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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!!!

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¦.

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.

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.

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!!!!!

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.

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:

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!!!!

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?

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

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.

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...

Smith wins August manager prize Smith has made a wonderful start to the season Rangers' Walter Smith has picked up the first Clydesdale Bank Premier League Manager of the Month award. The Ibrox club have made an impressive start to the campaign, winning their first four league matches to sit two points clear at the top of the table. Rangers have also reached the group stage of the Champions League, beating Zeta and Red Star Belgrade to progress. Smith will have to pit his wits against Barcelona, Stuttgart and Lyon in Europe's premier competition. Well done Walter,the first of many I hope :cheers:

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=492&Itemid=2 Since its international week (good luck Scotland!) and Rangers news seems thin on the ground, I think now is as good a time as any to discuss the ongoing relationship between our club and the Scotland team. Itââ?¬â?¢s fair to say in recent years the Rangers contribution to the national team has not been as valuable as in the past. The Dick Advocaat era, as well as the cheap, foreign Bosman import meant not as many Scottish lads were coming through of a quality to make the Rangers first team. As such, the numbers in the international squad also dwindled. From the days of having Richard Goughs, Ian Fergusons, Ally McCoists and Andy Gorams, we went to fewer and fewer players being involved. Indeed, only Barry Ferguson could be considered a genuine regular in the first XI this century. Is it no coincidence that our qualification for the big international tournaments has also become pretty much non-existent? Obviously, in more recent years our club have struggled from financial problems. While this has resulted in 6 years of sporadic domestic success and a few years of downright underachievement; one good thing that may come out of this bad spell is the re-emergence of Scottish players at our club. It certainly appears obvious that Walter Smith is building his team around a home-grown spine and not only is this helping Rangers currently, Alex McLeish will also be delighted. If we start in defence, well no-one can doubt the quality in the current Rangers team. Craig Gordon is certainly a fine goalkeeper and it was not much of a surprise when Sunderland paid Ã?£9million for him. However, in the last year, Allan McGregor has certainly come of age. Consistency is his best quality and while he may not be the best at dealing with crosses, his overall game is very good and he is now a very capable goalkeeper. Certainly, the most obvious deputy to Gordon available. At full back Rangers also have 2 fine young players. Alan Hutton was excellent for the majority of last season and has taken this form into the new campaign. Athletic, strong and excellent going forward, he has all the hall-marks of being the Scotland right back for years to come. On the other side, Steven Smith has also done well in the Rangers first team. Unfortunately, his progress has been held back with a bad pelvic problem but when he retains fitness, heââ?¬â?¢ll be another player capable of staking a claim for the national left-back position. In the centre, one of the main features of Rangersââ?¬â?¢ return to form has been the experienced figure of David Weir. Now 37 years young, the big centre-half has shown age is no handicap to quality. While he has never been the fastest of players and his distribution not his strongest point, his sheer presence and composure has already helped Carlos Cuellar no end. Andy Webster should also benefit from this experience and go onto to regain his place in the Scotland central defence if, as expected, his loan deal at Rangers becomes permanent. Midfield is more hotly contested in the Scotland squad right now. Darren Fletcher and Shaun Maloney are both fine players and while not out and out regulars in their respective EPL teams, their quality cannot be denied. Similarly, Scott Brown has made a decent start at Celtic and although there may well be an element of hyperbole about his early contribution, thereââ?¬â?¢s no doubt he should be part of any Scottish international team. His Celtic team-mate Paul Hartley hasnââ?¬â?¢t had as good a time at club level in recent times but has done reasonably well for Scotland so will also always be looking to feature. As such, the Rangers contingent in the Scottish squad frame has a lot to live up to. Thankfully, Steven Whittaker, Barry Ferguson, Kevin Thomson and Lee McCulloch have all done well so far this season. A more solid midfield is difficult to name and all four will become important parts of future national squads. The forward line is another area that will provoke further debate. James McFadden, Kenny Miller and Garry Oââ?¬â?¢Connor have all scored important goals of late and all 3 can lay claim to a first team berth. Again though, we have two Rangers players more than capable of challenging them. A better goal-scorer than Kris Boyd we do not have and while his overall contribution may detract from his international chances, already heââ?¬â?¢s shown if we need goals, heââ?¬â?¢ll get them - at any level. Steven Naismith is a more rounded player and his SPL form of recent years suggests when he does make the step up to the ââ?¬Ë?Aââ?¬â?¢ Squad, heââ?¬â?¢ll be difficult to ignore. If we put this altogether, then the following international side is not out of the question if injuries and suspension affect the national team: ________________________McGregor_________________________ Hutton___________Weir__________________Webster________Smith Whittaker_______Ferguson_______________Thomson____McCulloch __________Naismith___________________Boyd_________________ Obviously, as much as this team looks attractive and extremely solid, itââ?¬â?¢s also unlikely to happen. David Weir is too near his international retirement and a few of these guys too far from consistent national selection to see a complete Rangers/Scotland merge in the near future. However, what is clear is that the Rangers contribution to our national game is increasing. Add that to Walter Smith turning around our fortunes in such a short period and Alex McLeish following on rather nicely, the Rangers/Scotland connection is rapidly coming back to the days of old. Letââ?¬â?¢s hope this starts with qualification for Euro 2008. This should then give these players exactly the kind of experience required to substantially increase our chances of a Scotland appearance in South Africa in 3 years time. Thatââ?¬â?¢s good for Scotland, good for Rangers and good for our game as a whole.

Thanks to Gribz and the request to be pinned in a few sections. Hopefully the Mods/Admin can keep on top of further transfer business over the coming weeks. Cheers to Gribz btw

Hot news at the moment is Fulham and Derby are looking for a striker who scores goals. Funny thing is they are willing to pay 3mill for Kenny Miller. Celtic are hoping to offload a striker who couldn�t score. They are willing to accept 3 million. This makes me think of the old car auctions, you think you got a Rolls Royce and it turns out to be a banger. Gordon Strachan is hoping that magic Zurawski will perform one more piece of magic. Make himself, Thomas Graveson and Bobo Balde disappear. Hearts coach Stevie Frail wants his team to go out and have a pint together to get them to play better. The way they have been playing looks like they have had too many pints together. He stated we have to play with pride. They look more like a herd of Lithuanian goats, rather than a pride of lions. Hearts have lined up a new sponsor - Tampax. Mad Vlad thought it was an appropriate change as the club is going through a very bad period. Walter and Ally promised us last year Sebo would come good. seems they were wrong but they found a goal scoring Cousin. Dragan Stojkovic the Red star president said his team are going to Trash Rangers. Walter Smith said, it was rubbish. Hibs who seem to have difficulty in getting a keeper to catch a ball, brought in Goalkeeper Ma-Kalambay. After he blundered two goals on Saturday, John Collins was reputed to say he would have been better with Ma-broon. Gretna manager Davie Irons called for his team to show a lot more balls. Not likely if he�s going to have a kick at them. Craig Brewster had a two goal, scoring swansong at Easter road before leaving Abedeen to take over at Inverness. He pleaded with his new team to start speeding on their way home from training. They need all the three points they can get. TAXI!!!!!!!!

By Lindsay Herron IAN MURRAY has signed a contract with the Championship side Norwich City after agreeing a deal this afternoon. Rangers agreed tIan Murrayo let the versatile former Hibs captain go as he had found himself on the periphery of Walter Smith's squad. The Light Blues had initially looked for a transfer fee for Murray, who joined Rangers from Easter Road in the summer of 2005, but decided to let him move for free. Chief Exective Martin Bain said at today's Annual General Meeting: "We took a decision based on the players' wishes, the manager's wishes and where he sits on our books. Ian was not going to feature so we are saving money on the wage bill." Murray made 56 starts for Rangers in all competitions over the past two seasons but with the arrival of Carlos Cuellar, Kirk Broadfoot and Steven Whittaker he has been pushed down the pecking order. The deal with the Canaries has yet to be completed but manager Peter Grant would like to get it done today so that Murray can play in Saturday's game at Hull. Grant said today: "I watched him a lot when he was at Hibs as a boy and he was captain very, very young. "He has all the attributes you look for in a player. A top class professional, left sided and can play left-back, left midfield, central midfield and centre back - and he can do them all well." Sorry if this has already been posted but i couldn't see it anywhere.

BOSS Walter Smith has revealed that he is checking out a number of players and may make some more moves before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month. The Rangers manager, who has made 10 signings since last season ended, feels that he needs a bit more balance to his squad and may try to bolster some areas. Ally McCoist and Walter SmithHe has confirmed that Portsmouth defender Dejan Stefanovic is one of a number of players he has been looking at. Smith said: "Stefanovic is one of a few players we are looking at and will continue to look at until the transfer window is closed. "We have to continue to look for players for one or two positions where we feel we might be a little bit short. "We have been looking at some players but it doesn't necessarily mean that we will act. "Although we have a big squad of players I still think we are a bit thin on the ground in certain areas, but if we don't make any further signings I will be more than happy to go with what I have. "Some people are suggesting that subsequent transfers may be dependent on qualification to the Champions League group phase but that's not the case. "It's just that we are covered more than adequately in some positions and not as much in others. "We just want a slightly better balance to the squad." Similarly, Smith has revealed that some players could go if clubs come in for them. He added: "Having a slightly bigger group than last year means we have to watch that we don't get frustration from the boys that are not playing. "So if some clubs come along for one or two of the boys then we will consider what they have to say." I remember Stefanovic from his Dutch day's and thought he was a good player. I think we were also linked with him before he went to Portsmouth. A good replacement for Weir imo.

Top team stars on the comeback trail. Smith could be back by mid-September. Although how an initial 6-week injury descended into this is anyone's guess?

KIRK BROADFOOT knows more than a few eyebrows were raised when Walter Smith plucked him from Paisley and made him a Rangers player. Now the cynics are more likely to be nodding their head in appreciation after seeing the former St Mirren star slot into three different roles in as many matches and performwell in each of them. Broadfoot might have made his name as a centre-half at Love Street but he's been used at right-back, left-back and on Saturday against Falkirk he added left-midfield to his collection after coming on as a sub and pitching in with a goal during the 7-2 rout of John Hughes' men. The 23-year-old admits he is loving every minute of it and insists he never had any doubts that he could make the jump from a provincial outfit to one of the Old Firm giants. Particularly when the captain of the club, Barry Ferguson, went out of his way to make him feel welcome. Broadfoot believes the togetherness of the squad is a major reason for Rangers' sensational start to the season and for his own promising start to his Ibrox career. The former Scotland Under-21 defender said: "When I arrived I wasn't daunted by it, I relished the challenge. If you don't relish it you're at the wrong place. If you go out onto the pitch scared you've failed straight away. Advertisement "I know it's going to get harder as more players come back from injury.But when I arrived I didn't feel overawed. "Barry Ferguson helped me settle right away. When the club captain does that it's great, but it is a bit like starting any new job because it takes time to get to know everyone." Broadfoot's ability to play just about anywhere can make him a regular on the park or on the bench - and with players like Brahim Hemdani, DaMarcus Beasley, Ian Murray, Charlie Adam, Filip Sebo and Alan Gow sitting in the stand at the weekend, he knows the competition has never been tougher. He said: "This is the biggest squad I've seen. There are 30 players who could come into the first team and do a job. "The Under-21 rule takes three off straight away but it's a battle to make the bench now, never mind the starting line-up." Broadfoot was delighted with the victory over Falkirk, which stretched Rangers' run of victories at home and in Europe to six since the start of the campaign. He was particularly happy to notch his first goal for the club, particularly as his own fan club was sitting in the stand. He said: "That's my first goal for Rangers. I'm a Rangers fan so to score for Rangers at Ibrox is a dream come true. "My mum and dad were at the game along with four of my friends. When I switched my phone on there were quite a few text messages with people congratulating me. It was a good day all round to be honest." The defender was delighted to see the strikers do the business, with Daniel Cousin and Jean-Claude Darcheville grabbing two goals each and Kris Boyd making a welcome return to the scoresheet. He said: "Danny came in from the start and did very well. Once he starts speaking English he'll be even better. "He doesn't understand anything really but his knowledge of the game shows. "Kris and Darche then came off the bench to score too so it's pleasing. I think as a squad we're starting to gel." Interesting interview,sorry if it's old news but working overseas,i was just wondering what the fans are thinking about him as i've not seen much of him :cheers:

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=475&Itemid=1 Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it the last bastion of objectivity in the Scottish press? Is it a Rangers hating sensationalist who earns a living condemning sectarianism while taking every opportunity to fan its flames? Well, it depends who you talk to, but one thing I can say about Graham Spiers is that he writes horribly. Some Rangers fans get really worked up after reading some of Mr. Spiersââ?¬â?¢ articles, but I wonder where they get the energy ââ?¬â?? by the time Iââ?¬â?¢m finished Iââ?¬â?¢d be more likely to have the energy for strong emotion having necked a few jellies: they have that same somniferous effect. Iââ?¬â?¢m willing to allow for the possibility that itââ?¬â?¢s just me (itââ?¬â?¢s unarguable heââ?¬â?¢s written for various high-brow newspapers and has no doubt won awards and the like) - but Iââ?¬â?¢ve read some of the best and worst of humanityââ?¬â?¢s legacy in literature and havenââ?¬â?¢t found a writing style quite as irritating and sleep-inducing as Grahamââ?¬â?¢s. For quite a while I couldnââ?¬â?¢t put my finger on exactly what it was I didnââ?¬â?¢t like ââ?¬â?? Iââ?¬â?¢m a student of literature so I can hardly moan at him for his tendency to use big words, and given that I amble on myself I canââ?¬â?¢t really blame him for meandering from the point. But then I realised that I didnââ?¬â?¢t mind Nietzsche using big words because complex situations demand big words but Graham seemed to continuously use them borderline out of context just to remind us that heââ?¬â?¢s intelligent and knows them. And I also realised I didnââ?¬â?¢t mind Wittgenstein spanning a sentence over a whole page because the difficult subjects he was discussing demanded that every statement be fully qualified in its textual and environmental context; but if a sentence takes up a whole paragraph when discussing the comparatively simple matter of a football match then the chances are youââ?¬â?¢ve got your linguistic head up your own arse. So, hereââ?¬â?¢s my theory ââ?¬â?? I donââ?¬â?¢t know about your primary school, but at mine the teacher gave us words we had to use in a sentence as homework. To encourage you to develop your vocabulary at that age you got nice gold stars and ticks and whatnot for writing longer sentences with more obscure ââ?¬Ë?describing wordsââ?¬â?¢. Of course, when you get to secondary school they start to teach you the value of ââ?¬Ë?showingââ?¬â?¢ rather than ââ?¬Ë?tellingââ?¬â?¢, and how when grownups write itââ?¬â?¢s just silly to use a big word where an ordinary everyday small one will do, and how they shouldnââ?¬â?¢t write a million words where five will do. Reserve those big words and prosaic grand sounding sentences for where they are most effective and required, otherwise youââ?¬â?¢ll just sound like youââ?¬â?¢re trying to convince people you are intelligent, and sound all poncy. Or, if you want to be really clever, they say, you can use big words ââ?¬Ë?ironicallyââ?¬â?¢ by putting them beside slang ââ?¬â?? like I did in the opening paragraph with ââ?¬Ë?somniferousââ?¬â?¢. (This is all a lie, incidentally, but had my teacher been teaching the syllabus instead of stopping people attacking each other with chairs, Iââ?¬â?¢m reliably told that this is what she would have been saying). I think Graham has essentially stuck to the primary school style of writing mixed with archaic grandiose sounding phrases. So, letââ?¬â?¢s put my theory - that Graham Spiersââ?¬â?¢ writing is like a studious primary school childââ?¬â?¢s homework - to the test. A short while ago I read his article entitled ââ?¬Å?Hughes manages to focus on positives after goal rushââ?¬Â [1]. I didnââ?¬â?¢t realise that this was actually a Spiers article, and the promising snappy opening sentence did nothing to give the game away: ââ?¬Å?Every so often football has a pleasing habit of throwing up a match like thisââ?¬Â. Lovely. By the end of the second sentence (and, incidentally, the entire first paragraph) I was in no doubt of the author. It is a single sentence that includes the phrases ââ?¬Å?poured goalsââ?¬Â, ââ?¬Å?late splurgeââ?¬Â, ââ?¬Å?three in the final five minutesââ?¬Â, ââ?¬Å?sent the Rangers fans home happyââ?¬Â, ââ?¬Å?poor John Hughesââ?¬Â, ââ?¬Å?the Falkirk managerââ?¬Â, ââ?¬Å?groping around for a postmatch perspectiveââ?¬Â, ââ?¬Å?famously verbalââ?¬Â and quite ironically concludes that ââ?¬Å?Big Yogiââ?¬Â was ââ?¬Å?talking gibberishââ?¬Â. Iââ?¬â?¢m not sure if he read this back to himself; but if youââ?¬â?¢re going to summarise the match, make the unlikely comparison of the Rangers fansââ?¬â?¢ reaction and the Falkirk mangerââ?¬â?¢s, and conclude that someone is talking gibberish, all in a single sentence, then you probably want to do it in one that, at very least, Stephen Fry wouldnââ?¬â?¢t struggle to say aloud. At this point he doesnââ?¬â?¢t condescend to let us in on the gibberish Big Yogi was talking, but weââ?¬â?¢ll take his word for the moment. The next paragraph is entirely concise and to the point. To be fair this might be because it largely constitutes a quote from Walter Smith. Graham Spiers is definitely at his most concise when quoting. Perhaps for dramatic effect this brief flash of brevity is followed by one of the most astoundingly inappropriate sentences Iââ?¬â?¢ve ever seen committed to print when discussing a football match: ââ?¬Å?So let us examine more keenly this peculiarity of a gameââ?¬Â. As a general rule you shouldnââ?¬â?¢t write (unless youââ?¬â?¢re a poet) something you wouldnââ?¬â?¢t say in real life. I find it hard to believe that the top man in Oxford University in Jane Austenââ?¬â?¢s time would say ââ?¬Å?So let us examine more keenly this peculiarity of a theoryââ?¬Â with a straight face, never mind Graham Spiers discussing a football match whose only ââ?¬Ë?peculiarityââ?¬â?¢ to be ââ?¬Ë?keenly examinedââ?¬â?¢ was the fairly common scenario that the scoreline didnââ?¬â?¢t quite reflect the difference between the teams. After a fairly straightforward analysis of the game we build towards the climax hinted at in the first paragraph: that the score was so bafflingly unrepresentative of the game that it reduced poor Big Yogi to the incoherence of someone who had just survived a trainwreck. The quote chosen to represent John Hughesââ?¬â?¢ ââ?¬Ë?maniaââ?¬â?¢ and ââ?¬Ë?babblingââ?¬â?¢ reads like this: ââ?¬Å?We played some good football and make no mistake, we are a right good football side,ââ?¬Â he said. ââ?¬Å?At 3-2, I thought to myself, ââ?¬Ë?oh-ho, here we go, weââ?¬â?¢ll get right back into this.ââ?¬â?¢ Weââ?¬â?¢ve done something that few clubs ever do ââ?¬â?? weââ?¬â?¢ve come to Ibrox and taken two goals off Rangers.ââ?¬Â Iââ?¬â?¢m not sure about you, but that makes perfect sense to me. It certainly makes more sense than Spiersââ?¬â?¢ assessment of our new singing Cousin.... who is... wait for it.... ââ?¬Å?extremely decentââ?¬Â. Iââ?¬â?¢m not quite sure who edits these articles (I know Spiers was the sports editor at the Herald, so I assume if this is anything but a downwards step he must be at the Times) but you would think that this phrase making no sense in the English language would be good enough reason to re-think it. Players can be extremely good, or extremely bad, but not extremely decent ââ?¬â?? just like water can be extremely hot, or extremely cold, but not extremely lukewarm. The word ââ?¬Ë?decentââ?¬â?¢ implies no extremeness one way or the other. I mean, if John Hughes was ââ?¬Ë?babblingââ?¬â?¢ speaking shortly after the game, youââ?¬â?¢ve got to wonder how someone whoââ?¬â?¢s had at least 24 hours and the benefits of an editorial process can come out with something that makes absolutely no sense in our native tongue. So, to wrap up then, I donââ?¬â?¢t read Graham Spiers not because I have anything personally against him, but because I find his writing sometimes cringeworthy, sometimes sleep inducing. Itââ?¬â?¢s part of the staple diet of sitcoms to parody essentially unintelligent characters by making them speak in Ye Old English and use big words out of context. I get the same sense of akwardness when I read a Graham Spiers article ââ?¬â?? but perhaps this is what The Times readership is after? Maybe thereââ?¬â?¢s a whole stratum of society I have no access to where people go around speaking like this to each other. The problem is, though, that even if he used all these grand phrases poetically, and properly, he would still be talking about a game of football. He hasnââ?¬â?¢t picked up a secret and super-intellectual slant on the game all us mere mortals have missed, heââ?¬â?¢s basically just said ââ?¬Å?the score didnââ?¬â?¢t reflect the gameââ?¬Â with all the hyperbolic flair of a wean who gets good marks in their primary school homework because theyââ?¬â?¢ve said an ordinary thing in a prolix way. Its all the insight of a tabloid phone-in (that Iââ?¬â?¢m sure Graham would never associate himself with) couched in the language of someone parodying Ye Old English. Man, if I ever meet you Iââ?¬â?¢ll quite happily give you a gold star, but I wouldnââ?¬â?¢t pay Ã?£1 or whatever it is for The Times to hear what I heard in the pub after the game in un-necessarily verbose language. I donââ?¬â?¢t think the ââ?¬Ë?high-browââ?¬â?¢ readership of The Times will be fooled by it either. And as much as Iââ?¬â?¢d love to know what happened between PLG and Barry Ferguson I donââ?¬â?¢t think my sanity could handle English used in this way for a couple of hundred pages, and Iââ?¬â?¢ll be very suprised if people can in general. [1] http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/scotland/article2288780.ece

A lot has been said about Walter Smith now having a much bigger squad compared to Paul Le Guen's last season; however, I disagree. It seems to me that 14 players have left since the start of last season, and 14 have arrived, keeping the numbers constant. The massive difference is in the quality and experience of the players. Out --- Letizi Klos Bardsley Ricksen Rodriguez Svensson Ponroy Sionko Rae Clement N'Diaye Martin Prso Stanger In -- Carroll Smith Braodfoot Wier Webster Cueller Ehiogu Whitaker Thomson Gow McCulloch Beasley Darcheville Cousin Stayed ------ MacGregor Hutton Papac Murray Smith NOvo Burke Ferguson Hemdani Adam Sebo Boyd Buffel Looking at those that stayed, there are 13 players who play reasonably often enough to consider them first team players; therefore, Walter has had just over a 50% turnover in first team playing staff. That amount can reasonably be expected to significantly change the fortunes of the team and when you think what Walter did with 3 changes in January (not counting Webster who didn't play), you have to wonder what he can do now with what he could call his own team. The amazing 100% start to this season looks to be an excellent appetizer for the main course to come, with the players able to shut up shop and force a win while still not gelling with each other and then score 7 in a game when the jelly is starting to set. To further dwell in our improvement it's interesting to look at the teams you could make up with the players which Smith, Le Guen and McLiesh have latterly brought in, as well as a team made up from the Rangers youth ranks (including a few older ones for experience). Smith ----- Carroll Braodfoot Wier Cueller Webster Whitaker Thomson McCulloch Beasley Darcheville Cousin Le Guen ------- Letizi Bardsley Svensson Ponroy Papac Sionko Clement N'Diaye Martin Sebo Stanger McLeish ------- Wattereus Rodriguez Andrews Kyrgiakos Murray Novo Hemdani Buffel Rae Prso Boyd Murray Park ----------- MacGregor Hutton Pressley McLean Smith Burke Ferguson Hughes Adam MacCormack MacLean To me Smith's team look by far the best, with Le Guen's looking by far the worst. That in itself suggests we should have a much better season this year; especially since Smith's squad includes some of the best players that he didn't sign - MacGregor, Hutton, Papac, Smith, Burke, Hemdani, Ferguson, Adam, Novo, and Boyd. What is also apparent, is that Smith is also a huge managerial improvement over both Le Guen and McLeish.

At least according to the express and as quoted by Walter.

Bored and pretty much over the hangover so thought i'd try an start some debate on here. Put a value on each player of the first team squad players (as listed on official site) based on quality, squad length, what we could realistically get for them etc etc. I'm not bothering with some of the younger guys who I know little about, such as Lee Robinson who is out on loan to Morton. Will only include down to Cousin on the list in the link: Official site player profiles Goalkeepers: Allan McGregor �£4mil (if Gordon is �£9mil I don't think that's outrageous). Roy Carroll �£1-2mil Graeme Smith - �£250k Defenders Hutton - �£3-4mil Weir - Sod all really, will possibly retire when his contract expires. His value to the current first team is very high though. Papac - �£1.5mil Ehiogu - �£500k Murray - �£1mil Broadfoot - �£1mil Webster - On loan from Wigan Cuellar - �£6mil+ Smith - �£2mil (If he recovers from injury:( ) Midfielders Buffel - �£2mil maybe Fergie - �£4mil Hemdani - �£2.5mil Thomson - �£2.5+ His value should have increased already imo, but hard to gauge by how much. Adam - �£2mil Gow - �£750k Burke - �£1mil Bealsey - �£2mil maybe more McCulloch - about �£3mil Whittaker - �£2mil Attackers Boyd - at least �£4mil Novo - �£1.5mil maybe more Darcheville - �£1mil Sebo - whatever we can get for him. Maybe a few hundred thousand. Cousin - �£2-3maybe. Looks a player, but is 30. Hope I haven't missed any. I am very open to movement on my valuations due to being unsure of how long many of the players are contracted to the club.

The only problem with Barry Ferguson is he's better than his team-mates