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http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=476&Itemid=1 So it seems we have another weekend of the unhinged Celtic manager causing problems on the touchline. If this guy hasn't had enough by abusing the media, referees and fans (including his own) he now moves onto officials of other clubs. And yet some Celtic supporters still appear reticent to bring him into the 'Celtic-minded' camp? That's strange given he certainly fits the description going by the incidents below. I remember Martin O'Neill (supposedly Strachan's good friend) suggesting Ian Ferguson was big enough and ugly enough to deal with any abuse (sectarian or otherwise) from the Celtic support. Seems it's only Celtic players and management teams that are permitted to take offence whilst being on the fringe of starting riots with their own aggressive and undignified behaviour. 1. In November 2004, Neil Lennon spits on a Rangers scarf and calls the Rangers bench and support cheating DOBS. He has never apologised and Celtic 'disciplined' him by, erm - giving him a lucrative new contract and making him club captain. 2. After the same match, Martin O'Neil marches Lennon to the Celtic support and makes several aggressive gestures to the home fans. No punishment or apology was forthcoming. 3. In February 2005, Fernando Ricksen was hit by several objects thrown by the home support as he clapped his own fans. The culprit has never been found and Celtic have never apologised. 4. The following season Lennon verbally and physically assaults referee Stuart Dougal amongst further public disorder offences at Ibrox. Lennon receives lenient 3-match ban. No response from Celtic or the player. 5. In 2006, Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc is cautioned by the police for several rude and aggressive gestures to the Rangers support. No apology by the player or discipline by the club. 6. Only 3 matches into the 2007/08 season, Celtic assistant manager allegedly reacts to the Aberdeen fan victory taunts with a 2 fingered gesture of defiance. A steward is asked to deal with the incident and is verbally abused by the Celtic manager in an extremely heated exchange. Celtic back their employee's behaviour "100%". I could go on for longer but rather than risk boring the reader I'm sure one appreciate the emerging pattern. Ergo, the following questions should be asked. Why does one club deem itself to be above reproach when it comes to the kind of shameful behaviour that would embarrass children in the school playgrounds? Why do the usually eager media refrain from debating the issue to the same level they treat other clubs and players for similar issues? Will the SFA/SPL ever take this club to task for constantly bringing our game into disrepute? What is clear is that every player and club suffers from being abused by opposition fans. It's not nice and although it's certainly difficult to separate what's offensive from banter; players and managers should be above reacting no matter the provocation. Of course certain supporters are equally culpable for looking to cause trouble and they too should be dealt with. In saying that, perhaps Celtic wouldn't suffer from such problems if they didn't seem to actively encourage and tolerate similar neanderthal behaviour from their own staff. Once they apologise for the embarrassing incidents above maybe they (and their support) can actually assume the moral high ground when it comes to the long list of issues they complain about.

After another fine win today, and in line with the positive nature of last weekââ?¬â?¢s ââ?¬Å?Look Forward Not Backââ?¬Â article, I thought Iââ?¬â?¢d take this opportunity to praise the Rangers support today at Ibrox. While it may not be a coincidence that the fans are in slightly better spirits considering our current wee unbeaten run, I think the support and, in particular, the guys and gals of the Blue Order singing section deserve a lot of credit for continuing to back the team so well. From the old favourites such as ââ?¬Ë?The Blue Sea of Ibroxââ?¬â?¢ to funny and original efforts adapted from ââ?¬Ë?Boney Mââ?¬â?¢ (honestly!) to laud Jean-Claude Darcheville, these songs sung loud and proud really help to make the match-day experience that little bit more refreshing ââ?¬â?? especially when the British ââ?¬Ë?summerââ?¬â?¢ reverts to type. The band situated behind the Blue Order (although not part of the group per se) is also doing a fine job. They seem to have improved a great deal in recent times and are starting to compliment the singing perfectly. The huge drums certainly help ensure the Decibel factor is kept at a maximum. Right through todayââ?¬â?¢s game, the crowd were vocally behind the team. Even Falkirk giving us a couple of scares amongst the Rangers plethora of chances and goals didnââ?¬â?¢t mute the atmosphere. Indeed, another ten minutes of bouncing to the Samba remix of ââ?¬Ë?Walter Smithââ?¬â?¢s Blue and White Armyââ?¬â?¢ with the drums, whistles and dancing made this bearââ?¬â?¢s day. Certainly, the Blue Order (and adjoining section) led the way once more inside the ground. Of course, it would be unfair to mention the hard-working members of the other singing areas when one talks about support. While this bear struggles to hear above the cacophony of noise in the Broomloan Front, the members of the Club Deck Loyal, East and West Enclosures and new Union Bears mean that fans in every part of the ground have the chance to take part in what they have to offer ââ?¬â?? be it singing, displays and generally helping ensure Ibrox is the kind of place that makes us all smile with pride on match-day. Therefore, itââ?¬â?¢s with no surprise but disappointment nonetheless, that we read nothing about the above in any newspaper this Sunday. These media platforms as well as the various radio and TV debates are always eager to stick the boot into the Rangers support whenever a negative story makes the news. Front page headlines and faux moral outrage are often the sensationalised negative stories we wake up to but whenever they have a chance to talk about or report on the positive efforts of the fans, suddenly the issue isnââ?¬â?¢t so attractive. Thus, while self-praise may not be the most modest way of acting, Gersnet Online would like to do what seems to be most unfashionable these days. Weââ?¬â?¢d like to praise the Rangers support. Weââ?¬â?¢d like to back their continuing efforts at facing their challenges. Weââ?¬â?¢d like to urge more of the same and to take confidence from a fine start to the season. Well done! We are the people, indeed! http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=474&Itemid=2

KIRK BROADFOOT knows more than a few eyebrows were raised when Walter Smith plucked him from Paisley and made him a Rangers player. Now the cynics are more likely to be nodding their head in appreciation after seeing the former St Mirren star slot into three different roles in as many matches and performwell in each of them. Broadfoot might have made his name as a centre-half at Love Street but he's been used at right-back, left-back and on Saturday against Falkirk he added left-midfield to his collection after coming on as a sub and pitching in with a goal during the 7-2 rout of John Hughes' men. The 23-year-old admits he is loving every minute of it and insists he never had any doubts that he could make the jump from a provincial outfit to one of the Old Firm giants. Particularly when the captain of the club, Barry Ferguson, went out of his way to make him feel welcome. Broadfoot believes the togetherness of the squad is a major reason for Rangers' sensational start to the season and for his own promising start to his Ibrox career. The former Scotland Under-21 defender said: "When I arrived I wasn't daunted by it, I relished the challenge. If you don't relish it you're at the wrong place. If you go out onto the pitch scared you've failed straight away. Advertisement "I know it's going to get harder as more players come back from injury.But when I arrived I didn't feel overawed. "Barry Ferguson helped me settle right away. When the club captain does that it's great, but it is a bit like starting any new job because it takes time to get to know everyone." Broadfoot's ability to play just about anywhere can make him a regular on the park or on the bench - and with players like Brahim Hemdani, DaMarcus Beasley, Ian Murray, Charlie Adam, Filip Sebo and Alan Gow sitting in the stand at the weekend, he knows the competition has never been tougher. He said: "This is the biggest squad I've seen. There are 30 players who could come into the first team and do a job. "The Under-21 rule takes three off straight away but it's a battle to make the bench now, never mind the starting line-up." Broadfoot was delighted with the victory over Falkirk, which stretched Rangers' run of victories at home and in Europe to six since the start of the campaign. He was particularly happy to notch his first goal for the club, particularly as his own fan club was sitting in the stand. He said: "That's my first goal for Rangers. I'm a Rangers fan so to score for Rangers at Ibrox is a dream come true. "My mum and dad were at the game along with four of my friends. When I switched my phone on there were quite a few text messages with people congratulating me. It was a good day all round to be honest." The defender was delighted to see the strikers do the business, with Daniel Cousin and Jean-Claude Darcheville grabbing two goals each and Kris Boyd making a welcome return to the scoresheet. He said: "Danny came in from the start and did very well. Once he starts speaking English he'll be even better. "He doesn't understand anything really but his knowledge of the game shows. "Kris and Darche then came off the bench to score too so it's pleasing. I think as a squad we're starting to gel." Interesting interview,sorry if it's old news but working overseas,i was just wondering what the fans are thinking about him as i've not seen much of him :cheers:

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=475&Itemid=1 Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it the last bastion of objectivity in the Scottish press? Is it a Rangers hating sensationalist who earns a living condemning sectarianism while taking every opportunity to fan its flames? Well, it depends who you talk to, but one thing I can say about Graham Spiers is that he writes horribly. Some Rangers fans get really worked up after reading some of Mr. Spiersââ?¬â?¢ articles, but I wonder where they get the energy ââ?¬â?? by the time Iââ?¬â?¢m finished Iââ?¬â?¢d be more likely to have the energy for strong emotion having necked a few jellies: they have that same somniferous effect. Iââ?¬â?¢m willing to allow for the possibility that itââ?¬â?¢s just me (itââ?¬â?¢s unarguable heââ?¬â?¢s written for various high-brow newspapers and has no doubt won awards and the like) - but Iââ?¬â?¢ve read some of the best and worst of humanityââ?¬â?¢s legacy in literature and havenââ?¬â?¢t found a writing style quite as irritating and sleep-inducing as Grahamââ?¬â?¢s. For quite a while I couldnââ?¬â?¢t put my finger on exactly what it was I didnââ?¬â?¢t like ââ?¬â?? Iââ?¬â?¢m a student of literature so I can hardly moan at him for his tendency to use big words, and given that I amble on myself I canââ?¬â?¢t really blame him for meandering from the point. But then I realised that I didnââ?¬â?¢t mind Nietzsche using big words because complex situations demand big words but Graham seemed to continuously use them borderline out of context just to remind us that heââ?¬â?¢s intelligent and knows them. And I also realised I didnââ?¬â?¢t mind Wittgenstein spanning a sentence over a whole page because the difficult subjects he was discussing demanded that every statement be fully qualified in its textual and environmental context; but if a sentence takes up a whole paragraph when discussing the comparatively simple matter of a football match then the chances are youââ?¬â?¢ve got your linguistic head up your own arse. So, hereââ?¬â?¢s my theory ââ?¬â?? I donââ?¬â?¢t know about your primary school, but at mine the teacher gave us words we had to use in a sentence as homework. To encourage you to develop your vocabulary at that age you got nice gold stars and ticks and whatnot for writing longer sentences with more obscure ââ?¬Ë?describing wordsââ?¬â?¢. Of course, when you get to secondary school they start to teach you the value of ââ?¬Ë?showingââ?¬â?¢ rather than ââ?¬Ë?tellingââ?¬â?¢, and how when grownups write itââ?¬â?¢s just silly to use a big word where an ordinary everyday small one will do, and how they shouldnââ?¬â?¢t write a million words where five will do. Reserve those big words and prosaic grand sounding sentences for where they are most effective and required, otherwise youââ?¬â?¢ll just sound like youââ?¬â?¢re trying to convince people you are intelligent, and sound all poncy. Or, if you want to be really clever, they say, you can use big words ââ?¬Ë?ironicallyââ?¬â?¢ by putting them beside slang ââ?¬â?? like I did in the opening paragraph with ââ?¬Ë?somniferousââ?¬â?¢. (This is all a lie, incidentally, but had my teacher been teaching the syllabus instead of stopping people attacking each other with chairs, Iââ?¬â?¢m reliably told that this is what she would have been saying). I think Graham has essentially stuck to the primary school style of writing mixed with archaic grandiose sounding phrases. So, letââ?¬â?¢s put my theory - that Graham Spiersââ?¬â?¢ writing is like a studious primary school childââ?¬â?¢s homework - to the test. A short while ago I read his article entitled ââ?¬Å?Hughes manages to focus on positives after goal rushââ?¬Â [1]. I didnââ?¬â?¢t realise that this was actually a Spiers article, and the promising snappy opening sentence did nothing to give the game away: ââ?¬Å?Every so often football has a pleasing habit of throwing up a match like thisââ?¬Â. Lovely. By the end of the second sentence (and, incidentally, the entire first paragraph) I was in no doubt of the author. It is a single sentence that includes the phrases ââ?¬Å?poured goalsââ?¬Â, ââ?¬Å?late splurgeââ?¬Â, ââ?¬Å?three in the final five minutesââ?¬Â, ââ?¬Å?sent the Rangers fans home happyââ?¬Â, ââ?¬Å?poor John Hughesââ?¬Â, ââ?¬Å?the Falkirk managerââ?¬Â, ââ?¬Å?groping around for a postmatch perspectiveââ?¬Â, ââ?¬Å?famously verbalââ?¬Â and quite ironically concludes that ââ?¬Å?Big Yogiââ?¬Â was ââ?¬Å?talking gibberishââ?¬Â. Iââ?¬â?¢m not sure if he read this back to himself; but if youââ?¬â?¢re going to summarise the match, make the unlikely comparison of the Rangers fansââ?¬â?¢ reaction and the Falkirk mangerââ?¬â?¢s, and conclude that someone is talking gibberish, all in a single sentence, then you probably want to do it in one that, at very least, Stephen Fry wouldnââ?¬â?¢t struggle to say aloud. At this point he doesnââ?¬â?¢t condescend to let us in on the gibberish Big Yogi was talking, but weââ?¬â?¢ll take his word for the moment. The next paragraph is entirely concise and to the point. To be fair this might be because it largely constitutes a quote from Walter Smith. Graham Spiers is definitely at his most concise when quoting. Perhaps for dramatic effect this brief flash of brevity is followed by one of the most astoundingly inappropriate sentences Iââ?¬â?¢ve ever seen committed to print when discussing a football match: ââ?¬Å?So let us examine more keenly this peculiarity of a gameââ?¬Â. As a general rule you shouldnââ?¬â?¢t write (unless youââ?¬â?¢re a poet) something you wouldnââ?¬â?¢t say in real life. I find it hard to believe that the top man in Oxford University in Jane Austenââ?¬â?¢s time would say ââ?¬Å?So let us examine more keenly this peculiarity of a theoryââ?¬Â with a straight face, never mind Graham Spiers discussing a football match whose only ââ?¬Ë?peculiarityââ?¬â?¢ to be ââ?¬Ë?keenly examinedââ?¬â?¢ was the fairly common scenario that the scoreline didnââ?¬â?¢t quite reflect the difference between the teams. After a fairly straightforward analysis of the game we build towards the climax hinted at in the first paragraph: that the score was so bafflingly unrepresentative of the game that it reduced poor Big Yogi to the incoherence of someone who had just survived a trainwreck. The quote chosen to represent John Hughesââ?¬â?¢ ââ?¬Ë?maniaââ?¬â?¢ and ââ?¬Ë?babblingââ?¬â?¢ reads like this: ââ?¬Å?We played some good football and make no mistake, we are a right good football side,ââ?¬Â he said. ââ?¬Å?At 3-2, I thought to myself, ââ?¬Ë?oh-ho, here we go, weââ?¬â?¢ll get right back into this.ââ?¬â?¢ Weââ?¬â?¢ve done something that few clubs ever do ââ?¬â?? weââ?¬â?¢ve come to Ibrox and taken two goals off Rangers.ââ?¬Â Iââ?¬â?¢m not sure about you, but that makes perfect sense to me. It certainly makes more sense than Spiersââ?¬â?¢ assessment of our new singing Cousin.... who is... wait for it.... ââ?¬Å?extremely decentââ?¬Â. Iââ?¬â?¢m not quite sure who edits these articles (I know Spiers was the sports editor at the Herald, so I assume if this is anything but a downwards step he must be at the Times) but you would think that this phrase making no sense in the English language would be good enough reason to re-think it. Players can be extremely good, or extremely bad, but not extremely decent ââ?¬â?? just like water can be extremely hot, or extremely cold, but not extremely lukewarm. The word ââ?¬Ë?decentââ?¬â?¢ implies no extremeness one way or the other. I mean, if John Hughes was ââ?¬Ë?babblingââ?¬â?¢ speaking shortly after the game, youââ?¬â?¢ve got to wonder how someone whoââ?¬â?¢s had at least 24 hours and the benefits of an editorial process can come out with something that makes absolutely no sense in our native tongue. So, to wrap up then, I donââ?¬â?¢t read Graham Spiers not because I have anything personally against him, but because I find his writing sometimes cringeworthy, sometimes sleep inducing. Itââ?¬â?¢s part of the staple diet of sitcoms to parody essentially unintelligent characters by making them speak in Ye Old English and use big words out of context. I get the same sense of akwardness when I read a Graham Spiers article ââ?¬â?? but perhaps this is what The Times readership is after? Maybe thereââ?¬â?¢s a whole stratum of society I have no access to where people go around speaking like this to each other. The problem is, though, that even if he used all these grand phrases poetically, and properly, he would still be talking about a game of football. He hasnââ?¬â?¢t picked up a secret and super-intellectual slant on the game all us mere mortals have missed, heââ?¬â?¢s basically just said ââ?¬Å?the score didnââ?¬â?¢t reflect the gameââ?¬Â with all the hyperbolic flair of a wean who gets good marks in their primary school homework because theyââ?¬â?¢ve said an ordinary thing in a prolix way. Its all the insight of a tabloid phone-in (that Iââ?¬â?¢m sure Graham would never associate himself with) couched in the language of someone parodying Ye Old English. Man, if I ever meet you Iââ?¬â?¢ll quite happily give you a gold star, but I wouldnââ?¬â?¢t pay Ã?£1 or whatever it is for The Times to hear what I heard in the pub after the game in un-necessarily verbose language. I donââ?¬â?¢t think the ââ?¬Ë?high-browââ?¬â?¢ readership of The Times will be fooled by it either. And as much as Iââ?¬â?¢d love to know what happened between PLG and Barry Ferguson I donââ?¬â?¢t think my sanity could handle English used in this way for a couple of hundred pages, and Iââ?¬â?¢ll be very suprised if people can in general. [1] http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/scotland/article2288780.ece

At least according to the express and as quoted by Walter.

Hearts are closing on a deal for Leicester's Stephen Hughes, assistant coach Stephen Frail has confirmed. The former Rangers midfielder was a target for Motherwell earlier this summer but it appears The Jambos will be bringing him back to Scotland. Hearts are awaiting news on a medical and Hughes could put pen-to-paper in time for him to feature against Gretna on Saturday. "We are hopeful a deal will be done, but no deal has been done yet," Frail told the club's official website. "There are a few days to go in the window. "Maybe it will be done before the close of play today (Friday). It is an ongoing one, and it would be a boost to the squad if we managed to bring him in." This is one player i thought would have made it at Ibrox

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPECIAL By Alan Marshall RED STAR BELGRADE will be fined by UEFA for their conduct in Tuesday's Champions League defeat to Rangers. The Serbian champions picked up seven yellow cards in the third qualifying round first-leg tie at Ibrox and their poor discipline will result in a fine of �£2175. Swedish referee Martin Hansson handed out bookings to Djorje Tutoric, Dusan Andjelkovic, Ognjen Koroman, Milanko Raskovic, Filip Dordevic, Mauricio Molina and Segundo Castillo. Teams are fined by European football's governing body if five or more players are booked in a match. But Red Star will also be warned about their conduct ahead of the second leg on August 28 at the Marakana Stadium. Rangers fans were angered by the visitors' illegal challenges throughout the match. Red Star midfielder Nenan Milijas should also have been booked after a shocking challenge on Alan Hutton while skipper Koroman was fortunate to escape a second yellow after remonstrating with Rangers players and Hansson. Giving them a �£2175 fine is nothing really if there are millions at stake. They should have been charged with assault and battery.

The only problem with Barry Ferguson is he's better than his team-mates

Rangers secured a narrow advantage for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League third round qualifier against Crvena Zvezda with Nacho Novo grabbing a last-gasp winner to hand them what could prove a crucial 1-0 victory. The SPL outfit struggled to create chances against their very capable Serbian opponents and had looked to be heading out to the second leg with the tie still poised at 0-0. However, substitute Novo popped up in the dying moments to latch on to a flick-on from a long ball and drive home low and hard with his left-foot to send Ibrox Park into raptures. Primera outfit Valencia have all but booked their spot in the group stages after a comfortable 3-0 triumph over Swedish minnows Elsborg at the Mestalla. Spanish international Vicente got them off to the perfect start as he edged them ahead with just six minutes on the clock. The Spaniards added two more in the second half with David Silva (58) and Fernando Morientes (70) with finding the net with headers from Joaquin crosses. Benfica were also winners on the night in their clash against FC Copenhagen, but their Danish opponents might well have ended the encounter at Estadio da Luz the happier after a narrow 2-1 defeat. Benfica looked on course to record a comfortable success early on as Rui Costa opened the scoring on 25 minutes. Copenhagen had not read the script, though, responding 11 minutes later when Canadian international Atiba Hutchinson found the net and Benfica had to rely on a second from Costa with just four minutes remaining to emerge victorious. Lazio face an uphill task to progress from their tie with Dinamo Bucharest after the Romanians claimed a 1-1 draw in the Stadio Olimpico in a game that saw three red cards. Ionel Danciulescu had the visitors ahead on 21 minutes, but Massimo Mutarelli restored parity eight minutes after the break. Lazio were reduced to ten men when Valon Behrami received his marching orders 18 minutes from time following a deliberate handball and Mutarelli then blotted his copybook five minutes from the end when he saw his second yellow for another handball offence. Still there was another dismissal as Dinamo substitute Lucian Goian picked up his second yellow in injury time. UEFA Champions League Qualifying Rangers 1-0 Crvena Zvezda Benfica 2-1 Copenhagen Lazio 1-1 Dinamo Bucuresti Valencia 3-0 IF Elfsborg

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=472&Itemid=2 Already, much has been written about the start of the season. Some of it is based on our reasonable start; some of it on the challenges we continue to face; and some of it understandably on past issues. What disappointments me most of all is the continued theme of negativity throughout all these topics. While one can empathise with these feelings, I think itââ?¬â?¢s time we tried to move on from the last 2 years of non-success and the last 7 years of inconsistency. Obviously, although that in no way means we should be ignoring the continuing problems we face in some areas, Iââ?¬â?¢m firmly of the opinion positivity breeds success and such an attitude can only help our club. Letââ?¬â?¢s look at matters on the park first. Ten new signings, 5 decent results and 5 clean sheets resulting in our early position at the top of the SPL and an increased chance of our progression to the financial pot of the Championsââ?¬â?¢ League rainbow. Considering the number of new players, the short summer of rest and the fact we lost out on a few targets, all in all itââ?¬â?¢s a satisfying start. Obviously, itââ?¬â?¢s not without its concerns. Walterââ?¬â?¢s tactics continue to be best described as overly cautious, the team are playing too deep (especially at Ibrox) and the lack of a genuine creative player is all too evident. However, in this bearââ?¬â?¢s opinion, the good far outweighs the bad. Our central defence looks as solid as itââ?¬â?¢s been since the days of Richard Gough. Carlos Cuellar appears to be a better version of Jean-Alain Boumsong and David Weir gives the aura of an experienced teacher lending his skills and discipline to the younger players. Alan Hutton and Allan McGregor continue their development and both being called up by Scotland highlights their consistency. Sasa Papac has also contributed very well to our decent start and while Kirk Broadfoot has been less assured, heââ?¬â?¢s coped well with being thrust into the pressure cauldron of the CL qualifiers at both right and left full back. In midfield, weââ?¬â?¢ve seen much flexibility. Our wide players seem agreeably interchangeable and while creativity is certainly short; we do seem able to enforce our play more effectively in the latter periods of games. Organisation and hard work seems the key here and although frustration can result for the fans, discipline and patience is as much a part of football as gung-ho attack. Kevin Thomson goes from strength to strength; Barry Ferguson and Brahim Hemdani bring their usual composure while DaMarcus Beasley and Nacho Novo have made chances and scored goals from deeper areas. Last and certainly not least, the much maligned signing of Lee McCulloch has shown that the big manââ?¬â?¢s industry and commitment all over the pitch will serve us well for the next 2 years. Up front is less clear at this stage. It appears that all our strikers appear to be struggling with the lone striker role as well as finding an understanding when 2 forwards are actually deployed. Kris Boyd is short of confidence and Jean-Claude Darcheville works hard with few rewards though fortunately, Daniel Cousin has shown that he seems to have the right mix of target-man, pace and finishing qualities to get the nod. Certainly, our conservative outlook to our tactics and formations hasnââ?¬â?¢t helped the development of our forward line. With time Iââ?¬â?¢m confident that will come. All in all, our signings have started well enough and while their reputations are mainstream rather than spectacular, we should be encouraged at how theyââ?¬â?¢ve gelled quickly and helped attain this decent start. Not to mention the likes of Webster, Whittaker and Gow who have not yet had their chance to impress. Off the pitch, well, weââ?¬â?¢ll start with investment first. The playing squad needed Ã?£10million spent on it and we seem to be approaching that figure. Indeed, Iââ?¬â?¢d imagine qualification for the CL Group Stage will see another 2 signings. A much needed creative influence (despite the returning Buffel) and another left-back (if the rumours about Stevie Smithââ?¬â?¢s lack of progress are to be believed) should be the main targets. While none of us have reason to trust David Murray, he does deserve praise for belatedly matching the supportââ?¬â?¢s ambitions. One just wonders why this didnââ?¬â?¢t happen last summer. Perhaps, given PLGââ?¬â?¢s poor transfer market performance, itââ?¬â?¢s just as well for our finances he didnââ?¬â?¢t receive the same kind of kitty. Unfortunately, the spectre of sectarianism reared its ugly head again 2 weeks past. While the matter was again sensationalised and exaggerated by parts the media, it was good to see the Rangers fans (via the Trust, Assembly and Association) unequivocally condemn the minority of yobs with the offensive add-ons. Given the progress our wonderful support has already made in the battle against bigotry, Iââ?¬â?¢ve no doubt weââ?¬â?¢ll continue to show our detractors that we can win this war and give those of other clubs who have similar problems food for thought in their own fights. Thus, with the club AGM being held next Thursday, the board will be feeling a bit more confident of facing the shareholders. Let them not rest on their laurels though. Much improvement is still required at the club and 5 good results and even CL qualification should not hide that. Whilst this article urges a positive outlook, the chairman and the board of directors must invoke further decisive change at our club. Firstly, changes at board level must be sought. The debt has risen again and some directors appear bereft of ideas to change this. John McLelland, Dave King and Alistair Johnston should be doing much more to innovate, invest and improve all aspects of the club. If they canââ?¬â?¢t, itââ?¬â?¢s time they were replaced. We have several talented high net worth fans here in Scotland who have shown through their own business operations that they can provide this outlook. Are they ready to step up to the plate? Similarly, itââ?¬â?¢s imperative that the club appoints a fan to the board at last. While reasonable dialogue has been ongoing in recent times, rhetoric and open-ended commitments must be turned into real supportersââ?¬â?¢ representation. A democratically elected executive board member is an important stage to the fans being more involved in the decision-making of the future. Given our tremendous loyalty and unwavering financial commitment of the last 135 years, our rightful place at the table must be offered. Other challenges remain as well. Our PR continues to be well below average and our marketing and branding unacceptably poor despite the financial considerations of the JJB deal. We must also consolidate on our under 19s successes of last year and look to improve our training facilities and youth system to match the very best in the world. If Hibs can bring through and make millions on young Scottish talent, then so can we. Rangers are the world most successful club ââ?¬â?? do we want to keep that proud record? Thus itââ?¬â?¢s from the top of the league and off the back of a good home result against a dangerous Red Star team that I issue this rallying call. Yes, letââ?¬â?¢s ensure the relevant questions about the running of the club are still asked vociferously. Yes, letââ?¬â?¢s ensure the players (new and old) are aware of what we expect from them. Yes, letââ?¬â?¢s ensure the manager is constructively criticised to aid improvement. But, letââ?¬â?¢s start to look forward ââ?¬â?? not back. If we donââ?¬â?¢t do that, we start to put the positives in shadow, the light will fail and the vultures will circle again. Rangers are the proudest, most successful team in Scotland. Our fans are second to none ââ?¬â?? to none ââ?¬â?? and we seem to be emerging from a dark, dark time slowly but surely. None of us want to repeat the last couple of years. We want a brighter future and we want to be the best. Letââ?¬â?¢s show it by being positive and concentrating not on the negatives but by doing what we do best ââ?¬â?? being loyal; being proud; being steadfast and being supportive. We are the people!

By Emma Dodds Walter Smith has admitted he thought the goal would never come for Rangers tonight, but has praised his players for fighting until the end against Red Star at Ibrox. Novo scores against Red Star The Light Blues now take a slender one-goal lead to Belgrade in a fortnight's time and although this tie is by no means finished, they are in poll position to progress. It was a hard-fought victory by Gers and they had to contend with some physical play from the visitors, with seven of their players being booked, but Novo took his goal well much to Smith's delight. He said: "The tie is not over we know that, but it was a good feeling to see the ball hit the back of the net. "We're obviously pleased with the result, it was a tight game and not many chances for either side. But we kept going and secured what was eventually a good result. "We are proving very hard to score against and while it might not be the most pleasing on the eye just now, it's effective. "It's always hard to strike a balance between defending and attacking because the away goal is so valuable, so to come away with a win and a clean sheet is very pleasing. "We know there are certain aspects of our game we need to improve on, but tonight we did a decent job and will look forward to the return leg. "It's been a busy period for us thus far, but the players are coping well and hopefully that can continue.The referee warns a Red Star player "Nacho has a great spirit and we know what he can offer to the team. He always gives his all and once again tonight he scored a crucial goal. "He took it well and the players deserve credit for fighting until the final whistle because that goal came late." Rangers now have two SPL matches, against Falkirk and Kilmarnock, before going to Belgrade for the match on August 28 and Smith is hopeful his side can do enough to progress into the group stage. He added: "We have managed to win all the games we've played so far and are proving hard to break down. "Our players have worked extremely hard and that is a good foundation for us. I'm sure we'll see an improvement in time, once everyone gets to know each other. "For now we're in a winning position and hopefully we can hold on to that in Belgrade."

Reds Won't Star At Ibrox By Emma Dodds Nacho Novo celebrates for Rangers NACHO NOVO insists Rangers will do all they can to make their trip to Belgrade as straightforward as possible by ending the tie as a contest tomorrow night. The Spaniard is well aware how tough the return leg in Serbia is going to be, given Red Star's hostile support and intimidating stadium. He is hopeful, however, the Light Blues can put on a strong display at Ibrox and acquire a lead to take into the return leg on August 28. He said: "It's really important for us to progress into the group stage and only Red Star Belgrade stand in our way. "I know they are a good team and are strong at home so we have to do the business at Ibrox tomorrow. "We have to win, that is always our approach to games but this time we really want to keep a clean sheet too. "There is always pressure on us at Rangers but at home and with our fans behind us I am sure we can get a good result. "We have a great team here and a good spirit in the dressing room and I am confident we will get through these two matches successfully."

http://www.unionbears.co.uk/ Lovely new site and good to see another new singing section starting off so positively at Ibrox. :cheers:

Red Star Belgrade coach Milorad Kosanovic believes snuffing out the threat of Barry Ferguson is the key to success over Rangers. The Serbian champions take on the Glasgow giants in the first leg of their final Champions League qualifier at Ibrox on Tuesday night with high hopes of progressing to the lucrative group stages. Kosanovic - who replaced sacked boss Bosko Djurovski last week - has identified several danger men within the Rangers' ranks. But he admits skipper Ferguson poses the biggest threat to his team's chances. He said: "We have to take care of their two forwards Daniel Cousin and Jean-Claude Darcheville as well as DaMarcus Beasley. "But especially we have to take care of Barry Ferguson. "If we stop him then we would expect it to help our chances - but you never know." Rangers' boss Walter Smith has admitted the change of management at Red Star means he is venturing into the unknown tomorrow night. But Kosanovic insists he knows exactly what to expect from their hosts. "The usual," he said. "They are going to play as they play every week, they won't change that. "They have one style of play and everything is in order so they have no reason to change - they cannot change just for one game. "They can maybe change some details but not their way of playing. "It's not a boring style, it's just the way Glasgow Rangers play. They play very simple, fast, strong and beautiful. "Yes it will be physical but that is football today. If you cannot play like this, don't play." Kosanovic has been in charge for just one game, their goalless league opener at the weekend and he added: "I don't have a first 11 like Rangers have, we are still trying to find the way that is best for us. "Yes this game has come a little bit too early for me." here's hoping this game has come too soon for them i think we will need a couple of goals to go over there with just to make sure but even so I'm confident that we can beat this mob convincingly i hope :cheers:

Was getting the bus along PRW yesterday around 2:40PM and as usual the bus was rammed full of Rangers fans making their way to the game. As the bus stopped outside The Swallow Hotel, a few Bears (including our party) alighted to walk down to Ibrox. As we were alighting the bus, guess what stepped forward? Yes, a family of MOPES all bedecked in green and grey hoops. Now, no one said anything to the MOPES and as we got of the bus, I watched to see if anything untoward happened. It was then that my flabber was well and truly gasted. Instead of going into a house (as I thought they would) the family of MOPES crossed the road and jumped on a bus back into town. So, they had obviously gotten on our bus knowing that it would be full of Bears just to see if they would get a reaction ââ?¬â?? they are not normal cretins. Anyhoo, that was not the amusing incidentââ?¬Â¦ As they got up to leave the bus, a couple of English woman who were sitting near them said as they past, ââ?¬Ë?Didnââ?¬â?¢t know it was fancy dress todayââ?¬â?¢Ã¢â?¬Â¦ ;-) So a question to those Bears out there with kids, would you take them on a bus to The Cesspit (via the Gallowgate) on a match-day decked in Rangers regalia? Cammy F ââ?¬â?? You Couldnââ?¬â?¢t Make Them Up Loyal RSC

i will be absolutely gutted if we sell him, especially if he goes for the coppers being offered. This guy is a quality player, the kind we have been crying out for for countless seasons and after so many duds clambouring round Ibrox you would have thought we would be looking to hold on to such a player. Not so. It shows a real lack of ambition by the club when we let one of our best players leave. Its a step backwards from where we want to be and it flies in the face of what we are trying to achieve. I just hope it doesnt come back to haunt us.

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/16047/Qu-Bo-says-no-to-Rangers- RANGERS have been foiled in a bid to land Chinese World Cup star Qu Bo. Express Sport can reveal that Walter Smith had hoped to bring the international striker over on trial but that move has been blocked by his club, Qingdao. The Chinese Super League club had initially given their 27-year-old striker permission to travel to Scotland but that agreement has now fallen through due to Rangers and Qingdao's new season commitments. Rangers wrote personally to issue the invitation to Qu Bo and hoped to get him over after China's Asian Cup campaign but that has now collapsed. His club are keen to cash-in on their �£1 million-rated star but the timing meant that the Ibrox trial was going to run too close to the Chinese signing deadline and Qingdao don't think they had enough time to find a suitable replacement. Qu Bo has been told that he can come over on trial in November but now the frontman, who can also play wide on the right, faces an anxious wait to see if Walter Smith will go back in for him. The Chinese star is seen as his country's top frontman and played in all three World Cup games back in 2002 against Brazil, Turkey and Costa Rica. Not long after that he had a successful trial at Tottenham where he was offered a contract but it collapsed because of work permit problems. Former Rangers boss Graeme Souness at Blackburn was also keen on him but he also failed to get a work permit but since then Qu Bo has played in enough domestic and international games to meet the strict British criteria. If Rangers do keep the door open for him then he could become the third Chinese professional to play in the SPL after Du Wei's infamous stop-off at Celtic and Fan Zhiyi also has a brief spell at Dundee. Rangers, though, are aware there could be a massive commercial spin-off if they do decide to take a chance on Qu Bo.

Not to piss on Gribz parade, i'm sure he'll produce his usual pre-match analysis (good reads), but what team and formation does everyone fancy for St Mirren. 4-4-2 for me. 4-5-1 worked well for an away game in Europe but back to Ibrox and an SPL game we should be winning comfortably, no need for two holding midfielders against a team who will sit in and defend. GK - No reason to drop Alan McGregor, comfortably retaining his No. 1 status atm. LB - Papac was some fans' motm midweek, second best player on the park for me. Unfortunately no challenge for his place from Smith atm. CB's - Weir and Cuellar, no justification needed. RB - Broadfoot was an able deputy midweek. A solid performance. However not a natural RB and did not provide the attacking threat Hutton does, so Hutton for me. LM - Beasley should be given a chance again I think. Scored midweek despite an indifferent performance. With his pace and a few games under his belt he should have the confidence to beat his man which will prove useful in unlocking a packed defence. CM - Fergie is performing quite well atm. Motm versus Caley and a decent outing midweek if less spectacular. Needs to dictate paly more in this one and I think St Mirren will allow him to do so. CM - Thomson will sit deeper and do the dirty work to allow Fergie to get forward and hurt the opposition. Will also provide some creativity and attacking threat of his own that Hemdani will not. The only other option would be Brahim but with him off form Thomson gets the nod. RM - Novo earned the right to start last week after coming off the bench to great effect against Caley. Unfortunately he had to come off the bench midweek again, but it was whilst he was on we killed the tie off with the goal. I don't beleive Whittaker is match fit and don't see any other competition for the position with McCulloch taking one of the forward roles. Forward - McCulloch has been one of our best summer signings. His work rate and physical presence will prove a useful foil for his partner and also a decent outlet for the defence and midfield. Forward - Boyd if he is fit. Exactly the kind of game where he can bag a goal or two and get his season off and running. The Gers biggest goal threat should start every league game. The above would be my team for this weekend. However with Thomson fit, WS likes his middle 3 and may go with the 4-5-1/4-3-3. I hope not. I am also unsure as to Boyd's fitness, however with JCD almost certainly out we wont have many other options. Cousin signed today but I don't think he can go straight into the starting line up with only a few potential training sessions with his new team mates. Edit: Cousin signed as I typed this up.

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=464&Itemid=2 Quite incredible, isnââ?¬â?¢t it? Two difficult matches played; one decent CL Qualifier win at Ibrox and one solid away win against a physical side we couldnââ?¬â?¢t beat last season. Celtic also only draw at home after spending nearly Ã?£8million and we get a decent CL draw while they get a stinker! A great week surely?! Nope, instead of being able to gloat about being above Celtic for the first time in about a year (possibly longer), weââ?¬â?¢re once again having to fire-fight the stories of sectarianism from small sections of our away support. Despite being fined by UEFA twice and despite knowing that the SFA were keen to cement those censures with their own; the mindless minority continue to tarnish our clubââ?¬â?¢s reputation again. What are they trying to achieve with this stuff? Do they even have any answers to that question? They think they do but none can satisfy the concerns of the good, honest majority of bears who do realise that all these yobs are succeeding in doing is silencing our fans and suffocating our club. Take away our vocal support at games and remove the 12th man. Take away our points and second place may even be beyond us. Take away our money and, well, take away our very existence. Of course we get the usual replies from the type of person who wants to defend the ââ?¬Ë?F.T.P.ââ?¬â?¢ nonsense. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢ll sing what I want, where I wantââ?¬Â; ââ?¬Å?Weââ?¬â?¢re being persecuted anyway so who cares if we get sanctionedââ?¬Â; ââ?¬Å?Other teams get away with itââ?¬Â and that old chestnut, ââ?¬Å?Youââ?¬â?¢re not a real bearââ?¬Â if you want to remove the moronic add-ons to our favourite songs. One can understand some fansââ?¬â?¢ frustrations when it comes to certain aspects of the overall debate. Yes, there is nothing wrong with ââ?¬Ë?The Sashââ?¬â?¢ and ââ?¬Ë?Derryââ?¬â?¢s Wallsââ?¬â?¢ per se. Yes, we do appear to be the only club being pursued for this kind of offensive behaviour. Sure, some fans are too quick to castigate their own for being proud of the kind of ideals that they may not share. However, continuing to chant ââ?¬Ë?F.T.P.ââ?¬â?¢ at the end of a culturally expressive song has no relevance to any of these valid questions. Neither does it answer them. Indeed, it only makes our side of the argument weaker. I find it incredible that any Rangers fan cannot see that. Now, there is no doubt the whole sectarianism, discrimination and offence issue (or is it charade?) must be questioned. The fact the SFA have still not clarified what is defined by these terms and what kind of punishments will be issued is extremely disappointing. The same questions exist about who will be censured, what for and exactly what will the censures be. Even so, it would be astounding if Rangers continued to be the only support highlighted for their indiscretions. As such, fans of other clubs shouldnââ?¬â?¢t poke too much fun this week. Nevertheless, the Rangers support cannot afford to waste energy on our feelings of persecution ââ?¬â?? no matter how valid. Quite simply, we must isolate the idiots and remove them from our club. Pride, loyalty and dignity are all virtues of our club and the support. We should use those positives to modernise and ensure our club takes precedence. Rangers First indeed! Do the yobs who shout about ââ?¬Ë?F.T.P.ââ?¬â?¢ and ââ?¬Ë?fen!ansââ?¬â?¢ do so for the good of Rangers? I sincerely doubt it. After all, we (rightly) complain when fans of other clubs sing about the Ibrox disaster, the IRA and injuries to our players while referring to us as ââ?¬Ë?hunsââ?¬â?¢ and ââ?¬Ë?DOBsââ?¬â?¢. These issues are all worthy of complaint and they will surely tick the SFA Observerââ?¬â?¢s ââ?¬Ë?Thesaurus of Offenceââ?¬â?¢ in the coming season. As such, the best way to turn the attention away from us isnââ?¬â?¢t to deny our problems exist nor to blame others, but to face our challenges and win our own battles. In the last year weââ?¬â?¢ve been doing that and we can rightly be proud of the strides already made. However, the hardest part is still to come. Sometimes the last step can be the most difficult to make. But we can make it. And, as usual, we can make it together ââ?¬â?? united, proud, loyal and dignified. After all, at least weââ?¬â?¢re prepared to admit our problems. At least weââ?¬â?¢re prepared to make the changes asked of us. At least weââ?¬â?¢ll have the strength of character to improve while others deflect and deny. And weââ?¬â?¢ll emerge from this test to be stronger than ever. Weââ?¬â?¢ve never failed in the challenges placed upon us ââ?¬â?? not in over 135 years of success and prestige. Weââ?¬â?¢re not going to start now. We wonââ?¬â?¢t let the minority pull us down. We are the Rangers. We are the people. This particular opponent may not be green, red or maroon but it can be beaten. And it will. Ready.

Rams eye up Hemdani By PETER JARDINE Premiership new boys Derby County are lining up a �£1million bid for Rangers midfielder Brahim Hemdani. Manager Billy Davies and his Pride Park staff are believed to have monitored the player in the recent Ibrox friendly win over Chelsea. And now they could invite Walter Smith to decide if he wants to part with Hemdani, who has two years left on his contract in Glasgow. The Frenchman could be tempted by the lure of Premiership wages, while Rangers may feel they could redirect the funds elsewhere during the remainder of the transfer window. With Kevin Thomson, Barry Ferguson, Lee McCulloch, Steven Whittaker and Charlie Adam all chasing places, Smith already has a series of Scottish options as cover for the midfield. Former Marseille captain Hemdani was signed on a Bosman by Alex McLeish before his final season in charge, but injury troubled the 29-year-old initially at Ibrox. He won a regular place last year under Paul le Guen and Smith and scored spectacular goals against Celtic and Osasuna. He was then later named as the club's in-house Player of the Year. Sources close to Hemdani suggest he may be content to remain at Rangers but a Derby bid could change that situation and there may be other interest if it becomes clear that he might be allowed to leave.

Uefa launches inquiry into racism Beasley scored in the Champions League tie against Zeta Uefa has said it will hold an inquiry into alleged racist taunts during Rangers' 1-0 Champions League qualifying victory over FK Zeta. Goalscorer DaMarcus Beasley and Jean-Claude Darcheville were both subjected to verbal abuse by home fans. Uefa spokesman William Gaillard told BBC Five Live: "We have decided to open an investigation as there were many witnesses who reported the problems. "Our policy is zero tolerance towards racism. We take this issue seriously." Interview: Rangers manager Walter Smith Interview: Rangers' Barry Ferguson He added: "We have to find out the hard facts and that will be done through the reports of the referee and the delegates. This is the 21st century and we are still having trouble with racism DaMarcus Beasley "Also, if there were any other independent observers at the game, send us their reports and we always take those into account. "We will be thorough in our investigations." Beasley, who hit the 81st-minute winner against Zeta, had earlier urged Fifa and Uefa to take action. "That's something Fifa and Uefa must fight with and solve," he said. The United States international revealed he suffered similar abuse when playing for previous club PSV Eindhoven. "This is the 21st century and we are still having trouble with it," he stated. "I've faced that kind of situation throughout my whole career in Europe, not so much during my playing days in England, but even in Holland I've had similar problems." Uefa will also consider incidents in which bottles were thrown from a stand containing home supporters when Zeta were denied a penalty in the second half - and an incident of Rangers substitute Charlie Adam being struck by a lighter. Red Star Belgrade could be the next opponents for Rangers in the Champions League. The Serbian side lead Levadia Tallinn 1-0 after the first leg and face a tricky test in Estonia on Wednesday evening. MY SPORT: DEBATE Whilst not forgetting about our own issues, let's hope something is done by Uefa govanwest But Beasley recalled a Champions League qualifier he played for PSV against Red Star in August 2004, when he also came in for abuse. "I remember playing against Red Star Belgrade, and I mention them as they could be our next opponents in the Champions League, and I still remember some racist chants at that away match," he said. "I will discuss the situation with Rangers because I feel strongly about it and we will decide if we should file a complaint." There were no reported incidents of Rangers supporters misbehaving during the game. They had been warned that any incidents of sectarian chanting could result in strong-handed action by Uefa against the club. Rangers manager Walter Smith praised his side for subduing the threat of Zeta to progress from the second round of Champions League qualifying. "It was always going to be a nervy game," he told BBC Sport after the 3-0 aggregate victory. "I thought we handled it well. "Zeta showed in the first game that they are dangerous if allowed to play. "It was never going to be an easy match but we nullified any problems in the second game." Smith was particularly pleased with his defence and added: "Going through was the most important aspect but that's three competitive games without losing a goal. "That was Kirk Broadfoot's first full game, while Carlos Cuellar looks like he has played there for a long time." SEE ALSO Zeta 0-1 Rangers (agg: 0-3) 07 Aug 07 | Rangers British clubs get tough Euro draw 03 Aug 07 | Europe Smith content with Ibrox victory 31 Jul 07 | Rangers Rangers 2-0 FK Zeta 31 Jul 07 | Europe -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RELATED BBC LINKS: Rangers fans' views on My Sport BBC Where I Live - Scotland Glasgow weather BBC Sport SPL RELATED INTERNET LINKS: Rangers The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites

Chelsea's Frank Lampard has hailed Rangers fans as 'awesome' after Saturday's friendly at Ibrox. Although an almost full-strength Chelsea side suffered their first pre-season loss in Glasgow, going down 2-0 to late goals from Nacho Novo and Filip Sebo, Lampard described the occasion as the best friendly he has been involved in after being blown away by the home crowd. The England international said: "The Rangers fans were awesome, all the lads were talking about it. "The reception I got when I went to take corners during the game, and after when we were going off, was really nice. "They certainly love their own team, but it was very special to get that welcome. It was amazing really, and a very good game to play in for us, certainly the best friendly we've had. Next up for Rangers is their Champions League second round qualifier against Montenegrin champions Zeta and Lampard believes Walter Smith's men can see off the minnows and negotiate their way through a third qualifying round to make the lucrative group stages of the competition. "With that kind of backing from their crowd, they will be hard to beat. And I expect to see Rangers in the Champions League," Lampard said. Says it all. Wasnt at the game. Watched it pished on holiday. All i have heard is how good the fans were! Pat on the back to those who were there! WATP

I hope he at least has a good idea, or is prepared to change things and is not afraid of dropping the "certs" Ferguson and Boyd.

Hadn't seen either of these articles posted, if they have been, I apologize. Murray on Brown/Naismith: Rangers executive chairman Sir David Murray says that the Light Blues could not afford to sign new Celtic midfielder Scott Brown from Hibernian. He claims Brown could not have been accommodated in a new system which rewards key Ibrox players. He said: "If he's on the wages that have been reported how would that leave us with our other players? "Would Rangers' young Scots be happy to sign new deals on less than half what another young Scot was being paid?" Scotland cap Brown ended up at Celtic Park in a £4.4m transfer despite ongoing speculation that Ibrox was his preferred destination. Meanwhile, Murray also expressed an interest in reviving the club's wish to bring Kilmarnock's Steven Naismith to Ibrox. He remains hopeful of securing the Scotland striker, despite a summer-long signing saga, even though Rangers boss Walter Smith has withdrawn the club's latest bid. Kilmarnock chairman Michael Johnston has reported plenty of interest from other teams. And the Ibrox chief explained: "We've the greatest respect for Kilmarnock but if they have other clubs who want to buy the player, why don't they accept one of those bids they've received? "Walter has already spoken about the offer we made. "He's a good young player and we'd like to have him here but he's 20 years old and at that age you're buying potential." Murray is also backing Smith to bring Rangers closer to champions Celtic in the Scottish Premier League. "What we can't have is the gap there was last season. "Obviously we'd prefer to win it, but I think every Rangers supporter wants to see us compete." Murray On His Future: CHAIRMAN Sir David Murray says Rangers hope to bring in another three players before the transfer window closes and will spend as much as £10m in total rebuilding the squad. And he insists he has not found the right man or men to take over his role as custodian of the club. Murray has made it clear that if the right offer comes in he will step aside but so far he has not been offered an acceptable bid that will guaranteee the future of Rangers. He said: "What I have said repeatedly is that I am coming up for 20 years. I have been here 19 years and I have won 13 championships. "I said that I didn't want to do this job forever but I will only sell if the right person comes along whom I believe can take the club on to a better and higher level. "There have been a few nibbles but not the right people for me to hand over my legacy. "I think you can see we have been quite active again in the market. We will spend over £10million this year on players by the time the window closes. "We intend to bring in two or three more players. I am invigorated that Walter, Ally and Kenny are here. There has been a vibrancy. "I remain committed to the club. A lot of things have happened to me in the last couple of years but I am no less committed to Rangers Football Club. "There is no photo-fit of the ideal person to buy the club. I have to feel comfortable that my legacy and the future of the club will be in good hands. "It is very hard to remain popular for 19 years. I have been through all the highs and all the lows and all the successes and failures. "There is no point in someone coming along and using every single penny they have got to put them in a position to own the club." If the three are Whittaker, Cousin and Naismith.. Well, who knows.

If any further evidence was required that the people who run (or ruin) or club hate us, we were given some fine nuggets from Scott, Jardine and more dissapointingly, Ally McCoist over the last 2 days. The latest anti-sectarian release from Ibrox was a monumental own goal and Ally, if you really think that us, Rangers fans, should act more like Tims then you have dropped in my estimations. I'll leave you with quotes (todays Herald) from another Rangers 'legend' and Murray LAPDOPG Sany Jardine ; "When I came here in 1964, we had no Catholics," he said. "Not just the playing staff, anywhere. There was no bit of paper, it was an unwritten rule. David Murray changed that and it moved on significantly in 1989 when Maurice Johnston signed. You cannot clear up 80 years of sectarianism in eight months, but we are a huge way down the road." ---------------------------------------- Wise up Bears, we need to eject this regime and we need to eject it NOW. Cammy F