Search the Community

Feb 26 2009 By Hugh Keevins ALLY McCOIST will help build a lasting tribute to Davie Cooper on Friday night ... then honour his old pal's memory by continuing the search for the Super Coopers of tomorrow. A debate about the health of Scottish football has raged since Walter Smith and Gordon Strachan attacked the level of criticism aimed at the last Old Firm game. McCoist doesn't deny some of the stick was justified but refuses to believe this country's well of talent has dried up. Along with Celtic coach Neil Lennon, McCoist will tomorrow help with the fund raising for a sensory park for special needs children in Clydebank, the town where Cooper began and ended his playing career. But Rangers' assistant manager refuses to believe the exceptional skills Cooper possessed, and which ultimately took him to Rangers and a place in the national side, have skipped a generation. McCoist said: "I'm a glass half full kind of guy. I'll concede Coop was the last of the breed of players who learned their football in the streets but I won't accept pessimism so far as the future is concerned. "The talent is still out there and Scotland will continue to produce the type of player who makes you feel the anticipation of the crowd whenever he gets on to the ball. "Kids don't play on the streets any more for a variety of reasons but that doesn't mean to say genius no longer exists. "Aiden McGeady has ability to go past people for Celtic. Aaron and John Fleck at Ibrox have it as well. They're the players who produce the stuff the fans go to the pub on a Saturday night and talk about. "The priority for coaches is to make sure the team they work for wins matches. If we don't do that, we don't have a job but football has an obligation to entertain After the Old Firm had been slaughtered for the derby game, I felt we went out against Kilmarnock with a 'Let's show these people' attitude. "Coop was the consummate entertainer. Whether it was the swivel of the hips or the 40-yard pass, he entertained no matter the fixture or the surroundings. "The highest tribute I can pay him is to say I worked many times with Ruud Gullit on TV and he was always raving about Davie and a game he played against him while he was at Feyenoord. "I like the idea of a lasting tribute to Davie in Clydebank because I first became aware of him in 1976 when the Bankies took Rangers to four games in the League Cup before we got rid of them. I won't name names but there were two Rangers full-backs who tried swopping sides of the park during the first of those games because one of them was getting such a chasing from this young kid. "Coop was, first and foremost, a humble man but when people talk about him they don't mention his medals, they talk about his skill." Cooper, who died in 1995, was revered by his team-mates at Ibrox and McCoist smiled as he recalled one occasion when they literally pulled his leg. He said: "It was Coop's testimonial match and we racked our brains over a gift. "Then one of the lads had a brainwave and got the right leg off a tailor's dummy and wrapped it up in brown paper with the message, 'What do you give the man who's got everything ?' "I couldn't put a price on what that left peg of his would be worth in today's transfer market. Beyond price I would say. "I appreciate there's more to the game than goalscorers and I say that as someone who made his name as one. Rangers had three quality finishes on Saturday against Kilmarnock and Pedro Mendes was outstanding with defence-splitting passes. "But fans love the genius of a Coop or a Jinky Johnstone or a Willie Henderson. We need more like them and I know they can still be found." Part of McCoist's remit is to help discover and develop stars of the future - a job a certain ex-colleague would never have expected him to take. He said: "I can guarantee Coop will be looking down at me shaking his head. The prospect of me in management would have tickled him. "Never a day goes by that I don't think about him and Tommy Burns. You might go from the Old Firm to work elsewhere but in your heart and mind you never leave Rangers or Celtic. "Stefan Klos once told me it was what distinguished the Old Firm from German clubs. "That's why Davie will be on my mind when I pay tribute to him in Clydebank on Friday night. He had that magic ingredient and others will come to show they have it too." http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/rangers/2009/02/26/exclusive-duty-is-on-us-to-find-the-new-generation-of-davie-coopers-insists-ally-mccoist-86908-21153912/

RANGERS' defender Ross Perry has been in excellent form for Billy Kirkwood's under-19s this season and the towering defender is hoping to test his skills to the limit tonight when Scotland face France at the country's world-famous training and development facility at Clairefontaine. Ross is one of five Murray Park kids to be selected for the glamour friendly with Danny Wilson, Stephen Stirling, Gregg Wylde and Grant Adam the others who have travelled across the English Channel this week. Jamie Ness was also selected initially but will miss out due to injury. The game will be a useful exercise for Billy Stark's U19s as they prepare for their European Championship Elite Group qualifying games against Slovakia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and England in May and June. Having already progressed through a qualifying group consisting of Hungary, Azerbaijan and San Marino at the tail end of 2008 the Elite Group stage represents a far greater challenge with the team finishing top moving on to the final tournament in Ukraine in July. Tonight's opponents France are regarded by many to be one of the best European football has to offer at U19 level and they showed their potential by taking nine points from their three qualifying matches against Northern Ireland, Malta and Liechtenstein, scoring nine goals and not conceding in the process. Ross has been on the bench for recent internationals but would love to pit his wits against Les Bleus. He said: "I am really looking forward to the game at Clairefontaine and hopefully I will be involved. "I have not played in France before and it will be a great test for all of us. "We played against Holland recently and that was a fantastic experience even although we lost quite heavily. "To be fair I don't think we played to our best on that occasion, we were perhaps taken by surprise just how good they were. "But as a player you want to come up against the best teams in Europe and France are right up there. This time we know what to expect and will try to put on a good show. "The main thing is that we try to take as much from the game as possible and getting a good result would boost our confidence ahead of our Elite Group games coming up in May." Ross Perry, Rangers Ross is delighted that five players from Murray Park are involved in the national set-up and believes it highlights the quality of youngsters coming through the ranks at Auchenhowie. He said: "It's always good to see a group from your team being picked for Scotland as it shows we are doing well at Rangers and this is being noticed. "Obviously we are still in the running for a domestic double so when this is the case I suppose you expect a few of the boys from Murray Park to be selected and it's great to see familiar faces when you travel. "But in general I think we have a very strong bunch of players in the Scotland U19 squad this season. "A few of the lads are playing first-team football already so I think we do have the potential to reach the finals in the Ukraine later in the year. "We have a tough Elite Group to get through first but hopefully we can do well there. "The England game will be a really big one although I don't have good memories of the last time I came up against them. "I scored an own goal so hopefully nothing like that will happen this time around. "As I say it will be tough to qualify but we have to believe we can do it."

Ruthlessness Requiredââ?¬Â¦ As the realisation that we are now back on top of the SPL finally dawns on Rangers fans everywhere, it is the realisation and the plans to stay there currently residing in the minds of our managerial staff that holds the key to determining if we are to finally end the famine on SPL titles. This is the time for ruthlessness, for relentlessness, for self-confidence, for taking charge of our destiny, for our management staff to install this into our players and ensure that no self-doubt or negativity sneaks into their minds. However, how is going to ensure that negativity doesnââ?¬â?¢t sneak into our management teams heads? That could be the greatest obstacle that we have to overcome in the title run-in. We are now in a position of strength, sitting proudly on top of the SPL, the time has come for us to become ruthless and relentless in our pursuit of the SPL title. We have the squad of players to secure the title, we have the skill to secure the title, we have the goal-scoring talent to win the title and we are certainly mean enough in defence to win the title. Do we have the ruthlessness? I certainly believe that we do, and the management team require to install this in our players. We travel to Hamilton on Saturday just as they have stumbled onto a decent run and are also inform. However, even given the above and given that undoubtedly, this game will be a test, if we approach the game in the correct manner, impose our strength and quality on proceedings, we have a fantastic opportunity to put pressure on a creaking Celtc before they entertain St Mirren. There are 12 games remaining in the SPL title race and we must take this unforeseen but hugely welcome chance of securing our first SPL title in far too long. After losing to Celtc, I donââ?¬â?¢t think any of us could have predicted that we would be allowed back into contention, never mind finding ourselves in pole position with 12 games remaining. Rangers teams of yesteryear would have seized this opportunity by the horns and would have steamrollered their way, and anyone who stood in their path, to the title. It is that steely determination and self believe that must be installed in this squad of players. Logically, there is nothing to stop us going on to win the title. All we have to do is match Celtcââ?¬â?¢s results over the next 12 games. We have the natural talent required and now we need the likes of Barry Ferguson, Pedro Mendes, Steven Davis, David Weir, Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller to step up to the plate and drag then team by the scruff of the neck whilst dictating the pace of every game we play in. If we impose ourselves in the correct manner in the remaining games, our goal will be achievable. Last season, we capitulated in the run-in and whilst the fixture list was partly to blame, so was the fact that the players didnââ?¬â?¢t respond in the correct manner and our manager decided that the cautious approach that was successful in Europe would also see us secure the SPL. How wrong could he have been. We cannot allow this type of negativity to creep into our play and approach this season so to that end, lets hope and pray that the management team have learned a valuable lesson. In retrospect, we could and should be in an even more healthier position as we could and should have taken full points from our recent visits to Parkhead and Pittodrie. The defenders of our tactics in those games will point that the points gained were good points as we are now top of the SPL. However, of he had been more positive and won both those games, we would still be top of the SPL and there would be distinct daylight between us Cetlc. Our Support And Our Role I find it frustrating to have to pen this type of article, one that has a pop at Rangers fans, but after witnessing Rangers going top of the SPL on Saturday without support from the stands left me with a bitter taste in my mouth. TBO apart, no one at Ibrox appears prepared to actually support the team off a Saturday now. There is little or no singing (again TBO apart) and it was embarrassing at the final whistle when there couldnââ?¬â?¢t have been more than 5,000 fans left inside the stadium to cheer the players off the pitch after them clinching top stop. Can I ask a serious question? Why do people go to Ibrox if itââ?¬â?¢s not to support the team? Is it me thatââ?¬â?¢s wrong in believing that vocal backing is part of the remit of being a supporter? Ask any Rangers player, or any ex-Rangers player and they will tell you that we are an extra-man. We can have an influence on what is happening in front of our eyes and what is developing on the pitch. Our vocal support can add an extra half-yard to a players pace, it can add to their determination. Given that, and given that our team will require every little advantage going in our quest to regain the SPL title, lets rediscover our voices and our passion for singing those glorious Rangers anthems and lets give the team some much needed and deserved SUPPORT. I have to say that this is aimed at the support generated (or otherwise) at Ibrox, as the away support have, as always, been nothing short of outstanding this season (given the obstacles and barriers that they encounter and off course, the press coverage that they attract). Their Support And Rangers' Response A mere 9 seconds into yesterdays game at Fir Park, the massed Celtc support chanted their first (of many) sectarian / offensive song. These sectarian / offensive songs were unrelenting over the course of the entire game. In fact, Lanarkshire Police were forced to enter the stands housing the travelling fans and were clearly shown evicting many fans singing these horrible and vile songs. Given that above, is it fair to say, and with some certainty that the SPL observer will have heard these songs, seen the Police ejecting Celtc fans and include this in their report? Can we look forward to Reporting Scotland and Scotland Today highlighting the above and showing the lyrics of the songs along the bottom of our TV screen? Can we expect the papers being full of condemnation and pleading with the SPL to dock Celtc points? Can we expect a week full or condemnation on the phone-ins? Can we expect, all we actually crave on this matter, parity? Off course, we all know that the answer to the above is a simply ââ?¬Ë?noââ?¬â?¢. Given that, what course of action would you like to see our club / custodian take? This is a perfect time for them / him to come out on the offensive. Personally, if I were in charge, or had any influence in what our response in this matter, I would invite the heads of sport from the BBC and ITV to Ibrox and show them a video of yesterdays game. I would then ask them of they had any plans to highlight the singing issue and if their answer was ââ?¬Ë?noââ?¬â?¢, I would politely thank them for their time and inform them that until they show parity, their organisations would be banned from Ibrox and wouldnââ?¬â?¢t be gaining interviews with our players or management staff. They would also be informed that until they showed parity, there would be a weekly article on Rangers World showing any sectarian or offensive singing NOT perpetrated by Rangers fans and showing that this wasnââ?¬â?¢t being highlighted by the media. I would then contact the editors off all Scottish newspapers and inform them the same. Then I would ask for a meeting with the SPL and ask to read all the reports from this weeks SPL games. If none of these reports show any mention of sectarian or offensive singing, I would show the SPL the video of yesterdays game and ask why their observer failed to mention obvious sectarian and offensive singing? I would then ask them if the observer who missed this obvious singing would be sanctioned for not doing their job correctly. If the SPL didnââ?¬â?¢t show signs of parity, I would inform them that Rangers FC would not be handling tickets for any further away games, or for semi-finals that Rangers appear in. Added to that, Rangers FC would be seeking to meet with all their Rangers Supports Clubs with a view of a blanket boycott of all away games (which would be shown at Ibrox free of charge). We are being bullied in this matter, and its easy for a bully to pick on a victim that is scared or wonââ?¬â?¢t retaliate. Once a victim shows some courage, the bully will inevitably find a new victim. Fighting someone who actually fights back isnââ?¬â?¢t something that a bully will do for long, it at all. All of the above isnââ?¬â?¢t rocket science and wouldnââ?¬â?¢t take long to implement. If done properly, it would ensure that parity was obtained and obtained quickly. All it takes is a Chairman with a back-bone who actually cares about the public image of his club and itââ?¬â?¢s fans. The bullies would soon run off and find another victim. Cammy F -

Celtic defender Gary Caldwell says Motherwell's pitch is affecting the quality of football and that supporters deserve better. More...

By Andrew Dickson BARRY FERGUSON insists one bad derby with Celtic doesn't make Rangers a poor team to watch. Barry FergusonEver since the sides' 0-0 draw at Parkhead on Sunday, there has been much condemnation of the game as a spectacle. Many have said the Old Firm clash isn't what it used to be and claimed a dip in quality signings by each club has led to a more disappointing product overall. But Ferguson has hit back and is determined to prove Gers are still an entertaining team when they take on Kilmarnock in the SPL at Ibrox tomorrow. He said: "We've heard all week about the derby and we know it wasn't great game for people to see. "But I've played in plenty of great Old Firm matches and it's just a case that the latest one wasn't a great spectacle. "Hopefully we'll show that was the case tomorrow against Kilmarnock and we will give a better performance against them. Barry Ferguson"We want to go and entertain people. It would have been great if we could have gone out on Sunday and won 4-3 but it didn't turn out that way. "Now we'll move on. There have been plenty of times this season that we've played good football and we'll do that again. "People criticised us for the way we played last season, despite the success it brought us, and they're going to have their opinions. "But we try to go out and play as well as we can every week and we are still capable of doing that for our fans." Ferguson is eager to take Gers top of the league tomorrow ahead of Celtic's game with Motherwell on Sunday. It is more than three months since the Light Blues found themselves at the top of the summit but now they're only a victory away. Ferguson battles for the ballFerguson added: "We are under pressure this year and we know that so we need to handle that and win the league. "Now it's close again. After the last Old Firm game, people said we had lost the title but we're only two points behind. "We never believed it was over and if we win against Killie, we'll go top. That is a big incentive for us and I feel we've got a good enough squad to take the title. "When you set out at the start of the campaign, your focus is on winning the championship but we've not done that in the last three years. "That's not good enough. It was nice winning cups last season and getting to the UEFA Cup final but me and the rest of the guys in the dressing room really want the league."

Keane away.... Benitez back to rotating his team... and now Gerrard out for 3 weeks....and we know how key he is! http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/7871386.stm Personally i never thought they could win the league anyway, they dont have near enough quality over the park to match Man Utd over a season.

RM poster 'BlueIsTheColour' gives his recommendations on how the club could look to improve via a more refined and wider-ranging scouting network. http://www.gersnetonline.co.uk/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=748&Itemid=2 Part One The Rangers of 2009 is not the club we all once knew. No longer can we attract Europe's best players when they are at the top of their game. In fact, nowadays we would struggle to pay their appearance bonuses, never mind their weekly salaries. The club is suffering the effects of an economic downturn and poor money-management from the Boardroom to the Manager's Office. In correlation with this fact, we are seeing a decline in the quality of performances produced on the pitch. There is no doubt about it; we are in the midst of a decline. Every year we have to sell our top players, qualify for the Champions League and continue to fill Ibrox with 50,000 fans, just so as we break even and don't record a loss year on year. Something has to change. David Murray and Walter Smith have constantly reminded us as fans that the days of big spending are over and that we cannot compete financially with the top European sides that are paying ludicrous amounts of money for players. But why are we making excuses for our predicament? We should be creating a new vision for the club, one which will see us compete in the Champions League, assert dominance in the SPL and become an attractive club again. I have such a vision; it is neither complicated nor costly. It is the creation of a multi-level scouting network which can identify the best young hidden talent from across the globe, find players who are within our price range and who will improve the squad and also give the manager a chance to explore avenues never before open to him. It is the future. At present, our transfer policy is very limited and many would say is failing. Our main source of players is close to home, from either the English Championship or the SPL. Due to the inflated transfer market in England, we are being forced to scrounge for bargains that may or may not improve our first team, or even be good enough to play for us at all. Walter Smith has spent �£30 million on players since returning to the club and only a handful of those signings have made a big impact on the first team. Too much money is being wasted when we can least afford it. The problem is that we have no real process of identifying players. It appears that our scouting system consists of looking to the over-priced English market, snapping-up the best talent in the SPL and attempting to sign any players that have impressed against us in Europe. That's hardly constructive, I'm sure you will agree. The whole system needs to be scrapped and reinvented. The pressure should not be on the manager to identify, scout and sign players whom he thinks can do well at Rangers. He also shouldn't have just one or two men who can go and report on players who catch his eye. I believe that the club should firstly appoint a Director of Football who will oversee the development of youth players, a new scouting system and will answer directly to the manager and Chairman. Following this there should be the process of hiring around ten top scouts, who will each bring a different wealth of knowledge to the club. For example, one or two scouts who have their finger on the pulse of the South American game, another two each for the Asian and African games, and the remaining 4 to report on the European game. This would only be a starting block, over time the network will inevitably expand and the more contacts the scouts can establish the more players that will be brought to the Director of Football's attention. Each scout will be responsible for creating an ever-changing dossier of players in their respective Continents who are great prospects, proven players or under-rated professionals. A list of between 15-20 of their top recommendations should be created, and constantly updated, for every playing position. Any specific talents or frailties should be noted as well as an in-depth description of how each player operates, the price tag and the possible sell-on value. Of course, this will not all happen overnight or be a quick-fix to our current problems. It is a clear and concise plan for the future which will have many benefits for both the club and the supporters. First and foremost it makes the job of manager so much easier. When he identifies a position that needs filled within the team he doesn't have to start his search from scratch, there will already be a vast wealth of information available to him on many players from around the globe. He has a knowledgeable Director of Football to consult with as well as each individual scout who can help find the player(s) who would be most suited to the manager's playing style and structure. This could inevitably reduce the amount of signings who are unable to make the grade in the Rangers first-team. There are also the financial benefits to such a system. It will uncover many talented young players who have yet to appear on the radar of the big European clubs and in doing so, give us a conveyor belt of talent from all over the world. If these players are successful they can then be sold on for much larger fees than the club originally paid without leaving gaping holes in the first team. The club can also save money by buying from poorer leagues than the English Championship, which will undoubtedly see superior players available for a fraction of the price of their over-valued English counterparts. The clubs' image will see a massive benefit, as will merchandise sales if an ambitious but prudent marketing structure is put in place. With the club finding players from all over the world, we can create an image of being truly global and use this to attract merchandise sales from football-mad countries like China, Japan and the USA where there is huge potential for massive revenue in this department. I won't go into too much detail on this point as it will hopefully be covered in more depth within another article. [CONTINUED]

by Thomas Jordan FORFAR will have to invest in additional floodlights if they want to cash in on their rearranged Homecoming Scottish Cup clash with Rangers on February 18. The Third Division minnows are still desperate to land an �£82,500 windfall from Sky TV for their fifth round showdown with Walter Smith's men that was postponed yesterday. Rangers are furious with the SFA for leaving it as late as the morning of the game to carry out a final pitch inspection - despite making concerns known last Thursday that forecasts of minus seven would put the match in jeopardy. Smith and his players travelled to Dundee on Saturday to prepare, and many supporters were already well on their way when the match was finally postponed at around 9am. advertisement Forfar now have just over a week to make arrangements to improve their floodlights to enhance the quality of pictures should Sky - who have agreed to show the St Mirren v Motherwell replay live the night before - agree to screen the fixture. Forfar secretary David MacGregor said: "We're hoping Sky will stick with us. There will be an issue with floodlights. I think we'd need to get extra ones in to enhance the quality of the pictures. But that's something we'll talk to them about if they are still showing the game." Rangers chief executive Martin Bain accused the SFA of incompetence following the last-minute postponement. He blasted: "We wrote to the SFA on Thursday afternoon highlighting the long-range weather forecast and we sent them a copy of it, which indicated temperatures on Saturday would drop to minus seven. "All the SFA said was the earliest a pitch inspection could take place was 24 hours before kick-off and they'd take cognisance of our comments. Clearly they have not." Station Park did pass an inspection by a local referee on Saturday morning and, while the club had three separate plastic covers on the pitch overnight, arctic temperatures meant there was never any realistic chance of the game going ahead. The SFA, however, have hit-back. A spokesman said: "We have every sympathy for fans who had begun their journey when the game was called off. "We were working on information that the temperatures were going to be consistently low over the weekend - that's why we called for a pitch inspection yesterday morning and why we kept the referee up there overnight. "The pitch was perfectly playable yesterday. It wasn't even touch and go. But there was a dramatic drop in temperature on Saturday night that wasn't forecast. "The Forfar groundsman said it was minus nine at one point. I don't know what more we could have done." Refree Eddie Smith made the decision to call the game off and said: "A lot of areas on the park were solid and covered in ice and for the safety of everyone involved I had no hesitation in calling it off." http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2488025.0.0.php

By Andrew Dickson LEE McCULLOCH hopes he might have a future as a defensive midfielder after impressing in that role for Rangers last night. The former Wigan star turned out in the position against Aberdeen last month and produced an excellent performance in the Light Blues' 0-0 draw at Pittodrie. Lee McCullochHe had another outing there yesterday in the 2-2 friendly draw with AC Milan and once more gave a good account of himself. Having linked up with Pedro Mendes and Mo Edu in the engine room against the Rossoneri, McCulloch is looking to build on the progress he has made. The 30-year-old has been used everywhere by Gers in the last 18 months except at full-back and in goals. But while he maintains he'll happily play wherever Walter Smith puts him, it goes without saying that he's determined to make a place in the team his own. McCulloch said: "It was good to sit in midfield with Pedro and Maurice in front of me. I really enjoyed it. "I think when I'm playing either at the back or as a defensive midfielder, I can influence the game a little bit more. "I don't get to do that if I'm playing wide on the left or the right and I'm not really a winger, although I know the manager has his reasons for putting me there sometimes. "I'll go out and play to the best of my abilities wherever I'm used and I'll play anywhere to get a game. "But against Milan I thought I did really well in that sitting role and I'm really pleased with how things went for me. Lee McCulloch tackles Ronaldinho"I didn't think I would play as many games as I did last season so it's not a great surprise to me that I've been used less over the last few months. "But the gaffer knows I want to play. There's not one particular position I feel I should be used in or aiming for and I'll go with whatever decision the manager makes." McCulloch and his Rangers team-mates took plenty of heart from their meeting with Carlo Ancelotti's Serie A superstars. DaMarcus Beasley gave the hosts a second-half lead and Sasa Papac secured a draw after Alexandre Pato and Kaka struck for the Italians. McCulloch added: "I thought we did really well in the first half and that we passed the ball around to the same standard as Milan. "In the second half, they probably came into the game a little bit more and really showed their quality. "The players they brought on are fantastic but we played some good stuff and showed great spirit so I'd say 2-2 was probably a fair result overall."

Rangers have a very proud history in Europe being the first Scottish club to play a competitive European tie whilst participating in the European Cup in season 1956-57 season and became the fist Scottish or British Club to reach a European final when in 1961 we lost 4-1 on aggregate to Fiorentina in the inaugural European Cup Winners Cup final. During this campaign we defeated Wolves in the semi-final the game that gave us the wonderful Wolverhampton Town song which has thankfully, found it’s way back onto our hymn sheet in recent years. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwzxN0jPiS4]YouTube - Wolverhampton Town[/ame] As we will all be ware off, John Greig was the only captain to lead Rangers to a European trophy when he captained Rangers to the historic and exhilarating victory over Moscow Dinamo on that unforgettable night on Barcelona (May 24th) John Greig also has the distinction of playing in two Cup Winners Cup Final as he also played in our defeat at the hands of a young and upcoming Bayern Munich team that contained the likes of Beckenbauer, Muller, Maier and the scorer of the winning goal, Roth. The 1967 Cup Winners Cup Final was historic in the fact that it was the first time two clubs from the same city had played in both major European Finals in the same year. Ultimately, Rangers wouldn’t match Celtic’s victory and were defeated 1-0 by the Germans in a game played in Nuremburg. Losing this final was a disappointing end to a disappointing season that saw Rangers finish the season trophyless for the first time since 1951-51 season and saw Celtic claim a clean sweep of trophies. This was also the season that bore witness to one of the most embarrassing defeats in our history when a Berwick Rangers side inspired ironically by Jock Wallace knocked Scott Symons charges out of the Scottish Cup. A result that at the time, and is still thought of as nothing other than a catastrophe. However, the defeat at Berwick hastened the introduction of much needed young blood with Sandy Jardine and Alex Willoughby both introduced into the team. Willoughby would score 16 goals in 14 games, a run that astonishingly saw him dropped from the Cup Winners Cup Final and replaced by Roger Hynd, a huge error of judgement from Symon that arguably cost Rangers the Cup Winners Cup Final. Rangers had defeated some very decent teams to get to the final with Glentorn, holders Dortmund, Real Zaragoza and Slavia Sofia all defeated. The tie against Real Zaragoza was decided by a coin toss after thhe clubs draw 2-2 over two legs. The Rangers team that evening was Norrie Martin, Kai Johansen, Davie Provan, Ronnie McKinnon, John Greig, Sandy Jardine, Davie Smith, Willie Henderson, Roger Hynd, Alex Smith and Willie Johnston. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1967_UEFA_Cup_Winners'_Cup_Final [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgn9tb4wZsE]YouTube - 1967 European Cup Winners Cup Final Rangers vs Bayern Munich[/ame] We would ultimately gain revenge on Munich when we defeated them in the semi-final of the same competition in 1972. The calibre of opponents we faced during this competition was simply outstanding. Not only Munich in the semi-final, but we overcame the likes of Rennes, Sporting Lisbon. However, the Munich side were mightily impressive and would go on to win the European Cup three years in succession. They also contained 6 West German internationals who would help West Germany win the European Championships mere weeks after Rangers defeated Munich. Sandy Jardine and the young Derek Parlane (who replaced Greig in the starting 11) scoring the goals. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e60DMeCc1_w]YouTube - 1972 ECWC Semi-Final Rangers vs Bayern[/ame] The highlight of this campaign was a balanced side, scoring in every away tie we played, the critical goals from Colin Stein, Willie Johnston and Alex McDonald and the conversion of Derek Johnstone into a superb centre-half. The early tie against Sporting was decided on away goals after Rangers lost 4-3 in Portugal after winning 3-2 at Ibrox. However, with the scores tied, the officials commenced a penalty shoot-out that we eventually lost. The officials had forgotten about the away goals rule and declared that the Portuguese side had progressed and only changed their mind when challenged by Rangers officials and Scottish media once they realised their mistake. The final in Barcelona was unforgettable and one of the major achievements in our long and proud history. Our opponents were off outstanding quality, as was shown in the later part of the game as the Russian’s tried to overhaul our 3 goal salvo. This was Rangers 14th European Campaign and was already our 2nd Final (we had also reached the semi-finals for The European Cup) and we became the first club to have reached three Cup Winners Cup Finals. Willie Waddell’s charges had a determination to exorcise the memories of Nuremburg and had a brilliant knack of raising their game in Europe that season which was in stark contrast to our domestic form. The game was hugely anticipated and everyone hoped that it would live up to the friendly between the two clubs when the Russians toured Britain in 1945 in a precursor to European Football. The match at Ibrox was fascinated, with 90,000 fans missing work and school to witness the light-blues take on the welcome visitors from Russia; [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnBb7ZgEEng&feature=related]YouTube - Archive Footage - Rangers V Dynamo Moscow[/ame] A game that would see The Rangers play in blue and white hoops. Rangers, as always were well supported in Barcelona with in the region of 16,000 fans making there way in varying ways to witness Rangers triumph. Rangers dominated the game for around 50 minutes and raced into a three goal lead thanks to Colin Stein and Willie Johnston. Despite a late rally from the Russians Rangers held on and won the game 3-2 finally getting out hands on a European Trophy at the 3rd attempt. The scenes at the final whistle are well documented and the over reaction from Franco’s Fascist Police Force was an utter disgrace and spoiled what should have been the best evening in our illustrious history. Historically, the events that evening have been blown out of all proportion with the Rangers support being accused of rampaging and destroying chapels and assaulting Nuns. None of which is even close to the truth. In fact, the Rangers support are held in great esteem in Barcelona for putting the fascist Police in their place. The subsequent UEFA ban led to Barcelona inviting Rangers to their pre-season celebrations the following season and Barca captain Carles Puyol stated as much when interviewed prior to last seasons Champions League encounter. http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0047/print.shtml [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlgmhGkh4Eo&feature=related]YouTube - 1972 ECWC Final 1st half Rangers[/ame] [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rvPIy0Q8ps&feature=related]YouTube - 1972 ECWC Final 2nd half Rangers vs Dynamo[/ame] I guess the saddest aspect of the events was that John Greig wasn’t allowed to lift the trophy in front of the static Rangers support, but the celebrations on their arrival back in Scotland and at Ibrox certainly made up for any disappointment. Rangers winning team – Peter McCloy, Sandy Jardine, Billy Mathieson, John Greig, Derek Johnstone, Dave Smith, Tommy McLean, Alfie Conn, Colin Stein, Alex McDonald and Willie Johsnton (other members for the official squad – Penman, Parlane, Jackson, McKinnon, Denny and Fyfe) http://www.glesga.ukpals.com/rangers/rangers1972a.htm Cammy F

The Wee Rangers Club have come up with some terrific deals to beat the credit crunch over the next couple of months. There is something there for everyone and all the deals are fantastic value. I am sure anyone who has been in the club this season will recommend it to others. Craig & Steve took ownership of the WRC in the summer and they have worked hard at making it a tremendous venue for all Rangers fans. Craig has double figures years of experience in the bar game and Steve is a superb chef who has worked in several top establishments. The quality of the food in the club is outstanding. AC Milan - Wednesday 4th February - 3 course meal for only �£10 with kids at �£5 within the John Brown Suite. Ideal for any bear who is struggling for time getting home from work etc. Valentines Day Dinner, Cabaret & Dance - This will be in the John Brown Suite with a fabulous night of entertainment and the best food in Glasgow available for only �£50 per couple. Don't pay the crazy prices people are asking when you can have a full night of entertainment for only �£25pp. Old Firm Game Live on the 15th February - For those that do not have a ticket for the Brendenbeau why don't you come to down to the WRC and watch the game live with hundreds of fellow bears. Earlier in the season this game was a huge success and the WRC was doing the bouncy into the wee hours. Chef's Special Afternoon - Sunday Roast - 1st March - This is going to be the chef's special afternoon where he is going to offer fantastic selection of food at prices that makes it cheaper to eat in the club than at home. �£12.95 for 3 courses with kids under 12 at half price and kids under 5 eat FREE. For anyone who thinks 3 courses is too much you can have a 2 course meal for �£9.95. Psychic Night - 1st March - This is the much awaited return for the Psychic night that has proved so popular in the past. Tickets are priced at �£10 per ticket. Lets hope we get the news we want regarding this years title. League Cup Final Hospitality - 15th March - The WRC have a hospitality package that will include a 5-course meal, coach to the game and back to the WRC for more food and drinks. A price for this package will be finalised in the next few days. Mothers day Lunch - 22nd March - Rights lads & lassies why don't you take your mum down to the WRC for a fantastic Mothers Day Lunch within the John Brown Suite. At only �£14.95pp this gives you the opportunity to have a great meal with your wee mammy and at the same time show her where all the bears hang out. Match day Hospitality - This has proved to be incredibly popular this season and a number of match days are now sold out. At only �£35pp for a glass of champagne & canap�©s, 5 course meal and then return to the WRC after the game for more food. Cash bar available throughout the day. For more information or to book any of these fantastic offers please call the club directly on 0845 601 1873. http://www.theweerangersclub.com/

After Big_Spliffââ?¬â?¢s fantastic article yesterday, I felt it was important to write this report while his general point of improving the match-day experience was still fresh in peopleââ?¬â?¢s minds. http://www.gersnetonline.co.uk/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=735&Itemid=2 I doubt any Rangers fan would disagree with me in saying that in recent years the overall experience of attending a home match has steadily worsened. Not just from an atmospheric point of view but the overall quality of the service. Poor quality catering, aggressive stewarding/policing, lack of atmosphere, aging stadium, poor facilities outwith the stadium, awful shop, lack of security in the locus, terrible sound system, broken jumbotrons ââ?¬â?? we could be here all day, so Iââ?¬â?¢ll stop there. OK, criticisms made; how can we improve; how can we set the standard? Letââ?¬â?¢s start at the beginning and go through a typical match-day. Personally, like thousands of other fans, I go to most games along with a few mates. We live well outside of Glasgow so we leave early to ensure we miss any traffic problems and get through early enough to enjoy the afternoon. We have a few hours to spare and money to spend so whatââ?¬â?¢s on offer once we arrive? An official Rangers restaurant/cafÃ?© selling reasonably priced food ââ?¬â?? no. An official Rangers pub selling quality beer with organised entertainment ââ?¬â?? no. A museum where we can take our children, learn more about the club and educate away/foreign supporters ââ?¬â?? no. A few spacious shops with a range of different products relevant to the club ââ?¬â?? no. Entertainment and comfortable facilities inside the ground to get fans in early and build up the atmosphere ââ?¬â?? no. What do we have at our disposal then? A couple of burger/pizza bars and vans with no association to the club. A few local pubs ââ?¬â?? full to capacity - with only one or two accepting children. No museum to find out more about the club. One medium-sized, over-full shop with no space and a minimal effort at providing merchandise. A dirty, aging stadium with over-priced tepid food and minimal effort to entice you in early. Is it any wonder we have thousands of people milling around the place looking lost and bored? Welcome to Ibrox indeed! Now, I do think it would be unfair to suggest the club donââ?¬â?¢t recognise some of these issues. Recent improvements have been made: the stadium has been cleaned and painted in parts; Bar72 seems to be popular (if unaffordable for most bears); reports have been made into further extensions; corporate hospitality is adequate; and the club have tried to mimic singing section displays on the odd occasion. Unfortunately, this is as far as the budget seems to reach. But finance alone surely isnââ?¬â?¢t the only problem here? After all the stadium catering is already outsourced for what I assume is an acceptable fee. Why not do the same with other services? Iââ?¬â?¢d be surprised if certain pub/restaurant chains wouldnââ?¬â?¢t be interested in a development outside Ibrox. Argyle House already seems to do good business so imagine a larger version of that open most days which incorporates a museum. Iââ?¬â?¢m told the Hampden football museum cost less than Ã?£2million to build and recouped the money within 18months. For a wee bit more, surely we can put together the kind of finance to offer something similar and better? I also know the current administration views the stadium (e.g. the blue room//trophy room/changing rooms etc) as a museum in itself. Of course a tour should be part of any package but surely it can be based in a stand-alone building to maximise revenue? Attach a good value restaurant/pub then we have a museum that caters for all and would be an excellent daily tourist attraction ââ?¬â?? never mind a suitable supporter hub on match-days. The refurbished ââ?¬Ë?Wee Rangers Clubââ?¬â?¢ has shown what can be done on an affordable budget. Rangers should be able to do even better. The stadium corporate hospitality generally seems well thought of but a lower-price, more accessible alterative is undoubtedly required. To coin a phrase:ââ?¬â?¢ build it and they will comeââ?¬â?¢. Moving onto inside the stadium, again communication with the fans should be paramount. We pay upwards of Ã?£400 a season; Ã?£23+ a game for our tickets so surely our opinion counts? Yet, when are we ever asked to contribute - other than surveys to see if weââ?¬â?¢d pay double the price for a leather seat with small screen to bet? Martin Bain is often at pains to describe us as customers; so more chance to offer feedback would be nice. Related to this point is the one of security. All too often now overzealous stewards and police appear desperate to confront fans for the smallest of things. Harmless banners, gesturing to opposition supporters, swearing or singing the latest non-politically correct chant amongst other stuff. Fair enough, football isnââ?¬â?¢t just about tribalism and stressed working class men but neither should it be sanitised to the point where people are being driven away. There is a fine line so why not ensure it isnââ?¬â?¢t crossed via dialogue, regular meetings and assisting the general public with information on the alleged crimes they are supposedly committing? Not to mention actually ensuring our property is safe while we do watch the game. Just how far is Helen Street police station from Ibrox again? First point of contact in this situation should be the singing sections and fan groups. From the Blue Order to the Club Deck Loyal to the Union Bears and the East Enclosure sections; there are a range of fans ready and willing to work with the club security (and each other) to find common ground. Yet, we have them dotted around the stadium minimising the effect they have. Surely, one large singing section would be more agreeable. Obviously it might not be easy to find a suitable location given many fans wouldnââ?¬â?¢t want to move but it could be investigated surely? As should a standing section ala teams in the German league. Make the singing section a focal point ââ?¬â?? not a dot at the back of a stand suggesting they are an inconvenience or an embarrassment. All the above isnââ?¬â?¢t rocket science. It is just a general outline of where improvement could readily be found on an affordable, exciting level. Iââ?¬â?¢m sure we all have our own ideas which could be put forward. I also appreciate some of the difficulties within these suggestions ââ?¬â?? cash flow; space; staffing; time etc etc. However, these obstacles are far from insurmountable and we should challenge ourselves to face these challenges and improve. Rangers FC led the way in stadium development last century and Ibrox Stadium is still a place we can be proud of. But itââ?¬â?¢s not perfect and, coupled with the overall drab experience, the club are testing the patience and loyalty of fans by offering a product that, with every passing season, seems poor value for money. As we enter a worldwide two year recession, attempting to retain over 40,000 season ticket holders will take more than a lukewarm burger, a wet seat and a policeman desperate to arrest you for the temerity to back your team. In conclusion, the club should commission and facilitate a review of the match-day experience based on research and best practice elsewhere in the UK and beyond. Of course, supporters groups could lead this and, as weââ?¬â?¢re doing via this project, provide initial feedback to the club, leading to prioritisation and feasibility studies etc. The standard must be set. Improvement must be sought. Itââ?¬â?¢s time to welcome the supporters back to their home.

DAVID WEIR believes his good friend and former teammate John Hughes deserves great credit for the job he has done at Falkirk over the years and is confident his hometown club can pull clear of the SPL relegation zone in the next couple of months. David WeirRangers' League Cup semi-final opponents are currently languishing in eleventh place in the league table after a disappointing first-half to the season and four wins from 23 games has sent their confidence crashing. Weir, however, believes the form book will go out the window tonight at Hampden and that both sets of players will give their all to make it through to a showcase final against either Celtic or Dundee United on March 15. It will be a special evening for the 38-year-old defender who still has fond memories of his three year spell at Falkirk and being in a squad with Yogi Hughes. Davie joined the then First Division side in 1992 and went on to play over 100 games in a Dark Blue jersey. At that time survival football was served up on the old Brockville menu with the club skipping back and forth between divisions. And Weir insists that the current crop of players at the Falkirk Stadium have more than enough quality to avoid the drop and start climbing the league before May. He said: "I don't think staying in the SPL will be a problem for Falkirk. I know it's easy for me to say that but they have a lot of good players in their squad. "The first-half of the season might not have gone how they would have liked but there is no doubt they can pull away from that and I hope they can. David Weir "Over the years I think John has done a great job at Falkirk and he has firmly established them as an SPL club. "They were in the semi-final of the League Cup in 2007 and they have done the same this season so they will be looking to go one step further and that's something we need to be wary of when we face them. "But John's definitely raised the bar and brought a bit of stability and credibility to the club along the way." Davie is relishing the prospect of returning to the national stadium and still looks back at last season's epic League Cup final against Dundee United as one of the highlights of his career. David WeirKris Boyd's winning penalty in a dramatic shoot-out handed the defender his first winners medal in a Light Blue jersey and for that reason alone he would love to retain the trophy. He said: "All the players here want to beat Falkirk and reach the final, that goes without saying, but it will be a tough game. "We lifted the League and Scottish Cup last season so, of course, we want to do the same. "Winning trophies is a good habit to get in to but first and foremost we need to reach the final this year which will be tough. "Reputations count for nothing and it's the best team on the night that will go through. "It will be a great occasion and the fact that Falkirk is one of my former clubs will make it a wee bit more special."

http://www.rangers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,5~1522533,00.html Walter wants to know what gripe we fans have, so heres mine. I served my time as a Rangers supporter under John Greigs tenure as manager so I know crap football when i see it Walter, and given what i had to endure from the stands at Ibrox last season, well I can honestly say it was the most dire football spectacle i have ever witnessed in my life. The uber defensive policy, very difficult to stomach but for long spells effective and as the saying goes, the end justifies the means. With a commanding lead at the top of the table come march we put up with being outplayed and outclassed by everyman and his dog but as we entered the business end of the season the cracks began to appear. grinding out results from week to week had been a common feature and the league cup final was no different. outwitted on the day and very lucky to win the cup thanks to Kris boyd, a player who you tried your damned hardest not to play, opting for a player who didnt even want to play for the club and whos body language told us so every time he pulled on a light blue jersey. But it all went down hill from there. Suddenly your tactics were being slowly found out and teams started to take points from us and the commanding lead started to wither as the weeks rolled past. no one at the club seemed to be taking any notice though as we were starting to gain a bit of momentum in the Uefa cup. Again we grinded out results, playing for draws and hoping for penalties and it worked. But as a paying fan who went to all the Uefa cup games I seen two goals in one game and as for the other games, they were so bad id have rather have went to my work for nintey minutes for nothing! Fair enough Walter you got us to that final but to openly admit that you actually played for a draw in that final is a slap in the face to every Rangers Supporter who travelled to manchester and that follows the club. it is beggars belief that any football manager that got to a European final and didnt play to win it. And with that up the pan we went back to league business. But our team had been slowly imploding through the months and our worst fears were finally realised when we handed the title to the other side on a plate on the last days of the season. Truth is walter i seen it comming a long time before it actually happened. The players you chose week in week out werent up to the job. McCulloch, Adam, Daily, Darcheville, Whitaker, Cousin and ill include Thompson too, just werent up to the job but were the mainstays of the team. The problem was walter when it actually came to playing football and standing up to be counted they werent up to the job. But you enjoyed the plaudits of having a succesful season Walter. Getting to a major European final was a real feather in your cap to some but to us cash paying customers the reality was that we were absolutely dreadful. My wife quipped to me a week before the Uefa cup final that she would by me the DVD if we won all four competitions to which i replied "dont bother id only throw it in the bin". Why? Well the quality and class of football was well below the standard that i expect from Rangers Football Club. We were a laughing stock in Europe due to the way you set your stall out and as for the way you capitulated the league, a damned disgrace. i can honestly i didnt enjoy one game i witnessed at Ibrox last season. None at all. even if we won. Quite a damning stament when you consider I only missed two games. but i did hope that the new season would be better...... part two to follow.

In case anyone hasn't seen it yet. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/...t_campaign.php Rangers supporters launch protest campaign by Thomas Jordan RANGERS fans groups today launched a "We Deserve Better" campaign to try and pile the pressure on the club's board. Chairman Sir David Murray's decision to sell off one of his leading players this month to balance the books has been met with a furious reaction from some Gers fans - who held a banner during last night's win over St Johnstone asking him to quit the club. The agreed sale of striker Kris Boyd to Birmingham City in a �£3.8m deal was the final straw for many and various groups such as the Rangers Supporters Trust and the Blue Order have now issued a statement urging supporters clubs and fans to unite and let the club know their feelings. advertisement Trust chief David Edgar said today: "This isn't a campaign to get the chairman out or anything like that. "We know he is in a situation where he hasn't been able to find a buyer for the club but we want to know what direction the club is moving in and we're looking for improvements." The statement lists areas in which he says supporters are concerned with and want explanations and they are as follows; - Only 2 league titles in 8 seasons - Only 2 cups won in last 3 full seasons - Losing to the worst European opponents faced since Valletta in 1983 - A state of the art training facility, yet no advancements in technique or set plays - No discernible strategic vision, either on or off the pitch - No long-term transfer or team-building plan - Only two youth players (McGregor and Hutton) of genuine quality produced in the last decade - Selling first team players to cover losses previously made on fringe players - Consistent failure to move fringe players on for reasonable transfer fees - Lucrative pay-offs for failed players - Failure to profit from our most lucrative ever season - Failure to engage with or interact with the support in any meaningful way - Treating Rangers fans with disdain as customers instead of valuing and working with them as supporters and part of the Rangers family - Inability to either attract inward investment, or to convince fans to invest in any meaningful way - Reduction in the status of our club from leading football force in the land, to almost social pariah status through a failure to challenge those seeking to link Rangers with sectarianism - A PR operation which only acts when senior club figures are personally criticised and all too often fails to defend the Rangers support - Fan morale lower than at any time in the past 24 years

DAVIE WEIR hopes that a win at the Caledonian Stadium tomorrow can kick-start Rangers title challenge this season and that the club can follow that by going on a lengthy winning run. David WeirWith the Light Blues trailing seven points behind league leaders Celtic a victory in the Highland capital is now imperative at the start of 2009. Weir is fully aware that there is now an additional pressure on every Rangers player to hit top form week in, week out but has no doubt his team can rise to the challenge. He said: "It's true that there is not any margin for error for us now but perhaps that is a good thing. "We all realise that we can't drop any more points and we have to win every game. "This is always the case when you are at Rangers anyway but even more so now. "We've got to out and make things happen and only we can turn our current situation around. "There is still a lot of football to be played this season and anything can happen but we have to improve, especially away from home." Inverness Caley are currently joint bottom of the league with SPL newcomers Hamilton and their home record is the worst in the top flight. Nevertheless, Davie is expecting a 90 minutes battle with both teams in desperate need of three points. He said: "Everywhere is tough. In this league there no ground that you go to and get points easily. Steven Naismith "Inverness has been one of the harder places to go in the past even though they are in need of a good result as well. "We can take nothing for granted and all the players are aware that we need to play well to get all three points." Steven Naismith's return to the Gers squad is a huge boost for the club and Davie is delighted the club's �£2million signing is back in action. He said: "He has been out for a long time but he has worked very hard and he now deserves his chance to get back. "He is a good lad and the sooner we get him back into the squad the better. "You always welcome quality players returning and he falls into that category. He will offer competition up front and that's good. "I'm sure he will be desperate to make an impression.

First Adam and now McCulloch. I wish they would show it on the park at not in the papers.

As Rangers search for solutions to their title predicament, they have been urged to put their faith in the $5million man yet to be granted a proper opportunity to prove his value. Maurice Edu cost that round sum, about �£2.6m in August from FC Toronto, before sterling began its exchange-rate plunge, but the American international has started only two games this term - the last back in October. Even when Kevin Thomson's cruciate-ligament injury robbed Rangers of a natural holding midfielder in November, Edu did not receive the call to step up and fill his place. Now, however, it's understood the player is winning his battle to convince the Ibrox management team that he is worthy of more exposure as the club seek to claw back a seven-point deficit against Celtic. Former U.S. national coach Bruce Arena, now David Beckham's boss at LA Galaxy, is in no doubt that Edu would thrive under the pressure of the 'must-win' situation currently confronting Rangers as they prepare to face Inverness Caley Thistle on Sunday. Arena has watched the 22-year-old develop from his formative days at the University of Maryland and believes the time is right for Walter Smith to trust Edu's ability to add more steel to his side. 'Maurice is a player who can step up to that kind of pressure and do well,' said Arena, who led the U.S.A to the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup. 'It's always a difficult time when you are a scrambling in a title race. Rangers are chasing Celtic and it can feel like an awkward time to introduce young players to the starting line-up. 'But there is no better way to really see the kind of potential a player has. If Walter feels comfortable that he can place Maurice on the field, then, within no more than a couple of games, Maurice will show the qualities that he has. I'm sure he is a player who can help Rangers in their current situation. 'Rangers have paid good money for him and that is another reason why he probably needs to play more. The club has made an investment, so the quicker they can bring him on, the better it is for everyone. 'But Walter is a very experienced manager and my view is that he will make a good decision in this situation. He has seen a lot of young, promising players come and go and I'm sure he will understand when it is the right time to introduce Maurice to the Rangers first team on a permanent basis. 'Right now, Maurice lacks experience, but he has the tools to become a very good player indeed. There is a great deal of promise there. 'It was always going to take him time to adapt to the different demands of professional football in Scotland but he has the right kind of self-confidence and I'm sure he has faith in himself making the breakthrough.' Edu has established himself as part of the U.S.A national squad under Arena's successor, Bob Bradley, and needs more first-team outings to maintain that position in the push for a place in the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa. The fact he has not made an immediate impact at Ibrox comes as no surprise to Arena, who is well versed in the difficulties of American players leaving their homeland to seek their fortunes in Europe. 'I know coach Bradley thinks a lot of Maurice and will be keeping an eye on him,' said Arena. 'In America, though, we have been through this situation with a lot of players - DaMarcus Beasley is one example who has had similar experiences in the past. 'The unfortunate thing for American players is that, because of their lack of exposure to high-level games on a consistent basis in the States, they tend to be a little bit up and down when they move overseas. 'They take a little bit longer to establish themselves but, once they cross that bridge, they tend to have a very strong quality to them and are players who can really help teams. 'With the right period of adjustment, Maurice will be a strong contributor to Rangers. 'America needs more players playing in a better environment. Seeing a player like Edu move to Rangers motivates other young players in America to improve their standard, so that they might get a European opportunity of their own. 'Everyone here is hoping he will establish himself in Scotland and I'm sure he will.' http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1103320/Rangers-Edu-tipped-thrive-heat-title-run-in.html

This again from the eveningtimes. DJs quote at the very end sums him up for me, what a tosser!!! CELTIC and Rangers fans tend to blow things out of all proportion when their team loses an Old Firm game. And it is no surprise that many Gers supporters are predicting the title race is over after such a poor performance by their team at Ibrox on Saturday. But, believe me, it is not done and dusted yet. Seven points is not too great a gap to bridge by any means. There are a lot of games still to be played by both clubs and points to be dropped. Yet, Rangers must start to show some fight, a quality which I felt was totally lacking in their dire display against the Hoops, if they want to win the SPL this season. My old boss Jock Wallace used to tell me that you need a bit of fire in your belly. Well, what player in a light blue jersey had that hunger, that burning desire to win, at the weekend? What I found particularly alarming was the lack of fight Rangers displayed once they had fallen behind to the Scott McDonald goal. They just couldn't raise their game. That, for me, was the greatest disappointment. Walter Smith kept the players in the dressing room for a long, long time after the final whistle. I am sure a few of them left the stadium with a flea in their ear from Walter and his assistants Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall. What they need to do now is react to this defeat in the same way that Celtic did when they were beaten 4-2 at Parkhead back in August and go on a decent winning run. That means picking up points both home and away. I don't think there is any need to change the favoured 4-4-2 formation or drop anybody from the side. But a few players really need to get their fingers out and show that they know what it means to play for the club. If they do, the situation Rangers find themselves in can definitely change. A few weeks ago when they fell seven points behind with a defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle everybody wrote them off. On Saturday, they could have reduced Celtic's lead to just one point with a win. As Walter has pointed out, though, there is now next to no margin for error. They maybe need to be more direct in the coming weeks and months and start to win ugly a bit more to keep up the pressure on their city rivals. Walter raised a few eyebrows by selecting Charlie Adam ahead of Aaron, DaMarcus Beasley, Kyle Lafferty, Lee McCulloch and Nacho Novo wide on the left. He has not been regularly involved in the first team squad in recent weeks and there has been speculation that he has been told he can leave Ibrox during the January transfer window. But he has a proven track record in the fixture and poses a real threat from dead ball situations. Plus, the manager sees all of his players in training and must have felt that Charlie was his best option. He is just one of several players who must have a long hard look at themselves and try to improve. No way is it adios for Novo NACHO Novo is the latest player to be linked with a move away from Rangers during the January transfer window after again being overlooked against Celtic on Saturday. But I am sure the little Spaniard, who came on as a late substitute at Ibrox, will be one of the last players Walter Smith will want to see leave. Despite Nacho's frustration at his lack of first- team starts this season, he is best utilised as an impact player. He can change the course of a game all by himself. There is a lot of dead wood in the Gers squad which Walter will be far more interested in getting rid of in the next month. I think getting a centre half in has to be Walter's priority. He has been linked with big Lee Wilkie up at Dundee United. That is a signing I, and I am sure a lot of Rangers fans, would welcome. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2478464.0.0.php

Celtic have completed the signing of Czech Republic Under-20 defender Milan Misun from FK Pribram The 18-year-old left-back has signed a four-year contract with the reigning Scottish Premier League champions. "It's a tremendous honour to sign for a club of Celtic's stature," Misun told Celtic's official website. "I know that there are some quality players at Celtic and I will need to work extremely had to break into the first team." The defender opted for a move to Glasgow despite interest from Italian Serie A club AC Milan. He is a young man with certainly a lot of potential Celtic manager Gordon Strachan Celtic have deployed Lee Naylor and Mark Wilson in the left-back position this season, but Wilson is a naturally right-footed defender. "We are delighted to complete the signing of Milan Misun," added manager Gordon Strachan. "He is a young man with certainly a lot of potential and we will be doing all we can to maximise his potential and try and ensure that he is a success at Celtic." Last week, Celtic captured Derry City winger Niall McGinn and Dundee United goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska has signed a pre-contract agreement to join in the summer. MY SPORT: DEBATE One for the future I think, but already playing for Czech U-21 team so can't be all bad?? Powered_Up_Pac-Man Whilst on trial at Celtic's Lennoxtown training centre, Misun was joined by FK Pribram team-mate Anton Fantis, but the SPL leaders have put a possible move for the 16-year-old on hold. Strachan said he had yet to make a decision on whether to sign Brann Bergen defender Erlend Hanstveit, although it appears unlikely he will be offered a deal. Hanstveit cut short his Celtic trial to return to Norway for his wedding and will learn Strachan's thoughts through the club scout. "We need to make contact there through John Park," Strachan said on Friday. "Once we make contact then we will make clear our decision." http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/7783307.stm

So despite the warnings on this forum, no doubt in the gutter press and I am sure within the confines of Murray Park and the away dressing room at Tannadice, for the eighth time in 9 games Rangers return from Dundee without the 3 points. How we manage to sustain such an embarrassing run is mystifying. Whilst Dundee United have a reasonable home record, before today�s game they had the best home defensive record, and had won 5 out of 8 games, they are hardly invincible. Indeed one of the SPL�s less glamorous clubs, Kilmarnock, have travelled to Tayside and returned victorious. There is no doubting we have a superior squad to choose from. The league table does not lie and a ten point gap tells it own story. Over the course of the season Dundee United are frankly not even close to us. So why do we struggle in so many one off games against the Arabs? The previous article on this topic pinpointed the key factors for our lack of success in this fixture. Levein�s tactical nous and ability to set up his team to frustrate and even dominate Rangers, particularly in midfield, allied to his team�s ability to carry out his orders and undoubted quality within the ranks. As the team�s trudged off at half time however you would be forgiven for believing that Smith, Ferguson and co. had learnt from past mistakes and figured out this Dundee United enigma. Surprisingly Levein did not field his usual 5-man midfield that we often struggle against. The extra man in midfield has previously allowed United to dominate the engine room and hence possession and the pattern of the game. Many suggested we should play a five-man midfield to combat Levein�s favoured tactic whenever the fixture list pairs the two sides. However I was not in favour of altering our team to counteract what should be inferior opposition. It would also have meant disrupting the deadliest strike force in the league. In any case Levein continued with a 4-4-2 formation and this likely contributed to an upturn in fortunes during the opening 45 minutes. Perhaps, also, as a result of a fine early Kris Boyd turn and strike thumping Rangers into the lead, but the customary pattern of United�s midfield dominance and Rangers long ball football did not ensue. Rather Ferguson and Mendes, supported by McCulloch and Davis, enjoyed not playing at a numerical disadvantage in the centre of the park. With Boyd forcing us into an early lead before any real pattern of the game had formed, United resorted to long ball football up to Daly and Feeney. This played into the hands of Weir and Broadfoot who were comfortably repelling all the straight, long balls. With United unable to take control in the centre of the park, they could not dominate possession and territory, nor pin back our midfield and defence. Boyd and Miller were receiving decent supply and the only worry was that we had not taken a greater lead in at half time. With a more competent display from the linesmen in particular we may have done. The only positive for the Arabs in the first half was Conway, when they could get the ball to him. Time and again he linked well with Dixon on the United left to get forward and swing balls in. Whittaker and Davis could not get near them and allowed too many balls into the box. The signs were there in the first half and you would expect Smith to have spotted this from his vantage point high up in the stands. Maybe the players were a bit too comfortable in the first half and did not go for the kill. Though I am not convinced that is the case and is merely an example of picking holes using hindsight. At half time Levein must have put a real rocket up his team. They came out second half and attacked us from the off, though there was no change in personnel and little change in tactics. The commitment and effort of the Dundee united players, allied to the ability to feed their left hand side with more of the ball destroyed Rangers in the opening ten minutes of the second half. They came out with their manager�s words in their ears, the Rangers player were simply not prepared. We learnt nothing of United�s few successes in the first half, allowing Conway and Dixon the time and the space to fire balls across our box. Wilkie playing an unusually advanced role for a centre back converted the first at the back post, Feeney despatching the second just four minutes later. There was nothing clever or inspiring about United�s play, a competent right back, a confident goalkeeper or a dominating centre back could have prevented these foals. For me most the blame lies with the right back, who had a wretched afternoon and was afforded little protection from his midfield partner. Fortunately there was time left to snatch at least a point or even a victory if we could hit back soon. However all the composure and cohesion had left our play. The player�s were shell shocked and needed to get back into this game fast. With Lafferty replacing McCulloch and Novo later replacing Miller we were able to salvage a draw. Novo a man who is never beaten, never accepts defeat, came on and immediately got in United�s faces. Not long after his introduction he produced a fine run and pass to set up Lafferty. He opened his body and showed excellent composure to beat Zaluska, a man who has a habit of foiling Rangers strikers. As much as we pushed late on we struggled to fashion any more quality opportunities and were left snatching a draw from the jaws of defeat. Smith, the players and fans alike will be left wondering how we ended up having to sneak a draw from a game in which were so dominant first half. We could have left Tannadice with no points having been second best only for the opening period of the second half. We showed first half we have the beating of United. Tactically we were superior, we were committed and our quality players stifled and dominated their Tannadice counterparts. As suggested in the previous article it is difficult to precisely identify why one team becomes another�s bogey side. Why do United hold somewhat of an Indian sign over us? This weekend Levein did not demonstrate the tactical nous that has often outwitted Smith. It would also be churlish to put it down to luck. Perhaps, the psychological issues previously proffered as the reason are key. How else can a dominant team coasting to half time fall behind with two quick goals right after the break. A lack of belief, a lack of confidence in holding a lead against a bogey side and most worrying a lack of character and winning mentality within the Ibrox ranks. If we are to finally start going to the hard to win venues and emerge victorious and somehow ensure it is Celtic and not ourselves who go into these ties feeling the pressure of remaining in the title race then it is up to the management and the leading players to find this winning mentality and install belief in the rest of the squad.

Away Day Blues Whilst the result at Tannidice wasn’t really a surprise, the manner in which we conceded two goals in three minutes, was the most predictable aspect of the game. Once again we entered a tricky away fixture with absolutely no width in the team and allowed the opposition unchallenged runs from the halfway line to our 18 yard line then confound this error by allowing crosses to be thrown along our six yard line. In know it’s an old, lame joke, but McGregor must be a vampire as he is scared of crosses. He is rooted to his line and every team in Scotland now knows how to trouble us defensively – get men out wide, deliver into the box and cause mayhem. We actually started well on Saturday and took control of the game and should have been two or three up before halftime. Boyd took his goal well but unfortunately for us, Miller chose Saturday to display his worst performance since his return. Hard to overly criticise Miller as he has bone well since his return, and in fairness, he looked like he was carrying an injury on Saturday. Finally, Mendes and Ferguson gave us a glimpse of the partnership that can develop between them, but when DUFC changed their tactics after the break, they were overrun (again) in the midfield area and worryingly, Walter Smith appears not to notice when we are being overrun in that area and is slow to react to opposition changes in tactics, formation etc. Having a look back on our away record for the last calendar year, it makes terrible and tragic reading. Since Last Christmas we have thrown away numerous critical points away from Ibrox and this ‘form’ resulted in us throwing away last seasons SPL title and it appears that we haven’t learned for this harsh lesson. It is getting harder and harder to imagine where a Rangers away victory is going to come. Is it fair to say that we are incapable of playing away from home in the SPL? Sure we can point to outstanding victories away from Ibrox in the last year – 4 v 2 at Torbett Towers, 4-0 at Tynecastle, 3-0 at Easter Road – but these are the exceptions rather than the rule. We can all point to gross incompetence from officials, especially this season, but lets be honest, our level of consistency and performance has been sadly lacking. We are easily beaten – we are easy to play against – we are easy opposition. We are lacking in the basics – we can’t retain possession from a throw-in – we can’t defend crosses into our area – we can’t capitalise on our attacking set-plays – and we can’t kill teams off when we get into the lead. These failures aren’t new, they have been around since the PLG era (not blaming PLG here by the way). They just haven’t been addressed properly. We now have two massive games at Ibrox and nothing less than six points will suffice form these games. Hibernian and Glasgow Hibernian are the next two visitors and will have had us watched and will have witnessed our weaknesses and know that we are venerable. We must counter this by playing to our strengths. However, I fear that our manager will see these games, well the OF game in particular as ‘must not lose’ rather than ‘must win’. Given this, I fully expect us to approach these games with an air of caution. This will mean our ‘flair players’ will be reigned in and / or replaced by McCulloch, Adam et al. If we defeat Hibs on Saturday (no mere certainty) then I will be shocked if WS doesn’t revert to 4-5-1 against the MOPES. This actually wouldn’t be the worst move against them, however, it will depend on the personnel deployed by WS. He’ll go with a midfield five of Davis, Mendes, Ferguson, Adam and McCulloch with Boyd as the ‘target man’ and we’ll spend the entire 90 minutes throwing aimless (and hopeless) balls up to Boyd that will be food and drink to the Ork-like MOPES defence. If we played with Ferguson, Mendes and Davis as a tight three man midfield and then played Novo and Lafferty (or Beasley or Aaron) wide supporting Miller then in my opinion, we would destroy them. Their defence is immobile and struggles against pace and skill. I know many won’t be happy with Boyd being dropped, but if we revert to 4-5-1, then he has to be the one that misses out. 4-4-2 would also work against both Hibs and the Mopes, but within that 4-4-2 there MUST be a wide player with genuine pace that can deliver quality into the box. Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life During my time as a Rangers supporter I have seen a change in myself and others when it comes to being optimistic about the Rangers. In the early to mid 80’s when I first started going regularly, you knew Rangers were going to struggle, but you always held the belief that one day, all this would change and the Rangers would once again become the driving and dominant force of Scottish Football. Call this naivety of youth, but when going to watch Rangers in those days, there was a genuine feeling and belief that it would turn around (or maybe it’s just the romanticism of the mists of time playing tricks with me). And it did turn around – David Holmes had a vision and managed to persuade Graeme Souness to become manager of the Rangers. After a sticky start, we eventually won the league (and the league cup for good measure) and all those long hard days going to witness Rangers struggling at Love Street, Boghead, Fir Park et al (sounding familiar), not only seemed worth it, but appeared to be a million years away. Suddenly, the Rangers were once again the team to beat. We were the Champions and we are ready for all comers. Nothing appeared to be going to go wrong and we started to edge closer and closer to 9-in-a-row. Added to the excitement of reaching, and hopefully surpassing this achievement was the news that our greatest foes and bitter of bitterest rivals were in financial turmoil and couldn’t match us on or off the pitch. It was around this time that I think we all took our eye off the ball – we all dwelt on the MOPES misfortune and none of us could see the trouble that was just over the horizon. In fact, it would be fair to say that any pessimism from Bears was met with derision. By Christ, I wish I had listened to those fellows sooner than I did, and I wish that ALL of us had taken heed of them ‘doom and gloom’ message. When I finally realised that our Custodian wasn’t all he was cracked up to be and that not everything in the Rangers garden was rosy, those ‘doom merchants’ were a vast minority. Just like today, the custodian had cast his spell and the majority of us were taken in by his rhetoric, half-truths and promises of moon-beans and the like. More recently, I believe that the majority of Rangers fans have woken up to the harsh reality that we are broke, we are rotten from the top to the bottom, but the vast majority still believe that the man who has gotten us into this mire, is the man who will actually save us. This is an unbelievable situation to be in. We all finally admit to SDM being capable for our demise yet the vast majority still harbour images of SDM riding over the horizon on his white charger galloping to our rescue. When in the cold light of day, nothing can be further from the truth. The January sales are looming large on the horizon and WS has publicly stated that we must move on 10 players. Adam, Burke, Beasley, McCulloch, Daily, JCD et al have all been mentioned, but realistically, who is going to buy those players from us? Who is going to match their current wages? The stark realism here is that we will have to create money at some point this season to compensate for the European failure. Christ, we got to the CL group stages and then to the UEFA Cup Final last season and still made a loss (even adding in the sale of Hutton to Spurs). So in conclusion, for this Bear, it has become almost impossible to have an optimistic view on Rangers at the moment. There is no feeling that better times are ahead, and the recent good times -2 last minute SPL title victories and a UEFA Cup Final -whilst being welcome have been smokescreens and have just severed to paper over the cracks and offer false hope. The only positive being a Ranger at the moment? At least we're not one of them...... Go on SDM, prove this old pessimistic so-and-so wrong. Cammy F -

Walter Smithââ?¬â?¢s second era at the club began with a match against Dundee United so it is perhaps fitting and not entirely unexpected, football often throws up strange and repeated coincidences such as this, that yet again the Arabs will provide the opposition in a monumental encounter that will go a long way to establishing our title credentials. The prospect of 4-in-a-row cannot be contemplated and if we are to prevent that eventuality then we have to stop the trend of our performances against Dundee United. Whilst our overall recent record does not make for terrible reading against Dundee United, indeed since the 5-0 victory in Walterââ?¬â?¢s debut game in charge of his second tenure, we have won 3, lost 1 and drawn 2 of our encounters with the Dundee club. However those two draws have been highly damaging to our league aspirations. Two league points dropped back in April during our hectic run in ultimately contributed to our downfall in attempting to reclaim the league flag. The second draw, our only meeting with United this season back in November allowed Celtic to take a 2 point lead in the SPL over us for the first time this season. It is the worrying trend of our inability to consistently take 3 points on the road against the more capable opponents in the SPL that is giving particular cause for concern prior to heading to Tannadice this weekend. After having returned the points difference to 4 between ourselves and Celtic this weekend past, we cannot afford anything less than a victory on Saturday. However we have not returned from Dundee with the 3 points since a 4-1 victory in April 06 when Prso and a Boyd hat-trick secured the result. In the last 4 seasons, stretching back to 04/05 under Eck, we have travelled to Dundee 6 times, but only once have we made the return trip with and addition to the win column. 1 win, 3 draws and 2 defeats highlights just how difficult a game we have in store. This kind of record is not good enough for a side with title aspirations and it is this sort of form that demonstrated why we have found league titles difficult to come by in recent seasons. Why one team becomes another sideââ?¬â?¢s ââ?¬Å?bogey teamââ?¬Â is difficult to pinpoint. When a team is regularly thwarting your side season after season, despite numerous changes in playing and coaching personnel for both sides, how do you identify the key factors? Is it luck? Is it a psychological problem? When you have struggled against another team in the past perhaps it is distracting you even before you take the field? It is impossible to quantify or qualify what causes this over a sustained period. What we can do though, is look at the reasons for our recent trouble. Why have so many of these competitive fixtures followed a similar pattern? In Smithââ?¬â?¢s first and highly successful spell at the helm we regularly dominated all opposition in Scotland. We had the players and the managerial set-up to mastermind victories against all opposition and in any scenario. Since his return to the club, many believe the old campaigner has been out-thought by his counter-part at Tannadice whenever the two lock-horns. Whilst Smithââ?¬â?¢s record against Leveinââ?¬â?¢s United makes reasonable reading, 4 wins, 2 draws with just the solitary defeat, it doesnââ?¬â?¢t even begin to tell the whole story In the League Cup Final, a match that was decided on penalties, only the introduction of Boyd saved Smithââ?¬â?¢s blushes as we were out thought and out played for large portions of the game. In the league encounter a month later, 3 times we had to come from behind to secure what at the time looked a decent point in the title run-in, to continue a fairly miserable run of form up Tannadice. We will of course all remember the 3-3 draw earlier this season when the influential Thomson stole a point in a game we should have won handsomely. What has become the stingiest back line in the league this year simply did not turn up that cold autumn night and despite an impressive attacking display, defensive lapses cost us the points. So Smith has an acceptable record against Dundee United overall, however it is one we would all like to see improve. To begin that with a vital victory this weekend would no doubt boost the confidence of our squad during a critical period in the Championship race. If we are to gain the required result, Smith, his coaching staff and the squad must look back at previous fixtures to understand why we struggled and to ensure we are better prepared. The major issue surrounding what is often a fraught fixture for us Rangers fans is in controlling the game. Win the midfield battle and that can set the platform to win the match. We cannot surrender quality possession and territory to Dundee United time and again, and hope to sneak a result thanks to individual quality on our part and individual error on Unitedââ?¬â?¢s. As many other SPL managers appear to be becoming aware of, if they flood their midfield with players and restrict our quality midfielders the time and space they need to operate they can effectively stop us playing. The team then resorts to long ball tactics, up to players whose strengths are not playing as target men. When this starts happening we continually give possession back to the opposition and put ourselves under pressure. This tactic is more rewarding for Dundee United than many other sides because of the quality of player they can deploy in midfield. Willo Flood, on loan from Cardiff City, always appears a step above anything else we might expect from opposition in the SPL out with Celtic. Flood is ably supported by a previously unavailable wealth of midfield talent in Morgaro Gomis, Prince Buaben (excellent finds for Craig Levein who combine good technical ability with natural athleticism) and formerly Mark Kerr (now Aberdeen). Scott Robertson brought in to replace the departing Kerr, from city rivals Dundee, has become a key player making a significant impact at Ibrox as he scored their third of 3 goals. Flood, Gomis and Robertson appear to be the players in favour for a strong United midfield, with Conway and Swanson enjoying regular games too. Levein has often deployed a 4-4-2 formation this season, but it will be interesting to see if he reverts to a five-man midfield again this weekend to give his side the numerical advantage in the centre of the park. Even prior to losing Thomson to long term injury this season, Dundee United have already proven they have enough in their ranks to give us a hard game. Although in a change from recent encounters, our troubles were not caused by Dundee Unitedââ?¬â?¢s strength in the middle of the park but by our own defensive frailties and an impressive game by Sandaza. With Unitedââ?¬â?¢s ability to nullify and dominate our midfield identified, the loss of Thomson is even more concerning for this game than any other. Our current first choice midfield of Ferguson, Mendes, Davis and possibly Beasley is lacking the fighting qualities and the screening of the defence that Thomson brings. With Levein likely to pack his midfield and the hardworking and technically gifted talents of Flood, Gomis, Robertson and co. we are going to have to battle hard for the points this weekend. It may require Walter to consider bringing in a more defensively minded player, in the Thomson mould, to combat the effective United midfield unit and allow the flair players to hurt the opposition. That would mean bringing in Edu either for Ferguson or Mendes, or sacrificing a forward player to field a 5 man midfield and match United in the central areas. However the prospect of breaking up what is a burgeoning and exciting forward pair of Boyd and Miller would be counter-productive and will not be considered by Smith. Neither will sacrificing the attacking qualities of Ferguson and Mendes. Instead I think he may ask for a disciplined display by one of the midfield pair, most likely Ferguson, to sit in and fill the defensive role performed by Thomson. Whether this will be effective is yet to be seen, but I am not convinced. If, as we have seen before, United manage to dominate this midfield battle, we begin to see why United have enjoyed such impressive displays against the more celebrated opposition from Glasgow. With a lack of control of the midfield, the defenders and deep lying midfield continually look to hit the long ball to Boyd and his partner, in this case likely to be Miller. Neither player can play as a dominant target man and with the towering figures of Wilkie and Dods at the back, will prove even more ineffectual in the role. Dundee United have enjoyed a stranglehold on possession and territory thanks to these tactics and more of the same will be uncomfortable viewing for the light blues this weekend. If Dundee United control the centre of the field and Wilkie and Dods continue their success at the back, then Craig Levein has unearthed the man to hurt us. In a devastating 2 goal display at Ibrox, Sandaza along with a solo strike by Robertson almost secured an impressive victory for the Arabs. Plucked from Valenciaââ?¬â?¢s reserve team, Sandaza made a decent start to life in Scotland in Unitedââ?¬â?¢s pre-season games. However he struggled once the competitive matches got underway until the boost of an accomplished display in Glasgow. In a game where unlike recent showing, United struggled to contain Rangers, Sandaza took full advantage of a night off at the back. Having regained third place in the league and with the best home defensive record in the league, if Flood and the Dundee United midfield continue to outshine their Rangers counterparts, they will be confident of the backline defending the inevitable long ball football and also of taking advantage of the lionââ?¬â?¢s share of possession with Sandaza and most probably Jon Daly to seize upon any opportunities created.

Boyd And Miller – A Partnership To Win Us The League? Whilst the 7-1 romp on Saturday against 10-man Hamilton was a marked improvement on recent results, and given the fact that the team appeared to be more balanced than in recent times, it was the reappearance of the Boyd/Miller partnership that rightly captured the headlines and was the topic of conversation and debate post-match. There is no doubting that the reintroduction of Davis, Papac and Beasley ensured that the team was balanced and that we had an outlet out-wide. Consensus on how effective Beasley is to the team is divided, but it can’t be denied that an outlet wide helps develop the play, negates the need to thump long and aimless balls forward and gains us possession and set-pieces at the business end of the pitch. However as stated above, it was the strike partnership of Boyd & Miller who stole the show and the subsequent headlines. Boyd looks a better player whilst partnered with Miller, and some say the same is true about Miller. I would argue that point. Miller looked a better player when paired with Cousin (and vice-versa) but that ship has sailed and there can be little argument that the Miller / Boyd partnership is the most effective we have at our disposal. Our second goal (Boyd’s first) on Saturday encapsulated this partnership to a ‘T’. Miller made an intelligent run, received the ball (on the deck!) from the midfield, played a sublime pass into Boyd’s path and Boyd dispatched the ball into the back of the net. Neither Boyd nor Miller would be placed into anyone’s ‘top strikers’ compilations, but they do have their strengths and they do appear to complement each other. This partnership will only continue to flourish if both keep fit, they are continually given quality service and if BOTH are kept in the starting 11. To ensure that we continue to get the best out of Boyd / Miller, we must continue to play with at least 1 wide player in the team be it, Burke, Beasley or Aaron. We must also look at the effectiveness of the midfield as Ferguson and Mendes don’t appear to complement each other. Could the introduction of Edu be more beneficial until Ferguson regains full fitness? Or at least until the partnership develops into a workable solution? There were times even on Saturday that Mendes and Ferguson were out-muscled, out-played and out-manoeuvred by struggling Hamilton Accies. Getting back to the question posed above, whilst Boyd and Miller will never come close to partnerships like Brand & Miller or Hateley & McCoist, if we continue to play to their strengths and they continue to develop this growing and fruitful partnership, they may just have enough ammunition to fire us to the SPL title. I will say one thing, the next 3 games are critical if we are to have any chance of dethroning the MOPES. Victories against DUFC, Hibs and then the MOPES are critical and to ensure we get these victories, both Boyd and Miller have a huge responsibility in continuing scoring and playing well. However, I have an awful feeling that WS will throw us all a curve ball and will rethink his tactics and personnel for these games. Watch out for the reintroduction of the likes of Adam, McCulloch, Daily et al. In my opinion, WS will approach these games with a degree of caution and may even revert back to his 4-5-1 formation from last season. Last Minute Winners Whilst watching the excellent Everton v Aston Villa game yesterday, my thoughts were drawn not only to the ex-Gers on show (Arteta and Cuellar – Arteta had a decent game as did CC playing an unfamiliar right-back role – did MON graduate from the WS school of coaching!) but to the fact that, if my memory serves me correctly, we’ve not won a game for a while with a last minute winner. The last game I can remember us winning in a dramatic, last minute fashion was when PLG was manager and Sebo slotted home to defeat Aberdeen at Ibrox. Now, off the top of my head, I can name various games prior to this when we’ve won with (what appeared to be) the last kick of the ball : Lovenkrands in the Scottish Cup Final Rod Wallace against DUFC at Tannidice Jorg Albertz with a deflected shot to defeat Hearts 1-0 at Ibrox Jorg Albertz with a rasper to defeat Hibs (eventually!) 4-3 at Easter Road (wonderful game that was) In fact, it was considered that Rangers were the masters of winning from both unwinable positions - who can forget going 3-0 to Shelbourne in DA’s fist game and storming back to win 5-3, or trailing DAFC 2-0 on a cold, wet and dull evening (is there any other kind in Fife?) then winning 4-2 during AM’s reign - and the masters of late strikes. It is always better to have a game won long before the last kick of the ball, but there is just something really satisfying wining a game (and a League Title) at the death. However, this skill may not have been as apparent as my memory suggest, it just appears that we used to win many games in this manner and appear not to be doing so recently. Atmosphere Last weeks rant was entitled ‘Groundhog Day’ and whilst we appear to be discussing the same failings month on moth, season on season etc, we’ve not had a discussion regarding the (lack of) atmosphere for a while, so here goes. Anyone who is a regular visitor to Ibrox will know that there is little atmosphere generated out-with the dedicated ‘singing sections’. It is hard to deny that TBO, East Enclosure, Club Deck Loyal et al are welcome additions to Ibrox (for their banners, displays and wit as well as their singing) but they are hardly helped by the rest of the stadium. It appears that supporting Rangers today entails turning up to Ibrox, shouting abuse at Rangers players then buggering off after 70 minutes. Now, before going on, everyone is entitled to leave when they want and to sing if they want, but surely it would be more beneficial to actually SUPPORT the team in song and by staying the course, rather than abusing them and leaving early. Another thing I have noticed recently is that if the rest of the stadium are going to join in, they’ll only really join in when songs like ‘Big Jock Knew’, ‘The Famine Song’, ‘The Sash’ and ‘Derrys Walls’ are sung. When Rangers songs are sung, it appears to be reserved for TBO. I find this infuriating and can’t understand why others don’t join in with the many wonderful Rangers songs. There is nothing better when we are in full voice singing the likes of ‘The Blue Sea Of Ibrox’, ‘Every Other Saturday’ and ‘Follow Follow’. Also, I can’t be the only one who thinks and would love to hear 50,000 Bears singing ‘Wolverhampton Town’. So come on Bears, we are entering a crucial part of the season and the team need (and deserve) our support, so lets get behind them, lets get those vocal chords stretched and lets get Ibrox rocking. I’m sure opposition teams love a morgue-like Ibrox but wouldn’t be as assured in a cauldron-like Ibrox. Cammy F –

Rangers 2, Motherwell 1 by Amir Rashid JOHN FLECK was on top form as Rangers dug out a vital win which keeps them hot on the heels of league leaders Hibs. Fleck has only just returned from an injury lay-off but his quality shone through in a difficult game in bitterly cold conditions. With leaders Hibs defeating Dundee United 3-0 on Friday, the Light Blues knew they could not slip up and they made a bright start. After just two minutes a nice bit of skill by the young Englishman Kane Hemmings down the right, led to a cross in the box for Jamie Ness - whose shot went wide of the left post after being forced to shoot from an awkward angle. Hemmings had the ball in the net minutes later but it was ruled out for offside and then Fleck began to dictate proceedings. Fleck showed why he is so highly thought of on 15 minutes, when a mesmerising run down right left three opposing players in his wake before rounding the keeper and unluckily hitting the foot of the near post with his shot. Moments later Fleck was involved again when his beautifully crafted through ball nearly released Isa Bagci through on goal but an excellent intervention from the Motherwell defender led to a corner instead. The break-through came on 26 minutes when a perfect Fleck corner found Bagci unmarked on the six-yard line and his header beat the diving Steven Coutts. Rangers were hungry for more goals and after the half hour a sweeping move by the champions led to Ness finding Gregg Wylde out wide who delivered an inch perfect cross that was headed just wide by Bagci.John Fleck Motherwell's only decent chance in the first period came when Steven Lawless slid a ball in for Ryan Martin in the Rangers box - he pulled the ball back across goal but fortunately for Rangers there was no one there to meet it. Fleck came desperately close to scoring in the early moments of the second half. He collected Chris Scott's clearance and his pace took him past the last defender before his shot was well saved low down by Coutts. The rebound fell back kindly to Fleck but he was unable to seize the opportunity. Then in 51 minutes Bagci found Fleck on the edge of the box and he hammered a venomous strike that was tipped over the bar for a corner by Coutts. Motherwell controlled the majority of possession in the second half, with most of Rangers attacks coming from breakaways. Motherwell however failed to create many goal scoring chances with their possession. The Rangers defence was solid - tackling and clearing away any dangerous balls into the box. Captain Ross Perry led by example at right back, with commanding central defenders Scott and Danny Wilson both playing their part. Arturs Vaiculis's goal was tested on 72 minutes when Motherwell came forward in search of the equaliser. Substitute Calum Hendrie and Ryan Martin linked up on the edge of the box before the latter released a thumping shot to the top right corner that was excellently saved by Vaiculis With 15 minutes left the Clydesdale Bank player of the month Wylde burst away down the left flank, before releasing a low cross along the Motherwell goal that found Archie Campbell who slotted the ball into the back of the net from close range. Motherwell refused to admit defeat and came back at Rangers when Paul Slane skipped pass Ness near the corner flag and struck a shot from a tight angle that rattled Vaiculis's crossbar. And in stoppage they got their consolation goal when Hendrie picked up the ball and ran with it into the box before finishing with a stunning strike into the top left hand corner of the Rangers goal. RANGERS: Vaiculis; Perry, Wilson, Scott, Wylde; Ness, Hutton, Stirling, Fleck; Hemmings (Campbell), Bagci (Forbes) No chance of Fleck getting a game then, I mean the lad is obviously playing good football the way it should be played