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  1. Meanwhile, Arab Trust board member Mike Barile says that, if Rangers do make the last four, the game should not be played on the Glasgow side's ground. The former chairman of the fans' group said: "I was active in the supporters movement when United and Dundee met in the Scottish Cup semi-final in 1987. "Both clubs were prepared to play the game at Tannadice or Dens Park on the toss of a coin, but the SFA insisted that the game had to be played at a neutral stadium. "Now there is the possibility of playing Rangers and it is okay for the game to be played at Ibrox. "Can you imagine the outcry if the SFA were to say the game was to be played at Tannadice? It is a ridiculous decision. "If it is to be Rangers we are to play then the game should be played at a neutral ground." When Celtic Park was chosen as the venue for the final in October, it was announced that both semi-finals would be played at Ibrox. Hampden Park is unavailable because of redevelopment work taking place to lay track for the Commonwealth Games.
  2. Just as the truth is widely recognised as the first casualty of war, the most striking and predictable consequence of the kind of circumstances in which Rangers have floundered in recent years is almost invariably the proliferation of myths and misapprehensions. Principal among these is the ludicrous notion that the Ibrox club (and their traditional rivals, Celtic, for that matter) warrant being referred to as “a massive institution” whenever their descent into the fiscal void is discussed, as if another General Motors has gone to the wall. This is clearly a preposterous description to apply to an organisation whose latest financial returns show an annual turnover of £19 million. That equates to about three months’ takings for the average-sized Asda supermarket. Hard evidence of the regard in which the market held the new Rangers company which was formed after the liquidation of the old – that is, their status as a business as opposed to a crowd-pulling football team – first emerged with the results of the share issue launched under the former chief executive, Charles Green, in December, 2012. At the time, Green talked of the “huge” interest from “institutional investors”, a claim which was less than convincing, given the recessionary times in which the prospectus was offered. Nor did it seem to make sense for institutional investors – these are hedge funds and the like handling pensions and other monies on behalf of clients – to be risking substantial amounts of cash on a football club, and especially one in Scotland that would be operating in the relative penury of the bottom tier of the game. In the event, these so-called heavy hitters limited their commitment to a total of just £17m, with another £4m worth of shares bought by individual fans. Now the eight most prominent institutional investors (not counting Sandy Easdale, an individual businessman) own equity worth an average of £1.3m. This is a figure that would not cover the annual remuneration of the common-or-garden hedge fund manager. Indeed, as an accountant friend confirmed, it suggests the kind of throwaway “investment” that results from the company involved having been advised it would be tax-efficient, rather than a source of profit. Nor could these reputed heavyweights be accused of an attempt at seizing power at Ibrox, since the biggest among them, Laxey Partners, holds a mere 12.47 per cent of Rangers. Curiously, the company about which there has been so much intrigue over the past year or so – with puzzling, widespread demands for the identities of their personnel to be revealed – appeared only this week to show a pronounced insouciance in the matter of the Ibrox club’s business affairs. Having agreed to lend the club £1m in return for an interest payment of £150,000 as well as security over the Albion car park and Edmiston House in the event of failure to repay the loan, Laxey seemed surprisingly ready to cancel the deal in order to allow an apparently wealthy fan, George Letham, to step in with the funds at a more favourable rate. This hardly seems to be the action of a City predator, interested only in maximising returns for minimum stakes. If anything, it is an episode that hints strongly at the possibility that, whatever priorities and imperatives drive their interest in Rangers (unlike certain individuals such as Green) making a quick killing is not among them. Celtic’s ‘lost’ treble is hardly unprecedented The impish cast to Fergus McCann’s mind would surely have been highly activated by the events of this week. While Celtic fans were remembering and celebrating McCann’s rescue of the club from the financial quicksand and looming oblivion during the most critical days in its history in 1994, there was a simultaneous outbreak of disgruntlement that the team under Neil Lennon at present were only 21 points ahead of the pack on their way to a third successive league championship. For those apparently endowed with the memory of a goldfish, this is clearly just not good enough. The notion that Celtic should stroll virtually unopposed to a domestic treble every season on the nonsensical grounds that their traditionally strongest rivals, Rangers, play in a lower league, is a supposition not 
supported by historical statistics. Some observers refer to Lennon 
“losing” a treble, seemingly unaware that you can’t “lose” one, but simply fail to win one. During the periods of virtually unchallenged domination by each member of the Old Firm, those many occasions on which they fell short of a domestic grand slam were almost inevitably the result of defeats by lesser opponents. Graeme Souness managed five years at Ibrox without winning the Scottish Cup, unforgettably losing to Hamilton at home in 1987. Martin O’Neill contrived to have the most formidable side in the country in 2003 and win nothing as Rangers under Alex McLeish lifted everything. O’Neill took his team to Seville and the Uefa Cup final. He also took them to Inverness and lost in the Scottish Cup, before conceding the championship on goal difference. In one bizarrely contradictory article, Lennon was first of all chastised for his part in two “avoidable” defeats, by Morton in the League Cup and by Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup, thereby failing once again to land the treble. A few paragraphs later, however, Lennon was accused of being “ungracious” following his scathing remarks about referee Craig Thomson’s performance in Celtic’s defeat in their latest league match at Pittodrie. It is a perfectly legitimate view, but Lennon was “advised” by the observer that he should simply have accepted that “these things happen” and allowed Aberdeen the credit they deserved. These things certainly do happen – but, apparently, in some quarters 
they are only forgivable if they do no damage. http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/spfl/glenn-gibbons-big-hitters-see-rangers-as-small-fry-1-3333239
  3. Five people have been arrested in connection with crowd trouble at the Motherwell v Celtic game last week A reported £10,000 of damage was caused to seats in a section housing Celtic fans, a flare was let off in the same area before the game and two green smoke bombs were thrown on to the pitch during the match at Fir Park stadium on Friday. Celtic said they were ''appalled'' by the actions and issued precautionary suspensions to 128 supporters preventing them from attending home and away matches, while 250 season-ticket holders seated in the Green Brigade's corner of Celtic Park are to be moved to other parts of the ground. Police said 18 smoke bombs, three fireworks and one flare were set off. There were also disturbances and vandalism in Motherwell both before and after the game. Officers said five people were arrested in connection with the disorder on Monday and inquiries are continuing. The incident was the latest in a spate of trouble at Scottish football matches. A teenage girl was arrested after a flare was thrown from the Rangers support after their win at Falkirk on November 30, damaging the pitch, and a smoke bomb was thrown from the Motherwell support during their defeat by Albion Rovers on the same day. Last Saturday, 10 people were arrested in connection with football-related disorder before the Falkirk v Raith Rovers match. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/u/five-arrested-after-celtic-fan-trouble-at-motherwell-match.1386845170
  4. http://www.therangersstandard.co.uk/index.php/articles/rfc-politics/310-dr-waiton-on-rangers-free-speech-and-sectarianism It's an excellent read (the Spiers part especially), very well done to John.
  5. IAN Black has vowed to earn a new deal with Rangers - and help the Ibrox club complete every stage of 'The Journey'. The former Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Hearts man is out of contract at the end of next season. But he is keen to pledge his future to Rangers so he can help them compete against their Old Firm rivals. Black said: "I have been consistent this season and the manager has been happy enough to play me every week. I have been doing something right. "I just need to work hard, keep my head down and try to earn myself a new contract. "I have got this year and next season just now. When you have got a year-and-a-half left then you obviously look to get a new deal and a bit of security for my career and for my family as well. "I just want to work hard and hopefully things behind the scenes can work out for me." He added: "My aim is to play in the top flight. Coming here when we were at the bottom my aim was to help the club get back up. "Hopefully I can be rewarded with getting a deal to play in the Premiership with a club this size. It is up to me to keep playing well and trying to get one." http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/rangers/black-aim-is-a-ticket-to-ride-on-journey-152249n.23438571
  6. .....about Neil Lennon on way to match at Fir Park 16 Feb 2014 07:56 JAMES BEATTIE, 29, claimed he shouted the comments after he was taunted by Celtic fans as he walked towards Fir Park last August. AN Aberdeen fan who shouted sectarian abuse about Celtic manager Neil *Lennon has been jailed for 10 months. James Beattie, 29, was on his way to watch the Dons play Motherwell at Fir Park when he launched the tirade in the street. He claimed he made the comments after he was taunted by Celtic fans as he walked towards the Lanarkshire ground. He hit back by branding Lennon a “f***** b******, which was overheard by police. Beattie, from Markinch, Fife, admitted shouting abusive, sectarian and threatening remarks last August. He also admitted threatening behaviour at Motherwell police station. At Hamilton Sheriff Court last week, *Sheriff Vincent Smith handed Beattie a three-year football banning order in addition to the jail term. This month, Lennon was attacked by Aberdeen fans at Tynecastle in Edinburgh while watching the Dons’ League Cup tie against St Johnstone. He was spat on and coins and a bottle thrown at him. Beattie is the seventh opposition fan to be sent to prison in recent years for abusing Lennon. Hearts supporter John Wilson, 26, was cleared of a pitchside assault on Lennon during a game between Hearts and Celtic in May 2011. But at Edinburgh Sheriff Court later that year, he was jailed for eight months for a breach of the peace at the same match and handed a five-year football *banning order. In 2012, two men were jailed after parcels were posted to Lennon and two other high-profile Celtic fans the previous year after a confrontation between the Celtic manager and Rangers boss Ally McCoist during a bad-tempered Old Firm game. Trevor Muirhead, 44, and Neil McKenzie, 43, were found guilty of conspiracy to assault Lennon, former MSP Trish Godman and the late lawyer Paul McBride QC. *Muirhead and McKenzie were each jailed for five years. After the incident at *Tynecastle this month, Lennon angrily *dismissed claims he brings abuse on *himself. He said: “I am no more confrontational than any other manager in the SPFL. “However, when it’s an issue regarding me, it seems to be imbalanced. “I can handle myself but I’m not a street fighter. I live my life as quietly as I can away from football but I’m in the public eye. “It’s hard to undo that but I’ve been staying away from flashpoints and controversy.” http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/aberdeen-fan-jailed-10-months-3150717
  7. ........it was really difficult to walk away TIME will eventually heal Rangers' wounds … but the pain remains for Maurice Edu. It is two years on Friday the Light Blues were plunged into administration and the wheels put in motion on a series of events that would see a title-winning squad decimated, Ally McCoist's side drop to Scotland's lowest division and supporters put through an emotional wringer as their club was engulfed in crisis. Edu was one of the last players to jump ship at Ibrox, the American not heading for the exit door until late in August, 2012, as he signed for Premiership side Stoke. By then, a host of his team-mates had long since gone, stalwarts like Steven Naismith, Steven Whittaker and Allan McGregor leaving on free transfers. The actions of some players during that turbulent summer left a sour taste in the mouths of many, but the pain on the terraces was shared in the dressing room. "Everyone was in a different situation and everyone's circumstances were different," Edu told SportTimes. "You can't really compare one situation to another and say 'he should have done that or shouldn't have done that'. "From my point of view, I was in a position where, if I left, I wanted to get the club a fee. It may or may not have impacted on the situation, but I wanted to help. "I was in a position where I was able to do that and it was something I wanted to do. I thought it was a good gesture and a way of giving back to the club as much as I could. "But, as I say, everyone was in a different situation, so I can't comment on what the other guys did. "It was hard for all of us to leave. We had sympathy with the fans. It is the club they support and love, and it was going through a hard time. "Nobody wanted to see it happening to Rangers. It was hard for the players. People were saying 'it is just a job for them, they don't really care'. "But when you have been a part of Rangers, especially for as long as most of us had been there, you grow close to it and it is more than just a club. "We were the Rangers family - the players, the staff, the fans. We all felt close to the club, so it was hard for us to have to part ways and leave under those circumstances." Edu's exit brought a premature end to a successful Ibrox career that saw him win several honours following his £2.6million switch from Toronto in August, 2008. A fourth successive SPL title was in Rangers' sights when their financial collapse turned the club upside down. And the American international is confident there will be a bright future at Ibrox once again. He said: "I enjoyed my time there. It was great for me to be winning trophies and playing in the Champions League and I wish Rangers all the best for the future. "Everyone who has played for the club and supports the club is anxious to see them back where they belong as soon as possible. "Rangers should be winning leagues and cups, and I am sure everyone can't wait to see another Old Firm game. I, and I'm sure my former team-mates, want to see them back where they belong. "Hopefully everything can be sorted and the club will be back at the top soon." As part of the squad that, under the guidance of Walter Smith, saw Rangers dominate domestically after the disastrous Paul Le Guen era, Edu is still fondly remembered by the Light Blue legions. And the 27-year-old admits one moment - his dramatic Old Firm winner at Ibrox four years ago this month - stands out as one of the highlights of a successful Ibrox career. Edu said: "Scoring in any Old Firm game is going to be a great moment and a great experience but, with the circumstances of that game in terms of where we were in the table and the fact it happened in the last seconds, made it all the more special. "I couldn't have written the script any better. It was only a tap-in, but everything around that game made it a special moment, not just for myself but for all of us involved." While Rangers have made good progress on their road to recovery, Edu has endured a frustrating spell since his Gers exit. The midfielder only made a handful of appearances for Stoke but, after returning Stateside, will meet an old friend when his Philadelphia Union side face the Vancouver Whitecaps and striker Kenny Miller. Edu said: "My time at Stoke wasn't ideal and I wasn't playing much. It was important for me to get back playing, especially in a World Cup year, so when the opportunity came up, it was an easy decision for me. "It will be good to play against Kenny. I haven't seen him for a while. But I still followed his career and he has done well since coming to the MLS. It will be good to catch up with him." A return across the pond is a timely one for Edu as he looks to kick-start his career and sets his sights on Brazil. And he admits a second stint in Light Blue would be another dream come true. Edu said: "I definitely wouldn't rule it out. You never know what can happen. "I really enjoyed my time at Rangers and it is a club I will always hold dear to my heart and support and follow what is going on. "If I ended up coming back in the future, that would be really great." http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/rangers/we-were-part-of-the-ibrox-familyit-was-really-difficult-to-walk-away-151744n.23408918
  8. Neil Lennon was spat at, had coins thrown at him and was the subject of verbal abuse at Tynecastle, according to the Celtic manager's agent. Lennon was watching Aberdeen's League Cup semi-final victory over St Johnstone and had to leave the game early, Martin Reilly told BBC Scotland. He said: "I'm absolutely raging about the treatment of Neil, about the stewarding and the fans' behaviour. "It's scandalous that Neil is treated like this." Reilly said that Lennon and Celtic coach Gary Parker had to leave their seats in the main stand after 70 minutes of the game. During the match, which Aberdeen won 4-0, play was held up briefly as two young supporters ran on to the park and got to the technical area, where Lennon was infamously attacked by a Hearts fan in 2011, before being apprehended by police and stewards. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26002727
  9. ..........with his sly dig at Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell HUGH believes the Rangers manager's gripes over the decision to host the League Cup final at Celtic Park were off the mark. IF Ally McCoist thinks Peter Lawwell was behind the decision to have Parkhead host the League Cup Final then he should have come right out and said it. It would be insulting your own intelligence not to believe the Rangers boss was making a veiled reference to Celtic’s chief executive when he said he’d have bet on Ibrox being snubbed and insinuated the decision was a carve up. Ally might feel battered from pillar to post as the second anniversary of the day Rangers went into administration approaches on Friday. But he’s coming across as someone who’s making noises for the benefit of the less discerning among his club’s supporters. The ones who believe the Ramsdens Cup would be part of a “Treble” if it’s won against Raith Rovers. Ally’s using diversionary tactics to deflect attention away from a team that has lately been getting stick for playing a brand of football that’s unattractive to a lot of the people who pack Ibrox. When Celtic Park was suggested as a possible venue for the Ramsdens Cup Final there were plenty of Rangers fans who objected to the idea. And their dissent was based on the fact they would have been uneasy about giving Celtic a substantial fee for the hire of their ground for the day. But they’d have thought it perfectly acceptable to make the Fife side play the final at Ibrox and surrender any semblance of equality they might have had going into the game. So in the interest of fair play Easter Road got that “Showpiece” while the SPFL then performed a balancing act forced on them by the need to maintain public order. Celtic Park gets two finals. Ibrox gets both Scottish Cup semi finals. No need for martial law to be introduced to keep protesters under control. What do we look like? Are we seriously to believe Lawwell walks into a meeting of the SPFL board and instructs the other members on how they’re to conduct their business over venue allocation? Dalmarnock’s Don Corleone tells the board their names will be on the contract to hire Celtic Park on March 16 or else their brains will. This isn’t the movies, it’s real life. I’m told the decision was taken by Neil Doncaster and SPFL secretary Ian Blair and was only communicated to Lawwell by telephone. Fergus McCann once attended a business meeting during his time at Celtic where he listened to one employee talk about the institutionalised bias against the club. The meeting was brought to an abrupt halt while Fergus instructed the paranoia sufferer in question that he didn’t ever want to hear the accusation repeated in his presence. He then admonished the guilty party by saying: “If you believe that, you’re 1-0 down in life, never mind football.” Rangers need someone with McCann’s vision, principle and integrity to lift them back to the top. There are lots of people with plenty to say about Rangers and their future but they’ve so far shown a marked reluctance to come forward and put their money where their mouths are. McCann knew it would cost him everything he had to stop Celtic being liquidated but he took on the club’s debt and saved them. There are people on the periphery where Rangers are concerned who give the impression they’re quite happy to wait and see if the club goes to the wall. At which point they’ll come in and pick up the pieces without straining themselves, financially speaking. The courage of your convictions, that’s what we’re talking about here. It could be argued Celtic needed McCann more than his money since he had a vision and a plan from which he never deviated. Rangers may wish they had someone like him as they curse the anniversary they’ll always have cause to regret. In the meantime, don’t sully your reputation with unfounded allegations, or else SFA compliance officer Vincent Lunny might construe your words as being injurious to a man’s reputation. Not that Lawwell enhanced his standing with his tit for tat response about betting on the biggest and the best stadium if you want to win. Petty point scoring does neither club any favour although I’m willing to bet such behaviour will never end as far as the Old Firm are concerned. DUNDEE chief executive Scot Gardiner says it was 100 per cent John Brown’s decision to quit as manager. Call me an old cynic, but the absence of any public comment by Bomber tells me two things. The first is the existence of a confidentiality clause. The second is that estimate of 100 per cent will remain irrefutable evidence in the absence of any chance to cross examine the witness. IF Eric Djemba-Djemba plays today it’ll be the start of a journey that has him passing through St Mirren’s history. Passing through as opposed to making a tangible contribution to it, and wrongly described as the club’s biggest signing. St Mirren have won four major trophies in 137 years. I’d argue Steven Thompson, who scored in the League Cup Final win last year, has made a lasting contribution to Saints’ history. And means more to them than a mercenary. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hugh-keevins-rangers-boss-ally-3127340
  10. .....they're not even in my top five THE former Wigan boss reckons Rangers lack of strength in comparison with other teams makes them an unlikely candidate to win the Scottish Cup in May. OWEN COYLE reckons Rangers shouldn’t even be among the top FIVE teams fancied to lift the Scottish Cup in May. Ally McCoist’s side are joint second with Dundee United in the betting to win the cup with tournament sponsors William Hill. Rangers have the second biggest budget in the country but Coyle insists that doesn’t automatically mean the League One side are likely to win major silverware. Gers face Dunfermline at home on Friday night with a quarter-final place at stake and Coyle said: “I don’t think they’d be one of the first five favourites for the Scottish Cup. Of course they can win it with a bit of luck but in terms of the strength of their team against the others I would have to say it is unlikely. “Coisty is a pal of mine, as is Durranty, we did our pro licences together. But I don’t see their team as one of the cup favourites. “I did the Airdrie v Rangers game for TV a few weeks ago. “Rangers started well but never got the second goal and then made heavy weather of winning it. “If I was judging it on that then I’d say they have some very good young players coming through but I don’t think they’d be one of the first four or five favourites for the Scottish Cup.” The former Wigan, Bolton and St Johnstone boss reckons the Scottish Cup has taken on extra importance this season for the Old Firm as they romp their respective leagues. But Coyle believes that if both Glasgow sides get through this weekend then McCoist will want to avoid drawing Neil Lennon’s team in the last eight. He said: “I can’t put myself in the position of being Rangers manager just now and facing Celtic although on any given day anybody could win it. “But the odds, with Celtic being so strong, are that they would win the game. “There’s no getting away from how dominant Celtic are at the moment. They are on their own just now. “Both Celtic and Rangers have the league effectively tied up and the Cup is now a focus. “I’m sure the Celtic players will be desperate to finish the season with the double again. “But it’s also there for everyone else to go and have that big day out at the Final and win the Scottish Cup. Celtic have already lost to Morton in the League Cup so it’s certainly not a foregone conclusion.” http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/owen-coyle-rangers-shouldnt-second-3112770
  11. .......for his own good but Graham Wallace will sort club out 6 Feb 2014 07:37 RAE says he is still raging at the antics of Charles Green during his short term in charge at Ibrox claiming he was all about soundbites but with no substance. ALEX RAE could see right through Charles Green’s bluff and bluster from day one at Rangers. But the Ibrox stalwart reckons Graham Wallace’s silence speaks volumes for his ability to do the job as chief executive. From joining in at Brechin when fans chanted “if you hate Stewart Regan, clap your hands” to the numerous outlandish statements, Rae knew Green wasn’t the man for his club. And it still riles the former Light Blues title winner there is talk of his old club being on the brink again financially while the outspoken Yorkshireman lives it up in his French chateau. Rae isn’t surprised – just gutted his suspicion about Green turned out to be right. And like so many other Gers fans he’s now pinning his hopes on the former Manchester City chief operating officer to sort out the mess. Lifelong fan Rae – recently axed as Blackpool’s assistant boss – said of the current cash situation: “I’ve been alarmed for a while. “Even going back to the early days of Green, it never really sat right with me. You could see it coming. There were good soundbites but never any direction. “There was no plan in place and unfortunately he’s walked away with a fortune. “I’m a member of Sandyhills golf club and I used to play with my mates in the medal. “My best mate is a Celtic man and he used to get me about the third or fourth hole when he told me they were going to put statues up for Green. “My head would go. I used to post terrible scores because I would start arguing with him on the course and he was just loving it. It’s been a shambles. There is no legacy. “There is no doubt he was in it for himself. I didn’t buy into all the soundbites and rubbish he came out with. “The future looks much better as Wallace has come in and seems to have taken a step back. Previous chief executives made wild statements they never backed up. “The fact this guy is silent and taking stock of the operation bodes well for us. He seems to have a plan and this is something that’s been lacking since Martin Bain’s days. “There was a period where we didn’t even have a chief executive. You look at all the departments within Ibrox, there was no guidance, no direction and everyone was on their own. “But Wallace has come in and started to direct things right down to the management and hopefully the club will prosper. “Wallace seems to know where he wants to go. It might only be a case of assessing in the short term and then implementing things for the betterment of the company. “I wouldn’t like to see him going. There are elements of the board some people aren’t quite sure of and that’s worrying but if Wallace tells the fans what’s happening they will be inclined to follow him.” Rae likes the way Wallace quietly conducts his business as he bids to bring much-needed stability to Ibrox – in sharp contrast to Green. His attention-seeking antics started in Gers’ first game following liquidation at Glebe Park when he applauded as the fans chanted against SFA supremo Regan. Rae said: “I remember Green’s behaviour just a couple of days after Rangers got their membership. I couldn’t believe what he was doing. “I consider Rangers to have been class throughout my time and he wasn’t someone I thought to be flying the flag for Rangers or representing the club in the manner that role demands. “Even prior to that I could see things. I just thought it was a case of doing what had to be done but there was no conviction there. “It was a mad ego trip for him. He was great for the media. “You heard stories about money going out left, right and centre and pay-offs for guys who were there five minutes. “A couple of weeks ago I saw another guy from Zeus Capital pocket around £500,000 when he sold his shares. “One thing about football fans is they want to believe in the people in charge. They want to believe they are going to take the club forward. Unfortunately, this guy has duped everyone.” The turmoil off the park has left boss Ally McCoist working under tough circumstances in his first managerial job. And Rae said: “The dynamic Ally has had to work within has been a nightmare compared to every other manager. “Last year they couldn’t have any pre-season friendlies and there was a transfer embargo. It’s been pretty poor. It’s probably been more than a year now since they had a chief scout. For an organisation such as Rangers, that baffles me. “If you’re trying to put things in place you need a chief scout to oversee a network and find the right targets. Infrastructures needs to be restored to the level Rangers are used to.” Despite all this Rae believes his old club are strong enough to mount a Scottish Cup challenge this season with Dunfermline standing between them and the last eight tomorrow night. He said: “Rangers have as good a chance as anyone of winning the Scottish Cup. “They beat Motherwell last season and are a lot stronger now. I watched them at the weekend and they had Dean Shiels and Jon Daly who, less than 18 months ago, were up for Scotland’s Player of the Year. “In terms of firepower the pair of them could hurt anyone. They’re littered with top flight-standard players so could turn anyone over on any given day.” And Rae would love to see the Old Firm paired together before the tournament ends in May. The former hardman midfielder said: “I’m missing it like everyone else. Celtic will be favourites – but cups always have major upsets.”
  12. KENNY MILLER has finally killed off any chance of a return to Rangers by insisting he wants to extend his deal with Vancouver Whitecaps. The former Old Firm and Scotland star is back in Canada preparing for the new MLS season after spending the winter keeping in shape at Rangers' Murray Park. He has been linked with a third spell at Ibrox, despite the League One club's financial problems, but he says he's tired of denying he wants to re-sign for Rangers. Miller said: "I've been in Vancouver 18 months and I don't think a month has gone by without those questions being thrown at me. "I don't know what more I can actually do. "If [Whitecaps] manager Carl Robinson wants to walk through and offer me a two-year deal right now, I'll sign it right here in front of you." Miller has six months left of his Vancouver contract and is free to talk to other clubs. But the 34-year-old, who quit international football last year, has made it clear he is desperate to win an extension to his current deal. He said: "It has been made clear to me what I have to do to earn an extension so that's what I'm going to do. "Part of the reason I retired from playing for Scotland was hopefully to concentrate fully on the Whitecaps and stay fit for as long as I can and give them everything I can. "Going back and forth with international duty was becoming tough. "And, like I said, I want to stay here and I would love to sign again." http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/rangers/former-rangers-hitman-kenny-kos-ibrox-link-150930n.23357811
  13. Should be unbelievable but is just expected nowadays. --- The Scottish Professional Football League has decided not to take action against Celtic for a banner shown by their supporters in a league match with Aberdeen. Since November, the league have been investigating the display of a giant H by a section of fans at Parkhead, which was accompanied by the message "they fought and died for their wee bit hill and glen." Complaints were subsequently made to the SPFL, who confirmed they would determine whether the banner breached their rules on unacceptable conduct. STV understands the league have ruled there is no evidence to suggest their rules were breached in the incident. SPFL regulations say action may be taken if a person present at a match uses "words or conduct or displaying any writing or other thing which indicates support for, or affiliation to, or celebration of, or opposition to an organisation or group proscribed in terms of the Terrorism Act 2000." However, a club is not automatically punished under SPFL rules if a potentially offensive banner is displayed. The league's regulations state action can be taken if a club has failed to take the necessary measures to prevent spectators from "engaging" in unacceptable conduct. They can then only be hit with sanctions if it can be proven the club failed to adopted and implement procedures to try to ensure such incidents do not take place. The onus is also placed on clubs to be seen to "effectively deal" with any incidents of unacceptable conduct. A failure to do so may also constitute a breach of league rules. Celtic condemned the display of the banners shortly after, saying they had not been approved by the club and were not welcome within the stadium. UEFA, who have different rules regarding the display of offensive banners at games under their jurisdiction, fined Celtic £42,000 following a display at the Champions League match with AC Milan last November. On the banner, unfurled before the match, images of William Wallace and Bobby Sands were shown alongside the message: "The terrorist or the dreamer? The savage or the brave? Depends whose vote you are trying to catch or whose face you're trying to save." -- Can you imagine what this will encourage them to display next? FFS, what a state..............
  14. By Andrew Dickson WHEN the first team has performed well in times gone by, a common complaint – and a wrong one in my opinion – has been the same can’t be said for Rangers’ youth sides. It’s perhaps ironic, therefore, that as Ally McCoist’s men stutter a little just now, the under-20s are showing more promise collectively than many of their academy predecessors. That’s not a criticism of the senior squad. As I said last week, it is operating well overall and although some performances could have been better, it’s moving in the right direction. The pleasing thing is Gordon Durie’s kids are also excelling and they moved into first place in their league on Tuesday when they defeated previous leaders Hibernian 2-0. In a conversation with Durie last week, he and I agreed we can’t do enough to talk up the club’s emerging talents – and that we arguably don’t. Having read a BBC web article which ran through the biggest prospects in the Premiership a few days back, allow me to do the same with some who have caught the eye at Auchenhowie. After all, those I’ve been impressed with in Durie’s team wouldn’t be out of place in such company. On the contrary, they lead many of them in the Under-20 League. Darren Ramsay hasn’t been spoken of much since his Glasgow Cup final goal against Celtic in 2012 but he was terrific in midweek and scored a sensational clincher. In turn, his performance meant we had yet another youngster to get excited about and if he keeps performing at his peak, he’ll have a real chance. Ramsay’s direct, aggressive approach was so effective and it epitomised what you get with the under-20 team. The lads have a pacy, attractive style but when games become scrappy their work ethic is excellent as they graft and fight for everything. Up front, Calum Gallagher is a tireless runner in the mould of Kenny Miller who chases everything. Andy Murdoch is a midfield terrier reminiscent of Stuart McCall and he’s complimented by the wonderfully-talented Charlie Telfer next to him. Jamie Burrows has ferocious speed and great upper body strength so if he can work on his composure a little more he’ll have all the ingredients a forward needs. At the back, Luca Gasparotto is a threat at set pieces and a solid centre-half. Craig Halkett’s the same. There are others I could mention too and there’s nothing to be taken from the fact I don’t. In short, the team’s a very solid unit packed with potential. One disappointment is so few have seen that in person and there were just 170 people at Murray Park five days ago, many of them parents and scouts. When so many plead for youth to be given a chance higher up, it would be great if more turned out to support them. Games are free to attend and well publicised right here on the club website. The fixtures page can also be accessed by clicking HERE. With 14 under-20 ties left, Celtic remain title favourites having had more money to invest in their youth programme. They’ve games in hand too that could send them top but with two Old Firm matches to play, Rangers have given themselves a chance and their destiny is in their own hands. These are exciting times for the kids at Durie’s disposal. Why not come along and find out more for yourself, starting this Tuesday against St Mirren at 7pm in Dumbarton? WHEN the first team has performed well in times gone by, a common complaint – and a wrong one in my opinion – has been the same can’t be said for Rangers’ youth sides. It’s perhaps ironic, therefore, that as Ally McCoist’s men stutter a little just now, the under-20s are showing more promise collectively than many of their academy predecessors. That’s not a criticism of the senior squad. As I said last week, it is operating well overall and although some performances could have been better, it’s moving in the right direction. The pleasing thing is Gordon Durie’s kids are also excelling and they moved into first place in their league on Tuesday when they defeated previous leaders Hibernian 2-0. In a conversation with Durie last week, he and I agreed we can’t do enough to talk up the club’s emerging talents – and that we arguably don’t. Having read a BBC web article which ran through the biggest prospects in the Premiership a few days back, allow me to do the same with some who have caught the eye at Auchenhowie. After all, those I’ve been impressed with in Durie’s team wouldn’t be out of place in such company. On the contrary, they lead many of them in the Under-20 League. Darren Ramsay hasn’t been spoken of much since his Glasgow Cup final goal against Celtic in 2012 but he was terrific in midweek and scored a sensational clincher. In turn, his performance meant we had yet another youngster to get excited about and if he keeps performing at his peak, he’ll have a real chance. Ramsay’s direct, aggressive approach was so effective and it epitomised what you get with the under-20 team. The lads have a pacy, attractive style but when games become scrappy their work ethic is excellent as they graft and fight for everything. Up front, Calum Gallagher is a tireless runner in the mould of Kenny Miller who chases everything. Andy Murdoch is a midfield terrier reminiscent of Stuart McCall and he’s complimented by the wonderfully-talented Charlie Telfer next to him. Jamie Burrows has ferocious speed and great upper body strength so if he can work on his composure a little more he’ll have all the ingredients a forward needs. At the back, Luca Gasparotto is a threat at set pieces and a solid centre-half. Craig Halkett’s the same. There are others I could mention too and there’s nothing to be taken from the fact I don’t. In short, the team’s a very solid unit packed with potential. One disappointment is so few have seen that in person and there were just 170 people at Murray Park five days ago, many of them parents and scouts. When so many plead for youth to be given a chance higher up, it would be great if more turned out to support them. Games are free to attend and well publicised right here on the club website. The fixtures page can also be accessed by clicking HERE. With 14 under-20 ties left, Celtic remain title favourites having had more money to invest in their youth programme. They’ve games in hand too that could send them top but with two Old Firm matches to play, Rangers have given themselves a chance and their destiny is in their own hands. These are exciting times for the kids at Durie’s disposal. Why not come along and find out more for yourself, starting this Tuesday against St Mirren at 7pm in Dumbarton? http://www.rangers.co.uk/news/opinion/item/6139-exciting-times-for-youths
  15. Shocking attendances yet they still don't miss us. Ignoring all the lying surely the actual attendances are a concern for the top flight?
  16. JORG ALBERTZ turns 43 today and to celebrate the German star we have a famous Old Firm goal of his to enjoy here. The midfielder played 228 times for Rangers, scoring 82 goals, an average of more than a goal every three matches. Find out more about his Rangers career in this Hall of Fame profile and watch him speak about it in a special programme on RangersTV. http://www.rangers.co.uk/news/rangerstv/item/6108-happy-birthday-jorg-albertz
  17. ............but sheriff says he should not have been dragged into court 19 Jan 2014 07:36 ADAM RICHMOND walked away from court without a criminal record after a sheriff gave him an absolute discharge, prompting criticism of the law that led to his arrest. A STUDENT held after chanting abuse about the Pope and the Queen at a football match has been convicted under controversial anti-sectarian laws. But Adam Richmond, 19, walked away without a criminal record after a sheriff said he should not have been dragged into court. The case has sparked a fresh wave of criticism over the Government’s Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Act, driven into place two years ago after a bad-tempered Old Firm match and designed to clamp down on sectarian abuse at games and online. Football fans, lawyers and civil liberty campaigners have branded the legislation unnecessary and confused after cases have been questioned when they reached court. Richmond was arrested after police heard him singing “F*** your Pope and f*** your Queen” as Partick Thistle played Celtic at Firhill in October. Thistle fans sing the song to distance themselves from Rangers and Celtic. At Glasgow Sheriff Court, he was found guilty by Sheriff Norman Ritchie QC of behaviour likely to incite public disorder by singing sectarian and offensive remarks. But he told the teenager: “You are not the sort of person who creates the problem and needs this legislation.” He then discharged him absolutely. That means Richmond, from Penilee, Glasgow, has no criminal record despite being found guilty. Yesterday, solicitor advocate Chris Fyffe said: “I struggle to see the point of this Act. One of the major concerns was it had an extremely long reach and was very vague in its terms. “This seems to be being borne out to a certain extent by some of these decisions, suggesting there is a reluctance on the part of the sheriffs to find one person in a crowd of 3000 guilty. “Because of its vagueness, you can have a situation theoretically where somebody is saying something which is, on the face of it, offensive – it doesn’t have to be sectarian or racist and people do shout things at football matches – so there’s a potential there for criminalising football fans for what they have been doing for the past 150 years. “These cases seem to be reflecting the concern a lot of lawyers – and not just defence lawyers but sheriffs as well – are having regarding this legislation. “What it really seems to be doing is focusing on football behaviour as opposed to what many people see as the real concern, which is sectarianism in Scotland. “It seems we are criminalising people who are letting off steam in a relatively secure environment.” Product design student Richmond was told he was a credible witness until he was asked about singing the song, when his evidence turned “decidedly lukewarm” and his confidence “evaporated”. The Thistle song is supposed to celebrate the club’s neutrality from Old Firm bigotry with the line: “We hate the boys in royal blue, we hate the boys in emerald green, f*** your Pope and f*** your Queen.” Richmond told the court that the song is only sung when Thistle play Celtic or Rangers and the lyrics represent taking a stand against religion in football. Richmond, who has been going to games with his dad since he was six, said: “To me, from my understanding of the song, I don’t see how it can be offensive.” But anti-sectarianism charity Nil By Mouth said they hoped that Richmond had learned his lesson. Campaigns director David Scott said: “The use of this type of language at a match is no longer acceptable no matter what the context. “Fans at all league clubs are warned on the back of their ticket and before the start of games that offensive singing or chanting is not allowed. “Clearly, if this man wants to keep religion out of football, he should not have been singing what he did.” When we contacted Richmond at his home, he declined to comment. But a family friend said: “Adam has never been in trouble in his life. This has been hanging over for him for months and has been a terrible strain. “He was the only one arrested even though he was in a group of about 300 fans. “Adam has been told he will not have to declare this as a conviction when he goes for a job, which is a real relief. “This is a song that the Thistle fans have been singing for years without any previous complaints. “There is no intention of causing offence. All it really does is poke fun at Celtic and Rangers fans.” Partick Thistle declined to comment on the case. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/student-convicted-under-controversial-anti-sectarian-3037633
  18. http://www.sportinglife.com/football//news/article/26854/9012286/violence-mars-hoops-clash Violence mars Hoops clash Last Updated: November 6 2013, 23:34 GMT Celtic's Champions League trip to Ajax has been marred by a clash between supporters and police in the centre of Amsterdam before kick-off, following which 15 fans have been arrested. Amsterdam Police told Press Association Sport that fans armed with bottles and sticks attacked plain-clothed police in an incident described as "coming out of nowhere". Eight police officers were injured with one knocked unconscious following the fighting in Dam Square, in the city centre. Police said the majority of those arrested were Celtic fans, although it is believed that supporters from other clubs were also involved. "At the end of the afternoon a large group of Celtic supporters attacked police officers in plain clothes," a spokesman told Press Association Sport. "Eight were injured and one was knocked unconscious. "A few of them had broken noses and needed stitches above their eyebrows and on their lips. "Bottles and sticks were used in the attack which came out of nowhere. "There were 15 arrests, mostly Celtic supporters." Celtic lost the match 1-0 and face an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages of the competition. Amsterdam Police said it expected the number of 15 arrests to rise during the night and that a final figures would be "high". It is thought that fans from other European clubs were involved, although police said they "had kept themselves covered". Celtic supporters had been urged by the club to be careful after an attack on Hoops supporters in a city-centre bar on Tuesday night. Thousands of Celtic supporters flooded into Holland for the Group H game at the Amsterdam ArenA. A statement on the Celtic website said: "Celtic Football Club is urging all supporters in Amsterdam for tonight's UEFA Champions League tie with Ajax to be extra vigilant following an unprovoked attack on Celtic fans last night "The attack in the city centre by an element of the Ajax support resulted in a number of arrests. "Celtic are urging all supporters to be extra vigilant in the city centre and at the Amsterdam ArenA, and to only stick to the advised areas for safety reasons." At the pre-match media conference on Tuesday afternoon, Ajax coach Frank De Boer expressed hope that the tiny percentage of fans he describes as "crazy" would not disrupt the game. UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against the Dutch club after some of their supporters clashed with police and stewards at Parkhead last month during a match which the home side won 2-1. The case will be dealt with by UEFA's control and disciplinary panel on November 21. De Boer admitted that some Ajax fans remain a concern when asked if he was confident of the game passing off trouble-free. "I am confident in that but you never know," said the former Rangers player. "There is always some crazy people (who) try to disturb something but hopefully it will not happen."
  19. Article submitted by Scorchio - Rangers to benefit from new Glasgow City Airport In a week where GCC and Celtic came under heavy fire over State Aid claims and the remarkable East End Regeneration and Commonwealth Games programmes which have been centred around Celtic Park and it's close proximity within the Parkhead area, incredible plans to build a new airport called 'Glasgow City Airport' have now been leaked and apparently there will be massive benefits for Rangers. The new inner city airport is a highly ambitious project, but it will undoubtedly cause controversy since it will require the relocation of a 170 year old cemetery, four churches, a bus depot, a massive biscuit factory, dozens of small businesses and hundreds of residential properties including their residents. When questioned on the viability of all this relocating to clear land of residents, businesses and historical buildings, a source in Glasgow said that it's just a continuation of what's been going on for years in the Parkhead area when he stated: "You just need to look at certain Parkhead streets where the residents were relocated to sell the land and of course, there's the issue of London Road Primary School. The Edwardian building is a B class listed building and should perhaps have been restored and developed into something of benefit to the whole community. "Instead of that, we thought it was more prudent to systematically allow it to rot and go to ruin over a ten year period so that eventually there could be no argument about knocking it down and selling the land to the lowest bidder. "That ten year period is nothing. The Parkhead regeneration programmes have been in the pipeline for three decades, but really went into full swing in terms of funding when Parkhead won the bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games Keen to get back to the subject of the new airport, the source was asked about timescales for the project and replied: "We were hoping to have the new airport completed in time for the Games, but it's looking as if it'll be a wee bit tight for time, so we're going to focus on completing the extensive Edwardian building renovation works we've been doing in the Parkhead area as part of the Parkhead Townscape Heritage Initiative "Once we get the Edwardian Primary School flattened, we'll then help with the landscaping of the Avenue of Heroes that's planned because that will immediately tart up the Celtic Park stadium entrance once the school's out of the way. Clearly then, it's not an immediate, but a long term project involving significant planning and relocation works well beyond the end of the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, but interested to know how any of this was going to benefit Rangers the source was asked about that and simply replied: "For decades Rangers fans have been coming to an underdeveloped, smelly and dirty Parkhead area for Old Firm fixtures, but in the future they will be coming to an overdeveloped, sweet scented and clean Parkhead area which will make for a more pleasant matchday experience. Overseas Rangers fans will also be able to fly directly to Parkhead.
  20. Barcelona keeper Victor Valde says the best atmosphere he's ever played in was at Ibrox.. and it's noisier than Parkhead 11 Jan 2014 00:01 NOU Camp No.1 has played five times at Celtic Park but his standout memory of Glasgow’s football fans came during a clash against Rangers in 2007. BARCELONA keeper Victor Valdes has credited Rangers fans with creating the best atmosphere he has ever experienced. The Nou Camp No.1 is set to spark an Old Firm debate after claiming Ibrox is noisier than Parkhead on European nights. Valdes has played five times at Celtic Park since 2004 but his standout memory of Glasgow’s football fans came after his side’s goalless draw in Govan in 2007. Lionel Messi infamously rounded on Rangers after that match for playing “anti-football” but Valdes had only praise for the Light Blues legions. The keeper was asked on Barcelona TV about the best atmosphere he had played in and the interviewer teased: “Are you going to say Celtic like every other Barcelona player?” But the Spanish star said: “Celtic create a great atmosphere home and away but I still think the most intimidating stadium I have played in was when we played Rangers. “There must be something about the city of Glasgow because they made so much noise. Normally as a goalkeeper you block out the noise of the fans but the noise they made that night was impossible to ignore. “We had Henry, Ronaldinho, and Messi playing for us and I can’t think of another occasion when those three were on the same field and we didn’t score. “Rangers fought like warriors that evening and I am sure a big part of their performance was down to the fans and the atmosphere they create for their players.” Messi was less impressed and rounded on the tactics that brought Rangers success in Europe in Walter Smith’s second spell in charge. Messi said: “Rangers didn’t want to play football. Right from the start they went for anti-football and I’m left with a bitter taste in the mouth at not having been able to win the match because we had a decent number of chances.” Messi’s words contrasted with those of Arsenal legend Henry who said of Ibrox: “I know the atmosphere that’s generated here and that makes it tough for any team. I thought the fans were unbelievable again. “They were not swearing or shouting stupid things, they pushed their team forward and that’s great to see.” Leading footballers have regularly praised the atmosphere created inside the Glasgow grounds. Below we record the best from both sides.
  21. Couple of digs at Ally. Also claims to be a lot fitter now. I feel he mentions the pressure not getting to him too much. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/john-fleck-starting-hit-heights-3003530'>http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/john-fleck-starting-hit-heights-3003530 IT’S easy to forget John Fleck is just 22. He appeared in the 2008 Scottish Cup Final for Rangers at 16 but was being hailed as Scotland’s next big thing long before then. That’s why when the Scot reflects on a rollercoaster start to his career, even he says the hype was unjustified. Fleck left Glasgow for the first time in summer 2012 – after the Ibrox club’s financial meltdown – to begin a new life in Coventry, away from the city’s goldfish bowl and Old Firm spotlight. And 18 months on the little playmaker believes the move has been the making of him. More mature, both on and off the pitch, Fleck is now a father and senior member of Steven Pressley’s Sky Blues dressing room. For the first time there are no Wayne Rooney comparisons and predictions of being Scotland’s next superstar. Instead, he’s simply enjoying the most productive spell of his career so far. Fleck told Record Sport: “I get asked all the time if I couldn’t handle the weight of expectation on my shoulders at Ibrox. But I can honestly say it didn’t affect me at all. “I’m a laidback person and tried not to take any notice of the hype. I just tried to do my best – if that was good enough, great, if not there wasn’t a lot I could do about it. “I’m now starting to show if I’m played in the right position by a manager who has faith in me I can do well. I’m getting the rewards for that at Coventry. “I can always do better. But the expectation on me at a young age was too much. People were taking it too far. “Even back then I felt people were talking me up so they could knock me back down. “In a way that’s what happened. So I’m glad I didn’t let it influence me. I feel I’m playing well now. “I’m doing what I’ve always done – trying to get on the ball, play passes and make things happen. “I’m a lot fitter than I was at Rangers too and I’m feeling really good right now.” Fleck is one of the first names on Pressley’s teamsheet at Coventry and is operating where he always wanted to at Rangers, in the heart of midfield. People questioned the switch to the Midlands, especially as City subsequently suffered similar financial problems to Gers and were forced out of their Ricoh Arena stadium. But the former Scotland Under-21 starlet has no regrets and now sees his long-term future in England. He said: “The move has been great and I’ve played in almost every game this season. “The manager has got the team doing well – we think we can really do something in this league. We’ve also done well in the FA Cup and have Arsenal at the Emirates in the next round. “Personally, it’s just good to be a regular in the team. I had to take my chance down here. It was the first time I’d moved away from Glasgow permanently so I didn’t know what to expect. “I’d like to think I’ve taken the opportunity and, looking at it now, things have worked out for the better. “I’m playing in central midfield, where I’ve always wanted to, for a manager who believes in me. So I’m really enjoying it. “It’s a physical league and I’m a wee guy but I’ve always liked a tackle. I’ve never been scared to do that side of the game. “Coventry have had their problems recently but they’re a massive club with a huge fanbase. The supporters have been brilliant with me. “I’d like to stay down here as long as I can and it would be great to be part of Coventry’s revival. No one gave us a chance in the summer but we’re getting there – and I want to take the club back where it belongs.” Fleck is still the same kid who burst on to the scene at Rangers and scored an Ibrox winner aged just 17. But his outlook has now changed, largely due to the birth of son Hudson in June. However, despite settling down away from the pitch he’s as determined as he’s ever been to fulfil the potential every scout in Scotland saw in him when he was barely out of school. He said: “I wouldn’t say there’s less pressure here than playing for Rangers. I always put pressure on myself to play well. The manager also expects a lot from me at Coventry. “Maybe from the supporters there was more pressure at Ibrox. But no matter who I was playing for I’d put pressure on myself. “I’m still ambitious and want to play at the highest level. I’m only 22 so have my whole career ahead of me. “That’s the problem, people think I’m a lot older because I made my Rangers debut at 15. But I’m still young so I’m just concentrating on doing well for City. “That debut seems like a long time ago – but I’m looking forward to the future now. “I’ve matured as a person down here. I’ve had a kid, my wee boy Hudson is five months old, and I’m trying to look out for him now along with his mum Lauren. “I’m loving it but it changes your life. It’s amazing, so everything’s good right now. I’m a Glasgow boy but I’m enjoying life in England. “It’s difficult getting up the road to see family but that’s just part of football. I’d like to play in Scotland again at some point but at the moment I see my future in England.” From Daily record: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/john-fleck-starting-hit-heights-3003530
  22. http://t.co/PSk0f6x5yf At some stage this week, Graham Wallace and Ally McCoist will sit down together for a meeting that will shape Rangers' immediate future. The chief executive wants to draw up and implement a football player asset strategy, and that begins with a discussion with the manager. They have the same aim, for Rangers to be successful on the field, and they need not have competing interests, since McCoist will have no more wish to spend money that Rangers cannot afford than Wallace himself. None the less, the complexities of the process and the dynamic at play will be significant for the club. By his own admission, Wallace needs to cut the cost base at Ibrox, as well as raising revenue streams. During last month's annual meeting of Rangers International Football Club shareholders, he said that the "cost structure is currently too high for the top division, never mind for the lower leagues", meaning that the business needs streamlined regardless of any commercial uplifts. This is a sensible and prudent strategy, and one that was critically missing from his two predecessors, Craig Mather and Charles Green. They were both courting public approval, but Wallace is a time-served corporate figure, and so brings the financial and business rigour that they did not apply. Indeed, any drastic cuts ought to have been implemented by Green in the summer of 2012, when the consortium he fronted bought the business and assets of Rangers Football Club plc in liquidation; that was the fresh start. Rangers need a coherent plan that addresses both short and medium-term progress, which is why the immediate issues Wallace will tackle cannot be considered in isolation. The extent of the required cost-cutting is unknown, but it is balance that is more important than simply reducing the bottom line. With Rangers potentially returning to the top-flight in 18 months, it would be a false economy to diminish the quality of the playing squad. There are players earning good money who have not contributed this season, either through the form of themselves or others; Emilson Cribari, David Templeton, or injury; Dean Shiels, Ross Perry, Kyle Hutton, but Rangers will also need to strengthen for next season's campaign. Wallace and McCoist, in their assessment of the squad's strengths and weaknesses, need to find where costs can be trimmed without affecting the strength of the playing staff overall. The manager and his coaches have agreed to take a wage cut, but any overall assessment of Rangers' football department needs to take into account the requirement for a chief scout to be appointed and for the youth development set-up and sports science department to be able to operate best practice throughout. The planning for the next two years needs to begin now, and that will be as much a part of the meeting between Wallace and McCoist as any element of initial cost cutting. As Wallace has acknowledged, once he has balanced the incomings and outgoings he will draw up a business plan to enable fresh investment to be sought. If Rangers are to return to the status that the club previously held, and which supporters continue to expect, then the requirement is not just to apply some commonsense to the business as it stands, but generate new funding to invest principally in the team. It is a question of priorities, but every decision made now has an impact in the coming years. That is where Wallace and McCoist need to work together, to ensure a strategy that strengthens the football department in time. Supporters will tolerate cuts at this period in time, but there remains a sense of the fanbase making its own assessments of the current regime. The inevitable rise in season ticket sales for the Championship will be borne without complaint because fans understand the financial necessity, but also because of the excitement that will come from the campaign to try to return Rangers to the top flight. There will be wariness, though, if there is a perception that the squad is not good enough to take that challenge on. These are the demands and obligations that every club faces, of course. From the summer of 2012, when a registration embargo loomed and Rangers were in the bottom tier, to last summer, there has been an element of improvisation to the club's signings. Rangers were restricted as they sought to add to the squad, and not least because the manager was never given a budget to work to. The working relationship between Wallace and McCoist is critical, and in a sense they are both under scrutiny; McCoist for the team's performance, and Wallace for the business's. He has already begun a review of every aspect of Rangers' operations, so it is not just the football budget that is being assessed. Rangers are, effectively, in the middle of the journey back to the top flight. Decisions made in the coming months will determine what kind of force they will be when they do return.
  23. I popped into the local supermarket this morning and as usual, on leaving I flipped over a few newspapers to view the fitba headlines. The Record's take on Bilel Mohsni's behaviour last evening was a standout. In two short, two sentence paragraphs, he was described as a 'hothead', 'mad', 'bonkers', and 'mental'. Demonisation? I attended the game last night and thought Mohsni unnecessarily took the bait and deserved to be cautioned. He was being escorted from the pitch by Faure and words were exchanged with both Gary Bollan and Kiegan Parker in turn. Gesticulations too, with the latter. I don't know what occurred in the tunnel, but again not surprised he was further cautioned. Thus, two yellows make a red; fair enough. Mad, bonkers, and hothead are descriptive words applicable to Gregor Stevens or Chopper Harris. I was listening to BBC Radio Scotland last Saturday and Parkers name cropped up, Bollan was being congratulated on securing his services. The usual suspects succumbed to the usual testimony, early talent, early promise, ....... not realised. Alan 'Biscuits' Preston announced he had played with him at St Johnstone in the late 90s and agreed with his undoubted talent line but decreed, "he was a fruitcake". Derek Ferguson cautioned the description, Preston replied with, "he was an absolute fruitcake". Hyperbole appears to be the name of the game, what can we expect when bonkers meets absolute fruitcake? A couple of cautions. Anyways, well done the Daily Record. On the day when the Co-op bank has demanded more security from ra Sellik on their soft loan, dust down the Gregor Stevens thesaurus.
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