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http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=87&Itemid=1 The Rangers Supporters' Trust has today called on the journalist Gerry McNee and the News Of The World to make a public apology to the Rangers support for the disgraceful slur which appeared on 25 February. This is not the first time Mr. McNee has made deliberately provocative statements about Rangers Football Club and the people who follow it but the next time Mr. McNee wants to view bigotry close up, he should simply look in his bathroom mirror. Mr. McNee wrote: "Perhaps they (Rangers) should be looking at another fringe activity on match days when a section of the crowd jump up and down chanting 'bouncy, bouncy, ha, ha, ha'. Is that based on sectarian gangs in Northern Ireland jumping on the heads of victims? No doubt there's another explanation for that too." Gerry McNee has now reached rock bottom in terms of standards, decency and accuracy by pretending that this is a perverse 'celebration' of the sickening sectarian murder of Robert Hamill in 1997, an accusation previously appearing only on the most extreme Republican/Celtic websites. The 'fringe activity' he talks of is widely known and accepted as a terrace song and dance known colloquially as 'The Bouncy', in evidence amongst Rangers fans as far back as 1989. Indeed in 1994, 3 years before Mr. Hamill's murder, 'The 'Bouncy' is specifically referred to in the Club's own Rangers Video Diary as Security Chief Alistair Hood is jokingly asked if seatbelts will be used to prevent fans in the East and West Enclosures doing this. In light of the evidence, the Trust calls for a full public apology to be printed in next Sunday's News of the World. Should this not be forthcoming, the Trust believes that Rangers FC will have no alternative but to remove media privileges from Mr. McNee and his newspaper, in line with the Chairman's statement to the 2006 Rangers AGM. The RST continues to campaign against REAL bigotry.

Guys, Obviously with the unfortunate downtime of the New Year, we once again find ourselves in a position of low contribution from only regular members. To keep Gersnet going we need to try and submit as many ideas as possible in order to maximise interest. To that end, in the next week or so, bmck and I will be creating a new Gersnet Online website. This will be a project which all members can contribute to but we will need specific helpers. We'll be using a content management system similar to the new RST website. That means after we get the initial template and content uploaded, we'll need to keep it fresh and worth visiting for every online bear. That's where you come in. I will write as many Gersnet Analysis as I can but it would be great to get some help. Every poster on here is capable of writing similar stuff and contributing to the debate. As such, it would be cool to have contributors with specific duties and responsibilities for the site, eg: 1. First team news/stats 2. Reserve/Youth team news/stats 3. Match Previews 4. Match Reviews/Stats 5. General Discussion/Articles With the new site, NO HTML knowledge is required. Articles/News/Info can be submitted easily and without input from any admin other than to maybe proof read for spelling/grammar mistakes. Obviously, the best stuff can also be uploaded to Newsnow and everything can be discussed on the forums as per usual to stimulate debate. I'd love to hear everybody's thoughts on the project - specifically is this worth the time to do and would we have people interested in contributing regularly to it?

Once these tickets are gone then the the shutters are down so please please book soon if you do not want to miss out. This is not a cheap shot at selling tickets as once these tickets go then that is us at the 450 mark. Tickets can be ordered online via the RST website. Dinner is 24th March. http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/tickets.html Would be good to see some Gersnet folk coming along. Let me know by pm if you'd like to go and I'll make sure you get some tickets. Will be at least one Gers legend at my table.

GRAHAM SPIERS January 04 2007 What does everyone make of this? A good read IMO. It's not often Spiers comes out in the press and backs a Rangers manager. Pity he had to have a dig at the RST though.

So for the 2nd season in succession we are struggling to finish 2nd in a two horse race and the mighty Glasgow Rangers, THE Rangers, the greatest club in the world have degenerated into an embarrassment and we continue to fall behind our rivals both on and off the field and our traditions, culture and good name are dragged through the dirt as we become nothing more than a laughing stock. We can blame the players, we can blame managers (past and present) and we can blame the board and the owner, but in reality, we are as much to blame (if not more) than all of the above. Yes Bears and Bearettes, it is us who have bought The Mints lies, it is us who have sat back and watched him rape and plunder the club, it is us who have watched truly class players being replaced by players who are no better than 1rst division players, it is us who have embraced The Mints downsizing of ambitions and it is us who continue to sit on our arses and lap up the shit served to us on/off the pitch. Ladies and gentleman, the point of no return is upon us – we must force Murray’s hand and we musts force it now. If we don’t, this is the beginning of the end of Rangers Football Club that we know and love. Wake up and smell the coffee – Murray is killing the club and we are allowing him free reign. This is our fault and we are the only ones who can rectify this mess. Cammy F

Frankie, i dont know what you think of this, but there seems to be a lot of confusion between pro-murray and anti-murray groups (surely represented in the RST's members) as to exactly how much murray has put in and taken out of rangers. there's loads of speculation, loads of strong feeling - but very little in the way of fact. would it be worthwhile for the rst to get in a forensic accountant just to clear the whole issue up, with a view to safeguarding murray's name or whatever? something that was clear and factual so there would be no more debate between rival factions who think murray is our saviour and those who think he's the anti-christ. has he single handedly given us all his money, or has he turned a profit from rangers? this would clear all that up.

http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/news/2006/101106.html 10 November 2006 RST Meet with David Murray The RST attended a brief meeting with David Murray and Martin Bain before Wednesday�s match with St. Johnstone. Attendees were Chairman Malcolm McNiven, Vice-Chairman Scott McMillan, Spokesperson David Edgar and Webmaster Stewart Franklin. While the details of the meeting were confidential, the RST feel that their members should know that the RST reps raised a number of concerns relating to the club in the short discussion. Topics raised included finance; the short and long-term planning strategy of the club; media; and the clubs relationship with the fans. The Chairman listened and indicated he would make a statement in the next few days. The RST look forward to hearing his statement and will discuss its implications at our next board meeting, scheduled for next week. A further meeting between the club and the RST is provisionally scheduled for late December.

http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/news/2006/101106b.html 10 November 2006 RST Condemn 'The Sun' Newspaper 'The Sun' Newspaper today printed a picture of Paul Le Guen under the headline ââ?¬Ë?The Shakiest Hun in the Westââ?¬â?¢. The RST unreservedly condemn the use of this offensive and sectarian insult. It is also especially insensitive that 'The Sun' chose to use this in the week of Remembrance Day. Once again, it seems that while Rangers fans are condemned for using terminology others find offensive, terms Rangers fans find offensive are considered acceptable. The RST call on 'The Sun' to apologise. We also suggest our members contact the Sun to register their disgust: scottishsunletters@the-sun.co.uk

MURRAY MUST SPEAK - TRUST The Rangers Supporters�´ Trust have called for David Murray to break his silence over the crisis engulfing the club. The Ibrox chairman has so far kept his counsel as their season plunges headlong into disaster. A disastrous start to Paul Le Guen�´s reign leaves Rangers trailing Celtic by 15 points in the league, and the CIS Insurance Cup exit at the hands of St Johnstone proved to be the final straw for some angry fans who gathered outside Ibrox calling for the heads of both the manager and chairman. RST spokesman Stephen Smith said: "The supporters are looking for leadership and someone to take responsibility. It�´s puzzling that a manager, whose second language is English, has been left to fend for himself. David Murray has so far been reluctant to step in but he has to be seen alongside his manager. The current state of affairs cannot continue." ---- Must say, I like Stephen Smith. A point well made, i think.

http://www.gersnet.info/fmrangers/newmain/301006.html After yet another week of disappointment and underachievement, the debates have been raging once more about whom to blame for said woes. The culpable parties range from Paul Le Guen to Charlie Richmond; from Filip Sebo to the RST. Mainly though, bit by bit, the attention is moving to the invisible man himself ââ?¬â?? David Murray. It is interesting to read and listen to the wide range of opinion regarding this interesting character. Some suggest heââ?¬â?¢s the Messiah, others say heââ?¬â?¢s the anti-Christ. Myself, I prefer the middle-ground, but by the day I can feel the atmosphere getting hotter. Where is our chairman at the moment? Is he basking on the slopes of his south facing French vineyards? Or he is working by candlelight in his Charlotte Square offices while the property market and his ever-increasing portfolio make his Murray International Holdings group even more money? One thing is for sure; he wonââ?¬â?¢t be at Ibrox finding out why our club falls further and further behind in the financial backwaters of the Scottish Premier League. I think it was during the heady days of 9-in-a-row that this particular business magician assured us that while he remained in charge heââ?¬â?¢d spend Ã?£10 for every fiver Celtic spent. Days of yore, indeed. I remember the 1990s well. An incredible run in the inaugural Championsââ?¬â?¢ League. Brian Laudrup, Paul Gascoigne and a record equalling league title run. Millions upon millions spent ââ?¬Ë?chasing the dreamââ?¬â?¢. I loved it ââ?¬â?? we all did. Unfortunately, it couldnââ?¬â?¢t last and it didnââ?¬â?¢t. We took our eye off the ball and Celtic made their comeback. Their stadium was suddenly bigger and over an incredibly short period of time, they were the ones contesting UEFA Cup finals and spending the bigger money. Our success was more sporadic but no less enjoyable in some respects ââ?¬â?? hiding the cracks indeed. Times changed, mistakes were made and things would never been the same again. Suddenly our excellent businessman had our club Ã?£80million in debt. Downsizing was inevitable and necessary but surely ambition and support would remain the same? That doesnââ?¬â?¢t seem to be the case any more and my goodness it hurts. Badly. We are a club in crisis ââ?¬â?? make no mistake. From the top down our club is rotten to the core. Our chairman and his right hand man are AWOL and donââ?¬â?¢t care. Our security chief sanctions arrests against our fans while opposition supporters sing songs about disasters in stadiums built in our absent friendsââ?¬â?¢ memory. Our once proud shops lie empty and vandalised shaming the badge that now hangs sadly above. The ticket office charges us for services that should be free. Our PR team embarrasses us and only exacerbates our worsening and unfair reputation. I could go on all night. There are of course some bright lights. We do have an excellent training facility and our manager, despite obvious problems, is one with the knowledge and expertise to turn our fortunes around. But it seems heââ?¬â?¢ll need to do so without fiscal backing from a man who canââ?¬â?¢t keep his promises. From a man who lies to his own so-called ââ?¬Ë?Rangers familyââ?¬â?¢. No matter how obvious the problems appear to some, others wonââ?¬â?¢t hear a word of criticism. ââ?¬Ë?Not David Murrayââ?¬â?¢, they say, ââ?¬Ë?He bought us the glory days and loves the club the same as usââ?¬â?¢. All half-truths of course, but their hero wonââ?¬â?¢t correct them. He has a business to run and a reputation to protect. What they fail to realise is that David Murray isnââ?¬â?¢t a fan of Rangers like you or I. He isnââ?¬â?¢t in our family. Family members stick by their kin and ensure their development selflessly. Our owner doesnââ?¬â?¢t do that. Maybe he did once ââ?¬â?? the waters are too muddied to be sure. Yes, heââ?¬â?¢s invested money but heââ?¬â?¢s made just as much. He has spent around Ã?£70million including a few share issues and buying the club. If he sells for Ã?£50million he gets most of that back. Add the Club Deck steel money, the RHL call centre money, the Albion car park money, the Azure Catering money and his various companiesââ?¬â?¢ increased profile and prestige from being associated with Rangers, I think one won't be far off matching his overall investment. When one compares that to OUR investment it doesnââ?¬â?¢t come close. We spent around Ã?£25million minimum every season. We donââ?¬â?¢t do that to make money ââ?¬â?? itââ?¬â?¢s an emotional investment ââ?¬â?? one we make in hope and expectation ââ?¬â?? not in cold blood and hard cash. Murray's investment, both from a financial and emotional perspective, doesn't come close. As such, although certain aspects of his tenure deserve credit and should be remembered with fondness other parts remain questionable and the respect afforded to him should be realistic. Not given blindly and cheaply. One thing is for certain ââ?¬â?? David Murray does not want to be here any longer. Ergo, he can leave his legacy in a few positive ways or he can prove the negativity above is fair. Firstly, he can invest Ã?£10million in the club in January. Itââ?¬â?¢s not a great deal of cash to a man worth Ã?£650million. About 1.5% of his total wealth - around the same percentage as you or I may invest each season. Secondly, he can sell the quickly club at a realistic price. Not at the Ã?£80million or more he may think itââ?¬â?¢s worth. Iââ?¬â?¢m thinking more about the Ã?£20-30million mark ââ?¬â?? high enough to make the profit he wants but low enough to attract a buyer whoââ?¬â?¢ll then have money left to make the improvements Murray canââ?¬â?¢t or wonââ?¬â?¢t. Finally, if he really feels part of a family and really cares about the rest of us, he should donate 10% of his holding to the RST ensuring genuine supportersââ?¬â?¢ representation in the future. Representation that is deserving of fans that do give their all for the club and who donââ?¬â?¢t make money back through outsourcing and other backdoor deals. Smoke and mirrors is a description I often hear about David Murray. In many respects itââ?¬â?¢s certainly apt and our very own magician still has some time to pull something out of the hat and ensure the early part of his performance isnââ?¬â?¢t sullied by the actions of what appears to be a tired and uncaring con-man. The lights are dimming on the stage. Has David Murray already left the building? Or does he have one last performance?

2 short articles for your viewing pleasure... http://www.gersnet.info/fmrangers/newmain/261006.html We Are The People 26/10/2006 Seems more than a few Celtic fans (let's be civil eh?) are in the huff about David Edgar (RST Spokesperson and all round good egg) signing off on Real Radio's Football Phone-In with 'We are the People'. Apparantly this phrase (used since the oldest bear I know remembers) is now sectarian and offensive. So much so, that Real Radio presenter Ewen Cameron (and his boss Jay Crawford) felt the need to apologise on David's behalf later on the show. Last time I checked, even Rangers FC themselves, back this harmless phrase decribing our thoughts of being footballs best supporters (how dare us!) and sticking together through good and bad. Why would anyone find such a thing offensive? Is there anything the Celtic support (and their many sympathisers) don't find offensive or sectarian? We are the people! The Junglebhoys Remember 26/10/2006 Also, this week, 'The Sun' reports that the official Celtic singing section will unveil a banner that will eventually be passed on to the Benfica fans paying tribute to their player Miklos Feher who tragically suffered a heart attack and died on the pitch whilst playing for Benfica in 2004. Very admirable the neutral may say but am I the only commentator finding this gesture to be a bit off? Apparantly on their forums, the Junglebhoys organisers talk about how this will bring them great publicity home and abroad. Why should that matter if they truly want to be so selfless? Remember this is the fans' group who paid an IRA terrorist to paint their Jock Stein banner. I'm sure the Benfica fans will be delighted to know that such a dubious group want to remember their player while still glorifying a terror organisation who murdered innocent women and children in cold blood. Just don't expect to read about that in the papers anytime soon. In saying that, maybe if we phone Real Radio and complain of being offended, they will apologise on our behalf? Or, like any other media platform, maybe Real Radio only find offence when Rangers fans are supposedly doing the offending? It's is interesting how quickly these platforms dismiss our thoughts when we find similar offence? But then again we don't have Chief Executives phoning up the station or sectarian fans' forums posting the address of the presenter's family. Yet, we're continually (mis)cast as the villains?

http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/news/2006/201006.html 20 October 2006 The RST Needs You! Help Needed at Ibrox Next Week! Win Hospitality Tickets! As part of our ongoing 'GerSave' promotion we will be attaching a 'GerSave' booklet to every seat in Ibrox for the Motherwell game next Saturday 28th October. As such will be looking for as much assistance as possible to help make this happen. We will be looking for people to come into Ibrox at 10am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning next week and help ensure each seat in the stadium will have a booklet. Each day we'll be allowed in the stadium until 5pm so helpers are welcome at any time between then. This will be a pivotal moment in launching Gersave awareness and thus the Trusts' existence. Therefore we are looking for everyone to help out wherever possible. Even if you are only able to help out for a couple of hours, every little bit helps and would be greatly appreciated. If you turn up and help on the set-up times you will automatically be entered into a special raffle. This will give 2 people the chance to win individual hospitality packages for a future game. This is your opportunity not only to help out the Trust but to enjoy an important SPL match in 5* comfort. To find out more please email joanne@rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk or contact us through the site form. More news early next week about this vital initiative.

As we were thro early for the RST AGM (nice suit Frankie, pitty you were hungover tho!!!) we decided to spend pre-match in the Wee Rangers Club and we had a ball (even went back for a few post-match!). As visitors, we paid �£2.50 each for a 'day membership' and this was well worth it. The price of the drink is very reasonable and they have done the place up brilliantly. We were standing thro the back of the bar and that led to easy access to the bar (also helped that the barmaid from The Wallace works there now and recognised us and gave us her usual excellent service!!). Also had the opportunity to talk to The Goalie, John McGregor and Mo Ross before and after the match - all 3 happily mixed with the punters, posed for photos and signed autopraghs etc. We are seriously thinking off getting memberships for the club now! Cammy F

http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/news/2006/260906.html 26 September 2006 The RST Needs You! Help Needed at Ibrox on Wednesday! Win Hospitality Tickets! As revealed last week, the Rangers Supporters Trust will be sponsoring the UEFA Cup return leg against Molde FC at Ibrox on Thursday 28th September. Part of the sponsorship has meant that we will be attaching a 'Gersave' booklet to every seat in Ibrox for the game, and as such will be looking for as much assistance as possible to help make this happen. We will be looking for people to come into Ibrox at 10am tomorrow (Wednesday 27/09/06) and help ensure each seat in the stadium will have a booklet. This will be a pivotal moment in launching Gersave awareness and thus the Trusts' existence. Therefore we are looking for everyone to help out wherever possible. Even if you are only able to help out for a couple of hours, every little bit helps and would be greatly appreciated. If you turn up and help on the set-up times you will automatically be entered into a special raffle. This will give 2 people the chance to win individual hospitality packages for the game. The match is sure to be a sell-out so this is your opportunity not only to get a ticket but to enjoy our first home European match of the season in 5* comfort. To find out more please email joanne@rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk or contact us through the site form.

http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/news/2006/090806.html 09 August 2006 Daily Record Apologises to Trust for Hugh Keevins Article Printed below is an apology from the Daily Record for an article by Hugh Keevins which appeared on Monday 7 August 2006. In it, Keevins invented ââ?¬Ë?quotesââ?¬â?¢ and gave the false impression that he had spoken to someone from the Trust; an impression which both we and the Daily Record are happy to correct. Link to Record Apology 9 August 2006 RANGERS TRUST "IN an article on Monday by Hugh Keevins we attributed part of a quote to Rangers Supportersââ?¬â?¢ Trust spokesperson Stephen Smith which was not made. Mr Smith did speak to the Press Association and it was these quotes which we inaccurately reported. We apologise for the error." Following on from Keevinsââ?¬â?¢s infamous comparison of Ibrox to Nuremberg on Scotsport in April 2006 and a 2003 incident where he inaccurately quoted former Trust Chairman Colin Glass, the Trust believes that this particular journalist has demonstrated he has a serious problem with accuracy and objectivity when it comes to Rangers and Rangers supporters. We have confidence that Trust members and the wider Rangers family will draw the appropriate conclusions and we look forward to the day when Hugh Keevins is denied the platform to voice his offensive, biased and inaccurate ramblings.

Joining the RST is the best �£10 I've spent this year .... http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/news/2006/070806.html Cammy F

Currently, we are being portrayed, and seen as the BNP, Hezbollah, Al Qaeda of football and have a huge job to turn this perceived image around. However, this is a direct consequence of Dodgy Daveââ?¬â?¢s continued refusal to publicly back us, the Rangers support. For years, many media outlets in this country have openly lied about the actions of Rangers fans. From the supposed riots in Sunderland and Bradford to us cutting our pitch to resemble a sash to the annual criticisms of our kit, sections of the mhedia have shown their agenda ââ?¬â?? to demonise Rangers Football Club and itââ?¬â?¢s supporters. Now, I could go on and on about things that have been printed in certain papers by certain journalists, but I am aware that the Amazon rain-forests are running out of tress and I donââ?¬â?¢t want this blamed on Rangers fansââ?¬Â¦Ã¢â?¬Â¦. Anyway, itââ?¬â?¢s safe to say that we all know the main culprits and their many lies and innuendos. I have to interject here and discuss the UEFA decision and that by not challenging this, David Murray has given our enemies ammunition and by god are they using it to their advantage. The RST rightly said that only through education and not condemnation could we change attitudes, they are right, but it is a pity the media donââ?¬â?¢t see it this way. We are working to eradicate some of the songs and chants that are heard at Ibrox and elsewhere, and after the UEFA decision we were promised that the club would take the lead and inform us what we can sing and how they were going to promote and celebrate our proud history and tradition. Linfield Football Club have, through community work, education and PR positively created an inclusive club which still promotes and celebrates itââ?¬â?¢s loyalist roots. We could learn a thing or two from Linfield. In a recent Sunday rag, they told the journalist all of the above and came out with some good press. Meanwhile, David Murray sits in his office counting our cash whilst allowing everyone and their dog to have a go at us. The latest is the Daily Record and their take on why the Bolton friendly was cancelled. Now, as I have said previously, compare his ââ?¬Ë?dignified silenceââ?¬â?¢ to attacks on US to his fast, strong and legal attacks on anyone who dares question Mr Murray or his suntanned mukka Mr Bain. In all honesty, I am at the stage where I believe that Murrayââ?¬â?¢s malaise has spread to a majority of the support who either donââ?¬â?¢t care what is written about us, or worse, actually believe what is written about us. So, what can we do? That is the $64,000 question. Firstly, we have to openly admit and embrace our past ââ?¬â?? we are a football club who represent the Protestant traditions in Scotland and further afield. This is NOTHING to be ashamed off ââ?¬â?? it should be celebrated. However, we are an inclusive club who welcome fans / players / employees no matter their colour, creed or religion. Secondly, we have to convince our fans that by celebrating our Presbyterianism, this doesnââ?¬â?¢t mean disrespecting other religions. Thirdly, we have to do this publicly whilst fighting our corner in the media. That will require a PR Department that will rapidly respond to any inaccuracies that are published in the media. By doing this, we will show that we mean business and the journalists will be treated with respect, only if they treat us with respect and fairly ââ?¬â?? after all that is all we ask. Can this be achieved? Yes and easily. However, can it be achieved with David Murray at the helm? I seriously think not ââ?¬â?? this is going to get worse before it gets better unless Murray acts and acts swiftly ââ?¬â?? over to you Mr Chairman. Cammy F

Thank you frankie!! it was a magic night... Frank Robb was funny as fook everything that moved got shot down in flames... The "legends" were down to earth aswell....... It was good to see RB and His mrs And frankie and his nutty wife to be Del.

Here is a list of things that David E Murray needs to turn his attention to as soon as PLG confirms that he has the tools in place to get us back to the top of the pile domestically and build on the very going showing in last seasons CL. Youth Development; Back on my high horse here ââ?¬â?? we urgently need to get this back under our own control. We urgently need to turn ââ?¬Ë?Murray Parkââ?¬â?¢ ââ?¬â?? which is essentially a training facility into a Youth Development Centre. We must hire the best coaches and the best scouts to ensure that we are getting the best crop of youngsters from all over the world. They must be houses and schooled at Murray Park. PR Department ; Again, another pet hate for many Rangers supporters. We urgently need to get an effective PR department that will challenge the lies, half-truths and innuendoes printed in the press. A PR Department that will represent Rangers and us the fans at anti-sectarian events and not allow our enemies to dictate the sectarian agenda. This PR Department would ideally be staffed by Rangers fans, and possibly run in conjunction with The RST and this Bear would nominate David Edgar as the new head of PR. Fans Groups ; The RST, TBO, FF, No1 Fanzine as well as the supporters association would all share the responsibility of liaising between the club and the fans. This would include inputs into stewarding (home, away and Europe), fans displays, travel, away ticketing prices / allocation etc. Also, this would include drawing up a schedule for first and second team players to represent the club at Supporters Clubs functions. Failure to attend would lead to fines. They would also work with the club to ensure that the Rangers Museum becomes a reality. Ticket Office ; Firstly, this would be moved from a port-a-cabin at the Craptic end to a permanent building within Ibrox. It would be managed and staffed by highly skilled and effective customer care professionals. After all, they are dealing with people who are spending hard earned cash to follow Rangers ââ?¬â?? they would be courteous, helpful and bend over to help the Rangers fans. Financial Growth This includes long-term business goals that will ensure the financial stability of the club for generations. It means the board of directors searching high and low for potential backers and when they have identified them, get them to put money into the club to help finance transfer, wages, youth development etc. Official Publications ; As said previously, these need a major overhaul and I would like to see the fans becoming involved in the authoring and publishing of articles from the Rangers News, Rangers TV, the match programme and the official web-site. Match Day Experience ; Supporters groups like TBO, CDL, CRL etc would be given access to Ibrox on a match day to place flags, banners, TIFO, etc all over stadium. The club would help pay and store ALL banners and these would be allowed to be draped over the stands for a certain time prior to kick-off and at half-time. The pre-match entertainment would be used to build up an atmosphere with the playing of Rangers songs like The Blue Sea Of Ibrox, Follow Follow, Every Other Saturday, Wolverhampton Town etc (the original version, not some raved up versions), with fans URGED to join in and wave flags, scarves, banners etc. So in summary, whilst congratulating David E Murray for capturing one of the best young managers in Europe, he still has a lot of work to do to make Rangers FC the club that we all want and deserve. Cammy F

Guys: I now have a number of tickets for the Bastille Night. Can everyone who wants to go pm me so I can arrange you to receive yours? Everyone is invited and the evening shall be totally informal, so a great chance to meet a few of the guys on here and meet a few Rangers legends who will all be available for questions and photo opportunities. All in the splendid surroundings of the centrally-located Thistle Hotel supplemented by a first class Mr Singh's Indian Buffet. �£20 is real value here.

Whilst David Murrayââ?¬â?¢s statement relating to the UEFA charges was welcome, it was months too late and ambiguous at best and shows that he, the club and most importantly us, the fans have a very important few weeks ahead of us and we, the fans, must continue to demand leadership from the club on the thorny subject of ââ?¬Ë?sectarianismââ?¬â?¢. David Murray and Rangers have been very ââ?¬Ë?privateââ?¬â?¢ in their thoughts about ââ?¬Ë?sectarianismââ?¬â?¢ and have allowed the press and now UEFA to demonise us and portray us as bigots ââ?¬â?? the damage has been done, our reputation tarnished and this will take major work to regain. The work needs to start now and needs to be led by the club along with groups like the RST, TBO, fan representatives etc. We have allowed our enemies to set the agenda regarding sectarianism in Scotland and this has seen as painted as the ââ?¬Ë?bad guysââ?¬â?¢ and the only club with a problem. We all know that this isnââ?¬â?¢t true, but the way this is being played in the media, large sections of non-football attending people are believing what is reported and think we are a bunch of bigots. This urgently needs to be readdressed. We (Rangers) need to have a PR Department that actively review media outlets and instantly challenge any lies, innuendos, half-truths etc peddled by the section of the media that obviously hates Rangers and everything we stand for. However, with Martin Bain at the helm, this is unlikely. Mr Bain has already stated that he will NEVER employ a Rangers fan in a job that offers more than Ã?£20K per year. So folks, if he was interviewing for PR jobs and Frankie, Calscot and I were up against Findar Oââ?¬â?¢Neill, Shaun Oââ?¬â?¢Shaunasy and Patrick Oââ?¬â?¢Mally, the later 3 would be given the job of defending Rangers in the press. Thatââ?¬â?¢s right, Rangers would rather employ 3 people who had, at best, no interest in Rangers over 3 people who actively support the club and have an obvious love for Rangers Football Club. This attitude MUST change and Rangers must employ people in the PR roles who have the best interests of RFC at heart. The PR Department should be bringing reporters like Leckie, McNee, Keevins and Speirs to task and by that, I mean banning the reptiles from Ibrox and stopping access to Rangers players etc for them and their newspapers. We have won ââ?¬Ë?smallââ?¬â?¢ victories against these scumbags by getting letters printed in papers, apologies live on air and the RST had the right to reply to McNee in his own rag. Imagine how much more powerful the response if it was directed by an efficient and effective PR Department at Ibrox, supplemented by the fans bombarding them as well? Next, we MUST start to admit, celebrate and encourage our Protestant heritage. It is nothing to be ashamed of, it is something that he have to celebrate along with celebrating our diverseness and our inclusiveness. I quote Davie Jeffery the Linfield manager ââ?¬Ë?At Linfield weââ?¬â?¢re about inclusiveness. In the past there has maybe been a nervousness for people to come out and say that, but Iââ?¬â?¢d like to say it emphatically. Iââ?¬â?¢m probably as Protestant as anybody, or as Loyalist if you want to put that slant on it, but the most important thing for me is the football club. ââ?¬Å?I donââ?¬â?¢t give a fig about colour, creed or whatever else. If players want to play in a blue jersey, thatââ?¬â?¢s all Iââ?¬â?¢m concerned about ââ?¬â?? and they should be supported by all our fans. People donââ?¬â?¢t need to sing anything that is offensive, hurtful or derogatory if theyââ?¬â?¢re supporting my team or my players. We are pushing a new venture at the moment. What weââ?¬â?¢re saying is that if youââ?¬â?¢re a true blue youââ?¬â?¢re anti-sectarian and anti-racist.ââ?¬Â These are the type of words that should be eminating from Ibrox. We should be encouraged to celebrate the positiveness of our culture whislt eradicating the negative songs. It is undenyable that we have become more ââ?¬Ë?anti-catholic/rebpublican/cratic than pro-Unionist (loyalist)/protestant/Rangers. We have to cut out the ââ?¬Ë?FTPââ?¬â?¢sââ?¬â?¢ and the cringeworthy Red Hand Salutes. Now we move onto the word/term that is likely to split the Rangers support if we allow this debate to fester unmanaged any longer. The infamous F-word. Now, this word and itââ?¬â?¢s meaning has been debated at great length and I have listened to both sides of the arguemnt. What doesnââ?¬â?¢t help is that the two camps use offensive terms to describe each other. The fans of the F-word call the non-fans; handwringers, PC-Brigade, apologists etc whislt themselves being referred to as ââ?¬Ë?uber-probsââ?¬â?¢ etc. Personally, I firmly believe that Fenian doesnââ?¬â?¢t equate to Catholic but it can not be denied that certain Rangers fans think that using the word Fenian does mean Catholic or even Craptic fan. Given UEFAââ?¬â?¢s directive to Rangers to ban The Billy Boys, it looks like we have to refrain from using this term. In my humble opinion, I am more than happy to cease using the word if it benefits Rangers and means an end to UEFA charges. Rangers must now inform us why The Billy Boys was banned ââ?¬â?? was it the reference to Fenians, was it to do with being ââ?¬Ë?up to our knees in Fenian bloodââ?¬â?¢ and what other songs are to be axed? Rangers must also ensure that UEFA arenââ?¬â?¢t just picking on Rangers. There are clubs not a million miles away from Rangers who have a worse sectarian problem and that is not mentioning the racist andf sectarian problems across main-land Europe (and further afield). We the fans must actively try to get David Murray to change his attitude regarding the press and get an effective PF Department up and running which is run and managed by people with Rangers at heart. People like Martin Bain and McIntyre must be removed and replaced by ââ?¬Ë?Rangers menââ?¬â?¢. Lets not forget that McIntyre stopped TBO from having a display against Aberdeen but allowed the Aberdeen Ultras to have a display. Yes people, youââ?¬â?¢ve read that correctly. McIntrye stopped a dedicated, anti-sectarian group of Rangers fans from having a display at IBROX but allowed Rangers hating scumbags to have a display whilst singing about the Ibrox Disaster, Richard Gough, Ian Durrant and mocking Davie Coopers death ââ?¬â?? welcome to David Murrays Rangers 2006 folks. Never fear tho, if the media have a go at either Murray and or Bain, the legal writs are flying and the stroies retracted ââ?¬â?? but if they tarnish our image ââ?¬â?? silence is golden. Someone more cynical than myself would argue that Murray has a deal with the rags ââ?¬â?? leave him alone, attack us and everything will be hunky-doreyââ?¬Â¦ So ii summing up, we the fans, have a choice. We can take Murrays attitude and sit back and let the press write what they want about us ââ?¬â?? no matter if it is false. Or, we can lobby Murray and get a PR Depertment that will fight for the good name of Rangers Football Club and everything associated with it. It may mean the end of his ââ?¬Ë?yes-menââ?¬â?¢ but it would be in the interests of Rangers FC. Are you ââ?¬Ë?Readyââ?¬â?¢ ââ?¬â?? I amââ?¬Â¦. Cammy F

http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/news/2006/300606b.html

I did post about this on the old board so thought I'd put it here to keep it in our minds. Hopefully we can get a Gersnet table. So far myself and Mrs Frankie will be there along with a couple of my mates including Ian1964 from here. Cammy and Del should be joining us so it would be great if a few more folk can get along. We can confirm numbers and take payment up until about the 7th July. http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/news/2006/010606.html Thistle Hotel - Friday 14th July - 7pm £20 per ticket. Indian Buffet meal Provided by Mr Singhs Graham Roberts main speaker and Q&A session Frank Robb is the comedian (making a 1 hour performance) DJ / Disco Ex-Rangers Players Vive le Guen Revolution!

Thought Iââ?¬â?¢d leave it a couple of days before I commented on the joint club and supporters statement of yesterday concerning the UEFA indictment of two weeks ago. Like most Rangers fans I was disappointed but not surprised when the UEFA charge was ââ?¬Ë?partially upheldââ?¬â?¢. I also believe our club should have backed our fans more and appealed the decision. I donââ?¬â?¢t want to waste anyoneââ?¬â?¢s time debating what songs are ââ?¬Ë?sectarianââ?¬â?¢ and what songs merely offend. We would be here all night. In the event of the UEFA judgement thatââ?¬â?¢s a pointless exercise and although some may be correct in their defence of the contested words and songs, essentially what UEFA says goes. For that reason we all have to realise the club and the criticised supportersââ?¬â?¢ groups had to choice but to make Fridayââ?¬â?¢s statement. No one, least of all the likes of the RST or TBO want to see our historic anthems and heritage destroyed. But sometimes we have to accept the inevitable, regroup, and then move on. ââ?¬Ë?Hullo Hulloââ?¬â?¢ or the ââ?¬Ë?Billy Boys as UEFA has described it is a rousing song. Itââ?¬â?¢s a great tune and its simplistic words never fail to arouse passion amongst the support particularly at bigger games. Unfortunately though, the lyrics (like many of our proud chants) have become bastardised. The official club version has been corrupted to, depending on your opinion, a song glorifying the victories of a notorious Glasgow gang leader or a historic regal figure, both whom fought their own very different battles against the ââ?¬Ë?feniansââ?¬â?¢ of their day. Now, no one is denying Protestant heritage and legend shouldnââ?¬â?¢t have their place in connection with Rangers. Like Celtic are fiercely proud of their Catholic background we too should appreciate our roots. No one, least of all UEFA, should be able to stop people expressing themselves freely. However, football matches at todayââ?¬â?¢s modern stadiums are not necessarily the place for such political viewpoints. Working class sports have always been connected to public opinion but in the days of all-seated stadia and family sections do we really need to listen to chants of FTP and fenian blood? I donââ?¬â?¢t think we do. No matter our opinions we have to move on. The song has been banned and ignorance or stubbornness is no longer an option. The line has been drawn and it can no longer be crossed. Itââ?¬â?¢s not being melodramatic to say that if we do cross it our club will no longer be the famous and proud institution it is. Can we afford to lose it? Because, make no mistake, thatââ?¬â?¢s what will happen if we choose to ignore the directive. Some will argue weââ?¬â?¢re surrendering to our enemies and to an extent I sympathise with that opinion. But, sometimes it takes the bigger person to admit their ills and move forward. Unlike others, Rangers FC and our fans have never hid from our problems. Now, we have a chance to really fix them and rid ourselves of them forever. Yes, it may require a loss of initial pride but we can recover from this. Indeed Iââ?¬â?¢d suggest our position will be stronger if we can accept this ban, educate and help each other to move into what is a new era in Scottish (and if the same rules are applied evenly ââ?¬â?? World) football. Our position will be stronger because we have made the first sacrifice. We will have shown our many detractors that we are capable of change. On an almost daily basis hypocritical people, with their own biased agendas attack us. That wonââ?¬â?¢t end completely ââ?¬â?? we canââ?¬â?¢t be so naive to think so. However, we will have paid our penance and they will never be allowed to forget that. Moreover, at the same time, if we can accept this judgement, the very least we should expect is a change in policy from the other clubs who are as equally guilty of sectarian, bigoted and offensive songs. Going by the UEFA charge, no club or national team is safe from similar sanction. Weââ?¬â?¢ll be watching to make sure this is not an unfair one-off. Weââ?¬â?¢ve already been tried twice and now the sanctions have been placed. We can move forward with a clear conscience. Can the others who sing about terrorists, stadium disasters and horrific injuries do the same? Of course not despite what their very public mouthpieces may suggest. If we do accept this ban, then other will have to come into the firing line. Weââ?¬â?¢ll no longer have the problem. We also have another positive. By standing by our club we will have shown just what Rangers FC really means to us. Of course our club should rightly be considered as a symbol of our past. Ibrox stadium is also a memory to our absent friends and as such we should never treat it lightly by allowing stands to be empty because of our mistakes. Are we really that selfish to lose these magnificent and unrivalled symbols of our faith and history? For one song that we can still sing anywhere else we like? I donââ?¬â?¢t blame anyone for being upset and disappointed by what appears to be a capitulation on our clubââ?¬â?¢s part. But look a bit deeper. Examine the bigger picture. Itââ?¬â?¢s not a big thing in the grand scheme of things. We may have to give a bit of ground here. In fact, we have no real choice. But, if we stand together, we can come out of this stronger. Or we can squabble, fall out, ignore and deny. But thatââ?¬â?¢s never been a winning strategy. It wasnââ?¬â?¢t for the Billy Boys of centuries past. It shouldnââ?¬â?¢t be now either. Season 2006/07 is almost upon us. Weââ?¬â?¢re pretty much debt free; we have an incredible new manager and new players have and will continue to arrive. An exciting new dawn has started. We can reclaim any lost ground on and off the pitch by sticking together. Letââ?¬â?¢s not spoil it by fighting and arguing over little things. We are the people. Letââ?¬â?¢s show it.

Rangers have been ordered to make a public announcement at all of their home games prohibiting the chanting of the song "Billy Boys". The instruction comes from Uefa as one of a number of directives aimed at stamping out sectarianism. Rangers were fined £13,000 for the sectarian behaviour of their fans at a recent Champions League match. And Rangers chairman David Murray has already met with supporters groups to make sure their fans comply. The Rangers Assembly, fanzine and website Follow Follow and the Supporters Trust were all represented at the Murray Park meeting on Thursday evening. Murray said: "These supporters' groups represented should be applauded for coming forward in recognition of the importance of this issue. All parties are united in a bid to silence the minority that continue to tarnish the reputation of Rangers Football Club Rangers statement "I am delighted at the progress we made. "Over the last two years, the club has strove fervently under the banner of 'Pride over Prejudice' working with the authorities to impose indefinite and lifetime bans. "I look forward in the coming weeks to implementing some of the actions that were discussed. "It is absolutely clear to all concerned that all supporters need to commit to silencing the minority." The meeting followed receipt of Uefa's written grounds for fining Rangers following the tie against Villarreal. Uefa also ordered Rangers to "anounce measurable targets in order to reduce sectarian behaviour amongst its supporters". And it instructed the Glasgow club to prove the success of its measures through statistics communicated to the public. Rangers have warned that their fans must comply to "avoid sanctions being imposed or expulsion from European competition altogether". "A positive debate was held at Murray Park and all parties are united in a bid to silence the minority that continue to tarnish the reputation of Rangers Football Club," it was stated on the club website. A joint committe has been formed between the club and supporters groups. And a statement from the fans' bodies read: "The message now could not be clearer that the spotlight is upon the supporters and the club and it is their duty to work together to stamp out the minority who are damaging the reputations of all those connected with Rangers Football Club. "Not only does this small minority tarnish the reputation of Rangers but of Scottish football and our society in general and hopefully anyone who is interested in Scottish football will work with us in assisting to eradicate this behaviour." -------------------------------------------------- There you have it folks, backed by TBO, RST, Follow Follow, RSA - Murray is going to act on fans who continue to sing The Billy Boys. Also, what else can't be clearer is if we continue to sing The Billy Boys UEFA will act and we will be BANNED from European touriments. Cammy F