast as the scapegoat, the cause of all Rangersââ?¬â?¢ ills. Barry Ferguson knows the role only too well. In the wake of the nightmarish Ibrox loss to Caley Thistle and the Co-operative Insurance Final defeat from Celtic the clamour has grown. Itââ?¬â?¢s been claimed Gers would be better off without him ââ?¬â? and heââ?¬â?¢s been tagged a bully whose very presence is stifling other players. The flak flies and the glare of the spotlight never dims. When Ferguson walks into the Amsterdam ArenA on Saturday night ââ?¬â? where he led the nation in a 6-0 humbling six years ago ââ?¬â? he knows many of his baying critics will be desperate for him to FAIL. The 31-year-old midfielder knows that if he flops he will face more vilification. But last night, after a purely precautionary scan on bashed ribs, Ferguson shrugged off any injury fears and joined up with the Scotland squad ready for that World Cup mission against the Dutch. He reflected on the battering he has taken and said simply: ââ?¬Å?Look, I have been picking the knives out of my back for years now. ââ?¬Å?I am used to it, I will live with it and in a strange way I use the sort of abuse I have taken to HELP me. ââ?¬Å?I draw on it, I think at times that it makes me stronger as a footballer. ââ?¬Å?It wonââ?¬â?¢t make me run off and hide in the corner. ââ?¬Å?There has been some deeply personal stuff written, hurtful and needless attacks that upset my mum. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m not lying. When it gets to that level it affects you. No one wants to see their family upset do they? ââ?¬Å?But me? Iââ?¬â?¢m used to it by now and itââ?¬â?¢s not going to make me pack up and leave. Not a chance.ââ?¬Â Ferguson knows that this has been far from a vintage year in an honour-laden yet controversial career that will always split opinion. An operation to rebuild his ankle left him playing catch-up and he has not hit the heights he craves. Before Rangers had the presence of a Ronald de Boer or Giovanni van Bronckhorst to compensate when their captain failed to sparkle. Now for all the hype over Pedro Mendes, he was missing in action in the Old Firm Final as Ferguson desperately tried to growl some life into a side disintegrating around him. Heââ?¬â?¢s lived the guts of his life in this hostile footballing environment, is old enough not to con himself. He stressed: ââ?¬Å?I have people around me who will be honest with me, People I can trust who tell me when Iââ?¬â?¢m not playing well. ââ?¬Å?I donââ?¬â?¢t have yes men and I donââ?¬â?¢t need them. Iââ?¬â?¢m not a kid. ââ?¬Å?With those people around me and those inside the game I respect I analyse games and I KNOW afterwards when I have not played as well as I can. Iââ?¬â?¢m the first to hold my hands up and this season has had its struggles. ââ?¬Å?But I was out for five months after a major ankle operation. ââ?¬Å?I realise at Rangers you have to hit the ground running but any player will tell you then that it takes time to recover from that and get back to your best. ââ?¬Å?Thatââ?¬â?¢s not an excuse, itââ?¬â?¢s just a fact and for all the stick that is flying about I feel I AM getting back to my peak. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m 31 now, Iââ?¬â?¢ve had the busted kneecap and the rebuilt ankle and I canââ?¬â?¢t escape from that. Advertisement Click here ââ?¬Å?There are mornings when you feel glued together when you get out of bed! But I donââ?¬â?¢t skip training because I still love it. ââ?¬Å?It takes a little longer to recover but then I look at Davie Weir, whoââ?¬â?¢ll be 39 in the summer, and think it could be worse. ââ?¬Å?Still, heââ?¬â?¢s a defender and they get life a lot easier back there.ââ?¬Â Scotland head for Holland with no Weir, Kirk Broadfoot or Kris Commons, and with Celtic skipper Stephen McManus looking like another casualty. Fergusonââ?¬â?¢s positive medical news yesterday came as a welcome boost for boss George Burley ahead of what must be a career-defining match for the national coach. The Tartan Army would accept defeat, just not a humiliating loss of the sort we capitulated to the last time in Amsterdam. Scotlandââ?¬â?¢s bristling skipper is grimly determined to ensure we donââ?¬â?¢t crumble again. He said: ââ?¬Å?These are two totally different teams in this game and the 6-0 match is gone now. Forgotten. ââ?¬Å?That doesnââ?¬â?¢t stop me respecting what we are facing here. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m not big on football on TV but I do watch the Spanish stuff every week and look at how many Dutch players are at Real Madrid. ââ?¬Å?If there is one that sticks out for me itââ?¬â?¢s Wesley Sneijder. I just think he has got a real intelligence in the way he plays. He is a major talent.ââ?¬Â Ferguson took time out recently at Murray Park to meet youngsters chasing Coca-Cola Sevens glory. Alongside McManus he is backing a tournament that gives thousands of kids the chance to dream of a future in the game. He said: ââ?¬Å?Look, Iââ?¬â?¢m not going to moan about my lot in life because a few folk decide to have a pop. ââ?¬Å?Thatââ?¬â?¢s their right but I grew up dreaming of being the captain of Rangers and Scotland, just like the Coke Sevens players and thousands of other kids. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m lucky, I got there, I did it and itââ?¬â?¢s going to take more than a pile of criticism to make me give it up. ââ?¬Å?Whatever those who feel I am finished at 31 think of me I feel that I earned this honour. ââ?¬Å?Thatââ?¬â?¢s what this remains to me. An honour. I will cherish it in Amsterdam, the same as always.ââ?¬Â http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/article2338721.ece

Article from the Boss: Todayââ?¬â?¢s the day that the future of JJB may transform from being utterly unknown, to simply being as clear as mud. Itââ?¬â?¢s quarterly rent day today, when JJB and most others have to pay their landlords' rent in advance for the next 3 months. JJBââ?¬â?¢s banks have given the company extended deadline after extended deadline to repay the millions owed to them. The latest deadline expired yesterday, quite deliberately the day before the rent is due. JJBââ?¬â?¢s recent history since my last epistle is a trail of bloodshed, incompetence, new hope, intrigue, private jets, CEO suspension, PR leaks, and corporate backstabbing. It would take me all day, really it would ....... Suffice to say that Sir David Jones (he of Next fame) is in charge, he has made massive changes already, however the banks are still growling, the vultures are circling, but JJB might survive. For now. To do so, they need to sell their profitable gym division ââ?¬â?? just over 50 JJB Fitness gyms (together with the attached JJB stores), most of which are in England. Dave Whelan, JJB founder, is the preferred bidder and looks likely to pay something like Ã?£70m; the name would be changed to DW Sports/DW Fitness/or some combination. http://www.dwsportsfitness.com was registered a few weeks ago by the former JJB Marketing associate director who left in February! Wiganââ?¬â?¢s JJB stadium would also change its name accordingly. In the meantime, Mike Ashley (Sports Division and Newcastle United supremo) is trying to scupper the deal, writing to JJBââ?¬â?¢s landlords, the LSE, Uncle Tom Cobley and all. He is a bad man. A very bad man. And he hates Dave Whelan. He wants Whelanââ?¬â?¢s deal to fail, JJB put into administration, and pick from the carcass. There will be an announcement today. It will probably be that Dave Whelan has bought the gyms and stores, the banks have got their money, the rents have been paid, and JJB continues. But it just might be that JJB have gone into administration, though there is probably too much at stake, financially and politically, for that to happen today. So if things go to plan today, why does that leave JJBââ?¬â?¢s future as clear as mud ? Well, I did say that the gym division was profitable, very profitable. Together with other forced disposals of profitable stores, that leaves JJB a rump of what is was a year ago, and a loss-making rump at that. Sir David Jones will have a massive task in turning it around in the months and years ahead and save it from eventually going belly up. Can he do it ? If anyone can, he can ââ?¬â?? he has done an excellent clear-out job in the few months since his appointment. Will he do it ? Depends entirely on future spending by customers. And on whether a rumoured Company Voluntary Arrangement is successful in ridding JJB of a further 30 unprofitable stores. So it is down to the wire. In the next few hours there will be much happening, whether itââ?¬â?¢s a sale to Dave Whelan or Administration. And if Whelan gets his way, who knows whether, and for how long, JJB can subsequently survive. Either way, desperate times. Mud, mud, glorious mud.

As season ticket renewal time is just around the corner, you have to ask yourself how will SDM is going to ââ?¬Ë?sellââ?¬â?¢ next season to the fans. We already know that we are going to lose up to eight players in the summer, hence it will be harder to mount a challenge in the SPL, never mind in Europe. I noticed today that there was a message on the screens at half-time peddling the untruth that there is a huge list of people waiting to take your place if you donââ?¬â?¢t renew your season ticket. This is extremely hard to believe since youââ?¬â?¢ve been able to purchase a season ticket at any time during the season. If we fail to overhaul Celtc in the SPL, it will be 4 seasons without an SPL title and little evidence that we can improve significantly under the current management team. Will a change of manager be enough to persuade people to renew? Given the current and future financial downturn and the growing unemployment and uncertainty, added to the woeful state that our club is in, will people blindly renew their tickets as they have done previously? Another issue of SDM, when is a good time to send out the application forms? If we had defeated Celtc last Sunday, I guarantee that the renewal forms would have landed on our doormats by the Tuesday. I an almost certainly not renewing my season ticket next season, I have simply had enough of this dross. I will probably pick and chose my games and buy tickets as and when I require them and Iââ?¬â?¢ll bet Iââ?¬â?¢m not the only one who goes down this route. Cammy F