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That Was The Week That Was As we motor into the business end of the season, it gets tougher and tougher to dismantle the previous weeks results and performances, and I donââ?¬â?¢t know about you, but you require a degree in statistical analysis to understand and programme what games we have pending in any given week. Hence, please forgive me if my memory plays tricks on me and I review the wrong bloody week! Last week saw us chalked up two consecutive 2-0 away victories and whilst both were welcome, one did outshine the other. Looking for words to describe our performance in Lisbon isnââ?¬â?¢t hard, but if I had to use just one word to describe the performance and result, it would be AWESOME. What we witnessed against Sporting was an unbelievable performance and one which we witnessed happening AGAINST us on so many European occasions. We dictated the tempo of the game, we passed the ball brilliantly, defended stoutly and converted our chances when they presented themselves. I canââ?¬â?¢t be the only one who still canââ?¬â?¢t quite grasp the fact that we are in a European Cup semi-final, with a very decent chance of progressing. Now, Iââ?¬â?¢ll say this upfront, I donââ?¬â?¢t think we will win it, but we have a great chance. We will NOT change or personnel, tactics of formation for the semi-final. We will look to stifle the game at Ibrox with the priority not losing an away goal. Sunday saw us progress into the Scottish Cup semi-final with a ââ?¬Ë?regulationââ?¬â?¢ victory over Thistle. We deserved our victory and hats off to the fringe players who came in and produced a decent performance and result. I would also like to take the opportunity of offering my congratulations to Queen Of The South after their brilliant 4-1 victory over the Abergreen on Saturday. They deserved their victory and what about the JCD-esque celebration after the winning goal? Hopefully weââ?¬â?¢ll meet QOS in the final as I would like to thank them for knocking out Abergreen and Linlithgow Rose (in an earlier round)! So Whatââ?¬â?¢s On The Agenda This Week So after last weeks drama of UEFA and Scottish Cup quarter finals, this weeks fixtures throws up the little matter of an Old Firm SPL game at Parkhead on Wednesday evening and a Scottish Cup Semi-Final against St Johnstone on Sunday. We will know what to expect in both fixtures (lets not forget that St Johnstone knocked us out of the CIS Cup last season ââ?¬â?? at Ibrox) and we will have to be at our best to secure victories in both games. As the fixtures are coming think and fast, Walter and his staff may be thinking of altering the starting 11, but I canââ?¬â?¢t see much tinkering for the Old Firm game. Thomson is suspended which will be a big loss, but Hendami will slot into his position. I fully expect all the ââ?¬Ë?big-gunsââ?¬â?¢ to be back and the only position that isnââ?¬â?¢t cemented at the moment is whoââ?¬â?¢ll play the ââ?¬Ë?lone strikerââ?¬â?¢ role. In my opinion, JCD will start with Cousin replacing him ala Sporting on Thursday. As long as we come out of the 2 OF games ââ?¬Ë?levelââ?¬â?¢ (i.e. 2 draws or a victory and defeat ââ?¬â?? at worst) then we will have taken a huge step in securing the title. Letââ?¬â?¢s hope that we go for it as we have shown that we know how to defeat the forces of evilââ?¬Â¦..! Sunday may be the fixture that has the potential to trip us up on our quest for the quadruple. I know that may sound silly given that we have an OF game on Wednesday but I feel that if we get the desired result on Wednesday, WS will tinker with the team ahead of the St Johnstone game. That is not a bad option, but we mustnââ?¬â?¢t underestimate St Johnstone and we mustnââ?¬â?¢t not make the SCF given that we have gotten so close. As I said above, I canââ?¬â?¢t believe that the quadruple is so close, it is tangible, you can almost taste it. We MUST strive to win all 4, but the league is the priority. I know its greedy, I know its almost impossible, but please, please, please Rangers, lets make history, lets win all four!! Cammy F ââ?¬â?? Support The Dublin Loyal - We Are The Peopleââ?¬Â¦.

Nice wee booster for him

It just doesn't want to go away..... WS would be committing club suicide if we bought him again.

Rangers Football Club has today become the first UK-based club to join Superleague Formula - an exciting, new motorsport championship which kicks off at the Donington Park racing circuit in August. Rangers - the last British side remaining in the UEFA Cup this season - will be the sole Scottish representative on the Superleague Formula grid and will compete against AC Milan, PSV Eindhoven, FC Porto, Olympiacos, Borussia Dortmund, RSC Anderlecht, FC Basel, Galatasaray SK and Sevilla plus Brazilian greats Flamengo and Corinthians in the six round championship later this year. The Club's blue, white and red colours will adorn the 750 horsepower, V-12 powered Superleague Formula single-seater car and the new Rangers car - one of 20 that will line up on the grid - will be unveiled at Ibrox Stadium next month. Rangers Chief Executive Martin Bain commented: "We are thrilled to join so many great clubs in a totally new sporting endeavour - a project which will not only promote Rangers across the world but also provide an income stream for the Club. "We will benefit greatly through sponsorship, television and spectator revenues so it is a win-win situation for us. Superleague Formula will introduce the passion of the Rangers brand to a whole new range of fans, in addition to our existing support, and we are proud to represent Scotland in the new venture. "The Club has enjoyed some fantastic European nights of late and we look forward to competing against some of the biggest names in world football in Superleague Formula." Alex Andreu, Superleague Formula President and CEO, is delighted to have Rangers Football Club on board. With a world record 108 major trophies already secured - 51 League Championships, 31 Scottish Cups, 25 League Cups and the 1972 Cup Winner's Cup - he says Rangers are a welcome addition to the list of teams competing for glory. Andreu commented: "Rangers record is really quite remarkable and we are delighted that they are now part of Superleague Formula. "We are looking at bringing together the biggest brands in world football to take part in Superleague Formula and Rangers is a perfect addition for us. "Not only has the club been wildly successful throughout its history, the Rangers fans are incredibly passionate and we are looking forward to encouraging them to make the trip down to Donington Park to see their car do battle in the opening round of the championship. "The Superleague Formula grid is certainly filling fast. We have 12 of the 20 spots now announced, two additional clubs to announce after Easter and we are currently finalising arrangements for the final six places." Pre-season training has already begun for Superleague Formula with the V-12 powered, 750 horsepower prototype hitting the track for the first time recently at Donington Park. Testing will continue after Easter at the Circuito Monteblanco in Spain. For more information on Superleague Formula, log on to http://www.superleagueformula.net Nothing too exciting but should be good to see how it does against that lot.

---------------------------Time------------TV Motherwell v Celtic---------12:30-----------Setanta Sports Aberdeen v Gretna---------15:00 Hibernian v Kilmarnock------15:00 Inverness CT v Falkirk------15:00 St Mirren v Hearts----------15:00 Celtic travel to Fir park to have another crack at moving to the top of the league. With goal difference being exactly equal a 1-0 win will be enough for them to go top,with Rangers having two games in hand. Rangers will be playing in the CIS cup final on Sunday. Motherwell have played some of the best football in the SPL and play an attacking game so they will certainly have a go at Celtic. Motherwell did us the biggest of favours on Helicopter Sunday ironically with Scott McDonald doing the damage. They could do us another favour by putting us three points clear with two games in hand. I will settle for the draw. Draw. Gretna travel the length of the east coast to visit Pittodrie. The SPL have thrown them a lifeline after they went into administration,and the latest news from their website is that they will be travelling with a full squad of players. Although other reports say many players will not play because of the risk of injury and a lack of insurance, which may leave them redundant and crippled. Arrangements have also been made for the next game against Celtic. Aberdeen have been skydiving out of the top six in recent weeks and have gone from having a good season to being out of Europe and out of the top six. Unless they can climb back up the history books will show their season in a dark light. With Gretna in the position they are in then i can't see them putting up a fight for the points as they will be mentally affected. Aberdeen win. Hibs have been returning to form of late and beat Motherwell in a midweek game on Wednesday.They get a visit from Kilmarnock on Saturday who have only pride to fight for after being made safe by the reduction of points to Gretna. I will go for Hibs in this one. Hibs win. Inverness CT v Falkirk. Falkirk sit up the sixth place at this moment but have Hearts, Aberdeen and Inverness breathing in their neck. Inverness had a disastrous start to the season but came back strongly after Craig Brewster took over. Falkirk have coughed and spluttered all season but have managed to claw their way into a top six place. I will go for an Inverness win as they have home advantage. Inverness win. St. Mirren v Hearts is a difficult game to judge as both teams have had a Jekyll and Hyde season. Hearts have been doing better since Romanov has taken a back-seat and given Stevie Frail the reigns. They are also hot on the neck of Falkirk for the sixth position.St Mirren have given many teams a hard time this year and will be no walk-over for Hearts. I think Hearts will win as they now smell that top six place. which should be enough to see them win. Hearts win. Dundee Utd v Rangers. Just for the books. I think Rangers will win.

Saturday BPL: Blackburn v Fulham: Fulham need 3 points to have any chance of staying up. With the clubs above them finding a bit of form they could see a gap opening up which would be too big to claw back. Personally I think they are down but the Premier League is a funny game at times, West Ham produced an amazing comeack this time last year - Can Fulham do the same? Blackburn are pushing for europe and Mark Hughes side go abot there business quietly and can match up to any team in their day. They stole 3 points at Newcastle last week in the 92nd minute and they should get another 3 today - Home Win. Liverpool v Newcastle: Eastenders v Coronation St here, 2 clubs who are nothing but soap opera's. This actually makes for a tasty game with Keegan and Owen returning to Anfield. These clubs served up arguably the best premier league game in history when Keegan was first in charge with his team going down 4-3 and then the same scoreline occured the following season. Liverpool have found a bit of form with impressive wins of Inter Milan, Bolton away and West Ham. Its no coincidence that this it due to playing his best team. Newcastle cant buy a win or score a goal, im baffled as to why Viduka and Martins dont play upfront for them. This game could go anyway but the form guide suggests a Home Win. Reading v Man City: Reading finally stopped 8 defeats on the trot with an away win at Middlesboro last week. Could that be the turning point in there season? They went from mid table to the relegation zone during that run which firmly makes them a contender to go down. They will fancy getting a home result against a Man City side who are a shadow of there early season exploits. City can still make europe but they need to get there season back on track. They have got a few injuries to key players which shows they dont have quality in depth. A draw for me here. FA Cup: Barnsley v Chelsea: Giant killers Barnsley will be hoping to repeat there feat of knocking Liverpool out the cup by doing the same to Chelsea. However Chelsea are a different kettle of fish to Liverpool and provide much more quality all over the pitch. Chelsea just shut up shop at the back and allow there creative players to get the goals. Following reported in house problems after the Carling Cup final they have came out and battered West Ham and Olympiakos. Barnsley will get a bit of the same - easy away win. Man Utd v Portsmouth: Tie of the round but its a shame Pompey got an away tie as they would have faniced there chances in the cup this season. Man U are playing well at the moment and look like they could go on a winning streak which could give them the double or treble again. The signings of Hargreaves, Anderson and Nano have given them the cover they needed last season and now the have the likes of Giggs and Scholes fully fit for a run in. Ronaldo is on fire at the moment and has got 30 goals this season - amazing for a winger. Pompey have a good away record this season but going to Old trafford is beyond them - Home Win Sunday BPL: Sunderland v Everton: The home side know there only hope of survival is to win there home games. Unfortunatly they are up against one of the toughest teams in the league in Everton. However the away side are on the back of a tough defeat in Italy in the UEFA cup last Thursday. Davie Moyes will get them back on track with that again and wont want to let the chance of 4th place slip away. Roy keane doesnt have much quality in his team but has fighters. In the Premier league you need that bit of quality to keep you in the league and thats where they may struggle. Im going for an away win here. Tottenham v West Ham: Big London derby for two mid table sides who have collapsed in there last couple of games. West Ham have been solid on there travels this season but just cant get that 2 or 3 wins to put them in the european places. They have been thumped by Chelsea and Liverpool in there last 2 games so will need to put an end to that. Spurs were goign very well in all fronts and lifted the carling cup last month. Since then they were stuffed at Birmingham and lost at home to PSV in the UEFA cup. I fancy a draw here. Wigan v Arsenal: The pitch may play a massive part in this game and if it does it could have an effect on where the league title goes. The home side have done well of late and Steve Bruce has got them out of the bottom 3 and are only 2 points behind Newcastle. They are still very much in the thick of the relegation battle but its in there own hands. Arsenal produced an amazing performance in midweek by becoming the first English team to enflict a defeat on the mighty european champions AC Milan. This is on the back of 2 poor draws when people were once again expected Arsenal to collapse. Wenger wont let it happen and he will be prepared for the poor pitch. He knows they can go 4 clear of Man U again with there closet rivals not in league action - Away win. Sunday FA Cup: Bristol Rovers v West Brom: What a chance for both these teams to get into the last 4 of the cup. If the old hot and cold balls arent used in the semi final draw then a place at Wembley is up for grabs. West Brom are going for promotion back to the Premier league and that has to be there priority. The home side arent out of the play offs in league 1 yet but have a bit of work to do. Tough one to call but - away win. Middlesbrough v Cardiff: Boro would have been rubbing there hands with a home tie against lower league opposition. Gareth Southgate has done a good job of late in the league getting Boro up to the top of the mini relegation league but they are far from safe yet. Cardiff have had an up and down season and are a bit off the Championship play offs so will put everything into this cup game. Home win.

Happy birthday, gaffer! Exclusive by Lindsay Herron WALTER SMITH should probably be cautious when he goes into the dressing room on Sunday ahead of the Gretna game - if he has learned anything in nearly 30 years of dealing with Ally McCoist. Walter is 60 on Sunday and there is bound to some form of high jinks with people like McCoist and partner in crime Ian Durrant about! Ally McCoist, Walter Smith and Kenny McDowallThe two of them were the kings of the Rangers dressing room in Smith's first period in charge and when he was assistant to Graeme Souness. Now they are his valued lieutenants in his second term as boss and deadly serious about their business. However, few people can lighten up a room like McCoist or Durrant and there are bound to be a few laughs before the day is through. McCoist said: "We have to wish him a happy birthday although I think there is many a time he didn't think he would make it! "It's a great birthday and behalf of the staff and all of the players we hope it's a happy one. "Knowing the Gaffer as I do, the best thing to make him happy would be a win against Gretna!" The relationship between Smith and McCoist stretches back further than the trophy-laden years they spent together at Ibrox in the 1980s and 1990s and their more recent jobs with Scotland and Ally McCoist and Walter SmithRangers. McCoist revealed that Smith had the misfortune to have a youthful Ally under his charge when the Scotland under-17 team when to the French Riviera. Smith, then a blossoming coach with Jim McLean's Dundee United, had been appointed assistant to Andy Roxburgh in the youth set-up and was well thought of in football circles. Unfortunately, he fell for a trademark McCoist gag - although Ally soon learned the angry side of Smith! McCoist told me: "I first came across Walter when he was assistant to Andy Roxburgh with the Scottish youth team. "We took a side to Monaco. I was still at school at the time and was playing with St Johnstone. "I was rooming with big Davie Moyes and I made the mistake of locking Walter on the balcony of our hotel room! "He made the mistake of falling for the old 'what a good view we have here' routine and walked out onto the balcony and the door was promptly locked! "Twenty minutes later I was terrified to unlock the door and big Davie had to let him in and, funnily enough, I never locked him out on the balcony again after that!" It was to be 1986 before McCoist and Smith were fully connected when the latter joined Rangers as assistant to Graeme Souness in the ground-breaking move which rocked the football world. Nacho Novo and Ally McCoist arrive in SpainSmith had been part of the most successful period in Dundee United's history, helping them win the Scottish Premier League title in 1983 and reaching the European Cup semi-finals the following year. United and Aberdeen had attacked the Old Firm's dominance of the game and won with the Dons also winning the title in 1980, 1984 and 1985. Tannadice was a place to be feared and that was not lost on Souness who had got to know Smith through the international set-up. Following the death of Jock Stein in 1985, Alex Ferguson had taken over as Scotland manager on a temporary basis and he made Walter his assistant. McCoist revealed: "I remember being at a Scotland get-together at the Grosvenor Hotel prior to the Mexico World Cup and Graeme was there as a player and Walter was there as assistant manager. "That was the first time we heard that they were coming to Rangers and what a transformation that proved to be, not only for Rangers Football Club but for Scottish football in general." It is well documented the impact the appointment had and Rangers fans could not have imagined the riches that lay in store. A first title in nine years along with the League Cup came in year one and the new Rangers were off and running.Walter Smith and Ally McCoist Celtic won the crown back in 1988, but it was fleeting success. The nine in a row era was about to start and the League Cups kept coming. McCoist, though, never had the best of relationships with Souness who, having signed Mark Hateley in the summer of 1990, chose to partner the big Englishman with Mo Johnston rather than Ally. McCoist was on the bench more often than not, earning him the nickname of The Judge. Being a man who thrives on humour, Ally accepted the tag but, again, there was a serious element to it all which almost resulted in him leaving Rangers. It was Smith who, by his actions, convinced Ally to stay and the rest, as they say is history. When Souness left for Liverpool, Smith made McCoist and Hateley the most terrorising strike partnership of the period McCoist explained: "Walter put faith in me in his first season in charge and that was important for me. "I have to be honest and say that I was at a bit of a crossroads at that time. We had competition for places the previous season and it's well documented that Graeme wasn't that too sure of me, which is a polite way of putting it. "Thankfully, when Walter took over he played me. I managed to go on a good run with big Mark and it worked out wonderfully well. "One of the first games that season was against Hearts at Tynecastle and he gave me my chance and I scored that night. Kenny McDowall, Walter Smith and Ally mcCoist"So I was very thankful that he gave me the opportunity to play and it snowballed from there for me." Those who were around Ally during his playing days at Rangers would be the first to admit that they did not foresee a day when he would lead training sessions and organise tactics on a grand scale. However, he has proved in the last three years that he has this ability in spades and, of course, Walter Smith was the catalyst by recruiting him for the national team. He said: "I was thrilled to bits when he gave me the opportunity with Scotland. It was a massive move and a massive chance for me. "In many ways it was better than going somewhere else full time. It was a perfect experience and learning curve to come into a part-time environment. "And it proved to me that I wanted to do it full time." McCoist got that chance last January when Smith returned to Rangers to replace Paul Le Guen, steadied the ship and now has his eyes on all of the major prizes this season. So, what's it like now all these years after locking Walter out on a balcony in Monte Carlo? He said: "My relationship with him now is not that much different from when I was playing for him. "He is still the boss, and that's the way it should be, but we are obviously closer in the sense that we talk about things and talk about the team a lot more on the coaching side. "I am very respectful of the relationship we have and thankful of the relationship we have and it's one that I value very highly. "It is different in the sense that as a player there are things your manager would not discuss with you but now we are open with each other on so many things." There is a family celebration of Walter's special birthday coming up which will undoubtedly be a great affair but it is unclear what the coaching staff and players have planned. McCoist, with that impish smile he has never lost, said: "There will be something in the dressing room for him, but I'm not sure it will be a birthday cake!" Many happy returns, Walter.

The Rangers Football Club plc today (Wednesday, 20 February 2008) published its unaudited interim results for the six months to 31 December 2007. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Ã?· Ã?£10.0m (43.6%) uplift in turnover to Ã?£33.1m (2006: Ã?£23.1m). Ã?· Increase of Ã?£3.8m in profit before interest and tax to Ã?£3.1m (2006: loss of Ã?£0.7m). Ã?· Retained profit increased by Ã?£3.8m to Ã?£2.3m (2006: loss of Ã?£1.5m). Following publication of the interim results, Rangers chairman Sir David Murray, said: ââ?¬Å?These results are satisfying in that they reflect the progress the Club is making both on and off the pitch. ââ?¬Å?We invested significantly in our playing squad at the start of the season and, as we are leading the SPL and have qualified for the CIS Cup Final, that investment has been fully justified and we are very satisfied with the performance of the team to date. ââ?¬Å?It is also particularly pleasing to see the Murray Park investment producing returns, both in footballing success for our younger players and in the progression of home grown talent to the first team.ââ?¬Â Sir David Murray said: ââ?¬Å?We are pleased to see the Club return a profit in excess of Ã?£3 million and a significant uplift in turnover. Participation in the UEFA Champions League was, of course, highly beneficial to the Club. ââ?¬Å?It is very important to pay tribute to the commitment made by our supporters in the last six months. They travelled extensively in Europe at considerable cost and, at the same time, ensured excellent attendances at Ibrox and at away domestic fixtures. We are very grateful for this continuing support. ââ?¬Å?While playing in the Champions League was important to the Club, it is also essential for us to continue investment throughout the business in order to deliver long-term stability and success.ââ?¬Â CHAIRMANââ?¬â?¢S STATEMENT IN FULL The first six months of the financial year saw us qualify and participate in the UEFA Champions League Group stages against the champions of France and Germany together with the pre-tournament favourites Barcelona. We narrowly failed to qualify for the last 16 in what many termed the toughest qualifying group in the competition. The glamorous ties against Barcelona were enjoyed by our supporters, whilst the result in Lyon was one of the best in the Club's European history. Attention then turned to progression within the UEFA Cup. Domestically our participation in the CIS Insurance Cup Final is assured and qualification has been gained into the fifth round of the Scottish Cup. Our prime focus is however on winning the Clydesdale Bank Premier League. Turnover for the six months to 31 December 2007 increased by Ã?£10.0m to Ã?£33.1m primarily due to the UEFA Champions League performance and market pool income, and the positive impact on ticketing and hospitality sales. As well as benefiting the Club financially, qualification to and competition in the spotlight of the UEFA Champions League has also increased the profile of the playing squad, with many enhancing their reputations in a wider arena. Operating costs have increased on the prior year as we have strengthened the number, composition and overall competitiveness of the playing squad. Profit before interest and tax in the current period of Ã?£3.1m is an improvement of Ã?£3.8m on the six months to 31 December 2006 and reflects the performance in Europe. The interest charge of Ã?£0.8m is higher than the same period last year due to the increase in the net debt over the period following the summer signings to strengthen the football squad. The resultant retained profit of Ã?£2.3m for the six months to 31 December 2007 compares to a retained loss of Ã?£1.5m for the equivalent period last year. Participation in the UEFA Cup will provide some financial benefit in the second half of the year although this is not as financially lucrative as the UEFA Champions League. It is satisfying once again to see the investment in Murray Park producing returns, both in terms of footballing success and in the progression of home grown talent into the first team squad. In January, media speculation forced the Club to comment on potential development and regeneration initiatives around Ibrox. We are continuing to review our options on this project, in conjunction with a number of other parties, and no proposals will be finalised until a full evaluation exercise has been undertaken. In the 2007 Annual Report I commented that we had renewed confidence and momentum heading into the new season. This has, as expected, proved to be justified and credit must be given to Walter Smith and his management team for the performance and effort of the playing squad in the current season. We look forward to the remaining months of the season with anticipation as we compete to bring silverware to Ibrox. Sir David E Murray

Thought this an interesting comparison and view from Russell who himself was a very good player for us and after the debates and merits towards both Boyd and Cousin was a good read. Cousin may be the better option, or more specifically, better suited to the lone striker role. I'd still play Boyd though for reasons that have been debated thoroughly over the last week or so.

I rate Cousin as a player. I think he's got talent and like a lot of the better European players, he has a nice touch and lots of natural ability. So, am I surprised about the latest rumours concerning this player who has a history of being an unsettled (or should that be unsettling) player to have around? Not really given his history. But he's now starting to come under the same intense scrutiny that Kris Boyd has done recently, with every minutiae of his body language and behaviour being analysed by some fans. However, even apart from his history, since he signed for us, there's been the usual noises through various media outlets, that he's not been happy. We've had so many of the usual clich�©s associated with an unhappy foreigner that I'm starting to think its only a matter of time before he moves on. Mis-quoted article in his home country stating his unhappiness? Check. Constant rumours from the training-ground? Check. Media stories about his unhappiness? Check. Of course we've also had a few performances where he hasn't looked interested, culminating in last week's match where he put in a "shift" which even Kris Boyd must have thought looked lazy. From here on in I think it will be a downward slope and I won't be at all surprised if he leaves in January. If the rumours are true then I don't think we should be keeping an unhappy player who may be a disruptive influence. We simply don't need that sort of player at the moment. Like I said from the outset, I do rate him as a player, but with this sort of situation there's usually no smoke without fire. Which unfortunately makes me think Hemdani will be leaving us sooner rather than later too.

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=587&Itemid=1 From the Rangers FC plc accounts - 30/06/2007 "Net debt at the year end stood at GBP16.5m (2006 - GBP5.9m). The increase in the net debt position from last year primarily reflects the trading loss in the period, working capital movements, investment in the playing squad, and costs associated with the exit from our retail operations." [1] Obviously since then we've also spent around Ã?£12million on transfers (including Carlos Cuellar, Steven Whittaker and Lee McCulloch as well as signing on fees and other associated costs). Our reasonable performance in the Champions' League and the expected sale of Daniel Cousin would probably cancel most of that out. As such, when Rangers release their interim accounts at the end of February, I think it's fair to say that the status quo will be the case when we examine the news with regard to the net debt figure. Given our current 4 point lead in the SPL and our continued presence in all other competitions (including the UEFA Cup), the relative financial gamble taken by the plc board has paid off. Now, as we all know, despite the various sound-bites and extravagant media fairy-tales about Ã?£700million Ibrox regeneration projects, Sir David Murray has been actively trying to sell the club over the last 2 years. Several parties have showed an interest but for whatever reason nothing concrete has resulted. The most obvious reason for that is the increased debt from 06-07 as well as other limited ways for any investors to A) make money or B) be imaginative with almost all club revenue streams being outsourced in the medium-long term. Add in an unsuccessful team for nearly 3 years, Rangers FC are not the glamorous investment opportunity that we all like to think they are. As such, the question that would immediately arise for a chairman who wants to sell is – how can I improve the situation and how can I make the club more attractive to any buyers (let’s not mention large-scale investors as we’ve not had any now for a long time)? That’s a very difficult question to answer and one he’s tried and failed to since 2005. Any solutions have been running out. Step forward Alan Hutton. Hutton has been outstanding since around November 2006. Even under Paul Le Guen he regained the form he showed when he initially broke into the team under Alex McLeish and since then he’s grown in stature at every level. Outstanding Champions’ League performances and Man-of-the-Match displays for Scotland have helped his value soar beyond that of any outfield player in Scottish football history. No shortage of teams have expressed an interest with Spurs being the first to offer a Ã?£10million package to entice the player to London and the wages gravy train that is the English Premier League. Thus, if you deduct that Ã?£10million from the figure in the opening paragraph you have a much improved financial situation to report. In many ways such transfers are the only way our team can compete in monetary terms with the bigger European leagues. Quite simply, we need to survive and profiting from our improving youth system is one such source of oxygen – no matter how disappointed we’d be to lose our better players. Meanwhile with the club leading the league, the fans reasonably happy with progress and consultation reports complete into expanding the stadium (although not to the scale mentioned in the media), suddenly the ‘For Sale’ sign above our stadium seems much more alluring to buyers. More so, if automatic CL qualification is secured and (as revealed recently) the club are again negotiating with the ‘European Club Association’ – an independent body but recognised by FIFA/UEFA. I think it’s fair to say no Rangers fan wants Alan Hutton to leave. However, the above shows that his sale makes business sense from every point of view. Most fans will be happy with a reduced debt offering further opportunity for more transfer funds (who can remember the ‘Capucho Days’ of earlier this decade?) while other fans will be happy that the chances of the club administration and owner moving on have increased. Nevertheless, business sense doesn’t always win trophies in football. That’s what we all want. The SPL championship must return to our club and it’s up to Sir David Murray to deliver it. The sale of Alan Hutton may well be the right thing for the future of our club but compromise must be found in terms of ensuring that when we do have to sell any key players we can still compete successfully. That’s a challenge we’ve failed upon in recent years and another season without domestic silverware is wholly unacceptable. We have to decide what the costs will be in changing that and are we willing to pay them? [1] - http://www.plusmarketsgroup.com/story.shtml?ISIN=GB0007237380/GBP/PLUS-exn&NewsID=25453

maybe a problem with the gersnet address. i had connect in through my history.

Anyone ever seen this site before. http://www.neilbrown.newcastlefans.com/rangers/rangers.htm Quite an interesting read and very handy for those tricky footbal trivia questions.

Well it has been a while since my last taxi so i will start by digging into the past, to open. First of all i will start with Aberdeenââ?¬â?¢s plight in Europe. They went to Spain and got caught up in crowd trouble with Spanish supporters. Seemingly they took a right baaa-tering . Spanish police surprisingly failed to arrest any sheep supporters, donââ?¬â?¢t you just hate when you canââ?¬â?¢t find a PEN, when you need one. It was reported that one Aberdeen supporterââ?¬â?¢s girlfriend was raped. A Spanish police spokesman said an arrest was immanent, as not many Spaniards wear wellies. They then went on to meet Copenhagen, in a do or die final game. They brilliantly won 4-0. A case of the sheep shagging the Vikings That shatters the old history books. News out of Pittodrie this week is that Aberdeen are skint. Although they have a Diamond and a Hart they havenââ?¬â?¢t got a Nickel-son. They are in fact hoping to grow in the future they have named their kids club after Angus the Bull. I am not sure the sheep around Aberdeenshire will be happy with that. Poor Artur Boruc was sidelined for a while with a foot injury . Stupid dick is always shooting himself in the foot. Celtic have rewarded him with a massive new contract, not bad for someone as dependable as an American opinion poll. He has dropped more this year than the pound has against the euro. After his run of mistakes he tried to pick himself up, and failed. Celtic have signed a new German left back Andreas Hinkel but i have a wee conspiracy feeling over this one. I think it is just to justify singing ââ?¬Å?Go home ya hunââ?¬Â The Celtic board will do anything to cover their supporters chants. Big news over the last few weeks was Alan Huttonââ?¬â?¢s supposed 9 million pound transfer to the Spurs and the reason why he wanted to stay at Ibrox. Well i got the reason from a good source. He heard that the spurs attack were Bent and Keane. He didnââ?¬â?¢t fancy the move after that. Funniest joke i heard over the holiday period, was that Rangers had failed in a bid to sign Mohamed Sissoko from Liverpool. It failed because you are not allowed to call a teddy bear Mohamed. Finally Celtic are doing everything possible to bring Koki Mizuno, another Japanese star to Scotland. Many people think he would be nuts to come to the Spl. I guess it would make him a Koki nut. TAXI!!!

January ââ?¬â?? A Hugely Important Month Firstly, as this is my first rant of the new year, Iââ?¬â?¢d like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers and everyone connected with the extended Rangers family and wonderful and prosperous New Year. January is turning into a hugely important month for Rangers and I am not just talking about performances and results. As we all know, the weather has taken its toll and we face a fixture pile up that may ease up next November. January is also the time when the transfer widow opens and the rumours go into overdrive. I for one believe that our activity (or lack off) in this transfer window could go a long way in determining how successful we will be this season. With Roy Carroll be sold, we need a new goalkeeper, a left back, a couple of midfield players and a striker. Gone are the days of Rangers plundering the top echelons of the transfer marketing and paying substantial fees for players like Amato, Negri, Mols, Albertz, Gazza, Laudrup (who was actually very inexpensive), Gio etc. Lets be honest with ourselves, we would all love the anticipation and excitement of looking forward to Rangers unearthing a ââ?¬Ë?blue chipââ?¬â?¢ Ã?© Alan Davidson Evening Tims and witnessing them terrorizing defences all over the land. Jeez, we would even settle for a ââ?¬Ë?surprisingly successfulââ?¬â?¢ signing ala Wee Rod Wallace. A player who slid into Ibrox almost unnoticed but became a wonderful player and ambassador for the club. Given this, who are the likely targets for Rangers this transfer window? We wonââ?¬â?¢t ââ?¬Ë?break the bankââ?¬â?¢ but will have to replace players like Buffel, Ugo, Roy Carroll etc if they are sold. Walter Smith will pick up a ââ?¬Ë?run of the millââ?¬â?¢ SPL keeper as back up for McGregor and that is hard to argue with. McGregor is a decent keeper and has cemented himself as our No1. Left back is more of a challenge. We have supposedly looked at George McCartney the West Ham left back and Paul Robinson from West Brom. Both decent enough players and I would wouldnââ?¬â?¢t be adverse to signing one of those players. However, Iââ?¬â?¢d like to see Walter Smith use a piece of initiative and enquire if we could take Traore from Arsenal on a 6-12 month loan. He is 3rd choice left back at Arsenal but looks a prospect and Wenger isnââ?¬â?¢t adverse to allowing players to go out on loan. One midfield player Iââ?¬â?¢d like to see us pursue is Zoltan Gera at West Brom. He is out of contract in the summer and could be secured this month for a fee of Ã?£500,000. Striker is a difficult one but why not try for Benni McCarthy or Matt Derbyshire at Blackburn? Derbyshire is fast and knows where the goal is ââ?¬â?? he would be a fantastic signing. We are also believed to monitoring the situation with Rob Jones at Hibs. IMO, this would be a great signing, he is straight out of the Marvin Andrews school of defending! No matter what, we MUST strengthen in January as me MUST maintain our advantage over Celtc. They have and will continue to add players to their squad and so must we. We are currently in a decent position and must do everything in our power to remain there. Not adding to the squad isnââ?¬â?¢t an option. Silence Or Applause The minutes applause as a mark of respect to the tragic passing of Phil Oââ?¬â?¢Donnell raised the question and debate as to whether these respects should be marked by a minutes silence or a minutes applause. Lets not forget that minutes applause were introduced due to the fact that one set of supporters couldnââ?¬â?¢t stay silent for 1 minute during silences for football players, disasters, terrorist atrocities and members of the Royal Family. I for one do not feel comfortable remembering the dead by ââ?¬Ë?clappingââ?¬â?¢ for a minute and, this is just my opinion, think that a minutes silence is more poignant and is the perfect way to respect the dead. During the minutes applauding for Phil Oââ?¬â?¢Donnell, I stood in silent reflection. This was in now way meant as a slight to the man or his family (in fact, my thoughts and prayers are with them at this tragic time) it is that I feel that silence is more respectful. RIP Phil Oââ?¬â?¢Donnell. Regeneration Of Ibrox Well, what can we take from the press release that Rangers are considering regenerating Ibrox and the surrounding area to the tune of Ã?£700M odd? Call me old fashioned but as my old granddad would always say ââ?¬Ë?no smoke without fire sonââ?¬â?¢. In my humble opinion, this was SDM ââ?¬Ë?testing the waterââ?¬â?¢, throwing out a line to see if anyone would bite. SDM is a lot of things and this includes him being an undoubted successful business man. If there is some Ã?£ââ?¬â?¢s to be made by buying up and regenerating Ibrox and the surrounding area, you can bet your last Ã?£ that SDM will be slap bang in the middle of it. The only worrying this is, who will be the other investors. Given the magnitude of the announcement, he must have some one waiting in the wings (Tom Hunter? Mystery Russian investor?) to plough money into this project. It is also interesting to note that no mention if any of this Ã?£700M odd will be used to improve the squad (and for most fans, thatââ?¬â?¢s the bottom line). For what itââ?¬â?¢s worth and with most things that involve SDM and his moonbeams of success et al, I am quietly pessimistic and wary of the whole shebang!!!! G14 So the G14 is to be disbanded (is there any truth in the rumour that the G14 would rather disband than allow Celtc at their table ââ?¬â?? heehee) and is to be replaced by a new ââ?¬Ë?European Club Associationââ?¬â?¢, with Rangers where they should be, right at the forefront of this organisation. Letââ?¬â?¢s remember that Rangers have been the driving force (mostly via the forward thinking of Campbell Ogilvie) of many European schemes (the CL format as an example) and as always, we tend to lead whilst others tend to follow. It will be interesting to see how this is portrayed in the media, given how they went into overdrive when Celtc were ââ?¬Ë?acceptedââ?¬â?¢ into the G14 organisation minutes before it was dissolved (and replaced!!!). You Can Only Be Envious Saw a fantastic banner at a recent Linfield game that was transmitted live on SKY. It was a Union Flag which bore the legend ââ?¬Ë?You Can Only Be Enviousââ?¬â?¢. I think that this is a legend that we could borrow from our ââ?¬Ë?Blues Cousinsââ?¬â?¢ from Belfast and display with pomp at the next OF game. Imagine the faces (yeah I know, itââ?¬â?¢ll give the kids nightmares) of the ensemble Tims foaming at the mouth whilst reading a legend that they know sums up their whole existence? Letââ?¬â?¢s face it, from our conceptions, we have been the forerunners of Scottish Football. We optimise football, especially Scottish Football. We were founded purely out of the love of sport and football in particular. We only ever played the game for sporting purposes. Added to that, we are the quintessential British team (or even establishment) with the history of Struth as the driving force of everything that we stand for. We are the most successful footballing team in the world ââ?¬â?? as the legend states ââ?¬â?? you can only be envious Cammy F ââ?¬â?? We Are The Peopleââ?¬Â¦.

Our partners at Rangers Lotto would like to make clear that Rangers FC has emphasised that the Club is considering a number of different options with regard to the redevelopment of the Hinshelwood area. If redevelopment of the Stadium goes ahead, supporters� bricks would be incorporated, as would the history and heritage of our Stadium. http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=164&Itemid=1

Looks like he is living on borrowed time. If I need armed guards to do my job then it is time to quit.

Graham Spiers When you have held three of the great offices of State in Britain, people tend to listen carefully to your thoughts. So when John Reid, the former Home Secretary and recently-installed chairman of Celtic, claimed last night that Gordon Strachan had the potential to stand alongside Jock Stein in the clubââ?¬â?¢s history, his words had an arresting effect. Reid, who was in Italy on Tuesday to watch Celticââ?¬â?¢s advance to the last 16 of the Champions League despite their 1-0 defeat to AC Milan, chose yesterday as the moment to lavish praise on the Celtic manager. ââ?¬Å?Gordon Strachan has the opportunity to make himself a true legend at Celtic Park because, when you create records and potential records as he is currently doing, thatââ?¬â?¢s the best answer to all the critics,ââ?¬Â Reid said. ââ?¬Å?With all the constraints that we know are placed on teams playing in the Scottish league ââ?¬â?? such as not having the resources that others do ââ?¬â?? then for a manager to have qualified among the cream of Europe in the Champions League two years running is tremendous. At the same time, to have won the league twice and now be in the running for a third [successive] title ââ?¬â?? weââ?¬â?¢ve only done that twice in our history before, once under Jock Stein and once at the turn of the century. So it speaks volumes for the contribution Gordon has made.ââ?¬Â Strachan continues to have his critics but Reid forcibly argued that Celticââ?¬â?¢s qualification from group D was a minor triumph for the club. ââ?¬Å?To come above teams with a reputation like Benfica, or someone of the expenditure of Shakhtar [Donetsk], and just behind the team that are the European champions and within a couple of weeks might be the world champions [Milan], is no mean feat,ââ?¬Â the Celtic chairman said. Related Links * Celtic know they must cure away day blues * Strachan can emulate Hiddink at PSV ââ?¬Å?There has been a lot of talk of luck, but the fact is, you make your own luck in this game. Weââ?¬â?¢ve got nine points because Gordon and the boys most probably have the best home record in Europe. So Iââ?¬â?¢m delighted for Gordon, for the squad, but most especially for the fans. We are now among the cream of Europe, and thatââ?¬â?¢s basi-cally the cream of world soccer.ââ?¬Â Asked how much money the Celtic board might release for Strachan to bolster his squad in January, Reid offered optimism rather than stiff promises. ââ?¬Å?Everyone will now start asking about January,ââ?¬Â he said. ââ?¬Å?All Iââ?¬â?¢ll say is weââ?¬â?¢ve tried, within the limitations placed upon us, to help the manager in the past. Weââ?¬â?¢ll try to do that in the future but just now itââ?¬â?¢s sufficient to take a degree of satisfaction that weââ?¬â?¢ve reached another stage. And we have to be realistic about the future. ââ?¬Å?It obviously helps us reaching this stage, especially when youââ?¬â?¢re making about Ã?£2 million if you do well in the SPL, rather than the Ã?£35 million for being bottom in the English Premier League. All I can say is that weââ?¬â?¢ll try to do what we can financially.ââ?¬Â Celtic can relax for now, knowing they could face Manchester United, Chelsea, Inter Milan or Barcelona in the knockout draw on December 21.

http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=156&Itemid=1 Once again the Trust has another interesting competition for our members. We have two copies of two different books up for grabs. First up is: * SILVER SMITH: THE BIOGRAPHY OF WALTER SMITH BY NEIL DRYSDALE Walter Smith is one of the most successful and respected managers in the history of Scottish football. At Rangers he helped them to nine successive league titles, a domestic treble in the 1992-93 season and both the Scottish Cup and League Cup three times. At international level he restored pride and faith in a faltering national team, being named Scot of the year in the 2006 Glenfiddich ââ?¬Ë?Spirit of Scotlandââ?¬â?¢ awards. But half-way through the qualifying rounds for Euro 2008, he controversially resigned to return to Rangers. From the Ibrox Disaster, to his days as a professional player and on to a dramatic future, this is the story of a man driven by a passion for perfection and success. Hardback Ã?£16.99 ISBN 978 1 84158 629 8 Next we have: * RANGERS: 100 HEROES OF THE MODERN GAME BY DEAN HAYES From Willie Waddell to Barry Ferguson, Rangers: 100 Heroes of the Modern Game is a fascinating compendium of facts and figures and a superb tribute to the men who have brought skills, thrills and glory to Rangers Football Club in the modern era. All the great players since 1946 are here, including Ally McCoist, Jim Baxter, Graeme Souness, Paul Gascoigne, Andy Goram, Brian Laudrup and many, many more. Each player is profiled with detailed statistics given on every aspect of their careers. Meticulous research, perceptive analysis and vivid storytelling make this a must-have for any Rangers fan. Hardback, Ã?£12.99 ISBN 978 1 84183 125 1 Both books available from http://www.birlinn.co.uk, free p&p in the UK - for overseas please add 30%. To enter, simply tell us who Walter Smithââ?¬â?¢s assistant manager was during his first spell at the club. Simply contact us with your answer, your membership number and postal address. All entries must be received by Wednesday 5th December. Good luck! :cheers:

New part of the archive for your perusal folks... http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=552&Itemid=31 :cheers:

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=519&Itemid=1 Co-written with D'Artagnan One cannot go one week in Scotland without some faux moral objector highlighting problems within the Rangers support with regard to their traditions and background. Letââ?¬â?¢s be straight ââ?¬â?? Rangers are a club with a Protestant identity. Whilst such associations may well be decreasing and whilst their overall affect on the club is indeed debatable, this is something we neither need to be ashamed of or deny in the fact of constant attack on our club. Those pioneering young rowers who came down from the Gare Loch did not start a football club with a religious focus ââ?¬â?? letââ?¬â?¢s be in no doubt about that. But from the 1890ââ?¬â?¢s onwards, events in Glasgow caused the Protestant population to search for a football club which reflected their religion, their culture and perhaps even their political persuasion. Even so the choosing of Rangers as the vehicle of that expression had more to do with geography and existing transport links than anything else from our humble origins. Of course it was not just the supporters who shaped that identity - men like John Ure Primrose who, as well as being Rangers chairman, was Lord Provost of Glasgow (and who incidentally shared a platform with Lord Edward Carson who organised the opposition to the Home Rule Bill in Ireland) certainly helped mould Rangersââ?¬â?¢ Protestant identity. Through the years other admirable men such as Bill Struth and Willie Waddell carried on those traditions and Protestantism (and Unionism) have always played a part in the way our club has been run. Some may say that wasnââ?¬â?¢t always a good thing and they may well have been right. Alleged unofficial signing policies and less tolerant attitudes of the last century may not have been restricted to our club but to deny there may well have been such negative aspects of our past would be churlish and certainly unrepresentative of true debate. Of course, itââ?¬â?¢s certainly easy to criticise our past but itââ?¬â?¢s much more positive and constructive to look to the future. Rangers are an inclusive club these days ââ?¬â?? from the support, to the team, to all aspects of the club. However a significant number of people still see Rangers as the expression of that Protestant identity in Scotland. That does not mean that Protestant Rangers fans are part of a ââ?¬Ë?higher orderââ?¬â?¢ of fan or see others as lesser than themselves. Nor is it necessary to be a practising Protestant to celebrate Rangers Protestant identity; in fact itââ?¬â?¢s not necessary to have any prior Protestant connections whatsoever. All creeds and colours are welcome - as it should be! Nonetheless we need not shy away from our Protestant identity or its expressions. It can be argued that it was our Protestant identity which, along with other factors, shaped our club into one of the most successful in the world. It could also be said that our conduct as a club, often at times reflecting that identity, has helped us maintain our dignity in the face of ridicule and criticism. Perhaps even to our detriment considering our reluctance to get involved in the debate. Itââ?¬â?¢s with this in mind that Iââ?¬â?¢m delighted to read about the Rangers Supportersââ?¬â?¢ Trust finally managing to organise their inaugural ââ?¬Ë?GersPrideââ?¬â?¢ conference at Ibrox Stadium this Saturday (more info below - 1). Itââ?¬â?¢s not before time that our fans (helped by a varied choice of neutrals) have the platform to debate our history and background while finding some common ground for the future. Itââ?¬â?¢s vital that as many fans take part as possible because, if we donââ?¬â?¢t, we can't then argue about being marginalised or not having the chance to debate serious issues and change certain attitudes for the better. What can be said there is that there is no doubt in recent years our club and support have modernised and improved their outlook. Removing unacceptable add-ons and discriminatory terms from our songs so quickly is something to be proud of and gives us the kind of sound foundation to move forward into our next 135 years (and more!). However, while this is agreeable, there is no reason why we have to abandon other parts of our heritage just because others may not completely agree with it. For example, Celtic are a proud Catholic club with their history based on religion right from the start. They rightly celebrate such associations and no-one challenges them - why should they? Similarly, our national team and ââ?¬Ë?Tartan Armyââ?¬â?¢ often base their attitudes and spirit on battles of old and should never be told otherwise. The same should go for us. Songs like ââ?¬Ë?The Sashââ?¬â?¢. ââ?¬Ë?Derryââ?¬â?¢s Wallsââ?¬â?¢, 'Rule Britannia' and 'God Save the Queen' may not mean the same to everyone. Their words and other slogans our support utilise may take different meanings for different people but we should never need to question their suitability when they are a huge part of our history. That shouldnââ?¬â?¢t offend anyone and if it does, well theyââ?¬â?¢re only showing the kind of intolerance and bigotry that we get pilloried for. 1 - http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=150&Itemid=1

Head-to-head The 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture on 23 October was the first time these two teams had ever met. European history Last season, FC Barcelona reached the last 16 and were beaten by Liverpool (1-2, 1-0). In 1992, they won the Champions Cup and in 2006 they lifted the Champions League trophy. In 2005-06, Rangers were the first Scottish club to survive the Champions League group phase, reaching the last 16. Current European form Barcelona are unbeaten in their four Champions League matches, keeping clean sheets in all four. They are yet to concede a goal in this season's Champions League. Arsenal are the only other team to have kept three clean sheets in this season's competition. Rangers are on the longest running unbeaten streak in the Champions League of nine matches. It's a run which started with six consecutive draws. They are also undefeated in four Champions League away matches. VfB Stuttgart are the only team to score against Rangers in seven matches of European competition this season. Player and disciplinary info Kevin Thomson (Rangers) is suspended. Team mate David Weir will be suspended if booked. Thierry Henry is Barcelona's most prolific CL striker with 43 goals. The Frenchman is fourth on the all-time top scorers list of the Champions League. If Barcelona's Bojan Krkic scores, he will become the youngest goal scorer in Champions League history (17 years and 71 days) Other miscellaneous facts Barcelona beat Real Betis 3-0 on Sunday, and are now second in the Primera Division, a point behind leaders Real Madrid. Rangers beat Inverness Caledonian Thistle 2-0 on Saturday, and are second in the SPL, three points behind leaders Celtic. Definitions of terms used:- Champions League (CL) - only group phase matches and beyond of this competition which began in 1992-93. Champions Cup/Champions League - all matches played since it began in 1955-56 including qualification matches. European matches - all matches played in the major European tournaments (Fairs Cup, Uefa Cup, Cup Winners' Cup, Champions Cup, Champions League). Uefa Super Cups, Intertoto Cups and the old Intercontinental Cup competition are excluded. Big Match Stats source: Infostrada Sports

Why no mention of the sectarian banner bisplayed by Celtc fans at start of the game and at half-time? In a time where Celtc FC have PUBLICALLY stated that any employee using the term 'hun' will be sacked and when 'hun' has been defined a sectarian term, you'd think displaying a banner with the word 'hun' on it would receive some publicity? Anyone, I think timmy went home with their tales between their legs when TBO reacted with a 8-1 banner - if you knew our history Cammy F

Time For Stability We all knew that when Walter Smith was appointed as PLGââ?¬â?¢s successor, this was to herald a period of stabilization in the wonderful history of our club. Now that this stabilization is well under way, lets hope that Walter will reflect on the positive effects this has shown and take this stabilization into team selection. We have had a huge turnover of players in the last 3 seasons and it is now time for our current charges to decide on their preferred tactics / squad / starting 11 and to put this into practice. Whilst we the fans have to understand that change takes time and takes its toll, and that there will be bad days as well as good, the management require an understanding that all the fans want is a winning team on pitch and one that has a fluidity and consistency about it. This cannot be achieved by constantly chopping and changing the starting 11 and having our ââ?¬Ë?betterââ?¬â?¢ players situated on the bench, or worse in the stand. Then recent defeat at the hands of Hibs illustrated this and the Gaffer has to hold his hands up and admit that he got it badly wrong against Hibs. Walter Smith bowed to fan pressure by selecting Hendami in a 5 man midfield and made the ultimate mistake of playing Kris Boyd as a lone striker. This is a role that everyone, including WS, have known for sometime is beyond Boyd. Boyd has other attributes, but he cuts an abject figure whilst furrowing away as a lone striker. The international break gives WS and his backroom staff an ideal opportunity to sit down together and decide on what is their preferred tactics and what is their strongest team. We cannot afford this continual rotation system as it is killing us domestically. 4-5-1 (or 4-1-4-1) isnââ?¬â?¢t suited to home SPL games. Opposition teams come and flood the midfield and defend deep. If we play 5 in midfield, we cannot get forward as much especially when our lone striker is not capable of holding the ball. For ever home SPL game (except the Tims ââ?¬â?? more soon) we should be playing 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 ââ?¬â?? if this means there is no place for fans favourites (no matter who that is), then so be it. OF and European games are better suited to 4-5-1 (or 4-1-4-1) and I would deploy this formation in the upcoming OF and European ties. We have the players capable of playing this formation and using it to our advantage ââ?¬â?? McGregor, Hutton, Weir, CC, Papac ââ?¬â?? Beasley, Fergie, Hendami, Thommo, McCulloch ââ?¬â?? Cousin / JCD and IMO that is our strongest 11 at the moment. When going 4-4-2, Thommo or Hendami would drop out and Iââ?¬â?¢d play JCD and Cousin up front (but this is where we have options ââ?¬â?? Boyd, Novo and Naismith all come into contention). Given a settled run of games, I am confident that our strongest 11 would be a match for all SPL teams (obviously they will have off days and drop points) and they have already shown that they are a match for the cream of Europe. Its Rangers, Its Rangers, Its Rangers For me I have no qualms in saying this, but I dread international weekend. It means that I have no Rangers game to go to and I sit back and watch the internationals dreading that one (or more) of our players will get injured whilst on international duty. I know that this is selfish, but for countless years, and for varying reasons (that most on here already know!), I have no interest in international football. Now, I know and understand that a vast majority of Rangers fans are unlike me and they will be looking forward to supporting their country (who ever that happens to be) on Saturday and that 10ââ?¬â?¢s of thousands of Rangers fans will pack into Hampden to back Scotland ââ?¬â?? fair play and good luck to them. However, I just hope that those that do pay me the respect I deserve for not having any interest in the national team and understand that it doesnââ?¬â?¢t diminish on my ââ?¬Ë?Scottishnessââ?¬â?¢ one iota. Too many people in this country feel that if you donââ?¬â?¢t get rigged up in full Highland dress, paint a saltire on your face and sing dirge folk songs then you are somehow ââ?¬Ë?anti-scottishââ?¬â?¢. Ironic Or What So it appears that the whirlwind of media defence of Celtc in the wake of their latest pitch invader is what might actually see them receive the punishment that they deserve. Ac Milan (who have behaved impeccably in this issue) and stated that if the press and Celtc continue to focus on Dida then they will make a formal complaint to UEFA. I canââ?¬â?¢t be the only one who found this ironic. This is the same media who helped UEFA in their investigation into Rangers fans singing (and lets not forget that the BBC supplied UEFA with video evidence that was used to try and ban Alex Rae) who have now gone out of their way to defend Celtc and deflect the blame onto the Milan keeper. It is funny that everyone and their dog is still rabbiting on about Celtc fans ââ?¬Ë?great behaviourââ?¬â?¢ and that this was a ââ?¬Ë?one offââ?¬â?¢. Sorry, but that doesnââ?¬â?¢t wash ââ?¬â?? how come no one is mentioning their ââ?¬Ë?previousââ?¬â?¢? Surely no one has forgotten about the annual pitch invasions, diverted planes, shootings in Amsterdam, stabbings in the pie queue at FirHill, riots in Blackburn and Vigo airport, replayed European ties ââ?¬â?? I could be churlish and list more, but hey, according to the media and the MOPES these incidents didnââ?¬â?¢t happen. I might be the only person in Scotland hoping this (OK, Iââ?¬â?¢m not), but I hope UEFA through the book at them ââ?¬â?? if they do, then their day is rightly come. And Finally Congratulations to Frankie on the birth of his daughter ââ?¬â?? all the best to Frankie, his missus and wee one. Cammy F ââ?¬â?? We Are The Peopleââ?¬Â¦.

Well, Well, Wellââ?¬Â¦.. So we had to endure another stuttering away SPL performance at the weekend against Motherwell. We didnââ?¬â?¢t really start the game at all and only lifted our performance when we went a goal down. I know it is easy to say, but it was a terrible goal to lose. We had a few opportunities to clear the danger, but Thompson dithered and Weir missed his tackle and we were suddenly a goal down. We did respond well to the set back by hitting the bar and having a header scrambled clear. The introduction of JCD ensured that we started the 2nd half at breakneck speed but unfortunately, JCD had leave the field after only 8 minutes due to an injury. Beasley was then introduced and he became our hero by getting a penalty after some brilliantly wing play. Boyd dispatched the penalty with aplomb, but it is worth noting that he missed two guilt-edged chances in the 2nd half. All in all it was a pretty poor performance from Rangers and IMO, and as I said in my rant of last week, we really need to decide on our ââ?¬Ë?strongest 11ââ?¬â?¢ and give them a sustained run of games. This ââ?¬Ë?chopping and changingââ?¬â?¢ isnââ?¬â?¢t doing us any favours and the quicker we get to playing a settled 11 the better. Another slight concern is the fact that in the majority of games this season, we have been slow to start games and improve significantly in the 2nd half. Maybe this is something that the coaching staff and look at and rectify. Bring On The Spaniards By The Scoreââ?¬Â¦.. Well, if we were in dreamland after the Stuttgart victory, we are in heaven after the destruction of Lyon in their own backyard. Last nights demolition of the French Champions was nothing short of outstanding and will have football fans, commentators, players and managers from all over Europe taking notice of ââ?¬Ë?The Rangersââ?¬â?¢. That team performance has to go down as one of the best in recent history, if not of all time. I am not just talking about Rangers European performances, I am talking about Scottish team performances. Let no-one take anything away from us. Lyon are a genuine force in Europe, they have fantastic players, they have won the French title in the last 6 consecutive seasons and we dismantled them in their ââ?¬Ë?Lyons Denââ?¬â?¢. Isnââ?¬â?¢t it ironic that their home is entitled ââ?¬Ë?Gerlandââ?¬â?¢Ã¢â?¬Â¦Ã¢â?¬Â¦ Our detractors tried to deflate us after our opening CL victory by claiming that Stuttgart were a ââ?¬Ë?pub teamââ?¬â?¢. I wonder how long it will take for Lyon to suffer such a relegation? Letââ?¬â?¢s remind ourselves that the self-same detractors were chuckling at our draw in the ââ?¬Ë?Group Of Deathââ?¬â?¢ and were claiming that weââ?¬â?¢d be lucky to get a single point. As we sing ââ?¬Ë?Champions League? Weââ?¬â?¢re having a laughââ?¬â?¢ (and a ball it is safe to say). We had to endure an initial onslaught from Lyon, but after we settled, the players stood shoulder to shoulder against the waves of attacks and started to impose themselves in key areas. Fergie, Hendami and Thommo were a brilliant shield in front of the defence and Beasley and McCulloch showed impressive stamina to help their full-backs and support Cousin who was superb as the lone striker. This may sound cruel, but watching Cousin (and JCD previously) shows why WS had to buy strikers. None of our other strikers could play this role as well. They all have other qualities, but Cousin showed exactly how you play this role. You work you ass of in the understanding that you will get kicked all over the pitch, run yourself empty and may only get one chance. When that chance presents itself, and at this level, you MUST put the ball in the back of the net ââ?¬â?? that is exactly what Cousin did and he set up RUN DMB for the killer 3rd goal. I cannot go on without mentioning the fantastic Rangers support. The Lyon fans were impressive but all through the game, the travelling Bears came through loud and clear and I was certainly proud of their efforts. The ââ?¬Ë?Come On Over To My Placeââ?¬â?¢ and ââ?¬Ë?Are You Watching PLGââ?¬â?¢ raised a wee chuckle at ââ?¬Ë?Chez Cammyââ?¬â?¢. So next in our sights are the mighty Barca ââ?¬â?? we welcome them to Ibrox with absolutely nothing to fear. We arenââ?¬â?¢t expected to take anything from them over two games, so hopefully the players will go into these games and play with a freedom that allows them to express themselves and after last night, you just never knowââ?¬Â¦. One last word on WS favoured 4-1-4-1 (or 4-5-1) formation ââ?¬â?? I wonder if the fan who was sat behind me at the Red Star game is still chanting ââ?¬Ë?4-5-1 is unaccptableââ?¬â?¢Ã¢â?¬Â¦ Time To Get Selfish? Am I the only one getting a bit tired of the ââ?¬Ë?great for Scottish footballââ?¬â?¢ comments that have followed our 2 astonishing (brilliant!) CL victories? The reason I say this is that if you were to conduct a straw poll of ââ?¬Ë?Scottish Football fansââ?¬â?¢, Iââ?¬â?¢m betting that the majority would be wishing that we got ââ?¬Ë?Donald Duckedââ?¬â?¢ in the CL. Now, I am not complaining about that attitude, it is their choice. I am simply saying that, like them, I only really care about my team and I am happy in the knowledge that our victories have been great for ââ?¬Ë?The Rangersââ?¬â?¢. Our latest victories have seen us add to our (as well as ââ?¬Ë?Scotlandââ?¬â?¢sââ?¬â?¢) co-efficient and has earned us a few more ââ?¬Ë?bobââ?¬â?¢ in the process. It is also safe to say that it has seen our profile rise in footballing circles. We currently sit joint top of the ââ?¬Ë?group of deathââ?¬â?¢ with 6 points from 2 games having defeated the German and French Champions. Itââ?¬â?¢s Worth Reminding Ourselves I will not tire in reminding ourselves that our current charges are a ââ?¬Ë?new teamââ?¬â?¢ who have been thrown together during pre-season so there will be grey skies as well as blue this season. Please remember this when having a say on formations, players ability (or perceived lack off), results and performances. I think it is fair to say that compared to last season, we have a better squad, a better chance of winning trophies and one thing that is most evident this season, is that we appear to have rekindled the famous ââ?¬Ë?Team Spiritââ?¬â?¢. WS has gotten a decent mix of youth and experience and of home grown talent and ââ?¬Ë?foreign importsââ?¬â?¢. What all the new additions seem to have though is a determination for the team and club to do well and they put this above ââ?¬Ë?personal gainââ?¬â?¢. It is also worth remembering that we have some very young and raw talent and given that, they are going to make mistakes. Christ, the most seasoned of pros make mistakes. So lets get of players backs and get behind ever one of them ââ?¬â?? we just might be on the verge of something special here people. Cammy F ââ?¬â?? We Are The Peopleââ?¬Â¦.