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Read all about it. These people are bigots: Of course, it's not evidence, but look at them. We can just tell, can’t we? If you find yourself saying 'no' to this question you're in a minority, if the media classes are to be believed. For a lot of people, it would seem, that such a picture is fundamentally enough. You can tell by looking. Every generation has values, and certain words describe what is most vile for them. Some of those are listed above. You won’t catch me defending any, aparts from perhaps ‘hoodie’ - hoodies are very warm. The only problem is that, as they express sentiments so deeply held, they almost force a person to stop thinking and start hating whatever is described in those terms. Frequently without further recourse to determining critically whether the thing or person has been accurately described. When words such as these are used too liberally, they equivocate between the sorts of things Martin Luther King stood up to, and, well, let’s say The Famine Song. When words such as these are used too often, they saturate everything. People are so scared to look like racist, Nazi, hoodie, ned, homophobe, bigots that they’ll stop doing things they would ordinarily unselfconsciously do for fear of accusation. Like, say, sing Hello Hello. The Scottish government and UEFA have, independently, come to the conclusion that these two examples are racist and sectarian respectively. By extension, they have determined that whoever sings them are, similarly, racists and bigots. This is either a fantastic triumph for Progressive thinking, and a huge blow dealt to backwards outdated beliefs, or it isn’t. Before anyone decides, they should think for themselves precisely what it means to call someone racist, or a bigot. Not what it means to write e-mails, or make anonymous complaints via a web form - what it means to look someone in the eye, and call them either of those things. Before it was determined to be illegal, I sang the Famine Song. It’s funny. The Famine wasn’t funny, but the song is. As the notes danced tunelessly out of my mouth and across the air towards the away fans, it fell on a sea of green, white and orange – themselves singing songs about their dislike of the country that educated them, often catering to their own particular religious beliefs, and in which they live and raise their families. It seems silly. It seems straightforward to say, “if you love Ireland so much, why don’t you go live there?” Now, the more keen minded amongst you will note that the “If you love it so much, why don’t you go marry it?” sort of thinking is childish. But football supporting is. Now, I’m not racist. I have no disregard for Irish people whatsoever or in any sense. There’s nothing in the few lines of the song that suggest that my reasons for singing it can be called into question. Yet, we’ve ‘evolved’ past the stage, it would seem, where we need to have any sort of concrete or critical reason for believing someone is a racist – either in the words that come out their mouth, or in their actions. It seems like you can look at a group singing a song, decide some are probably racist, call the song consequently racist, and then everyone who sings it racist. This is a fantastically tortured line of reasoning, the end result of which is that you can really tell who is a racist just by looking at them. Before it was banned by UEFA, I sang Hello Hello. If someone had asked me what ‘fenian’ meant, I’d’ve just pointed to the away support. Them that are not us. If they’d asked me to think about it, I would have meant a militant republican. But even then it’s going too far. It’s just a song. It’s not civilised, or kind, or good natured, particularly – but this is football, not rugby. It’s harsher, rougher, and, as a consequence, a good deal more fun to follow. Do I think that no-one who sings Hello Hello is bigoted? Of course not, some probably are, but that I can't tell from the song itself is the point. There is nothing within the song that demands it can be interpreted in that way. Unless there is substantiating evidence then, for some very good reasons, it’s pretty wise to assume that it’s not to be. Making judgements based on invisible inscrutable motives is not good practice – it lends legitimacy to the idea that you can tell who the bad guys are by looking. Historically, not something that’s worked out well. I mean, we know that even when a Jew is acting nice to our face, they’re really thinking about money, don’t we? This lack of a principle of charity has wide ranging consequences. It will ultimately pull the carpet from under those who fail to apply it, because whose motives are so pure they couldn’t be inferred to be impure? This lack of restraint in using words like racist and bigot also has wide ranging consequences. First and foremost of which is that it devalues the terms being used. Those who think they are racially or sectarianly abused should think about what that means. Can you have an xbox, own a house, get any job you are qualified for, and hold the highest positions in the country and yet still be a persecuted minority? If you can, then it’s an odd sort of persecution. If you can’t, then the abuse you are receiving is between groups with equal standing – that’s called banter. It's also OK to think Roman Catholicism is a corrupt and ignoble religion. It's OK to do that. It's just not OK to beat someone, or deny them a job, because they choose to follow it. Just as it's OK to think Protestantism is a form of heresy, but it's not OK to deny a protestant a job, beat them etc. Back in medieval times, their words were different. The vilest disparagement then was being called a witch, and it’s punishment was frequently real. In the witch burning scene in Monty Python and the Holy Grail the underlying absurdity is exaggerated for comic effect. “We’ve found a witch, can we burn her?” “How do you know she’s a witch?” “She looks like one” I hope that, in time, we’ll come to see the recent generic dealings with Rangers fans, and people like Hugh Dallas, in the same light. The absurd, over-zealous, under-critical, pursuit of self ritgheous and irrational morality. Here’s hoping its victims find it quite as funny. I, for one, am sick of being considered a bigot for simply being a pragmatic unionist, protestant and supporter of monarchy. I dislike Roman Catholicism - I find its theology anti-life - and prefer the Enlightenment mode of values and culture that flourished in Scotland in the union. It's perfectly OK to think these things. It's perfectly OK to sing the Famine Song, and Hello Hello. Whatever people say, this is the simple moral truth. It may be uncouth, from a middle class perspective, but to call it wrong or to consider it some significant problem is patently absurd. We have wide ranging criminal and discrimination laws in this country that deal with what happens when these beliefs flow over into hatred and persecution, but what you hear in a football match is simply not it. Anyone – and I mean anyone from Jack McConnell, to Graham Spiers – who says otherwise ought to think of what these terms really mean. They ought to think of people herded like cattle, starving and clinging in vain to the hope of any human decency as they're shuttled into a gas chamber before they start on any hysterical anti racism sectarian drive which makes cheap scapegoats for already over-exaggerated problems. Would Martin Luther King, standing in the middle of Parkhead on Old Firm day look all around him at the green white and orange, singing the soldier song, and then look over at the Rangers fans singing the famine song and say "Yes, there are the racists. What oppression! This country is in a mess, they need some sort of political representation"? It's absurd, yet we'll still hear words like 'vile' and 'abhorrent' used to describe it. The only thing oppressed and abused in such a situation is language itself. Ordinary decent Rangers and Celtic fans have, in fact, a common enemy –the sanitisation of football. While there may be ugly bigotry in our society – though not quite as much as the sensationalist media or pathologically paranoid religious leaders may think – dealing with it is a long, hard, process, quite unlike denying perfectly reasonable and decent people the right to sing their songs – does anyone really believe, who has ever thought, that singing the Famine Song necessarily makes you racist? Or that singing Hello Hello really necessarily makes you bigoted? I mean really? That’s tabloid thinking, and something we could all do without. It’s unsophisticated, irrational, medieval anti-thought. Where the sensationalism stops, and the real world begins, there’s just people shouting at each other inside a match, and sometimes thuggery outside it. We ought to have a sense of perspective about the former, and already have the laws for the latter. These people are football fans, like any other - the only think that singles them out is that they support the right team.

CELTIC are set to go to war with the SFA over Neil Lennon's touchline ban - and George Peat is firmly in their sights. Peat's actions during and after the SFA hearing to appeal Lennon's initial three-match ban will be the basis of a new appeal. Record Sport can reveal SFA president Peat was involved in the appeal hearing but LEFT the proceedings for an hour to make the Scottish Cup draw before returning to take part in the decision-making process despite missing sections of evidence. After his appeal failed the SFA doubled Lennon's ban to six games and Celtic were furious when Peat then described the club as "tiresome". In addition, Celtic have lodged complaints linked to their claim Lennon did not get a fair hearing . Lennon's solicitor was not allowed to cross examine a match ref and a fourth official outwith each other's hearing, meaning the officials were aware of each other's responses. The lawyer was also denied access to the SFA's papers showing precedents for appeals like Lennon's against "excessive misconduct". Celts were also denied written reasons for the appeal being rejected. It is understood the SFA has since offered Lennon a rehearing on the grounds that the circumstances of the initial appeal were "exceptional". Pressure However Lennon's new legal team, headed by prominent criminal defence QC Paul McBride, binned the offer. Instead, they will go straight to the next appeal stage which will be heard by senior judge Lord Carloway next month. That was scheduled for March 2 but has been put back 24 hours due to the Old Firm's Scottish Cup replay that night. With pressure now mounting on the SFA they have hired a s4000-a-day QC to represent them. He is Ronnie Clancy, an administrative lawyer who was in charge of the Crown case against the Lockerbie bomber's second appeal until it was dropped. A source close to Celtic said: "By offering a rehearing the SFA seem to accept the initial appeal was unfair. To describe it as a kangaroo court would be unkind to the kangaroos of Australia." http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2011/02/16/celtic-on-collision-course-with-sfa-george-peat-again-over-neil-lennon-appeal-hearing-86908-22927033/

It's been a couple of weeks now since the notorious Senegal forward joined Rangers on loan from Blackburn. Amidst a career of infamy - from spitting on mischief-making fans, to allegedly mocking injured players - it was no surprise to see the Scottish media jump on this transfer with unmitigated glee. A new villain of the piece was born and the usual hypocrites lined up to vent their spleen. To be fair, it wasn't only non-Rangers fans giving the lad stick. Many bears were also worried about the transfer - not just in terms of the negativity circus the lad attracted but also football wise. In his thirties now, Diouf was surely past his best and just another expensive 'big name' has-been after the Beattie mistake of August's window? Well, three games in and a slightly different picture has been painted from the one the detractors were so eager to depict. A tough d�©but against Hearts to start; an interesting main course versus Celtic to follow; finished off with a tasty Motherwell rout dessert; so far Diouf's influence has been a very positive one. In every game he's done very well; if still lacking in complete match fitness. Creative, hard-working and with a great touch, the lad is simply a first class football player. Whether it be just behind a central striker, running the wide channels or doing the dirty work in defensive midfield, so far he's shown an appetite for the game which is refreshing and well worthy of praise. Indeed, the biggest compliment I can give him at the moment is that he reminds me of Ronald de Boer in the way he finds space, dictates attacks and brings others into play. Add in a field of vision we don't often see in Scottish football, then Diouf is a fine addition to our squad. Nevertheless there has been an unsavoury aspect to his time in Scotland so far but ironically not from the man variously described as "a sewer rat", "a despicable human being" and "the most hated footballer in Britain". So far there have been a variety of outrageous tackles upon Diouf with hardly a whimper of contention from those who took umbrage at his signing. Add in the captain and manager of Celtic having their own less than dignified go at undermining Diouf's resolve; one wonders just how faulty some moral compasses are. I'm sure even a newcomer to Scottish football such as Diouf will be laughing at the double-standards of Scotland's self-righteous zealots. Of course, any praise of Diouf is somewhat premature. With four Old Firm games still to come this season, a SPL title to decide and a declining European reputation to reverse; this season is far from finished and Diouf's contribution is sure to attract more controversy at some point; his fault or not. Indeed, I don't doubt the worst is yet to come for Diouf given he's refused to buckle to the exaggerated attention placed on him so far. Let's hope he can maintain his composure ahead of even stiffer tests. If he can do the business in attack and ignore the school-yard cretins, I've also no doubt that we'll take great pleasure in continuing to call him an honourable (de) Boer in the summer!

Former Fifa referee Iain Brines will take charge of his first-ever Old Firm showdown at Parkhead on Sunday. His assistants for this Clydesdale Bank SPL showdown between Celtic and Rangers will be James Bee and Graham Chambers, with Mike Tumilty the fourth official.

Gary Hooper insists Celtic are brimming with confidence as they approach Sundayââ?¬â?¢s Old Firm showdown. The Parkhead striker believes Neil Lennonââ?¬â?¢s side have taken a great deal of heart from their performance the last time the two clubs clashed. Despite being reduced to 10 men in the first-half at Ibrox, when goalkeeper Fraser Forster was sent packing for bringing down Steven Naismith, Celtic emerged with a 2-2 draw. And Hooper says the way they managed to dominate Rangers with a man less is fresh in the Celtic playersââ?¬â?¢ minds as they prepare for this weekendââ?¬â?¢s SPL encounter. He said: ââ?¬Å?I enjoyed it at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup game. Going down to 10 men so early was a blow but even then we could have won it. ââ?¬Å?It just proves the quality we have in the team. We had 10 men, they had 11, but they were still sitting behind the ball trying to stop us playing. ââ?¬Å?When youââ?¬â?¢re down to 10 men away from home in an Old Firm game thereââ?¬â?¢s no hiding place out there. ââ?¬Å?Everyone has to stand up and be counted and we did. Itââ?¬â?¢s another massive game on Sunday but if we can play like that with 10, we shouldnââ?¬â?¢t have a problem with 11. ââ?¬Å?Weââ?¬â?¢re out to win it. We played really well away to Dundee United at the weekend and weââ?¬â?¢re aiming to maintain our form.ââ?¬Â http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/editor-s-picks/gary-hooper-10-man-stand-fills-celtic-up-with-confidence-1.1085335

KYLE BARTLEY had no part to play as the Old Firm made history last week. Now the Arsenal kid is begging Walter Smith for the chance to create his own Ibrox legacy. Last Sunday's epic encounter in the Scottish Cup left Bartley gasping for breath on the bench. The 2-2 draw also means that for the first time ever Rangers and Celtic will have to meet SEVEN times in one season. Now Bartley - on loan at Gers until the end of the season - hopes he'll be handed a key role in the replay at Parkhead. He confessed: "It was something else last weekend. "I've been looking to get up to an Old Firm game for a number of years now so to actually be involved in it was an unbelievable experience. "It's part of football history. The Old Firm is such a massive game. There aren't many other bigger games in the world. "It's on a whole different level compared to Arsenal and Spurs. "The Old Firm runs a lot deeper than football and you can sense that with the atmosphere. "It's not scary. It's different for me because for a lot of the boys it's in their blood. "I am new to this environment and you have to get your head around it quickly. "Once you find out the reasons behind it it's easier to understand." Bartley has yet to feature for Rangers since sealing his deadline day move to Ibrox. The towering defender had spent the first half of the season on loan at Sheffield United. He jumped at the chance to join Gers after Ibrox gaffer Smith contacted his Emirates counterpart Arsene Wenger. The 19-year-old revealed: "I had a few options in January, there were a couple of clubs in the Championship who were interested. "Given the prestige of Rangers and given the competitions they are in it was a no-brainer in the end. "We obviously play in the Europa League next week and that was also a major factor for me. "I haven't spoken to Arsene Wenger since I made the move but I think he speaks to Walter quite a lot so that is good for me. Advertisement "Of course, the manager here was another plus. "The coaching staff are fantastic and I'm only going to improve as a player by working under someone like Walter Smith. "He has so much experience and he has achieved so much in the game. "Ally McCoist and Ian Durrant have been great too. "If you can't learn off these guys who can you learn from? "I'm thinking short-term at the moment. I want to get out on the pitch and win things with Rangers. "I see my long-term future back at Arsenal, however, and I have never hidden that." Bartley has been catapulted into the race for medals. Gers are gunning for the Treble in Smith's final season in charge while also eyeing Europa League glory. Bartley added: "Rangers are going for a lot of trophies and you get a sense of the feeling of determination straight away. "Second best is never good enough at a club like Rangers and that will bring the best out of me I'm sure. "It will bring me on and develop me as a player." Bartley has had to be patient since joining Gers. He's hoping that he can finally make his debut against Motherwell at Ibrox this afternoon. He stressed: "I'm realistic. When I came to Rangers I knew I wouldn't walk into the team. I just need to keep working hard and hopefully I'll get my chance. "The gaffer has a few problems so who knows, it might come against Motherwell. "I can play in a number of different positions. Right back, centre half, defensive midfield. "I even played up front on a number of occasions for Sheffield United when we were chasing a goal late in the game. "I can certainly give the gaffer some extra options." Bartley admits he'd relish the chance to play alongside veteran Davie Weir in the heart of the Gers defence. There's an astonishing TWENTY YEARS between them and Bartley insists he's already learned so much from just watching Weir in training. He added: "Davie is amazing and I can only learn from him too. "All the boys are in the canteen or getting ready to go home and he's in the gym doing his extra work. "He is a great professional and someone everyone looks up to." Rangers are boosted by the news that striker Kyle Lafferty is set to return to face Motherwell after a bout of tonsilitis. Ex-Well midfielder Lee McCulloch is out as he prepares to undergo knee surgery next week. Defender Kirk Broadfoot is still sidelined with a foot problem. Tickets for Rangers' Europa League tie with Sporting Lisbon are on sale now priced �£27 for adults, �£18 for concessions and �£14 for kids from rangers.co.uk , the ticket hotline 0871 702 1972, and Rangers Ticket Centre. Booking fees apply. Hospitality deals are also available. Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3407307/Smile-Bartley.html#ixzz1DhEYsb00

The possesion stat in particular makes for depressing reading.

with there being 4 old firm games still to go and EHD and snot broon declaring war , can anyone remember the last time such bad feeling was carried over , last one I can think of was Ricksen and Thomson , Ferguson and Di Canio doesn't count as it was a one off

EL HADJI DIOUF last night branded Celtic skipper Scott Brown a NOBODY. The Rangers new boy accused Brown of trying to make a name for himself by taunting him into an Old Firm red card. The pair clashed time and again in yesterday's explosive Ibrox thriller but Diouf said: "I refused to react. Why should I react to him? No one knows him - I'm too big and too strong for him." Brown, who grabbed Celts' second equaliser in a pulsating Scottish Cup fifth round clash, was booked for an in-your-face celebration as he stood with arms outretched inches from Diouf. But Diouf, whose own fiery temper has landed him in bother countless times, was determined not to rise to the bait. He said: "Brown tried all sorts of things to get me sent off. "He said some nasty things about me and my family on the pitch - but I am too big for him. "He can say all the nasty things he wants. I won't react. "He just wants publicity because if I react then people are going to say that El Hadji did something wrong." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3395330/Who-are-ya.html#ixzz1DEJin9N6

HE could have gone to Liverpool and he could have gone to Tottenham, but here he was in Renfrewshire. If either of those Barclays Premier League heavyweights had got their way last week Charlie Adam would currently be one of the most expensive players in Scottish football history, carrying a price tag of just under Ã?£7m. For the time being heââ?¬â?¢s still at struggling Blackpool and no-oneââ?¬â?¢s ever paid more than Ã?£500,000 for him, but yesterday Adam could walk the corridors of the Scotland squad hotel knowing that heââ?¬â?¢s been the talk of the steamie. Itââ?¬â?¢s only a week since Sky Sports News spent transfer deadline day hyperventilating over three main moves: Fernando Torres to Chelsea for Ã?£50m, Andy Carroll to Liverpool for Ã?£35m and Adam to Merseyside or London. Only one of those was not completed but it was still a January window which redrew Adamââ?¬â?¢s profile. For a day or two he was one of the most talked about footballers in Britain. Who would have thought it? There were times when Adam was cast out to Ross County and St Mirren on loan. Heââ?¬â?¢s been jeered and an easy target as a Rangers player and was allowed to leave for buttons. The reinvention from footballing ugly duckling to swan seems to have been made with no feathers ruffled. He was the same likeable, vaguely bashful individual yesterday that he has always been. ââ?¬Å?It is like any other window,ââ?¬Â he said. ââ?¬Å?Everybody goes mental; Sky Sports goes mental. But it is like any other day in a footballerââ?¬â?¢s life. There is always speculation. Thatââ?¬â?¢s what happens. It is crazy but it has gone. The speculation has not affected me. Iââ?¬â?¢ve just gotten on with it. Iââ?¬â?¢ve dealt with it.ââ?¬Â Adamââ?¬â?¢s remarkable improvement reached the point where Liverpool and Kenny Dalglish made two unsuccessful bids, the second worth Ã?£6.8m. Spurs claimed they made an 11th hour offer for the same sum which was accepted by Blackpool but the paperwork could not be signed off in time. In the middle of it all Adam himself made a transfer request, which was rejected. He was less than chuffed about being denied the chance to leave. It was a dizzying episode for the 25-year-old. Even if he hasnââ?¬â?¢t switched clubs he still has the baggage of being rated at a supposed Ã?£14m by Blackpool manager Ian Holloway. ââ?¬Å?How can you value someone nowadays? At the end of the day people will pay what they want to pay. It is important to me that I just keep doing what I can for Blackpool. You know that there is a lot of money in the Premier League and you cannot help what people want to pay. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m fortunate, I played for one the Old Firm and I learned a lot of hard lessons there. I played a lot of big games and you have to be able to deal with it. So I think that stood me in good stead. Since leaving Rangers my career has just gone on leaps and bounds and that is what happens when you are playing regularly. Iââ?¬â?¢m getting enjoyment from playing in a good team, with good team-mates and a good manager. They should get the credit, too. If it wasnââ?¬â?¢t for them I wouldnââ?¬â?¢t be in the situation I am in. ââ?¬Å?You never know what will happen. Iââ?¬â?¢ll still have a year left on my contract when the summer comes and for me the focus is all on Blackpool. Iââ?¬â?¢m fortunate enough, I have played at Rangers, it is a massive club, and now I am playing in one of the best leagues in the world so how can I complain? It is nice to be complimented but you cannot be too excited or get ahead of yourself or it will be gone as quick as it has come.ââ?¬Â There must be embarrassment around Rangers about Adam. The club were shrewd enough to insert a sell-on clause which will give them 10% of any transfer fee above Ã?£500,000. Still, many will wonder why a player who was peripheral at Ibrox, and often a focal point for criticism from supporters, has blossomed so dramatically in a grander football environment. Did he feel he had proved people wrong since leaving Ibrox in 2009? ââ?¬Å?Yes, I do. There are certain people that I have proved wrong. I can have a smile on my face when I see certain people, knowing that inside they are hurting. You are always out to prove people wrong in this game. You canââ?¬â?¢t please everybody. When I step out on to the pitch Iââ?¬â?¢m there to prove and to show to people that I am good enough to play at this level.ââ?¬Â Like who? ââ?¬Å?I cannot name names, but there were people in football. You are always trying to prove people wrong.ââ?¬Â Did he mean the manager who sold him 18 months ago? ââ?¬Å?It is nothing to do with Walter Smith. I have got a lot of respect for Walter, for what he has achieved and for what he did for me. He gave me the opportunity to go to Blackpool and get regular football. I do not have any bad words to say about Walter. He is a terrific man and a great manager. ââ?¬Å?I never thought I was the whipping boy at Rangers. I got a bit of stick for my performances but you have to take it on the chin and get on with it. It was difficult but the most difficult thing for me was not playing. I would play one week and then not play for another four or five weeks. That was the hard thing. Fortunately now I am playing regularly in a top league and hopefully my performances have justified where I am. ââ?¬Å?I had periods of playing regularly under Paul Le Guen and Walter Smith but when you come through the ranks [at Rangers] it is more difficult to get in the side because the club spent money on players and the chairman wants to know why they are not in the team.ââ?¬Â He could afford to be diplomatic about his current club. His dad, also Charlie, probably revealed the familyââ?¬â?¢s feelings last week when he described Blackpool as ââ?¬Å?cheap-skatesââ?¬Â for wanting even more money for his boy. He claimed any transfer was blocked out of spite because Charlie recently took them to a tribunal over an unpaid bonus payment. No-one has enjoyed the flowering of Charlie Adam more than his father, who had reached a point where he found it too upsetting to come to Ibrox and witness his lad being jeered. ââ?¬Å?I have just bought a new house so he is down every week. He loves coming to watch and who wouldnââ?¬â?¢t when you are playing the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham? It was difficult for him to watch at Ibrox but that is the way it goes at the Old Firm. Someone has got to get the stick but I am enjoying the way I am playing and he is enjoying watching it.ââ?¬Â The same goes for non-relatives. The blossoming of Charlie Adam has been one of the most uplifting stories of the season. http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/more-scottish-football/i-can-have-a-smile-on-my-face-when-i-see-certain-people-1.1083899

This latest NOTW claptrap copied from VB. Not one attributed statement, perfectly timed and almost certainly as honest and accurate as everything else that arse wipe of a newspaper comes out with. You just knew they wouldn't let this weekend pass without something like this. Should be lapped up by the mopes, as they knew it would be. New threats to Celtic boss mean his house is under police guard Exclusive by Graham McKendry, Scottish Crime Reporter February 6, 2011 CELTIC manager Neil The Manchild's home will be under police guard today after the News of the World uncovered a fresh Loyalist terror plot against him. Thugs from Northern Ireland, who have already posted bullets to the Parkhead boss, have planned an attack on The Manchild's plush house and car during the Scottish Cup Old Firm clash. But cops will now be waiting at the property after we uncovered the chilling threat. Last night a senior police source confirmed: "Everything that needs to be done is being done. "This lot are not going to go away. They planned to do the house and car today knowing The Manchild would be at the game." Although The Manchild would be at Ibrox, his partner Irene McCloy, 34, and their five-year- old son Gallagher could have been at the house in Glasgow's west end "All of this is designed to terrify him and his family. They are determined to land some sort of result," said our police insider. The new threat comes after militant members of the UDA posted bullets to The Manchild and two of his players following a bust-up with fans after Celtic's 2-0 victory over Rangers at Ibrox on January 2. The trouble flared when the 39-year-old Hoops boss refused to shake hands with Gers ace Kyle Lafferty. He then clashed with fans as he left the pitch. Among those fans was a senior UDA member. The thug - third in command behind brigadier Billy "The Mexican" McFarland, who controls North Antrim and Londonderry - then plotted to terrify The Manchild. The inspiration has come from the way footballers' homes have been targeted by housebreakers in Manchester in Liverpool Our source said: "There is no way the Mexican isn't aware of the plot. Those involved are his men, and he keeps a tight rein on them. Bottom line is that they are still furious about the bust-up last month." The idea for the latest threat came from match day raids on football stars' homes down south. Among the break-in victims was Scotland star Darren Fletcher, whose Cheshire mansion was targeted in 2009 while he played for Manchester United. The source added: "The inspiration has come from the way footballers' homes have been targeted by housebreakers in Manchester in Liverpool." We revealed last month how the UDA thugs sent bullets through the post after The Manchild's clash with fellow Ulsterman Lafferty, 23. Detectives in Scotland and Northern Ireland have stayed in contact as they probe the bullet packages, which were also dispatched to Celtic players Pat McCourt, 27, and Niall McGinn, 23. McCourt has made the squad for today's Scottish Cup fifth round clash, although McGinn missed out. Details of the latest plot have been shared by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Strathclyde cops and Celtic security chiefs. The highly-placed police insider added: "There is no way we will put up with people coming to Scotland and targeting Neil The Manchild or anyone else. "The information is being taken very seriously indeed and this sort of thuggery will be dealt with robustly. "They'd be fools to go anywhere near the property now that we're aware of their plans. There will be a determined effort to track down those involved. Mr The Manchild, and anyone else for that matter, should not have to live under a cloud of fear and intimidation." Celtic chiefs also slammed the plot and insisted they would continue to do everything possible to protect their manager. A spokesperson for the club said: "Neil has the full support of everyone at the club. "Clearly, any right-minded person would condemn such threats and the club will rightly treat this issue with the utmost seriousness." The bullet plot is not the first time The Manchild has been the target of intimidation and violence. In 2002 the Northern Ireland captain quit international football after receiving a death threat. In 2008 he was attacked in Glasgow's west end by two Rangers fans, who were later jailed for two years each. Last night The Manchild's agent Martin Reilly confirmed that security had been stepped up. He revealed: "All threats are taken seriously and as a result of recent events we have had to take appropriate action." A spokesperson for Strathclyde Police added: "The appropriate measures will be put in place." Meanwhile Celtic fans sparked controversy ahead of today's Old Firm clash by setting up hate sites against new Rangers signing El Hadji Diouf - who once spat on a Hoops fan while playing for Liverpool.

Celtic defender Darren O'Dea is hoping to extend his loan spell at Ipswich Town beyond January. More...

Whats your thoughts guys, can this work.

Cast your mind back ten years to season 2000/2001. Ronald de Boer signed from Barcelona; Tore Andre Flo signed for a transfer fee that will never be matched in Scotland; and a squad containing names such as Amoruso, van Bronckhorst and Klos - we could even afford to let Andrei Kanchelskis go on loan to the EPL and Man City for half a season. This was the start of a new decade under the continuing custodianship of David Murray - where he summed up his personality and ambition at the time with one simple quote from 2000 - "For every five pounds Celtic spend, we will spend ten". Most Rangers fans everywhere were enjoying the regular spectacle of Murray lording it in the media. Indeed the word 'moonbeam' didn't exist in those days. Speaking to Michael Grant in the Sunday Herald in late 2001, the loss of the league in 2000/01, coupled with rising debt hadn't affected the gallus 50 year old David Murray. In fact, he was as confident as ever in his club's future and given the success he'd help bring in during the 1990s, he had every right to be. Surely one season without the title wouldn't affect our operations ten years later? After all, Murray spoke candidly of 'being guilty of looking for short-term fixes', 'not wanting to sell the club', and that while he felt a major football club would go out of business it 'wouldn't be Rangers'. Juxtapose such warranties with comments about tying players down on long term contracts and ring-fencing the club against future losses, most of us bought into the security offered by an owner who had helped bring back success to the club along with the vision of Holmes and Souness. Unfortunately, less than a year later, we found out we were �£50+million in debt, Murray had stepped down as chairman and Alex McLeish was to preside over a 'short' period of 'downsizing'. "Not to worry," said new chair John McLelland at the 2002 AGM, "we won't lose sleep over it." With tax 'queries' originating from that period's wage-book casting their shadow over the club, to the ongoing saga over its ownership and declining ticket sales; one wonders if McLelland is sleeping well nowadays. Of course, while it is easy to pick through old newspaper interviews and make anyone look bad, our present situation is something to worry about given the assurances given back then. Players are no longer 'locked away' on long term contracts, we are the ones bringing players IN on loan (from Aberdeen!) and it is Celtic spending the kind of money that was pocket change for us ten years back. The ever-loyal Rangers fan-base still has no long term vision to buy into. Indeed, in 2001 Murray specifically alluded to the wider problems of a declining Scottish product and the Old Firm dominance being problematic for its future. Prophetic words but our club are as guilty as anyone in being over-reliant on TV money and selfishness. Why did we not heed our own warnings? Furthermore, from Sir David Murray to John McLelland to Martin Bain; the same people are in charge of guiding the club through these same deep financial waters. Or at least, they appear in charge - with allegations of bank interference (the Lloyds Banking Group have an increasing stake in Murray's company, thus an increasing stake in Rangers' operations) still rife in the media and amongst the support. The supporters - expected to part with their season ticket money again in a couple of months - have no idea of what's true and what isn't with mixed messages the only certainty in Rangers' dealings with us. Whether it be current chairman Alistair Johnston or even Walter Smith, we just don't know who is being straight with us. Therefore, at some point, we have to ask ourselves who is in such a position to know the truth, to deliver genuine answers and to lead from the front. Well, only one man still owns Rangers and only one man has the power to make the decisions that truly affect our club's well-being. Yet he is missing in action, absent without leave and by failing to lead he only lends weight to the criticism he vigorously defends. I'll conclude with another quote from that interview in 2001: Again, it is easy to find fault with comments that were only truly relevant when they were said. But is it clear from Murray's own words that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Sir David Murray will be 60 later this year. Will that represent an epiphany for a return to the front-line of a owner who once excited us all? Or will it be the final nail in the stewardship coffin of a once successful businessman whose interest in Rangers died as soon as it threatened the well-being of his personal wealth. Where is our owner and what is the future of our club?

Borrowed from another forum Exclusive June 7th 2010. A few weeks ago I spoke with Rangers chief executive Martin Bain. He kindly took my call on a Saturday morning just after his ladââ?¬â?¢s football match. I told him that I was a freelance journalist commissioned to do a story for the News of the World. After exchanging some jokes about the perils of being, as I termed it, ââ?¬Å?a maddie at your boyââ?¬â?¢s fitba matchââ?¬Â I had to tell Martin Bain some bad news. I informed him that this journalist already knew that Rangers had received a bill from the taxman for Ã?£24 million and that interest of Ã?£12million had been nailed onto that amount. Over the previous two weeks the News of the World had firstly broken the story that all SPL clubs were being investigated by Her Majestyââ?¬â?¢s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as part of an ongoing tax probe. The real story, however, was revealed the following Sunday in that the old firm, conjoined twins in so many areas, had very different tax policies. For the last decade, Rangers had been making a systematic use of Employee Benefit Trusts (EBTs). Celtic looked at this method of being ââ?¬Å?tax efficientââ?¬Â in 2006, but Celtic Chairman, ex of the Bank of England, Brian Quinn thought better of it. Initially Martin Bain said to me that, effectively, the tax issue belonged to the parent company of Rangers; Murray International Holdings (MIH). He told me that there was no tax bill at Rangers. After going round the houses with Martin Bain on the phone we nailed down that there had been ââ?¬Å?an assessmentââ?¬Â delivered by HMRC to Rangers FC. Most people would call that a bill. The ââ?¬Å?assessmentââ?¬Â formally becomes a bill when the tribunal system is exhausted, the amount on the ââ?¬Å?assessmentââ?¬Â then ââ?¬Å?crystallisesââ?¬Â. That is when the money is due to be paid. The tax authorities have sent a bit of paper to Rangers and that piece of paper has a number on it. That amount is Ã?£24 million + Ã?£12million interest. That Ã?£36 million is greater than the clubââ?¬â?¢s well publicised bank debt. After my interview with Bain the story was out there and perhaps because of this the club Chairman Alistair Johnston went public and clarified the position on the tax probe. The Ohio based businessman confirmed that the assessment from HMRC was indeed ââ?¬Å? a Rangers issue, but it is being masterminded by the Murray Groupââ?¬â?¢s financial and legal advisors,ââ?¬Â said Johnston. The only question to be answered was what tax penalty would be imposed on Rangers by HMRC should they lose the case? What has not been previously revealed is that Rangers football club have already been served with a tax penalty of Ã?£15 million by HMRC for their sustained use of ââ?¬Å?Employee Benefit Trustsââ?¬Â (EBT) to players and other senior employees. This brings the total confirmed amount that HMRC are seeking from Rangers to Ã?£51 million. This Ã?£51 million bill has yet to ââ?¬Å?crystalliseââ?¬Â, i.e the tax tribunal due process has yet to reach its conclusion. Rangers can drag out this process by using all the appeals available to them. However this will incur huge legal bills should they decide to do this. The figure of Ã?£15 million for the penalty is an indication of the seriousness with which HMRC view this case and their determination to see it through to a successful conclusion. The recent press interest investigation has clearly rattled the Scottish Premier League champions with the clubââ?¬â?¢s chief executive refusing to answer whether or not Rangers had ignored expert tax advice to abandon their tax strategy? I also put the following question to Martin Bain: - ââ?¬Å?Did Sir David Murray or other Rangers executives benefit from this scheme?ââ?¬Â Bain confirmed that ââ?¬Å?employees of the trustââ?¬Â were paid through the EBT. I asked him if that included people at the club other than players. He confirmed that it was not just players. I then asked him if he had been paid through the EBT. ââ?¬Å?Thatââ?¬â?¢s a matter for the tax office and my own personal contract so Iââ?¬â?¢d rather not go into that.ââ?¬Â Of course a simple denial would have killed that particular part of the story. When I put it to Bain that his answer was in fact a ââ?¬Å?no commentââ?¬Â he didnââ?¬â?¢t disagree with my characterisation of his answer. Here is what has been confirmed at this time: - Rangers have confirmed that there is a tax probe - Rangers have used EBTs. This will have helped millionaire players pay lower tax rates than most Rangersââ?¬â?¢ fans. - Chief Executive ââ?¬Ë?Martin Bain has confirmed to this journalist that the bill for core amount has been received. Initially Bain told this journalist that the EBT was a matter for parent company Murray International Holdings (MIH). However, after the article was published chairman Alistair Johnston confirmed that the HMRC issue was, indeed, a matter for Rangers. ââ?¬Å?It is a Rangers issue, but it is being masterminded by the Murray Groupââ?¬â?¢s financial and legal advisors,ââ?¬Â revealed Johnston. When I interviewed Martin Bain he suggested that I speak to MIH financial director Mike McGill. I called McGill on the Monday after I had spoken to Bain. I spoke briefly with McGill. He told me that he had read the NOTW story and, subsequently, refused to speak to me. The day after I spoke to the MIH financial director I received further news that shocked me. What moves this story on is the following information. I did not know at the time of my interview with Martin Bain that Rangers had already been served with the tax penalty. The amount of that penalty is Ã?£15 million. Therefore the full amount that Rangers will be due, should they lose this case against HMRC, will be Ã?£51 million. It is clear that those in charge of Rangers did not wish this story to break. Since I started writing on Rangers taxing problems the clubââ?¬â?¢s public comments have confirmed my journalism to be accurate. The initial stories were met with disbelief from both sides in Glasgowââ?¬â?¢s football feud thinking that this news was either too awful or too wonderful to be true. It is true and it will not go away. The Scottish championââ?¬â?¢s problems with HMRC will be the dominant story out of Ibrox in the next 12 months. The clubââ?¬â?¢s bank debt is serviceable. The tax bill is not. Itââ?¬â?¢s a game changer. Martin Bain, as much as one can ascertain over a 15 minutes phone call on a Saturday morning, came across as a really really decent bloke in a difficult position. Iââ?¬â?¢m sure he cringed when he heard the ââ?¬Å?Famine songââ?¬Â or saw Manchester policemen kicked to the ground by feral louts in Rangers shirts. The Rangerââ?¬â?¢s Chief Executive told me that wee Bainââ?¬â?¢s team had lost 4-1. I told Martin to tell his lad to keep his chin up, because you usually find out more about yourself when you lose than when you win. His dad agreed with me.. Watch this space.

Striker Kenny Miller is mulling over a move to Birmingham City after Rangers accepted an offer in the region of �£700,000 from the English club. The 31-year-old Scotland player has netted 22 club goals so far this term. But he has stalled on a contract extension beyond June and he is free to speak with other clubs. Rangers failed with a bid for Dundee United's David Goodwillie but, even if Miller moves, they are unlikely to be able to meet United's �£1.5m valuation. The fee from the Midlands club would also increase should they avoid relegation from the English Premier League this season. Rangers manager Walter Smith had stated that his wish in the first instance was that Miller signed a new deal with the Glasgow side. Failing that, he hoped to keep Scottish football's leading goal-scorer until at least the end of the current league campaign. However, on Thursday Smith bemoaned the fact that the current financial situation at his club means that he will not be able to make any moves to strengthen his small squad without first selling a player. On Friday it emerged that Rangers had an offer rejected by Dundee United for the Tannadice striker Goodwillie. It is believed that the verbal offer that they submitted for the Scotland cap was approximately half of his club's estimation. Miller arrived for his second spell at Rangers in June 2008, having first signed on at Ibrox in 2000 from Hibernian. In the intervening seasons he had a one-year spell at Old Firm rivals Celtic, as well as stints in England with Wolves and Derby County. The forward has already played under Birmingham boss Alex McLeish, who was Scotland manager in 2007. So far, Miller has amassed 51 international caps, scoring 12 goals. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/9349550.stm -- And so it begins..

Telegraph.co.uk Blame the bank, says Rangers manager Walter Smith as he looks for his players to bounce back from defeat Rangers manager Walter Smith believes that Lloyds Banking Group constitutes a bigger threat to his clubââ?¬â?¢s chances of winning a third successive title than Neil Lennonââ?¬â?¢s Celtic. They may trail their Old Firm rivals by four points after losing 2-0 to them at Ibrox last weekend but Smith is in no doubt that the financial constraints he is being forced to work under can only undermine Rangersââ?¬â?¢ prospects of triumphing at home and abroad. Smith, who will turn 63 next month, is in his final season in charge and has had to contend with the interference from Lloyds (the clubââ?¬â?¢s biggest creditors) for the last two years. However, he accused the bankers of short-termism and pointedly noted that it was their profligacy ââ?¬â?? on a far greater scale than that indulged in by Rangers owner Sir David Murray, although they bankrolled that as well ââ?¬â?? which has brought the global economy to its knees. At a time when he has guided Rangers back into profit for the last three years, significantly reducing the clubââ?¬â?¢s debt in the process, Smith believes he is due a little respite from the number crunchers who continue to treat him with the distrust normally shown to those applying for a first mortgage. ââ?¬Å?I feel as though the whole situation is a bit unfair from the football side of things,ââ?¬Â he said. ââ?¬Å?We do need a bit of help. You had the situation a couple of years ago when some boys put the banner up saying 'We Deserve Better.ââ?¬â?¢ ââ?¬Å?Of course, they meant the supporters but at times you have to look at it from our side and realise that we also deserve better for what weââ?¬â?¢ve done: and by that I mean in comparison to clubs of similar stature. ââ?¬Å?There obviously isnââ?¬â?¢t a long-term view, they are only looking at it from a short-term perspective. Whether we think itââ?¬â?¢s fair or not it doesnââ?¬â?¢t really matter because weââ?¬â?¢re not getting any kind of reaction anytime we ask: therefore we are well and truly in the hands of the bank. ââ?¬Å?We just need to get on with it. Of course, the ironic aspect, not just for Rangers but for everybody, is that the banks are telling us what we can and canââ?¬â?¢t do. Maybe someone should have done that with them a long time before they started [the credit crunch].ââ?¬Â The bankers have informed Rangersââ?¬â?¢ chief executive, Martin Bain, that they would not be allowed to reinvest any fee received from another club should one their players be sold during this transfer window. ââ?¬Å?It becomes a concern when you have to keep asking the same group of players to keep on delivering,ââ?¬Â said Smith. ââ?¬Å?Thatââ?¬â?¢s when you need a wee bit of help. Unfortunately, we are not going to get that help. ââ?¬Å?We canââ?¬â?¢t afford to bring in a loan player or anything like that. Thatââ?¬â?¢s the situation weââ?¬â?¢re in. Itââ?¬â?¢s an unfortunate one for our club but the bank are dictating the policy overall. Thatââ?¬â?¢s what we have to put up with. ââ?¬Å?If we transferred a player we might not get all the money and we have been told that. If someone left it would give us the opportunity to bring someone in on a similar wage. ââ?¬Å?But transfer-wise weââ?¬â?¢ve been told thereââ?¬â?¢s no certainty we would get the money. The wage would obviously allow us to bring someone in but if we donââ?¬â?¢t lose a player then we wonââ?¬â?¢t be bringing anyone else in.ââ?¬Â Smith also pointed out that the decision to accept or reject any offers for his players would be taken by Lloyds and not by Rangers. As his relatively small squad prepares to do battle in the Co-operative Insurance and Scottish Cups and the Europa League while also having to contend with a fixture backlog in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, the veteran is concerned that his resources will be stretched to breaking point. ââ?¬Å?This season was always going to be a big ask for all of our players,ââ?¬Â he said. ââ?¬Å?Weââ?¬â?¢ve handled the first half extremely well, allowing for the fact a few games have been postponed due to the weather. ââ?¬Å?Now we find ourselves in a situation, after the turn of the year, that if we win those games in hand we go back to the top of the table. Considering the Champions League games, the size of the group weââ?¬â?¢ve got and other things, that would still be a fair achievement. ââ?¬Å?We have to remember that but we need to get a good reaction following the Old Firm defeat. Weââ?¬â?¢ve taken a little knock in the Old Firm game and youââ?¬â?¢re always worried about a possible hangover from that. ââ?¬Å?This is big test of character from my players but theyââ?¬â?¢ve shown in the last number of years that they are able to dig deep. If weââ?¬â?¢ve had a setback in the past theyââ?¬â?¢ve always come back from it. We have enough experience.ââ?¬Â Did Walter not slate the we deserve better campaign:confused:

Good news.

I dont know how accurate this report/story actually is , however read on. Freddie Ljungbergââ?¬â?¢s Celtic wage shows decline of Scottish football financesBy Nick Harris 2 January 2010 Celtic got off to a flyer in 2011 today by beating Rangers 2-0 in the Neââ?¬â?¢erday derby, but one sign of how dramatically Scottish football finances have continued to deteriorate in the past year is found in Celticââ?¬â?¢s deal to sign Freddie Ljungberg until the end of the season. Ljungberg, who did not play today because he has a virus, earned Ã?£16,000 per week in Major League Soccer in the USA, most recently with Chicago Fire, and Celtic put together a deal that effectively matches it to sign the Swede, 33, until the end of the season. That pay packet is understood to give Ljungberg the highest guaranteed basic wage per week in Scotland currently. While Ã?£16,000 a week is no small change in most walks of life, itââ?¬â?¢s not huge in elite football, and itââ?¬â?¢s just a quarter of the highest weekly salary being paid in the SPL a year ago, to Robbie Keane, also at Celtic. Keaneââ?¬â?¢s temporary contract at Parkhead was worth Ã?£65,000 per week. According to sportingintelligenceââ?¬â?¢s calculations for our inaugural review of global sports salaries, published earlier this year, the average first-team pay at Rangers in summer 2008 (the most recent data available when that report was compiled) was Ã?£17,121 per week, or Ã?£890,270 per year. The average first-team pay at Celtic was Ã?£16,309 a week, or Ã?£848,082 a year. Those two clubsââ?¬â?¢ wage bills totally overshadowed those at every other SPL club to the extent that the SPL has the least equality in wage distribution of any major sports league in the world considered in our report. (The NFL was the fairest league). Yet since summer 2008, wages in the SPL have gone down, including at the Old Firm, not just in relative terms but actual terms. This will be evident when our next report is published, showing 2009 numbers, and there are good grounds for believing the current seasonââ?¬â?¢s wages in the SPL are the lowest for several years in Scotlandââ?¬â?¢s top division. Ljungbergââ?¬â?¢s Ã?£16,000 per week can therefore be seen as Celtic pushing the boat out ââ?¬â?? and as an example of how far down the pecking order the SPL has fallen in global football terms. Official MLS Union wage data shows Ljungbergââ?¬â?¢s MLS contract was worth $1.3m in 2010, making him only the seventh best-paid player after David Beckham ($6.5m with LA Galaxy), Thierry Henry ($5.6m, NY Red Bulls), Rafael Marquez ($5.5m, NYRB), Landon Donovan ($2.1m, Galaxy), Juan Pablo Angel ($1.9m, NYRB), Nery Castillo ($1.79m, Chicago) and Julian de Guzman ($1.7m, Toronto). So Celtic have hired a man only seventh in the MLS wage stakes to become Scotlandââ?¬â?¢s best rewarded player, and at the same time have waved goodbye to plenty of others in the past year to clubs who can pay better money. In fact since last yearââ?¬â?¢s New Year Old Firm match, 11 players involved in that game ââ?¬â?? eight from Celtic and three from Rangers ââ?¬â?? have left Scotland. They are: Artur Boruc ââ?¬â?? left Celtic for Fiorentina (Serie A) in July 2010. Gary Caldwell - left Celtic for Wigan (EPL) later in January 2010. Danny Fox ââ?¬â?? left Celtic for Burnley (then EPL, now Championship) later in January 2010. Barry Robson ââ?¬â?? left Celtic for Middlesbrough (Championship) later in January 2010. Landry Nââ?¬â?¢Guemo ââ?¬â?? returned to Nancy (France, Ligue 1) in summer 2010 after one-year loan because Celtic could not agree (afford) a transfer fee. Aiden McGeady ââ?¬â?? left Celtic in August 2010 to sign for Spartak Moscow (Russian Premier League), for a fee of c.Ã?£12m, a no-brainer for a selling club as Celtic now are. Marc-Antoine Fortune ââ?¬â?? left Celtic in August 2010 to sign for West Brom (EPL). Scott McDonald ââ?¬â?? left Celtic later in January 2010 to join Middlesbrough (Championship). Danny Wilson ââ?¬â?? left Rangers for Liverpool (EPL) in July 2010. Nacho Novo ââ?¬â?? left Rangers in May 2010 for Sporting Gijon (La Liga). Kris Boyd - left Rangers in July 2010 for Middlesbrough (Championship). .

Weiss appeared for the Gers in their 3-1 win over the Hoops at Parkhead in October after coming on as a late substitute for Kenny Miller. But he is desperate to play in the world-famous fixture for the full 90 minutes in a match which will go a long way towards deciding the destination of the Scottish title. A victory for Walter Smithââ?¬â?¢s side will put them two points clear of Neil Lennonââ?¬â?¢s team with two games in hand on their age-old city rivals. The 21-year-old Slovakian cap, on-loan from Manchester City for the season, has struck a rich vein of form going into the Celtic clash. He scored a goal and was man of the match in the 4-1 win at Motherwell in last Sundayââ?¬â?¢s SPL fixture. And Weiss is hoping Smith, who switched him to a more central role against the Steelmen in a tactical masterstroke, hands him the chance to wreak havoc on Celtic from kick-off. He said: ââ?¬Å?It is up to the manager what team he puts out, but I am hoping he picks me to play against Celtic. If he does, I will try to play as well as I did against Motherwell at the weekend. ââ?¬Å?The Old Firm game is a match that is known about all over the world and I was certainly aware of it when I came to Scotland in the summer. It is a game I have watched before for many years. ââ?¬Å?I have already had a taste of the Old Firm game. I played the last time we met Celtic when I came on for the last 10 minutes or so. ââ?¬Å?But it would be a dream come true for me to play from the start this weekend.ââ?¬Â Weiss is keeping his fingers crossed team-mate Steven Naismith, who limped off with a hamstring injury in the Motherwell game, wins his battle to be fit for the meeting with Celtic. However, he believes if the Scotland international fails to recover in time then John Fleck can come into the side and help the Scottish champions rack up another vital triumph. He said: ââ?¬Å?Naisy is a very important player for us and has been doing great for us this season. His injury is not too bad and hopefully he will be fit for the Celtic game on Sunday. ââ?¬Å?I knew about Steven before I came to Scotland, but this is the best season he has had at Rangers so far. ââ?¬Å?He is doing really well for us and will be a big loss if he fails to make it. ââ?¬Å?Flecky came on against Motherwell and did well. He is only 19, but he is a really, really good player who has impressed me since I arrived at the club. In training he has been brilliant. ââ?¬Å?He is one of the players who can come into the team and ensure we keep on winning matches, including the one against Celtic.ââ?¬Â

Two tragedies linked by the cruellest twists of fate. "It had, according to the radio commentary on the BBC Scottish Home Service, been a tame Old Firm encounter but with a highly-dramatic finale. Two goals - one for each team - in the last minute of the game. The doyen of Scottish football commentators, David Francey, was at his loquacious best, injecting colour into an all-too-drab winter's afternoon in Glasgow. Before he signed off, he made mention of "something bad" appearing to have happened on the terracing at the Rangers end. In those days, "something bad" at an Old Firm match meant flying bottles and cans and police rushing in where ordinary mortals would fear to tread, to seize the perpetrators. But not this time. It wasn't that kind of "something bad", he thought. An hour later, news bulletins were talking of injuries, of scores of ambulancemen and women at the scene, of people being led away or carried out on stretchers - "something bad" had become "a major incident". With every television and radio bulletin that night on January 2, 1971, the toll mounted. Ten dead... 20... 30... I was home from university for New Year on the Isle of Lewis and in those days you couldn't get a Sunday paper there until Monday. And when we finally got them (around noon!), there was only one story. The Scottish Daily Express and Daily Record had pictures of the walking wounded, of club scarves peeking out from under the blankets that covered the dead. The back pages hardly bothered with the game. The peerless John Rafferty in The Scotsman wrote as only he could of fleeting triumph and sombre disaster following fast on one another. The papers asked how this could have happened and answered their own question with stories of one fan having tripped and fallen, bringing others down. Other papers told stories of fans who had decided to go at the last minute - and died. The drunken tangle on Stairway 13 became an enduring image of a day that made a mockery of the import too many of us place on football. Lewis had known tragedy at New Year. On January 1, 1919, more than 200 servicemen coming home from the Great War perished when the Admiralty yacht Iolaire struck rocks a mile out from Stornoway Harbour. Suddenly that New Year's weekend on Lewis, Ibrox and Iolaire seemed linked by the cruellest twists of fate."

ALLY McCOIST is "very hopeful" Steven Naismith will win his fitness battle for the Old Firm clash. Rangers have been sweating over the midfielder's availability for Sunday's game against Celtic after his hamstring injury in their SPL win at Motherwell on Boxing Day. But the Ibrox assistant boss is cautiously optimistic the injury is not too serious and Naismith - who has signed a new deal - will have a part to play in Sunday's showdown at Ibrox. McCoist said: "It was a bit worrying watching Naismith pulling up at Fir Park but it's hopefully just a spasm. "It is a bit early to say he will be 100 per cent for the Celtic game. But we are hopeful he will be involved." While Rangers also look set to be boosted by the return of James Beattie and Kyle Lafferty, Celtic will be without captain Scott Brown. But McCoist added: "I don't think that will be a massive problem for them. "I've listened to the noises coming out of Celtic Park at the moment and they are well up for it. We are really looking forward to it." http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2010/12/31/rangers-hope-to-receive-steven-naismith-boost-ahead-of-old-firm-battle-86908-22817157/

Walter Smith has made more signings throughout his two spells as Rangers manager than he cares to recall. But there is one particular piece of business he has conducted for the Ibrox club he canââ?¬â?¢t help but regard as his shrewdest to date. During the nine-in-a-row days Smith was in the fortunate position of being able to attract the likes of Brian Laudrup and Paul Gascoigne to Ibrox. However, it is a signing in his second stint in the hotseat which stands out ahead of the others for the 62-year-old. When he inherited a struggling squad in the aftermath of Paul Le Guenââ?¬â?¢s ill-fated period in Glasgow, one of the first moves Smith made was to bring in a player he knew and trusted more than any other. It was only supposed to be a stop-gap fix to a defensive problem, but four years down the line Davie Weir is still the main focal point of Smithââ?¬â?¢s team and the man he entrusts to lead his players into the heat of battle. At Ibrox on Sunday when Rangers entertain Old Firm rivals Celtic, Weir will clock up his 200th appearance for the Light Blues. Itââ?¬â?¢s an astonishing record considering he is now 40 years of age. ââ?¬Å?When I brought him up here from Everton on loan I would have thought the 20 games between the January until the end of the season would have been what we were looking at,ââ?¬Â said Smith. ââ?¬Å?But such were his performances during that period that we have no hesitation whatsoever in taking him for another year. I didnââ?¬â?¢t think it would stretch to another three after that. ââ?¬Å?It has done, however, and it is a testament to him as a professional player that he is handling the situation the way he is.ââ?¬Â Weir was involved in Rangersââ?¬â?¢ dramatic run to the Uefa Cup Final in 2008 and the fixture backlog that came as a result of that when the Ibrox club were forced to play four games in the space of a week. The following season, he helped them win the first of two titles and has rarely missed a game through injury or suspension ââ?¬â?? and itââ?¬â?¢s that consistency of availability that has pleasantly surprised Smith. Smith said: ââ?¬Å?Itââ?¬â?¢s not just that he has managed to play 200 games for Rangers. Itââ?¬â?¢s that he has managed to play the amount of games in a row that he has. ââ?¬Å?Those 200 games have all come within a four-year period so he has averaged around 50 games a season for us and that is terrific for any player, never mind someone who is at the stage of their career which he is. ââ?¬Å?I think Iââ?¬â?¢ve left him out for a couple of games during that time and if he had his way that wouldnââ?¬â?¢t have been the case. He wants to play in every match and he would have already reached the 200 landmark had I not left him out here and there. ââ?¬Å?To say he has exceeded my expectations is a major understatement. When you look at signings everyone always asks you who is your best signing and as a manager youââ?¬â?¢ve got to be fortunate to have quite a few of them. ââ?¬Å?But Davie has put himself in a different level. Despite his age he is playing as well as he ever has done and he has been absolutely terrific for us. From a personal point of view, I canââ?¬â?¢t speak highly enough of him. ââ?¬Å?For any young boy, if they are looking for a role model, then Davie would be the logical choice and itââ?¬â?¢s not just during this spell at Rangers than Iââ?¬â?¢m judging him on as I also had him as a player earlier when I was manager at Everton. ââ?¬Å?Davie was an important player for me down there and his attitude and dedication has always been first class.ââ?¬Â Smith believes every player who has partnered him at the heart of the Rangers defence since he arrived in the January of 2007 would vouch for his qualities as well. ââ?¬Å?Davie has played beside so many players throughout his time with us,ââ?¬Â said Smith. ââ?¬Å?I am sure Carlos Cuellar would be the first to say he was a major influence and allowed him to perform so well during his time here. ââ?¬Å?Madjid Bougherra would say the same having built up an excellent partnership with him over the last few years. ââ?¬Å?Young Danny Wilson came in and was fortunate to have someone with Davieââ?¬â?¢s experience to help him through games and it has been the same for all the other lads who have played there at various times. ââ?¬Å?Sasa Papac, Kirk Broadfoot, Steven Whittaker and even Lee McCulloch have all, at some point of another, played there and Iââ?¬â?¢m sure each and every one of them will say having Davie there to talk them through the game was invaluable.ââ?¬Â But after 200 games, thereââ?¬â?¢s no need for Smith to talk up Weir. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/editor-s-picks/simply-the-best-i-ever-signed-1.1077179

RANGERS fans used to have shirts with Fernando Ricksen written on the back. Other people had bullets with his name on them. That was life in the Old Firm for former Rangers star Ricksen. Some players love it, thriving on the firecracker atmosphere of the Glasgow derby. Ricksen, though, hated the poison that swallowed up his life on and off the park. The Glasgow goldfish bowl bubbled with bile and pushed him over the edge towards alcoholism. Just days before the next showdown between Rangers and Celtic, Ricksen opened his heart to SunSport in an explosive interview. After two years out of the game, Ricksen is back playing with Dutch side Fortuna Sittard. With his colourful past the midfielder is a prime candidate for abuse from fans. But after death threats and attacks in the street, Ricksen insists NOTHING could be worse than the torture he endured in Glasgow. He said: "I have played in Scotland with Rangers numerous times against Celtic. There are 80,000 football fanatics one metre from me at these games. "What do you think the fans are saying to me? That I'm a lovely boy? "I've had hate letters sent to me with bullets in them. I'd messages telling me bullets were sent to the IRA so they could kill me. People phoned my son threatening to sort him out and beat him up at school. Supporters have physically and verbally threatened me on the field. "My wife was abused in the street by them, they spat in my face while we were out shopping. "So do you really think that it interests me what a small group of Dutch fans chant? Not one bit." No player deserves the abuse hurled at Ricksen during his six-year stay in Scotland. But the man who was capped 12 times for his country admits he didn't do himself any favours. He confessed: "During my time in Glasgow my faults were getting worse all the time. "It may sound crazy but unconsciously maybe I was creating another situation so in the process I'd learn how to become better. "It was as if I was continually searching for clarification and insight. Playing football saved me. It was my outlet valve. Advertisement Quantcast "Unfortunately it was replaced by alcohol. I don't have any regrets for what happened but I'd do it completely differently now. "I made some very big mistakes and that's inexcusable. Like when I was caught drink-driving or having fights with my team-mates. "When you're a footballer you have to be a role model. I realise that now. I should have been more like Dennis Bergkamp, anonymous and living a quiet life. "Alcohol was the cause of a lot of problems in my life. I've made loads of mistakes but thanks to those bad experiences I'm in a better place. I'm content." Despite a thirst for the drink that forced him into rehab, Ricksen insists he wasn't the hellraiser he was made out to be. He claimed: "I am an alcoholic but in Scotland you're one if you drink a glass of wine. "When you have that sort of reputation people keep talking and writing about it. "In Holland, and certainly in the UK, everyone in football drinks. The problem is when you have someone like me who doesn't give a s*** what other people think. "That causes trouble. I don't deny I had a problem but it wasn't as bad as people make out." Despite the boozing and bad-boy image, Ricksen doesn't want to be remembered for the wild nights out and infamous bust-ups. He wants people to look beyond the rap sheet - and take a look at his roll of honour instead. He said: "At Rangers I won seven trophies. At Zenit I won the championship, the UEFA Cup and the European Super Cup. I played for Holland 12 times. "So in that context the true football lover won't forget how I played and what I achieved. "I am portrayed as a nutter, a sensation seeker. If they really think that I suppose it doesn't concern me. "The people who really know me know that I'm a good person." After his self-imposed exile from football Ricksen finally fell back in love with the sport. But he insists the game he loves is still polluted with low-lifes and back-stabbers looking to do nothing more than make money. He claimed: "I'm a lover of the game but nowadays it's not about the football any more, it's all about marketing, business, betting and other macho sideshows. "Quality isn't a deciding factor. Everyday football is a shady charade, filled with deception - and lying has become normal practice." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3321599/They-sent-me-bullets-and-vowed-Id-be-killed-by-the-IRA.html#ixzz19USLfCgF

Celtic score first: 2-0 St Johnstone. Goals in 91st and 93rd minute. 1-1 Killie. Equaliser 84th minute. 2-2 ICT. Snatching a draw from the jaws of a 2 goal victory. 1-1 Dundee Utd. Another 2 points dropped with a 94th minute equaliser for their opponents. 1-0 St Mirren. Late victory earnt by 92minute Hooper strike. 0-2 Hearts. A goal in each half earns jambos a victory. First 4 listed were home games, last 2 away. Since Aberdeen 9-0, Celtic have won just 2 games and they have both been courtesy of last minute goals. They have been equally susceptible to last minute or late goals. This run of late goals to win or draw games they have been losing is unlikley to continue though. You can only ride your luck so far. They really are in truly horrible form. I expected them to win today. I just didn't expect them to makes such a meal of it and the fact that it went so long before they broke the deadlock left me hoping for more for St Johnstone. Looking at their current run of form though, if we can beat St Johnstone we will go into the Old Firm knowing that if we can secure a victory that we are more than capable of we will be 5 points clear with a game in hand. From a team that matched us win for win in the first 8 or 9 games, the wheels have fallen off badly and we could all but bury them with a win in the next two games. I dont expect much from the Motherwell team we played today when they travel to Parkhead on the 29th, but with Celtic's home form you never know. And in any case, 2 wins for the Gers in the next two and it wont really matter. It really is a shocking run of form and only a few late strikes has given it any air of respectability. Any worse and it would be the form you'd expect of a bottom 6 outfit. Lets take care of St Johnstone and bury them on the second!