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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

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.

by Darrell King IT is one of the most significant championships in history for a variety of reasons and comes with the quite critical guarantee of a �£10million Champions League bounty for the victors. But, after yet more mishaps over the weekend, this appears to be the title that neither half of Glasgow wants to win. Events at Ibrox and Tannadice more or less encapsulated the entire SPL season, in terms of the major prize anyway, inside one 24-hour period. While Hearts deserved credit for their fightback to earn a 2-2 with Rangers, Dundee United emerged with plaudits for securing a similar scoreline against Celtic, and the 10 other clubs - overall - have done well to nudge away at the big-two, just what is going on with the Old Firm? advertisement It is as if neither wants to reach out and grasp the prize, and this really is making for a torrid time for those of us who are trying to comment on, and predict, which way this thing will cut next. Inside a few minutes of the boos descending as Rangers capitulated at Ibrox, there were two calls to the Radio Clyde phone-in from disgruntled punters. The first offered congratulations to Celtic on four-in-a-row, the second demanded the head of Walter Smith immediately; and so it went on, with the last calling for a boycott of season ticket renewals to force the issue. Torried times indeed for Smith who had a tone of despondency in his voice as he tried to explain how his side had managed to throw away a two-goal lead and victory from a game they were absolutely coasting. It was incredible. Seldom has the face of a game changed so dramatically - Hearts had been appalling in the first period, Rangers had played some nice stuff and the fans were enjoying the fare. By the end, there was rancour in the air, the cacophony of boos just managing to drown out the gnashing of teeth, slamming of seats and general fury. It did, on the face of it, appear to be one blunder too many for Smith and his players. By his own admission, the manager felt his team had been soft and lacked resilience or, if we step out of manager speak, they had bottled it. A recurring theme for those in blue this term. But we all jumped in too quickly. Again. Celtic failed to win on Tayside and, indeed, needed a superb late leveller from Lee Naylor to prevent a defeat which would have seen Rangers gain a point on them. The gap remains at three points with nine games to go and we now head into a two- week break to reflect. I tipped Celtic at the start and feel it's right to stick with my choice. Gordon Strachan's side, even though they aren't much better than their rivals, for me, have the edge. But look at the stats. In their last 10 SPL matches, Celtic have won just four times, taking 17 points from 30. Rangers? They are just marginally better, winning five and taking 18 points. Who can say with any authority what will happen? What you can say, guaranteed, is this title will be won by one of the poorest Old Firm teams ever, no matter which way it cuts. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2497294.0.0.php

I know it's possibly his best season at Liverpool in terms of the league position and still in the CL, I can't help feeling someone else could do better though. I'd love Mourhino to take over but doesn't look like that will happen. Can't fault Benitez's European record but a club like Liverpool need to be winning the league. Bad enough Manure may match their league winners record this season. 19 years for them is siomply far to long!

Just finished this fairly enjoyable book by Neil Drysdale - thanks admin for running the comp. A few thoughts:- Large tracts of the book make little reference to Smith. I know autobiographies are supposed to give a bit of background to the events in the subjectââ?¬â?¢s life, but much of the first half of the book in particular is about Souness and his rifts with various players. I also found it rather unfortunate that there were constant references to sectarianism (on 16 pages) in what is supposed to be a book about football, not society. We get the old chestnut about Sir Alex refusing the managerââ?¬â?¢s job because of our ââ?¬Ë?sectarianismââ?¬â?¢ and he even hints this may have been why Jim McLean also turned us down. Thereââ?¬â?¢s also the diatribe from the Hamilton fan who talks about how horrible we were to them and how we screamed sectarian abuse at their players when they beat us in the cup in ââ?¬â?¢87. And there are various interviews with fans with ââ?¬Ë?f enianââ?¬â?¢ splashed liberally throughout, sectarian chanting in Osasuna, UVF chanting in Manchester and at times the book reads like a Spiersesque hatchet job. Apparently refs favoured us in the 9IAR season as well. Perhaps Iââ?¬â?¢m being harsh on the author as he does mention Celtic fans making jokes about the Ibrox Disaster and defending the Enniskillen bombings but again, what has all this got to do with Walter Smith? Iââ?¬â?¢d certainly like to know a bit more about Drysdaleââ?¬â?¢s background. Smithââ?¬â?¢s playing career aside, from a footballing point of view thereââ?¬â?¢s not a huge amount of stuff we donââ?¬â?¢t already know but that said, I did enjoy reliving the events of the 90s and being reminded of some great times (on the other hand the chapter on last season is excruciating). Then again, I read the following quote from a fan about the AEK Athens shambles with weary familiarity: ââ?¬Å?...he screwed up big style that night. The defence was all over the place, and we read later that they had never played together in that formation before. Well, that is just daft isnââ?¬â?¢t it?ââ?¬Â The UEFA Cup stuff was hard to read, and I cringed at Smithââ?¬â?¢s comment after the final about it being ââ?¬Å?the end of the beginningââ?¬Â in rebuilding Rangers, when I look at the sorry state we are in at present and the tough times ahead. What I also enjoyed about the book was when Drysdale looked at Walter Smith the man and not the football icon, since Smith is notoriously unemotional and gives nothing away in front of the camera. I love the quote: ââ?¬Å?He quickly found himself drawn towards Rangers with their history, their reputation as giants within the British game, and their cussed refusal to become trendy. Why else, with the advent of the Swinging Sixties and Beatlemania and social revolution effecting a transformation in the ideas of young Scots, would Smith be so fascinated by the Calvinist tradition which permeated Ibrox?ââ?¬Â Reading the book was also the first time I had read Smithââ?¬â?¢s speech at the 1997/98 AGM when he announced his retirement. While Iââ?¬â?¢m not Smithââ?¬â?¢s biggest fan as current manager, his credentials as a Rangers man are indisputable, which is why I will always back him over the Rangers-hating scum which pervade the media and society in this country. The book is let down somewhat by a series of glaring errors. Ian Durrant apparently scored the winner away to CSKA Moscow in 1992, Walter was appointed Scotland manager in December 2006, and Dave Bowman becomes the slightly more exotic Dave Beaumont. Perhaps Iââ?¬â?¢m being pedantic. All in all a worthwhile read, and better than a lot of the dumbed down crap that pass for football books these days.

There are many angry bears out there and rationality seems to be in short supply. Not many are really analysing the situation and when frustrated attempts are made, they seemed to be blocked time and again by rhetorical myths that, with even a quick level headed scrutiny, do not stand up. Examples are: 1. Celtic are much better than us. 2. Celtic are shitest they've ever been and so are we. 3. Celtic are there for the taking. 1. The first that Celtic are much better than us does not stand up to the evidence. If you look at last season and this, there has been not much more than a baw hair between the teams. There is no team double figures ahead of the other or winning all the OF games. Rangers were certainly better than Celtic for most of last season winning both cups and being well ahead in the title race, but could not cope with with end of season fixture pileup including a dogily postponed Celtic game which many would would agree would have likely have been won by Rangers on its original date. The OF games were in fact pretty evenly contested. That doesn't sound like they are miles ahead to me. Both teams did well in Europe and so no obvious winner there. This season they've had plenty of lucky decisions and with one more slip up by us, we're 3 points behind but have them to play at Ibrox. Both teams got to the final of the league cup which Celtic narrowly one in extra time, and only Rangers are still in the Scottish Cup. The OF games have been pretty evenly contested again with only Rangers scoring a convincing win. Both teams were exceptionally poor in Europe. The obvious cold conclusion there is that Celtic are ever so slightly ahead of Rangers, but not much. So in the last two seasons where the trophy count is 2 each, there is no evidence that Celtic are much better than Rangers. Both teams seem pretty even with who wins coming down to the same likelihood as the toss of a coin. Unfortunately last year, the coin came down on their side for the SPL, and for us in the cups. This year it's gone for them in the League Cup, probably us in the Scottish Cup and the SPL coin is still spinning in the air and could land either side. 2. The shitest Rangers and Celtic teams have regularly finished 4th and 5th in the league, us pre-Souness and them during the NIAR years. There's plenty of sites that will show those embarrassing tables for both teams. Even poor OF teams have been miles behind their rivals and had to battle for 2nd place in the league, sometimes losing - Eck and PLG are recent examples there. This season, neither team have had any danger of being caught by the rest of the league so objectively how can they be poor teams in the closed context of our league? They may not be going for the record levels of points that may have been achieved in the past, but there are plenty of seasons throughout the history of the Scottish league where the OF have not been so far ahead. 3. One of the biggest self answering questions is asking why we can't take Celtic when they look so bad - and we just seem to be just as bad. The fact is, they are only there for the taking by a superior team and at the moment, as has been mentioned, we are pretty much at the same level. Is it so surprising that should be so? That the OF, in the same league, with similar avenues of income and raw talent, are pretty even? Celtic have always been there for the taking by a better team, but if you are the other half of a duopoly then without exceptional circumstances they won't be easy to beat. Saying St Mirren beat them so they are crap is schoolboy thinking. The best teams lose to the smaller one's often - especially in the cups, and if it wasn't so, then football would not have the following it does. I point again to the fact that both the Old firm are streets ahead of the other SPL teams, so having the odd defeat does not change their status. I think when you analyse it all the conclusions are pretty simple. Neither of the OLD firm are as weak compared to other Scottish team as they have been, nor are they as far ahead as they have been. Both teams are about as even as they have been in their history with the metaphorical pendulum, swinging not far from the centre. They still dominate the league but the difference is less than in their recent hay-days. They are getting B+'s instead of A+'s but are still easily passing muster with no danger of another team splitting them or indeed winning the league. The answer to why the teams are not gaining high 90's for final points is simple in that the teams are closer. Are the other SPL teams getting better? Probably not although young talent is a tad better than it has been. Are the OF employing lesser players - definitely, it couldn't be any other way. When Souness came along we were signing the best players in Britain, way ahead of Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. If we did so again we'd be in aiming for 100 points and above, but it's impossible for us now. During NIAR we were signing the likes of Boli, Laudrup, Gascoigne, Hateley, McCall, Gough, Goram, Amorusso, Porini, Albertz etc. Our players were streets ahead of the opposition and we were a match for any English team. During Advocaat's spell we were way overspending to compete in Europe and competed for players with the top end of the Premiership. Even in Ecks downsizing we inherited the likes of De Boer and Mols and signed Arteta for 6M and Barry for 5M, so were competing for players with middling English Prem teams while Celtic were competing with the top half of the table. Now with Premiership teams getting a minimum of 50M from TV and charging twice as much for us for seats and advertising we have no chance of competing for the best players in Britain and Europe. We're now competing for players with Championship teams who are starting to outspend us. Walter may have spent some money but it's peanuts in todays terms. 3M is like 750k during Advocaat. We're reduced to buying from Championship teams and a lot more cherry picking from the SPL than we used to. Yes the standard is lower but that's because both OF clubs have had to move down two or three tiers of players. So of course the football is not so good, of course the SPL teams are closer. We might be spending much more than them but the money is for players who are less of a standard above your bog standard professional. Until the financial climate changes, we have no option but to accept this, it's now as ever, doing better than our rivals who are in the same environment. Comparing us to the Premiership - which Scots seem to watch far too much of, just gives false expectations. Like many are saying, we have to wake up and smell the cheap coffee.

CammyF throws down the gauntlet to the club s he asks Rangers to provide a museum at last to celebrate our proud history (with valued contributions from the Curator of the Scottish Football Museum). http://www.gersnetonline.co.uk/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=772&Itemid=2 Part One ââ?¬Ë?The Scottish Football Museum exists to promote the unique football heritage of Scotland, to build and maintain a national football collection, and to educate and inspire future generations.ââ?¬â?¢ The above is the mission statement for the Scottish Football Association Museum Trust which through hard work and dedication has opened the impressive Scottish Football Museum at Hampden. I have a personal interest in this museum as my Grandfatherââ?¬â?¢s junior and amateur medals are now held in the museum and are occasionally on display. Richard McBrearty, Curator of the Scottish Football Museum kindly supplied detailed information that is used within this article and we at Gersnet are indebted to Richard for taking the time to add his input to this article and project. The above mission statement rings true when evaluating and showcasing Scottish Football and the same could be said for Rangersââ?¬â?¢ uniqueness and having our own museum is something that I know some fans have been suggesting for many years now. I believe that the first time I personally became aware of the need for a Rangers museum was after the tragic death of Davie Cooper. Many Rangers fans at the time rightly stated that a Rangers Museum would be lasting and fitting tribute to Davie Cooper. The idea of a museum has been muted and discussed at various AGMs, but as yet, there has been little, if any movement on this front. If you have been lucky enough to have visited the Ibrox Trophy Room you will know that there are many unique, interesting and quirky exhibits that deserved to be showcased in a dedicated museum ââ?¬â?? the ââ?¬Ë?Loving Cupââ?¬â?¢ instantly springs to mind. Indeed, the club feel that the stadium is a museum in itself and while that opinion has validity, we could build upon the existing tour by providing new stand-alone facilities for such an initiative. This existing tour has positive feedback but there is no doubt improvement, as always, can be sought. The best stadium tour that I have ever undertaken was the tour of the Santiago BernabÃ?©u Stadium in Madrid. Not only does this take in the wonderful Real Madrid museum, the tour is unique in-itself as there are no dedicated guides for the tour, you pay your money and allowed access to the stadium and complete this at your own leisure. All the exhibits on the tour and in the museum are showcased in Spanish, German and English. Real Madridââ?¬â?¢s museum is also interesting as it isnââ?¬â?¢t solely a footballing museum. Realââ?¬â?¢s basketball team are also well represented in the museum as are other sports like tennis and athletics. The history of the club is told as you wander through the museum and this is done in such a way that you leave the museum with all the historical information that makes Real Madrid the institution that they are. At the end of the museum, which takes up the majority of one stand, is a tribute wall that lists every player ever to play for Real Madrid and they are separated into the countries of their birth. There is only ever been one Scotsman to play for Real Madrid, a certain Mr John Fox Watson - 1948 ââ?¬â?? then player/coach and is credited as being the first British player to play for Real Madrid. . The BernabÃ?©u model is an example that Rangers could follow. Ibrox Stadium whilst being the famous home of Rangers Football Club has also housed various other events over the years; from the annual parades of the Boys Brigade and Orange Order to the Rangers Sports Days that were a highlight of the sporting calendar in the 1950ââ?¬â?¢s. There is some wonderful footage of the sports days on ââ?¬Ë?YouTubeââ?¬â?¢ and they did draw impressive crowds to Ibrox. All this information, photos and memorabilia will be currently lying around Ibrox somewhere gathering dust. We do have an unofficial publication, 'The Rangers Historian' that details our glorious history and Robert McElroy as well as the Club Historian David Mason would be ideal supporters representatives on any museum project. Ex-players, such as Sandy Jardine who is, according to Richard McBrearty, the Rangers representative on the ââ?¬Ë?Scottish Football Heritage Networkââ?¬â?¢ and has done a fair amount of work for that organisation, should also be included. There are also on-line resources that the club could use to supplement their official records. The Manchester Utd Archive site, the ââ?¬Ë?Stretford Endââ?¬â?¢ is a fantastic example of how fansââ?¬â?¢ hard work, dedication and love for the club could be used. Off course, we have our own unofficial and less complete Rangers Archive which is another empirical example of how much can be achieved without financial input. Richard McBrearty does warn that the idea for a museum would be hard to sell to the club as a money making scheme as very few museums actually do make a profit - Barcelona and Man United being the exceptions to the rule. Man Unitedââ?¬â?¢s museum was making profits in the region of Ã?£200,000 while he Barca museum has generated over 2 million visitors a year as a direct result of it being on the official tourist route. The same can be said of the BernabÃ?©u, this is on the official tourist route and, as a result, all tourist buses pass and stop directly outside the stadium. I have to admit that I havenââ?¬â?¢t managed to ride the Glasgow Tour Bus so I donââ?¬â?¢t know how close to Ibrox these go. If they take in the Science Museum then it wouldnââ?¬â?¢t take much to persuade Glasgow City Council to get the buses to go an extra mile to Ibrox? CONTINUES

A day that will life long in my memory not only due to this being my first ever Old Firm Cup Final but due to the dramatic nature of our eventual victory. I had been lucky enough to have seen Rangers win this trophy previously (against DUFC in 1982) and was due to go to the final in 1983 which would have been my first OF final. Thankfully (sic) I was taken unwell and was in hospital with a bout of appendicitis and missed our 2-1 defeat at the hands of our bitter rivals. The League Cup has been a very successful competition for Rangers over the years and last season penalty shoot-out success against Dundee United marked our 25th victory in the League Cup. Another amazing statistic is that over the years, we have only ever lost 6 League Cup Finals (out of 31) a truly staggering statistic. We also suffered an embarrassing final defeat but weââ?¬â?¢ll gloss over that at this juncture and itââ?¬â?¢s worth remembering that this result wasnââ?¬â?¢t the greatest OF victory, we defeated Celtc 8-1 ââ?¬â?? before anyone tells you that this game doesnââ?¬â?¢t ââ?¬Ë?countââ?¬â?¢, Celtc count their solitary goal from that game in their official club history. I believe weââ?¬â?¢ll all remember the titanic finals against Aberdeen in 1988 and 1989 (3-3 and 3-2 respectively) of the fantastic 4-3 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle. The victory over Ayr United in 2002 will also be well remembered for an outlandish piece of showboating from Andre Kanchelskis : [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQJtZF_6Fyc]YouTube - Kanchelskis stands on the ball[/ame] And if like me, you attended that 1995 final at Hampden then you are entitled to claim this as a victory, well it was a moral victory in my eyes! Anyway, I digress, back to the League Cup Final in 1984 a season that ranks as one of the most traumatic in our history. John Greig eventually bowed in increasing pressure and resigned as Rangers manager and was replaced by Jock Wallace. Due to our disastrous start in the league, the cup competitions were (once again) our only true hope for any silverware. The road to Hampden started with a convincing 8-1 aggregate win over Queen of The South and this was followed by impressive victories over Hearts (3-0 at Tynecastle) and St Mirren (5-0 at Ibrox). These results, coupled with return fixtures ensure that Rangers qualified for a two legged Semi-Final against Dundee United. A credible 1-1 draw at Tannidice saw Rangers entertain the tangerines at Ibrox with a place in the final in the balance. From what I remember of the home leg, Rangers played extremely well and won the game 2-0 with Ian Redford scoring the decisive goal with a beautiful chip over the onrushing Hamish McAlpine. Davie Mitchell scored in both legs of the semi-final but wouldnââ?¬â?¢t feature in the cup final itself. In the run up to the final, Jock Wallace had made an immediate impact and Rangers would embark on a 16 game unbeaten run that would eventually come to an end when Dundee won a Scottish Cup replay 3-2 at Ibrox and ended our chances of a domestic cup double. As this was my first OF Cup Final, I didnââ?¬â?¢t really know what to expect. Would it be just like the league encounters? I was soon to find out. I wouldnââ?¬â?¢t sleep the Saturday evening (evening forgoing the Boys Club Disco to ensure that I was match fit for the Sunday). The supporters bus was a buzz of excitement and the journey to Hampden seemed to fly past and before I knew it, I was climbing the stairs on the way to section J. It is impossible to describe the build of noise that this climb generate, or on how louder this gets, reaching a crescendo as you took your place on the terracing. What would stick in my mind that day was the huge gaps in the Celtc end (see you tube links below) and just how louder and mope passionate the Rangers fans were. I know itââ?¬â?¢s romantic to think this way, but in some perverse memory, it felt that we did contribute to our eventual victory as the Rangers fans were ferocious in their backing of the team that day as I had ever seen them. Just like the journey to the game, the game itself flew by and if Iââ?¬â?¢m honest, all I can really remember of the game is the goals, well our goals anyway. Referee for the day was our old friend Bob Valentine and he award three penalties in the game, two to Rangers and one to Celtc and all three were converted. Our first goal was scored from a penalty just before half-time nicely tucked away by Ally McCoist. Rangers scored their 2nd goal on the hour mark after Sandy Clark won a long ball from Peter McCloy and headed the ball into the path of McCoist who slipped home past the despairing Bonner. Celtc equalised and sent then game into extra time, but not before a show of petulance from the Celtc team as they protested a booking to Roy Aitken in an overtly provocative fashion. In fact, a senior Policeman had to intervene. Unsurprisingly, this incident wasnââ?¬â?¢t included in the referees report and the players went unpunished (some things never change). Anyway, into extra-time we went and Rangers were awarded another penalty when Roy Aitken fouled Ally McCoist in the penalty area and the referee correctly pointed to the spot. Another booking for Aitken leading to a red card? You would have thought so, but no, Aitken escaped further punishment and after the dust had settled, Ally McCoist stepped up to face Pat Bonner. The keeper guessed correctly and parried McCoistââ?¬â?¢s kick back out onto the six yard line where Super Ally was awaiting to, at the 2nd attempt, deposit the ball into the net. This is where your mind starts playing tricks with you especially over the ravages of time. From my vantage point, it appeared that the Celtc fans had been celebrating for numerous seconds before Ally put their ââ?¬Ë?gas at a peepââ?¬â?¢. In reality, they had barely the time to jump for joy before Ally reduced them to tears. Well, that was it, bedlam, delirium, ecstasy et al ensued in the Rangers end and I remember being shunted about 10 stairs down and about 20 foot to my right in the celebrations. In fact, one of my friends that I was at the game with lost a trainer in the celebrations but decided that it was a price worth paying! The final whistle sparked further celebrations on and off the pitch and John McClelland led his troops up the famous Hampden stairs to receive the trophy. A huge cheer greeted him as he showed the glittering prize to the rank and file supporters. We had won the cup and my first OF final couldnââ?¬â?¢t have gone better. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ih0JoTykCqY&feature=related]YouTube - Rangers vrs Celtic Hampden 83/84 part 1[/ame] [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG1KwL7P1U0&feature=related]YouTube - Rangers vrs Celtic Hampden 83/84 part2[/ame] [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGXIeCC0O0k&feature=related]YouTube - Rangers vrs Celtic Hampden 83/84 part3[/ame] http://www.napit.co.uk/viewus/infobank/football/scottishleaguecup.php http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/old-firm/classicmatchreports/2009/02/10/league-cup-final-rangers-3-celtic-2-march-25-1984-86908-21112643/ Cammy F -

All Gersnet articles are posted on NewsNow and read by hundreds of football fans across the world. Indeed, our most popular site article has been read by over 6000 people - via the main site link alone! Obviously hundreds more often read when the articles are posted on other sites. These kind of figures often out-perform the daily newspaper contributions on the wires - both tabloid and broadsheet. Why else do we have journalists constantly criticising so-called 'unofficial' websites? To keep the pressure up, Gersnet are always looking for writers to work for the site. It's easy to see the quality of writing from every poster on the site so why not expand on your usual post by writing a proper article? Your imagination and ideas are our bread and butter so why not let as many fans as possible hear you on your soap-box? As a 'reward' for becoming an official site contributor you will gain from the following wee perks: 1. Special graphic 'Writers' button (ala our mod/admin one); 2. Larger pm storage facility; 3. Access to new private 'Writers' sub-forum; 4. Automatic entry into any Gersnet competitions; 5. The chance to win 'Contributor' of the Month Award (medal added to your Postbit) To be clear we're not asking for people to write constantly for the site. We usually publish one or two articles a week on the site, so each 'Writer' would only be featured every so often. Thus, if each 'Writer' could write one/two articles a month, that would be more than enough to keep the main site ticking over. Obviously you can write more often if you wish. Already we have several people writing the match previews and I'm happy for others to write match reviews or submit their player ratings for games. All ideas for content are welcomed and this is why we're opening the sub-form for such contributors to brainstorm. - Fancy your own weekly blog on the main site? - Interested in writing about the history of the club? - How about a regular 'MediaWatch' column? - Want to catalogue interesting pictures/videos of the club? You can do all this and more via our easy to use Joomla software and administration support! If you're interested, please pm me.

by Thomas Jordan AFTER waiting four months for their opportunity to return to the top of the table, Rangers latest reign as league leaders lasted all of 11 days. Hardly the hallmark of a team with the durability required to succeed as champions. The 1-0 defeat at the hands of Caley Thistle this week has prompted questions over the Ibrox club's title credentials. The obvious one, of course, will be do they have the bottle to come out on top in such a fiercely contested title battle? A two-week shutdown from the league, as they take on Hamilton Accies in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup before facing Celtic in the Co-operative Insurance Cup Final at Hampden Park, will put Rangers' title challenge on the back burner. advertisement That, however, will do little to dilute concerns among the Light Blue legions that their defeat to the Highlanders is a signal that this squad doesn't have what it takes to stop Celtic making it four-in-a-row. The implications if Rangers don't win the league are huge. From a financial perspective, it is imperative the riches that go hand in hand with entry to the Champions League are secured next season after failure to reach that stage this season left a �£10million black hole in the club's finances. Winning the championship this season will once again offer the SPL winners direct entry to the group stage of the competition. The runners-up, like this season, would face two qualifying games, but the standard of opposition standing in their path will dramatically increase under Uefa's qualification criteria revamp. On March 21 against Hearts, Walter Smith will turn his full attention back of the title race with Celtic now out in front, albeit only marginally with a three-point advantage. He will have 10 matches which will not only shape their season, but possibly the foreseeable future of the club. Does the Rangers manager have the players at his disposal to come out in top against a Celtic side that has already shown, not just last season but in previous campaigns, that they are good enough to prosper under the white heat of a title run-in? Indeed, captain Barry Ferguson is the only member of Walter Smith's squad who has truly influenced and delivered title success. Nacho Novo, who is currently out injured, has also played his part in the past as Alex McLeish delivered two championship trophies in 2005. But he has been no more than a bit-part player at Rangers in recent seasons. Here, SportTimes takes a look at the men who will be required to stand up and be counted in 10 league games of monumental importance to the Ibrox club. IN GOOD HANDS Allan McGregor has returned to the sort of form that brought speculation of a �£9m move to the Premiership last season. After a difficult start to the campaign, as he tried to find his feet following a long injury lay-off, the Ibrox goalkeeper is once again turning in some vital performances. McGregor's goal has been breached only four times in 13 matches. So this isn't a position that would cause Smith much concern. FULL-BACK FAILINGS Smith's first task as they prepare to welcome a rejuvenated Hearts side to Ibrox will be to find a replacement for the suspended Davie Weir. The stopper's red card, following a rare mistake which gifted Caley the three points on Wednesday, will mean he'll have to sit out against his former club. On previous occasions, Kirk Broadfoot has been moved inside from his usual right-back beat and Steven Whittaker has come out of cold storage to play as a full-back. That, you'd imagine, would tempt most opposing managers to try and expose Gers backline. Madjid Bougherra has been their most consistent defender throughout this season. Indeed, Smith probably doesn't like to dwell on what his defence would be like without him at its heart As for Weir, his displays, in fairness, have been pretty consistent. It's the full-back areas that let Rangers down. The way they play, both see plenty of the ball and are encouraged to push forward. While Broadfoot is always willing to do so, too often his final ball simply isn't good enough. At least, however, he is willing to get involved in the game. Papac, no doubt to the constant frustration of the Rangers management, is far more reluctant to join in on attacks. So is it a defence you could bank on to hold firm? Well, their recent form has been impressive, but cracks could appear the more pressure is put on them. WIDE-BOYS REQUIRED Pedro Mendes's influence has been badly missing in Rangers recent two matches. The Portuguese playmaker provides an extra dimension to their attacking play in particular. His passes are crisp, he spots things early and, unlike many of his colleagues, he isn't too predictable at times. Next to him will be the captain Ferguson. Having been over the course many times before, he knows what it takes to deliver a championship. And, as skipper, he knows there are more eyes on him than any other member of the Rangers squad. Maybe Rangers' biggest problem is that they don't boast natural wide players. For all Steven Davis has enjoyed an excellent campaign, he isn't an out-and-out winger. Neither is Kyle Lafferty, Lee McCulloch, Steven Naismith nor the various players deployed on the left of midfield this season. Perhaps the most comfortable in such a position is young John Fleck. But he is still cutting his teeth at this level. It would be unfair, for all his natural ability and enthusiasm, to expect him to carry older and more experienced team-mates between now and the end of the season. Overall, Rangers have a midfield that works well enough together but there have been several occasions this season when they could have played all night and not carved out a chance for any of the striker. BOYD BACK-UP Who scores the goals if Kris Boyd isn't bagging them? Kenny Miller pops up now and again with one, sometimes two, but can he do it when it matters most? Can he keep a cool head inside the penalty area when that one of only chance of the game comes his way? History would suggest not. Lafferty is struggling to provide clues as to how he is going to become a key player at Rangers and while Novo is always a threat coming off the bench, his injury problems could prevent him from being at his best for some time. This department, probably more than any other, will be the one that Smith will be concerned about the most. When everything is going well, they are most certainly capable of finding the back of the net. In the comings weeks, however, there will be more than one occasion when Smith is on the sidelines hoping to one of his frontman to snatch a goal that transformers what is appearing to be one point into three. Time, of course, will tell. Only a fool would predict the outcome of the current championship. But Rangers aren't only playing for the title - the financial baggage it carries means the future of the club is at stake. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2493863.0.0.php

The question I ask myself most often when thinking off, or discussing John Greig is, is he deserving of the title ââ?¬Ë?Greatest Ever Rangerââ?¬â?¢? This title was bestowed on Greig, by us, the fans. We voted for him as the Greatest Ever Ranger and all the attributes are there. His dedication and love of Rangers is undeniable. We were the only club that we ever played for. He won a remarkable three trebles with Rangers (the club has won seven in our illustrious history), his appearances speak for themselves and listening to fans from the generation before mine, Grieg was Rangers during this dark days of Celtic domination. Can it be argued that is unsuccessful time as manager soured his legacy? He was brave enough to take the challenge, and you wouldnââ?¬â?¢t have expected Greig to have refused the challenge of replacing Jock Wallace as Rangers manager. Would things have been different if Greigââ?¬â?¢s charges had managed to have won the treble in his first season (added to the wonderful run and performances in Europe)? Weââ?¬â?¢ll never know. The title of Greatest Ever Ranger is an immense title and accolade once you start to look at the other contenders of this title. Mr Struth, The Founding Fathers, RC Hamilton, Valance, John Greig, George Young, Bob McPhail, Alan Morton ââ?¬â?? these are just the tip of the iceberg. For me, Mr Struth epitomises Rangers and everything we stand for. Personally, Mr Struth is Rangers, others will rightly point to our Founding Fathers, others will rightly have their own opinion. In my fledgling and informative years as a Rangers supporter, all my family talked about John Greig and told tales of his heroic service for Rangers. My Unlce was lucky enough to play professional football and played against Rangers for West Brom and all the family were given tickets for the game. Not only that, Greig had learned of our leanings and had arranged for a stadium tour as well as tickets in the directors box. Iââ?¬â?¢ll never forget my old grans (God Bless Her) face when we were shown the trophy room ââ?¬â?? she asked Greig if she could have a job cleaning all the silverware! We were then invited into the inner sanctums of Ibrox after the game to meet both teams. A truly unforgettable day for our family thanks in no small part to Mr Greig. One thing that canââ?¬â?¢t be disputed, when you look at the clubs traditions, values, history, John Greig ticks all the boxes. Rangers have certainly been enriched by John Greigââ?¬â?¢s presence and would have been a poorer club without this colossus on the field of play. A decorated Scottish International, Rangers Captain, Rangers Manager and simply a fantastic footballer (his footballing ability was undervalued in my opinion), a gentleman and last but not least, a Ranger. Greatest Ever Ranger? Who am I to argue? Information Sources : Silversmith ââ?¬â?? Neil Drysdale John Greig ââ?¬â?? My Story Rangers ââ?¬â?? Season By Season ââ?¬â?? Robert McElroy Cammy F

No one who witnessed Rangersââ?¬â?¢ 2nd treble in 3 seasons when we defeated Aberdeen 2-1 in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden would believe that the man hugged and congratulated by Jock Wallace would be invited to replace Wallace as manager of Rangers. There are many rumours circulating as to why Jock Wallace left Rangers in 1978 but to say it was a shock would be an understatement. Jock Wallace epitomised Rangers and was a very successful and shrewd coach/manager. His departure left a gaping void and the board hoped that John Greig would be the man to fill this void. Much has been written regarding John Greigââ?¬â?¢s tenure as Rangers manager and most agreed that it was a terrible time in our proud history, but ironically, it started off wonderfully. Season 1978-1979 mirrored last season where a fixture pile-up and some overly negative tactics would result in Rangers coming tantalizingly close to a quadruple, but end up with the domestic cup double. Under Greig, the fixture pile-up was caused by the weather and resulted in Rangers playing only three league games between 23rd of December and 14th March. The early league results belied and gave little indication of the run that Rangers were to put together. Rangers failed to win any our opening six league fixtures. However, once the players got used to Greigââ?¬â?¢s new tactical awareness, vision and perception we looked like a team capable of going all the way domestically and in Europe. In saying that, Greigââ?¬â?¢s naivety as a manger led to mistakes being made. Possibly the most crucial was splitting the Johnstone / Smith partnership as JG wanted DJ as centre-half and captain. Domestically, the League and Scottish Cups were retained with Alex McDonald and Colin Jackson scoring the all important goals as Aberdeen were once again defeated 2-1 at Hampden. The Scottish Cup was secured after a marathon three games against Hibernian. The first two games finished 0-0 and were in truth, dire affairs. The 2nd replay saw Rangers eventually win 3-2 thanks to a Arthur Duncan own-goal (Derek Johnstone with the other two goals). The League Cup Winning Team ââ?¬â?? McCloy, Jardine, Dawson, Johnstone, Jackson, A McDonald, McLean, Russell, Urquhart, Smith and Cooper (Subs ââ?¬â?? Millar and Parlane). Scottish Cup Winning Team - McCloy, Jardine, Dawson, Johnstone, Jackson, Watson, McLean, Russell, Parlane, A McDonald and Cooper (Subs ââ?¬â?? Millar and Smith). Our league title was surrendered at Parkhead when we allowed a Celtc to come from a gaol behind and win ultimately 4-2. In the aftermath of the game, Greig was rightly criticised for his negativity and it was widely believed that if we had been more positive, we would have won the game and the league title. Hindsight is a wonderful tool, but you have to wonder if we had won this title, and therefore the treble, John Greigââ?¬â?¢s stint as Rangers manager would have been far more successful. However, it was in Europe in this first managerial season that Rangers and Greig excelled and Rangers eliminated Juventus and PSV Eindhoven with brilliant and at times, breathtaking displays. The Italian Champions contained NINE stars from Italyââ?¬â?¢s World Cup Squad and PSV were the current UEFA Cup Holders and had, until they faced Rangers, never lost a home European tie. The Juventus game at Ibrox gave the young Cammy F (i.e me!) an early taste of those unbeatable and unmatchable European nights at Ibrox, Ibrox was in the process of being rebuilt, but the atmosphere was electric and goals from Alex McDonald and Gordon Smith ensured that Rangers progressed. After a 0-0 draw at Ibrox, the feeling that was Rangers had blown their opportunity against PSV as their impressive home form suggested that we would struggle. This seemed to be the case as we lost a goal in the first minute, but Rangers rallied and with goals from McDonald and Johnstone put us 2-1 in front. The Dutch champions levelled, but Bobby Russell scored an unforgettable goal late on and Rangers became the first European club to win in Eindhoven. The quarter final draw saw us paired with FC Cologne and a severely depleted Rangers team were narrowly defeated 2-1 on aggregate and the European dream was over. If John Greigââ?¬â?¢s first season as manager has shown some promise, his 2nd was calamitous with Rangers failing to win a trophy and finish an embarrassing 5th position in the league, 11 points behind eventual champions Aberdeen (who secured 7 points from 8 from Rangers). Our away form was abysmal with Rangers gaining only 10 points from 18 away games ââ?¬â?? a total bettered by all bar the two relegated teams (Dundee and Hibernian). Aberdeen also put an end to our League Cup hopes defeating us in a two-legged third round tie. We faired slightly better in the Scottish Cup where we reached the final after defeating Dundee UTD, Hearts and Aberdeen before losing to a deflected George McCluskey shot in extra time in an OF Final. In Europe, after seeing off Lilliestrom in the Cup Winners Cup preliminary round, we defeated Fortuna Dusseldorf by 2-1 to then face Spanish giants Valencia. A 1-1 draw in Spain looked to have paved our way, but the magic of Mario Kempes proved too much for Rangers at Ibrox and the Spanish side went on to with the trophy against Arsenal. On a more positive note, the redevelopment of Ibrox took a major step forward with the opening of the Copland Road Stand. Bolstered by much needed signings (Jim Bett and Colin McAdam and the return of Willie Johnston), Rangers entered season 1980-81 knowing that they need to improve significantly. Rangers got off to an impressive start in the league with an unbeaten run of 15 matches which included two OF victories and a record 8-1 win away to Kilmarnock. However, this form wasnââ?¬â?¢t to last and a disastrous run in November and December threw our title challenge of the rails. Aberdeen once again knocked us out of the League Cup and the game was marred with controversy when referee George Smith awarded The Dons not one, but two contentious penalties, the second being awarded for a foul that occurred on the semi-circle outside the penalty box! Due to having no European participation, Rangers entered the Anglo-Scottish which led to humiliation and embarrassment at the hands of English minnows, Chesterfield Town. The third division side held Rangers to a 1-1 draw at Ibrox (Gordon Dalzeil) then thumping Rangers 3-0 in the away leg. We were to finish 3rd in the league 12 points behind Champions Celtic in the league campaign that was over before it really got started. The disastrous run in Nov/Dec was one that we would never recover from. However, there was slight solace in the Scottish Cup where we faced Dundee United. After a tedious 0-0 draw where Ian Redford would miss a last minute penalty for us against his former employers, Rangers went on to win the replay 4-1 with a wonderful performance topped by some Davie Cooper magic. Cooper was dropped for the original game, but made a devastating return in the replay scoring a goal and setting up two others. John McDonald (2) and Bobby Russell were the other scorers. The season ended the end or Alex McDonaldââ?¬â?¢s illustrious Rangers career. Remembered for his true Rangers spirit and his diving headers, Alex McDonald would always be held in great esteem by the fans. After 12 years of sterling service to Rangers, Alex McDonald was sold to Hearts for Ã?£30,00 and would later go on to manage the Gorgie side (along with Sandy Jardine). Scottish Cup Winning Team - Stewart, Jardine, Dawson, Stevens, T Forsyth, Bett, Cooper, Russell, Johnstone, Redford and J McDonald

by Ronnie Cully ALL 12 SPL clubs are today anxiously seeking confirmation their TV deal with Setanta Sports is not under threat after it was reported the satellite broadcaster want to renegotiate their �£150million contract with the English FA. The Irish-based company have a deal with the SPL worth �£54.5m which runs until 2010, and last year agreed a new contract worth �£125m which is set to extend until 2014. However, after losing the rights to one of the two packages of Premier League matches in the latest round of bidding, concerns have grown about Setanta's ability to hold on to subscribers. Now, with reports claiming they have delayed making a scheduled �£10m payment on their contract with the English FA, and that they want to hold talks to renegotiate the terms of that four year-deal, fears are multiplying within the Scottish game. advertisement The new SPL contract which was announced last summer was heralded at the time by executive chairman Lex Gold as a major breakthrough for the Scottish game. He said: "It's the biggest-ever TV deal in Scottish football history. This will allow clubs to re-invest to make the Scottish game even stronger. "Ten years ago, we spoke about delivering a brighter future for Scottish football. "Today, as we look ahead to our next 10 years, we can do so with confidence. We look forward to working with them (Setanta) to continue building and developing our league." That confidence is now under pressure as the credit crunch bites. The BBC also has a contract with the SPL until 2012 for match highlights on TV and online on the BBC Sport website. But it would be a massive blow to every SPL club if there was even a delay in any of the payments from the deal they have with Setanta. And assurances will be swiftly sought that there will not be any disturbance to the cash flow. Alarm bells started to ring when Setanta's management last month ordered a major review of their business after they lost the rights to one of their Premiership packages. A Setanta source last night attempted to reassure subscribers and contract partners that they can survive this blow and that they will meet their commitments. They also have deals with the Premier League, the Indian Premier League, and the US PGA Tour and with Premier Rugby that starts next year. ITV - who, like Setanta, have a contract with the English FA - are also reported to be seeking to reschedule payments on their �£275m deal. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2493031.0.0.php

RANGERS under-19s will take on Inverness Caley Thistle in the semi-final stage of the SFA Youth Cup after the Highland Jags made history by beating Celtic following a dramatic penalty shoot-out . Celtic were favourites to progress from this quarter-final tie at the Tulloch Stadium but the home side produced a strong and assured performance to deny an Old Firm semi at Ibrox Stadium on Sunday, March 29. With the game sitting goalless after 120 minutes a pulsating shoot-out followed with Celtic striking the bar with their seventh effort to spark wild celebrations on the pitch and in the stands. :rfc:

I guess everyone noticed that Rangers changed from their traditional black socks with red tops to an all red sock (or stocking, if you are old fashioned like myself) at Parkhead on Sunday and the official line was that the black socks clashed with Borat’s socks (however, both teams have white shorts, strange that one). Anyway, I am going to assume that I will be in the vast minority hear, but I prefer Rangers to play in red socks, however, my preference would be to have these topped with white. Now, this isn’t a lily-livered liberals response to the outlandish and bizarre claims by Celtc supporters that we only wear black socks, topped with red to signify that we are ‘up to our knees in ****** blood’. Like all of their eccentric claims against us, this just doesn’t stand up to scrutiny. The line ‘up to our knees in ****** blood’ is from a song that glorifies The Billy Boys, a Glasgow gang from the 1930’s. The song itself wasn’t truly sung until much (decades) later and a quick trawl through old Rangers photographs will show that Rangers played in black stockings with red tops as early as 1907 (please refer to the excellent Rangers blog site - http://blogs.myspace.com/glasgowrangers1873 for a extensive selection of historical Rangers team photos). Anyway, I’m digressing, back to the red stockings. The reason I prefer these is probably due to the fact that when I was becoming ‘aware’ of the Rangers, seeing them in newspapers, magazines and match programmes left lying around by family members, Rangers were then wearing red and white socks (this would be around 1973ish- see below). I can also remember getting my first Rangers strip for Christmas around this time. Back then, the strips came in a packaged box and the RFC crest and number had to be ironed/stitched on (I had Number 9 and thought that I dreamed I was Derek Parlane as I ran around the back garden). To me, this will always be the classic Rangers ‘look’. However, Rangers would soon change back to the traditional black and red socks and would continue wearing these until the arrival of Graeme Souness where he reverted back to the red socks (much to my approval I may add). Again, as this was a wonderful era for all Rangers fans, especially those who had suffered previously, this could also explain why I prefer the red socks – it heralds me back to a greater time, an exciting, exhilarating and ambitious time where Rangers seemed to ‘come alive’. This is a rather whimsical look at something that many may not feel worthy of megabyte of space in hyperspace, whilst others, like myself will believe that these small things are important and part of our history and heritage. As far as I have been able to gather, traditionally, we adopted stockings in black with red tops as these are the colours of the burgh of Govan. Nothing more sinister than that and a nice touch to the citizens of our home burgh, but it’s a pity that they hadn’t adopted red and white as their colours. Cammy F – Blue, White & Red Loyal

Are this current Rangers team (squad) and management team skilful enough and tactically aware to continue to squander glorious opportunities presented to us to leave (at this time) ordinary and laborious Celtc team in our wake? After the debacle of transfer window and the ââ?¬Ë?who will leaveââ?¬â?¢ and ââ?¬Ë?whoââ?¬â?¢ll be left at Ibroxââ?¬â?¢ soap-opera, we were left with (almost) a full squad to pick from, and more importantly hadnââ?¬â?¢t lost any players who could be counted as crucial in regaining the SPL title from our most bitterest of foes. This could have been portrayed as a slight advantage as Celtc failed to boost their meagre resources, Wilo Flood being their only signing. Any slight advantage we have this season, weââ?¬â?¢ll need to grab on to and maximise to its full advantage, as as the credit crunch starts to bite, and with no signs of it abating (in fact, itââ?¬â?¢ll get worse and could hit season ticket sales, advertising etc) the refusal of some players to be whored out of Ibrox, and the fact that Martin Bain has made it impossible for us to move on fringe players (salaries and length of contract, thatââ?¬â?¢s his domain), weââ?¬â?¢ll probably lose anything between eight and ten players in the summer. Anyway, that argument is a discussion for another day / time. Presently, we have somehow found ourselves alive and kicking in a title race that appeared over at the tale end of the year. Celtc has stuttered dramatically since defeating us at Ibrox but yet, we have still contrived to pass up the opportunity to overtake them and leave them in our wake. To refuse such a gift once (Pittodrie) was criminal, to have refused such a gift twice is incompetence. When Walter went 4-1-4-1 at Pittodrie and included Lee McCulloch in place of Kris Boyd, he showed his hand to the entire SPL. His cowardly tactics showed that The Rangers now donââ?¬â?¢t have the ambition to travel to Pittodrie and back their talent to take care of a very average Aberdeen team. The tactics that day were a direct result of Celtc losing four goals from set-pieces at the same venue the previous week. Putting simply, Walter shat himself. Never mind some fans said, a draw at Pittodrie was an ââ?¬Ë?OKââ?¬â?¢ result and kept us in the title race. Sorry, that draw didnââ?¬â?¢t keep us in the title race, Celtcââ?¬â?¢s inability to see of the likes of Dundee United, Hearts and ICT has kept us in this title race. Never mind, an OF game is on the horizon, time for Walter and Rangers to redeem themselves. In the build up to this game, every Rangers fan KNEW that Walter would once again shit himself and go to nullify Celtc, even though there was very little, if anything to nullify. Once again, we refused to take the initiative and passed up the opportunity to overtake a stale looking Celtc team. Now, how many other chances will we be presented with? And if we are presented with them, will be capitalise on them? Will our manager find a backbone and realises that this is the opportunity of all opportunities? The latest instalment of OF mania was a dire affair, with Rangers not displaying any real ambition until the second half. Perversely, we actually played well in the second half and had sufficient chances to win the game. Nevertheless, it was hardly a sparkling performance. The only upside, it showed how ordinary our opponents really are. We are in a position where our form against the other SPL teams could lead to us gaining a points advantage before the split and the concluding OF game of the season at Ibrox. We have three home games in the next four, whereas Celtc travel to Fir Park and Tannidice, where we know to our cost, results are never easy to obtain. So, hopefully Walters negativity will go into hiding over the next month and we can do what Rangers should be doing. Installing a belief in our players and trust and back their ability to defeat opponents. Never mind worrying about them, let them worry about facing the Rangers. Recently, I was watching some old Rangers DVDââ?¬â?¢s and something noticeable jumped out. In our two previous SPL triumphs, we were always scoring goals early in matches. We set an exhilarating pace to the games, especially at Ibrox, that didnââ?¬â?¢t allow teams to settle. This meant that by the time 30 minutes had surpassed, we were well in control of the games. There were very few games that werenââ?¬â?¢t ââ?¬Ë?in the bagââ?¬â?¢ by early in the second half. Recently, we have been the exact opposite as we havenââ?¬â?¢t been imposing ourselves on opponents until the second half. The aftermath of the game has hardly been surprising either. Dubbed the worst OF game in history (it was far from that) and we are blamed for that ââ?¬Ë?factââ?¬â?¢. The referee making mistakes right, left and centre and the only controversy in the media is that Vinegar Of Castlemilk was ââ?¬Ë?harshly bookedââ?¬â?¢. Oh, and guess what, Celtc failed to win an OF game and the old ââ?¬Ë?sectarian cardââ?¬â?¢ is played by the ââ?¬Ë?impartialââ?¬â?¢ delegate at the game (Dick by name,ââ?¬Â¦Ã¢â?¬Â¦..). However, we can actually take solace in the fact that the media are more then happy to criticise our performance (on and off the field) as it is a sure fire indication that they are worried and are trying every vile trick in the book to deflect any attention being given to Celtcââ?¬â?¢s terrible current form. Cammy F -

Another splendid article in the STS series - this time from Tannochside Bear who discusses the existing flawed links between the club and RSCs and how these can be improved. http://www.gersnetonline.co.uk/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=752&Itemid=2 As part of the 'Setting the Standard' series of articles, I would like to discuss the role of Rangers Supporters Clubs (RSCs) in todayââ?¬â?¢s game, the links between them and the club, and how we can get the best working relationship between them. At the moment, all official RSCs are registered at Ibrox through the Worldwide Alliance (WWA), with claims of over 600 registered clubs and a membership of 30,000 supporters. From within this comes the Rangers Supporters Assembly, with 10 elected representatives taken from the Worldwide Alliance. There is also the Rangers Supporters Association, the much longer-standing organisation which used to distribute tickets to RSCs for matches both at Ibrox and away from home. Sadly, this has diminished much in recent years, forcing it to sell their headquarters within the Wee Rangers Club to pay off itââ?¬â?¢s debts and now has only around 20 member clubs. RSCs take many shapes and forms throughout the world. From the many Glasgow based clubs with decades of history behind them and a million stories of follow following, to the many overseas RSCââ?¬â?¢s that show games in clubs and pubs for exiled Bears all over the world. I personally have been a member of a Glasgow based RSC for 20 years, 10 of which as part of their committee, so I really believe in the value of the RSC and have some experience of how they are run. RSCs in this country are mainly run with one primary function: to arrange travel and tickets for Rangers supporters to follow the team. The clubââ?¬â?¢s contact with RSCs throughout the course of the season almost entirely consists of ticketing issues. Most RSCs will know very little about the WWA, when it has meetings in its area, who are the area representatives, and what it is there to do for them. Outside the UK, they are mostly social, a gathering of supporters to watch the game together at all hours of the day and night. We all know that the current situation does very little for either party. It gives virtually nothing to the RSCs and the club gets virtually nothing back from them. The club certainly undervalues the power of the RSCs to influence fan thinking. Not only does the club have to do more for RSCs, but the reverse is also true. The best example of this was when the club was under fire in the Spring of 2007 for ââ?¬Å?The Billy Boysââ?¬Â. The club desperately wanted the fans to stop singing it after UEFA effectively outlawed the song. The club tried everything it could to get the fans to stop. Finally they appealed to a couple of the well known RSC chairmen to see if they could do anything. After a hastily arranged meeting of representatives of over 60 RSCs held in April 2007 in the Wee Rangers Club, an agreement was reached to get members of RSCs to ââ?¬Å?self-policeââ?¬Â in this area. A policy that was worked extremely well and continues to work to this day. So what changes can we make in order to set the standard in this area? There are 3 questions that I want to look at in this topic. 1. What can the club do for the RSCs? Issue a membership card for all members of an RSC. The card gives them a small discount in the club shop, (online for overseas members) stadium tours, etc. Not too much that it costs a fortune, more a token gesture to make them feel part of the family. Use the clubââ?¬â?¢s buying power to have deals in place with certain companies to give RSCs some good deals. Perhaps with a clothing manufacturer to give the best prices on RSC polo shirts and flags. Individual RSCs all go off and get their own polo shirts done. Let the club be part of it. The club will make a small commission, and the RSCs all get a good deal. Give RSCs the option to seat their members together at Ibrox. This will of course help the atmosphere at Ibrox as well as binding the RSCs more together as a group. Negotiate strongly with other SPL clubs for a larger allocation for matches. It appears we do not actually want more tickets for games as it is too much bother for us to deal with them for not much reward. This is not the standard we should be setting. We must put the interests of our fans first. Without them there is nothing. I am quite sure Kilmarnock and Motherwell for example would love to give us more tickets, even share a stand in order to get more fans to the game. For shared stands, the Rangers section would be all family tickets. 2. What can the RSCs do for the club in return? If the RSCs knew that they were getting a fair deal on tickets and that the club were right behind them, they would be far more interested in putting something back. RSCs are well trained in running successful fundraisers. From race nights to sportsmanââ?¬â?¢s dinners to sponsored football matches to just selling scratchcards and much more. The truth is they have to just to survive. I am quite sure that most RSCs would happily run a fundraiser every season with the proceeds being split between their own club funds and the Rangers Youth Development programme, or the museum fund. The club would provide a signed shirt and ball for a raffle at the event, and where possible a player, former player or coach in attendance, this could be a real source of income throughout the year. RSCs are already the clubââ?¬â?¢s best selling tools. Already, many RSCs are agents in the club lotto, raising large sums of money every week. This could easily be expanded upon if the RSCs thought the club were really looking after them and making them feel part of the club. 3. Who is going to do all the work? We need a new organisation who will look after the interests of the RSCs. It would be self-funding from membership dues collected from the RSCs. I would split them into two categories. Ticketing RSCs and non-ticketing RSCs. This means that the RSCs who take tickets every week are treated separately from the RSCs from abroad. The ticketing RSCs would then pay more than the other RSCs. I would suggest ~Ã?£4 per member per year for ticketing RSCs and ~Ã?£2 for non-ticketing RSCs. The RSCs would be easily able to pass this on to their members with their dues if they knew what they were getting back for it as outlined above. I would also reintroduce the Rangers Rally, which would be supported by the club and a large turnout of players, past and present, would be guaranteed. The funds raised would pay for the salaries of the staff whose job it would be to run the organisation. It would take quite some organising to make all of the above work, but with the right Rangers-minded people employed, it would become a professional office that would be the contact for any RSC enquiries and would have its separate ticket office for the distribution of RSC tickets. It would have a committee of elected Rangers fans that would be elected by the RSCs themselves in a postal ballot to all RSCs on a one-member one-vote basis. The staff would be answerable to the committee, and the committee answerable to the RSCs at monthly meetings, and all up for re-election annually. A full record of the minutes would be sent to every club every month to keep them involved, and RSCs would be allowed to send in questions in advance of meetings without having to attend personally. A website with all the up to date information, including a private section for RSC organisers to learn of more sensitive information (financials etc) would also form an important part of this. To summarise, the RSCs are such an important part of our club, our history, our heritage. Most Rangers supporters have used one at one time or another. Most have probably been to a function run by one of them. Most will have seen the banners with the RSC club names on them in various places all over the world. Personally, there is nothing better than seeing the convoy of RSCs thundering out of Dundee or Aberdeen after an important victory. The club should be embracing this collective of (in my biased opinion) the most passionate supporters anywhere in world football, and by working together making things the best they possibly can be for the ultimate benefit of Rangers Football Club.

Published Date: 12 February 2009 By Dawn Morrison Reporter Work on a plaque commemorating Wallyford-born football hero Jock Wallace will begin soon. The round bronze plaque, to be crafted by engraver Alexander Pollock of Haddington, will feature a picture of Jock and the history of his career. Rangers Football Club has lent its support to the Wallyford Community Council project, which will see the finished article placed within the village's community centre. Goalkeeper Jock began his career with Blackpool and over the years played for Berwick Rangers, Airdrie and West Bromwich Albion. He played for and managed the Berwick Rangers side which defeated Rangers in the Scottish Cup in 1967, one of the most famous cup upsets in Scotland. Championship In 1968, Jock was made assistant manager at Hearts before going on to manage Rangers over two spells in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1972, Rangers won the Centenary Scottish Cup in the final year of his first year in charge. In 1974-1975, Rangers won the championship for the first time in 11 years. Next season they made a clean sweep with the treble, which they repeated in 1977 to 1978. Jock died in 1996, aged 60. http://www.eastlothiannews.co.uk/news/Rangers-back-Wallyford-tribute-to.4974261.jp

Feb 14 2009 James Traynor JOHN FLECK, by all accounts, is a level-headed teenager who can rely on the guidance of decent, down-to-earth parents. Just as well. Rarely in the long history of this game can so much have been written and spoken about an emerging talent. And almost all of it has been guff. Some hacks and commentators, who really ought to know better, already have this 17-year-old down as a special talent and one or two have actually attempted to chastise George Burley for not promoting him to the senior national squad with immediate effect. That's almost as equally weird as the SFA's oversight - and let's be clear on this, the coaches did forget about him when it was decided he wouldn't be in the Under-19s for afriendly in France. That left him out of every squad last week but the hysteria surrounding Fleck is one more indication of just how badly off we are for genuine talents. This product of the oft-maligned Murray Park development system has something, of that there is no doubt, but whether or not he possesses enough technique, intelligence, pace and desire to overcome a lack of height remains to be seen. We can only hope. What is beyond debate is Fleck's readiness to start against Celtic at Parkhead tomorrow, even if his performances so far have not merited the blaring headlines. He has been good and immensely promising and has added a spark to Rangers' play. So the best thing Walter Smith can do is kick this too-much too-soon nonsense out of play, stand back and let Fleck show what he's got. Besides, when you look at Rangers' squad, Fleck is as ready for this moment as anyone of the others, even those with vast experience of the Old Firm arena. But there's another reason he should be thrown in at the deep end tomorrow. You see, right now this boy is not acquainted with fear. He is still at that age where he believes he can do anything, be anything and beat everyone. He hasn't been affected by the trappings of fame and fortune and hasn't built up a name or an aura yet so has no reputation on which to fall back should he perform badly. That's why he has to make the most of every opportunity to shine. Fleck is fresh and untainted and the way he barged forward to take a penalty against Dundee United at Ibrox and score his first goal for the big team suggests he is in a hurry to reach his goals. The agent who was on BBC Radio Scotland the other night bleating about the pace and momentum building up around his client would do well to bear this in mind. The player's own talent and attitude will determine the speed of his development rather than anything written or said about him but the agent seemed to be saying everyone should stay away from Fleck. Preposterous, but this agent fellow went on tomake a great deal about how awful it was that people were approaching Fleck on the streets. "Everybody wants a piece of him," he said. No they don't. They might just want an autograph or something as simple as a smile in response if they wish him well as they pass. There are athletes from other sports all over the world who have to deal with public adulation from a young age and it hasn't ruined them. Look at Andy Murray. He feeds off the attention and turns it to positive energy. The trouble with football types, though, is they think they're so much different, but Fleck should look beyond football for his role models and always remember in his business it pays better if you are noticed and in demand everywhere. But of course he'll have to maintain progress if he's to remain in the spotlight and that means he must take tests like Old Firm matches in his stride. And it would make more sense to play him from the start rather than hold him in reserve hoping the game unfolds favourably enough for Rangers to introduce him when the pressure is off. If Fleck starts and the evidence begins to show he isn't ready after all there is no harm done if he is subbed. He's still young and no one would judge him harshly because of that so there is more to be gained by placing him in the eye of the storm than there is to be lost by leaving him out. Surely Smith will see it this way, although he is unlikely to start Kris Boyd, even if he has been insisting he should be given another chance against Celtic. Rangers, it's fairly certain, will opt for a 4-1-4-1 formation with Lee McCulloch between the usual back four and the middle line of Steven Davis, Barry Ferguson, Pedro Mendesand Fleck. Kyle Lafferty will probably get the nod ahead of Kenny Miller who has just returned from injury, while Celtic's manager Gordon Strachan will need to assess the condition of ScottMcDonald and Shunsuke Nakamura who were on World Cup duty in Japan. Naka played and McDonald didn't but it's the possible effects of long-haul flights that will be concerning Strachan. The boss must also have some doubts about the mental state of his keeper Artur Boruc. The Pole is in trouble for whacking Aiden McGeady and can expect to be hit by a club record fine after tomorrow's showdown, so he has some clutter to clear from a head that isn't always properly screwed on. And will McGeady play? Only if Strachan believes Nakamura's travels have left him drained but it all adds up to an intriguing match and hopefully the standard of play will be better than the last Old Firm game. The Ibrox encounter, which Celtic won 1-0, was bereft of decent football and the players owe their fans an improvement. Rangers also believe that having dragged themselves back to within touching distance of the defending SPL champions they must make sure the two-point gap doesn't widen, but it could all depend on which players win their head to heads. It is never wise to predict the outcome of these contests, which are often battles of will, but if these individual struggles include Boruc against any inner demons, Nakamura and McDonald against fatigue and Fleck against Andreas Hinkel then Rangers might win a second successive match at Parkhead in the SPL this season. 'Fleck should look beyond football for his role models and always remember in his business it's better to be noticed elsewhere' http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/rangers/2009/02/14/john-fleck-can-be-an-old-firm-star-if-he-gets-the-better-of-andreas-hinkel-86908-21122444/

The Old Firm matches may no longer decide the title, but winning them certainly won't do either side any harm. The inconsistent form of Rangers and Celtic this season, and the ease with which the lesser lights in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League have pinched points from both, mean Sunday's high-noon duel between the Glasgow rivals will, in all likelihood, not prove decisive. And yet, there are benefits to be obtained from victory this weekend that stretch beyond mere bragging rights and adding another three points to the total. Recent history tells us as much. Rangers went to Celtic Park four years ago, just as they do this weekend, looking to get their noses in front in a championship chase that threatened to go to the wire. They travelled in hope rather than expectation having failed to win in the East End for five years, but found in Gregory Vignal an unlikely hero. The Frenchman, on a season-long loan from Liverpool, gave Rangers a second-half lead after a glaring error by Rab Douglas, before Nacho Novo confirmed the victory with a second late in the game. advertisement It took a final-day loss by Celtic at Fir Park for Rangers to ultimately win the title in the most extraordinary of circumstances, but it was that Old Firm win that imbued them with the confidence that they could go on to sustain a serious challenge for the championship. "After the game we went top of the league and then everything was open," Vignal told The Herald. "It made us more confident that maybe we could do something because we had not won there for so long. It was very close all the way that season, but everybody in our dressing room knew when we won away from home against Celtic that we had everything we needed to be champions. "It gave us a big lift. Not just because we went to the top of the table but because if you can beat Celtic in their stadium, then you feel you can beat everybody else. "We believed we could win every week and could be champions. Of course, it was not that easy and we lost games we should not have, but in the end we became champions on the last day. Big Marvin Andrews used to always say, Keep believing' and he was right." Vignal's wandering career has seen him make stops at Montpellier, Liverpool, Rennes, Espanyol, Portsmouth, Southampton, and Lens - where he is currently stationed - but it is his time in Glasgow, and the Old Firm match in particular, that he recalls most fondly. "These games are so important for both teams, for the city, for the fans, and for the players, too. It's not just about the match, but what it means to everyone going forward. I still talk about the Old Firm game with my mates here in France, as it was unbelievable. Liverpool versus Everton is a big derby but Rangers versus Celtic is even bigger. The stadiums are bigger and the atmosphere is better. It was an incredible experience to play in these games." Rangers were keen to secure Vignal's services on a permanent basis once his loan deal had expired but the player elected instead to sign for Portsmouth. It is a decision he still regrets four years on. "It was a big mistake for me to leave Glasgow Rangers. When you play for a British team, the spirit and passion is unbelievable and I would love to come back again and play in Scotland or England one day. "I should have stayed. I spoke with Alex McLeish and the chairman about coming back to play in the Champions League in season 2005/06 because I really enjoyed working with McLeish, the chairman, and Martin Bain Rangers' chief executive. If the Rangers chairman wants to call me and bring me back to Ibrox that would be amazing." Before then, however, the 27 year-old Vignal has some unfinished business to attend to, namely helping Lens back into the top flight of French football. "We are top of Ligue 2 so it's going well. When I came back, I told the chairman I would stay to help them get promoted back to Ligue 1 and when you say something like that you have to keep your promise. "I have one more year on my contract with Lens and if the chairman says I can go, I will try to come back to England - or maybe Rangers - this summer or the one after. I spoke to Newcastle and Middlesbrough in the transfer window and was very close to coming back, but I made my promise to Lens, so for now I will stay. But one day I hope I will be back." http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.2488906.0.Vignal_away_victory_can_inspire_Rangers_to_title.php

With the 3rd Old Firm derby galloping over the horizon, our thoughts turn to the formation and personnel that Walter Smith and his staff will deploy against the auld enemy. Would it be overly dramatic to say that the outcome of this game could shape our short to medium term destiny? After losing the last Old Firm game at Ibrox, many pundits as well as Rangers supporters, myself included, claimed that the league was over and Rangers would labour to the conclusion of the season that would see Celtc warp up their forth consecutive SPL title. In fairness, we have laboured, but luckily and thankfully, so have Celtc. If our worst fears are realised on Sunday, will they be as generous in the remainder of the season? Whilst Rangers are fragile both on and off the pitch at the moment, it could be argued that Celtc are just as fragile on the pitch. So, will Walter and his staff ââ?¬Ë?stickââ?¬â?¢ or ââ?¬Ë?twistââ?¬â?¢ on Sunday? Will they be happy to return from Torbett Towers undefeated which would see us, at worse, 2 points behind with a relatively easy (on paper) run of games ahead of us? Or will he, like the vast majority of us would advocate, go for the jugular and attack Celtc and expose their glaring weaknesses? Off course, by ââ?¬Ë?twistingââ?¬â?¢, we give Celtc the opportunity to win the game and take a 5 point lead. However, even by ââ?¬Ë?stickingââ?¬â?¢ and playing safe, we could also lose the game (a dodgy refereeing decision, a deflected shot, an individual error etc). There is also the unknown factor of the ââ?¬Ë?Walters unexpected player(s) selectionââ?¬â?¢ to consider and throw into the equation. Unluckily for us, we donââ?¬â?¢t have a Daniel Cousin clicking his heels at Murray Park looking to impress EPL suitors. There is also the advantage that everyone believes that Walter Smith will ââ?¬Ë?stickââ?¬â?¢ and go negatively into the game with a 4-5-1 formation that will include, say Lee McCulloch playing the role he did successfully recently at Pittodrie. Now, by rights, McCulloch shouldnââ?¬â?¢t get anywhere near the starting eleven, but Walter has a history (recently) of the unexpected in these fixtures. As stated above, Celtc are fragile at the moment and have obvious weaknesses that we have exposed in the past. Their defence is strong, but static. They will swallow up a ââ?¬Ë?high-ballââ?¬â?¢ game but will not enjoy playing in a ââ?¬Ë?football gameââ?¬â?¢. Get the ball down, get the ball into wide areas and play in and around their immobile defence. Celtc have good forward thinking players, but get them going backwards and working in their own half and in their own area, you not only nullify their threat, you make them uncomfortable. So, will Walter play a ââ?¬Ë?bluffââ?¬â?¢ and go 4-4-2 with genuine width in the team and two mobile forwards who can get the ball down and attack their back line? Or will he go for the double bluff and play 4-5-1 with Miller or Lafferty as a lone striker? Given that he started 4-5-1 in the recent friendly with AC Milan indicates that he is tempted to start with this formation with Lafferty up top with Miller and Fleck supporting from the wide areas with Ferguson, Mendes and Davis (or more likely McCulloch) in the midfield. Either way, this game may not determine our short to medium term destiny, but if we are defeated, I canââ?¬â?¢t see Celtc being as generous and wasting another five point gap in the title run in. We must leave Torbett Towers on Sunday afternoon with at least a share of the spoils to remain in contention in the SPL title race. If we defeat Celtc, I would say that we would be in prime position in the title race. So Walter, ââ?¬Ë?stickââ?¬â?¢ or twistââ?¬â?¢?, as long as we donââ?¬â?¢t go bust - in more ways than one. Cammy F -

Over the years I've found many online Rangers supporters are interested in finding out more about their club. From the humble origins on the banks of the Clyde to the modern day status of being the world's most successful domestic club, there is a rich heritage for every fan to explore. As such, 2 years ago, Gersnet created an ongoing project to create a searchable archive of the most important club information - The Rangers Archive. Along with other contributors across the online community, we've sourced the very best sites, accurate statistics and interesting articles about a wide range of subjects. All the big names are there - from John Greig to Bill Struth - while our stadium's history is also discussed in full. Add in a fascinating source of published references and a statistics section that NO other site has online, then the Rangers Archive makes for essential reading for any football supporter. We'd also like to invite all fans to get involved! YOU can help by submitting: * Your own stories and experiences; * Photos; * Video footage; * Any suitable sources of info such as books, film etc; * Reporting site inaccuracies; * Providing appropriate external site links. To help your task please fee free to post on the main Gersnet forum. Our admin will answer any queries at the earliest opportunity and we can even offer registered users the chance to get access to the main site to add/change content in a real-time basis. This project is unlike any other online - even the club don't offer such a tool! Explore the Rangers History Archive now: http://www.gersnetonline.co.uk/archive

Rangers have a very proud history in Europe being the first Scottish club to play a competitive European tie whilst participating in the European Cup in season 1956-57 season and became the fist Scottish or British Club to reach a European final when in 1961 we lost 4-1 on aggregate to Fiorentina in the inaugural European Cup Winners Cup final. During this campaign we defeated Wolves in the semi-final the game that gave us the wonderful Wolverhampton Town song which has thankfully, found it’s way back onto our hymn sheet in recent years. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwzxN0jPiS4]YouTube - Wolverhampton Town[/ame] As we will all be ware off, John Greig was the only captain to lead Rangers to a European trophy when he captained Rangers to the historic and exhilarating victory over Moscow Dinamo on that unforgettable night on Barcelona (May 24th) John Greig also has the distinction of playing in two Cup Winners Cup Final as he also played in our defeat at the hands of a young and upcoming Bayern Munich team that contained the likes of Beckenbauer, Muller, Maier and the scorer of the winning goal, Roth. The 1967 Cup Winners Cup Final was historic in the fact that it was the first time two clubs from the same city had played in both major European Finals in the same year. Ultimately, Rangers wouldn’t match Celtic’s victory and were defeated 1-0 by the Germans in a game played in Nuremburg. Losing this final was a disappointing end to a disappointing season that saw Rangers finish the season trophyless for the first time since 1951-51 season and saw Celtic claim a clean sweep of trophies. This was also the season that bore witness to one of the most embarrassing defeats in our history when a Berwick Rangers side inspired ironically by Jock Wallace knocked Scott Symons charges out of the Scottish Cup. A result that at the time, and is still thought of as nothing other than a catastrophe. However, the defeat at Berwick hastened the introduction of much needed young blood with Sandy Jardine and Alex Willoughby both introduced into the team. Willoughby would score 16 goals in 14 games, a run that astonishingly saw him dropped from the Cup Winners Cup Final and replaced by Roger Hynd, a huge error of judgement from Symon that arguably cost Rangers the Cup Winners Cup Final. Rangers had defeated some very decent teams to get to the final with Glentorn, holders Dortmund, Real Zaragoza and Slavia Sofia all defeated. The tie against Real Zaragoza was decided by a coin toss after thhe clubs draw 2-2 over two legs. The Rangers team that evening was Norrie Martin, Kai Johansen, Davie Provan, Ronnie McKinnon, John Greig, Sandy Jardine, Davie Smith, Willie Henderson, Roger Hynd, Alex Smith and Willie Johnston. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1967_UEFA_Cup_Winners'_Cup_Final [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgn9tb4wZsE]YouTube - 1967 European Cup Winners Cup Final Rangers vs Bayern Munich[/ame] We would ultimately gain revenge on Munich when we defeated them in the semi-final of the same competition in 1972. The calibre of opponents we faced during this competition was simply outstanding. Not only Munich in the semi-final, but we overcame the likes of Rennes, Sporting Lisbon. However, the Munich side were mightily impressive and would go on to win the European Cup three years in succession. They also contained 6 West German internationals who would help West Germany win the European Championships mere weeks after Rangers defeated Munich. Sandy Jardine and the young Derek Parlane (who replaced Greig in the starting 11) scoring the goals. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e60DMeCc1_w]YouTube - 1972 ECWC Semi-Final Rangers vs Bayern[/ame] The highlight of this campaign was a balanced side, scoring in every away tie we played, the critical goals from Colin Stein, Willie Johnston and Alex McDonald and the conversion of Derek Johnstone into a superb centre-half. The early tie against Sporting was decided on away goals after Rangers lost 4-3 in Portugal after winning 3-2 at Ibrox. However, with the scores tied, the officials commenced a penalty shoot-out that we eventually lost. The officials had forgotten about the away goals rule and declared that the Portuguese side had progressed and only changed their mind when challenged by Rangers officials and Scottish media once they realised their mistake. The final in Barcelona was unforgettable and one of the major achievements in our long and proud history. Our opponents were off outstanding quality, as was shown in the later part of the game as the Russian’s tried to overhaul our 3 goal salvo. This was Rangers 14th European Campaign and was already our 2nd Final (we had also reached the semi-finals for The European Cup) and we became the first club to have reached three Cup Winners Cup Finals. Willie Waddell’s charges had a determination to exorcise the memories of Nuremburg and had a brilliant knack of raising their game in Europe that season which was in stark contrast to our domestic form. The game was hugely anticipated and everyone hoped that it would live up to the friendly between the two clubs when the Russians toured Britain in 1945 in a precursor to European Football. The match at Ibrox was fascinated, with 90,000 fans missing work and school to witness the light-blues take on the welcome visitors from Russia; [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnBb7ZgEEng&feature=related]YouTube - Archive Footage - Rangers V Dynamo Moscow[/ame] A game that would see The Rangers play in blue and white hoops. Rangers, as always were well supported in Barcelona with in the region of 16,000 fans making there way in varying ways to witness Rangers triumph. Rangers dominated the game for around 50 minutes and raced into a three goal lead thanks to Colin Stein and Willie Johnston. Despite a late rally from the Russians Rangers held on and won the game 3-2 finally getting out hands on a European Trophy at the 3rd attempt. The scenes at the final whistle are well documented and the over reaction from Franco’s Fascist Police Force was an utter disgrace and spoiled what should have been the best evening in our illustrious history. Historically, the events that evening have been blown out of all proportion with the Rangers support being accused of rampaging and destroying chapels and assaulting Nuns. None of which is even close to the truth. In fact, the Rangers support are held in great esteem in Barcelona for putting the fascist Police in their place. The subsequent UEFA ban led to Barcelona inviting Rangers to their pre-season celebrations the following season and Barca captain Carles Puyol stated as much when interviewed prior to last seasons Champions League encounter. http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0047/print.shtml [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlgmhGkh4Eo&feature=related]YouTube - 1972 ECWC Final 1st half Rangers[/ame] [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rvPIy0Q8ps&feature=related]YouTube - 1972 ECWC Final 2nd half Rangers vs Dynamo[/ame] I guess the saddest aspect of the events was that John Greig wasn’t allowed to lift the trophy in front of the static Rangers support, but the celebrations on their arrival back in Scotland and at Ibrox certainly made up for any disappointment. Rangers winning team – Peter McCloy, Sandy Jardine, Billy Mathieson, John Greig, Derek Johnstone, Dave Smith, Tommy McLean, Alfie Conn, Colin Stein, Alex McDonald and Willie Johsnton (other members for the official squad – Penman, Parlane, Jackson, McKinnon, Denny and Fyfe) http://www.glesga.ukpals.com/rangers/rangers1972a.htm Cammy F

English footballâ��s television rights bonanza was in full swing last night as Sky paid more than �£1 billion to secure its grip as the main Premier League broadcaster. The company has kept its hold on the majority of live games, 92 out of the 138 matches available, by retaining its four existing packages. With the Premier League going to a second round on the other two outstanding packages, an auction thought to involve Sky, Setanta and ESPN, the 20 clubs will be hoping to exceed the �£1.7 billion from the 2007-10 deal and set a record. The bids arrived yesterday at the Leagueâ��s legal offices and Sky, the satellite broadcaster that is 39.1 per cent owned by News Corporation, parent company of The Times, ensured that it would not lose its dominant position by keeping the premium slots, including the Sunday 4pm kick-off. Although the Premier League declined to comment, sources disclosed that Sky had kept its four packages. No figures are known, but it is believed that the company will have paid close to the present �£1.314 billion. Related Links * Clubs bank on boom as world goes bust * Setanta to broadcast Premier League * Sale pitch, then Setanta calls off the game Only once in the Leagueâ��s history have domestic live rights failed to rise, in 2004, when they dipped from �£1.1 billion to �£1.024 billion, and there was a huge leap three years later. The clubs certainly set about the January transfer window as though confident that the revenues would not drop away. Barclays Premier League clubs spent a record �£160 million, defying the credit crunch that has afflicted so many businesses. While Arab wealth at Manchester City accounted for some of that spending, it is the television income that underpins the Leagueâ��s finances. Under European Union regulations, Sky is entitled to own five out of the six packages, and with ESPN, the Disney-owned broadcasting giant, joining the bidding â�� and Setanta desperate to keep the two packages it bought for �£392 million last time â�� there will be a further round of bids. The process is kept so secretive that none of the companies knows who it is bidding against, or how many rivals are involved. Sky was always expected to step up to the plate for the 2010-13 rights. Half-year results announced last week showed operating profits up 31 per cent to �£385 million. Broadcasters remain confident in the strength of the Premier League to attract subscribers. Money from the television companies has attracted some of the worldâ��s leading stars and two English clubs, Manchester United and Chelsea, contested the Champions League final last May. It is the most popular league in the world and, having recently missed out on the rights for German football, ESPN is known to have set about securing a significant presence in Europe by winning Premier League rights. Club chairmen will receive an update when they gather in London tomorrow. They will be relieved to know that the majority of the money has already been banked. On top of Skyâ��s input, the league has also sealed a deal with BBC for the 2010-13 highlights package for �£173 million, slightly above the existing cost. Setanta will be the most anxious of the bidders, having established itself in the market through its Premier League rights. More than �£5 billion has been ploughed into the English game by the television companies since the formation of the Premier League and Skyâ��s initial �£304 million investment. From the strength of the bidding yesterday, it seems as mutually beneficial a relationship as the day it started. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article5655101.ece

Silversmith ââ?¬â?? The Biography of Walter Smith ââ?¬â?? Neil Drysdale (Birlinn ââ?¬â?? http://www.birlinn.co.uk) I had been looking forward to reading and critiquing this book for sometime and have to say that, in the main, Neil Drysdale doesnââ?¬â?¢t disappoint. His biography of Walter Smith is excellently written, well put together, historically correct (unlike some official publications) and is an honest assessment of the ex and current incumbent Rangers manager. There are a few minor complaints regarding the content of this book (which Iââ?¬â?¢ll cover later) but overall, this is a fantastic read and I would recommend the book to all Rangers supporters. Walter played for and was Dundee UTDââ?¬â?¢s assistant manager under Jim McLean and has also managed Everton and Scotland, however, as the vast majority of his managerial career was served at Ibrox, the book dedicates most of its pages to his two stints as Rangers manager. The book also serves as a brilliant insight into the ââ?¬Ë?privateââ?¬â?¢ aspects to Walter Smithââ?¬â?¢s characteristics which have served him well in his professional career. When reading about Walterââ?¬â?¢s Calvinistic views and ideals, his strong family ties and his love for Rangers Football Club, it is easy to see why he treasures his time at Rangers and as well as treasuring our traditions and history, he also installs these great values into anyone and everyone who is employed at Ibrox. The book starts in poignant fashion as it details the happenings in and around Ibrox on the day of the Ibrox disaster where 66 of our brethren were tragically killed whilst watching The Rangers. Walter Smith was in attendance that day and the events and aftermath of this tragedy stayed with him forever. This opening chapter is brilliantly written and is worth purchasing the book for in itself. Whilst reading any account of that tragic day, I always get goose-bumps and a lump in my throat. Drysdales account is no different. The book then goes on to tell of Walters playing career that saw him play for junior football with Ashfield whilst serving his time as an electrician. He then played professionally for Dundee United and Dumbarton. In his earlier career with Dundee United, Walter also held down a fulltime job as an electrician. After playing 250 games for Dundee United he was invited onto the coaching staff by then manager Jerry Kerr who coincidently, played for Rangers after the 2nd World War. The book also gives an insight into how Walter missed the opportunity to move to Ibrox when Jim McLean refused the Rangers managers job the subsequently led to the return of Jock Wallace and then the Souness revolution, which Walter Smith would play a hugely influential part. As youââ?¬â?¢d expect, the vast majority of the book is dedicated to the Souness revolution and the nine-in-a-row era. This vastly successful part of our history is well documented, but again, Drysdale manages to document the successes whilst also questioning the obvious failings during this period. Near constant failure in Europe, an ageing team kept together which limped to 9-in-a-row and failed in itââ?¬â?¢s quest to achieve 10-in-a-row. All of the detail is in the book, all major games discussed and all through the book, events are punctuated with interviews / comments with the main protagonists. As I said in the opening of this review, there are a couple of minor points that concerned me and these are the old sectarianism chestnut. In the book, the Mo Johnston signing is detailed as is the outpouring of sectarianism for a tiny minority of Rangers supporters. To his credit, Drysdale does mention the fact that only 1 solitary season ticket book was handed back. However, all the furore surrounding the MoJo signing is blamed (mainly) on the Rangers support. There is no mention of the fact that MoJoââ?¬â?¢s family were attacked and his father assaulted by Celtic supporters. No mention that Johnston cannot return to the country of his birth due to ongoing death threats he receives from Celtic fans. Another contentious subject that is glossed over (it merits two lines in the book) was the vile racist abuse Mark Walters received on signing for Rangers both at Parkhead on his debut, then the following week at Tynecastle. There is also no mention of the fact that the racist abuse wasnââ?¬â?¢t consigned to the terraces with Walters being subjected to racist abuse on the pitch as well. There are also the tenuous and tedious remarks regarding Andy Goramââ?¬â?¢s unfounded links to the UVF. As I said, none of this should take anything away from the book, just something that I thought should be raised. After detailing Walters stints as Scotland and Everton manager, the tale end of the book looks at last seasons quadruple attempt which ultimately fell tantalizingly short. The author is obviously supportive of our attempts to have the season extended and puts in print what most of us think of Scotlandââ?¬â?¢s governing bodies. Walter Smithââ?¬â?¢s and Martin Bainââ?¬â?¢s public comments regarding this, and Celtics shameful approach to our request is also highlighted and supported. All in all this was a fantastic read and one that I would recommend to one and all. If asked to rate this book, I would say 8 out of 10. In closing the cover of the book states that this biography is ââ?¬Ë?a timely portrait of a man chiselled in the traditions of Rangersââ?¬â?¢ and the book certainly does deliver on this promise and it is hard after reading this book to argue that Walter Smith isnââ?¬â?¢t ââ?¬Ë?one of usââ?¬â?¢. I closing, I will quote Walter Smith; ââ?¬Ë?This Club is different; This club is Rangers Football Clubââ?¬â?¢ and the author ; ââ?¬Ë?It doesnââ?¬â?¢t matter how tough the task has proved, because Smith strives under scrutiny and being presented with challenges at Ibrox, the place where he and his grandfather thrilled to the sight of blue-clad warriors giving their all for what they sincerely believed to be the greatest club in the world. And, as Walter Smith will tell you, Rangers remain just thatââ?¬â?¢. Cammy F