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Much has been written about the abrupt departure of Mr PLG and the reappointment of Mr Smith and the possible reasons behind PLGââ?¬â?¢s departure, but nothing is going to change the fact that Walter Smith (plus Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowell) has replaced the much lauded (well, before his arrival in Govan) Frenchman. For sometime now, probably since Dick Advocaatââ?¬â?¢s departure, it has been obvious that Rangers needed a period of stability, whilst David Murray downsized our ambitions as we were in uncontrollable debt. In retrospect, Alex McLeish gave us a period (2 years) of stability where he appeared to have steadied the ship, won us trophies (albeit both Championships were won on the last day of the seasons) whilst the ââ?¬Ë?top earnersââ?¬â?¢ ââ?¬â?? hence the ââ?¬Ë?decentââ?¬â?¢ players were sold and replaced with inferior ââ?¬Ë?talentââ?¬â?¢. Last season was unbearable for most of us, the record run of defeats, horsed out of both cups in the early stages but we had have a decent run in the Champions League and were in truth, very unlucky to be put out by a very good Villarreal team. When it was revealed in these very pages (thank you Mr KPTB) that PLG was going to be replace AM we were all delighted and after the ââ?¬Ë?official announcementââ?¬â?¢ we all looked forward to ââ?¬Ë?moonbeams of successââ?¬â?¢ and ââ?¬Ë?substantial financial investmentââ?¬â?¢ Ã?© David Murray. Now, it is safe to say that most of us were unimpressed with PLGââ?¬â?¢s dealings in the transfer market (partly blamed of the miserly transfer kitty he was given) but we all thought that PLG would mould them into decent players and therefore, us into a decent team. The first signs were encouraging, then, well, it went tits up. Knocked out of the CIS cup by St Johnstone, the first time in our history that we had lost, at home, to lower league opposition and a woeful 17 points the beggars in the SPL and struggling to cement even 2nd place. The arguments for sacking and retaining PLG were fascinating, the reasons for his eventual sacking clouded (depending on what version of events you believe). However, as I said above, that is all history and we have WS, AMc and KMc in charge and they have been installed to act as a stabilizing team. Now, whether you agree with their installation, I donââ?¬â?¢t think any Rangers fan can deny that we need stabilization and I am sure that the current management/coaching team can deliver this. What I am not so sure is if they are the team to project Rangers in the ââ?¬Ë?long-termââ?¬â?¢. On my humble opinion, what David Murray has done, as he had done with the AM and PLG appointments, is bought himself some time. No-one, even Murrayââ?¬â?¢s greatest detractors, which I am one off, can deny that Murray can manipulate and buy himself time. He has effectively bought himself a further 12-18 months by appointing ââ?¬Ë?Rangers legendsââ?¬â?¢ knowing the fans are unlikely to turn on them if things go bad, we are more likely to support / give more time to them. If DM thought that appointing the ââ?¬Ë?dream teamââ?¬â?¢ was a long-term solution, he would have put another ââ?¬Ë?layerââ?¬â?¢ of management in place between Smith and McCoist. Someone like Billy Davies, Gus McPherson or even Stuart McCall as they would be better place / more experienced than Ally McCoist to take over from Walter Smith. Now, this may happen in the summer, I sincerely hope that it does. PLG ââ?¬â?? Right Manager, Wrong Time Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but I remember talking to a few guys on our supporters bus who had reservations about PLGââ?¬â?¢s signing. Their biggest concern was his lack of communication skills and the fact that he had been out of football for so long. I didnââ?¬â?¢t agree with them, but in hindsight, they may have had a point. Whether this affected his ability to be a success in Scotland is up for debate, but it certainly didnââ?¬â?¢t help (neither did his signing nor Barry Ferguson, depending on whoââ?¬â?¢s side you are on! Lets be brutally honest here, weââ?¬â?¢ll never know the real story thatââ?¬â?¢s for sure). My thoughts that PLG was the right manager for Rangers, but was given the job at the wrong time. I would have loved to have seen PLG as Rangers manager when we had financial stability and money to invest in the squad and when the Youth Set-Up was properly funded and run. In saying that, that is all hypothetical, as under David Murrayââ?¬â?¢s leadership, that is never going to happen. Willie Gardiner Ex-Rangers and Boââ?¬â?¢ness United player Willie Gardiner sadly passed away a few weeks back. Willie signed for Rangers from the ââ?¬Ë?BUââ?¬â?¢sââ?¬â?¢ in 1950 and played under the legendary Mr Struth. He managed a total of 31 appearances for Rangers, scoring 19 goals before being sold to Leicester City where he went on to score 34 goals in his first season for The Foxes. Cammy F ââ?¬â?? We Are The Peopleââ?¬Â¦.

This was a cowardly assault hitting the guy from behind, deserves all he got and maybe more.

The alleged drinking culture at Rangers is very worrying, if it is true. This is especially so if it involves younger players that have still to establish themselves in the football world. Surely anyone at Ibrox, that knows of our past players, will be more than aware of the problems this can cause. As for PLG not being able to control it, this I do not accept. Like any other work place, anyone under the influence of alcohol should be sent home. The football industry can take it further by fining players, dropping them from the team and exposing/embarrassing them in the media. All are effective deterrents from further abuse of the rules. Taking it a step further and transfer listing the player would also provide the desired effect. This accusation is part of the whole sorry episode in our clubs history that, along with the other revelations, the truth will never be revealled fully.

Seems we are in for another Hibs youngster. I was wondering if it would not be cheaper for Murray to buy the whole club,it may be cheaper buying in Bulk than player for player. On a serious note it would seem we have Murray Park. Hibs have the talent to fill it. What are our Scouts Doing? Many of the Scottish youngsters that are making it big at other clubs, are discarded by Rangers at youth level. Who makes these decisions? Have they the vision to spot a talent? This is not only a thing of these times it is throughout our history. Kenny Dalgliesh was also deemed not good enough for us Maybe time to look into our assesment of young players and get someone in with the vision to spot these talents.

Whilst there remains some divison and confusion on what has happened over the last couple of days, this has been building since the last six months of Eck's tenure. The bottom line is that we are now a club with a chairman whio wants to sell, no manager, and unrest in the dressing room. As a financial venture, who is likely want to put their money into the club in its current position. Given Murray has been one of the UK's most successful businessmen in the last 20 years, it would have been nice if he could have applied some of that acumen to the club. Instead we have been through the worst debt period in the club's history, and now have a team that many bluenoses believe to be the worst they have ever seen at Ibrox. Murray must appoint a manager that regains both the fans confidence and stature of the club, even if it means digging deep into his pockets.

We could quite possibly finish as Scottish Cup Winners, 2nd in the League giving us a CL place and achieve at east the quarter finals of the UEFA. Think about it all you PLG Out merchants. Last year we managed the worst run in our clubs history.

When DM appointed PLG, along with all the fan-fair and 'look at me' and 'look what I've done', that surrounds The Mint's every appearence on TV, he promised us that this new era would herald 'Moonbeam's of Success' (or something similar) for Rangers. He promised that the arrival of PLG would be accompanied by vast investment that would 'shake Scottish football to it's foundations' that would ensure that Rangers FC would never again be in debt and that the new manager would see a 'substantial' amount as a transfer kitty. When PL was haggling over a new contract, David Murray informed us that if PL didn't sign his contract that we had two players lined up as replacements. He hinted that these players would be of similar, or better quality. When he told us that PLG was taking over for the much maligined (sp) Eck that this was a new era, the start of something special. The reality is that it is the worst and barkest time I can remember being a Rangers fan. We are a circus on and off the pitch, our enemies are still allowed free reign and our custodian sits in his new house not bothering his hint end. The Rangers we knew and love have died, and David Murray is the person who has killed them. I warned a few years back that this would get worse instead of better and I get no pleasure in saying 'I told you so'. Here is another bleak warning and take heed if you care - this will continue to get worse and IMO, we are close to the complete death of Rangers Football Club - David Murray could have gone down in our history as one of the best chairman we had, but at this rate, he'll be remembered as the man that Killed The Rangers. Cammy F

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/front_page/6216803.stm

I got a complete history of Rangers scores, scorers, and teams on an exel sheet made by the Drum man while on the Gers forums last year( Gersnet was down). Does anyone have a copy with it updated to last season or is there anyone not as lazy as me who would like to update it. If anyone wants a copy i will e-mail it to Jon and he can pass it on.

Was watching MUTV last night and it revealed the Top 50 players in there history out of this new OPUS book which costs 3 grand. The top 10 were: 1) Bobby Charlton 2) George Best 3) Roy Keane 4) Duncan Edwards 5) Denis Law 6) Bryan Robson 7) Eric Cantona 8) Peter Schmeichal 9) Ryan Giggs 10) Paul Scholes I cant doubt the choice of top 10 except maybe Gary Neville could have been in there but id have had Ryan Giggs in the top 5. Rooney was 11th, Ruud VN - 13th, Beckham 14th. Rio Ferd 48th, Teddy Sher 50th.

if boyd stays i have no doubt that he will beat larssons record but will take some beating to beat super allys

I make no apoligies for requoting this great post from the Gub on FF. There may be many detractors of the way demonstrations are handled etc, and there is a fairly wide held belief that dismisses any kind of protest as the work of cranks, FF radicals etc etc. The fact is, it isnt. The following gives, for me, a perfectly correct valid and true summation of the last few weeks of the way the club has handled some affairs. It doesnt include the lack of defence of the support or the club from paper attacks (like the Papish Nazi park invader etc) but gives a flavour. It is based on facts and facts alone. People need to understand that these "cranks" that have been subjected to all sorts over the last few weeks, have been living and breathing these facts for quite a while...anyway, enough rambling from me... "How much lower can we actually go? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To say the last fortnight following the fortunes of our club has been something of a trial is to understate the point. First off a yahoo scumbag with a Hitler Youth t-shirt was allowed to run some 100 yards from his seat in the East Enclosure to the goal at the Broomloan end without so much as a ââ?¬Ë?Hey were do you think youââ?¬â?¢re going sunshine.ââ?¬â?¢ If nothing else it does highlight the quality of our security and the hired goon in charge of it. Then there was a defeat to the crap at the bottom of the table after getting a goal of a start. And of course the first time in our 134 year history that a side from a lower division knocked us out of a cup competition at home. Ouch, ouch and thrice ouch. However that is the good bits. Last Monday I was informed of the death of Bobby Shearer, a Rangers great. A true blue, 100% died, in the wool Ranger and lifelong bluenose. Sad as Mr Shearerââ?¬â?¢s passing was, it was common knowledge that he had been ill for a time. The people running our club however took a sad song and made it worse, much much worse. They caved in to west of Scotland yahooery and told us that there would be a minuteââ?¬â?¢s ââ?¬Ë?applauseââ?¬â?¢ at Ibrox before the League Cup tie that (last) Wednesday. Truly nauseating; ONE-HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FOUR years of tradition wiped out in a heartbeat. Itââ?¬â?¢s the way of the world the club told fans who mailed or phoned up to complain. One Rangers fan I know was told ON the Monday afternoon by a club spokesman after complaining, that the club came to the decision of a minuteââ?¬â?¢s applause after consulting with a few ââ?¬Ë?former captains.ââ?¬â?¢ How do I know this? Well, because I was in his company and he was actually on the phone and I saw his reaction as the conversation ended. Another good Rangers fan and respected poster I know got a hold of Sandy Jardine again on the Monday afternoon and was told by our former player that ââ?¬Ë?Traditions changeââ?¬â?¢. That is TWO different reasons/excuses given by the club on the same day. I have saved the worst for last. Again last Monday afternoon, another well kent and respected Rangers fan on this site got through to Sandy Jardine and he was told that the reason that there would not be a minuteââ?¬â?¢s silence was because (wait till you hear this one) Rangers fans reacted badly to Aberdeen fans when they booed the minuteââ?¬â?¢s silence for George Young at Ibrox back in January 1997. Rangers fans reacting badly to the actions of a motley shower of filth is the reason why the club were going to have a minuteââ?¬â?¢s applause for Bobby Shearer? You just couldnââ?¬â?¢t make it up. Not only was this excuse beyond the pale, it was lies pure and simple. If Rangers fans reacting to Dolly was a catalyst within the club back in 1997 to change our stance on minuteââ?¬â?¢s silences, then Why a minuteââ?¬â?¢s silence for Diana later in 1997? Why a minuteââ?¬â?¢s silence for the victims of Omagh in 1998? Why a minuteââ?¬â?¢s silence for Jim Baxter in 2001? Why a minuteââ?¬â?¢s silence for the victims of 9/11, also in 2001? Why a minuteââ?¬â?¢s silence for Bobby Murdoch on 2002? How many lies did we get last Monday? 1 ââ?¬â?? The former captains made the decision. 2 ââ?¬â?? Traditions change and aââ?¬â?¢ that 3 ââ?¬â?? It was Rangers fans fault for being unchuffed with Dolly Does anyone still want to argue that the minuteââ?¬â?¢s applause for Bobby Shearer was at the ââ?¬Ë?behestââ?¬â?¢ of his family? Last week, the club I love hit the gutter and looking up at the stars was and is not on the agenda. Letââ?¬â?¢s see now; Manipulating a family in mourning to make sure the managementââ?¬â?¢s pathetic cop out regards a minuteââ?¬â?¢s applause was bulldozed through last Wednesday The clubââ?¬â?¢s official website praising fans that were happy to wreak violence on fellow Rangers fans on Saturday The worst part of all of course is that there will be Rangers fans on here reading this that would rather wish and hope I was telling lies rather than confront the awful truth as to the levels David Murray and the incompetent shower of ne'erdowells he employs at Ibrox are dragging us down to. Yours, With a heavy, heavy heart."

This is a rant, basically. Simply put, why on God's green Earth are any Rangers' Football Club supporter calling for the head of Paul Le Guen? Everyone knows manager's are never given "time to settle" at Rangers.. but this is ridiclous. It's November for Christ's sake. I find it laughable that we spend an entire summer chasing Paul Le Guen, and we praise the high heavens out of Mr. Murray when he finally "get's his man", and no less than 4 months into a season, people are calling for him to resign and, even more laughabley, be sacked. Our support have such short-term minds it's untrue. Sir Alex Ferguson was one game away from being sacked at Manchester United in his early days.. but he was stuck by, and turned it around, and now look at him. I'm in no way comparing us to Manchester United, but what I'm saying is, even the big clubs need to give a manager time to get it right. Has Paul Le Guen made bad signings? Yes. Has Paul Le Guen got our tactics wrong in the SPL? Yes. Does any of this merit his sacking? Not a chance. We as a club have prided ourselves on never giving in to pressure and making knee-jerk reactions when it comes to managers. In our illustrious 133 year history, we have had a mere 13 managers. Now compare that to some of these clubs who go through 4 managers in one year, 4 managers in 4 years and what-not and it's not hard to see why our Club has been one of the most successful in the world. Stability should never be underestimated. I personally think Le Guen underestimated the SPL. A lesson he is now learning the hard way. We're all learning it. Maybe we as supporters underestimate the SPL, who knows. I'll sum this up. As furious as I am with matters on and off the pitch right now.. the sacking or resignation of Mr. Le Guen would do a lot more damage than good, and it's high time the supporters calling for his head learned that. End of rant.

PAUL LE GUEN has asked for unity among management, players and supporters after watching his side crash out of the CIS Cup tonight. Two goals from Steven Milne earned St Johnstone a 2-0 victory and in doing so consigned Rangers to their first ever home cup defeat to lower league opposition in their illustrious history. Le Guen admitted the First Division side deserved their win but asked for more time to get things right. He said: "I am very disappointed and I apologise to our supporters. We did well for 30 minutes and created many crosses and some chances. "After that though we lost our organisation and St Johnstone deserved their victory. "It's a difficult period but we must stick together. I will try to carry on. I am the manager and it is up to me to come up with a solution. "The only way to get through this is to stick together. I have lost many games before but this is one of the lowest."

http://www.gersnet.info/fmrangers/newmain/151006.html After another week of mediocrity, weakness and capitulation, where do Rangers FC go from here? Season 06/07 began with excitement and predictions of grandeur. The appointment of PLG and the signing of a few new, young players along with the eventual removal of the past-it fringe guys meant that Rangers would be once again heading for the record books by capturing our 52nd title. Incredibly, only 10 games and less than 3 months into the new season, the only record we’ve broken is one to compliment the not so proud one of last season. Last year seen Eck oversee the worst run of results in our history. This season, we’ve currently ‘enjoying’ our worst ever start to an SPL campaign. So what has went wrong and who is responsible? Let’s start with the players. The personnel may have changed since last year but the same inadequacies exist. We appear unfit; are one-paced; have minimal work-rate; are physically weak and most importantly lack the mental belief and character any winning team requires. These basic principles are the least we should have to operate at professional level. Yet, despite the change of manager and tactics, they still appear prevalent. That goes for every player as none have shown the consistency and/or skill levels required to escape criticism. Every player should now be playing for their future – no matter their past record or reputation. That takes us nicely to the new management team. Paul Le Guen and Yves Colleau arrived with first-class credentials. Although still relatively young, their 3 titles in France and decent European performances meant the Rangers fans were right to be excited and expect a new era with success attached. Certainly, the Frenchmen showed no signs of pressure or nerves as they said and did all the right things pre-season. Fernando Ricksen being sent to Coventry (or the Russian equivalent!) and reports of 3 training sessions per day were an early sign of fitness improvements with new levels of discipline. At last the players would earn their inflated wages! We started the season well enough, the football was good and although there were some early dropped points, that was unlucky and understandable for a new regime. Since then though things have got gradually worse. Results have been awful; performances lacklustre; the coaching team seem stubborn; the manager dismissive of the fans’ thoughts and evidence of a hard pre-season’s fitness work impossible to find with the usual glut of injuries and unfit players. As such, PLG and his assistants must take their share of the blame – no excuses please! Now we find ourselves at the top of the tree and conversely the root of the problem – the directors and owner of the club. Criticism of Martin Bain and David Murray has been rife over the last few years of downsizing. In some ways that criticism has been unfair but in others not only is it relevant but also has still to be appreciated and addressed by the board. Like it or not our financial downsizing was necessary – we needed to reduce our debt. However, that does not mean to say our ambitions should be reduced by the same factor, nor our pride, heritage and attitudes to our support. The club is for sale and other than the impressive and innovative RST ‘Gersave’ scheme there appears to be little interest from any potential buyer towards a chairman/owner who would rather be anywhere than Glasgow and Ibrox. The pre-season hope seems such a long way away now. Rangers FC and our fans have been through a lot in the last year. We’ve just finished 3rd in the SPL, which is unprecedented for many of our fans. Not since the mid-80s have we had such a poor season domestically. The UEFA problems are still causing friction and there’s no doubt heavy-handed policing and stewarding at Ibrox has affected the general ambience of Ibrox – it’s not the same place and probably never will be again. Our club has changed forever. Therefore what does the future hold for us? Should we prepare ourselves now for a lifetime of mediocrity? On and off the field we now appear to be 2nd best or worse. Is this acceptable? Is this a blip? Have we been spoiled by success? How can we change things? Who can improve them? The answer to those crucial questions is the same as the answer as to our problems. Firstly the players must improve or leave. Secondly the management team must improve or leave. Finally, the board must improve or leave. This isn’t a question that can be answered overnight. It will take a wee bit longer before we can decide if their answers are suitable. But we won’t be cheated and we won’t be disrespected. We deserve better than that. Without the fans Rangers would be nothing. The fans currently have to look themselves in the mirror and act for the good of the club. Can the same be asked of the staff of OUR club – from the cleaners who turn a blind eye to troublemakers; to the high rollers who turn their nose up at singing sections? Will they be ‘Ready’ or not ‘Ready’ to answer the questions and challenges ahead?

If we do not force Murrays hand, the future for Rangers Football Club under the continued custodianship of David Murray is not just bleak, but should put the fear of God into the Rangers support. In the last 5 or so years, Rangers have stagnated both on and off the pitch, but today was a new low for Rangers and for me, signals that our demise is closer than we all realise (or maybe care to realise). David Murray has made it abundantly clear that he is not putting any of his money into Rangers, and we just have to guess where the JJB, Champions League and season ticket money disappeared to. His stewardship has seen his and his families companies rape Rangers for every penny they could get. Oh, hope your nice wee lovely £4.5M pound house is to your satisfaction Mr Murray. If he is allowed to continue as Chairman, we are in for a long hard slog brothers and sisters. We are in for more seasons of misery (that is what it feels like) and we are in for more seasons of finishing 3rd, 4th and maybe even 5th in the SP fucking L. We will have to sit back (and pay up) and watch our youths being rattled every other week, our enemies continuing to attack us and the authorities continue their demonising of everything connected to this ONCE GREAT CLUB. A few more months of Murray and we’ll need to adopt the Everton chant – And If You Know Your History – as that is all we will have – we certainly don’t have a future. Could The Rangers become the next Third Lanark, under David Murray, anything (negative) is possible. Watching the goings on at Ibrox at the moment is akin to watching a well love relative / friend die with a slow and painful ilness. You know that the end is in sight, but you are clinging to the hope for a remarkable recovery. Cammy F

And I'm not being kinky here... Scotland have a tradition of keeping poor quality managers in a job for a long time after their sell by date, so let's make sure we don't lose a prime quality one. Let's be honest, Walter Smith is not really among the best club managers Scotland has produced. He had great domestic success at Rangers but it was at a time when we were spending far more than our opposition and had possibly the highest wage bill in the UK. Celtic were in turmoil and Smith took advantage. Don't get me wrong, I think Smith is a good manager, worse managers than he would have lost one of those titles in the 9 in row years despite the gulf between teams. But one CL run apart, his European results and his struggle with Everton albeit with financial problems, showed where his level lies. Good and solid, well above average, but not a world beater. However Scotland have been very poorly mismanaged for two decades - since Roxburgh took the reins. We had a very good team at the time and although he got us to a couple of finals, we would lose to the likes of Costa Rica through terrible tactics and an overcautious approach. Brown was a slightly better manager but still average at best. He too couldn't bring the best out of a reasonably talented squad and he couldn't do that at Preston either. Vogts, just didn't have a scooby. He confused the players tactically and made them feel inferior, telling them how poor a crop he had to choose from almost on a daily basis. He also capped players who should never have donned a dark blue top. However, Smith seems to have galvanised a bunch of so called journeymen into a team with great self belief, who know if they work hard and do their job they can get results. It's night and day over those previous managers who would spin us tales of caution against the likes of the Faroes and then struggle against them. Walter has taken a team who ply their trade in the English Premiership (whom some would have you as the best league in the world) and in the top half of the SPL, which is still a decent league by European standards. The players are plenty good enough to give a team of postmen and bankers a good thrashing, and for the first time in my memory, they did so. We should definitely be better than the likes of the Balkans and Walter has taken us to the best of them and won soundly only letting in the most spectacular of goals. The win against France was unexpected, but we all expected the team to have a decent go (I was very optimistic for a draw) and history suggests we can claim the odd win or draws especially at home against the greatest teams in the world if we play to our full ability. History is littered with Scotland wins, draws and unlucky losses against the likes of Brazil, England, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Holland. I think we've always had the players who could do something reasonable if they played to their strengths, but what we lacked was consistency and a bit of luck with the former being down to the manager. Walter Smith was always good at man management and basic strategy without being a tactical mastermind ("What's a tactic?"). He can definitely make a team play as a team. This really lends itself to international football as you only have a limited time with the players so intricate training sessions are a waste of time as are very unorthodox formations and tactics, since the players are more used to their different club systems. He has an advantage here over more tactically astute managers as he knows the stuff that really counts on this stage. This could make him achieve more acclaim as a Scotland manager than his many trophies for Rangers. He's shown what he can do, even that the job was made for him, so lets enter a period of stability and let him steer Scotland into an era where we at least punch our weight for a change. Give him a long contract and let him become a Scotland legend.

RANGERS have been praised by Uefa in their bid to rid the club of sectarian baggage. The governing body fined the Ibrox club �£15,500 in June following an appeal against their own not guilty verdict for chanting at last season's Champions League ties against Villarreal. They were warned that future misbehaviour could lead to heavier sanctions. Rangers were also ordered to embark on a sustained campaign to ram home the message to fans that the minority must clean up their act. So far that has included high profile Pride over Prejudice campaigns, a new song book being handed out to fans, and constant messages over the tannoy system that any sectarian singing will not be tolerated. A special hotline number has also been set up for fans to shop those around them who they feel are indulging in inappropriate signing or behaviour. And, in a Uefa document sent to every professional club in Europe - named Unite Against Racism - Rangers have been held up us a model of how clubs can tackle their problems. "Religious hatred manifests itself in many forms in Scottish and Northern Irish football with on-going anti-Catholic and pro-Republican chanting and violence at football matches in Glasgow and Edinburgh," said Uefa. "It might seem daunting to understand how a club could tackle a problem that has arisen from generations of conflict, or a history that refuses to go away. "They (Rangers) have an in-house sectarian and racism monitoring committee that meets monthly to ensure Rangers consistently challenge any inappropriate behaviour. "In addition, the club has entered into official protocol with its police force, whereby the identities of persons arrested for football related crimes are revealed and official warnings, as well as indefinite and lifetime bans, are imposed."

A NIGHT RANGERS WILL NEVER FORGET 10:00 - 26 August 2006 As the latest clutch of mostly uninspiring European matches found their way onto our screens this week, a radio phone-in debated one of football's mysteries: how is it that Glasgow Rangers have won just a single European trophy? That victory arrived on May 24, 1972, at Barcelona's Nou Camp, when Rangers produced a glorious performance in the first hour of the Cup Winners' Cup final to lead Moscow Dynamo 3-0. Although the Russians rallied and scored two late goals, it wasn't enough to deny a group of players whose names were to be etched into the club's folklore. Author and journalist Paul Smith had a distinct advantage in his quest to interview Rangers' 11 European heroes in his entertaining To Barcelona and Beyond, for his father Davie was widely regarded as the man of the match on that epic night. Smith has written an intimate and, at times, moving portrait of the lives of the eleven before, during and after their European experience. Unlike the current Rangers team, as cosmopolitan a bunch as there is in British football, the 1972 vintage were all Scots. Most played for their country and, in an era when Scotland produced a good proportion of Britain's finest footballers, players such as John Greig and Colin Stein remain legends for club and country. Smith's stories of lesser lights including goalkeeper Peter McCloy and full-back Willie Mathieson highlight the strength of an unusually loyal team bond which has lasted more than three decades. Of course, there were also mavericks. Alfie Conn moved to Tottenham soon after the European triumph having been deemed surplus to Ibrox's requirements. Despite playing fewer than 40 games for Spurs, he became a cult hero, fondly remembered as the player who sat on the ball during a particularly fraught encounter with Don Revie's Leeds. Conn played in the North American Soccer League, as did Willie Johnston, two-goal hero in the final. Johnston's career post-Barcelona included one of the most notorious episodes in World Cup history. He failed a drugs test following the embarrassing 3-1 defeat to Peru in Scotland's opening game of the 1978 World Cup. Despite his protestations of innocence and his exemplary career, it's a millstone which he has had to carry around with him for nearly 30 years. On reflection, there seems to be too little recognition for the team that won Rangers' only European trophy, which seems bizarre considering the quality of opposition they had to overcome. In addition to Moscow Dynamo, effectively the Russian national team, they dispatched Rennes and Sporting Lisbon in the opening rounds before defeating a very strong Torino outfit in the quarter-finals. Yet perhaps their greatest victory was the 3-1 aggregate win over Bayern Munich in the semi-finals. Bayern were about to embark on a hat-trick of European Cup triumphs and half the side, including Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Muller, were to become part of the West Germany team that won the 1974 World Cup. Poignantly, Rangers' triumph arrived little over a year after 66 supporters died in the Ibrox Disaster and it became a fitting memorial. Nevertheless, Uefa deemed the exuberant celebrations of Rangers' supporters on the Nou Camp pitch a suitable case for punishment. The club was banned from defending its trophy the following season. Meanwhile, that second European success has yet to arrive??? What memories!!! Dave Smith one of my schoolboy heroes. I wish we had him and Tom Forsyth in the team today.

It was my Mum and Dadââ?¬â?¢s 60th Birthdays recently and as a wee treat, we organised a family day out at Ibrox on Sunday where we took in the Ibrox Tour and then had lunch at the Argyle House restaurant. I have to say that both were fantastic and I would recommend either / both to anyone who is looking for a good day out. Firstly, we partook in the tour experience and our guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the club (and yes, Cammy did throw in some questions!!) and was quite witty. The only thing that the tour misses is a Rangers museum ââ?¬â?? our great stadium has everything, but we could be doing with a museum to house the many treasures / mementos / historical tops, caps, medals etc, that are currently squeezed into corners of Ibrox. We then went over for Sunday Lunch at the Argyle House restaurant and were treated to a marvellous 3 course carvery with side dishes including curry, fish, mushroom dishes etc ââ?¬â?? and donââ?¬â?¢t get me started on the sweet trolly! The staff were all very friendly and helpful. Oh, one last wee note ââ?¬â?? when we arrived at Ibrox for the tour, the security guards inside the main door were reading No1 Fanzine and their critique ââ?¬â?? a good read!! Cammy F

http://www.rangers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,5~876617,00.html

Just saw this on another forum and thought that I'd post it here - a great read and shows more unbiased, fair and impartial reporting from Legget; --------------------- The Myth of Mart?s Celtic dominance To the Camelot of King Arthur and the Loch Ness Monster must be added the legend of Martin O?Neill?s dominance of Scottish football for the last five years. For as far as fables go that one is right up there with the Knights of the Round Table, not to mention auld Nessie herself. And if it continues to go unchecked then the myth will grow into a warped reality, especially for those seeming illiterates who cannot consult the record books. Not to mention those who may not be sufficiently numerate to be able to work out the mathematics of those five seasons during which Celtic and their fans were completely under the spell of the Ulsterman. Therefore, for the record, let this column state, of the 15 domestic trophies which were competed for, O?Neill?s Celtic won 7. That is precisely the same amount of silverware captured by Rangers since the summer of 2000. And before those of a Parkhead persuasion point to the 3 championships included in the O?Neill haul to just 2 taken by Rangers, let?s examine another aspect. During the 3 full seasons which saw O?Neill and McLeish in direct confrontation, Rangers won 2 titles to Celtic?s single success. In fact, in the half of the season to play out when McLeish took over at Ibrox in December 2001 ? with O?Neill having outstripped Dick Advocaat by 14 points ? Rangers beat Celtic in the semi-final of the League Cup on their way to winning that trophy, and then in the final of the Scottish Cup. Therefore, the fact of the matter is that while Celtic enjoyed greater overall silverware success under O?Neill than at any time since the Jock Stein era, they were far from being the dominant force. Indeed of the eleven trophies at stake during the O?Neill-McLeish rivalry, the Scot took 7 to the Ulsterman?s mere 3! But if the true measure of domination is to be taken as the championship ? as it must ? then O?Neill?s record of 3 titles in 5 years is exactly the same as Billy McNeill achieved between 78 and 83. Big Billy also lifted 2 Scottish Cups and a League Cup for a haul of 6 trophies, just one fewer than O?Neill, yet nobody spoke of dominance then. In his first 5 full campaigns, Jock Stein won the title every year for Celtic, while over a comparable period Walter Smith did exactly the same with Rangers. Now that is dominance and puts any outlandish claims for O?Neill and his misguided disciples firmly into the context of history. No doubt those poor souls will hark back to Seville and quote it in the manner of some Holy Grail. Let this column therefore put that into historical context too, and remind them O?Neill and Celtic actually lost. Stein never harked back to the losing 1970 European Cup Final, and neither did Scot Symon, who took Rangers to the ECWC Finals of both 1960 and 67, only to end like O?Neill, a second best loser. What O?Neill?s greatest achievement as Celtic manager seems to have been was to give the club?s supporters back a guid conceit of themselves. Though as so few appear to see themselves as Scottish as their great Lisbon Lions captain, that phrase may not strike a chord with them. Restoring self esteem to the green and white hordes was in itself a mammoth task, and for achieving it O?Neill must be congratulated. Just 2 titles in the 14 years before his arrival had left Celtic and their supporters bereft of anything except bluster. That though is a major positive side of the legacy which MON left at Parkhead. On the negative side is the fact he allowed a team to grow old together. And in building that team he switched from the traditional slick passing Celtic style to a bruising bullying brigade of big men. That those many Celtic fanatics have long romanticised about the way they like to see their team play, accepted it goes a long way to underlining my point about lack of self esteem. But it is in the darker reaches of what may have gone on within Parkhead that there must be suspicion about the legacy left by this complicated, brooding Ulsterman. One London journalist who claims a close friendship with him, and who only last week alleged he was being touted as the next England manager by senior FA sources, recently wrote that MON was a conspiracy theorist. This view did not come as a surprise to those of us who observed him at close quarters for 5 years. MON has often given the impression of a man who could spot a grassy knoll at half a mile ? even without his specs. Indeed, just before he took his leave of Glasgow, he made some strange and disturbing remarks claining there were personal vendettas against him. He certainly seemed to know all about vendettas and gave one a new lease of life with his treatment of linesman Andy Davis at the Scottish Cup Final when it looked as though he refused to shake the official?s hand at the end. Then there was his infamous BBC interview when he would not answer a straight question about whether he felt he could have an influence on sectarian behaviour by making a direct appeal to Celtic supporters. This column has always taken the view ? and it is not alone ? that MON always seemed to believe any sectarian problem was not Celtic?s fault. Perhaps that was something to do with the fact of which side of the Ulster divide MON was brought up in. But here is where the water becomes too deep to enter. In fact, down in such murky depths lurks more danger than even Nessie. And she is one of the few bigger myths in Alba than the one about MON?s dominance of Scottish football.

Currently, we are being portrayed, and seen as the BNP, Hezbollah, Al Qaeda of football and have a huge job to turn this perceived image around. However, this is a direct consequence of Dodgy Daveââ?¬â?¢s continued refusal to publicly back us, the Rangers support. For years, many media outlets in this country have openly lied about the actions of Rangers fans. From the supposed riots in Sunderland and Bradford to us cutting our pitch to resemble a sash to the annual criticisms of our kit, sections of the mhedia have shown their agenda ââ?¬â?? to demonise Rangers Football Club and itââ?¬â?¢s supporters. Now, I could go on and on about things that have been printed in certain papers by certain journalists, but I am aware that the Amazon rain-forests are running out of tress and I donââ?¬â?¢t want this blamed on Rangers fansââ?¬Â¦Ã¢â?¬Â¦. Anyway, itââ?¬â?¢s safe to say that we all know the main culprits and their many lies and innuendos. I have to interject here and discuss the UEFA decision and that by not challenging this, David Murray has given our enemies ammunition and by god are they using it to their advantage. The RST rightly said that only through education and not condemnation could we change attitudes, they are right, but it is a pity the media donââ?¬â?¢t see it this way. We are working to eradicate some of the songs and chants that are heard at Ibrox and elsewhere, and after the UEFA decision we were promised that the club would take the lead and inform us what we can sing and how they were going to promote and celebrate our proud history and tradition. Linfield Football Club have, through community work, education and PR positively created an inclusive club which still promotes and celebrates itââ?¬â?¢s loyalist roots. We could learn a thing or two from Linfield. In a recent Sunday rag, they told the journalist all of the above and came out with some good press. Meanwhile, David Murray sits in his office counting our cash whilst allowing everyone and their dog to have a go at us. The latest is the Daily Record and their take on why the Bolton friendly was cancelled. Now, as I have said previously, compare his ââ?¬Ë?dignified silenceââ?¬â?¢ to attacks on US to his fast, strong and legal attacks on anyone who dares question Mr Murray or his suntanned mukka Mr Bain. In all honesty, I am at the stage where I believe that Murrayââ?¬â?¢s malaise has spread to a majority of the support who either donââ?¬â?¢t care what is written about us, or worse, actually believe what is written about us. So, what can we do? That is the $64,000 question. Firstly, we have to openly admit and embrace our past ââ?¬â?? we are a football club who represent the Protestant traditions in Scotland and further afield. This is NOTHING to be ashamed off ââ?¬â?? it should be celebrated. However, we are an inclusive club who welcome fans / players / employees no matter their colour, creed or religion. Secondly, we have to convince our fans that by celebrating our Presbyterianism, this doesnââ?¬â?¢t mean disrespecting other religions. Thirdly, we have to do this publicly whilst fighting our corner in the media. That will require a PR Department that will rapidly respond to any inaccuracies that are published in the media. By doing this, we will show that we mean business and the journalists will be treated with respect, only if they treat us with respect and fairly ââ?¬â?? after all that is all we ask. Can this be achieved? Yes and easily. However, can it be achieved with David Murray at the helm? I seriously think not ââ?¬â?? this is going to get worse before it gets better unless Murray acts and acts swiftly ââ?¬â?? over to you Mr Chairman. Cammy F

If you remember last season, the Jungle Bhoys imploded over the anti-sectarian and racism banners that were unfurled at Parkhead in gte final OF game of the season. In their remaining home games, sections of TJB indulged in sectarian and racist chanting (I'd rather wear a turban than a sash - soon there will be protestants at all and various IRA ditties). Well, now parts of the Jungle Bhoys have set up a splinter group called, wait for, Bhoys From The Green Brigade (I kid you not). Here is their manifesto - it is fucking hilarious reading guys and gals ; "Out of the ashes of the Jungle Bhoys, comes the Green Brigade. I was involved in the JBs last season, but after Bannergate, I, along with many others, could never go back. So the 'splitters' decided to hold a meeting, where it was decided we'd go ahead with a new group. In recent seasons, there has been much debate about the atmosphere, or to be more accurate, the lack of atmosphere at Celtic games. To counter the perceived apathy amongst our support, a group named the Jungle Bhoys was formed. For various reasons, we do not feel that this group will be able to fulfill our aspirations and properly reflect the true nature of our support base. We are not set up in opposition to the aforementioned group and wish them every success in what they hope to achieve. We aim to offer an alternative to them. We are open to everyone who cares passionately about our great football club. We acknowledge and embrace the traditions of our support and hope to get some passion back into the stands. For some following Celtic is a hobby akin to going to the cinema or watching their favourite group. Their pernicuous influence has taken root and now it has become fashionable to come in late and leave early and spend the time in the stadium chatting to your mates via text messages. We do not intend to tell anyone how to support their team but if you are one of these people then our group is not for you. If, on the other hand, you still view going to the football as an experience to be savoured then you will find like minded people within our ranks. Here are a few bits of information about our group, as well as some of our aims. -The Green Brigade is an ultras group. We admire the way that fans in Europe support their team, and we would like to add some of that passion to our support. -We are an all-inclusive group. We will not discriminate against people because of their race, religion, political stance, etc, though nazi's/fascists are not, and will never be, welcome within our ranks. -We are not run by a committee. Every decision goes to a vote in which all members can have their say. -We believe Celtic's history is firmly rooted in Ireland, as well as Scotland. -We believe we should be allowed to sing about the struggle of the Irish people, without fear of ejection from the stadium. -We will not be dictated to by the PLC. -As we refuse to co-operate with the PLC in any way, our displays will be limited, predominantly, to away grounds. -We aim to support our team through song, whether we win, lose or draw. -We aim to add colour to Celtic Park, and whatever other stadium Celtic play in. -We aim to make going to watch Celtic fun again. If you want to help out in any way, whether it be hands-on, like helping out in the making of banners, setting up of displays, or helping with fundraising, donations, acquiring materials, then visit or messageboard at greenbrigade.proboards77.com We welcome any constructive criticism and ideas from our fellow fans, as "football without fans is nothing". Green Brigade" Boys Against Bigotry - tut, tut, tut... Cammy F

I'v just got a job set up working in the coffee bar in the Kelvingrove art gallery/museum so I'v managed to have a wee sneak peek at whats in there before the official opening 2moro... There is a section that has some artifacts assocciated with both sides of the historic religious devide in glasgow, ie pictures of the pope and a china figure of King billy... which is definately part of glasgows history and I can understand why they would include it as it is meant to be a great new tourist attraction for glasgow and scotland and so gives some history of the city... but one thing i found rather controvertial (especially as the museum will have the backing of Joke mcconnel and the scottish parliament) is the blantant assocciation they make with the 2 football clubs of rangers and c*ltic. I wonder if the club has been consulted about this, especially as we are trying to erradicate the 'direct link' as it were, without losing the history of it. basically i find it hard to believe that rangers would agree to having a rangers scarf in the same cabinet as an orange sash where they link the two, especially after recent months... Should the club be made aware of this?! what do you guys think? am i being too PC?? Andy