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Just on SSN there that Guilly is available for �£1.2M pounds and Craptic have made an approach. Not that I am expecting him to end up at either half of the OF, but a genuine quality player on the market for the same money as SN. Cammy F

Becks is expected to start tonight for England against Brazil. Personally I think its the right move as he is still a quality right midfielder. Take away all his fame and he is Englands best RM with lennon coming in 2nd. Bentley, Pennant, SWP are all also in there for the right sided place. The person id drop is Lampard. Id play a midfield of: Beckham____Gerrard___Carrick___J Cole

Like he said he would of liked to get Brown but he cost far too much and we can get a few players for that type of money

This season possible first chioce team if all fully fit: MacGregor - free Hutton - free Weir - free Ehiogu - free Smith - free Burke - Free Ferguson - effectively free Hemdani - free Adam - free Prso - free Boyd - 400K ------------- Total - 400K -------------- This season possible 2nd team: Klos - 700K Murray - Free Svensson - 650K Webster - 650K Papac - 1M Novo - 450K Thomson - 2M Rae - 250K Sionko - Free Buffel - 2.3M Sebo - 1.8M ------------ Total - 9.8M ------------ 2nd team cost about 25 times more than the first! Team lately: MacGregor - free Hutton - free Weir - free Ehiogu - free Papac - 1M Novo - 450K Ferguson - effectively free Thomson - 2M Hemdani - free Adam - free Boyd - 400K ------------ Total - 3.85M ------------ Quite a cheap team to have been doing so well lately... But it shows we definitely have to spend to get some quality. Next season? MacGregor - free Hutton - free Weir - free Webster - 650k Papac - 1M Ferguson - effectively free Thomson - 2M Hemdani - free McCulloch - 1.25M Darcheville - free Boyd - 400K ------------ Total - 5.3M ------------

At times this season its been absolute pish and even verging on the unwatchable. So imagine my surprise today when I turned over and the picture quality was excellent. I'd thought about cancelling my subscription for next year, but if they can keep this up then I'll reconsider. Obviously it would be great if they started broadcasting in HD, but I can't see it somehow. Yet another reason we shouldn't have told Sky to get stuffed.

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=412&Itemid=1 After another soulless performance at Ibrox yesterday, it was disappointing to note that once again the three essential virtues in the title above were missing from much of our team. Right from the very first minute it was obvious that yesterdayââ?¬â?¢s game would be a pedestrian affair. Killie may have had a fairly offensive set-up but they played mainly on the counter from a defensive outlook. Rangers, meanwhile, again opted for the 4-2-3-1 formation that has been such a hit and miss this season. Certainly no-one can argue that against the bigger sides that formation seems to work pretty well. Even with Le Guen in charge we had some good results against European opposition as well as against the bigger domestic teams. However, itââ?¬â?¢s also pretty obvious that when we come up against more defensive outfits, we struggle with only the one striker. We just arenââ?¬â?¢t flexible enough when it comes to reacting to opposition formations. In saying that, we could employ any tactic we like but if we continue to go into games without the necessary mental qualities, we will always struggle to match teams who do possess them. That explains why we have lost many games this season to supposed sub-standard opposition. Of course, the Falkirkââ?¬â?¢s, Caley Thistleââ?¬â?¢s and Kilmarnockââ?¬â?¢s of this world are not better than Rangers. Nevertheless, when we fail to match the spirit of the underdog, we will not secure the points. After an excellent result and impressive display against Celtic last week once again our appalling lack of consistency was evident. We simply appear to lack the motivation and discipline to achieve this imperative goal. Given the fact that Walter Smith is renowned for having fine man-management skills that is extremely worrying 5 months into his new tenure. The negative signs are all there and have been now for a number of months ââ?¬â?? going on years. From some players being obviously unfit to others simply not applying themselves on the park; one must question the club discipline. Yesterday saw one of our greatest sons being remembered with what we all thought was a flawless minuteââ?¬â?¢s silence (none of that applause nonsense thankfully!). It is with extreme upset and disappointment though that after the match I quickly found out that two of our players couldnââ?¬â?¢t even take a few seconds out of their comedy routines to respect Kai Johansenââ?¬â?¢s memory. Both Allan McGregor and Kris Boyd ââ?¬â?? supposed big Rangers fans ââ?¬â?? preferred to share a private joke as the rest of the stadium (including the excellent Killie fans) stood in silence. Inexplicable behaviour from senior players which this fan cannot understand. Now, some fans calling for them to be sold is perhaps going a few steps too far but this disgraceful episode is another own goal from a set of players who, with each passing week, appear to isolate themselves further from the very people who pay their wages. At a time where the club are asking (and mainly receiving) the highest possible standards from the support, it seems the players canââ?¬â?¢t (or wonââ?¬â?¢t) match these minimal requirements. Ergo, I hope to hear about suitable punishments and apologies from the players involved. Allan McGregor and Kris Boyd have had decent seasons. McGregor has grown into the goalkeeping number one position very well and Boydââ?¬â?¢s goals are one of the main reasons we managed to secure second place. Both are now international quality players. However, simply having the practical qualities should never be enough to assume the job is done. Unfortunately, too many people at Rangers Football Club (and particularly the players) are simply just turning up and not applying themselves fully. Every Rangers employee should conduct themselves with the utmost standards of pride and professionalism whilst showing the kind of passion that should never be taken for granted. If anyone at the club canââ?¬â?¢t provide those minimal values then quite simply they are not good enough to be part of the Rangers. I sincerely hope as the end of this unacceptable season ends; every person at Rangers appreciates that second best will never be good enough. Whilst expectations have to remain realistic itââ?¬â?¢s not unreasonable to expect much, much more from our football club. Pride, professionalism and passion should be the foundations Rangers careers are built on. An occasional glimpse is not enough.

Lads, the following is a new column I'm thinking of starting - the idea is basically just to keep an eye on the media and summarise the different approaches to their reporting of the news to try and get a more balanced picture. I'm undecided how worthwhile it is, so I'd welcome your thoughts for improvement or indeed if its just a waste of time: Mediawatch ââ?¬â?? the signing of Darcheville Introduction to the column for first time readers In this regular column Iââ?¬â?¢m going to cast a skeptical eye over our friends in the media. Itââ?¬â?¢s a poor manââ?¬â?¢s attempt to de-sensationalise newspaper jargon to get at the news underneath. Iââ?¬â?¢m certainly not free from bias ââ?¬â?? to paraphrase Wordsworth Iââ?¬â?¢m a ââ?¬Å?[Rangers] man writing for [Rangers] menââ?¬Â ââ?¬â?? but Iââ?¬â?¢m going to do my best to be free from the tendency towards sensationalism and spin we so often encounter when we have the misfortune of reading the papers, and try my best to be a suitable antidote for those tired of reading the same old nonsense in them. Where theyââ?¬â?¢re good, I shall even praise them! Daily Record Thereââ?¬â?¢s nothing quite like the signing of a new player to whip the tabloids into a frenzy. None moreso than the Daily Record. Every single hint of a fact that points to the playerââ?¬â?¢s tendency towards Ronaldo-esque greatness is not only highlighted, but made the central point of the article. Iââ?¬â?¢ll save you the hyperbole, the main points of the article are as follows: ââ?¬Â¢ Rangers handled the affair well, according to the Bordeaux president ââ?¬Â¢ Darcheville is a 2-3 million rated player, according to the Bordeaux president ââ?¬Â¢ The Bordeaux president only offered him a one year deal ââ?¬Â¢ Weââ?¬â?¢ve signed him on a two year contract ââ?¬â?? this fact, and the lure of playing in a foreign league in front of large audiences, he says persuaded him These facts are joined together with the usual references to who he turned down, both in the past (Liverpool) and in the present (Monaco/Bordeaux) to increase our sense of having captured someone important. The fact that he has only netted 37 goals in 5 seasons is played down by explaining Walter Smith is after his for his rocket-like pace and subtle touch ala Prso, which Walter rather more understatedly explained by saying: ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢ve been to France a few times to see him and there is no doubt in my mind we are getting a quality player capable of doing a great job for us.ââ?¬Â But these are small points. Despite there being evidence of the usual signs of hyperbole the largest part of the article is made up of quotes, and the Daily Record is generally at its best when sticking to things people having actually said. You can read the article here: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/tm_headline=gers-have-got-a--pound-3m-hitman-for-free%26method=full%26objectid=19076077%26siteid=66633-name_page.html The Herald Darryl Broadfoot paints a slightly different picture of the signing, as you would expect from a broadsheet. He sets the focus on the fact that this is the third time weââ?¬â?¢ve attempted to sign Darcheville. Perhaps in an attempt to palliate the sense of sensation in the tabloids, his main points are largely concentrate on his, according to Darryl, negative history. The main points being: ââ?¬Â¢ Previous attempts to sign him broke down at the negotiation stage (note Darryl is unwilling, like the Record, to claim that it was because we didnââ?¬â?¢t have enough money, even if it is the case) ââ?¬Â¢ He used to be fat ââ?¬â?? earning unfavourable comparisons to Ronaldo in France ââ?¬Â¢ He didnââ?¬â?¢t do too well at Rennes ââ?¬Â¢ Or at Forrest ââ?¬â?? the manager branding him a waster ââ?¬Â¢ His next manager, at Lorient, also considered him selfish and wasteful ââ?¬Â¢ The manager after that liked him. He scored 25 goals in two seasons. ââ?¬Â¢ He then moved to Bordeaux from whom we signed him: the support apparently never liked him because he stated his intention to make tons of money So, we see a perhaps intentionally bleaker side of Darcheville in the Herald ââ?¬â?? and though I tend not to like the trend in broadsheets to see pessimism as essentially the same thing as ââ?¬Ë?high browââ?¬â?¢ journalism, it provides good foil for the happy clappy image presented in the Record. You can read the article here: http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.1387462.0.0.php Conclusion All in all thereââ?¬â?¢s not too much to complain about today, and I hope this summary, and the contrast between the two approaches, has been in some way beneficial towards an understanding of our new signing. The following video is some of Darchevilleââ?¬â?¢s finer moments:

So what's the thinking? I say, unless we sign someone spectacular to replace him then he should be our number one left midfielder next season. He may be lacking in pace, but with a pacy left back behind him (Stevie Smith) that shouldn't be a problem. His tactical and match awareness is coming on well, he delivers a decent dead ball and scores goals. I honestly think, if WS sticks with him, in a couple of years we will have a top quality left midfielder at the club.

One would be forgiven for thinking this Saturday was considered an exciting day because of the last Old Firm game of the season at Ibrox. After all, thousands of us will descend on our spiritual home to once again support our team in one of the worldââ?¬â?¢s greatest derbies. Unfortunately, word reaches me that, among us after an enforced period of ââ?¬Ë?gardening leaveââ?¬â?¢, shall be the one and only Graham Spiers ââ?¬â?? ex-ââ?¬Ë?Heraldââ?¬â?¢ Chief Sportswriter and new ââ?¬Ë?Timesââ?¬â?¢ columnist - well the Scottish version (with itââ?¬â?¢s, erm, ââ?¬Ë?compactââ?¬â?¢ readership anyway). Ergo, considering the SPL title has already been won and lost, perhaps all the excitement will occur when reading Spiersââ?¬â?¢ pre and post match musings? Itââ?¬â?¢s been a while since weââ?¬â?¢ve read this charlatanââ?¬â?¢s brand of half-truths and ill-informed rhetoric so can Scotlandââ?¬â?¢s self-appointed sectarian sheriff make a valiant return at the place where he made his name (and essentially lost his job) singling out Rangers as the sole perpetrators of sectarian offence in Scotland? The stench of hypocrisy will of course be evident as Spiers cheers on his favourite ââ?¬Ë?remarkable human beingââ?¬â?¢ Neil Lennon who will play in his last Old Firm match. Spiers has always had a lot to say about the bigotry problem but does strangely prevaricate when it comes to the double standards of the Scottish mediaââ?¬â?¢s best-loved victim. One rule for some and one rule for another certainly applies when one considers Spiersââ?¬â?¢ partiality (or lack of). Itââ?¬â?¢s also very interesting to note the Scotsport (yes, that high-quality football analysis show!) pundit has also spent the last few months writing a book about the Paul Le Guen saga. As if we werenââ?¬â?¢t all tired enough of what happened in the first half of this season, it appears in ââ?¬Ë?PLG ââ?¬â?? Lââ?¬â?¢Enigmaââ?¬â?¢ (Mainstream Publishing) our favourite failing hack will discuss why the Frenchman couldnââ?¬â?¢t succeed at Ibrox. Despite no official status and little or no relations with anyone at the club or Monsieur Le Guen, Spiers feels the need to bore us with his usual variety of self-appointed opinion based on little knowledge of how the game works. A ââ?¬Ë?Samuel Johnsonââ?¬â?¢ prize winner or car boot sale door stop? You decide! So what can we expect from Spiers in his new book and more importantly his new job at ââ?¬Ë?The Timesââ?¬â?¢? Well, ever since his ââ?¬Ë?Scotland on Sundayââ?¬â?¢ days in the mid 90s Spiers has enjoyed putting the boot into our club. From scurrilous attacks on club legends like Jock Wallace, Davie Cooper and Bill Struth to unfair and inaccurate ramblings about the support at large, Spiers wrote article after article on sectarianism and specifically Rangers. Some argued these articles were necessary to remove the problems we faced. However, the intensity and frequency of the pieces when compared to clubs with similar problems just wasnââ?¬â?¢t conductive to such a valued campaign. If one looks at some of the language in the Spiersââ?¬â?¢ archive, the conclusion can be reached that this wasnââ?¬â?¢t a man attempting to fix a problem, but more a coward throwing insults in favour of sensationalism. I donââ?¬â?¢t think many Rangers fans have ever denied the challenges we face as a support but surely itââ?¬â?¢s the responsibility of the critic to offer solutions to help us successfully face these challenges? Itââ?¬â?¢s also imperative that we are not singled out in order that the whole problem of bigotry is attacked ââ?¬â?? not just one part of it. Unfortunately, Spiers has never done either to any great extent. Yes, heââ?¬â?¢s taken part in one conference about the subject (no solutions offered though) and yes, he has written the odd article about other clubs; but never once to the same extent as his regular attacks on Rangers. As such, can we expect any different this Saturday? The problem of bigotry and discriminatory singing is still part of Scottish football. Rangersââ?¬â?¢ fans though have made huge strides in the last year and have successfully removed much of the problem chants from the away support. They have done this not because of the likes of Spiers and his ilk but in spite of them. Meanwhile, the clubs with similar dilemmas that Spiers has chosen to minimise or even deliberately ignore, still have their problems. From sectarian and terrorist sympathising songs from Celtic fans, to songs about the Ibrox Disaster from Aberdeen fans, to racism from Motherwell fans, to homophobic chants from Hearts/Hibs fans; bigotry is still rife in the SPL from many clubs out with Rangers. This summer will see a new SPL rule introduced to punish clubs for such singing. This may go some way to helping remove these problems but only if the rule is applied across the board and from a neutral perspective. The questionable Scottish media will have their part to play regarding this and Graham Spiers (love him or loathe him) will be at the forefront as usual. Will we be reading an informative, impartial and accurate Graham Spiers this weekend? I genuinely hope so but I also doubt it. After all, these valuable virtues donââ?¬â?¢t always help make journalistic careers. But, as we saw when Spiers was sidelined at the Herald, not having them can also end and/or limit said careers. Whatââ?¬â?¢s it to be, Graham? http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=402&Itemid=1

Jarosik tempted by Tottenham move Jarosik has played for Sparta Prague, Slovan Liberec and CSKA Moscow Jiri Jarosik has suggested that he would be tempted by a return to the Premiership, with Tottenham reportedly interested in the Celtic midfielder. Speaking about a possible move to White Hart Lane, the Czech international said: "Tottenham are a superb team, playing still around fifth place. "The stadium is also always sold out, and many big derby games are played. "I can see only positives there. But I don't want to go into details, we shall see after the season has finished." The 29-year-old was signed in June 2006 from Chelsea, after a loan spell with Birmingham City and, although his experience was rather mixed at Stamford Bridge he refuses to rule out a return to London. "I read it in the newspapers," he said of the rumours. "The Scottish league is not bad. 60,000 people come to each of the Celtic games, but the Premiership is something else. "You play in full stadiums against very high-quality opponents. We shall see after the season. "I am glad not to have been forgotten in England. I am an experienced footballer, I already tried to play in England and I will not be expensive." Jarosik clinched a Scottish Premier League winner's medal on Sunday as Celtic claimed their second consecutive title. And his success means he has now won league medals in a record four countries - Czech Republic, Russia, England and Scotland. Nonetheless, despite the title race being effectively over long before Easter, he insists it was never a foregone conclusion. "Everybody knows it was not easy, as the season was long," he added. " I can compare this Celtic team to the Sparta Prague side of the past which had only the highest objectives, ambitions and expectations." Never really set the heather on fire for them and I'm not surprised he's moving on. Must admit I was worried when they signd himas he is a player I always liked down south. So if he goes, Graveson goes and as has been reported on Radio Clyde this am Lennon is leaving, looks like some midfield rebuilding for them.

Some of you will already have received your season ticket renewal notices this week. As usual, it comes with an accompanying letter from our esteemed chairman. Just in case you can't isolate the truth from the spin and the smoke, have a look at the results of our BabelFish translation of the letter. Dear customer/bigot, I am writing to you after a regretfully disappointing season draws to a close, yet once again Rangers supporters have continued to demonstrate unwavering allegiance during another year of me taking your money and investing none of my own huge personal wealth or time into the club. Incredibly, despite our awful performances on and off the field we still manage to keep season tickets high ââ?¬â?? even I am surprised at how loyal you guys are. Just in case though, hereââ?¬â?¢s another 3 new (and low quality) strips for you to spend another Ã?£30 per person on. That should really test your allegiance. The immediate priority however, is bolstering the first team squad and I am committed to backing Walter because no-one will buy this club off me yet. This will enable him to mount a challenge for 2nd place next season and to secure Champions league qualifier participation ââ?¬â?? if we can get past Hearts, Hibs and our friends from the North East in the SPL. Donââ?¬â?¢t the Ultras from Aberdeen back their team well when they are here? In order to achieve these objectives we will need to strengthen the squad, but it is vitally important that we continue to operate within our financial means, which in an increasingly competitive market will require prudent management. As such, we have been working extremely hard going through all the DVDs, videos and letters from our agent friends to ensure we spent the least amount of money while making sure the names are strange enough to call them the next Laudrup, Albertz or Gough. Walter has also made it clear that players, both new and existing, will have to earn their place in the Rangers first team squad. On the field commitment, spirit, quality and pride isnââ?¬â?¢t necessary on match days but as long as we donââ?¬â?¢t get beat you guys will be happy surely? Off the pitch we continue to rely on voluntary fansââ?¬â?¢ organisations ideas ensuring all revenue streams are maximised to facilitate the required investment in the team and the stadium. That being said, we will not be increasing season tickets by a substantial amount next season. Just enough to emotionally blackmail you into another year while getting the most out of you. Following a pricing review we have decided to rationalise our prices across the stadium, stand by stand, to ensure that your season ticket continues to offer value for money. Well, value for money in the sense of you pay to get in and thatââ?¬â?¢s about it. Isnââ?¬â?¢t Andy Cameron a hoot? I am determined as ever to ensure success (no buyers yet?) and I am confident that next season we will fight to regain 2nd place and to ensure we can beat the odd Israeli team by a few goals to appease my European ambitions. Thank you for your continued and loyal support for the club ââ?¬â?? sign the form now or my lads from the protest last year know your address. Yours Faithfully Sir David Murray Chateaus Routas oops Rangers FC. PS: Stop singing those sectarian songs ââ?¬â?? (MediaHouse)

Played 10 Won 8 Drawn 2 Lost 0 For 19 Against 3 Clean sheets 7 Points 26 Now extrapolate that over 38 and the 33 games: Played 38, 33 Won 30, 26 Drawn 8, 7 Lost 0, 0 For 72, 63 Against 11, 10 Clean sheets 27, 23 Points 98, 85 Now I know it's not that simple but it's obviously championship winning form and if we'd got Walter in at the beginning of the season and had these kind of stats we'd be at least 7 points ahead of Celtic and talking about "grinding out results". The remarkable thing is that Walter is doing this with a squad of players that have failed to win a trophy in two years, have gained some of the worst records in Rangers history and has only had a few players of his own choosing. So while the football might be bad at times, take heart from the results at the moment. Now is probably not the time to grumble about poor football especially when the results are rolling in and racking up the points - we'd have taken this kind of football for the last one and a half seasons. Phase one is stopping the rot and the leaking of goals and points using mostly the inherited squad with a few extra players brought in on a modest budget - I think that is being achieved with great aplomb. Phase two will start this summer and will be about improving the quality of the team and providing a sustained challenge for the title as well as CL qualification. Once we have achieved a level where we are consistently challenging for the league - wining it at least every second season, and doing well in the CL, then maybe we can think about producing a much more watchable football. That will be phase three and four. Have patience.

Whilst we were dominating Scottish Football in the early 90ââ?¬â?¢s, Rangers were ââ?¬Ë?richerââ?¬â?¢ than clubs like Manchester United and after our fantastic European adventure in 93, we were better placed to win the European Cup than teams like Man U, Arsenal, Chelsea etc. It can be argued that those ââ?¬Ë?bigââ?¬â?¢ English clubs were still adjusting to life in the ââ?¬Ë?newââ?¬â?¢ English Premiership and life back on the European stage after years of exile. However, we defeated the English Champions home and away on the way to the inaugural Champions League group stages and were only denied a place in the final by the corrupt French Champions. So what happened to this fantastic opportunity? Well SKY TV arrived and financed the EPL, UEFA changed the goal-post regarding the CL and the 3 foreigner rule, and IMO David Murray allowed Walter Smith to stay on as Rangers manager for too long and the team that drank together, stagnated together. After securing 9-in-a-row Walter Smith decided that he would leave Rangers the following season and if we are honest, it was torture watching that aging team limp towards what would have been a historic 10-in-a-row, Now the nostalgic and romantics amongst us would argue that that team/squad deserved the chance to etch themselves into history. However, after a season that started fantastically (who can forget the moody Italian Marco Negri scoring with almost every touch he had ââ?¬â?? well, it seemed that way, then weââ?¬â?¢d watch him sulk back to the half-way line!). I know that hindsight is a wonderful thing, but you have to ask why SDM allowed Walter Smith to continue even after he had handed in his notice. Looking back to Graeme Souness, as soon as Souness indicated that he would be leaving for Liverpool, SDM showed him the door and booked him a taxi to the airport. So, why did Walter Smith not get the same treatment? Would a change of manager after securing 9-in-a-row ensured that we would have continued our domestic dominance and recharge our European challenge as this had faded since the halcyon days on 92/93? Weââ?¬â?¢ll never know, but Iââ?¬â?¢m sure a change of manager would have seen a change in fortunes as the season draw to a close. Walter Smith, rightly or wrongly chose to stick with the mainstay of the 9-in-a-row team who were clearly running on empty. We actually had 2 chances to win the league that year and blew them both (losing at home to Motherwell and away to Aberdeen) after defeating Craptic twice in a week in the Scottish Cup and League. We were famously to lose the league and both domestic cups that season but perversely, that season was to give me the possibly the proudest moment in my Rangers supporting life. As we stood at Tannidice, the deposed Champions and the 10-in-a-row dream in tatters, knowing that the manager and majority of players would be leaving, we reacted ââ?¬Ë?the Rangers wayââ?¬â?¢. The fans stood to a man (woman and child) and sang of their love for Rangers and applauded the players/manager from the pitch. Rangers, dignified in victory and defeat. Now it is worth reminding ourselves that at this stage in our history, we were still financially sound ââ?¬â?? and that our bitterest (sic) of rivals were still recovering from being on the brink or extinction. We were, in all honesty, going into the 10-in-a-row season, 10-15 years ahead of them off and on the pitch - all that was about to change. IMO, this is SDMââ?¬â?¢s greatest crime, allowing such a change in such a short space of time. SDM must have known that our debt was about to spiral out of control and should have put measures in place to ensure that we stayed ahead of the game. To his eternal shame, he didnââ?¬â?¢t and all our current ills can be traced back to this point in our history. SDM appeared to have pulled of a mater-stroke by appointing Dick Advocaat as our new manager. DA signed a whole host of exciting players like Amato, Gio, Numan and erm, Bert Konterman! After a shacky start and a thumping at the hands of Craptic, DAââ?¬â?¢s team gelled and played some wonderful football that saw his reclaim OUR title and win a glorious treble. Plenty other domestic success came or way along with some very credible performances and results on the European stage. Everything in the garden appeared rosy, oh how we were mistaken. DA started to lose the plot and Craptic under a new regime (on and off the pitch) stole our thunder and DA had to fall on his sword. He was replaced by Alex McLeish, an appointment that had a lot or Rangers fans shaking their heads in disappointment. To AMââ?¬â?¢s credit, he managed to match Crapticââ?¬â?¢s 2nd most successful manager on the trophy count (including a treble) whilst having to sell our better players, reduce the wage bill and replace them with inferior quality. Any money we made was put to servicing the debt whilst our financially sound neighbours had money to invest in their team. However, we were offered a ââ?¬Ë?chink of lightââ?¬â?¢. Martin Oââ?¬â?¢Neill was leaving Craptic and leaving them in a min-crisis. We had snatched the league title from under their noses for a 2nd time and their aging squad was to be dissembled. This was an opportunity for us to strengthen from a position of being the champions, but again SDM refused to back his manager with the funds required to forge ahead to domestic dominance. Once again, we were left in our rivals shadows and AM was sacked and replaced by PLG. Again, we have hope but alas, it was to be false hope and SDM didnââ?¬â?¢t back his new charge with money either. So after 2 disastrous domestic campaigns, can our leader take a possible opportunity to put us back where we belong? Or will he once again, miss a golden opportunity? If the (strong) rumours are to be believed, Gordon Strachan will leave Craptic in the summer and return to a role in the EPL ââ?¬â?? most likely at Manchester City. Crapticââ?¬â?¢s form over the closing half of the season hasnââ?¬â?¢t been particularly good and only our woeful results under PLG have stopped us from mounting a serious challenge in the league and cups. So what will our esteemed leader do this summer? I think heââ?¬â?¢ll do what he has done in the last 5 summers, give his charge a minimum transfer budget to sign players who are expected to replace the ââ?¬Ë?betterââ?¬â?¢ players in our squad. The early indications donââ?¬â?¢t look promising, but surely a brilliant business man like SDM can smell an opportunity and would do what ever it took to put his ââ?¬Ë?businessââ?¬â?¢ back on top? I wouldnââ?¬â?¢t bet on it, this summer will be another missed opportunity for SDM and for Rangers. Cammy F

After another appalling and heartless performance at Ibrox on Saturday I read with interest that many fans felt booing wasnââ?¬â?¢t suitable and that we should be supporting the players as opposed to criticising them so publicly. In addition to that, there were further complaints of the general atmosphere being poor as well as the usual complaints about the ââ?¬Ë?Subway Loyalââ?¬â?¢ leaving early. Generally, one can understand these points of view but I think the prevailing reason for such differences of opinion is merely another symptom of the Rangers family breakdown. After another season of disappointment and under-achievement, player/club/fan relationships have never been so strained. Perhaps itââ?¬â?¢s one symptom of such declining communications but it really is becoming incredibly hard for the fans to find anything to relate to and indeed support per se. In decades past, players were fans and lived similar lives to the support. Football wasnââ?¬â?¢t so glamorous and the money was nothing special. Hero worship was evident but not to the extent it is today. As European competitions begun and the TV and mass media started to take a real interest, profiles began to rise and higher reputations increased egos dangerously. From the Jim Baxterââ?¬â?¢s to the Willie Johnstoneââ?¬â?¢s star quality was now part and parcel of a Rangers footballerââ?¬â?¢s life. As we approached the 21st Century the TV finance boom and the subsequent worldwide exposure of that and the internet meant footballers were front page icons and loved by people all over the world. The Ally McCoist and Paul Gascoigne age started to take the players out of the reach of the fellow fan. Annual wages were now millions of pounds not thousands and fans werenââ?¬â?¢t as important as the agent or journalistic friend. The Bosman rule was next and money really started to take hold of our game. Not only that, it wasnââ?¬â?¢t just Scotsmen playing for Rangers but players from all over the world ââ?¬â?? many whom couldnââ?¬â?¢t even speak English never mind understand our traditions and history. As such, with every passing year attitudes and relationships are changing. Who are our Rangers heroes nowadays? Barry Ferguson ââ?¬â?? a captain who doesnââ?¬â?¢t appear to be a leader? Dado Prso ââ?¬â?? a likeable chap whose career is all but finished? Nacho Novo ââ?¬â?? well he did say no to Celtic 3 years ago? Will we even have any great players next year? The kind of ability, charisma and pride that makes a player a Rangers legend certainly seems in short supply nowadays. At the same time, these players are further from our reach. Increased technology and the problems that can bring means they are not allowed to attend RSC functions. VIP lounges means we canââ?¬â?¢t even buy them a pint and have a chat in our local pubs and clubs. Even when we do, we canââ?¬â?¢t understand what their life is like just as they canââ?¬â?¢t understand ours. Even the most average of players can earn more in a month that even the most skilled of us do in a year. Never have we been so far apart at the most basic of levels. Ergo, do the players really care when we boo them? Do they even care when we cheer them? Similarly, can kissing the badge or the odd fleeting gesture appease us? What about other figures at the club? An owner and chairman now semi-retired in France leaving an ill-equipped non-Rangers man to do a job he obviously struggles with. Even the so-called Rangers men still around prefer to lie and cover their bossââ?¬â?¢s tracks instead of standing up for the very people that loved them so much in years and eras long gone. Has the game changed so much that our greatest ever players are silent while our fans are kicked from pillar to post by sensationalist figures in the media? Or, like their fellow modern players, does the pound come before loyalty to the people who pay their wages? All this is rather depressing but itââ?¬â?¢s also realistic and relevant. Last week our chairman appeared from nowhere to again plead with a small section of our fans to stop letting the club down. Of course he is right ââ?¬â?? the club should take priority over everything else. ââ?¬Ë?Rangers Firstââ?¬â?¢ is the admirable message. Perhaps the chairman and some of the highly paid strangers now at our club could use that ethos themselves. Then we might just be more of the family they often talk about enabling us to face the many challenges ahead of us as a bonded unit instead of a divided and despondent one.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Scotsport/ This is my campaign and I hope you can support it. The quality of the Scotsport program can perhaps be questioned but maybe we can see past that to an extent. I hope you can help it along by reading the link and if you agree, by signing. Cheers

I hope Walter sits down with his staff, including Murray and sets out a direction for the club. WS is Rangers through and through but why is he so negative with selections? Does he not have confidence in the pack of cards he has been dealt with? I could understand his point if this was true but he plays the dumplings that ive no confidence in. Next season we have to get closer to Celtic and i think we will slightly but not over a season. He has got to get back to putting 2 strikers on the field. If he wants to keep 5 in the midfield then fine, play a 3-5-2. Ok, he doesnt have an open cheque book to sign 6 million pound players again but FFS lets set out ambitions higher than Scott McDonald. Id rather Scott MacLean back than him as the latter is playing at a higher level than Motherwell IMO. The dead wood needs booted out along with those who just dont have it in there locker. IMO Ian Murray, Charlie Adam, Gavin Rae and Kris Boyd are squad players at best and others arent far off them like Sebo, Novo, Thomson, but these guys have to be playing right now as we dont have anyone else. Kevin Thomson hasnt impressed me one bit and I wasnt impressed when we signed him. He has to prove this bear wrong. We are crying out for some experienced midfielders and strikers. Its worked good at the back bring in 2 older players and we still have a few young centre halfs in Svensson, Papac and Webster to come in. A quality forward needs to come in. Ive mentioned Robbie Fowler before as the answer. People say he is finished but he is 30 or 31 and still has a magical touch compared to Boyd. I honestly think he would sign for us if we went for him.

Of the guys who are guaranteed to be here and with those currently leaving (Novo, Prso, Klos etc) is this the best line-up we can start next year? McGregor Hutton Weir Webster Smith Burke Fergie Thomson Adam Boyd Gow With subs from: Gk - Robinson RB - Lowing CB - Ehiogu Svensson Broadfoot Papac (?) LB - Murray (Also a CB) Midfield - Hemdani Buffel Sionko(maybes) Forwards - Sebo (Have I forgotten any first team squad players?) Anyway, looking at that line-up, i'm happy with AM in goal and AH at RB. I know many fans aren't, but I think they do their job and we have more pressing concerns. If we get a "war chest" from somewhere and sort out all other positions, then look at buying players better than these two. Right now I don't beleive it is a viable option in terms of how we use any transfer budget. However we do need to look at bringing in competition for both positions within our budget. I actually think the CB position is looking very strong. A quick turnaround there from WS afterwhat PLG left him. Experienced heads of Weir, Webster and Ehiogu who can hopefully bring on the youngsters of Svensson and Broadfoot. Papac may very well be let go. LB also looks fine to me. Smith is a cracking wee player who can and will improve, and although Murray is not the same attacking threat he is an able deputy who can also fill in in most other positions. With Rae and Clement off, the midfield begins to look very light. I don't think we have the players to suit a formation incorporating Hemdani, Thomson and Fergie. Fergie has to start whenever fit. Our best and only top class player. You have to ask how likely is it that Thomson will not start most games. WS is not likely to be able to afford many �£2million players, so you would expect Thomson to play. This begs the question, would Hemdani be happy as back up at CM and CB? Or will WS look to buy the players to fit this 4-4-1-1 type formation? With NN not being offered a new contract as of yet, who covers CA and CB on the wings? Does WS have Sionko in his plans? I'm not so sure. Cover on both wings is a neccessity, although maybe Gow has been bought with LM in mind. The centre forward position is also a worry. Looking at the available players, Boyd and Gow would be likely first choices. Boyd is guaranteed goals, but you need other goal threats for when Boyd has an off day as is stated when he's not scoring he's not often effective. Sebo and perhaps Buffel (although WS already tried to sell him) look like the only back up. God help us. Does NN deserve a new contract. Can Prso show he is fit enough for another year? Looking at that potential first XI it would be solid, but short on quality in midfield and more importantly upfront. The squad would also be severely lacking in depth. If Prso can prove his fitness he has to be kept on. Depending on other options, it may also be worthwhile keeping Nacho on for another couple of years although I am undecided on this one. The potential signings of Brown, McCulloch and McDonald are essential imo. They would add some fight to the team and depth and quality to the squad. However it would not fill the other mhob with dread. A potential starting line up may then look as follows: McGregor Hutton Weir Webster Smith Brown Fergie Thomson McCulloch Boyd McDonald With the following pushing for a start: Robinson Ehiogu (Svensson) Adam Burke Prso (For key games and impact substitutions. He couldn't last a full season.) Novo I would sell Sebo and Buffel and look at the "problem" positions of RB and GK. An improving squad but still severely lacking in depth and that extra bit of quality. Certainly, the recent signings by WS and the potential (expected) signings of Brown, McCulloch and McDonald are taking steps in the right direction, but typing this has just made me realsie what more is needed.

all thoughts/hunches/informed opinions welcome... personally i cant see us having enough quality to go through. we would need all our good players (all four or so of them) to be on top of their game in both legs - all spanish teams are tough. scotsport mentioned last night that they are quite a british side, which may suit us. i think being at home first is a real disadvantage. whats yer thoughts?

Vienna want Sebo, Papac ââ?¬â?? on the cheap AUSTRIA VIENNA have told Rangers they would welcome back Filip Sebo and Sasa Papac this summer - but for a drastically reduced fee. Paul Le Guen spent a combined sum of Ã?£2.4m on the pair after spending last summer vying with the Austrians to let the players leave. Both players have failed to live up to their price tags and have been unable to impose themselves on the SPL. Markus Kraetschmer, the Vienna general manager, said: "They are players we would be interested in. advertisement "But they went to Rangers for a lot of money and their prices would have to come down a lot if they were to return to Austria Vienna. Rangers signed good quality players from us, but then the manager was fired, and we read with some interest that Filip Sebo and Sasa have been flops. "We feared it would be the end for these players knowing Le Guen had gone. "I am surprised they have not done better, but maybe the new coach doesn't play the right system for them." Vienna are currently struggling at the bottom of their league and are keeping tabs on players they allowed to leave. Sebo and Papac would be delighted to quit Rangers to head to their former club, and it could yet be agreed if the price is right. "They went for a new challenge but we have kept in touch with them, and spoke on the phone at Christmas," said Kraetschmer. "I understand why they went, but our door is not closed for them." I still hope Sebo can come good but i don't see Papac getting much of a chance to be honest.

... in terms of tactics and personnel for next season. I think the side might look something like this: ____________________McGregor___________________ Hutton______Webster____________Ehiogu_______Smith ________Hemdani_____Ferguson____Thomson________ ________Brown________Boyd_____McCulloch_________ I agree we need another right back which might help Hutton achieve a better level of consistency. With Klos leaving, we'll need another goalie unless we give the impressive Lee Robinson a chance as deputy. In midfield, Hemdani might move on but I think he'd get on well alongside Thomson or playing just in front of the back 4 enabling Ferguson to get forward. Brown and McCulloch could be signed for a combined �£3-3.5million and both of them would make good buys for deeper, wider roles while supporting Boyd as the poacher. With Klos, Prso and Buffel all set to move on that will free up money for wages so that way we'll be able to afford the 3 or 4 players we need. In saying that guys like Burke, Adam, Murray, Novo and Svensson et al might still be able to provide adequate back-up for a better quality first XI. I just hope we have a 2nd place finish and CL football to help fund any transfer fees. We can ill-afford to finish 4rd again. That would be a disaster. PS: Trying to get back posting now after a hectic few weeks making the new RST website and real work... Let's get Gersnet buzzing again!

I know Walter needs time and he has stated he wont bring in others for the sake of it but after watching some players yesterday id like to identify where the areas of improvement are required. Keeper: McGregor has done ok since coming in. He is a decent SPL keeper but no more than that. He has produced some great saves but also had a lot of flaps. He hasnt had the best defence infront of him so hopefully the new recruits give him more confidence. Klos is still sitting on the bench earning 30k a week which is sickening IMO. I blame McLeish for not bringing him back but understand the German may have had an attitude. However he gave us years and years of quality. He is likely to leave in the summer meaning we are short in keepers. Defence: Firstly Ehiogu and Weir look comfortable but I did feel a bit for Svensson yesterday. I think he can improve. But its good we have those 3 plus Webster to come in. And we still have Papac (who might move on) and Hemdani can play there - so we are more than covered at Centre half. I hope we get Webster permanent. At full back we are sorted at LB. Smith has been good all season bar maybe 2 games but you can excuse that as he is 19. Murray came in recently and does a fine job and Papac can play there aswell. Right back depth is a problem. Hutton has done a not bad job whenever ive seen him play. His best game was against Celtic. But if he gets injured we are lost at RB as Lowning hasnt had a chance yet. So a RB is needed. Midfield / wingers: Ferguson seems to be playing a lot better recently and got himself forward in the last few games - about time! Hemdani hasnt had a bad game this season even if he hasnt set the stadium alight. They 2 look good in the middle but a little creative player and tackler would be a good purchase. Our wide players just arent good enough! Sionko had 2 good games at the start then has been Capucho in disguise since then. Adam gets on the ball a lot and tries a fancy touch or 2 but is totally ineffective. But to his credit he has scored a few. But his crosses never meet there targets. He is a good player to have on the bench. Burke has never been consistant. He does well in small patches but is then our injured for periods again, and he never looks a goal threat - something we need in midfield. So id say a left midfielder is top target with either a creative or solid player in there next on the list. Forwards: If Prso stays on next season (which looks likely now) it will be a god send. He can rest all summer and come in 100% for next season. The big man is going to be almost impossible to replace. He is a banker to start when fit. But who partners him? Novo is a trier and is loved by the fans. But he cant re-do his 25 goals from a few seasons back. He gets in behind defenders but cant always deliver the final ball. Boyd IMO isnt a the answer. He is a goalscorer and poucher but needs 5 chances before he takes 1. He is slow and has a poor first touch. Im hoping Ally can develop him. Sebo - Yet to have a run in the team. He looked dangerous when he came on against Hearts. Its time for him to start upfront. So to clarify: A few personell need to be identified between now and August. Right back, Left Midfield and upfront are the areas or concern.

http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/news/2007/080107.html 08 January 2007 Trust Calls for ââ?¬Ë?Clarity, Direction and Leadershipââ?¬â?¢ at Rangers The Board of the Rangers Supportersââ?¬â?¢ Trust have watched with dismay at the events unfolding at Ibrox in recent weeks. The Trust repeats its public call for clarity, direction and leadership. - Clarity We are entitled to know why the Clubââ?¬â?¢s former Manager and former Captain were allowed to conduct a public dispute, which led to both of them losing their positions. We are also entitled to know precisely what role everyone played in this. - Direction We urgently require the appointment of a top class managerial team and the acquisition of quality professionals befitting of the team jersey. No-one is indispensable and no-one is bigger than Rangers Football Club. - Leadership Most importantly, we now need a tangible, public indication that the ambitions of the Rangers support are matched by the Clubââ?¬â?¢s Board and that the necessary investment and strategies to deliver on those ambitions are in place. We call on Sir David Murray to publicly address the Rangers support as a matter of urgency. The Trust has called for an urgent meeting in the next few days with Sir David Murray which he acknowledges and has agreed to meet as soon as is practical.

http://www.gersnet.info/fmrangers/newmain/050107.html Who�d have thought it? Walter Smith and Ally McCoist to be the new dream team! Is this a master-stroke by McFly or more short-term appeasement followed by heartbreak? Smith is obviously a man with Rangers in his heart. During his earlier stint we had some great times and his contribution to the 92/93 CL run and 9iar cannot be underestimated. However, at the same time, he had millions upon millions to spend; was up against a faltering Celtic and despite that one great CL season our European record was very poor. How will he cope with no financial backing and a Celtic who are now well in front of our mismanaged outfit? In some ways I can understand why we would bring both of them back. Smith is proven at SPL level and McCoist will fix the dressing room disharmony. Thus, as a short-term solution until a new man could be brought on board I'd be quite happy but as a long term solution I'm not so sure. It had been rumoured that Billy Davis was the long term candidate to succeed PLG, but given that era ended so prematurely, I don't think we were ever going to be able to tempt him away from Derby at short notice - especially given the compensation we'd need to pay. If Smith is part-time and McCoist the only full-timer poached from the SFA, then that's cost effective which as well all know takes precedence nowadays. More so if, as rumoured, McCoist, Gary McAllister or maybe still Davies is to be groomed to take over eventually. Of course, that would require long term planning and ambition and unfortunately the current administration don't have that quality. Bloody hell, our chairman and his CEO couldn�t even arrange for their holidays to be different times to keep maximum order in one of their absence! No, short-term appeasement is what Murray is always about. This appointment will deliver that but it won't appease the ever-increasing number of us who expect that little bit more vision. Just last November Murray was telling us that PLG would be here for the long term and his managerial position reviewed at the end of this season. What changed his mind so quickly? Was it Ferguson and the playing staff? Was it the unacceptable results and inconsistency? One can only assume it was the former as he didn�t sack Alex McLeish so eagerly last season when he should have. One thing is for sure Smith should bring stability. Smith was also never Barry Ferguson�s biggest fan in his early years so that might ensure our ex-captain won�t rule the roost as he might expect. We certainly need dominance in the changing room and leadership throughout the club. I don�t think PLG gave us that but I�m not so sure Barry Ferguson or Sir Davie McFly do either. Papering over the cracks just about sums it up. Can one obtain an honour for that?

Not to discuss the quality of them all, but what kind of future do you think these guys will have now? I have to say despite his problems, i still see Svennson turning it around and coming good, but he does need somone who knows the Scottish game in that back four beside him Letizi can go tomorrow, i will drive him home myself Sionko is another one who i would try to get shot of ..... just hasn't done anything for us Clement im 50/50 over ... since PLG is his biggest fan, i wonder how long he will want to hang around, but despite some good performances at times, he has totally lacked the consistency, and i felt Hemdani played his role better before being moved to defence Sebo ..... well, i'm actually 50/50 over this one too!!! (believe it or not!!) I would still like to see what would happen if he got a goal or two, although i'm not prepared to wait till 2020 to see that! Some of the other fringe players he bought might find themselves still out in the cold too So, views ..... what future for these guys?

Ok Murray has quite fairly taken a lot of criticism but thinking about our managerial hirings and "firings" it really does seem he listens to the fans. When GS left SDM tried to keep him, and insisted it was the biggest mistake of his life. The fans were also sorry to see him go and wanted him to say. He appointed WS as manager which although wasn't the most exciting thing for the fans, it had continuity and after he won the treble and did well in Europe the fans were happy. He got rid of WS when the fans weren't happy about Euro results despite being on very good term with him. We were spoiled with domestic success and gave WS a lot of criticism and most thought it was a good time for him to move on especially as the team was stagnating and WS looked a bit jaded with the job. He then brought us the big name that we craved, DA, who looked like he could do well in Europe and the difference was night and day in that arena although we always looked like we just needed a couple more quality players to actually do something. That's what we craved and that's what SDM provided but unfortunately it was from borrowed money and he didn't keep a good eye on the finances. DA was very successful to start but the more he didn't quite make it the more desperate he got before losing the dressing room. After a barren season and things looking bleak we started to want rid of DA and lo and behold he was punted upstairs by SDM and replaced with what many fans wanted: A promising Scottish manager who knew all about Rangers. We really wanted a bigger name but we didn't realise the extend of the debt but he is still liked by many fans. He was SDA's third manager to be instantly successful and the third manager to completely peter out and give us a barren season. We became so dire that there was a clamour to replace him from the fans and although SDM backed him, to be fair it was only because he had already lined up his replacement but had to wait on him. PLG was another dream ticket for the Rangers fans who lapped it up again, another masterstroke. The fact it didn't work out is more down to PLG than SDM and you can't blame the chairman for that choice. But the fans reacted again and so did Murray, this time immediately and now he's bringing in his 5th dream ticket in a row. We all respect WS and believe he's improved as he's shown with Scotland and we love AMC and would like to see him as a future Rangers manager. We again want a Scottish influence who are Rangers men and we've got it. So you can't fault SDM for getting rid when the fans wanted it and bringing in very popular choices. It looks like the fans do have power after all, or maybe DM is actually a bit of a fan too, or perhaps he just thinks the same as us, or alternatively he wants to be seen as some kind of hero but spoils it all with his bullshit, bad chairmanship in other ways like not allowing fan representation on the board, and many other faults.