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  1. Thomas Buffel was the inspiration for the reserves today as Rangers beat Inverness 4-2. Buffel was involved in three of the goals and scored one as the reserves cruised to a comfortable win. The Belgian was involved in 21 min when he and strike partner Stevie Lennon combined to set up Chris Burke who drove the ball home. Then in 42 min Buffel raced virtually the length of the field before squaring for Lennon who couldn't miss from close range' A minute later the young striker returned the compliment when he rolled the ball in for Buffel to fire Rangers three in front. Substitute Jeroen van den Broeck,who replaced John Fleck,made the game safe when he latched onto Buffels pass to shoot home. Team ; Reidford,McMillan,Ehiogu,Chris Smith,,Kinniburgh,Chris Burke,Furman{Kind Bendiksen 12} Fleck[van den Broeck 80},Efrem{ Little 83},Buffel,Lennon
  2. I really feel sorry for the guy i suppose he is our Derek Riordan. If we are not going to play him why did we not buy him and leave him at Falkirk for another year. He would come on further than playing for our reserves.
  3. Thought this was a great read. At the time I had never seen anything like this and wish that the eye injury had never of happened. I always stated at the time I would love to see a front two of Negri and Mols. Sadly not to be. Another case of what could have been
  4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqXwvYSDaIk
  5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TYyEloarQg
  6. Spent a fair bit of time on the major Rangers forums since last nightââ?¬â?¢s defeat in Spain and I think itââ?¬â?¢s fair to say some of the reaction has been somewhat surprising. The adjectives in the article title are just three examples of the negativity Iââ?¬â?¢ve experienced. Letââ?¬â?¢s be frank though. Last night we were outclassed by one of the best club teams in the world. They had over 60% of ball possession and probably a lot more territorial advantage. As a result, they scored two fine goals and could easily have had another two as well but for poor finishing and a couple of decent saves from the ever-reliable Allan McGregor. Once again, as discussed on Gersnet on Monday, Walter Smith set his team out in his favoured 4-5-1 parent formation ââ?¬â?? this time, as in Lyon, opting for the 4-1-4-1 variation. Indeed it was this very system that was such a success in France on match-day two. That night Lyon also dominated possession and territory for long periods but the main difference was that evening we took our chances when we did create them. We also managed to defend better and had more success on the ball than we did last night. We managed to avoid losing an early goal and with all due respect to Lyon, their attacking players and their defence are nowhere near the quality of Barca. In saying that, if we hadnââ?¬â?¢t snatched the lead and if that Juninho free-kick had went in, it may well have been a massively different conclusion. That was one match where our system worked well, where we used the ball well, supported the lone striker effectively and got the breaks to ensure a fine victory. Last night was different. In many ways we still defended reasonably well and we were actually decent on the ball (until the last third anyway). Unfortunately, unlike in France, we struggled to support Daniel Cousin and possibly didnââ?¬â?¢t get the breaks we did in other games. Losing the first goal so early didnââ?¬â?¢t really change our game-plan but it certainly helped the home team (and support) settle. The fact the goal was scored by Henryââ?¬â?¢s hand is irrelevant really but it is one example of misfortune. It also came from Sasa Papac being drawn inside leaving an abundance of space for Messiââ?¬â?¢s fantastic header - the kind of defensive lack of concentration that didnââ?¬â?¢t really happen (or wasnââ?¬â?¢t punished) in France. Some fans felt at this point we should have changed tactics and attacked more. They may well be right and for a spell we actually did do that. We won a couple of corners and had some good periods in possession. However, we couldnââ?¬â?¢t manage to capitalise ââ?¬â?? Beasley heading wide when he could have utilised the unmarked Cousin and one dangerous Adam corner kick almost controlled and hit by one of our defenders. Then of course, we lost the second goal. This was a well worked goal where we quite simply couldnââ?¬â?¢t cope with the pace of the one-two. Again though, McGregor saved well and it could be argued that Barca were fortunate that the ball landed perfectly for Messi. Thus, in the second half we did have to change things whilst maintaining a necessary amount of caution. Would it have mattered if we were beaten 6-2 instead of 2-0? Probably not but while we could have opted for a ââ?¬Ë?gung-hoââ?¬â?¢ approach Barca had already shown they could compete physically and defend well in the face of our attack. Even when we did bring on the pacy, direct styles of Novo and Darcheville we still struggled to give genuine support due to our midfield tiring. All in all we were soundly beaten and while some people are perhaps going too far in their pride of not being over-run score-wise, I think over the two games, weââ?¬â?¢ve given a reasonable account of ourselves. Were we too defensive? Last night I would probably agree that we were. It might have been interesting to have really taken the game to Barca once we conceded the second goal but other than that, as the system showed in Lyon, keeping it tight and looking for positives on the counter was the best approach generally. To conclude, while I can empathise with some peopleââ?¬â?¢s negative reaction, I think itââ?¬â?¢s an exaggeration to suggest we were somehow humiliated or embarrassed simply because of our defensive outlook. Quite simply, we were beaten by a better team and our limitations would have been shown-up no matter if we attacked more or put 11 men across our goal-line. As such, rather than dwell on the negatives and question past strategy, we need to peruse our CL Group, where upon weââ?¬â?¢ll see that weââ?¬â?¢ve secured third position (a fine feat in itself) and appreciate that our displays and performances so far have ensured weââ?¬â?¢re in a great position to do what most of us thought was unlikely when the draw was made. Indeed, with the pressure off in terms of not finishing bottom or genuinely embarrassing ourselves in Spain, now we can look to open-up and perhaps employ a more aggressive system firstly away in Stuttgart then at home against Lyon. Hopefully in these games we can express ourselves in attack and give our magnificent fans (outstanding in their numbers and behaviour in Spain) even more to cheer about. Itââ?¬â?¢s been a decent start to the season and if one looks back to a year today where we were actually embarrassed and humiliated in a CIS Cup defeat at Ibrox, one may actually be slightly more realistic in their criticism. We are the people!
  7. There has been a fair amount of debate recently regarding the formation and tactics deployed by Walter Smith as he attempts to be competitive both domestically and in the Championsââ?¬â?¢ League. Thus, is 4-5-1, described as ââ?¬Ë?anti-footballââ?¬â?¢ by Lionel Messi the spawn of the devil or is that far too simplistic a way to look at it? Firstly, I think itââ?¬â?¢s important to look at the context of when and why this formation is deployed. Obviously a game (home or away) against the cream of European opposition is different from a game against stuffy, well organised Scottish outfits. Thus, while 4-5-1 against Barcelona is exactly that ââ?¬â?? a defensive strategy to try and contain the oppositionââ?¬â?¢s attacking players - a 4-5-1 against Dundee Utd could and should be more attacking in its set up. So far this season Rangers have employed three different variations of this system: 4-5-1 per se with 3 central holding players and only one real attacking midfielder which allows for our strong defensive nature (eg v Barcelona); 4-1-4-1 which is still very defensive but with a strong central spine capable of attacking quickly on the counter (eg v Lyon); and 4-2-3-1 which is a solid unit much more offensive in its outlook (eg v Stuttgart). Moreover, in the majority of our games we have actually seen every one of these sub-formations depending on the in-game situation. Therefore, itââ?¬â?¢s easy to see that while the 4-5-1 formation may be the parent system, it is extremely flexible in situ and hence far too empirical to label it is as defensive outwith the most difficult of games. The formation also fits our current squad very well and we have players capable of playing many roles within it. Even the likes of Kris Boyd can fit into this style as long as the selected players support him properly (see Livorno last season as well as other games). ââ?¬Ë?Whatââ?¬â?¢s the problem then?ââ?¬â?¢ I hear you ask! Well, where this breaks down is the actual choice of players on the day and, indeed, this is where Walter Smith had made the odd error this season resulting in needless dropped points. For example, while it may be agreeable to play 3 holding players against the likes of Barca (Thomson, Hemdani and Ferguson usually); itââ?¬â?¢s not necessarily required against Dundee Utd or Hibs. Recently Smith opted for Thomson, Faye and Ferguson against Utd and because Ferguson isnââ?¬â?¢t consistent in the striker-supporting role we struggled to retain possession in the first half. He then dropped deeper and deeper; the midfield became too congested and chances were few and far between. Add to that the many SPL teams who will also use the same system against us, that then places a lot of onus on our wider players. We know the attacking qualities of Hutton and Beasley but Papac and McCulloch are not so creative and we lose a fair amount of balance in games. The result? Weââ?¬â?¢re easy to read, lop-sided, one-dimensional and unimaginative in our play. As such, this is where the ââ?¬Ë?anti-footballââ?¬â?¢ accusations come in. When we do struggle in games we quickly resort to bypassing the congested midfield and look for the strength and aerial threat of McCulloch and Cousin. Ergo, while the direct route may not be the most attractive of strategies sometimes it has to be used to grind out results. Indeed, this typical British style has helped our teams not just at home but in every European competition. Liverpool, Man Utd, Rangers and most recently Celtic have utilised the traditional route one style to bully opponents not always used to physical threats ââ?¬â?? playing some good stuff along the way. Is this 'anti-football'? Of course not! Football is a sport which changes in style throughout the years but some things never change. Is there a more defensively natured team that the current Italian World Champions? Do German teams achieve success through exciting attacking football or strong, solid team-play? Is English football based on skill and pace only? I think we all know the answers to those questions. Of course teams need to score goals to win matches but without a strong defence, exciting attacking play wonââ?¬â?¢t assure success ââ?¬â?? ask Spain and Holland! We all want to watch such football but I think every football fan would temper their expectations with realism generally. The simple fact is that almost every team at all levels will set their stall out to frustrate on occasion. Rangers are no different. Similarly, while such strategies may at first sight appear negative, itââ?¬â?¢s not always the case. Neither do they necessarily promote a less attractive style of football. The variation of 4-5-1 we played against Lyon showed stout defensive properties but the 3 goals we scored and some of our general footballing play was first class. Such tactics should not be the antipathy of good football but just one more positive example of the game. Walter Smith came back to a Rangers team struggling on many fronts. With a few shrewd transfers, by shoring up a leaky back-line and by giving a physical competitive edge to our midfield heââ?¬â?¢s managed to turn things around to a decent degree. Some results and performances have been excellent ââ?¬â?? some not so good. Generally the team is doing well and with a bit more flexibility, a bit more consistency of attacking personnel and some more time for the younger new players to settle, weââ?¬â?¢re not far off where we want to be. If that means continuing with 4-5-1 for another wee while until we do gel enough to have the kind of attacking understanding that confidence and consistency brings then so be it. That isnââ?¬â?¢t negative or ââ?¬Ë?anti-footballââ?¬â?¢ ââ?¬â?? just common sense and playing the percentages to maximise our chances of winning games. Isnââ?¬â?¢t that what the game is about?
  8. If you were Walter Smith, would you give Novo a new deal. He's been popping up with a few vital goals this season and does add to the squad but for me, he'll never be a regular starter. I'm leaning towards Deal but possibly only 1 year.
  9. http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=150&Itemid=1 The Rangers Supporterââ?¬â?¢s Trust is delighted to announce our inaugural ââ?¬Ë?Gers Prideââ?¬â?¢ Conference, to be held within Ibrox Stadium next Saturday 10 November (Outline timings 10am until 3.30pm). A prestigious panel of confirmed speakers includes: Ian Davidson, MP for Glasgow South West, Professor Steve Bruce of Aberdeen University, Dirk Manser, Curator of the SV Hamburg Club Museum, Stewart McAfee of the Amalgamation of Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs, Grahame Smith, General Secretary of the Scottish TUC and Andy Mitten of the Manchester United Supportersââ?¬â?¢ Trust. Members of the RST Board will also speak at this event. The Conference is open to all members of the Rangers Supportersââ?¬â?¢ Trust and provides a much-needed space for fans to debate and explore all the issues around Rangers, about being a football supporter in the 21st Century, and tackling the thorny issues of racism, sectarianism and other forms of prejudice. It will consider mainstream Scots culture, politics, education, the wider civic society and look at how the Rangers family relates to these. Guests from England, Northern Ireland and Germany will help give the event UK-wide and European dimensions. One again The Rangers Supportersââ?¬â?¢ Trust shows that it is the progressive organisation open to all and offering an alternative voice to the Rangers support, a support either excluded from debate or dishonestly portrayed as being backward-looking and bigoted. As a democratic fan-led body, we are proud to offer this Conference as a major step forward in this exciting and challenging period for all members of the Rangers family. Interest in this event is likely to be extremely high so at this stage attendance is limited to members. Furthermore, to help pay for lunch and refreshments, there is a small fee of Ã?£5 per person. Tickets can be bought below and are limited to one member/one ticket at this stage. Please can you highlight your Trust membership number when ordering. For more info on how to buy tickets, please visit this page. http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/gerspride07.html For anyone requiring further info please email stewart@rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk
  10. Oct 30 2007 By Keith Jackson Exclusive BRAHIM HEMDANI has moved to quash claims he is determined to quit Rangers. The ex-Marseille captain spoke exclusively to Record Sport to counter claims he is on the verge of agreeing a January switch to English Premier League outfit Reading. Reports have surfaced in France suggesting Hemdani may have already been granted permission to begin signing talks with Stevie Coppell ahead of the opening of the transfer window. But the player himself is adamant no such agreement is in place - and insists he has no plans to push for a move when the market opens up. When asked about the latest reports linking him with a move to the Madjeski Stadium Hemdani said: "Who? Reading? No. There is no change with my situation. "I have no problems at all and I'm not looking to go back to France or anywhere else. I am happy with the club and I am happy to play here. "That's why it's strange there are noises about Reading. I don't know where this has come from. It has not come from me or my agents." An unhappy Hemdani met manager Walter Smith in August demanding to be released from his contract after being frozen out of Smith's SPL plans. But the 29-year-old Euro specialist recently battled his way back into Smith's domestic starting 11 before being sidelined with a groin injury. But Hemdani expects to be back in action in time for Rangers' SPL clash with Inverness at Ibrox - and is hoping to reclaim his midfield anchor role for next week's Champions League blockbuster in Barcelona. Hemdani, who has 18 months left on his contract, said: "I just have to be patient and work hard to get my place in the team. I hope to be ready to play again this weekend and should be fit for the game in Barcelona." I would hate us to lose this guy as he is one of the few class players we have. I do think that unless smith starts to play him he will leave in January though.
  11. 2-2 at half time, 2-0 down but Lennon and McMillan have pulled it back. RANGERS: Reidford, Perry, Broadfoot, Smith, McMillan, Furman, Emslie, Naismith, Gow, Buffel, Lennon
  12. What the f**k is Walter Smith up to? Why are we going to a place like tannadice and playing two holding midfielders and dropping the tempo to walking pace? He got it spot on against septic. Two attacking midfielders(fergie and adam)and one holding(thomson). Nice high tempo, got in their faces and gave them a right doin'. Does WS honestly think we only have to make that sort of effort against septic and not anybody else. We allowed another team to put US on the back foot from the word go. We went out on that park and played as if we just needed to turn up and we would win. Just a couple of another things. NAISMITH, why isn't he getting a game? He's got way too much talent to be constently sitting on the bench. Faye. Is it just me, or is he the worst player currently registered to play football in Scotland? He is F*****G woeful. What WS sees in him i'll never know. Sorry Wattie, but you're gonna have to do better mate.
  13. More Than A Club If ever a statement summed up the way we all feel about The Rangers it is ‘more than a club’ and I have to say, last nights game against Barcelona was the pinnacle for this Bear in my 25+ of ‘follow following’ the great institution that is Rangers Football Club. It is funny to think that it may actually be bettered when I visit Barcelona for the ‘return game’ next month. The anticipation that I felt in the lead up to the Barcelona game has only ever been matched by the buzz I felt prior to entertaining Kiev in the late 80’s, Leeds (home and away) in 92/93 and possibly the build up to the ‘Celtc Shame Game’ when we dismantled them in their own midden and won the league in the process. To say for the last week that I have mirrored a kid in a candy store is the biggest understatement of the year! And I have to say that occasion didn’t disappoint. From the wonderful card display pre-match (well, do we do anything other than wonderful displays?) to the 92 minutes and the aftermath, this was an occasion that in years to come, we will all fondly recall that ‘we were there’ (those of us lucky enough to get tickets, and I dare say some of us that weren’t lucky enough! In 20 years time, over 100,000 will claim to have been there!!!!). Barcelona, like ourselves, rightly proud themselves as being more than a club (Club motto is “El Barca es mes que un club”) – they are a political focal point to the Catalans and like ourselves, they were founded purely out of the love of the game (by a couple of Englishmen and a Swiss gentleman who actually changed his to name to the Catalonian version!). Their club also became a focal point of the anti-Franco movement in Spain and that is why we are held in great esteem in this famous of footballing cities and clubs. As Carlos Puyol stated when the draw was made, we are still remembered by the locals for giving Franco’s fascist Police a chasing and will be the recipients of a warm welcome when we visit in November. This flies in the face of the lies and innuendo that the ‘unbiased’ Scottish media and the MOPES will have peddled since we achieved our Cup Winners Cup success at the ‘camp nou’. They will tell you that we raped, pillaged, ransacked Chapels where the reality couldn’t be further from their lies. In fact, we were invited back to Barcelona the following season to participate in Barca’s anniversary celebrations. Anyway, back to last night and the game itself went past as a ‘blur’ for this Bear, but I did witness enough to see that our team put in one hell of a shift and everyone of us should be proud of everyone one of them! I also couldn’t help but notice that Barca were a class act, probably one of the best teams I have seen at Ibrox (along with Juventus and Valencia) and that their players also had a ‘touch of class about them’. I don’t just mean footballing ability wise, but noticed that when Henry was substituted, he made an effort to pass BF and wrapped an arm around our captain and encourage him to keep going and to rally the troops. This gesture was then copied by Puyol – two examples of sportsmanship. The result puts us in a fantastic position in the group and it looks like our last game against Lyon could decide our fate. However, before getting that far ahead of ourselves, it is worth remembering that that is 9 consecutive CL games without defeat and in 7 European games this season, we have conceded just 1 solitary goal. As Walter Smith said in his interview, a year ago we were defeated in the League Cup at home by St Johnstone and 9 months ago, we were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Dunfermline (that is taking nothing away from them, or any disrespect to those two clubs – both deserved their victories). Here we are 12 months later, battling out a 0-0 draw with arguably the best team in the world. This may sound utterly mental, and as I can’t believe that I am typing it, but was I the only one who thought that we were going to sneak it in the last 10 minutes? I just had this gut feeling that something magically was going to happen, a lose ball was going to fall our way and be tucked into the net. The only other example of this I can readily recall was the Porto away game where they dominated possession, scored and we then equalized – it was that sort of a feeling, if you know what I mean. Anyway, it didn’t detract for a wonderful game, and amazing experience and an evening that once again, reinstated the fact that we are ‘more than a club’. The Aftermath In saying all of the above and heaping praise on the players (and lets not forget the manager and his staff) the victory over Celtc and last nights escapades will count for nothing if we do not take maximum points form Dundee United at the weekend. We must find a level of consistency on the SPL and show that we are capable of mounting a sustained challenge and show no adverse reactions from CL exertions. Given the nature of last nights game and the effort (mental as well as physical) put in by the players, I can envisage WS making some changes to the starting 11. Those brought in MUST deliver and show a hunger and desire to push us forward on the domestic front. They must use this as an opportunity to be involved in the next big European night. So, the pressure is on, they must perform and we mustn’t allow this utterly fantastic week to end on s sour note. Arthur Boric I know I shouldn’t give this cretin ‘column inches’ but the latest outburst from the ‘Holy Goalie’ can not be left unchallenged – although I fully expect the club to ignore the ‘neds’ comments even though they bring the game into disrepute and our players character into question. The ‘Holy Goalie’ claims that he was justified in ignoring our players offer of a sporting handshake as he ‘dislikes them and our club’. Now, that part of his statement is fair enough, but he then goes on to insinuate that unspecified Rangers players ‘spat on him’. Come on Arthur, with the amount of press coverage the OF generates and with the majority of the press in Scotland being ‘pro-Celtc’, I sure that if one of our players had spat on (or at) you, this would have been noticed and reported. I am also sure that one (or more) of the MOPES who trawl TV, You Tube, paper etc evidence to be offended at, it would not have gone unnoticed. It is now up to Rangers (as well as the SFA and SPL) to bring the Holy Goalie to task over these allegations. He must be made to identify the supposed culprit or be ‘outed’ as the liar that he undoubtedly is. Cammy F – We Are The People….
  14. LOUIS VAN GAAL last night warned Rangers they face mission impossible tomorrow night against Barcelona. The Spanish giants have big injury problems ahead of the Champions League clash with Portuguese ace Deco out for five weeks and fellow midfielders Yaya Toure and Rafael Marquez also on the sidelines. Ronaldinho missed Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Villarreal amid more reports of partying while away on World Cup duty with Brazil while Thierry Henry failed to sparkle at the weekend. But former Barca coach van Gaal has written off Walter Smith's side despite their emphatic Old Firm victory and successive group wins over Stuttgart and Lyon. He said: "Anything can happen in football but it's impossible for Rangers to beat my old club. "Rangers are doing well and have surprised many with the way they've started the group stage of the Champions League but facing Barcelona is something else. "I'm sure they will believe they can do something in Glasgow - but I just don't think it's possible. "Not only do Barca work hard but they also have a great physical strength and I don't think you can stop them at the moment. Rangers can try but I do not think so." Van Gaal knows what it takes to win the Champions League after guiding Ajax to glory in 1995 and the AZ Alkmaar boss believes Rangers' best tactic is to sit in. The man who delivered two La Liga titles during his four-year spell at the Nou Camp knows stars like Ronaldinho, Henry, Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o can pick holes in any defence in the world but reckons Barca are vulnerable to the counter-attack. He said: "People talk a lot about Messi but there isn't just one star at Barca - there are 11 stars. "My advice to Rangers is to reduce the space and look for any opportunity to hit them on the break. "The way Barca play there is always space in behind their defence and Rangers must use their quick players to make the most of this." Meanwhile, one of Henry's old Arsenal team-mates reckons the Frenchman can be stopped at Ibrox. Robert Pires was in the Villarreal side that won on Saturday night and he reckons Barca aren't giving Henry the ball enough Pires said: "Barcelona are not playing as they have to with Henry. "They are not looking for him enough. He hardly touched the ball against us. He is a player who needs to be on the ball. "He has to be involved in the game. At Arsenal when we had the ball we would always look for him but at Barcelona that is just not happening." Henry scored three times for France last week to become his country's all-time record goal scorer but delivered his worst Barcelona display ahead of the trip to Scotland. However, Pires blamed the poor club form on Barcelona's failure to play to Henry's strengths rather than any lethargy from his former team-mate. He said: "They both have to adapt to each other. Barcelona have to adapt and Thierry also but he is a player who is very easy to play with - and I'm not saying this because I played for three years with him." Pires led Villarreal's assault on Barcelona's jittery defence with the Barca back-line breached three times inside the first 35 minutes. And he believes a similar hightempo game can earn Rangers a shock win tomorrow. Pires said: "Rangers have to be aggressive in midfield. If you want to beat Barcelona you have to put them under pressure in the middle of the park. "You have to be on top of Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Deco, although Deco won't be playing after his injury on Saturday. "Those three are the most important players in their team and it is from there that the danger comes so you cannot afford to let them play. "It will be very difficult for Barcelona in Scotland because of the pace Rangers play at. "You would expect Barcelona to win but they always give you chances to score. You have to put them under pressure - that is why we won on Saturday. "We put them under pressure, we defended well, we got hold of the ball and we played with great intensity." Villarreal midfielder Marcos Senna reckons Ibrox' intimidating atmosphere can roar Rangers to victory. The midfielder, who scored two penalties in the surprise weekend win, played at Ibrox two seasons ago for Villarreal in the last 16 of the Champions League. Senna said: "The fans are like an extra player for Rangers. The Ibrox atmosphere is one of the best in the world. "When I played there it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. "I would love it if the fans in Spain were like that. Rangers' supporters are among the best in the world and they can help their team enormously. "When we played there we drew 2-2 - we went ahead and then they came back at us and the fans made anoise I have never heard before. I will never forget that night." Senna agreed with team-mate Pires that Rangers can take the points if they get in among Barca's superstars. He said: "When you play against Barca you can't give them space to play. They have great players in midfield so you have to put them under pressure and play with speed and intensity because if not then they kill you. "I think Rangers can play that way - they are a very strong team, a big team in Scotland - and I think they can play with that intensity and beat Barca. "Of course, they have to play a very complete game because Barcelona are one of the best sides in Europe. "It doesn't get you anywhere to sit back against Barcelona. They will just play the ball around and they will wear you out with their passing game. "We were playing at home and we have a good team so we were not going to just sit back and defend. "We did what we always do - we played our football and tried to get forward whenever it was possible." Barcelona were criticised in the Spanish press following the defeat at Villarreal but Frank Rijkaard's No.2 Johan Neeskens insists his side aren't worried. He said. "Rangers always play the same way - especially at home - so we are not expecting any surprises. We know they had a big win at the weekend but that is good. "It won't change how we approach the game. Always when we go out to play a game we play for the win."
  15. An article from the ET today. Clicky Good to see him talking positively and we obviously all wish him the best. I'm just a bit worried about some of those quotes from him which make me think he's fighting a losing battle. I really hope I'm wrong, but when a young athlete is out for this long, particularly a footballer, I start to think the worst.
  16. From The Sunday Herald - worth noting that the author is 'celtc minded' - fantastic article that brings up a few very valid points on the 'sectarian debate'. http://www.sundayherald.com/sport/shfootball/display.var.1758702.0.honesty_does_not_make_smith_a_bigot.php Cammy F
  17. RANGERS' fringe stars enhanced their chances of forcing their way into Walter Smith's top team plans when they defeated Newcastle United today 3-1 at St James's Park. Many of the lads who have been on the outside in recent weeks really put in good performances in the match which was played behind closed doors. Chris Burke and Steven Whittaker Young striker Rory Loy, Chris Burke and Alan Gow got the goals in a comfortable win for the Ibrox men against a strong Magpies side which included Joey Barton. Centre back Ugo Ehiogu was outstanding in defence for Rangers and he clearly wanted to show that he is bursting to get back into the real thing. Coach Ian Durrant said: "It was a good workout for the boys in many ways and we had a lot of good performances. "Big Ugo was exceptional at the back, but we also had really good performances from Alan Gow, Chris Burke and Charlie Adam which is obviously good news too. "We were obviously happy to win the game against a strong Newcastle side but it was more important to keep the lads ticking over." I don't see Buffel's name mentioned is he away with Belgium,or was he playing?
  18. Time For Stability We all knew that when Walter Smith was appointed as PLGââ?¬â?¢s successor, this was to herald a period of stabilization in the wonderful history of our club. Now that this stabilization is well under way, lets hope that Walter will reflect on the positive effects this has shown and take this stabilization into team selection. We have had a huge turnover of players in the last 3 seasons and it is now time for our current charges to decide on their preferred tactics / squad / starting 11 and to put this into practice. Whilst we the fans have to understand that change takes time and takes its toll, and that there will be bad days as well as good, the management require an understanding that all the fans want is a winning team on pitch and one that has a fluidity and consistency about it. This cannot be achieved by constantly chopping and changing the starting 11 and having our ââ?¬Ë?betterââ?¬â?¢ players situated on the bench, or worse in the stand. Then recent defeat at the hands of Hibs illustrated this and the Gaffer has to hold his hands up and admit that he got it badly wrong against Hibs. Walter Smith bowed to fan pressure by selecting Hendami in a 5 man midfield and made the ultimate mistake of playing Kris Boyd as a lone striker. This is a role that everyone, including WS, have known for sometime is beyond Boyd. Boyd has other attributes, but he cuts an abject figure whilst furrowing away as a lone striker. The international break gives WS and his backroom staff an ideal opportunity to sit down together and decide on what is their preferred tactics and what is their strongest team. We cannot afford this continual rotation system as it is killing us domestically. 4-5-1 (or 4-1-4-1) isnââ?¬â?¢t suited to home SPL games. Opposition teams come and flood the midfield and defend deep. If we play 5 in midfield, we cannot get forward as much especially when our lone striker is not capable of holding the ball. For ever home SPL game (except the Tims ââ?¬â?? more soon) we should be playing 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 ââ?¬â?? if this means there is no place for fans favourites (no matter who that is), then so be it. OF and European games are better suited to 4-5-1 (or 4-1-4-1) and I would deploy this formation in the upcoming OF and European ties. We have the players capable of playing this formation and using it to our advantage ââ?¬â?? McGregor, Hutton, Weir, CC, Papac ââ?¬â?? Beasley, Fergie, Hendami, Thommo, McCulloch ââ?¬â?? Cousin / JCD and IMO that is our strongest 11 at the moment. When going 4-4-2, Thommo or Hendami would drop out and Iââ?¬â?¢d play JCD and Cousin up front (but this is where we have options ââ?¬â?? Boyd, Novo and Naismith all come into contention). Given a settled run of games, I am confident that our strongest 11 would be a match for all SPL teams (obviously they will have off days and drop points) and they have already shown that they are a match for the cream of Europe. Its Rangers, Its Rangers, Its Rangers For me I have no qualms in saying this, but I dread international weekend. It means that I have no Rangers game to go to and I sit back and watch the internationals dreading that one (or more) of our players will get injured whilst on international duty. I know that this is selfish, but for countless years, and for varying reasons (that most on here already know!), I have no interest in international football. Now, I know and understand that a vast majority of Rangers fans are unlike me and they will be looking forward to supporting their country (who ever that happens to be) on Saturday and that 10ââ?¬â?¢s of thousands of Rangers fans will pack into Hampden to back Scotland ââ?¬â?? fair play and good luck to them. However, I just hope that those that do pay me the respect I deserve for not having any interest in the national team and understand that it doesnââ?¬â?¢t diminish on my ââ?¬Ë?Scottishnessââ?¬â?¢ one iota. Too many people in this country feel that if you donââ?¬â?¢t get rigged up in full Highland dress, paint a saltire on your face and sing dirge folk songs then you are somehow ââ?¬Ë?anti-scottishââ?¬â?¢. Ironic Or What So it appears that the whirlwind of media defence of Celtc in the wake of their latest pitch invader is what might actually see them receive the punishment that they deserve. Ac Milan (who have behaved impeccably in this issue) and stated that if the press and Celtc continue to focus on Dida then they will make a formal complaint to UEFA. I canââ?¬â?¢t be the only one who found this ironic. This is the same media who helped UEFA in their investigation into Rangers fans singing (and lets not forget that the BBC supplied UEFA with video evidence that was used to try and ban Alex Rae) who have now gone out of their way to defend Celtc and deflect the blame onto the Milan keeper. It is funny that everyone and their dog is still rabbiting on about Celtc fans ââ?¬Ë?great behaviourââ?¬â?¢ and that this was a ââ?¬Ë?one offââ?¬â?¢. Sorry, but that doesnââ?¬â?¢t wash ââ?¬â?? how come no one is mentioning their ââ?¬Ë?previousââ?¬â?¢? Surely no one has forgotten about the annual pitch invasions, diverted planes, shootings in Amsterdam, stabbings in the pie queue at FirHill, riots in Blackburn and Vigo airport, replayed European ties ââ?¬â?? I could be churlish and list more, but hey, according to the media and the MOPES these incidents didnââ?¬â?¢t happen. I might be the only person in Scotland hoping this (OK, Iââ?¬â?¢m not), but I hope UEFA through the book at them ââ?¬â?? if they do, then their day is rightly come. And Finally Congratulations to Frankie on the birth of his daughter ââ?¬â?? all the best to Frankie, his missus and wee one. Cammy F ââ?¬â?? We Are The Peopleââ?¬Â¦.
  19. Hemdani accepts rotation policy Hemdani says he does not have a problem with the rotation policy Rangers midfielder Brahim Hemdani says he accepts manager Walter Smith's squad rotation policy - despite making only two SPL appearances this season. Hemdani, who has been superb for Rangers in the Champions League, said: "I accept the choices of the manager and I've said it many times." The midfielder was linked with a move away from Ibrox earlier in the season. "It was only speculation. There were many noises at this time, I don't know why," he told the club's website. Hemdani said he was happy at Ibrox and that he was aiming to play as many games as possible. Regarding Smith's squad rotation policy, Hemdani said: "This is how it is at the moment. "If you are playing in the Champions League it is not easy for everybody. But if you play at Rangers you know the situation. "It's always important to have the support of the fans, and I carry on and try to give me best for the team and the club." Hemdani said he believed Rangers could win the SPL title this season, despite losing 1-0 to Hibs at Ibrox on Saturday. "We are here to do it," he said. "I think we have a big chance to win the league. If we have consistency - which we didn't have last year - then I think we can do well." ---- you've got to wonder how much you read is pure speculation and nothing more. in the world of the modern media the 'no smoke without fire' maxim cant be as generally accepted. if we are really to believe hemdani in this interview then he's willing just to do what smith says for the benefit of the team. anything else is just mischief-making. but what to believe?
  20. Last year we seemed to struggle against the lower teams of the SPL, but this season a pattern already seems to be setting in against the teams from the top half. The first game or 2 was looked at as one-off's but taking this approach is dangerous simply because we can all see problems in our play. Take away our fantastic CL results, the hard work and good start to the SPL may have to be done again. We didnt show up at Tynecastle, had an off day at Motherwell and then lost against Hibs. Yet we had a few reminders last season about this kind of results. We have Celtic followed by Dundee Utd and that will be the first round of games complete. Over a season we can drop points but we cant drop points in around 40% of our games in each quarter. Now getting something from this first OF match of the season is vital, as we just dont want to have to play catch up again from October. If we are going to have squad rotation then why cant we also have formation and tactics rotation. Looking at our squad, I still think its the best in the country and easily the most depth but we need to play to our strengths. We have attack minded young talent that arent being given a chance. I really think the only problem we have is not setting the stall out right in these type games. I dont mind the 4-5-1 as long as it can be changed onto a 4-3-3 on attack or even a 4-2-4. Id still also like to see JCD strike up a partnership with Cousin but if they are out and Smith wants to play Boyd upfront in a 4-5-1 then why doesnt he give this a try: ______________McGregor____________ Hutton____Weir_______Cuellar____Papac ____Ferguson___Buffel____Hemdani____ ___Novo________Boyd_______Naismith You could swap Naismith with McCulloch or Gow but either one of these players and Novo will get back and form the 4-5-1 again, but that team is attack minded and surely too good for most SPL sides.
  21. Walter carries the can for this one for me. One up front at home is not an option against a side like Hibs, Especially when that one is Kris Boyd. There was an interview in todays newspaper where Smith indicates he sees Kris Boyd as a player who needs to play with a partner. This statement makes the decision to play him up front alone all the more baffling. Boydy has been tried in this role time and time again and it doesn't work. Smith should have changed it long before we went one down. His loyalty to Steven Whittaker is also baffling. The guy offers nothing going forward and simply doesn't know how to play in midfield. Its time for a change out there. Maybe its time for Burke or Novo to be given another chance. Charlie Adam was another not at the races today. Guy looked well off the pace. Beasley should have been in there for me.
  22. Yesterdays performance was nothing short of disgracefull. Tactics, team selection and formation were way off again and the one man to pick up the can and take the blame is Walter Smith. His undying loyalty to Whittaker and to a lesser extent Thompson knows no bounds and as for playing ferguson out of position behind boyd, well only walter knows the answer to that one. Did we have a game plan yesterday? If so what the hell was it? And why did walter leave it so late to change the personell after hibs scored? even stevie wonder could see that nothing was going right. seems to me that walter is sacrificing the SPL for the CL at the moment. weaker squads for the SPL are a common occurence now and we can only expect our best players for the European scene. It looks like (at least to me) that there is a hidden agenda here. Making it past the group stages in CL would be a major boost for the clubs finances and our manager seems to see this as our top priority. But even that doesnt explain walters mystifying team selections in the SPL. He only said during the week that boyd is not a lone striker and needs a partner only to leave him isolated against Hibs. And a 4 4 1 1 formation at home with Ferguson as Boyds wingman ? And where the hell is Novo & Gow? Ive been impressed with Novo any time hes played this season and surely Gow must be knocking on the managers door for a piece of the action. Buffel too must be in with a shout. Dont think they could do any worse than some at the minute. If walter continues to play underachievers he will do the more damage than good. i single out whittaker in particular as he has been the biggest culprit. It certainly looks as if his nerves are shot and is fast becoming a target for the boo boys in the stands. This guy needs a spell on the bench. he contributes nothing to the team and you can see the confidence draining from him with every touch of the ball. If walters not careful he could finish the players Ibrox career by chrismas. Just a quick note for Walter. There was a touch of arrogance in his interview after the game that gordon strachan would have been proud of. Dont be smart with the fans Walt. You got it wrong again and you should put your hands up and admit it. Everyone can see it so dont take us all for fools mate.
  23. He's still a very clumsy unorthodox left back but my god, he was awesome last night. If he had Hutton's pace he'd be untouchable. His distribution still needs to improve a bit, it's also fair to say Stevie Smith or Ian Murray will struggle to get their position back in the side.
  24. Rangers rampant in Lyon's lair Tuesday 2 October 2007 Daniel Cousin is mobbed after scoring Rangers' second goalDaniel Cousin is mobbed after scoring Rangers' second goal (Ã?©Getty Images)Photos/WallpapersPhotos/Wallpapers Ã?» Rangers FC sprang a major surprise with a stunning success at Olympique Lyonnais which ended a run of nine UEFA Champions League away games without a victory and ensured they kept pace with FC Barcelona at the top of Group E. Stunning success The Glasgow club showed skill and endeavour to overcome Lyon, who have now failed to win in six European matches. Alain Perrin's men had slumped to their heaviest UEFA Champions League defeat in Barcelona two weeks before but few imagined a repeat of that 3-0 scoreline, even when Lee McCulloch opened the scoring midway through the first period. However, two goals in the space of five second-half minutes from DaMarcus Beasley and Daniel Cousin secured a memorable result for Rangers, whose last away triumph in the competition had come in 2000. Attacking intent With Lyon unable to score in their last three UEFA Champions League outings, coach Perrin made his intentions clear by packing the side with attacking talent ââ?¬â?? Juninho Pernambucano and Mathieu Bodmer playing advanced roles behind a trident of Sidney Govou, Karim Benzema and Milan BaroÃ?¡. The hosts pressed forward with urgency from the start but Rangers, defending with fierce determination, snuffed out the danger. Juninho and BaroÃ?¡ both had efforts blocked and when Carlos CuÃ?©llar deflected Benzema's shot goalwards, Allan McGregor made a comfortable save. McCulloch breakthrough Having calmed the early storm, Walter Smith's team began to show more ambition, lone striker Cousin turning SÃ?©bastien Squillaci only to be denied by Anderson's lunging challenge. That hint of an opening prompted a volley of noise from the away fans and moments later they were celebrating the tie's first goal. Nobody picked up McCulloch's run to the near post and the midfielder, making his competition debut, rose to head in Beasley's right-wing corner on 23 minutes. Juninho danger The French champions sought an instant response but their approach play was often hurried and their finishing wayward. BaroÃ?¡, Bodmer and Kim KÃ?¤llstrÃ?¶m all fired over before Juninho tested McGregor with a swerving free-kick. The captain's set-piece skills were proving Lyon's most dangerous weapon and Rangers had another escape on the stroke of half-time when the Brazilian's dipping attempt from 20 metres crashed back off the crossbar. Decisive spell Juninho tried hard to rally his off-colour side, shooting narrowly wide two minutes into the second period, yet Rangers looked sharper and took the match away from Lyon with two quick goals. Cousin struck first on 48 minutes, controlling Alan Hutton's right-wing cross and turning sharply to rifle an unstoppable shot past RÃ?©my Vercoutre from close range. The tall Gabon forward then turned provider, sweeping a precise crossfield pass over Squillaci's head for Beasley to bring the ball down and slot past an exposed Vercoutre. Luckless Lyon Drained of confidence, Lyon never looked likely to mount a comeback and when Juninho rattled the woodwork for a second time, the game seemed to be up. There was still time for McGregor to deny Hatem Ben Arfa, before Anderson nodded the resulting corner against the crossbar as luck deserted Lyon. Ã?©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.
  25. Walter Smith admits Jean-Claude Darcheville has a chance of playing in Rangers' UEFA Champions League tie with Lyon. Darcheville was initially ruled out of Tuesday's game by Smith after suffering a hamstring injury against Motherwell on Saturday. The Rangers boss expected the striker to be sidelined for two weeks with the problem, but the Frenchman joined in training on Sunday. He is due to travel to Lyon with the rest of the squad and Smith has been 'amazed' by Darcheville's recovery. Still a doubt "Jean-Claude amazed us all and he'll be with us when we go to Lyon," Smith told the Daily Record. "After the game on Saturday I didn't think he had any chance of recovering in time, but now it looks as though there is the possibility he could take part against Lyon. "He is still a doubt, but he has a chance now where before yesterday morning there was no hope. "He says he's had a similar injury before and recovered well, and it looks as though it's happening again. "But we won't know for certain until closer to the match. He might still miss the game, but at least there is the chance of him making it." Should we gamble on a player, in a game where we will be lucky to get a draw,who may then miss important Domestic games ?
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