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  1. 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."
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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?
  5. 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¦.
  6. 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?
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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 ?
  13. pete

    Taxi!!!!!

    Rangers visit to Fir park to meet the steelmen turned out to be a heavy metal affair. Motherwell had a Golden first half and Rangers looked like they had lead in their boots. Motherwell opened the scoring with a goal from Chris Porter but it looked like Rangers were carrying so much excess baggage, that it was us that needed a porter. In the second half we got back on level terms but we couldnâ��t grind down the steelmens armour. In the back ground Jean-Michel Aulas the Lyon Chairman sayâ��s heâ��s going to feed fergie a bottle of whisky before the Lyon game mocking our drinking culture. Funny coming from a frog as they drink wine instead of water. I guess he was jaked up on a chateaux d�©conner(bullshit). He should get a job as a stand up comic in an old folks home. He wonâ��t make people laugh but theyâ��ll still wet themselves Dundee United visited Parkhead and were sickened by McDonald. Well most of times I have been to Mcdonalds I came back with the schitters. Wee Gordie said after the game he played with the players brains. So now he is a miracle worker. What Celtic player has a brain? If he takes a pool of eighteen players he might have enough to make a babies rattle to play with. It was suggested over the last few weeks that the Celtic defense was weak. So they bring in the ex-minister of defense as chairman. If they had said there was a hole in their defense they would have brought in a bunch of Irish navies to fill it in. When asked if Nakamura would be fit for Wednesday Gordie said I donâ��t know he was eating a sandwich and he didnâ��t have an interpreter . Gordie if you speak slow and articulate we maybe understand you without an interpreter. Up at Aberdeen the Sheep were beating the marriage men but seemingly they only could think of Europe. Jimmy Calderwood said the Aberdeen team of euro winners is haunting them. It looks like every team in the SPL except Gretna is haunting them. It is so long ago since Aberdeen were in Europe that Jimmy tried to hire the Hindenburg Zeppelin for the journey. Hearts beat St Mirrren but were blamed for diving. Nah no chance, there were no Lithuanians in the team. Ohh were not allowed to mention Lithuanians and diving as Gordon Smith found out. He has been reported to UEFA . I suppose we will need to say, using the laws of gravity in the future. Funny thing is it was a St Mirren player booked for diving on Sunday. What a difference a few weeks and a new manager are making for Inverness. They beat falkirk 4-2 to leave Gretna stranded at the bottom of the league. Before the game John Hughes said he needed 4 new players. On Saturday he would have had enough with one. DENNIS WYNESS. The SFA have stopped a pet food manufacturer sponsoring Gretna. A spokesman said we couldnâ��t have Gretna players playing with Winalot on their shirts. Taxi!!!
  14. East Fife v Rangers 1986/87 For the Rangers fans of my generation, our League Cup tie against East Fife in 1986 was the first opportunity to visit Old Bayview. The game attracted over 10,000 fans who were shoehorned into the little ground in Methil. What I can remember from this game was that it was early in the Souness era and we went into the game on the back of an inconsistent start to the season, but we were odds-on to defeat the Methil Men. At the time, I was working beside an East Fife player - Stuart Burgess ââ?¬â?? who went on to play in the SPL for Falkirk ââ?¬â?? If I remember correctly, Burgess inflicted a serious injury on Colin West during the game after a horrific challenge and was on the receiving end of ââ?¬Ë?retributionââ?¬â?¢ from Terry Butcher. The game finished 0-0 after extra time and Rangers escaped with a victory after a tense penalty shoot-out (which was won 5-4). I am sure that we also missed a penalty in normal time, but that could be my mind playing tricks on me! The game wasnââ?¬â?¢t memorable for any reason, other than it was my first visit to Bayview. So what can the Rangers of 2007 take from the above game? Well, not to underestimate the opposition and not to take victory for granted. Also, it is worth noting that the League Cup campaign gave Souness his first trophy after we defeated Craptic 2-1 in the final. That victory gave is a springboard in the league as well. East Fifeââ?¬â?¢s greatest times were in the late 40ââ?¬â?¢s when they were managed by the great Scott Symon who guided the Fife club to ââ?¬Ë?Bââ?¬â?¢ championship and league cup glory. Further success was gained in the next decade including one season where East Fife led the first division championship race for almost the entire season, only to be pipped for the title by Rangers. For further information (itââ?¬â?¢s a decent read) can be gained from East Fifeââ?¬â?¢s official website - http://www.eastfife.org/details.asp?type=history6 Wunderbar What can I say about the marvellous start to our latest Champions League adventure? After a very nervous start, we came onto a game and in the 2nd half played some wonderful football. On a night like that, it is hard to pick out players for ââ?¬Ë?special praiseââ?¬â?¢ as the entire team were fantastic. However, the Stuttgart game demonstrated just how much we need Barry Ferguson and once again, BF shows us that he is one of the best midfield players this country has produced in the last 2 decades. His drive, desire, leadership qualities were there for all to see. In my opinion that was Fergusonââ?¬â?¢s best game in a Rangers jersey since he ran the entire Bayern Leverkusen a merry jig in the BayArena. Some people have questioned (rightly or wrongly) why Barry Ferguson hasnââ?¬â?¢t performed to this level since his return from Blackburn. In my opinion, this is the first time since his return that he has actually had players alongside him who complement his game. When Walter Smith returned he knew that his first priority was to fix the defence that had more leaks than a very leaky thing. His second was to ensure that he could surround our best footballer with players who complemented his style. In players like Thompson, Hendami, Thomson, SW and Lee McCulloch, Ferguson has players who, like him, have desire, drive, determination as well as undoubted ability. Hopefully this will see Barry Ferguson return to his best. After going a goal behind, the response from the players was phenomenal. Instead of letting the heads drop, we just rolled up our sleeves, pushed forward and eventually got our just reward. Charlie Adamââ?¬â?¢s goal brilliant but we can not go any further without a special mention to Alan Hutton for his storming runs for both goals. JCB was coolness personified as he blasted home the penalty. Dolly Demolished So Saturday was the latest instalment of the most one-sided rivalry in World Football. With the visitors firmly stuck in the 80ââ?¬â?¢s when they were a ââ?¬Ë?forceââ?¬â?¢ for about 25 minutes, they still believe that they are a ââ?¬Ë?rivalââ?¬â?¢ to the most successful club in the world. Meanwhile, we the Rangers fans treat them for what they are, a minor irritation from the frozen North. To illustrate to any reading Dollies how ridiculous there claims of a ââ?¬Ë?rivalryââ?¬â?¢ are lets sing a wee song ââ?¬â?? to the tune of One Man Went To Mow : 1 Year Since You Won, Since You Won At Ibrox 2 Years Since You Won, Since You Won At Ibrox 3 Years Since You Won, Since You Won At Ibrox 4 Years Since You Won, Since You Won At Ibrox 5 Years Since You Won, Since You Won At Ibrox 6 Years Since You Won, Since You Won At Ibrox 7 Years Since You Won, Since You Won At Ibrox 8 Years Since You Won, Since You Won At Ibrox 9 Years Since You Won, Since You Won At Ibrox 10 Years Since You Won, Since You Won At Ibrox 11 Years Since You Won, Since You Won At Ibrox 12 Years Since You Won, Since You Won At Ibrox 13 Years Since You Won, Since You Won At Ibrox 14 Years Since You Won, Since You Won At Ibrox 15 Years Since You Won, Since You Won At Ibrox 16 Years Since You Won, Since You Won At Ibrox The latest thumping of Abergreen was never in doubt after Lee McCullochââ?¬â?¢s stunning opener which seemed to spur us on to yet another fantastic 2nd half performance. SN then killed the game with his first goal for us which was brilliantly taken. His full debut was rudely cut short by a dreadful tackle by the ââ?¬Ë?hate-filledââ?¬â?¢ Zander Diamond. SNââ?¬â?¢s replacement Kris Boyd scored a good 3rd goal which was just the icing on the cake. One last question for any Dollies that have made it this far ââ?¬â?? when you sing ââ?¬Ë?Weââ?¬â?¢re Only Sheep Shagging Barstewardsââ?¬â?¢ ââ?¬â?? what part of that statement makes it acceptable and something to shout about? Artur Boric Surely I wasnââ?¬â?¢t the only one who had a wee chuckle at the best keeper in Europe (cough, splutter) gifting the Hibees two goals and 3 points on Sunday? Anyway, this isnââ?¬â?¢t a critique of his abilities, but to look at his indiscretions towards the Hibs fans. As well as giving them the finger, he celebrated both Craptic goals in an ââ?¬Ë?unsavouryââ?¬â?¢ manner. Add this to the FACT that he has already been warned by the Police after gesticulating at us (any MOPES reading it wasnââ?¬â?¢t for blessing himself) surely something has to be done? Never mind Artur, I am sure that youââ?¬â?¢ll once again find yourself in a park miles from youââ?¬â?¢re home where a pregnant woman will be getting racially abused by a mysterous gang of racist thugs and youââ?¬â?¢ll be the hero once again. Cammy F ââ?¬â?? We Are The Peopleââ?¬Â¦.
  15. Since the start of the calendar year Walter Smith has came in and installed stability into the Rangers team again and we finished last season strong in the league. There was huge question marks in the summer as to whether David Murray would stump up some cash so we could add to our thin squad. We werent asking for Henry and Rooney but just enough to improve and start climbing the mountain again. Murray supplied the cash and we now have players in abundance. Not every player will be a good buy but when money is tight at Rangers its important the manager buys well and id rather go for more experienced players than potential talent. There isnt wrong with having 1 or 2 potential talented players in the squad and let them gain experience and gradually build up the younger ones. But I have to question a couple of Smiths buys. Thomson just hasnt done it for me. He has had a handful of good games but I now think he is struggling. Whittaker reminds me in a Smith buy from the 90s when we were able to throw a few million at players who dont work out but the RM isnt near settled and he looks a terrible buy. It is early days for him and we hope he transforms this soon. Naimsith is a player whom we chased and chased - He hasnt featured much so cant be really judged but he hasnt started too badly at all. The other SPL talent that was bought havent kicked a ball - Gow and Broadfoot. The latter was always going to be a squad player but many thought Gow could play apart and his game is a attack minded with creativity - something we havent had this year. Now Im not for one minute slamming Walter as we are sitting nicely in all competitions but we got a few reminders last season with poor draws towards the end of the season that complacieny (sp) must be eradicated from our play. We have had 2 away games in a row in the SPL and turned up poorly twice not looking like a team who has played together. Our next 3 games are Hibs, Celtic and Dundee Utd - 3 of the 4 sides making up the top 4 in the league along with ourselves. I think Walter needs to work out his best team sooner rather than later and he MUST start bringing others in who deserve a chance. We dont need major re-shuffling, just a wee tweak here and there. The CL games will differ from SPL matches but only in the shape of the side which would mean a couple of changes at most. Our chopping and changing should be left until forced upon us with injuries and suspensions and for the League cup games. I think everyman and his dog would have Novo in the team right now. he offers 110%, wants to play for the shirt and scores goals. And there is a huge shout for Hemdani to play again. Gow and Buffel need to get mileage onto them again so id be bringing them on for the last 30 mins of games until they are ready for a start.
  16. WALTER SMITH paid tribute to Kris Boyd after the striker notched his 50th and 51st Rangers goals in the 4-0 CIS Insurance Cup win over East Fife this evening. Boyd reached his half-century with a tap-in from close range and then added No 51 from the penalty spot after Thomas Buffel was fouled in the box. The striker, who moved to Ibrox from Kilmarnock in January 2006, has often had to settle for a place on the substitutes bench this season as Smith runs an eye over new strikers Jean-Claude Darcheville and Daniel Cousin. But the manager revealed that the Ayrshire goal machine remains a very big part of his future plans. Smith said: "It's terrific going from Kris. He's worked hard this season in terms of his fitness. "He has done really well for us and I think he's improving as a player. He has got his own psyche where he sees himself as a goal scorer first and foremost. "But since I've come back to the club he's also worked very hard for the team as well. We have no complaints about him at all. "We know what Kris can do. Fifty goals in two and a half years in a Rangers team that has not been that superior to the opposition is a terrific testimony to him." 51 goals in what, just under 2 years? And what age is he, 23? By that ratio, he'll get 100 every 2 years, meaning by the time he's 33 he'll have hit what, 500 goals? I've had a couple of beers after work tonight so my calculation could be, and probably is, miles off. Now obviously that ratio won't continue, surely, but it's still a top-notch strike rate. I, like most, don't rate Boyd all that highly due to his all-round game being a tad lackluster, but you can't argue with goals, and if he keeps grabbing them at the rate he has done since arriving, more power to him. So yeah, just thought I'd post this to congratulate Kris on reaching the half century tonight.
  17. pete

    Taxi!!!!!

    Well no points for guessing where I�m going to start on taxi this week. Yes it�s the one and only: Arturs Ridiculous Terrible Utter Repulsive Blunders Oversees Rangers upturn Celtic. Even Al Capone couldn�t have got anyone to throw a game any better than (butter)fingers Boruc. Seemingly after the game Artur asked the police to arrest the ball for inciting a riot. He said it kept crossing the line. Wee Gordie was at first worried that Boruc may have goalkeepers disease, but then realized big Art had no chance of catching it. Well I suppose Artur�s had enough for one week so I�ll drop the subject.(oops) Wee Chesney was in brilliant form after the game, saying, Celtic played their best game in Edinburgh since he took over. It is a pity for Hibs the interview was done in the tunnel, if he had of spouted that manure on the pitch, Hibs would have had the greenest grass in Scotland for their next home game. Gordie suggested that, Easter road seems to be the Bermuda triangle for Goalkeepers. Nah! Gordy, even the Bermuda triangle has got three points. According to reports Celtic and OJ Simpson have a lot in common. They both lack a strong defence Craig Leveign took the Arabs to Fir park to meet Gretna with the chance of going top. The Sultan wanted his men to play like Arab warriors but instead they played like a bunch of camels and got humped. Gretna pulled them on to the cold steel, or was it the hot Irons. The Gorgie Herdsmen of Hearts took their flocks up to Inverness to feed on Lush thistle. It was big Craig Brewster that caught them grazing, and administered a lethal jag. Russell Latapy scoring for Falkirk against Motherwell meant that the two oldest codgers in the SPL had scored this weekend. Certainly a case of age before beauty. Graham Smith had a wee flap at the goal. The next time he should try for the ball Kilmarnock and St Mirren fought out a boring 0-0 draw. It was said, only the empty seats enjoyed the game. Troubles started for Aberdeen hours before the Rangers game. An Aberdeen supporter and his girlfriend were stopped from travelling down to Glasgow. The girlfriend was found to have the bluetongue sickness. A spokesman for the club said "if she was found to have a blue nose she would probably have been culled." As Jimmy Calderwood was walking to the bus, he was asked when Aberdeen kicked off? About every twenty-five minutes he replied. After their 3-0 defeat by Rangers Jimmy admitted even in defeat. " I still find these players are my wonder players. Every time I pick them I wonder WHY!!!!!" TAXi!!!!!
  18. anyone heard anything about his comeback. Im sure i heard walter say in an interview that he was back in training but ive heard nothing since.
  19. Allan McGregor has committed himself to Rangers after signing a new three-year contract at Ibrox. The 25-year-old goalkeeper had looked to be on his way out last season, but was eventually given a chance under then manager Paul Le Guen when Frenchman Lionel Letizi was injured. He has retained his place between the posts under Walter Smith's tenure and is delighted to sign with the Glasgow giants. "I'm here for another three years now and I'm delighted about that," McGregor said. "I wanted to leave last year because I didn't think I was going to play. "The only reason I did get in the team was because of Lionel Letizi's injury. "It can take someone else's misfortune to give you that chance, so I'm glad it happened and that I stayed at the club in the end." Glad for him,and Gers,he certalnly deserves it :cheers:
  20. pete

    Taxi!!!!!

    Well we got our first wake up call against Hearts. I have been cracking jokes over the last few weeks calling the Hearts players Herdsmen. Unfortunately we turned out to be the Goats. After Stevie Frail called for the players to start mixing socially a few weeks ago, the Hearts players invited him for a celebration drink after the game. He said he couldnââ?¬â?¢t go because he had a bad back. A Hearts player said ââ?¬Å?Donââ?¬â?¢t worry boss Rangers had four bad backsââ?¬Â Deciding he would go for a drink he felt sorry for Walter Smith and asked him to join him for a pint. Sorry said Walter I canââ?¬â?¢t manage. That doesnââ?¬â?¢t matter said Frail, come for a pint anyway. In the pub Walter was asked what he wanted to drink. Iââ?¬â?¢ll make it an Amdy Faye. An Amdy Faye said frailââ?¬Â what is that?ââ?¬Â Just one half and Iââ?¬â?¢m off. Over at the piggery Arthur Boruc has been shouting that Celtic can get to the European cup final, well exaggeration has never been a weak point at Porkhead. I suppose they will be taking the 10 million supporters that were at Seville in their make believe final. Motherwell went up to Pittodrie and came away with all three points. Seemingly even Jimmy Calderwood couldnââ?¬â?¢t watch to the end, leaving early to go to Russia. By the time he was on the airplane he was definitely seeing red. Aberdeen have booked with Easy jet for their Euro games. In and out of Europe in 90 minutes Falkirk and Hibs fought out a one each draw but the referee made all the headlines by producing nine yellow cards and three red cards. If he had of sent off one more player there would have been less on the field than people watching the Gretna-Kilmarnock game. Seemingly there are so few Gretna fans travelling up to games because they are frightened to go on the train. They say they keep getting points failures. TAXI!!!!
  21. http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=494&Itemid=1 Ever since Alan Hutton was given his debut at Partick Thistle in December 2002, Rangers fans have been divided over his contribution. Is he good enough? Can he develop? Is he international class? With every passing game, the lad is answering every one of those questions with aplomb! Ever since around last November - not just since PLG left - Hutton has simply been outstanding. Consistent, strong, athletic, disciplined, good on the ball, aerially competent, decent distribution and generally developing into a top-class player. I hear off the park he has changed his lifestyle and attitude completely. Once again the lad was superb last night. Despite being isolated at times, he again dealt with Malouda very well (as he done against Chelsea) and for the most part (in the second half especially) forged a decent understanding with Brown. In only his 2nd competitive cap he already looks as if he'll be an international mainstay for years to come. Despite strong criticism over the last couple of years, when Hutton first became a regular first team player towards the end of the the 2004/05 season and the beginning of the next season Hutton looked like a player capable of doing what he's doing now. After he broke his leg he obviously lost his place, his confidence, his fitness and the backing of much of the support. Since then he has fought back well (from the injury, poor dispays and fan barracking) to find the kind of form (and more) when he first broke into the team. His reaction to us signing Phil Bardsley really appears to have focussed his mind. To his credit he's came through those challenges a better player and I think that experience will help his career even more than if it hadn't happened. To that end, there is nothing stopping the lad going to the very top if he continues his form of the last year or so. In addition to Hutton, it's great to see so many other young Scottish players eager to grasp the opportunity of not only playing for their club but the national side as well. To be a success (even in Scotland) you must have the self-belief and extra social discipline to led your life and career as constructively as possible. In the last year or so I think the likes of McGregor, Hutton, Smith and Boyd at Rangers have really shown what can be done by being professional and consistent in your performance. Guys like Naismith, Burke, Adam, Gow, Broadfoot and the younger fellas such as Fleck et al can only take heart from this kind of attitude and I'm really excited for the future of the club. Not only will we have a Scottish foundation for years to come but the foreigners we do sign to compliment them will see what genuine Scottish graft and spirit can do for their game. With the excellent Craig Gordon, Darren Fletcher, James McFadden, Scott Brown and Stephen McManus (who had one of the best games I've seen him play last night), it's not only Rangers but Scottish football generally who will profit from this new breed of exciting Scottish talent. What will the negative Scottish hacks write about now?
  22. Hey there Does anybody know of anyone who's willing to sell me some rangers tapes from the old smith era? the games i'm kinda looking for are as follows rangers destroying hearts 5-1 in the scottish cup final and the 4-2 or 4-3 cola cup final win at parkhead, also any old firm games from sky sports ie rangers 3-1 over celtic on new years or the old firm classic 3-3 at ibrox or the one 1-0 game at park head (PVD and gazza both miss penalty's) or any other classic rangers game from that era. have to be full games oh aye erm, the rangers 3-0 parkhead shame game and the aberdeen away game the one we won 2-0 and the riot half way through.
  23. The first International week of the new season and this could be the most important one of all. We welcome Hearts , sorry a mean Lithuania to Hampden on Saturday, a team we beat away from home around about a year ago. Recent results against them at Hampden we have won 1-0 so hopefully that could continue, obviously we would like to see more goals but a 1-0 victory would give us 3 valuable points. We then have the small matter of France 1 week tonight, beat them as well last year 1-0 at Hampden, good defensive play by ourselfs and knicked a goal, the French were not hapy especially Henry. They will be out to seek revenge next wednesday night. But a think Alex McLiesh has to look what Walter Smith done over in Belgrade, 4-5-1 and just dig in and grind out a draw. If we do get a draw in Paris we would be in a real strong position to get through Italy v France is on Saturday, hopefully France can win so we overtake Italy for second spot. I am going to the game on Saturday, my first Scotland game in years and i must say i am really looking forward to it. Ferguson the captain is suspended on saturday but we should still have a strong enough team to go out and win. Hopefully Hutton will start ahead of Alexabder, no dobut Hutton has had a great 2007 since Walter came to ourselfs, he played against Southg Africa for Scotland and played really well, think he can make the right back his own I imagine this will be the line up on Saturday __________Gordon___________ Hutton__Weir__McManus__McEveley Brown__Hartly__Fletcher__McFadden ________Boyd____O'Connor____ Agaisnt France it should be this team ____________Gordon___________ ___Hutton__Weir__McManus__McEveley Brown__Hartly__Ferguson__Fletcher__McFadden ____________O'Connor_____________ Maybe play McCuloch against France as he is a good at fighting for every ball etc COME ON SCOTLAND LETS GET 4 points Br
  24. Say why you picked this partnership ? Anyway We have Boyd, everyone knows what he can do, give him a sniff you know he is either going to score or muck it up but the last two seasons he has showed he is a top striker by scoring 30 goals + each season. I think he has an extra yard in him this season but still not fast enough IMO and not good at holding up the ball. No doubt he is a top striker though Darcheville, seems to be coming a fans favourite, making a sub's appearance against Falkirk and scored 2. Sub's appearance against Kilmarnock, set up 1 and scored 1, last of all came on against Gretna and brightened up the game with his pace. Just mentioned there his pace, he is a heavy guy but my god he is fast, lets sum him up in one word, a TANK . He holds the ball up well as we seen in our recent european games. Certainly becoming a fans favourite, especially his celebration we all love when he salutes the fans Cousin, came in and scored of the bench on his debut. Scored 2 against Falkirk as well. Very good at shooting, loads of power behind it, but one thing is that he looks a bit lazy and un-intrested at times, a bit like Boyd. But the difference is if you get the ball to his feet he can turn on a bit of pace and trickery. Novo, well we all know what we Nacho is like, gives 200% every game he plays for the Gers, he knows what it means to play for this club. He is not the best player in the world but he trys his hardest all credit to the wee man. Been giving the title of super sub this season, rightly so, came on against Red Star and got us through to the champions league, also scored a great goal against Chelsea. Think the days of Nacho starting from the start are over unless he starts on the right wing. He has a masive amount of respect for Walter Smith and he knows he has to be pacient. Naismith, as had 10 minutes in a ger shirt but we have seen over the years and Kilmarnock that he has magnificent tallent. Scored a great goal at Ibrox last season for Kilmarnock to beat us 1-0 so no doubt he doesn't fear playing in front of 50,000 fans.
  25. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6981446.stm Kinda surprised no-one has posted about htis yet. What do we think about this, sort of like the Home Internationals, but with ROI instead of England (who doon want to take part cause they don't want to get beat all the time!). Not sure of the name of the cup tho! British Isles Cup might have been better...
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