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"I Strongly Suggest Celtic Supporters Avoid Bridgeton Cross on August 13th" by Joe O;Rourke from CSA Glasgow City Council and the Police have come to what they believe to be an acceptable compromise on the decision to allow a number of contentious parades to pass by Celtic Park on the afternoon of August 13th. Their decision to allow the parades to go ahead at an earlier time helps the situation, but is by no means the proper decision; the proper decision would have been to change the parades to a different date altogether; or better still; ban them full stop. I would strongly recommend that Celtic supporters stay well clear of Bridgeton Cross that afternoon; both before and after the match; the place has a long history of being anti-Celtic; anti-Catholic; people have lost their lives there just for wearing Celtic colours; it will be best to avoid the place altogether; but if you have to pass through; then be very careful. This latest decision is just one of a list of worrying decisions involving the Police, a couple of weeks ago the first person to be arrested for a football related internet offence was a Celtic fan who had referred to Walter Smith as an O***** B******, I find this quite amazing when the internet was full of pictures of Neil Lennon; either being blown up; or riddled in bullets; but no arrests were made. Last week the Crown Prosecuting Service decided to drop the charges against David Goodwillie because of insufficient evidence; if the evidence was insufficient; why was he charged in the first place? Dropping the charges because of insufficient evidence doesn�t mean he�s not guilty; and of course I�m not suggesting he is. I read the story about the girl who was attacked by Goodwillie; she also received internet abuse; I don�t know of any arrests there either. Then of course Sneaky Sally throws his hat in the ring to sign him; Strange !!!!! I think not; Sally had better make the most of it; because I doubt very much if he�ll last into the New Year. He must be very annoying to other managers when he keeps talking about signing their players who are under contract; and all for vastly undervalued amounts. One thing he was successful with was getting an apology from the BBC; the same BBC who have refused to apologise to Celtic and their supporters for their comments about sectarian singing during the Scottish Cup Final. The recent actions of the Police only go to highlight the need for a dramatic change in the proposed new legislation regarding offensive behaviour at a regulated football match in Scotland. These proposals at present leave far too much to the interpretation of some beat cop; it�s a one law catch all scenario which I believe will make matters even worse. The whole point of the initial discussions was to reduce the amount of offensive behaviour at football matches; not for the Police to trawl the terraces arresting fans for supporting their team. I don�t believe the Celtic support will have enough confidence in the Police to handle these situations with total impartiality; what we need is action against those who are offensive; what we don�t need is the criminalisation of ordinary supporters. :tongue:

Here is the link if you want a listen http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/sports-breakfast/blog/2011-07-26/smith-malmo-are-good-team-and-rangers-will-need-be-careful?

HAVING played under four of the 12 men who preceded him as Rangers manager, Ally McCoist requires no instruction on the weight of responsibility resting on his shoulders as he begins his tenure in earnest today. But if he ever feels in need of a reminder, then he knows a glance at the portraits on the walls of the office he now occupies at the top of the marble staircase inside Ibrox will be sufficient to sharpen his focus on the demands and expectations he must strive to meet. McCoist would never claim that the role he inherited from Walter Smith during the summer was his destiny. On the contrary, he conceded yesterday that he would have been "flabbergasted" if he had been informed during his playing career at the club that one day he would sit in the manager's chair. Along with the rest of Scottish football, the 48-year-old is about to discover if it is a job in which he can even begin to match the extraordinary success he enjoyed as the most prolific goalscorer in Rangers' 139 year existence, hitting the net 355 times under the management of John Greig, Jock Wallace, Graeme Souness and Smith. As keen as he was to play down his own part in the opening of the SPL title holders' title defence against Hearts at Ibrox, McCoist did admit to a sense of carrying a torch into his first game in charge. "I am very much aware of the tradition surrounding the job," said McCoist. "I don't think you could ever underplay the history, tradition and values of Rangers. "You look around the office and see the pictures of the previous managers looking down at you. In many ways, you feel as if you are representing them as much as anyone. "I don't see it as an important moment in my career personally, I look upon it as an important step for the club. I spent 15 years as a player here and then four-and-a-half years as assistant manager. "It has never been any different from my point of view, results have always been the most important thing at Rangers. So that is all I'm interested in, the natural progression of the club and the team. "I'm not shirking my own responsibility when I say that, far from it. I'm fully aware of the responsibility that goes with being the manager of Rangers. That's not a problem, I'm not going into anything here that I don't know. "You would have to say that the weight of responsibility is bigger as manager than as a player. If you asked me what I'd rather be doing, then scoring goals for Rangers is the best job in the world. "Wearing the number nine jersey for Rangers takes a bit of beating. Right now, I've probably got the second best job in the world as far as I'm concerned. I know what is expected and I have a great desire to do the job to the best of my ability. "My emotion going into this game is the same as it's always been during my time at Rangers. I just want to win, that's all I want to do. The day is not about me, it is all about the players. There is always a danger on these occasions that the real values of them are lost. "There will be the unfurling of the league flag, which will be a fantastic moment and thoroughly deserved for both the fans and the players. But once that's done, it's down to business as usual. We have to go our and win a very tough game against Hearts." Having seen Greig, the man who signed him for the club back in 1983, fail as manager despite his status as the club's most revered player, McCoist knows his own iconic status with the Rangers support provides no guarantee of success in the hot seat. "Can I be a successful manager?," he mused. "Time will tell. I can't answer that right now. "But what I can say is that I will be as committed to the job as I was as a Rangers player and as assistant manager. That's all I can promise. "I never expected to be a manager. But right at the end of my playing career, I started to do my coaching badges which was one of my better decisions. Even when I went into television work after I stopped playing, I continued doing my badges. "With hindsight, that was one of my better career moves as it certainly cut out a lot of time when I later decided I fancied going into coaching. "I probably couldn't have done this job without the experience I had under Walter Smith at Scotland and Rangers, although we'll never know. But the learning curve I've been on and the help I've had in that time has been invaluable." It is believed Smith will stay away from Ibrox today, keen to avoid providing any level of distraction from his appointed heir. Smith's success in winning the last three SPL titles has given McCoist more than enough to live up to without the presence of his mentor as a further reminder. "A lot of people say the best time to take a job in management is when a club is at a low point because things can only improve," reflected McCoist. "But you don't get many opportunities to be manager of Rangers. You just have to look at those names who have done it before me. "I'm thankful I've been given the opportunity. Off the top of my head, I'd say it's actually an advantage to take over a team which has won three in a row. "The boys have been over the course and knows what it takes to win the championship. I'd far rather have a squad which knows how to win titles and that's what I've got." http://sport.scotsman.com/theoldfirm/Ibrox-giants-remind-Ally-McCoist.6806198.jp?articlepage=1

Released by Newcastle, surely would be a good addition to the squad??

.... so we may as well start celebrating now :cheers: -- Explain to me how Rangers are going to square their oncoming tax bill and I'll wager you could teach us how to nail jelly to a tree. Frankly I still don't quite comprehend how the Ibrox club's takeover has built a jigsaw puzzle picture of a sunny future. But then why listen to me? I never thought Craig the Whyte knight would get his hands on the club in the first place. So off we jolly well go into another season which has already fired up more questions than answers, with its embarrassing hiccupping start as the Old Firm take their sabbatical before the term has learned to walk. Of course I understand the desire - requirement, maybe - for the big clubs to go big buck hunting, but I still find it humiliating for the SPL that the big kick-off is followed by a couple of weeks of damp squibs as Celtic then Rangers throw the other clubs a deaf one. It's like getting married then bodyswerving your own reception. Rangers fans can't be full of the joys of life. All window shopping in the transfer market, but no real spirit of the shop to drop. Sure, they've been linked with more big names than Piers Morgan�but headlines don't mean signings. Ally McCoist once compared taking the baton from Walter Smith to accepting the microphone from Sinatra and of course he was right. But it strikes me that Nelson Riddle has just taken the orchestra off the stage too. He took the job because ultimately he had no option. But privately he must reflect that somewhere down the line there might have been a better time. Like Neil Lennon timed his run, for example. After the Tony Mowbray shambles, the only way was up. No fence sitting from your old reporter. I'll be stunned if Celtic aren't champions by the time autumn and winter have blown their last and dear spring is in the air once again. Rangers were champions last year because they deserved to be, not because of Celtic's spectacular trip at Inverness as they toddled to the finishing line. A title race is a distance event and it is never won or lost on any given Saturday afternoon or Wednesday night. But this time at Parkhead, I suspect the lesson will have been learned. Mind you, to be fair there hasn't been a run on the ink at Lennoxtown. Signings there too have been a collector's item. But the difference is the depth of squad already on the employment register. Atlantic deep: Rangers meanwhile have to set sail in a puddle. What we need them both to do is progress in Europe in their respective competitions, to ensure a little midweek action in the Champions and Europa Leagues. That would put a little light in our lives. And talking of a little brightness, why do I have a good feeling about St Mirren? It's a worry. This time last year I was insistent that they would be relegated and if not quite gloriously wrong then I looked like being spot-on for a fair few months. Scotland coach Craig Levein faces crucial Euro 2012 qualifiers But the signings of Gary Teale, Nigel Hasselbaink and Stevie Thompson and a general something in the air over Paisley - and maybe the strong drink - has me think better days are coming. And here's a thing as I juggle my feel good factors: Scotland - I think we might make it to Poland and Ukraine although hopefully not Donetsk, quite the dreariest place I have ever been. There, even the birds cough. Certainly the play-offs of the European Championship qualifying group beckon at least, where Lithuania's turning over by Liechtenstein opened the door for Scotland and a straight two-way fight with the Czechs for second prize to World Champions Spain. So let SPL battle commence, earlier than ever but still too late. We should have been back three weeks ago thereby allowing our European representatives some run-up to their ties and freeing up some time for the inevitable winter back-log of postponed games. And maybe even a January shutdown� Hey, but I'm not one to spoil a bright new dawn with a bit of mumping. But watch this space. �SPL champions: Celtic �Second: Rangers �Third: Hearts �Relegated: Kilmarnock �Scottish Cup winners: Hearts �League Cup winners: Dundee United

Seeing as this one is loaded, I felt it worthy of its own thread. Gordon Smith talking about the possibility of bringing back Miller, of signing Goodwillie, and a host of other shit.

Rangers fans groups today united to urge supporters to celebrate a new era for the club as the new season approaches. With Rangers fans attending pre-season friendlies in Belfast on Saturday and Blackpool on Tuesday, fans groups issued a joint statement calling on supporters to continue the party atmosphere they created in the final matches of last season, as the team closed in on its 54th league title. The statement was issued by a working group of Rangers supporters clubs and fans organisations representing the vast majority of Rangers fans and was fully endorsed by Rangers owner, Craig Whyte The statement said: ââ?¬Å?The support from our fans during the final games of the season was said by many to be magnificent and created a fantastic atmosphere that was the envy of other clubs. Everyone connected to the Club from the team to the fans were responsible and we want to continue this throughout the coming season. ââ?¬Å?Last season there were too many headlines about matters that have nothing to do with football and no-one wants to see a repeat of that. ââ?¬Å?We, the Rangers supporters, are continuing to play our part. We are actively tackling fan behaviour issues, engaging with all our fansââ?¬â?¢ groups and the authorities and we are determined to eradicate all forms of sectarian, political and highly offensive singing at all football grounds throughout Scotland. ââ?¬Å?These are matters that affect many clubs and we take issue with those who wish to lay every problem at Rangers door. We are encouraged by the actions of the new Chairman, Mr Whyte, in terms of his appointments such as Gordon Smith and in challenging the media and the football authorities to treat us fairly. When it comes to dealing with offensive behaviour we are looking for a level playing field. ââ?¬Å?There is a very positive feeling around the Club as we start a fresh era. Following our call to eliminate the small number of songs and phrases that saw us in trouble with UEFA, we are delighted with the way the support created a party atmosphere during the final few games of last season. ââ?¬Å?Most of our supporters know the score now in terms of singing, chanting and add-ons to songs and we are clear in our minds ââ?¬â?? no Billy Boys, no FTP or references to Fenians. ââ?¬Å?We have the opportunity to continue the party through the pre-season campaign with visits to Belfast and Blackpool, places that have embraced us positively over the years. We are sure that all Rangers supporters will bring humour, colour and atmosphere to these matches and adhere to the standard of behaviour that will make us all proud.ââ?¬Â Craig Whyte, the Rangers owner, endorsed the fansââ?¬â?¢ statement saying: ââ?¬Å?It is a new era for Rangers and one in which we want to see even more success coming to the Club. ââ?¬Å?I congratulate the fans for taking the initiative as we prepare to start the new season and fully support their statement. We are all united in our desire to see the Club do well.ââ?¬Â

After two successive defeats in pre season, Alistair McCoist has had to endure by himself the first small experience of pressure since his succession of Walter Smith in the managerial hot seat. The outgoing manager made clear the simple task awaiting all those who occupy that lonely position where the buck stops, stating simply that as Rangers manager ââ?¬Ë?youââ?¬â?¢ve got to win all the timeââ?¬â?¢. Ranking third in the clubââ?¬â?¢s table of appearances, and first in the goal scoring charts, the new manager is undoubtedly familiar with this simple demand of life at Scotlandââ?¬â?¢s most successful club. For the first time, however, the full weight and complexity of this concise imperative rests squarely and solely on his shoulders. On the more rational continent, pre-season is about fitness and experimentation. This is the primary concern of the manager who was at pains to point out that the team is not yet two weeks into training and was keen to maintain a sense of perspective. In his first outing against German Fourth Division side Sportfreunde Lotte the manager made seven changes at half time, including the introduction of youngsters McMillan, Hutton, Fleck and Hemmings. While going on to lose the match, the manager could take positives from the full 90 minutes played by the returning Broadfoot and the movement and power of youngster Hemmings. However, in his second outing against Bochum, the defensive frailties of a team more closely resembling that which secured Rangersââ?¬â?¢ third title in a row were exposed as the team was beaten convincingly. ââ?¬Å?Obviously Iââ?¬â?¢m disappointed by the result and particularly disappointed at the standard of goal we lostââ?¬Â he said. After a disappointing opening 45 minutes of the second game, the visitors created little in the way of chances. McCoistââ?¬â?¢s only real attacking option was to introduce John Fleck up front, pushing Steven Naismith out wide. This did little to reverse Rangers attacking fortunes, and as the match progressed the increased home pressure forced the concession of three soft goals. The media focus, and the managerââ?¬â?¢s response to it, has centred on the need for new players to offer depth and competition in these positions. McCoist is unlikely to acquiesce to the reactionary narrative that these results are significant reflection of troubled early days, but he may be quietly pleased that his need for new players remains in the spotlight. McCoist, however, remains confident ââ?¬â?? ââ?¬Ë?We will get what is required. Itââ?¬â?¢s blatantly obvious we need to get players in, but we arenââ?¬â?¢t going to start panickingââ?¬â?¢ As might be expected, McCoistââ?¬â?¢s calm is not shared by all. The view from the forum is typically less restrained. On one hand, those wary of the lack of signings and perturbed by the results are sharing the mediaââ?¬â?¢s focus on the squadââ?¬â?¢s inadequacy, and are seeing an ominous future reflected in the pre season present. Some have questioned the playerââ?¬â?¢s commitment, and are worrying if Allyââ?¬â?¢s ââ?¬Ë?previous persona of being a ââ?¬Ë?good guyââ?¬â?¢ and jokerââ?¬â?¢ has undermined their will to win. Others are keen to point out that wielding any sort of big stick two weeks into pre-season training would be reactionary and disproportionate for a side who such a short time ago showed an iron will against considerable odds to win the league for the third time in a row. They share McCoistââ?¬â?¢s view that the only thing reflected in our early performances is growing fitness and the widely acknowledged need for new players. McCoist sensibly will not worry overly much about the results, and the complexity of transfer interaction will continue to frustrate both him and the fans ââ?¬â?? no doubt with increasing theatricality as the opening game and European deadlines loom. However, as the fans concentrate on the necessary drama of transfer activity, and are divided along lines drawn up by the media, it is possible that the opening games reflect a more subtle and general problem than has previously been discussed. A problem whose very obviousness has obscured it from view. . In the virtues of his long apprenticeship and the inheritance of a small talented squad of those used to playing and winning together McCoist has a solid core of both experience and resources on which to build. However, this sort of solidity affords little flexibility. McCoist does not have the luxury of the revolutionary fervour of regime change and the freedom to experiment that this brings. The same fans who show their consternation at any loss, as Walter Smith predicted, are similarly worried that Ally does not seem to have changed from the defensive formation favoured by the previous manager. The large shadow, small squad and pathological demand for success given McCoist on his appointment afford little scope for him to impose himself on his squad comprehensively. Both the situation and personnel the new manager has inherited has made a story of small, steady and incremental change his only option. For McCoist to impose himself as he must he will necessarily have to make changes, and in doing so to contradict his mentor and the players who played, above all, for him. The real problem facing Ally McCoist appears not to be the inevitable signing of players or the often irrational demands of pre-season results. His will be judged on how he sparks life into the robust, efficient and successful engine of which he is the grateful beneficiary. And how well he provides the spark that was previously lit by the benefactor. With the fever of revolution in the corridors of power at Ibrox, and a new optimism and expectation in the wider support and community, Ally McCoist faces the rather more sombre task of making the squad which is his inheritance truly his. He will be all too aware that this isnââ?¬â?¢t something that comes in flowing football pre-season, or even imagination capturing signings. These things, like fitness and match practice, all form part of a task that is harder to define, report on and worry about ââ?¬â?? he has to make a side used to winning all the time, win for him. On leaving Walter Smith warned that ââ?¬Ë?all that matters is that you create an environment that wins matchesââ?¬â?¢, and what we see reflected perhaps more than anything in these opening matches is the new managerââ?¬â?¢s realisation that while ââ?¬Ë?you need a lot of help to do that but, as managerââ?¬â?¢ he is now the man ââ?¬Ë?at the helm of it allââ?¬â?¢. McCoist points to the future and the first the first game of the season as the only true indicator, while the fans and the media are left to dissect the present according to their own fears and hopes.

Rangers are playing Stirling Albion Tuesday 12th July with a 7.45pm kick off, in a testimonial match, Director of Football Gordon Smith has urged Gers fans to turn up, there will be as strong a Rangers team as possible on show Prices are �£10 for adults, �£5 for OAPs and Students, and �£2 for Under 17s.

26k a week, wow. I thought �£25k would be our limit but if true its great to have him tied up.

Trust me Coisty, bring in all 3 of these guys and you've made your marquee signings right there.

Making the official Website more hip may also help.

Rangers director of football Gordon Smith can't agree with players who would choose the npower Championship over the opportunity to play in the Champions League. Crystal Palace midfielder Neil Danns agreed a move to Leicester despite interest from the Scottish champions, while another target, Craig Conway, opted for Cardiff. Reports suggest Conway's former Dundee United team-mate David Goodwillie could also make the move to the Bluebirds, with Rangers yet to make a formal bid for the Tannadice striker. However, former agent Smith insists players who choose finances over football are no great loss to Rangers. He said: "I believe it shouldn't always be about money. My own opinion is that players should be making decisions which are football decisions, rather than financial. "I tried to do that myself when I was an agent, I tried to say to the player to make the right football decision. "If I was a player coming through, would I go to a club playing in the Champions League or go to a club that's playing in the Championship? I know where I would want to go. "It's a shame because you lose players who don't quite see it that way. But we move on. "If a player decides not to come to us, we have to take the attitude that maybe it's not such a bad thing. "He's maybe not got the right attitude that we want because what we really want is people who see us as the place to come to." Smith added: "It is a different world these days. "We have budgets here, we have a certain amount of income and we have to be sensible spending the money. I think the fans realise that nowadays. "I'm very aware of salary levels at Premiership level, but the Championship level salaries have also rocketed. "There are clubs coming down from the Premiership into the Championship and they are keeping the wage scales going. "Clubs are getting new owners and deciding to compete to try to get into the Premiership because they know there is big money. So that's the market." New Rangers boss Ally McCoist has yet to make his first signing but Smith urged fans to be patient. He said: "I would tell them not to be frustrated. It is early on. "I've got a lot of experience of the transfer business and it's usually midnight on August 31 when a lot of the deals get done. "We're trying to do it in June now and we're trying to get up and running because there are games coming up. "We have a good set of players just now, it's not as though we are short of a team. But we are looking to strengthen the squad and that's what we are working on just now. "I would say to the fans not to be too worried or frustrated. We are working on it, we've got targets and ultimately we will be bringing players in." He added: "The squad definitely does need to be strengthened. Not in terms of right away because we've got a good team. "But we are going to try to strengthen the squad in terms of bringing in quality. Ally and I agree that we need competition for places. The other aspect is injuries and suspensions. "It's important that we get some players in. We are probably looking at at least three or four players to come in."

I hope it is agreed at the weekend and he signs on Monday.

ALI RUSSELL took the fast track to success under F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone at QPR. Now Russell wants to put the REAL Rangers in pole position for global expansion. New Gers owner Craig Whyte has made the ex-Hearts whizzkid his Chief Operating Officer at Ibrox. He'll chase off-field success while Ally McCoist goes for glory on the park. Russell, 39, says the lessons learned under billionaire Bernie will be crucial in moving the SPL champions into top gear. The man who will replace outgoing chief executive Martin Bain said: "I very much learned the Formula 1 model on football, working with people like Bernie Ecclestone, Flavio Briatore and the Mittals. "That's been very useful for me to see a parallel commercial environment being used in football and I think they had a huge amount of success in those sort of areas. "I've had a fair degree of involvement with football. "I've been part of two new management teams that have come into football and been very, very successful. "This is a fantastic club and it has got a fantastic fan base. "What we want to do is to take this club forward and today is the start of that. I'm looking forward to helping develop the brand of this club, not just in Scotland but internationally. "I think we've got some huge opportunities. "The club has been under some challenging financial circumstances over the last couple of years. I think, moving forward, we've got to challenge ourselves. "How do we generate more interest in Scottish football? "How do we become central to that? "It's very early days but we're looking at how we move Rangers forward considerably and I'm thrilled to be part of this new management team." Russell has a wide-ranging remit in the new regime. He plans to take Gers to every corner of the globe on a massive marketing drive. Celtic have already targeted the Asian and American markets and Russell sees no reason why Gers can't do the same. For too long, he argues, Rangers have been a selling club. Now he hopes to sell Rangers to the world. Russell stressed: "It's about looking at all avenues. "It's about looking at the real estate here. "How do we maximise that? Is it just a football ground used for football or does it have more uses? "Obviously, football is the core focus, but can we use the rooms on non-match days more effectively? "What do we do to grow the brand, where do we play as a football team? "How do we integrate international players so that we're building the brand? "Where do we go with our own broadcast rights? "There are numerous areas we are looking to investigate. "What are the core markets that we're going to be focusing on - and really focus and be strategic about that, so that we reinforce it every time we do a tour? "So we don't just go where the biggest cheque is - we look at growing a fan base in different areas of the world which strategically fit back very well into the club itself." Russell knows Rangers and Scottish football must rebuild its image after the shame of last season. He said: "There's a sense that Scottish football's reputation bottomed out last season. "I think if you look at the Championship, that hit rock bottom some time ago. "I think the league reconstruction that they had there had a lot of innovation at the time. "There's a huge amount of interest in that play-off game at the end of the season. "We've met with Neil Doncaster and I think the SPL are looking at a lot of innovative aspects to move Scottish football forward and we want to be part of that." Russell will now look to maximise income at every opportunity. He's determined to prove the Champions League gravy train is not the only one Rangers can hop aboard and he's hinted at a cross-border cup competition which Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are thought to be keen on. Russell revealed: "There's been a lot of talk about cross-border cup competitions. "Also the Old Firm game is a fantastic game. It's about making it the biggest rivalry in world football. "How do we ensure that without some of the negativity that maybe came to the surface last season? "Looking at a cross-border cup I think the League Cup over the last couple of years is one that's had some issues in terms of teams like Arsenal and Manchester United playing their first teams in the early stages of that competition. "A cross-border aspect to that tournament would most certainly generate a lot more interest. "It's not something that's necessarily been discussed at this point in time but should we be involved in those sort of discussions? Absolutely." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3653319/The-Ali-shuffle.html#ixzz1Q40HqBds

Reason 1. We got rid of SDM. Reason 2. We won the league. Reason 3. Europe after x-mas. Reason 4. We got rid of Smith. Reason 5 We won an old firm cup final. I put them in order of importance to me. I was a fan of SDM for about 2 years then my point of view started to change on him. If we won nothing but got rid of him, the season would have been a good one. The league, Europe and cup speak for themselves. I was never a big fan of Smith particularly in his first spell. I was not happy that he was back. I think that he has done remarkably well in his second go, however I am glad that he is gone. What do you guys think?

NEW Rangers director of football Gordon Smith believes much of the flak he copped during his stormy spell as the head of the SFA was purely down to his background as an Ibrox player and fan. Smith, preparing to start his new job under Rangers owner Craig Whyte later this week, became a Gers supporter as a youth after initially following Kilmarnock and spent two spells on the books at the Light Blues. And he still believes those connections with the Govan outfit made him the target of strong anti-Rangers sentiment within the game during his three years as chief executive at Hampden between 2007 and 2010. Smith said: ââ?¬Å?There was a lot of people not happy about me getting the job. ââ?¬Å?People who are not Rangers fans tend to be anti-Rangers. ââ?¬Å?I was an ex-Rangers player and I got a lot of animosity because of that and I know that. ââ?¬Å?People turned on me because of my background. A lot of people wanted me to fail.ââ?¬Â Ã?¬ I used to have meetings with the Trust at the SFA because I felt the fans should have a say Ã?® Gordon Smith Smith gave a recent interview to the Rangers Supporters Trustââ?¬â?¢s internet TV channel before tying up his surprise return to Ibrox and details his belief that fans should be listened to when directors are developing club policy. That will offer great heart to those Light Blues followers who want to set up a stronger line of communication with the new men on the board following difficult spells with former owner Sir David Murray. Smith said: ââ?¬Å?I think it is very important to try to build harmony. ââ?¬Å?I used to have meetings with the Trust at the SFA because I felt the fans should have a say. ââ?¬Å?Thatââ?¬â?¢s not necessarily in terms of running the club or picking the team, but fansââ?¬â?¢ opinions should be taken on board in terms of putting policy in place. ââ?¬Å?I am in favour of the Trusts having a say in the clubs.ââ?¬Â Smith was at the SFA when current Rangers keeper Allan McGregor was banned from international duty along with Barry Ferguson for bad behaviour and appointed George Burley as national coach while also lining up hugely- profitable broadcasting deals and changing eligibility rules for the national team. Many will regard his time at the SFA as unsuccessful as he failed to bring in the desired administrative and disciplinary changes now being put into place by current chief executive Stewart Regan. But Smith insists he always had strong views on taking the game forward and those will be put to the test at Rangers in a role that will see him run the rule over the production line of young talent at Murray Park as well as offer help to new boss Ally McCoist regarding contract talks and scouting. Reflecting on his SFA stint, he said: ââ?¬Å?I actually thought I would have more powers. I have my ideas on how the game should be played and how to develop players through all the different levels. ââ?¬Å?If you cannot make the changes and cannot do these things, relying on going to a board or needing votes from a committee, it is frustrating.ââ?¬Â Whyte has made it clear he will defend the club when he sees fit even though he is determined to rid Rangers of sectarianism among the support. Smith has also insisted he was quick to speak out on that particular issue during his time as a radio pundit with BBC Scotland and an Express Sport columnist. He said: ââ?¬Å?There were a lot of complaints to the BBC with people phoning in when I used to talk about Celtic with regard to sectarian singing. They would say that it had nothing to do with Celtic and that it is only Rangers. No, it is across the board. ââ?¬Å?I made it very clear that I felt it was unfair to base it all on Rangers being the problem and that is nothing to do with me being an ex-Rangers player.ââ?¬Â Aberdeen boss Craig Brown works with Willie Miller as his director of football at Pittodrie and reckons Smith and McCoist should operate well together. Brown said: ââ?¬Å?The appointment at Rangers sounds a very good one and I think Gordon would be ideal in that role. I am sure Ally McCoist and Gordon will be friendly and that is a perfect scenario. ââ?¬Å?I think it is a good job to have in most clubs. He handles all the agents who are phoning and intercepts them before they get to the manager. ââ?¬Å?You wouldnââ?¬â?¢t believe the calls and texts I get from agents. It is a full-time job at this time of the season. ââ?¬Å?At Aberdeen, Willie is in charge of recruitment, heââ?¬â?¢s in charge of the youth set-up and Willie will provide any information I request about scouting because he co-ordinates all that. ââ?¬Å?He has never, at any time, presumed to pick the first team or advise unless asked and I think he does the job brilliantly.ââ?¬Â Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/253784/Rangers-links-made-me-hate-figure-says-Gordon-SmithRangers-links-made-me-hate-figure-says-Gordon-Smith#ixzz1PnuPCX5j

I don't know if I am going to be shocked with the level of debt we have when announced but Whyte does seem to be getting things going.

According to Alistair Lamont of the British Bullshit Corporation, Smith will be our sporting director next season...

RANGERS boss Craig Whyte has revealed his sensational masterplan to transform Ibrox stadium into a stunning retail and leisure development. In an exclusive interview with the News of The World, the new chairman spoke about his plans for a complex to rival top clubs in Europe. His vision includes a luxury hotel, shopping centre, restaurant, sports centre, and upmarket apartments. Whyte revealed he has already had talks with Glasgow City Council chiefs and wants to get work started ahead of the Commonwealth Games in 2014. Last night Motherwell-born Whyte, 40, told us: "We see a mix of retail, hotels, leisure and residential. Man with the plan...Craig Whyte "This area needs to be revitalised and we hope to make some progress before the Games." Under the plans, the 40-acre site around the Govan stadium would be turned into an Ibrox village. Whyte (left) is also adding state-of-the-art stadium screens and opening fast food outlets. He said: "Refurbishment has already started. We are working on the fast food outlets now and expect to sign a contract to have new mega screens installed shortly." The life-long Gers fan wants to keep 50,000-capacity Ibrox's reputation as one of the best stadiums in Europe. The red-brick facade, designed by Archibald Leitch, is one of the most iconic in football. But Whyte envisions a future development to rival that of European Champions Barcelona's prestigious Nou Camp sports and retail complex. He added: "There will be an ongoing process of upgrading Ibrox to ensure it retains its status as one of the best stadia in Europe." It's all part of a series of changes being implemented by Whyte, who this week appointed ex-Gers star Gordon Smith as Director of Football. News Of The World

Branding the tax case website crap is nice to see. Also saying the right things for me currently.

FIT-AGAIN Ger Kirk Broadfoot has urged new boss Ally McCoist to give him the chance to become central to his Ibrox revolution. The Scotland cap, who missed the title run-in with an ankle injury and then a fractured foot, has started his pre-season four weeks early in a bid to get the new season up and running from the first whistle. McCoist has made a central defender his summer priority, as the futures of captain Davie Weir and Madjid Bougherra still have to be ironed out, and that is a position that is no stranger to Broadfoot. He played there at St Mirren and believes thatââ?¬â?¢s his strongest position and would love to get the chance to fill that void with the Scottish champions. Broadfoot said: ââ?¬Å?Centre half has always been my main position. ââ?¬Å?It is the position I prefer to play. ââ?¬Å?It was only when I came to Rangers that I was moved out to right back. ââ?¬Å?Donââ?¬â?¢t get me wrong ââ?¬â?? I would play anywhere for Rangers, but if I had a choice I would want to play at centre-half. ââ?¬Å?I know Walter Smith put me out to full back so I could learn the position and get more experience. ââ?¬Å?I feel I have done that and I am now a better player because of that, but I see myself in the long-run being a centre half. ââ?¬Å?I feel that is my more natural position, but at the end of the day it will be up to the gaffer. ââ?¬Å?I have the utmost respect for the manager and whatever he decides I will stick by him. ââ?¬Å?He knows that wherever I am asked to play for Rangers, I will go out and give 100 per cent.ââ?¬Â Broadfoot is in no doubt that McCoist will step up and follow in the success-filled footsteps of Smith. He was a big part of Smithââ?¬â?¢s success and Broadfoot is confident the SPL champions will remain on the trophy trail under him. ââ?¬Å?I am in no doubt that the manager will do well,ââ?¬Â he added. ââ?¬Å?He is a born winner and that shines through in everything he does. ââ?¬Å?You see how competitive he is, even in training. ââ?¬Å?He never likes to lose at anything and there is no doubt he will have his team tuned in a similar way. ââ?¬Å?The manager also knows the game inside out. He has played at the top level and he has also worked under a top manager in Walter Smith, so all that experience will also stand him in good stead. ââ?¬Å?He is also a clever and intelligent guy and he will also know what he wants and what he needs to bring future success to Rangers.ââ?¬Â McCoist still has to delve into the transfer market, has lost last termââ?¬â?¢s loan quartet of El Hadji Diouf, Ricky Foster, Vladimir Weiss and Kyle Bartley and decisions still have to be taken on David Healyââ?¬â?¢s future and also Weirââ?¬â?¢s. Broadfoot knows that last seasonââ?¬â?¢s Co-op Insurance Cup and SPL winners need to bolster their squad as Celtic will come back stronger ââ?¬â?? looking to steal their crown. The versatile defender said: ââ?¬Å?There is no doubt the manager needs the financial backing to add to his squad. ââ?¬Å?The new owner has said that will happen and I am sure it will. ââ?¬Å?We definitely need to add a few new faces to our squad. ââ?¬Å?We were a bit short last season and also a couple of new faces also helps to give the whole place a lift.ââ?¬Â The former St Mirren star also canââ?¬â?¢t wait to get started under McCoist, having been forced to write off the business end of last season. Broadfoot said: ââ?¬Å?It was just a nightmare last season. ââ?¬Å?I hurt my ankle back in September and then played on with it until December when I eventually had to go in for an operation. ââ?¬Å?Then everything was fine, I did all my rehabilitation and I ended up fracturing my foot. ââ?¬Å?It was really frustrating ââ?¬â?? you want to play in every game and I missed a lot of football. ââ?¬Å?But hopefully I am now over all my injury problems and I can get an injury-free run. ââ?¬Å?I have been in the gym for the last four weeks just doing strengthening work and making sure that when I do go back for pre-season I am ready to go for the new campaign.ââ?¬Â Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/252817/Kirk-Broadfoot-claims-he-can-fill-Rangers-defensive-gapKirk-Broadfoot-claims-he-can-fill-Rangers-defensive-gap#ixzz1PKiwbJNh

After watching the Walter Smith programme on STV last night and seeing some cracking goals scored at Ibrox, it got me thinking. What is your favourite goal scored at Ibrox by a Rangers player? Mines has to be Gazza's 2nd of 3 against Aberdeen to clinch 8IAR. Sheer brilliance!! Seeing it on the programme sent tingles up my spine.

HOME is where the heart is. And right now for Mancunian Kyle Bartley that feels like Ibrox. Arsenal star Bartley took to Rangers from day one after arriving on a short-term loan close to the shutting of the January transfer window. The calm and collected centre-half made an immediate impression for the champions on and off the pitch. So much so that the popular Bartley is now being treated like part of the Rangers family. His Gers pals are desperate to see the ex-England youth ace return to the club for the 2011-12 campaign. Bartley knows that because they are forever texting him to see what's going on - and if Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will grant Ally McCoist's wish to again borrow a player of real potential. The 20-year-old - with one game for the Gunners in the Champions League against Olympiakos in 2009 - doesn't hide the fact he'd jump at the chance to sign for the Gers again. Bartley, to be fair, also stresses he still sees his long-term future at the Emirates. But Rangers made a huge impression on him. And he'd love to return to win medals - having suffered the agony of injury robbing him of Co-op Cup and title glory. Bartley opened his heart to Scotland's No1 paper and said: "I was only at Rangers for a short while. But I've got so many good memories. I couldn't have been treated any better by the people there, from Walter Smith and the coaching staff to the players and everyone behind the scenes. "I loved it at Rangers and if I was to get another opportunity to play there it would be fantastic. "I'm a professional and Arsenal are my club. I'm under contract and it will be Arsene Wenger who decides what's best for me. "But it's no secret that the idea of another loan spell with Rangers would be very attractive. "The only negative for me was the knee injury I suffered which cut short my season. But I'm recovering well and I hope to get the all-clear from the specialist to step up my rehab work. "The target was always to be ready for the start of pre-season training - and I feel I'm on course for that. "Whether it's at Arsenal or Rangers, I'm determined to be 100 per cent fit. "But even when I was sidelined for Rangers I was made to feel a part of everything. "The scenes after the League Cup Final victory and the championship success were AMAZING. "I can't thank the Rangers fans enough for their best wishes and comments. They played such a big part in my experience in Scotland being so good. "I've made a lot of friends among the other players and they will remain so even if I've to stay at Arsenal. Vladimir Weiss, Maurice Edu, Kyle Lafferty, David Healy, Allan McGregor - they have all been texting me to see how things are and if I'll be coming back to Rangers. "Even Davie Weir's kept in touch. I learned plenty from him. He's a great guy. It's like I'm part of the Rangers family and it means a lot to me." New Rangers chief scout Neil Murray is understood to have handed manager McCoist a detailed list of five potential transfer targets for every position. Of special interest is defenders - and Bartley is top choice among them. Intriguingly, as SunSport revealed, Liverpool and Scotland teenager Danny Wilson is also a candidate for an Ibrox return less than a year after leaving But Bartley is a key name McCoist has been willing to go public on - underlining his desire to persuade Wenger to commit to another deal. The rookie gaffer appreciates that man-management will be a critical aspect if he's to successfully follow in the footsteps of legend Walter Smith. Bartley added: "Ally made a point of talking about me and I appreciated that. "That he's so keen to get me back to Rangers has given me a great boost. "But I also don't think it's a case of Ally just trying to sweet-talk me. "I honestly feel he's the kind of guy who would've done it anyway. "Ally was brilliant for me at Rangers after I arrived and I'm certain he's going to prove a great manager. "Only time will tell if I'm going to play for him. We'll see. "The bottom line is I'm an Arsenal player and it's also a special club with a top manager. Whether or not I head back to Rangers is out of my hands." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3629093/Im-one-of-the-family.html#ixzz1OqnseUAu

Seen this advertised on STV - I think it's on Tuesday at 8pm. Detailing his time at Ibrox I assume.