Search the Community

ROD Wallace was a hero of Old Firm meetings in his time in Glasgow and believes victory for the light blues in this month's derby clash will see the title momentum swing to the city's south side. Rod WallaceWallace picked up five medals in a successful three year spell at Ibrox and now feels the current crop of Rangers stars can add a title success to their CVs after the disappointment of missing out last term. The diminutive Englishman took the Scottish game by storm when he switched to Rangers from Leeds in the summer of 1998. Dick Advocaat brought the striker north of the border on a free transfer and he rewarded the Dutchman with a flying start to his Ibrox career. His debut season in a light blue shirt saw him bag 27 goals as Advocaat led his side to the domestic treble in his first season at the helm. And Wallace forever endeared himself to the Ibrox faithful in the final game of that first season when he hit the only goal of the 1999 Scottish Cup final against Celtic. His 49th minute strike was the goal that secured the treble for Advocaat's team just weeks after they had landed the title at Celtic Park It also ensured that Wallace ended his incredible debut season on a high note with three medals in his first year in Scotland. He went contribute another 20 goal haul the following season to help his side to the domestic double and take his silverware tally as a Rangers player to five trophies in two seasons. Now, having watched Walter Smith's current side narrow the gap to Celtic to just four points over the weekend he feels the title might just be heading back to Ibrox after a three season absence. He said: "I always keep an eye out for the results to see how the club are getting on. Of course they lost last week but it's good to see them get a result this weekend. "Hopefully they can pick up a few results and go on a bit of a run now and kick on from there. If they can do that I don't see any reason why the title won't come back to Ibrox this season." With an Old Firm game to come at the end of December, Wallace knows Gers will have a chance to further decrease the gap at the top of the table.Rod Wallace And he admits he will be keeping a keen eye on events when the two rivals lock horns again after Christmas. Walter Smith will be looking for one of his stars to deliver a belated Christmas gift on the 27th of the month and Wallace knows all about being the man who makes a difference against Rangers' rivals. As well as that Scottish Cup winner in '99, Wallace grabbed the only goal of the game in March 2000 as Rangers left Parkhead with full points on their way to a second successive title success. He was also part of the famous team that clinched the '99 title on their neighbours' patch just weeks before his Hampden triumph. Although he was on the receiving end of a late red card in that title winning visit to Parkhead he remembers his appearances in derby matches throughout his Gers career fondly. He added: "I had a few good times here and it's hard to pick out one that stands out over the rest. "The Cup final was a great experience, without doubt one of the best. It was a great occasion and one of the first finals at the new Hampden which just added to the experience. "Scoring the winner at Parkhead was another great occasion but there were so many in my time up here that it's hard to really pick one as the real highlight. "That would certainly be one of them though and I'll be looking out for the boys to see how they got on at the end of the month." Wallace was back at Ibrox as a half time hero against Hamilton at the weekend and he admits it was great to bring back some happy memories from his time in Glasgow. Rod WallaceAfter reuniting and reminiscing with some familiar faces around Ibrox he said: "It's been great being back here. "I've really enjoyed seeing some old friends and having the chance to catch up with what they've been doing. "I had a great three years up here and have got some great memories from being part of this great club. "Of course I won a few things but I also met some really good people and that helped make for a really enjoyable time up here for me." It is little wonder that Wallace enjoyed his three seasons north of the border as he built up an impressive record in his time as a light blue, scoring 54 goals in 120 games over the three years. After leaving Glasgow Rod returned south where he had a further three seasons in England with Bolton and Gillingham before injury forced him to quit his playing career at the age of 34. Since then he has maintained a keen interest in remaining in football and is now working towards his coaching badges whilst gaining hands on experience with Kingstonian FC's youth teams. And at just 39 he is hoping to continue his involvement in the game with more senior coaching roles to come once his professional coaching courses have finished. He added: "I finished in 2004 because of the toll the injuries took on me. Since then I've been looking in to the coaching side of things. "I'm working on level three at the moment and I've been concentrating on that for the last couple of years now. "I'm keen to stay involved in the game if I get a chance. It's all about luck really, but once I get the qualification I'll see how things go from there."

Dec 12 2008 By Alan Marshall CELTIC will pocket a whopping �£15million Champions League windfall despite ending their latest European adventure with Group E's wooden spoon. Gordon Strachan's men rescued some pride from a miserable campaign thanks to Wednesday's 2-0 win against Villarreal. As Scotland's sole representatives in the tournament the Hoops are in line for a windfall. Last season the TV pool rights allocated to each club earned Celtic �£2.8m and Rangers �£2.2m. However, the Ibrox side's exit to Kaunas in the qualifiers means their Old Firm rivals will bank a minimum �£4.5m from broadcasting rights alone. Celtic's two draws and one win have earned them a further �£900,000 in prize money and each of the 32 clubs in the group stage receive a starting bonus of �£2.7m plus �£350,000 per match just for taking part. Add to that gate receipts of around �£1m per match and Celtic can be sure of a mammoth total in the region of �£15m. The figures won't be much consolation to fans gutted at the side's failure to reach the last 16 or even drop into the UEFA Cup - but it could give boss Gordon Strachan cash to strengthen. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/2008/12/12/celtic-scoop-15m-windfall-from-failed-champions-league-campaign-86908-20964419/

This picture is borrowed from another forum - can any of the posters remember the days when the MOPES were housed in the West Enclosure, West of Main Stand, Broomie and a section of the Govan? Or when we were housed in the jungle, Rangers End and part of the main stand at Parkhead? Back in the day, the grounds were basically split 50-50 for Old Firm games. I can remember being in the Main Stand at Parkhead (Davie Cooper scored with a HEADER) and can remember the days of them getting half of Ibrox. Can't remember getting part of the jungle, but my old can. PS - another example of how our scarves SHOULD be displayed Cammy F - Old Skool Loyal RSC

Right now the SPL title does not make happy viewing for us. After an impressive start to the domestic season, including the 4-2 win at Parkhead in the opening Old Firm game of this season, we still find ourselves trailing Celtic by 4 points thanks to a series of disappointing dropped points. A substandard performance at Love Street lead to 3 points dropped. This was closely followed by one of the games of the season in a 3-3 draw with Dundee United in which an uncharacteristically generous display by the back line led to further 2 more dropped points, with the same outcome at Fir Park the following midweek. With a less hectic fixture schedule to navigate this season, Smith must ensure that we avoid any more of these slip ups if we are to regain our league title. With Smith's record against our greatest rivals being almost as good as it was during his first reign, if we are to take advantage of the next Old Firm game being at Ibrox and cut the deficit by 3 points (as we have every right to expect) then we need to ensure no more lapses in form and concentration in the 4 fixtures between now and that December the 27th clash. It is by no means an easy run of games. First up is Hearts at Tynecastle this week and as ascender's preview shows, a win there is by no means a foregone conclusion. We ran out 2-0 winners in the reverse fixture this season, but the points were only secured by an injury time Kris Boyd penalty. On top of our game we should leave Gorgie to take the 3 points back across the M8, but our players will need to produce a disciplined and clinical display. Next up are Hamilton and the squad should be confident of emerging victorious after back to back wins over the Lanarkshire club in October. A tricky away trip to Tannadice will be next up and seeing as Dundee United were the first club to leave Ibrox with anything other than a defeat since October of last year it is clear we will need to produce our best form to secure the points and maintain our push for the title. Our midfield has struggled to dominate games against the Arabs over the last year and a half and Ferguson and Mendes will have to produce a more cohesive display at Tannadice if we are to defeat what is becoming a routinely difficult encounter for Smith's squad. In the penultimate game before the key Old Firm clash, the final fixture of 2008, Hibs are the visitors to Ibrox. Hibs recent form has been up and down, but after thumping last year's third placed side Motherwell 4-1 away from home, it is obvious they have the players to trouble any side on their day. No disrespect to bottom club Hamilton, but aside from the home fixture against Billy Reid's side, you would not consider any of the other matches as a banker victory. If we are to ensure we are in position to take advantage of the Old Firm encounter we will have to earn every victory between now and the festive fixture. Celtic's corresponding fixtures over the same period appear a little less treacherous to negotiate. Allied to their 11 game winning streak, their last dropped points being inflicted in the 4-2 Old Firm humiliation and the importance of the next 4 fixtures becomes clear. It is hard to see anything other than a home victory this weekend as ICT make the long journey south. Though the Highland club have taken maximum points from the last 2 away fixtures, Celtic at Parkhead are a different proposition, especially when you cannot account for impartiality from the officials. Celtic begin December with a visit from Hibs, and as I have stated Hibs can trouble anyone on their day. They will fancy their chances more at their own place against Celtic than when they have to make the trip to Glasgow to face Rangers at Ibrox. Celtic have the minor inconvenience of a dead rubber against Villarreal to try and restore some pride from their catastrophic Champions League adventure before Hearts travel to Parkhead. In a reverse to the Hibs fixtures over the next month or so, whilst Celtic get to entertain Hearts at home whilst we make the journey to Edinburgh and I would argue that an going to Tynecastle is a tougher fixture than travelling to Easter Road, as supported by the club's league positions. Celtic round off their pre-Christmas fixtures with a trip to Falkirk and will be confident of returning to Glasgow with the spoils. Whilst both sides have tricky trips to the capital to deal with the added menace of an away clash against Dundee Utd suggests we have the more perilous fixtures. Considering Celtic's ominous form in the league and relatively easier fixtures, Smith cannot contemplate any more dropped points between now and the crunch clash on the 27th. Four victories and a 2nd Old Firm victory of the season and we may just find out how this Celtic team copes with the pressure of a Rangers juggernaut intent on winning a 52nd title.

SCOTTISH eyes will be drawn to Greece and Switzerland this season, with Olympiakos, Panathinaikos and Basel all threatening to help their countries overtake Scotland in Uefa's co- efficient tables. Scotland is currently in 12th place, with Greece just behind, and the Swiss breathing down their necks. IN NUMBERS 13 games played by Scottish teams in Europe this season; 10 lost and three draws. 18 failed attempts by Celtic to win away from home in Champions League group game. 32 Scotland's provisional ranking in co-efficient table. At the minute, the SPL title winners enjoy direct entry into the lucrative group stage of the Champions League, but should Scotland slip further down the table - even by one position - they would be in danger of losing that place. As such, the SPL clubs will be watching with interest what goes on elsewhere in Europe this season and hoping that none of the above teams enjoy a sustained run in either the Champions League or the Uefa Cup. And while Celtic's final group game against Villarreal is meaningless in terms of qualification, a win would actually stave off the threat of the immediate Champions League place being lost, something of enormous significance to the Old Firm. Last night Scotland were sitting in 32nd place in the provisional co- efficient rankings, an embarrassing position which is made all the more galling when compared to last season. A year ago Scotland amassed the fifth highest co-efficient with only England, Spain, Germany and Russia better off. It is just as well that the rankings are worked out on the basis of the past five years' performances, otherwise Scotland would be in a dreadful position. The blame lies not only at Celtic's door. Rangers, Motherwell and Queen of the South have contributed to the truly dire stat that there is no Scottish club this season who have registered a European win. Hibs also lost both Inter-Toto ties, but they do not count in the co-efficient stakes. As such, Celtic's game against Villarreal next month has a significance to it that might not be immediately obvious. It isn't just about restoring a sliver of pride to a dreadful group campaign, it is about ensuring Scotland get the crucial co-efficient points that would ensure the Champions League does not start to drift further out of reach. After all, with both halves of the Old Firm having come a cropper in the qualifying stages in recent years, no-one will need to be reminded of the dangers that lurk in the summer months when qualification is not assured. That this season has seen such a dreadful return from Scottish clubs has been underlined by the fact that little consolation can be drawn from the calibre of opposition that was faced. Few would expect Aalborg to go any further in the Uefa Cup than the next round, while Kaunas, who denied Rangers a passage into the competition, were thumped by Aalborg in the next qualifying round. As Kaunas dropped into the Uefa Cup, Sampdoria walloped them 7-1 on aggregate. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2470897.0.0.php

By Andrew Dickson WALTER SMITH insists Hearts beat Rangers at their own game as they won 2-1 against the Light Blues at Tynecastle. Strikes by Marius Zaliukas and Laryea Kingston in quick succession gave the Jambos a commanding lead midway through the first half. Charlie AdamAnd although a Christos Karipidis own goal gave Gers a lifeline, the hosts packed their back line and held on to the three points despite having Lee Wallace sent off. A defensive approach helped Smith's men so often last season and he was frustrated at seeing his side stopped by the same tactic. He said: "Hearts did well but we made it easy for them and we didn't create an awful lot up front. "That was surprising because we've made a lot of opportunities in previous matches but never came up with any of note many here. "Hearts deserve credit. They had their players back in position and played very much in the manner we played in a number of games last season. They did very well. "We spent the last hour of the game almost entirely in Hearts' half of the pitch but never really created any opportunities to score." Smith was annoyed at the manner in which Rangers lost their goals, both of which came from poorly-defended set pieces. And he refused to hide behind the excuse that having key players such as Kenny Miller and Kevin Thomson out was a reason for a second away defeat of the league campaign.Steven Whittaker The manager added: "You're going to miss players of that quality but you're going to go through the season without some people and there are no excuses there. "We're still good enough without them. I felt in the first 20 minutes or so that we struggled in a defensive sense by giving away too many fouls. "That gave Hearts the opportunity to get the ball into our area and we ended up losing two goals from such situations. "With the consistency Celtic have shown, any points that we drop are a blow to us and it certainly means the three Old Firm games left are ones where the pressure is on us. "We deserve that because we didn't deal with set plays well today. Normally we defend well but against Dundee United we gave away two bad goals. "Those little bits of inconsistency have plagued us in games and that has been costly for us."

try not to get too animated, its what he wants -- http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/scotland/article5219609.ece?token=null&offset=12&page=1 Graeme Souness was right about one thing ââ?¬â? not a conclusion I reach often ââ?¬â? when he spoke about Sir David Murray. The chairman of Rangers, whatever else he has got wrong, ââ?¬Å?has gutsââ?¬Â, to quote Sounessââ?¬â?¢s famous testimony. In recent times, coinciding with his 20 years of owning Rangers, Murray has shown in various contexts that he will not go away quietly from Ibrox. Last week there was a weird accord found between Murray and John Reid, the Celtic chairman, even though Murray was supposed to be attacking his Old Firm opposite number. Reid had recently attacked a section of Rangers fans for being ââ?¬Å?racistââ?¬Â and ââ?¬Å?bigotedââ?¬Â ââ?¬â? hardly fresh charges ââ?¬â? and Murray, while defending his clubââ?¬â?¢s honour, in part agreed with Reid. To attack your own supporters ââ?¬â? now that does take courage. Yet when Murray told reporters that ââ?¬Å?so much is hard to defendââ?¬Â about this core of Ibrox diehards ââ?¬â? and this on top of his recent comment about the ââ?¬Å?bileââ?¬Â that comes from those same Rangers supporters ââ?¬â? it was clear that he is long past mincing his words. A part of Murray is being brutally honest here. Yes, so many problems in Scottish football are being laid at the door of Rangers FC, and perhaps it has looked unfair. The club have provided so much that is good in Scottish life ââ?¬â? you almost forget that aspect. But when Murray scoffed at the so-called ââ?¬Å?bad PRââ?¬Â of Rangers, as if the rioting in Manchester or the undying embers of bigotry are easy to talk up, you knew that he was tired of having to explain away the intellectual and economic underclass that has attached itself to his club. Murray then caused reporters to smile when he spoke about the sudden timidity of his severest critics at Rangers ââ?¬â? in part, because we have all been there and met them. A small group of Rangers fans are going demented in their passion to have Murray flung out of the Ibrox door and are as brave as lions when posting their angry, sub-literate ramblings in glorious anonymity on the web. ââ?¬Å?And you know what?ââ?¬Â Murray said. ââ?¬Å?I identified some of these guys and I went to meet them. And they were like mice.ââ?¬Â Well, you donââ?¬â?¢t say! In this whole debate, it is unfair to tar any group of football fans with the same brush. Rangers, like any club, have a healthy cross-section of supporters who just love their club and want to see them do well. These men and women are not really into the vague, unrefined, theologically ignorant passion for a sort of dumbed-down Protestantism that some of the Rangers supportersââ?¬â?¢ groups crave. And, more than anything, just like Murray, when you meet these latter groups of fans, you find they cannot really make their arguments stand up. A few years ago I went down to Ibrox to meet, among others, some representatives of the Rangers Supporters Assembly and the Rangers Supporters Trust. In an alarming number of them it was obvious that, lurking beneath was a quest to preserve ââ?¬Å?the tradition of Rangersââ?¬Â, a phrase that always seems to elude more specific definition. By this, of course, the real hardcore actually mean ââ?¬Å?a Protestant Rangersââ?¬Â, though they cannot quite articulate it as such. The more adept among them try to find more emollient phrases for this passion for ââ?¬Å?a Protestant Rangersââ?¬Â but, in this quest, vagueness and vacuity become their speciality. The truth is, it is hard trying to make the old ways sound acceptable in modern Britain. These are the people that Murray tires of, the people that he feels embarrass Rangers and hold the club back. Mercifully, they are confined to the internet bunkers, and are not taken seriously by a wider constituency of Rangers fans, but they are still down there festering away. In this context Rangers FC is ensnared between those (the majority, surely) who wish for a modern, progressive, liberal representation of their club, and those others who hanker hopelessly after the old days. The irony is that, when Murray does eventually sell Rangers, the new owner or owners, if the club has any luck, will belong to the new, modern breed. Can you imagine a Roman Abramovich or an American investor, born of the modern age with modern values, coming in to Rangers and banging on about 1690, King Billy and the rest of it? The very idea is laughable. Rangers FC is a great institution that does not deserve to be embarrassed or held back. And it wonââ?¬â?¢t be. Thank goodness, even in sport, the tide of modern thinking is too strong. And another thing... The party should be over for Old Firm goalkeepers Donââ?¬â?¢t you wonder what is going on with the Old Firmââ?¬â?¢s goalkeepers? From where I sit ââ?¬â? and the view is sometimes obscured ââ?¬â? Artur Boruc and Allan McGregor enjoy a party, preferably with beers to hand and a pretty girl on their lap. Boruc was pictured last week in the tabs happily chomping away on some female friend back in Poland, a cigar close to hand. Subsequently, the Pole shows up at Love Street to play St Mirren on Saturday and, not content with clattering Craig Dargo, goes around doing quite a bit of flapping at crosses and generally looking unconvincing. We saw a similar fuzziness earlier this season in McGregor, a man whom Walter Smith euphemistically said had ââ?¬Å?lost his focusââ?¬Â. Funnily enough, that focus also seemed to disappear while McGregor was living the high life. On that occasion, Smith, beginning to look like the general-secretary of the Temperance Society, decided to drop McGregor and ordered him to shape up. Both Smith and Strachan, I belive, are uneasy about taking lectures in morality from anyone in the media ââ?¬â? to be blunt, they know that we all like a bit of action ourselves Strachan, indeed, was all the more determined to select Boruc on Saturday, having sat through such earnest inquiries as ââ?¬Å?dââ?¬â?¢you think Arturââ?¬â?¢s mind is fully focused on the job, Gordon?ââ?¬Â the previous day. On such occasions I just think football managers have to play the Jim Baxter card. Slim Jim, it is widely attested, knew how to enjoy himself, but so long as he performed on the park, could anyone \ care? Not easily embarrassed I dare say that his critics would be hoping that ââ?¬Å?the poor crowdââ?¬Â at Hampden last Wednesday for the Scotland-Argentina game might be another stick with which to beat Gordon Smith, the SFA chief executive. But, like many of the so-called Smith failings, such criticism wouldnââ?¬â?¢t really stack up. A Hampden crowd of 33,000 for the Argentina game maybe wasnââ?¬â?¢t quite what the SFA had hoped for, but can it really be called a failure? Actually, it seemed not a bad figure for wet, mid-November at the beginning of a recession. Perhaps the SFA suffered a slight loss on the deal, but it wonââ?¬â?¢t have been enough to embarrass Smith, below. George Burley, too, was quite right to enjoy the occasion. With Holland looming in March, Scotland are much better facing Argentina than the usual Baltic dross.

Rangers midfielder Pedro Mendes says the gap between the Old Firm and Europe's top clubs is not as big as some suggest. More...

Review of the Season so far: Main site link: http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=711&Itemid=1

By Graeme Bryce, 22/11/2008 SIR DAVID MURRAY claims the next multi-million-pound buyout of a British club could rock the football world ââ?¬â? because it could happen in SCOTLAND rather than the Premiership. The Rangers chairman insists the prospect of a Russian billionaire, oil-rich Sheikh or American tycoon making a major investment in Rangers or Celtic isnââ?¬â?¢t as fanciful as it seems. He reckons the Premiership can no longer guarantee their mega-rich clubs a passport to the Champions League they crave every season. In recent years Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have effortlessly cruised through to the group stages of the tournament. However when the Abu Dhabi United Group turned Manchester City into the richest club in the world overnight, the odds were altered dramatically. Now with American tycoon Randy Lernerââ?¬â?¢s Aston Villa on the rise and Newcastle the latest Premiership club attracting serious Arab and American interest, up to seven of the worldââ?¬â?¢s richest clubs could soon be chasing four places at Europeââ?¬â?¢s top table. But in Scotland it is a two-horse race between Rangers and Celtic every year. That is why Murray, who celebrated his 20th anniversary as owner of Rangers this weekend, believes itââ?¬â?¢s not fantasy football to suggest a mega-rich foreign benefactor could soon turn Scottish football on its head. He said: ââ?¬Å?If it is more difficult for Premiership clubs to qualify for the Champions League then of course itââ?¬â?¢s an advantage to Rangers and Celtic. ââ?¬Å?A football club is a risky business, itââ?¬â?¢s not really the best investment. It needs to have somebody with deep pockets and a plan. ââ?¬Å?If you ran Rangers as a conventional business, without any benefactor element, you would need to downsize the club by 20-25 per cent wage wise. But if somebody wants to use it as a tool for a different means, theyââ?¬â?¢d probably spend a bit more. ââ?¬Å?Joe Lewis was a business recluse until he bought shares in Rangers. That afternoon helicopters were flying over his house in the Caribbean! ââ?¬Å?So if somebody wants a high profile, buy a football club. ââ?¬Å?Roman Abramovich gained Western acceptance when he bought Chelsea. All of a sudden he became a business face, which would not have been known if he hadnââ?¬â?¢t bought Chelsea. It helped him greatly.ââ?¬Â Murray believes if serious foreign cash was invested in either half of the Old Firm it would floor their rivals. He added: ââ?¬Å?Thereââ?¬â?¢s not much between Rangers and Celtic. They beat us, we beat them, generally. Weââ?¬â?¢ve both got a lot of Ã?£2-4million players, so thereââ?¬â?¢s little to choose between the squads at the moment. But if somebody put some serious money into one club, I think the other one would be away in the background again for a while.ââ?¬Â Murray has made it clear for some time he is willing to step aside, after two decades in charge of Rangers, provided the right buyer can be found. He admits he came within seconds of selling his stake in the Ibrox club last year to an un-named British buyer, only to pull out at the last moment. He said: ââ?¬Å?Thereââ?¬â?¢s been a few potential buyers on the dance floor over the years. Weââ?¬â?¢ve had a few people interested, but weââ?¬â?¢ve only had one over the line. ââ?¬Å?We were actually very close to completing a deal with a British investor a year ago in July. I was in the Dorchester Hotel with Martin Bain, the legal documentation was done, the deal agreed, all I had to do was sign my name. My team had worked very hard, but I said ââ?¬Ë?Tell me one more time what you intend to doââ?¬â?¢, then said it wasnââ?¬â?¢t for me and left. I saw a bit of asset division getting made. ââ?¬Å?Some people say on these websites Iââ?¬â?¢m an asset stripper. But Iââ?¬â?¢ve never known how you can asset strip something which you own 92 per cent of yourself. ââ?¬Å?All I had to do was sign my name, but the investor was fine about it afterwards. ââ?¬Å?It wasnââ?¬â?¢t a case that I couldnââ?¬â?¢t give up being chairman of Rangers, I wouldnââ?¬â?¢t go that far. It just wasnââ?¬â?¢t right. There might be flats at Murray Park today otherwise. I didnââ?¬â?¢t feel the way they were going to run the club was the Rangers way. ââ?¬Å?The proposed plans we have for stadium re-development cover 45 acres, so thereââ?¬â?¢s more money to be made on that than the club. Maybe that tells you a little bit about why we didnââ?¬â?¢t do the deal. You go through life and you have to make decisions. It would have been easier to take the money and go. My life would have been easier for the last 12 months, but in my mind it just wasnââ?¬â?¢t the right thing to do. ââ?¬Å?If I had known the credit crunch was coming it might have been slightly different, not to be dishonest. ââ?¬Å?But that was a decision I made and you live and die by your decisions. The deal had been three months in the making but my family backed me. ââ?¬Å?You hear all that stuff, ââ?¬Ë?Murray must goââ?¬â?¢? Well tell me about it, because my family want me to go! ââ?¬Å?Twenty years as chairman of Rangers is a long time, but contrary to what people say, the fact I have said Iââ?¬â?¢d be willing to sell doesnââ?¬â?¢t diminish my efforts to try and win things. ââ?¬Å?Anyone who knows me, knows thatââ?¬â?¢s not true. ââ?¬Å?How much longer will I go on for? I donââ?¬â?¢t know, thatââ?¬â?¢s for others to decide. What I would say is Iââ?¬â?¢ve never hidden, Iââ?¬â?¢ve tried to give leadership and hopefully integrity. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m the longest serving chairman in the clubââ?¬â?¢s history. Iââ?¬â?¢ve been here for 15 per cent of the history of Rangers Football Club and weââ?¬â?¢ve won 30 per cent of the trophies in that time. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m happy to keep going for now, until I can pass the baton on to a suitable owner. ââ?¬Å?But I wouldnââ?¬â?¢t put my children through it. Let them have a life. Theyââ?¬â?¢re both happy, married with children, doing well in their careers. ââ?¬Å?Goodness me, put them through all of this for another 20 years?ââ?¬Â http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/scottish/scottish_sport/article82126.ece

From John McGarry in Aalborg, 22/11/2008 ALLAN KUHN has sensationally branded Celtic LUCKY and off-form. The stand-in Aalborg boss cranked up the heat ahead of Tuesdayââ?¬â?¢s make-or-break Champions League clash with the Hoops in Denmark with his blast. The stakes could hardly be higher with the winner almost certainly guaranteed UEFA Cup football. But despite Celtic racking up 11 straight SPL wins since losing to Rangers in August, the man who stepped up from No2 when Bruce Rioch was sacked feels his side are facing Celtic at just the right time. He said: ââ?¬Å?I know people are saying this is the game Celtic will end their bad away run in the Champions League but thinking like that could be their main problem. ââ?¬Å?We have a much better team than we did when we drew 0-0 at Celtic Park. ââ?¬Å?They will still be favourites coming here because they have the experience in Europe. But so far they havenââ?¬â?¢t used that to get a win away from home. I think against Celtic itââ?¬â?¢s 50-50. They are a bigger name than us but thatââ?¬â?¢s all. ââ?¬Å?I saw they beat the team who are bottom of the Scottish League just 2-1 last week. ââ?¬Å?I think they were very lucky with the penalty and scored with just four minutes to go. So I think theyââ?¬â?¢re struggling a bit at the moment.ââ?¬Â Despite a lack of superstars in his side, Kuhn believes his players can achieve the result that guarantees them European football in the New Year and will perhaps earn him an extended stay in the dug-out. He added: ââ?¬Å?The club have told me Iââ?¬â?¢ll be in charge for six weeks then Iââ?¬â?¢ll probably be back as No2. But you never know what can happen in football. ââ?¬Å?Of course, it would help my case if we could beat Celtic or Manchester United but itââ?¬â?¢s not all about those two games. ââ?¬Å?We donââ?¬â?¢t fear anything. Our guys played in Europe last year against the likes of Spurs and Sampdoria so they have learned how to play. Thatââ?¬â?¢s why it didnââ?¬â?¢t surprise me when we got the draw in Glasgow. ââ?¬Å?Weââ?¬â?¢re not afraid of Celtic because we have a lot of international players who have been involved in big games. ââ?¬Å?If we make third in the group and the UEFA Cup it would be a massive achievement. At the start, we knew if we had the scenario of Celtic at home with everything still at stake, it would be a great opportunity. ââ?¬Å?Now weââ?¬â?¢re there and we want to take it. We know if we beat Celtic weââ?¬â?¢re through and weââ?¬â?¢ll do everything we can to do it. ââ?¬Å?It would be great to go into the winter training, in the cold and snow, knowing weââ?¬â?¢re in the next stage of the UEFA Cup. Itââ?¬â?¢s a massive match for us.ââ?¬Â Kuhn only hopes his next experience of European football against a Scottish side is better than his first. He said: ââ?¬Å?I played for Lyngby against Rangers in 1992, trying to qualify for the Champions League. I didnââ?¬â?¢t play in the first leg at Ibrox because I was sick. ââ?¬Å?I was back for the return but we lost 1-0 in Copenhagen. I managed to get Ally McCoistââ?¬â?¢s shirt that night. ââ?¬Å?It was a great tie to play in and great experience for me as a youngster, going up against players like McCoist and Mark Hateley. ââ?¬Å?Rangers were even bigger favourites to beat us then than Celtic are now so it wasnââ?¬â?¢t too much of a disappointment to lose. ââ?¬Å?Thatââ?¬â?¢s the only time Iââ?¬â?¢ve played against a Scottish team, as a player or coach. But we know Scottish football well in Denmark, we always get the Old Firm games on TV. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢ve seen a few of Celticââ?¬â?¢s games recently and our scout was at the St Mirren match, so we know how theyââ?¬â?¢ll play. Even with a few injuries they still have a strong team. Theyââ?¬â?¢ve never won away from home in the Champions League and this could be our chance.ââ?¬Â Aalborg have steadily climbed away from the foot of the Danish league since Kuhn took charge and the 40-year-old said: ââ?¬Å?It is incredible how quickly you learn in this game. ââ?¬Å?In the first week you feel the adrenalin and youââ?¬â?¢re stressed, but after that you cope, you have to. We were second from bottom in the league when I took over, so it was important to move up. Weââ?¬â?¢re doing that now and weââ?¬â?¢re in the semi-final of the cup. ââ?¬Å?Weââ?¬â?¢ve not lost yet since I took over and I can feel the confidence coming back into the squad.ââ?¬Â http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/scottish/scottish_sport/82146/Aalborg-brand-Celts-weak-and-lucky.html

SOCCER hero Aiden McGeady was left battered and bloody yesterday — after the latest in a series of senseless attacks on Old Firm stars. It’s believed the 22-year-old Celtic winger was subjected to a volley of vile sectarian abuse by three cowardly yobs before he was smashed twice in the nose. Clash ... trendy Karbon nightspot Clash ... trendy Karbon nightspot Last night, a pal told how McGeady was badly shaken by the nightclub attack — describing him as an innocent “victim”. The friend said: “Aiden was out for a few drinks and he was attacked without provocation. He’s pretty distressed and upset. “There was about three of them and they started dishing out some abuse, it was pretty heavy stuff. “One of them punched him on the face a couple of times.” McGeady was enjoying a night out with pals in Glasgow city centre’s trendy Karbon when the neds pounced in the early hours. It’s understood they branded him a “****** b******” before landing two hefty blows. The Republic of Ireland international — already ruled out of last night’s match against Poland through injury — was said to have been left covered in blood. But the source added: “He didn’t retaliate once and just left the club. “It’s sad that a player like him can’t go out for a beer in midweek without something like this happening. He wasn’t breaking any curfew, it was during his time off.” Strathclyde Police were not alerted, while Celtic last night declined to comment. Karbon — run by nightclub supremo James Mortimer — also said it was unaware of the attack. Several Old Firm stars have been at the centre of a spate of bust-ups and vandal attacks in recent months. And it’s not the first time McGeady has been caught up in violence on a night out. In August, he was with Hoops pals Darren O’Dea and Scott Brown when trouble flared. Ace ... Celtic star McGeady Ace ... Celtic star McGeady O’Dea was led off by cops in handcuffs and handed a fixed penalty fine for his part in the melee outside the Bamboo club. Midfielder Brown was also said to have been punched, while two youths aged 18 and 19 were arrested in connection with an alleged assault. We told in April how McGeady clashed with other revellers just hours after a 3-2 win over Old Firm rivals Rangers. He was targeted by yobs who squared up to him and chanted “If you hate Aiden McGeady clap your hands” as he left Bamboo with team-mate Scott McDonald. McGeady is said to have defended himself and the bust-up was over in seconds. McDonald was not involved in the scuffle. Asked if he would be better to keep a lower profile, he said at the time: “No, not really. If you have a good week in work you go out and celebrate. “You have to develop a thick skin but it’s not a big deal most of the time. People are either going to shake your hand or give you abuse but they won’t drive me out, not at all.” Last month, two men appeared in court in connection with an alleged assault on Celtic coach Neil Lennon on September 1. Advertisement Worried Rangers bosses also drafted in security teams to protect the family of striker Nacho Novo after vile yobs posted his home address on an unofficial Hoops fans website. And a host of Gers players also had their cars vandalised in a spate of sectarian attacks. Ibrox goalie Allan McGregor and fiancee Leah Shevlin had ‘IRA’ and Celtic slogans scored over their luxury motors. Last weekend, it was revealed team-mate Kenny Miller’s Bentley was vandalised in an acid attack in Bishopbriggs, near Glasgow. http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/article1950413.ece Shit,put this in the wrong place,please move.

Given that we entertain our friends from the North East at Ibrox this weekend, I thought that it may be a good time to examine the intense rivalry that this fixture generates, both in the present day and in the bygone days of yore. Generally, I believe that since the nineties, we have (and the OF in general) have left Aberdeen in our shadow and for this Bear, the intensity of this game has dropped several notches. Don’t get me wrong, I still lookout for this fixture and still enjoy the passion that it generates and it still gives me an extra pleasure defeating the Dons (almost as pleasant as defeating the MOPES). I believe that most Rangers fans will share this opinion and would believe that the rivalry is fast becoming a ‘one-way street’. Sections of the Aberdeen fans still look at us as the ‘hated enemy’, the one team that they want to be victorious over every time they play us. In fact, they still sing to the MOPES : ‘We Hate Rangers More than You’. Was this rivalry always as one sided? You bet it wasn’t. When I first started attending Rangers games regularly, the New Firm of Aberdeen and Dundee UTD were the ‘teams to beat’ and were ahead (footballing wise) of the Old Firm. Given this, they would regularly defeat Rangers both home and away. Trips to Tannidice were never fraught with danger, they never generated a poisonous atmosphere, they were just normal run of the mill games. In fact, in the early 80’s the same could be said of trips to Pittodrie. This fixture would see Rangers supporters clubs travelling up to Aberdeen and staying over in or around the city and enjoying a Saturday night out on the town. Everything in the Aberdeen garden was rosy around this time, they were the top dogs and whilst they were rubbing our noses in it on the pitch, they appeared to at least tolerate us, if not welcome us, into their city prior and post match. Now, like any city centre on a Saturday night, there were a few scuffles as drunk fans clashed with locals, a few full blown fights would also be witnessed, but like I said, this was true of all town centres at the weekends. It has to be pointed out here, and in no way am I condoning the violence, but there were ‘fist fights’ that were generally over before they begun. So what happened to change this situation? Some people point to the Durrant / Simpson incident (it certainly didn’t help matters). Some (especially Aberdeen fans) point to an incident where Willie (Bud) Johnston appeared to stand on the neck of an Aberdeen player (John McMaster if my memory serves me correctly). Some will point to the birth of the much maligned (and blamed for almost all football related violence) the football casuals. Some will also remember and point to the violent scenes during and after the Rangers v Aberdeen game at Ibrox in 1985-1986 were Aberdeen won 3-0 and two Rangers players were sent off. During the game, Rangers fans from the East Enclosure invaded the pitch and after the game, I witnessed the 2nd worst example of violence I have ever encountered at a game. The Rangers fans streamed out Ibrox before fulltime and a large number gathered behind the Broomie where the Aberdeen fans were housed and as soon as they were released, the gathered Rangers fans steamed in and gave them what can only be described as a ‘good seeing to’. Again, I am not condoning this violence, but it is an example of how intense this rivalry was. The pitch invasion can be viewed here [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUkUSDLH45k&feature=related]YouTube - Ibrox pitch invasion 1985[/ame] In truth, the rivalry had been building over the years and all of the above played their part in perpetrating this rivalry, but it was to at its most intense after a certain Mr David Holmes brought in a certain Mr Graeme Souness as Rangers manager. This bold decision changed the face of Scottish Football and the sleeping giant that was Rangers FC was finally awakened. We were no longer 3rd or 4th best, we were back where we belonged. Normal service had been restored. We all know that we finally won our first league title in a decade when we secured a 1-1 draw at Pittodrie – this coupled with Celtc’s shock 2-1 home defeat by Falkirk – meant Rangers were CHAMPIONS. The game is famous for so many things – Butchers goal, Souness’ red card and the jubilant scenes after the game. Personally, I’ll never forget this day as long as I live. Not just for the above, but for the generosity of a few Aberdeen fans (yip, you’ve read that correctly). Four of us had gone up to the game and only I had a ticket. The other three couldn’t get a ticket prior to the game, so I sold mine (face value) to another Bear and me and my 3 mates trudged to a ‘carry-out’ shop to get some beer and trudge to the hill that overlooks Pittodrie. There were hundreds of Rangers fans up there and a wee party ensued. If you watch the footage below of the game, wee Durranty wheels away after the goal and ‘celebrates’ the goal with those up on the hill (or so we’d like to think). Anyway, at halftime, all those of the hill walked down to Pittodrie and joined forces with hundreds of other fans at the Aberdeen end trying to negotiate entry! The Police were actually OK as they told us that they would allow us access to the ground if and when Rangers won the league. They would hold us there and allow us access when the Aberdeen fans had left. As they were conveying this, a door was being opened to allow more Police to leave the ground and ‘watch’ those gathered around the Aberdeen end. The Rangers fans saw their opportunity, and charged the gate. The sheer numbers forced the gate open and we ran into the stadium with the Police giving chase. I was helped up into the stand and was sat amongst the Aberdeen fans by two elderly ‘Dons’. Thanks to them, I and my 3 friends witnessed the majority of the 2nd half and the celebrations in their entirety : [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPkaTZ_qT24]YouTube - Aberdeen v Rangers (2 May 1987) - 1/3[/ame] [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LD7giiV-aM&feature=related]YouTube - Aberdeen v Rangers (2 May 1987) - 2/3[/ame] [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LD7giiV-aM&feature=related]YouTube - Aberdeen v Rangers (2 May 1987) - 3/3[/ame] During the early 90’s Rangers were in the infancy stages of what would turn out to be out 9-in-a-row era and whilst Celtc were self-destructing on and off the field, Aberdeen became our main on and off the field rivals. This saw some titanic battles not only in the league, but in both domestic cup competitions - none more so that the two fantastic league cup games that ended 3-2 to Rangers and a Rangers penalty shoot-out victory after a brilliant 3-3 draw. Rangers fans of my generation and older will also remember the game that won us the league in 1990-1991 – Aberdeen came into the final game of the season ahead of Rangers on points (we had just lost 3-0 to Motherwell the previous week) and had to endure the loss of our captain Terry Butcher and our manager Graeme Souness earlier in the season. Walter Smith was the man appointed by David Murray to ensure that we secured our 3rd consecutive title. Given the slip up at Motherwell the week before, this wasn’t a formality. Aberdeen went into the game needing just a point. Rangers went into the game with injury worries and these increased during the game and Tom Cowan actually played part of the game with a broken leg. Nigal Spackman captained the team to a wonderful 2-0 victory with the much maligned Mark Hateley scoring both goals. His opener was a joy to behold. Mark Walters swung in a beautiful cross and Hateley rose magesitcally to rise above Alex McLeish and slam an unstoppable header into the roof of the net – cue bedlum around Ibrox.

by Gordon Thomson FORMER Rangers captain Craig Moore is battling cancer. The footballer has had emergency surgery days after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. Moore, who was born in Canterbury, Australia, has been told to rest for the next fortnight before undergoing more tests. However, the urologist who is treating him said his "outlook is good." The 32-year-old footballer underwent surgery yesterday just five days after the shock diagnosis was made. Moore has had to withdraw from the Australia team which is due to play Bahrain next week in a World Cup qualifier. advertisement Australia coach Pim Verbeek was taken aback by the news and said: "It's always a shock to hear of a diagnosis like this but I am encouraged by the prognosis from the medical practitioner, I speak for the entire team in wishing him a speedy recovery." Ben Buckley, chief executive of Football Federation Australia, said the player's "legendary toughness" and good fitness would undoubtedly help in his recovery. The health scare comes after Moore returned from a brief international retirement to play in the Socceroos' victorious World Cup qualifier win over Qatar here last month. A key member of Australia's 2006 World Cup campaign, the player - due to celebrate his 33rd birthday next month - has been ordered to rest for two weeks and will have further tests in six weeks. Moore was a product of the Rangers youth system and rose to become club captain. He played for the Old Firm club for 11 years but was stripped of the captaincy four years ago when he decided to play for Aistralia at the Athens Olympics which rforced him to miss the start of the 2004-2005 SPL league campaign. Manager Alex McLeish kept the Aussie on the fringes of the team before selling him to German side Borussia Monchengladbach in January, 2005, where he played under ex-Rangers boss Dick Advocaat. But Advocaat was sacked after a short spell in charge and it was another ex-Rangers manager Graeme Souness who resurrectated his career in the UK by bringing him to Newcastle United at a time when Moore had been accused by the German club of turning up for training while drunk - an accusation Moore always denied. But the player only made nine appearances for the English Premier League side during his 2005-2006 debut season although he did play 21 times during the follow season. But Souness was sacked and replaced by Sam Allardyce in May last year and released Moore weeks later. Moore returned to Australia to play for Queensland in the A-League.services. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/display.var.2467521.0.0.php

I was just reading this and thought I would post it. The Rangers-Celtic Old Firm rivalry is one of the oldest and fiercest in world football, dating back to the late 19th century when Celtic were founded in Glasgow's East End. The teams first met at Celtic Park on May 28, 1888 in what was also the Parkhead club's first-ever match. Around 2,000 fans saw the home side win 5-2. The nickname 'The Old Firm' originated during the early year of the 20th century when the clubs began to dominate Scottish football and the term in part referred to the financial benefits associated with their frequent meetings. No two teams have dominated their national championship as much as Rangers and Celtic - between them they have won 90 of the 108 Scottish titles available since 1890. And they have also contested numerous dramatic head-to-head encounters. Here are the stats on how the Light Blues have fared against their old foes. RANGERS' COMPLETE RECORD v CELTIC: P W L D F A League 289 112 94 82 420 381 Scottish Cup 46 16 22 8 59 70 League Cup 45 23 20 2 65 67 All Matches 380 151 136 92 544 518* * as at August 31, 2008 RANGERS v CELTIC - THE COMPLETE LEAGUE RECORD IN THE PREMIER DIVISION/SPL P W L D F A 133 47 50 36 178 176 PREMIER AT IBROX P W L D F A 66 30 18 18 107 73 PREMIER AT CELTIC PARK P W L D F A 67 17 32 18 71 103 ALL LEAGUE GAMES P W L D F A 289 112 94 82 420 381 LEAGUE GAMES AT IBROX P W L D F A 144 70 33 41 236 152 LEAGUE GAMES AT CELTIC PARK P W L D F A 145 43 61 41 184 229 FIVE OLD FIRM FACTS Rangers' biggest league victory Celtic was the 5-0 thrashing of September 1893. Their best Premier triumphs were the 5-1 wins of August Ally challenges Phil O'Donnell during an Old Firm clash1988 and November 2000. The largest crowd ever to watch an Old Firm game was the 132,870 which saw the 1969 Scottish Cup Final at Hampden. The clubs hold the British record attendance for a league match - 118,567 watched their New Year derby at Ibrox on January 2, 1939. The Light Blues' best score in an Old Firm fixture was the 8-1 rout of January 1, 1943. Unfortunately, like all wartime games, the match is classed as unofficial! Ally McCoist is Rangers' top modern-day goalscorer in Old Firm matches with 27 goals between 1983 and 1998. However the famous R.C. Hamilton hit 35 goals against Celtic in various competitions during the late 1890s and early 1900s. Celtic's leading scorer in the fixture is Jimmy McGrory, who ties with McCoist on 27. Alfie Conn is the only player to have won Scottish Cup medals with both Old Firm sides. The midfielder scored for Rangers in the 1973 Old Firm Final and was in the Celtic team which defeated Gers 1-0 in 1977.

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=693&Itemid=2 As our forum regulars will know, I had this article planned last week anyway due to the recent comments from a range of people about the effect of unofficial websites based around football. Fortunately, BBC Radio Scotland also had a debate on this last night, so the topic gains even more relevance. Essentially, of late we’ve had people from Sir David Murray, to Walter Smith, to the likes of Richard Gordon and even that fearless objective crusader at ‘The Times’, Graham Spiers highlighting the role of unofficial sites in the current climate of the obsession with ‘bile’, sectarianism and discrimination in Scottish football. All these people suggest these sites (which I can only assume include this one as they don’t have the courage to name names) are cauldrons of hate – cooking up an intensity of spite and intolerance via misinformation and unchallenged anonymity. Now, I think it is important to acknowledge that some sites do have an element of that. Some forum posters or blog writers may not share the eloquence of the ‘genuine’ Fourth Estate and it’s easy to find non-constructive contributions on most sites. However, I think it’s important to retain objectivity when viewing the overall picture. Firstly, I completely reject any accusation towards Gersnet of sectarianism, bile or anonymity. We write here honestly, openly and always from a (reasonably) balanced view point. We certainly do not allow social intolerance or lies about individuals and we can be contacted easily and effectively via the site. Indeed, Rangers FC are fully aware of who runs this small fansite. To move immediately on, it’s important to discuss why the people/organisations above are now intent on reducing the credibility of such places - even if I don’t think this site is the target of any criticism. 1. Money Quite simply, as the stats from independent news-wire sites such as NewsNow will show, unofficial websites cost clubs and the media money. Why would supporters visit their bland ‘official’ websites or buy their offline products when they can access the same information for free? This site often out-performs the orthodox media/news sites and as such we are taking their customers away. We provide genuine competition and they don’t like this. 2. Access to Debate Football fans of every club have for years complained that their club doesn’t gain the attention it deserves in the media or that that attention is flawed: e.g.; non-Old Firm supporters complain of West Coast bias, Old Firm supporters complain about imbalance. As such, it’s obvious to anyone that when we can set up our own sites of debate, people will gravitate to these. Perhaps if the clubs and the media groups offered similar official forums (online and offline) for discussion, the need for unofficial ones wouldn’t be so great? 3. Quality of Debate Spelling mistakes and grammar errors notwithstanding, unofficial sites also compete in debate quality terms. It’s extremely arrogant and unfair of our critics to suggest that isn’t the case. Football phone-ins and most media platforms are hardly the epitome of accuracy and neither do they attempt to reduce hyperbole of any given subject – particularly sectarianism. In fact they add to it and the contributors do not take responsibility for their actions either. As such it’s rather hypocritical of them to complain about our contribution. 4. Hypocrisy It’s interesting to hear these figures complain of such sites so also imperative to note their double-standards. For example, they criticise us publicly but in the background they contact us to publish their latest RSS widget, offer competitions/adverts or even send staff to post on our forums. Most importantly, they suffer from the same alleged problems they accuse us of – inaccuracy, lack of balance, poor quality writing and ill-informed sensationalism. They just don’t like us pointing this out. In conclusion, it’s obvious the competition aspect is what the media (in particular) fear from places like this site. They know our contribution is as good (if not better) than anything they have to offer and they feel the pressure from that. This pressure manifests itself in their flawed attempts at discrediting us where in actual fact, they should accept our competition, and use their unrivalled resources to outflank us. Thus, instead of complaining about such places; rise to the challenge and improve your own services. Revamp club websites. Provide genuine supporters representation. Take our complaints seriously. Report accurately on subjects. Be balanced in your coverage. Offer supporters access to proper informed media debate. Provide value for money. Work with the supporters – not against them. Maybe, just maybe, if you stopped passing the buck, Scottish football supporting wouldn’t be as bad an aspect of the game you paint it out to be. Unfortunately, as it stands, the complainers above are not offering solutions but simply pointing the finger of blame. This always seems to be the case so it any wonder division arises? Perhaps if you take responsibility for your own actions then supporters may just stop questioning your own credibility - which is why ‘unofficial’ websites exist in the first place.

Has looked good from what i have seen. A pity he could not have played beside the King.

This term is constantly used by The Media and football authorities in Scotland.Does it mean by using this term that the media and football authorities fully accept that Rangers and cltc do conspire together to get as much money out of their fans as possible The recent away tickets handling charge being an example,how come they both came up with the idea at the same time jonaich

Oct 24 2008 by Hugh Keevins WEST BROM will go back in for Rangers’ Kevin Thomson in the January transfer window. The midfielder was a target for Tony Mowbray in the summer and the Midlands club have been monitoring developments since. The return of Barry Ferguson from long-term injury plus the signings of Pedro Mendes and Steve Davis may reduce Thomson’s chances of a regular game at Ibrox. The right transfer fee could tempt Rangers to part with the player they bought from Hibs for Ã?£2million 18 months ago. Thomson has recently had to contend with becoming the victim of mindless vandalism, having had his car daubed with slogans in Edinburgh. Last week in an interview with Record Sport, he told how he hoped not to become part of the Old Firm goldfish bowl. He said: “If I wanted to draw attention to myself I could. But I’m a quiet-living guy.” West Brom have made a decent start to the Premiership after winning promotion last season but last Saturday’s 4-0 hammering from Manchester United convinced Mowbray new signings are necessary. He said: “We know the positions that need to be addressed and we’ll be doing that in January.” Not the most reliable of sources, I know, but still thought it was worth discussing especially considering the whole 'Who gets dropped?' question surrounding Barry's return. Personally I'm a big fan of Thomson and would be sad to see him go especially to a rotten mob like West Brom. I hate how we're so narrow-minded (not so much us as fans but because we know how unambitious our management are with team selections) that it has already been pre-determined someone drops out for Ferguson. Considering our apparent lack of natural width I'd be happy to see Walter try a genuine 4-3-3 (none of this '4-3-3 when attacking and 4-5-1 when defending nonsense) with the 3 consisting of Thomson holding and Ferguson and Mendes further forward with possibly Boyd or Miller as the figurehead and the likes of Lafferty and Novo either side but playing as genuine attacking threats as opposed to in the midfield. But that's just one way of fitting in all 3 . So is it set in stone that Thomson gets dropped? If so, may we aswell cash in on him?

Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc is found guilty of improper conduct for a gesture made towards Rangers fans. More...

Celtic chairman John Reid says fans must act to cut out offensive chants from both sides of the Old Firm. More...

By Andrew Dickson MARTIN BAIN has urged SPL clubs to accept the merits of the 5% away ticket surcharge implemented on them by Rangers and Celtic this season. The Old Firm announced their intention to impose the handling fee for the distribution of their fans' tickets at other grounds on behalf of opposition clubs in the summer. While some agreed to the plan, others have added to the price of away seats to supplement the new expense or begun selling the briefs themselves to avoid paying it. Gers chief executive Bain has stressed the levy was introduced to lessen the price of following Rangers and Celtic for supporters when they go on the road. While it has had the opposite effect in some cases, he still believes it is a scheme clubs that are currently against it could soon go along with. Bain admits a rethink may be needed to bring the situation to a satisfactory conclusion which suits all parties. But for the moment, he is intent on persevering with the Old Firm's stance as he feels it is one which is best for all concerned. Bain has previously stated he would be happy for other clubs to charge the same cost to the Old Firm for selling away tickets at Ibrox and Parkhead on their behalf. Speaking at the club's AGM today, he said: "The 5% levy was introduced and promoted by this football club to advantage Rangers supporters, not disadvantage them. "A total of �£2.5million worth of tickets is sold (by Rangers) on behalf of other SPL clubs which benefit them and their economy. "Rangers supporters, in recent times, have paid for that by way of a booking fee and it was our sole intention to alleviate that cost to our supporters. "We also want to make other clubs in the SPL wake up and smell the coffee and realise this football club and our supporters will not subsidise them without recognition. "SPL clubs do not recognise what the number of travelling Rangers supporters bring to the economy. "It is about time they did and it is my intention to make sure they stop disadvantaging our supporters by putting prices up.Martin Bain "If they can't recognise that is not the way to go, they need to have a long, hard think to themselves. "At the weekend, for St Mirren to put prices up for Rangers supporters with a difference of �£6 or �£7 to other parts of the ground was shocking. "You have my absolute assurance that I'm trying to hold firm with the other clubs on the 5% levy. "I have spoken to the SPL about this issue and to many other directors of other football clubs. "Now I am sitting at the juncture where I either persevere in the hope clubs recognise what I've set out to do or have to revisit the 5% levy in relation to prices. "It is all very well at the start of the season when the weather is a little better and clubs can sell debt to our supporters. "But when the winter comes and our supporters don't have the convenience of a ticket delivered to their doorstep things could change. "These clubs could then look at numbers and a possible drop in sales - which I hope doesn't happen - and they'll then realise the 5% levy is a good deal." Bain also promised to look into the allocation of tickets for major matches following questions about the distribution of UEFA Cup final seats.

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/A/303696369?-11344 If, like me, you received your copy of the accounts a few weeks back then you’ll know that this Thursday sees the yearly charade that is the annual general shareholders’ meeting. In a year that has seen Rangers reach the UEFA Cup Final, lose the SPL on the final day, go out of Europe to a Lithuanian banker’s hobby and just be beaten by St Mirren for the first time since Paisley Town centre was still seen as modern; then late morning at Ibrox Stadium this week should be interesting. Certainly the chairman could be forgiven for thinking that had he held it a week ago the pressure may not have been quite so much as it will be now. The loss on Sunday just goes to show how the Old Firm are always one bad result away from a crisis. Nonetheless, even if we had won at the weekend, there are still many relevant and important questions for the board of directors to answer. To begin, while all the latest online debate seems again to be concentrating on the merits and intentions behind the current attempt at terracing banter, I think there are much more concerning issues. As we read two weeks ago from Bluedell’s excellent accounts breakdown, the club debt has risen once more. Essentially, despite the superb run to the UEFA Cup Final – coupled with a reasonable showing in the CL Group Stage – if it wasn’t for the sale of Alan Hutton (and latterly Carlos Cuellar), there’s no way we’d have been able to see the spending we have over the last year or so. Indeed, such was the fall-out from the Cuellar sale, one wonders just how upset some fans will become when they realise that unless we make the same kind of sale(s) every year, we simply cannot afford to sustain Ã?£10million+ in transfer spending every summer. It’s actually surprising just how many hands go over eyes and ears when the undeniable facts about the financial limitations of playing in Scotland can be found in our accounts. Don’t believe me? Then simply look across the Clyde to Celtic who haven’t spent much money either despite certain CL qualification this season and an active part in the last two. As such, the single most important question for Thursday morning isn’t asking about the latest complaint about whatever journalist/TV star/radio presenter has said but what is the financial direction of our club? Ten years ago our club had just embarked on a rebuilding programme after losing the chance of a record 10 titles in a row. From being around Ã?£30million in the black and a hugely successful domestic period; we quickly went from this era of dominance to being Ã?£80million in the red and struggling to stop Celtic from matching our modern 9IAR. Sure, we’ve managed to win a few titles since and the necessary financial downsizing has worked to a reasonable degree. However, with debt increasing for the second year on the trot, no European football this year and far from being guaranteed for next; what is the outlook for the club? I appreciate I am being rather depressingly negative here – especially when we’re joint top of the SPL after a difficult start. However, sometimes one needs to be cruel to be kind. Rangers Football Club needs leadership. It needs organisation. It needs cohesion. It needs motivation. It needs debate. It needs structure. It needs ambition. It needs planning. It needs passion. From all levels of the club such virtues seem to be lacking. Indeed, because of this, I see the current Rangers FC as a house of cards. On the pitch, morale seems continually low leading to inconsistency and a dearth of commitment. Off the pitch, fans are divided and the board of directors seem isolated and even absent from dealing with the valid of concerns we have. Worryingly, I see no-one taking the lead to address this. Our chairman and owner wants to sell the club; our manager sits in the stand while our players go unmotivated; our perennially injured club captain doesn’t attend games to help off the park and fan organisations are rife with problems. Surely even a great 4-2 win away to Celtic shouldn’t gloss over these obvious and long-standing issues? The club AGM is where such topics must be debated. Let’s not be side-tracked by media red herrings about songs. Don’t allow non-stories caused by trouble-makers to detract from the main business. Rangers are second best and have been now for over 3 years. There isn’t much to suggest that is changing. That’s should be the main worry. The challenge is how to we get out of this negative vicious circle? Let’s ask the questions to ensure our responsible parties meet this challenge head on. Don’t let these people have an easy ride. It’s time for us all to stand up and be counted.

WITH the success of Pedro Mendes this season, many Rangers fans have asked whether Barry Ferguson will feature when he fin-ally regains full fitness. Mendes and Ferguson are, after all, almost identical central midfielders; they like to get on the ball, dictate play and weigh in with a few goals. Portuguese star Pedro has been outstanding for the Gers since clinching a �£4million move from Barclays Premier League club Portsmouth in the summer. The 29-year-old netted a sensational long-range goal in the 4-2 demolition of Celtic on his Old Firm debut at Parkhead back in August. advertisement And the ex-Porto ace also sent the Glasgow giants into the quarter-finals of the Co-operative Insurance Cup with a well-taken extra-time winner against Partick Thistle last month. After such a blistering start, Ibrox boss Walter Smith will find it impossible to leave him out when his talismanic captain is available again. So where, then, does that leave Ferguson, who is on the brink of returning to action after undergoing major ankle surgery back in July? Well, after the 1-0 defeat by St Mirren at Love Street on Sunday, Fergie will be welcomed back with open arms by his manager, team-mates and supporters alike. The Buddies' 3-5-2 formation stifled the creativity of former Champions League winner Mendes. But the ability and experience of Scotland skipper Barry alongside Pedro could have freed him to focus on the playmaker role. Former Rangers centre-half and captain and current BBC pundit Craig Paterson feels Smith will strive to accommodate both men in his starting line-up - and succeed. "Good players love to play with good players," Craig argued. "For me, the prospect of Ferguson and Mendes playing in the same starting line-up is a mouth-watering one. "Yes, both players are good at keeping the ball, are great passers and like to get up the pitch and into the final third. But Walter will find a way to incorporate the two of them in his team. "Rangers, and Celtic as well, are going to have games like the one against St Mirren on Sunday this season. Teams will set out to defend and frustrate them and sometimes they will succeed. "In those situations, Rangers will need all the good players the can get. Barry and Pedro have the ability to win the ball and grab a game by the scruff of the neck. The manager will want them both involved. "Rangers have done tremendously well to produce the run of results they have done without Barry in their team. But he will go into the side alongside Mendes as soon as he is ready." The defeat by St Mirren - the first they have suffered in Paisley in 22 years - meant Rangers failed to reclaim top spot in the SPL from Celtic. The unexpected loss has also led to an inevitable post mortem among their thousands of brassed-off fans - with many believing their team lacked any width. Off-form DaMarcus Beasley was benched as substitutes Kris Boyd and Kyle Lafferty tried and failed to make the breakthrough up front. Paterson, though, feels Smith was correct to go with the same group of outfield players who had dismantled Hibs in the league at Easter Road the previous weekend. He feels Buddies boss Gus MacPherson deserves tremendous credit for leading his bottom-placed side to a deserved triumph over Smith's team. Craig stressed: "Defensively, St Mirren were different class. They set out with a definite game plan and it worked. "Some fans are saying Rangers didn't have width, but it wasn't a problem at Easter Road. The full-backs, Kirk Broadfoot and Sasa Papac, did a lot of the damage against Hibs. "Gus has to be praised for identifying that as a danger area and ensuring his team snuffed out the threat." http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2458139.0.0.php

Rangers striker Nacho Novo claims he has received death threats as part of the Old Firm rivalry and insists he could never play for Celtic. Novo chose Rangers ahead of Celtic when he left Dundee in 2004 and according to the Spaniard, that has not been forgotten by the Parkhead fans. He said: "Rivalry between the teams remains something more than sporting. I have even received death threats this year. "I have seen on YouTube there is a video with a guy singing with his guitar that he hopes I die. That kind of thing has an impact on you. Threatening "In the four years I have been here, I have been through everything. Every time I face Celtic, the tyres of my car are punctured, the windows of my house are broken and I have been sent threatening letters. It is a pretty disagreeable situation." Novo, quoted in the Mail on Sunday via a Spanish football magazine, added: "Rangers have treated me so well, the fans have become like a family to me. "No matter how much money was put in front of me, I would never sign for Celtic." *********************************************** Just a thought, but, does anyone else agree that the government and SPL should be looking more at this than getting their panties in a twist about some daft song?? Is this the kind of world we live in these days? where a song about tatties is more to worry about than a man being threatened with his life because of who he works for??