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http://www.glasgowcitycouncil.co.uk/committee_minutes/public/extdocviewtop.asp?CID=2481&DATE=10/10/2008&TIME=11:00&DAY=&PAGE=1&STATE=Live&FILE=Documents/Live/Executive%20Committee/20084/1100_10_10_2008_2481_Report_Item%206.pdf&DocId=13601&Index=d%3a%5cdtsearch%5cindexes%5cLive&HitCount=8&hits=30+3f+71+b9+177+3f4+440+4b1+ Essentially the Glasgow City Council (GCC) will agree in principle tomorrow to sell Rangers the land the council owns within the planned redevelopment area (plans attached in link). The fee for such a sale is unknown but GCC have a past history of selling land to local football clubs for nominal fees and considering the Commonwealth Games 2014 as well us urgent requirement for Govan regeneration, any agreed fee is expected to be much lower than market value. Furthermore the Director of Development and Regeneration Services will be authorised to enter into an agreement to give Rangers the option to buy the land. It is also likely that Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) will agree to a similar option given the likelihood of improved pubic transport for the area - ie the long awaited return of a train station for Ibrox. Of course, no-one can say with any authority that these plans will come to fruition (especially with the current global economic problems) but it is heartening to note the club are progressing with the venture. Particularly interesting is the overall objective of creating a mixed use, ‘state of the art’ sports, convention and entertainment development destination, whilst assisting the regeneration of the local area. Certainly, yesterday's meeting of business leaders in Edinburgh including Alex Salmond and Ken Ross (chief executive of the Elphinstone Group) would have seen many relevant parties talking about these proposals. Further information may be available at today's AGM.

The remark in red really worries me. I also wonder if Demarcus means it seriously or is having a dig. Surely Fergie has to fight for his place like everyone.

No, not that one, I mean the good old Rangers Supporters Association. Much maligned and much smaller than in its heyday, the RSA has done its member clubs proud this time. John McMillan, the secretary of the RSA, has held meetings with both Hibs & Hearts over the last couple of weeks and has secured ticket allocations for RSA member clubs for this seasons matches at Easter Road and Tynecastle. The long standing history and good record of the RSA was a key factor in negotiations with the clubs. As John and the rest of the RSA often get some abuse for perceived inaction or press statements, I thought it was a case of credit where it was due.

UCF2008 posted the above in the other thread. my original rent-a-cause-reactionaries comment was about their general make-everyone-love-us philosophy. their persecution complex and immediate support for anything, no matter how contradictory, to maintain their romantic rebels image. that being said, i do think his point is worth a debate. recent times have seen ranting as never before. its seen protesting. a whole culture of complaining has developed - but i do think that there are also valid societal reasons for this (information culture/credit crunch/anxieties about pluralism) as well as good arguments for the fact that everything is not as well as it could be within ibrox (murray wants out/rangers fans consistently paying their money to be called bigots by all and sundry etc). that said, i think the anti-murray/anti-smith tone has just got rabid in recent times - a kind of rabid that can only happen on the faceless internet and in small groups. when it takes itself to real life (like the reported protest the other week) it falters. but, then, i begin to think it is all justified again - the protests seem to have spurred the new signings, and it took for mass protests etc for celtic to get turned around. so, all in all, have we become bitter tims?

Thomas Jordan Evening Times EMBARRASSING. Disgraceful. Shameful. Diabolical. Just some of the words that could be used to describe Rangers' performance as they crashed out of Europe. However, the biggest criticism you could level at Walter Smith's players is that not enough of them cared. Not enough of them wore the blue jersey with pride. And not enough of them were willing to go the extra mile. Yes, they were hurting as they faced up to the prospect of being directly responsible for one of the worst, if not THE worst, result in the Ibrox club's 52-year European history. But, by then, it was too late. How can a team that was playing in the Uefa Cup Final just 84 days ago find themselves not only knocked out, but outplayed and outfought by a team from Lithuania? Kaunas shouldn't have got close to Rangers regardless of whether they were without their two best players in Barry Ferguson and Carlos Cuellar. Or even the fact they are well into their domestic season before Smith's men have even begun theirs. Quite simply, there can be no excuses. Today, the Rangers legions will be selecting their targets and deciding who is to blame. The chairman, David Murray, will be chastised for failing to open his cheque book. Their chief executive, Martin Bain, was forced to run the gauntlet at the end of the match and, as the man who now controls the purse strings, he will also be criticised for failing to fund transfer deals. The manager will have his team selection held respon-sible along with his failure to bring in more new faces. Maybe the three of them can be held to account. But, you know what, none of them come close to the players. Had they found themselves facing a European outfit of genuine quality, then there is not much you can do when playing against better players. However, they were up against guys with a fraction of their ability and with a wage packet that is small change compared to their bulging pay packets. Quite simply, something is far wrong. From front to back, questions will be asked. Goalkeeper Allan McGregor should, on reflection, feel he could have been better at the opening goal when he was beaten from all of 35 yards. He was also extremely fortunate that he wasn't punished when he completely misjudged a Rafael Ledesma free-kick which flew wide of the post. At right-back, Steven Whittaker wasn't even as good as awful. From the first whistle to the last, he constantly gifted possession back to Kaunas and looks like a fish out of water as he struggles to find form. At the heart of the defence Kirk Broadfoot, standing in for the injured Cuellar once again, was steady enough, as was Davie Weir up until he lost Linas Pilibaitis for what turned out to be the winning goal. The 38-year-old has been in the game long enough to know you can have a stormer for 89 minutes of the game, but switch off just once or make a mistake and that's what you are remembered for. At left-back, Sasa Papac was reasonable enough. But, as feared, it was the middle of the park where Rangers struggled the most. Rather than go with just two in the centre, Smith went for three in the engine room at the expense of a second striker. In the holding role was Christian Dailly. Never someone you could accuse of not giving his all, he gave it everything he had but, in a game where Rangers enjoyed a fair share of possession, he was never going to get the ball down and dictate play. It was his lack of control at the end of the game - when he tried to bring the ball down with his chest - which handed Kaunas the corner from which they scored their winning goal. Beside him was Lee McCulloch, who once again allowed the game to pass him by. Kevin Thomson was slightly better, scoring the opening goal but never does he really grab a game by the scruff of the neck and accept the responsibility for being the main man. For all his critics, Ferguson does that on a regular basis. Out wide, Nacho Novo troubled Kaunas with his pace and gave a decent account of himself, although his final ball could have been better at times. On the other flank, Charlie Adam was another who contributed next to nothing. Where has the goal threat he carries gone? And playing the lone striker's role was Kenny Miller. He had another golden opportunity to open his Gers account second time around when he found himself through on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat, but tried to chip the ball and missed the target. Not good enough. Andrius Velicka climbed off the bench and missed a great chance with the scoreline locked at 1-1, and Kris Boyd and Kyle Lafferty arrived on the scene with just minutes remaining and far too late to offer anything to the game. Criticism will not go down well. But the 500-odd supporters who spent their night sitting in the pouring rain watching the players go through the motions, offering up a display that wasn't even as good as mediocre, deserve far better and are entitled to vent their fury. As far as Europe goes, Rangers' chance has gone. If this level of performance and result continues during their quest for domestic honours, then it should be the players who should be on their travels - out of Ibrox.

Agree with the guy If Rangers want to compete with Celtic then we have to get the maximum amount of people possible into Ibrox. I also feel it is crazy to have a stadium doing nothing for most of the time. Shops ,fitness clubs and other amenities should be built in to generate an income from the building. I wonder when Murray will make a statement on this?

Now, I am generally not a fan of ‘pre-season friendlies’ and as a rule don’t go to many. This changed last season when we were visited by Chelsea and I have to say, I really enjoyed the match and the atmosphere generated pre and post match by the fantastic travelling Chelsea support. I am also not one to indulge in love-ins or ambulance chasing that the Tims have off to a tee. However, the Chelsea game was a fantastic spectacle and our welcome certainly transmitted through to our visitors as Jose Mourhino, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Didier Drogba all later commented on the atmosphere that day and some Chelsea players were convinced to show their allegiance to The Rangers after that game. When I read that this season, we are to play Liverpool, my initial thoughts were of genuine anticipation of welcoming Liverpool to Ibrox for the first time in many a year but as the game has gotten closer, I have started to have major reservations regarding this ‘glamour friendly’. At the Chelsea game last season, the atmosphere was superb with Rangers and Chelsea songs being sung together. The same should happen this season, like Chelsea there are many Rangers supporters who have Liverpool as their English team. I for one have never supported Liverpool but was always aware that many Bears did and whilst I was growing up, they always had a ‘Scottish Connection’ with players like Souness, Hansen, Wark, Nichol et al. More recently, I have been very impressed with the Liverpool support. They have introduced many brilliant songs celebrating their long and proud history. Now that we have touched on the subject of songs, you may now have an idea as to why I have started to have reservations regarding this friendly. There is no doubt that Liverpool fans will sing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ at Ibrox, why shouldn’t they, it is their anthem. However, with this being a pre-season game, and with ‘joe-public’ able to buy tickets, there will be some Rangers supporters who will and for no reason, believe this to be some sort of ‘Celtc Loving Wind Up’ from the Scousers, nothing could be further from the truth. At this junction, it is worth noting that Liverpool fans routinely sing a version of ‘Every Other Saturday’ and have a wee ditty that is sung to the tune of the sash. It is also worth noting that Liverpool have a huge following within the Loyalist / Protestant community in Ulster (as they do in the Republican / Catholic community). In fact, if you visit the Official Linfield Store on The Shankill Road, you can purchase Linfield, NI, Rangers, Chelsea and LIVERPOOL merchandise from the store (Linfiled online store - http://www.linfieldfc.com/ worth a wee look!). In fact, on my recent visit to Belfast, I saw more Liverpool tops than I saw Rangers. I have also been witness to several Flute Bands finishing off a cultural evening by playing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, both in Ulster and Liverpool. So what I am getting at here? Well, basically, You’ll Never Walk Alone isn’t a Celtc song – it’s a song that their fans (stole) sing, if that makes sense. In fact, almost all ‘big clubs’ supporters sang You’ll Never Walk Alone in the 60’s and it wasn’t unheard of for the ‘Rangers end’ to give this laldy at Scotland matches during this period. For whatever reason, it only really stuck with Liverpool, then like most things in their history (their catholic identity, their beloved hoops, et al), the Tims stole it and tried to convince the world it was theirs. It is the reaction from certain Rangers fans to this Liverpool anthem that I fear could turn this glamour friendly into something less enjoyable. What I hope for is that when the Kopites start You’ll Never Walk Alone, we drown it out with a rousing rendition of Follow Follow (or The Blue Sea Of Ibrox, or the likes). I hope this is the only reaction we give to Liverpool fans singing their song. I will be attending this friendly and will be hoping that I enjoy this one as much as I enjoyed the Chelsea game last season – it’s always nice to get one over the English, even if they are fellow Blues, or in this case, Red Brothers. Cammy F

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/A/282922963?-11344 Anyone who has read Gibbon’s masterwork knows, well, knows more than me, as it is a very long book, and I didn’t even nearly finish it. But, all in all, he seemed to think that Rome fell because they ceased to be strong, dignified and gentlemanly, and gave themselves over to self indulgence, prestige, and ultimately decadence. They became trivial, weak, and the barbarians sauntered in and broke up the most lasting of Empires. In truth, I couldn’t care less about Romans. To me it is happy irony that after kicking people’s arses for ages theirs, in turn, got kicked. What is utterly, utterly maddening is that something I do believe in, something whose vision is actually worth fighting for, seems, like Rome, to be burning, with resignations, guarded comments and media noise about infighting etc. When the RST came into existence, it faced two main hurdles in establishing its credibility. Their idea of democratic fan representation, however pure, set them at philosophical odds with the owner, and custodian, of Rangers, Sir David Murray. No matter your own thoughts on his contribution to our club, Sir David Murray is among the most intelligent, shrewd, and powerful businessmen of our time and simply does not suffer fools gladly. If, against the seeming odds against them, that they did make headway with Murray, and enjoy some success, the other main hurdle would present itself: how do ordinary human beings, pure in their vision, being handed big responsibility, a certain celebrity, and a massive task; not fold under the weight of the power that would be thrust upon them? In truth, the answer to both these things was simply gentlemanly personal integrity and industry. Instead of playing reactionary anti-Murrays they realised how much success he had brought and sought out the common ground - the general good of Rangers that they both shared. Philosophical differences (democratic ownership of Rangers and personal ownership are bound to collide) weren’t cast aside under self-indulgent happy talk – like gentlemen, they each seemed to argue their case, respectfully disagree where differences arose and generally get about doing the good that could be done. This gentlemanly approach, and conscientious industry, secured their reputation as representatives of many fans, and in creating (at what only could have been a massive personal effort from those involved) a scheme that, at once, fulfilled their objectives as well as benefiting the club; their integrity, energy and vision simply could not be denied. After all, ‘GerSave’ is a genuinely novel and wonderful idea. And all was well. Murray, who was, probably from his perspective, understandably quite reluctant about fan representation on the board, couldn’t even find it in his power to deny the RST their place – signalling at last year’s club AGM that a fan rep (or reps) would be appointed to the board. Much good was being done. This gentlemanly, yet tenacious, approach is taken in releasing statements. Under less strict decorous bounds than those inside Ibrox, they managed to respond to the hyperbolic media; but never usually with anything other than professionalism – just with a bit more tenacity. As a fan, it’s good to have someone willing to upset the media for your reputation – those inside Ibrox don’t tend to do it because theirs is a more precarious political position. I know some fans had reservations about the decorum in getting a lip reader to confirm what anyone who saw Neil Lennon perfectly understood. I know why they would have reservations and I think those at the RST had them too: but, ultimately, during a period where Rangers fans were receiving such negative press about sectarianism, it seemed the RST thought that such a clear example of media hypocrisy regarding sectarianism and the reputation of the fans was too much to miss. Whatever the reasons, they seemed to make an effort to do the right thing. But it’s a truth as big as Universes, empires, and as transparent as thoughts- all things burst into life – and as soon as they do, they begin to decay. We cope with the decay of thoughts by, in defiance of time, having new ones continuously – continual, tenacious, renewal is the only way thought proceeds; in fact it’s the only way empires stay strong and it’s the only way organisations like the RST survive. But half of the RST’s renewal, half its tenacity, appears to have resigned in the last month. In truth, we simply do not know the facts yet – but this very fact is itself another worrying symptom. The RST, as an organisation, will now be very much feeling the weight of the vision that inspired them; the obligation they have inherited - they represent the fans, they are the managers of a lot of people’s money. These fans voted in half of the people who have now, for whatever reason, walked away. As we turn back to the RST, we see statements thanking the members for their contributions - but no clear reasons for them leaving. And as the statements keep coming - the vague, guarded, explanations seem insincere: were these people troublemakers, throwing a tantrum? If so, why are they being thanked? If they are leaving over some issue (perhaps as the Daily Record’s strange article suggested) of a power struggle for getting a member on the board, then why procrastinate with platitudes? If these people are rogue arses, why not say that from the off? The fact that we’re asking questions like this at all, that questions like these seem obvious and natural, suggests that all is not well. People just abandoning all they’ve worked for is a massive step and it is a symptom of decay. But by the tone of the statements released, nothing is really amiss; there’s been no falling out. If that’s not the case though, and I guess we’ll only find out if the resignees go public with their reasons (via the announced SGM or other methods), then you have to wonder why they’ve felt the need to present it in this way. For an organisation whose name is built on calling a spade a spade; you wouldn’t expect them to present something as amicable that wasn’t. When organisations feel the need to ‘protect’ their members from all the facts, they can’t properly be called a democratic organisation – the RST is literally nothing, if not this. But this is probably drama, hyperbole – taking advantage of the Trust’s first real unsettled period to jump to far more drastic conclusions than is the case. I think there has been a lot of sentiment of this sort in discussion about the issue simply because people have invested in the idea of the trust and feel a part of the success they have achieved. To certain sorts of involved fans (fans spending money and having their name tarnished; and those who just dream about fans, one day, having a major say in how the club is run) the RST no longer fully representing them would be horrifying. It’s probably this horror that paints exaggerated scenes of discord among something that could all be perfectly reasonable: you hear oddly toned and badly advised statements being made – statements like the one about national team boycotts and hidden forces - that may have laudable sentiments but seem a little less gentlemanly than you expect; you hear crappy reports in contemptible rags about splits and power struggles then people like Malcolm McNiven resign; no immediate comment is released about why – and you simply jump to conclusions – you start thinking – please don’t let the virtuoso men abandon the outposts, please don’t let tenacious endeavour be replaced with decadent spin - that’s the decline that leads to fall! In truth, you probably only start thinking like this when you’ve read (parts of!) books like ‘Decline and Fall’ and have too active an imagination - your fear mixes with your amateur amblings in history and produces a modern day worst case scenario about something you actually care about. Thus, I really hope, after the SGM, and retrospect, that this looks like the stupidest of stupid articles and all of us who want the best for the RST can go back to being sane again. The Trust simply hasn’t let us down thus far, so I guess we’ll all look to the SGM with hope that this is all fearful idle speculation of the sort we so often despise in tabloids. On the other hand, if our fears are confirmed – several key board members have left, recent statements and intentions really have started to become petty, they really have been guarded and insincere in their response to this situation - then that is the sort of decline that does lead to fall. It’s our duty to read between the lines, and if the organisation that has so much of our support is not the same organisation as it was a month ago, we must speak up else we would join in the civic decadence of Roman Empire: we would be as responsible for it’s fall as those in power.

Hope this isn't true. Even if it is, I hope he ignores the money offer, he could do far far better than Sunderland.......in a COUPLE of seasons

RANGERS are poised to make a shock bid for former Hearts striker Andrius Velicka. Record Sport can reveal the Ibrox club will table a s1million offer for the Lithuanian who joined Viking Stavanger in Norway from the Tynecastle club in February. Manager Walter Smith expects to get his man and is also confident the transfer of Kenny Miller will be completed this weekend. Velicka scored 14 goals in 26 games for Hearts last season, including one against Rangers at Ibrox. Smith hopes to land the 27-year-old hitman for around s1m, the same figure that took him to Norway where he scored three times in six appearances after his move. Smith expects Miller's controversial s1.75m switch from Derby County to be sealed before Monday. The Scotland striker will sign a three-year deal to become the first footballer in modern history to play for Rangers twice and also for Celtic.

Quite long, but well worth a read....... It was forwarded to me but I believe the source is the Times - I'll try and find a link later... ------------------------------------ (Part 1) Reporter Robert Watt has covered Scottish football for close to thirty years but it was as a Rangers fan he attended last week's UEFA Cup Final in Manchester. What had been a day to remember for all associated with the Ibrox club was only marginally marred by the result of the big match but some incidents of disorder in the city, subsequent exaggeration of the trouble and the ongoing 'spin' from Greater Manchester Police has prompted this heartfelt response. MANCHESTER - THE TRUE STORY The mood was sombre in the car on the way home from Manchester last Thursday. Defeat from Zenit St Petersburg in the UEFA Cup Final was being aggravated by a constant flagging up of a few ugly incidents in the city the previous night, everyone was queuing up to stick the boot into Rangers fans, then Manchester City Council, whose enthusiasm for the occasion had never risen above tepid, announced they had consequently abandoned plans for a public screening of Wednesday's Champions League Final between Manchester United and Chelsea. "Surely an over-reaction," said BBC Radio 2's Chris Evans, to rapturous applause from within the car. "C'mon, there were 250,000 Rangers fans in Manchester and only 40 arrests, that's zero point zero zero zero something in percentage terms." The DJ's assessment of the numbers was perhaps slightly excessive but conservative estimates are that no less than 200,000 Rangers supporters had descended on England's third city. And Greater Manchester Police's subsequent announcement that only ELEVEN Ibrox fans were facing charges put all the 'riot, 'rampage' and 'war zone' stories into some perspective. The genie, however, is once more out of the bottle. Subsequent reflections on events have been outrageously hyped up, all the usual suspects - from attention-seeking politicians, journalists with an axe to grind, discredited anti-sectarianism bodies, the butchers, bakers and candlestick-makers who adminster the game and, not least of all, Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Police - have jumped on the holier-than-thou bandwagon and put Rangers F.C. on the back-foot yet again. Let it be made clear right now, no right-thinking person would dream of condoning the actions of those morons whose response to the blanking of the big-screens in one of the fanzones was to hurl bottles at the screens and turn on the police. It is indefensible and nobody would lose any sleep if those responsible were to be locked up and the key conveniently mislaid. It is the reaction to it all which has been so disappointing, yet wholly predictable. For the bulk of the past 25 years, Rangers and their fans have been under attack from many sources and it is a relentless drip-drip-drip process which has eaten into any feelgood factor the fans have enjoyed, with every high being clouded by dubious side-issues, while their traditions have been rubbished and abandoned, songs outlawed and individual fans and supporters groups subjected to harassment or worse. Of course, Manchester was an accident waiting to happen from the moment Nacho Novo slotted home the penalty kick to beat Fiorentina and take Rangers through to the final. As soon as it became clear the Gers were Manchester-bound, the messages coming out of the city were unfriendly in the extreme. If you don't have a ticket, stay away; there will be no big screens and no fanzones; the pubs will be closed, drinking in public is not permitted; the police will stringently enforce the local by-laws. Welcome to Manchester? You must be joking! "It took the intervention of respected politicians like Ian Davidson MP, the Manchester business community and various representative groups from within the Rangers support to force both the council and the police authority to soften their stance," explained Steven Smith, media spokesman for the Rangers Supporters Trust. "Wednesday's brief disorder was disappointing but, had the local authorities had it their way, one shudders to think what might have happened." Realizing that a human tsunami was about to descend on the city regardless, Manchester made a dramatic u-turn. But already their position as reluctant hosts was exposed. Yet in a city which claims to be football-mad, home to one of the most passionately supported clubs in world football, they seemed incapable of interpreting the mood amongst Rangers fans. Put it this way, if United were in a European final at Hampden, how many of their fans would travel to Glasgow, with or without tickets? They would surely come close to matching the numbers who travelled south last week, although it is fairly safe to say Glasgow District Council would have laid out the welcome mat from the outset, unlike their Mancunian counterparts. No Rangers fan will need to be reminded that Greater Manchester Police have a history where their club is concerned. In 2003, when the Light Blues visited Old Trafford on Champions League business, every pub in the city was ordered to close, yet the visits of Celtic prompted no such clampdown, despite their fans' overt support for the terrorist organization which bombed the heart out of the city centre no more than twelve years ago. And in the summer of 2006, in a most abysmal abdication of responsibility, GMP ordered the cancellation of a friendly between Bolton Wanderers and Rangers because they claimed policing the match would stretch their resources. If they can't handle a pre-season kickabout, one wonders why they ever backed their City Council's bid to host a high-octane event like the UEFA Cup Final. When the Cup Final went out to tender, it would have been part of the city's sales pitch that they are experienced in hosting such events, no doubt citing regular glamour games at Old Trafford, the 2002 Commonwealth Games and the Champions League Final of the following year. Clearly they expected two foreign sides to arrive in town, enjoy a cozy get-together, then head off home with the minimum of fuss. In a perfect world, it would all work out that way but, of course, we live in a different world entirely. Walter Smith's men stunned Europe with their progress this season and suddenly Manchester City Council wanted to change the rules. Two things immediately bothered Rangers fans. With the City Stadium holding only 44,500 spectators, tickets would be like gold dust and, inevitably, a flourishing black market sprung up. Was it out of the question to switch the event to Old Trafford, with a capacity of close to 80,000? Whatever the logistical problems with ticketing etc, the increased revenue would surely have made the switch financially viable. And if that was impractical, why not set up Old Trafford for a big-screen showing, taking more than 70,000 ticketless fans off the streets? Furthermore, with the city being so accessible from all parts of the UK and beyond, the volume of incoming fans outstripped all the estimates of the local authority, they constantly disregarded the ever-escalating but wholly realistic figures being quoted by the more informed sources in Scotland.

As always, when Rangers are under attack, the critics play the sectarian card, although it is hard to see what part sectarianism played in any disorder last week. But some just can't resist putting Rangers' Protestant traditions in the firing line, their fans' so-called bigotry and the songs they sing are highlighted, as if a different mindset would induce instant sobriety and a more placid response to a frustrating situation. Big-screens have blanked on numerous occasions in the past, most noteably during the screening of World Cup games in various towns in England, and the reaction of those at the venues was almost identical to that of the Rangers fans in Piccadilly Gardens last Wednesday night. Yobs act as yobs because they are yobs, not because they support a certain football team or claim allegiance to any particular religion. If Manchester had occurred twenty years ago, Rangers' enemies would have focused on the club's refusal to sign Catholic players, placed responsibility for the trouble at the door of sectarianism and called on the club to open its doors to all. In 1989 former Celtic favourite Mo Johnston was signed amidst much controversy and the Ibrox dressing-room has long since become a multi-cultural workplace. Rangers have had a Catholic captain, a Catholic chief executive and a Catholic manager (although Paul Le Guen's ill-fated time in charge probably did more for anti-Catholicism than it did for integration!) but sectarianism is still the stick used to beat Rangers. "The signing of Johnston was a very significant point in how our club was portrayed," Steven Smith pointed out. "Rangers had done what so many had been calling out for them to do, the club had deprived the critics of their ace card, yet the attacks have continued incessantly and no less vociferously, perhaps even more so. The motives of our club's critics have been exposed as a sham." The harsh facts of life are that, regardless of the religious make-up of the team, Rangers will remain a Protestant club, just as Celtic will continue to be the flagship for the Catholic population despite the prominence of so many Protestants in their history, because the bulk of the fanbase comes from one community. This may change with the passing of time but, when kids are separated at the impressionable age of five and educated differently, the clever money will always be on the great divide being maintained. Any suggestion that a more ecumenical outlook from Rangers fans would have led to events unfolding differently in Manchester last week is, at best, misguided�or more probably and more sinisterly, further evidence of an ongoing demonization of Rangers and their supporters. As the journey homewards continued with growing exasperation from the within the car, the news that Manchester City Council wouldn't be screening the Champions League showdown at Piccadilly Gardens was nevertheless welcomed from the back seat. "The screens probably wouldn't work anyway, trouble would kick-off�and they'd blame it all on us!" Greater Manchester Police's subsequent denial of a victory parade for United's Champions League winners is confirmation, if ever it was needed, that the force just can't handle big crowds. The F.A. would do well to minimize Manchester's inclusion in any future bid to bring a major football occasion to England.

Reporter Robert Watt has covered Scottish football for close to thirty years but it was as a Rangers fan he attended last week's UEFA Cup Final in Manchester. What had been a day to remember for all associated with the Ibrox club was only marginally marred by the result of the big match but some incidents of disorder in the city, subsequent exaggeration of the trouble and the ongoing 'spin' from Greater Manchester Police has prompted this heartfelt response. MANCHESTER - THE TRUE STORY The mood was sombre in the car on the way home from Manchester last Thursday. Defeat from Zenit St Petersburg in the UEFA Cup Final was being aggravated by a constant flagging up of a few ugly incidents in the city the previous night, everyone was queuing up to stick the boot into Rangers fans, then Manchester City Council, whose enthusiasm for the occasion had never risen above tepid, announced they had consequently abandoned plans for a public screening of Wednesday's Champions League Final between Manchester United and Chelsea. "Surely an over-reaction," said BBC Radio 2's Chris Evans, to rapturous applause from within the car. "C'mon, there were 250,000 Rangers fans in Manchester and only 40 arrests, that's zero point zero zero zero something in percentage terms." The DJ's assessment of the numbers was perhaps slightly excessive but conservative estimates are that no less than 200,000 Rangers supporters had descended on England's third city. And Greater Manchester Police's subsequent announcement that only ELEVEN Ibrox fans were facing charges put all the 'riot, 'rampage' and 'war zone' stories into some perspective. The genie, however, is once more out of the bottle. Subsequent reflections on events have been outrageously hyped up, all the usual suspects - from attention-seeking politicians, journalists with an axe to grind, discredited anti-sectarianism bodies, the butchers, bakers and candlestick-makers who adminster the game and, not least of all, Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Police - have jumped on the holier-than-thou bandwagon and put Rangers F.C. on the back-foot yet again. Let it be made clear right now, no right-thinking person would dream of condoning the actions of those morons whose response to the blanking of the big-screens in one of the fanzones was to hurl bottles at the screens and turn on the police. It is indefensible and nobody would lose any sleep if those responsible were to be locked up and the key conveniently mislaid. It is the reaction to it all which has been so disappointing, yet wholly predictable. For the bulk of the past 25 years, Rangers and their fans have been under attack from many sources and it is a relentless drip-drip-drip process which has eaten into any feelgood factor the fans have enjoyed, with every high being clouded by dubious side-issues, while their traditions have been rubbished and abandoned, songs outlawed and individual fans and supporters groups subjected to harassment or worse. Of course, Manchester was an accident waiting to happen from the moment Nacho Novo slotted home the penalty kick to beat Fiorentina and take Rangers through to the final. As soon as it became clear the Gers were Manchester-bound, the messages coming out of the city were unfriendly in the extreme. If you don't have a ticket, stay away; there will be no big screens and no fanzones; the pubs will be closed, drinking in public is not permitted; the police will stringently enforce the local by-laws. Welcome to Manchester? You must be joking! "It took the intervention of respected politicians like Ian Davidson MP, the Manchester business community and various representative groups from within the Rangers support to force both the council and the police authority to soften their stance," explained Steven Smith, media spokesman for the Rangers Supporters Trust. "Wednesday's brief disorder was disappointing but, had the local authorities had it their way, one shudders to think what might have happened." Realizing that a human tsunami was about to descend on the city regardless, Manchester made a dramatic u-turn. But already their position as reluctant hosts was exposed. Yet in a city which claims to be football-mad, home to one of the most passionately supported clubs in world football, they seemed incapable of interpreting the mood amongst Rangers fans. Put it this way, if United were in a European final at Hampden, how many of their fans would travel to Glasgow, with or without tickets? They would surely come close to matching the numbers who travelled south last week, although it is fairly safe to say Glasgow District Council would have laid out the welcome mat from the outset, unlike their Mancunian counterparts. No Rangers fan will need to be reminded that Greater Manchester Police have a history where their club is concerned. In 2003, when the Light Blues visited Old Trafford on Champions League business, every pub in the city was ordered to close, yet the visits of Celtic prompted no such clampdown, despite their fans' overt support for the terrorist organization which bombed the heart out of the city centre no more than twelve years ago. And in the summer of 2006, in a most abysmal abdication of responsibility, GMP ordered the cancellation of a friendly between Bolton Wanderers and Rangers because they claimed policing the match would stretch their resources. If they can't handle a pre-season kickabout, one wonders why they ever backed their City Council's bid to host a high-octane event like the UEFA Cup Final. When the Cup Final went out to tender, it would have been part of the city's sales pitch that they are experienced in hosting such events, no doubt citing regular glamour games at Old Trafford, the 2002 Commonwealth Games and the Champions League Final of the following year. Clearly they expected two foreign sides to arrive in town, enjoy a cozy get-together, then head off home with the minimum of fuss. In a perfect world, it would all work out that way but, of course, we live in a different world entirely. Walter Smith's men stunned Europe with their progress this season and suddenly Manchester City Council wanted to change the rules. Two things immediately bothered Rangers fans. With the City Stadium holding only 44,500 spectators, tickets would be like gold dust and, inevitably, a flourishing black market sprung up. Was it out of the question to switch the event to Old Trafford, with a capacity of close to 80,000? Whatever the logistical problems with ticketing etc, the increased revenue would surely have made the switch financially viable. And if that was impractical, why not set up Old Trafford for a big-screen showing, taking more than 70,000 ticketless fans off the streets? Furthermore, with the city being so accessible from all parts of the UK and beyond, the volume of incoming fans outstripped all the estimates of the local authority, they constantly disregarded the ever-escalating but wholly realistic figures being quoted by the more informed sources in Scotland. Quite simply, Manchester did not have its finger on the pulse and, even as late as Wednesday afternoon, with the town centre grid-locked with fans, heads were buried in the sand. The volume of humanity in the vicinity and the workload on an inadequately prepared area meant a breakdown in the system was almost inevitable. Part 1

Arsehole!

The Waiting Is Over Finally, the waiting is over, the sense of anticipation that has been with us since we defeated Fiorentina in the UEFA Cup semi-final has almost been extinguished. We are less than 48 hours away from witnessing Rangers in a European cup final for the first time in 36 years. This is the moment that we have all been waiting for. A club like Rangers requires to be regulars in the later stages of Europe and for once, we have an achievement to be proud off. I know you will all be like me, shaking like a leaf, unable to eat or sleep thinking of all the permutations in the climax of this unthinkable, but more than welcome season. For a few short days, we can put the controversy of the SPHELL behind us, we can afford to take our eyes of the domestic ball, and focus on the chance of winning our 2nd European trophy. With the final being in Manchester, it allows easy access for a huge travelling support (not that weââ?¬â?¢d not take a huge support no matter where the final was being held) and I hope that ever last one of us enjoys the game and the occasion no matter where they are watching from. To those going to Manchester, lets show the world that we are ââ?¬Ë?simply the bestââ?¬â?¢. I donââ?¬â?¢t need to reiterate that we should be on our best behaviour. Wednesday will be our 19th European game this season and we havenââ?¬â?¢t had a fan arrested. I wonder if any other club in Europe could boast of this brilliant behaviour? I wonder if the Scottish establishment will push for UEFA to honour us by installing us with the Fair Play Award, the same award that was given to Celtc after Suville. Lets face it, weââ?¬â?¢ve had no planes diverted, no riots at airports, no arrests ââ?¬â?? we must be a shoe in for it. I also wonder if the unbiased and impartial media will regale us with documentaries focussing on our travels to Manchester or if Scottish MPââ?¬â?¢s will raise a motion in Parliament to have Walter Smith Knighted? Anyway, enough of the ââ?¬Ë?tongue in cheekââ?¬â?¢ comments and lets get back to the importance of this game. I would expect, just like Helicopter Sunday, every Rangers fan will have their own unique story to tell come Thursday and hopefully Wednesday will have the same jubilant outcome as that infamous Sunday had. The result of the game could go along way in determining the course of our SPHELL and Scottish Cup campaigns as well. It could also see us have a huge rise in prestige and see our name catapulted to the higher echelons of European Football. This squad has continued to surprise us with its resilience, with its never say die attitude and with its unquenchable will to win. Can this be enough to defeat a very decent Zenit side? Who knows, only time will tell. However, one thing that we have grown to understand about this team, youââ?¬â?¢d be stupid to write them off. In a way, it is a huge disadvantage playing a side managed by an ex-Rangers manager, as heââ?¬â?¢ll know and understand that we are not to be underestimated. I just hope that his players donââ?¬â?¢t heed his warnings. I still canââ?¬â?¢t believe that I am on the verge of witnessing The Rangers in a major European final. I donââ?¬â?¢t think itââ?¬â?¢ll finally sink in until the teams emerge from the tunnel on Wednesday and I hear (and be part off) the all mighty roar that will great the players. This is (but shouldnââ?¬â?¢t be) a once in a lifetime opportunity. I will try to savour every second of the day, but like Barry said in his fantastic article ââ?¬Ë?The Madness & Genius Of Crowdsââ?¬â?¢ - http://www.gersnetonline.net/vb/showthread.php?t=7130 I donââ?¬â?¢t think Iââ?¬â?¢ll fully appreciate the night, the achievement or the importance of this game until I have time to sit and scrutinise the season after the last ball has been kicked. No matter how much you try and absorb every aspect of a momentous occasion, it doesnââ?¬â?¢t really sink in. Again, Helicopter Sunday is a prime example of this. The game went past in a blur and it wasnââ?¬â?¢t until after the event that I realised just how fortunate I was to actually be there, but it took a few days for the realisation of the enormity of what I had witnessed to sink in. I have already stated to family and friends that come Wednesday, I will be an emotional wreck ââ?¬â?? I know I wonââ?¬â?¢t be alone! As I said above, for a few short days we can put the domestic trials and tribulations to one side and hopefully enjoy this fantastic occasion ââ?¬â?? the domestic situation will be back to the forefront before we know it. So once again, no matter where you are watching the game, no matter how you are getting to Manchester (if you are part of the friendliest invasion in history!) ââ?¬â?? fookin enjoy it folks (look out for the gernset banner!) ââ?¬â?? no doubt those travelling to Manchester will meet up with friends (old and new) and make so many new friends in the process ââ?¬â?? So good luck to one and all, good luck to Walter, Ally, Kenny and the backroom staff and all the best to Barry Ferguson and the players - however, if I may, I would like to end this article with a reminder that some of us wonââ?¬â?¢t witness this occasion ââ?¬â?? they will be there in spirit though ââ?¬â?? absent friends ââ?¬â?? Cammy F - We Are The People (as the world is about to witness)

About a month ago I wrote a good article (if i dont say so myself) about how the need for the Scottish game to be revamped and how it would benefit as a whole. Some things included were: Restructure of the league format (number of leagues / poss regional) Increased number of top flight teams meaning a few more free weekends Summer Football League Cup played Aug - Octo Etc I also stated that the country had taken a huge stand still in the game with not all of it being our own fault due to TV money in the bigger countries but with the countries top 2 teams doing a very decent job in European competitions in the last few years and the national team punching above our weight you'd expect this to be a spur in the right direction. But how on earth are we supposed to go forward when we have imcompetent people running the top flight game. Rangers chairmen SDM was perfectly correct in saying there latest decision to not assist a club of there's in a bid for European success as laughable. The SPL are already being laughed all over the place for the current league structure which see's a split in the league for the last 5 games of the season meaning some teams end up with a huge disadvantage of having 1 more away game than others who receive 1 additional home game. The most recent example of this is in this current season which see's Hibs and Dundee Utd going for a european place yet Hibs have had to make a 3rd trip to Tannadice this season while Dundee Utd have only had to go to Easter Rd once. It can work out with some teams getting 17 home games and 19 away games and vice versa - Its nothing short of a farce that those incompetent clowns continue with. Next up one of the SPL's own see's themselves in a European final. Their Russian opponents have had all forthcoming games postponed in order to allow their team to prepare for the final - the biggest game in that clubs recent history. Yet what do the SPL do - pile misery onto Rangers and make things hugely difficult just so they dont upset a handful of fans, laughable media reporters, supposed football directors, players and managers from Aberdeen, Edinburgh and the East of Glasgow to name a few places. Yet at the same time there has been good luck wishes from all these places. The SPL never fail to baffle us with crazy decisions, decisions which is holding a national game back because those who sit at the top of the organisation have self interest at heart instead of the good of the game. They prefer to drive about in flash cars with flash salaries and help themselves to tickets for any game they want rather than set out an agenda to raise the profile of the SPL. Karma does exsist and it wont be long before it somes round and bites - I just pray it is with 4 fat trophies sitting gleaming in the Ibrox trophy room in 19 days time!!!

Standing On The Edge Of Greatness If like me, you are too young to remember that fabulous night in Barcalona, then you’ll be entering un-chartered waters as our date with destiny hurtles towards us. It is ironic that our foe for the evening will have a couple of familiar faces within its ranks. Dick Advocaat and Fernando Ricksen, whilst not being Rangers heroes do have and deserve places in our rich history and in some of our hearts. It is also ironic that some people, even Rangers fans are claiming that this is one of the worst Rangers teams since that historic evening in Barcelona. Like me, you’ll have watched ‘better fancies’ Rangers teams torn apart on the European stage (by very decent opposition at times, but lets be honest, more often than not, by some pretty average teams). This Rangers team / squad are different. They have resilience in abundance, they have undoubted team spirit, they have a will to win, they have heart and courage and lets not forget, the have some skill as well. We have defeated some very decent teams during this European adventure, the highlight for me was watching us dismantle Lyon in their own back-yard. This was closely followed by our outstanding 2-0 victory in Lisbon (the home of the real Lisbon Lions). Admittedly we have at times been very ‘frustrating’ to watch but it is undeniable that we are very, very hard to defeat on the European stage. This has been highlighted by the fact that we had a very decent showing in the CL Group of Death and by the fact that we are 90 minutes (or 120 + penalties) from writing a whole new chapter into our already rich and illustrious history. These players (and management staff) stand on the edge of greatness – they are so close to creating history, so close to writing themselves into folklore, so close to be know as the ‘invincibles’. They have a huge amount of work ahead of them, they have a huge amount of ‘blood, sweat and tears’ ahead of them, they have a huge amount of personal and physical sacrifice ahead of them – however, it’ll all be worth it. 18 months ago, a quadruple would have been unthinkable, even a domestic trophy seemed a long, long, long way away. Tonight, we, THE RANGERS are one step closer, we are nearing the finishing line and we can see the glittering prizes. It is now up to the players to go that extra yard – come on Rangers – we can’t do it can we? We won’t do it, will we? As you know, I’ the above was penned before Sunday’s uninspiring (and rather worrying) draw / performance at Easter Road and before the ludicrous SPL decision to force us to play 2 huge SPL games before playing Zenit in Manchester. That is not even considering the titanic schedule we have AFTER the UEFA Cup Final. However, the sentiments remain and are worth reiterating. This gruelling schedule belittles or game and the SPHELL have shown themselves to be nothing more than Liewells bitches. The word that Liewell and the SPHELL keep referring to is ‘integrity’ – neither knows the true meaning of the word. Let’s remember that Cynical FC used the unfortunate, untimely and tragic death of Phil O’Donnell to have the New Year’s Old Firm game postponed – for no other reason than injuries and suspensions. These ambulance chasers have no shame but most of all, have no integrity. As for the SPHELL, well, what can you say about these freeloading, good for nothing bastards? They’ll happily take their free tickers and junkets to Manchester whilst laughing and sniggering at our fixture pile-up. There is little or nothing we can do about this situation but I would love it (I know I am about to sound like Kevin Keegan here and we all now what happened after is ‘I would love it rant) that if (when!) we win this SPL title that we decided not to have a celebration or presentation. I would love it if we were to go to Aberdeen with the title already won and I would send up our under 16 team. As for next season, no matter the outcome of the SPL title, the UEFA Cup final or the Scottish Cup Final, if I were Rangers, I would refuse tickets to ALL domestic away games next season. Let’s see how the SPL, SFA and League would cope without the 10’s of thousands of Rangers fans who travel to all corners of this country cheering on The Rangers. Remember folks, they need us more than we’ll ever need them. No matter what happens, one thing is for sure, the SPHELL have, at a time whilst we should be basking in the glory of a Scottish club getting to a UEFA Cup Final, reduced our football to the laughing stock of Europe. Well done. Manchester Here We Come So back to some positives and I still can’t believe that The Rangers have secured a place in the UEFA Cup Final. After so long in the European backwaters, here we are one game away from securing our second European trophy. I am not a superstitious person, but if you like your omens, then we are halfway there. Make no mistake, Dick Advocaat has assemble a very decent outfit at Zenit and they have had all the help they could have asked for in their perpetrations for the UEFA Cup Final. Whilst we can’t get one SPL match postponed, they have had 3 games rearranged to allow sufficient time to prepare. I sincerely hope (and I know its impossible) that everyone gets sorted for a ticket as all our support deserves the opportunity of witnessing what is potentially one of the greatest nights of our glittering history. As ITV4 stated – Brace yourself Manchester, Rangers are coming…… Isn’t it ironic that you have to watch ITV4 to hear some positive things being said regarding our European adventure? Now, its not that the presenters or pundits are ‘Rangers friendly’, in fact, Jim Beglin and Andy Townsend were both ROI internationals, bit both have given us nothing but praise and are more then delighted that we have secured a UEFA Cup Final place. Compare and contrast to the bigoted tossers on STV who make snide comments et al. Masonic Referees Now, I am not one for conspiracy theories and I am the first to laugh when Timmy claim that all Scottish referees are Masons and biased against Celtc. You’ll also remember Wee Chesney claiming something similar recently and as usual, the combined Celtc intimidation has worked for them big-time. As well as Chesney, we’ve had Liewell (yip, him again) making his mouth go about certain officials and lets not forget the GFITWÃ?© legendry intimidation of officials. It is undeniable that in the last 5 SPL games, Celtc have benefited from decisions that have won them games that they were going to lose / draw. Now, when we are beneficiaries of refereeing decisions, the Celtc minded go into overdrive and meltdown (remember the SPL title has been tainted by the stench of cheating) yet, when decisions go for them (hence against us), you don’t hear the same hyper-broil for the unbiased Scottish media. Given the decisions that they have benefited from and the SPHELL doing everything it its power to stop us winning the SPHELL title and UEFA Cup, if journalists wanted an example of any season being tainted by the stench of cheating, it is this season – but guess what, not a peep from them. Rallying Cry Right, we all know what is required and we all know that given an even playing field (that is all we ever ask for) that 7 victories in the next 7 games is more than achievable. We all know that we don’t have a level playing field, so that is going to make our task even harder, some may say it’s bam near impossible. However, there is one thing that this squad has continually achieved this season and it is upsetting the odds. We have seven cup finals ahead of us and we need to win the seven games. I know we are entering ‘squeaky bum’, ‘nail-biting’ and ‘stomach churning’ territory here, but let’s get right behind the team and lets cheer them on no matter what happens between now and the end of the season. Hopefully we can turn a promising and exciting season into an unforgettable season. Congratulations I understand that as we enter this crucial part of the season that we won't have much time to think of others, but I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Chelsea on getting to the Champions League final and taking the EPL into the last game of the season. I would also like to extended my best wishes to West Brom on gaining automatic promotion back into the EPL COME ON RANGERS – JUST DO IT – KEEP BELIEVING Cammy F – Support The Dublin Loyal - We Are The People….

RANGERS today received verbal confirmation from UEFA that the Club can proceed with plans to host a massive UEFA Cup Final event at Ibrox by beaming the match live for supporters on Wednesday 14 May. The Club is throwing open its gates and to hold a party in Glasgow for the thousands of Rangers fans without tickets for the final in Manchester, meaning supporters can experience together the Club's greatest European night since 1972.This will allow families and friends alike to come along and enjoy what could be one of the most memorable nights in the Club's history. Chief Executive Martin Bain said today: "To reach the UEFA Cup Final is a tremendous achievement for the Club and everyone involved is looking forward to what is sure to be a great occasion next Wednesday night. Rangers fans"The final has already been billed as the 'friendly final' due to our close association with Dick Advocaat and a large contingent of the Rangers family will travel in good spirits to Manchester. "We also want to make sure the thousands of other fans without tickets have the opportunity to experience the party atmosphere and that is why we are creating a celebration venue in Glasgow, Rangers home city. Supporters and families will be able to turn up at the gates on the night, with entry free of charge. "The Club will be working with Glasgow City Council over the next few days to ensure an extra special night and we will be making further announcements in the coming days. In the meantime, supporters should check the Club's website for all official and accurate updates on the Final." Rangers has announced the appointment of Mark Hateley as the Club's official 'Fans Ambassador' for the UEFA Cup Final in Manchester. Mark's role will be to communicate the do's and don'ts, and to communicate how to support the Club in an official capacity. Martin Bain said: "We are delighted that Club legend Mark Hateley will represent Rangers as UEFA Cup Final Ambassador. Mark continues to play a key role behind the scenes at the Club and his European pedigree speaks for itself." Hmmm, where better to watch it than Ibrox? Other than City of Manchester stadium that is.

For me im glad we are playing Zenit as IMO it gives us more chance of winning the cup. I know they pumped Bayern in the semi and arent a bad outfit but Bayern have big time players who can step up on the big matches. I think they under estimated Zenit. I also think its a chance for Walter to get one over Advocaat - the man who replaced him!! Its set up for us and Walter to make history!!

I donââ?¬â?¢t usually submit an article (or rant) on a Friday evening, but the unprecedented happenings of last night have forced me to reflect on The Rangers securing a place in a major European Cup final since 1972. If like me, you are too young to remember that fabulous night in Barcalona, then youââ?¬â?¢ll be entering un-chartered waters as our date with destiny hurtles towards us. It is ironic that our foe for the evening will have a couple of familiar faces within its ranks. Dick Advocaat and Fernando Ricksen, whilst not being Rangers heroes do have and deserve places in our rich history and in some of our hearts. It is also ironic that some people, even Rangers fans are claiming that this is one of the worst Rangers teams since that historic evening in Barcelona. Like me, youââ?¬â?¢ll have watched ââ?¬Ë?better fanciesââ?¬â?¢ Rangers teams torn apart on the European stage (by very decent opposition at times, but lets be honest, more often than not, by some pretty average teams). This Rangers team / squad are different. They have resilience in abundance, they have undoubted team spirit, they have a will to win, they have heart and courage and lets not forget, the have some skill as well. We have defeated some very decent teams during this European adventure, the highlight for me was watching us dismantle Lyon in their own back-yard. This was closely followed by our outstanding 2-0 victory in Lisbon (the home of the real Lisbon Lions). Admittedly we have at times been very ââ?¬Ë?frustratingââ?¬â?¢ to watch but it is undeniable that we are very, very hard to defeat on the European stage. This has been highlighted by the fact that we had a very decent showing in the CL Group of Death and by the fact that we are 90 minutes (or 120 + penalties) from writing a whole new chapter into our already rich and illustrious history. These players (and management staff) stand on the edge of greatness ââ?¬â?? they are so close to creating history, so close to writing themselves into folklore, so close to be know as the ââ?¬Ë?invinciblesââ?¬â?¢. They have a huge amount of work ahead of them, they have a huge amount of ââ?¬Ë?blood, sweat and tearsââ?¬â?¢ ahead of them, they have a huge amount of personal and physical sacrifice ahead of them ââ?¬â?? however, itââ?¬â?¢ll all be worth it. 18 months ago, a quadruple would have been unthinkable, even a domestic trophy seemed a long, long, long way away. Tonight, we, THE RANGERS are one step closer, we are nearing the finishing line and we can see the glittering prizes. It is now up to the players to go that extra yard ââ?¬â?? come on Rangers ââ?¬â?? we canââ?¬â?¢t do it can we? We wonââ?¬â?¢t do it, will we ââ?¬â?? JUST KEEP BELIEVING - Cammy F

NEIL ALEXANDER was the spotkick king for Rangers for the second time this season as the Light Blues marched into the UEFA Cup Final. The former Ipswich keeper crucially saved Fabio Liverani's effort in the nail-biting shoot-out and then Christian Vieri blasted over the bar setting up Nacho Novo to clinch it with Rangers' fifth kick. He took the pressure off skipper Barry Ferguson who had missed the first kick and it followed his shootout success in the Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone. He said: "It had crossed my mind a few times this week that the match might go to penalties and it could not have worked out any better for me. "It might not have been the prettiest game to watch but we got there in the end and that's the main thing. "It's a lottery when it goes to penalties and either side could have won it and fortunately it was us. It's just an unbelievable experience. "I just wanted to save one when Barry missed the first one to get us back in the game and that's the way it happened. "Then Vieri put his over the bar and the rest is history. "It's just getting better and better for me. Since getting in the team it has been fantastic. "We were obviously disappointed to lose to Celtic last Sunday but this was a great way to put that to bed and give the fans something to cheer about. "It's amazing. I was knocked out the League Cup in England by MK Dons on penalties at the beginning of this season when I was with Ipswich. "I have a god record on penalties. I saved three out of five. When it comes to penalties I am very confident. "I would fancy my chances if it goes to penalties in the final against Zenit but they must be a good side if they beat Bayern so convincingly.

I think they will be sitting in front of their tv in a fake Fiornentina top from the Barras with a 8 pack of Asda own brand lager (cos its white & Green) Teaching young Bridget and Declan that all the wrong in the world is the fault of those bad men in Red White & Blue while praying to the man in the wee white hat that the Bears dont get through Mon The Rangers 2 games away from another History making European Final

The team that stand between Rangers and the UEFA cup final

The State Of Play So much has happened recently and its worth taking a few minutes to take stock of the season so far, and look forward to what lies ahead for The Rangers of the coming days and weeks. After a gruelling schedule that has saw us win our first trophy in 3 seasons, we are entering an even more demanding period as the season hurtles towards a its climax. Reflecting on where we are, we are in a very decent position and would have settled for this at the start of the season. Currently, and through this demanding schedules, we have secured a spot in the UEFA Cup Semi-final (no mean feat), have booked our spot at Hampden for the season finale against Queen Of The South but it is the SPL that we all crave and whilst we sit in a more than decent position, we have to hammer home our advantage and secure the title. So far this season we have shown an unquestionable desire to succeed and an unquenchable spirit that has, to date, shown that this squad of players doesn’t know when it is beaten. At times, the football has been ‘top notch’, at others, it has been ‘rock-bottom’ but the bottom line is these players could establish themselves in the annals of our proudest of proud history. However, to ensure that this dream season doesn’t end as a nightmare, the players will not only have to continue to display this ‘unquestionable desire to succeed and unquenchable spirit’ but they will be required to dig even deeper. Recent results have been favourable, but it goes without saying that if we had avoided defeat at Torbett Towers, the SPL title would have been in touching distance. It is still in our own hands, and will still be, no matter what happens at Torbett Towers this weekend (no matter what The Traitor McGeady claims – I blame the schools myself) but again, avoiding defeat is a MUST. A victory would see us regain top spot with games in hand – that would be the ideal scenario. In Europe, we have surpassed all expectations, but like the SPL, we are tantalizingly close to winning the UEFA Cup. Let’s face it, we are only 2 games away from the final in Manchester and who would rule is out getting the necessary result on Thursday (and Sunday)? Personally, I would sacrifice the UEFA Cup for the SPL title - don’t get me wrong, I want all 4, but I demand the SPL title – we have done too much hard work to let it split now. We have also made a pretty penny in the CL / UEFA Cup and have amassed coefficient points like no other season. So in summary, whilst being handily placed to secure a historic ‘quadruple’ we still have a huge amount of work ahead and if I can borrow a quote from Helicopter Sunday season – keep believing Bears…. Tainted By Stench Of Cheating Having mentioned the amazing events of Helicopter Sunday, can anyone remember in the title run in, we played Hearts at Tynecastle one midweek and won the game with a ‘disputed’ penalty. Andy Davis gave this decision (that was later proved correct by TV evidence) and his life was thrown into turmoil as his personal details were posted on an internet site and he and his family were treated to a period of intimidation. If that wasn’t bad enough, he was hounded by the impartial and unbiased Scottish Media. In fact, one pundit claimed that the SPL title race had been ‘tainted by the stench of cheating’. So riled with Davis’ decision, the pundit was moved to make this astonishing outburst on national radio in the post-match analysis. I wonder what the same pundits view on Ian Brines controversial decision to chalk of a perfectly legitimate Aberdeen goal at Parkhead on Saturday? Well, the so called pundit claims that it was nothing more than a ‘human error’. Pity he wasn’t so lenient with his words 3 years ago. Wonder if any Rangers sites will carry Brines personal details and I wonder if we’ll attack his kids at school and abuse him and his family in the street – yeah, I know we all know the answer to that question. Dignity – something your average Tim knows nothing about. Our Part In Helping Making History So what can your average ‘joe-punter’ do to help The Rangers make history? Well, we can get off certain players backs for a start. We can also stop taking winning for granted. Sitting at Hampden on Sunday, I couldn’t believe I was watching The Rangers in a Scottish Cup semi-final. I agree that the game was far from riveting, but that was no excuse for the fans to sit back and expect The Rangers to steamroller over St Johnstone (it was just over 12 short months ago that St Johnstone steamrollered Rangers at Ibrox). To say Sunday was ‘low key’ is an understatement. As I said above, the game was dire, the performance was dire, but surely the team deserves nothing less than our continued vocal support, no matter the competition or opposition? Looking back, the support at the recent Sporting game at Ibrox was ‘low-key’ given our recent high standards in Europe. So troops, if we want The Rangers to have a historic season, lets HELP not hinder them in their quest. Lets get behind them from start to finish in all our remaining games – no matter the performance, not matter the result, they need us, we can do no less than give them OUR best. Cammy F – Support The Dublin Loyal - We Are The People….

ALLAN MCGREGOR wrote his name into the history books on March 29 when he became the first Rangers keeper to record four consecutive clean sheets against Celtic but he doesn't want to stop there. Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor show their thanks to the fansThe club's No. 1 will travel to Parkhead tonight for another crucial clash against Gordon Strachan's men and would love nothing more than to increase his remarkable run to five as Walter Smith's side look to put one hand, or glove for that matter, on the SPL trophy. Keeping Celtic at bay in front of 60,000 fans in green and white is easier said than done but Greegs is confident his team can once again do the business in the world's greatest derby. When the clubs last went in to battle it was the men in Light Blue that gained a vital psychological boost with a stunning 1-0 victory. This game will be remembered for Kevin Thomson's majestic goal but few will forget the fingertip stop which denied Andrius Hinkel a second-half equaliser. When the German right-back cut inside and unleashed a dipping shot from 30-yard the Celtic fans in the Broomloan Stand were already off their seats ready to raise the roof. McGregor had other ideas and his save brought back memories of Andy Goram's unbelievable stop to deny Pierre Van Hooijdonk at the same end of the ground during the nine-in-a-row era. It was another moment of magic from the 26-year-old who has been inspirational in Rangers quest for an unprecedented quadruple this season. Allan McGregor celebrates at the final whistle Although Carlos Cuellar may be the early favourite to scoop the country's Player of the Year awards for his terrific consistency Allan must also be in with a fighting chance of picking up a few gongs. Winning individual honours, however, will be the last thing on his mind right now. The SPL takes centre-stage this evening in Glasgow's East End and Allan is hoping it is his opposite number Artur Boruc that is once again picking the ball out of his net. He said: "Obviously I would love to keep another clean sheet against Celtic, that would be a dream scenario but as long as we get a result that's all that matters really. "All the boys will be right up for the game and we have to be quietly confident of getting a result although it will be very hard. "They will be fighting for their lives and have a league title to retain while we are trying to win it for the first time in three years. "Both Celtic and ourselves need to be on our toes right now and try to take three points from every game we play in. "That is what happens when you are with the Old Firm and tonight's game is no different. "I think we will need to play better than we did in our last two wins over them at Ibrox but hopefully we can come out on top." Allan McGregorRunning out in front of a packed Celtic Park would have a lot of players quivering in their boots but Allan can't wait to get out on the pitch and strut his stuff. "I actually quite enjoy going to Parkhead and I think a lot of lads say that. It's a challenge and if you can come away with a win it's the best feeling in the world. "To be honest I am not too bothered about the atmosphere at away grounds and that's the same at Parkhead. "Once you are out there you just get your head down and concentrate on the job at hand. "I have no doubt that tonight's game will start and it will be frantic for a while and it usually settles down after that. "It will be up to our players to get on the ball and take the game to Celtic. "We want to win the game, that is our main priority and obviously my aim is to keep a clean sheet again but if we come away with a draw it is perhaps not too bad a result."