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ALLY MCCOIST was disappointed that 18-year-old Charlie Telfer decided to move to Dundee United after Rangers had offered him a new deal to stay at the club. Telfer was a key player for Gordon Durie’s Youth Cup winning under-20 team in 2013/14 but at the start of this month it was confirmed he would join the Tangerines which came as a surprise to many Rangers supporters. The midfielder, who made his Gers first-team debut in a 4-0 win over Stenhousemuir at Ochilview Park in April, was seen as being one of the brightest prospects at Murray Park but McCoist reluctantly had to accept his decision to move on. He said: “We wish Charlie all the best but we were obviously very sad to see him go. “He trained with the squad and came on against Stenhousemuir last season and we feel he is a great prospect. He still is a great prospect but sadly for Dundee United now. “We offered Charlie terms which he was well within his rights to decline and turn down and he did so. He has moved to Dundee United with our best wishes. “The first thing people have to realise is it was Charlie’s decision. We wanted to keep Charlie but he obviously decided to turn down the offer that was put to him by the club. “I can understand people questioning why would Charlie want to go to Dundee United rather than stay at Rangers. He can answer that, he has been quoted in the newspapers recently. “But we have been delighted with some of the younger boys that have come through. “Last year alone we had 13 academy graduates who played for the first team. Some of them will develop quicker than others. Look at boys like Macleod, Gallagher, McKay, Aird and numerous more have come through the academy.” In total 21 Murray Park graduates have made more than 450 appearances for the Rangers first-team post-administration which goes against any suggestions that young players have not had an opportunity at senior level in recent years. McCoist added: “We are delighted with the academy, we want to get as many coming through as possible but 13 last year is good and we will never rest on it. “Jimmy (Sinclair) and the lads in the youth department are very pleased that myself, Kenny and Ian have told them, and we stand by it, if we feel the kids are due an opportunity and deserve an opportunity then they will certainly get one. “They will always get the opportunity. Even further back Allan McGregor, Barry Ferguson, Charlie Adam, Chris Burke, Stevie Smith – international footballers a lot of them - have come through the academy at Murray Park. “Perhaps the whole thing has been blown up a little bit because Charlie has exercised his right to move on but we will continue to work hand in hand with the academy. “The boys that warrant and deserve their chance, I can reassure everybody, will get it.” http://www.rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/7046-ally-sad-to-see-charlie-go
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NARSA has donated £5,000 towards the cost of a bust of Rangers legend Sandy Jardine which the club is planning to commission. Jardine lost his fight with cancer in April at the age of 65 and his loss was felt by Light Blues fans around the world. Among those mourning him were supporters in North America, who had a terrific affinity with the former right-back. Jardine, an honorary vice-president of NARSA, was a regular attendee at its annual conventions and visited his last one in the Bahamas two years ago. When the association heard the club was looking into creating lasting memorial to recognise the ex-Scotland international’s life, its executive was keen to contribute. Treasurer Bobby Smith suggested an initial donation of £1,000 and a motion was put forward at its annual general meeting yesterday morning in Toronto. There was unanimous agreement and Hamilton Ibrox Exiles RSC president Graham Tait suggested giving five times that amount. An amendment was made and the motion was passed, with an announcement made about the touching decision at last night’s Grand Banquet. Smith explained: “I spoke to Jim Hannah about the idea when I was over in Glasgow in April and we had a conference call about it a week later. “The committee was 100 per cent behind the suggestion so it went to the floor at our AGM yesterday morning. “I was hoping someone might make an amendment to my motion to make it a wee bit more and thankfully Graham proposed that. “NARSA is financially stable and it’s brilliant we’re going to be able to donate to a tribute to someone who meant so much to us. “Sandy’s a man who deserves that. He was a big supporter of NARSA and he was absolutely magic with us so it’s something we were very keen to do.” http://www.rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/7030-narsa-makes-sandy-donation
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LEE McCULLOCH would love Rangers fans to carry on their journey back to the top of Scottish football next season with the team in a league he thinks will be the best in Scotland. The Light Blues will contest the Championship with a host of clubs including Hearts and Hibernian, both of whom will drop down from the Premiership. An intriguing campaign is shaping up and while Gers will be favourites to claim the title, it’s clear they will be pushed far more than they have in the last two year if that’s to happen. The public sale of season tickets starts tomorrow and McCulloch hopes supporters snap them up to ensure Ally McCoist’s men are given every chance possible of winning the crown. McCulloch was speaking in Toronto at the 2014 NARSA convention, where more than 1,000 fans came together over the weekend. He was joined in Canada by his team-mates Stevie Smith, Lewis Macleod, Luca Gasparotto, Nicky Clark and Fraser Aird as well as chief executive Graham Wallace. Season tickets can be purchased in person at the Rangers Ticket Centre, online at rangers.co.uk or by phone on 0871 702 1972. Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. Club captain McCulloch said: “The fans have been brilliant. They’ve kept us going and whether it’s the home support or the away support, they’ve filled stadiums to cheer us on. “The way they get behind the team is fantastic and for us as players, it can give us such a push forward. “We’ve got some young kids in our team and it’s great for them as much as it is for the likes of myself. “We need the fans and everybody knows that. Without them there won’t be a Rangers so hopefully they can keep coming to support us. “They’ve been great so far with us but now things are getting harder and we’ll really need them there by our side. “If they do that, we’ll do everything we can to do the business on the pitch and it’ll make it a bit easier for us in what looks like being a very interesting season. “It’s going to be a great league and with Hibs and Hearts in there as well as the pull of Rangers, it’s a division a lot of people will see as being the most exciting in Scotland.” http://www.rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/7032-join-us-on-the-journey
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Never heard of him, when I first saw the headline I thought it was Delia Smith.
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Can't make up my mind. Somebody do it for me while I decide if Thornton, Stein or Super plays as the other striker. (I've still to rule out Jimmy Millar)
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By CHRIS JACK and MATTHEW LINDSAY: RANGERS have recorded many memorable and momentous triumphs throughout their 142-year existence. The Ibrox club has won the league on a world record 54 occasions as well as the League Cup 27 times and the Scottish Cup 33 times. On the road to recording that incredible haul of domestic trophies, the Light Blues have claimed seven Trebles. That is a feat no other football club on the planet has managed to match. The Gers have also excelled in Europe over the years. They have reached four finals in continental competition - in 1961, 1967, 1972 and 2008. The Glasgow giants have also slayed some of the biggest names in football over the years - including Bayern Munich, Juventus, Leeds United and PSV Eindhoven. And there have, of course, been numerous victories over Celtic which will never be forgotten by their legion of loyal followers. But what are the 50 most memorable games in the history of Rangers? Chris Jack and Matthew Lindsay trawled through the Evening Times archives in an attempt to come up with a definitive list of their biggest outings. And in the coming fortnight in SportTimes, we will count down from 50 to 1. Not every Rangers fan is likely to agree with their findings. But starting today, we take a nostalgic look back at the most entertaining, most unlikely and most important results for Rangers since the Second World War. It promises to be as much fun as watching them in action. 50 Game: Rangers 5 Celtic 1. Date: November 26, 2000. Competition: Scottish Premier League. Venue: Ibrox. Attendance: 50,083. The most expensive player in the history of Scottish football made his debut as Rangers overwhelmed their Old Firm rivals at Ibrox. Tore Andre Flo, the striker signed for £12million from Chelsea, netted on his Light Blues bow as Dick Advocaat's side bounced back from an embarrassing 6-2 drubbing at Parkhead in some style. Rangers were miles off the pace in the title race, but this derby victory cut their arrears to the Hoops to 12 points and gave the Light Blue legions plenty to shout about. Barry Ferguson, Ronald de Boer, Lorenzo Amoruso and Michael Mols were also on target for the Gers. It was to prove a horror day for Martin O'Neill's side, who had got back into the game at 2-1 after Henrik Larsson scored before Alan Thompson saw red and Rangers romped to a victory to savour. 49 Game: Rangers 10 Valletta 0. Date: September 28, 1983. Competition: European Cup-Winners' Cup. Venue: Ibrox. Attendance: 11,500. Rangers recorded their biggest-ever European victory, but few were inside Ibrox to see history being made. Already 8-0 ahead from the first leg in Cyprus, John Greig's side turned on the style on home soil to also set a new aggregate score record and Scottish club record in Europe. The Gers were off and running inside the first minute when David Mitchell scored and the game was won after 10 minutes, John MacDonald netting the first of a hat-trick before Mitchell completed his brace. Ian Redford also scored twice and there were goals from Ally Dawson, Billy Mackay and Billy Davies as the Light Blues romped to victory. 48 Game: Rangers 2 Real Zaragoza 0. Date: March 1, 1967. Competition: European Cup-Winners' Cup. Venue: Ibrox. Attendance: 65,000. The 1966/67 campaign is one of the most remarkable in Rangers' history, with the team that reached a European final humbled by Berwick. Scot Symon's side would eventually win this tie, and book a place in the semi-finals against Slavia Sofia by virtue of a coin toss after a defeat in Spain left the scores tied after extra-time. The crowd that packed into Ibrox would have been unaware of the drama that would unfold, especially after the Gers took control of the match and seemed to be heading smoothly for a last-four berth against the fancied Spaniards. Dave Smith put the hosts ahead after just 10 minutes and when Alex Willoughby doubled their advantage before the half-hour mark, victory on the night was secured for Rangers. 47 Game: Kilmarnock 1 Rangers 5. Date: May 15, 2011. Competition: Scottish Premier League. Venue: Rugby Park. Attendance: 16,173. In his final game as manager, Walter Smith bowed out in style as he led Rangers to their third successive SPL crown. The Light Blues went into the Rugby Park clash a point ahead of Old Firm rivals Celtic on the final day, but blew Killie away to win the title inside seven minutes. Kyle Lafferty scored twice, either side of a Steven Naismith strike, to settle the nerves and allow the Light Blue legions to start celebrating in Ayrshire. After the break, Nikica Jelavic beat Cammy Bell and Lafferty completed his hat-trick. It was the perfect way for Smith to bring the curtain down on his illustrious managerial career, with the celebrations continuing in front of thousands of fans when the team returned to Ibrox. 46 Game: Rangers 3 Aberdeen 1. Date: April 28, 1996. Competition: Scottish Premier League. Venue: Ibrox. Attendance: 47,247. Rangers wrapped up eight-in-a-row to move within touching distance of the famous nine and did so thanks to a superb showing from Paul Gascoigne. The England midfielder enjoyed a terrific first campaign at Ibrox and put the seal on the title with all three goals against the Dons to clinch the title for Walter Smith's side. Gazza was the most expensive signing of the previous summer for Smith, who shelled out £4.3million to bring him from Lazio, and he took his tally to 19 goals with his hat-trick on the penultimate day of the season as he cancelled out Brian Irvine's opener and produced a world-class display to get the party started at a packed Ibrox. Your shout ... Now it's your turn to let us know what you think about Rangers' 50 most memorable matches. Get in touch with us via email at sport@eveningtimes.co.uk and have your say on the Light Blues' biggest games. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/rangers/rangerscomment/rangers-the-50-most-memorable-matches-50-46-164912n.24311913
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SATURDAY 24TH MAY. CELEBRATION AND PROTEST We have been asked by many fans to arrange some protests during the close season and as 24th May is the anniversary of the clubs greatest victory in Barcelona 1972, we have made arrangements for the Louden Tavern at the stadium to show a re run of the game from 1.00pm At 3.00pm we will be marching to the stadium for a 30 min protest and a petition to hand in and explain why the fans wont renew season tickets or indeed buy new ones. We require as many fans as possible to turn up as a show of numbers would be vital for the success of the protest Fans are asked to meet up at the Louden between 1.00 and 2.30 to give us adequate time to make final arrangements with fans Can I ask all to share at usual places and feeback to me with expected number which will allow me to notify Louden and make necessary arrangements. We are planning on some other things for Saturday and will announce them once we have confirmed Thanks Craig.
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Neil Lennon is to part company with Celtic after four years as manager following talks about his future. It is understood that the former club captain had been considering his position for some time despite securing a third straight Scottish title. He has been concerned about this playing budget for next season. The 42-year-old Northern Irishman took charge of the Glasgow club in 2010, leading them to three league titles and two Scottish Cups. Lennon, who also previously led Celtic to Champions League last 16, is believed to have been concerned that his present side would be able to negotiate three rounds of qualifying next season.
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Could we? Once saying - " I think Rangers are a great team with lots of potential. I follow them in the Scottish league." FRANK LAMPARD today hailed the Rangers fans as amazing' - and backed the Ibrox club to join Chelsea in this season's Champions League. The England man revealed that Jose Mourinho's stars were gob-smacked by the reception they received from the home fans in Saturday's 2-0 friendly defeat from Walter Smith's side. Lampard, and skipper John Terry, saluted the Ibrox crowd at time-up, and the midfielder claimed it was the best friendly he'd ever played in. "The Rangers fans were awesome, all the lads were talking about it," said Lampard. advertisement"The reception I got when I went to take corners during the game, and after when we were going off, was really nice. "They certainly love their own team, but it was very special to get that welcome. It was amazing really, and a very good game to play in for us, certainly the best friendly we've had. "With that kind of backing from their crowd, they will be hard to beat. And I expect to see Rangers in the Champions League." Sp!vs want to sell season books, well get your cheque books out!
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after refusing to hand over contract details for Charles Green and Imran Ahmad SHAREHOLDER Billy Paterson reported the club to police under Section 229 of the Companies Act 2006 after they refused his legal right to inspect contracts. RANGERS are facing a police probe into alleged failures of corporate governance. Shareholder Billy Paterson has reported the club to police for the second time after they refused to hand over contract details for Charles Green and Imran Ahmad. Rangers’ board were forced into a u-turn last month when they failed to show Paterson details of the service contracts of current directors, claiming they had no legal obligation. However, Paterson, from Fraserburgh, stuck to his guns and reported the club to police under Section 229 of the Companies Act 2006. Rangers admitted within 24 hours they had got it wrong – and released details confirming chief executive Graham Wallace is on a salary of £315,000 with a potential 100 per cent bonus. Paterson is now embroiled in another legal battle after Rangers rejected his request for contract details for former chief executive Green and commercial boss Ahmad. Ibrox legal advisers say his appeal is time-barred, they need only show service contracts for the previous 12 months. A Rangers spokesperson said: “Both service contracts were terminated in April 2013 and were outside the one-year inspection period stipulated by the legislation.” But Paterson is refusing to take their latest snub lying down and insists Green and Ahmad were still officially recognised as directors of the parent company and the subsidiary football board until the end of last May. He said: “Notices filed to Companies House by Rangers show Ahmad stepped down on May 29 and Green on May 31. “Rangers even released a statement last April stating Green was stepping down as chief executive with immediate effect but that he would leave the company by the end of May. “The failure of Rangers to acknowledge they were still both directors within the past 12 months and provide me with my legal right to see details of their service contracts has left me with no other option but to contact police. “I don’t know what, if anything, they are trying to hide but they are reluctant to be open and transparent.” A police spokeswoman said: “We have received a complaint and the matter is being looked into.” Rangers are already the subject of a police probe after fan Phil Maher reported Wallace for allegedly misleading shareholders over the company’s finances at the agm in December. Good on you Mr Paterson, whoever you are. Makes you wonder, why are they so reluctant to let the details out?
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Walter Smith Q&A this Friday – Questions This Friday is the re-arranged date for our Walter Smith Q&A at The Louden Tavern: Ibrox Stadium and we could not be more excited. If you would us to put a football related question to Walter please post it on here and we will do our best to get them answered. Tickets are completely sold out and we are looking forward to a great night. Tickets are available for this Saturday’s European Football night with CWC Legends including Colin Stein, Willie Johntson, and Dave Smith. Both should be great nights! http://www.thelouden.co.uk/events.html We Are The People God Bless The Rangers The Louden Tavern: Ibrox Stadium - More than a Pub Official Partner of The Rangers Football Club *We are responsible for The Louden Tavern: Ibrox Stadium, 111 Copland Road, Ibrox, G51 2SL solely and are not involved in the operation of any other premises
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Play for Scotland? Forget it: Fully fit Chelsea kid Islam Feruz snubs another international call-up. THE striker was wanted by Under-19 boss Ricky Sbragia to take part in the European Championship Elite Round next week, but has made it clear he has no intention of turning up for international duty. CHELSEA hitkid Islam Feruz has turned his back on Scotland – after pulling out of yet another youth squad while fully fit. The talented striker, who was born in Somalia but grew up in Glasgow, was wanted by Under-19 boss Ricky Sbragia to take part in the European Championship Elite Round in England next week. But Feruz made it clear he had no intention of turning up for international duty – and will instead play for Chelsea in Hong Kong as part of the KFC Citibank Soccer Sevens tournament. Last week he was a key member of the Blues’ squad who beat Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup Final at Old Trafford. When Sbragia selected Feruz a year ago for the U-19’s Elite Round in Belgium he made himself unavailable despite pleas from performance director Mark Wotte. The 18-year-old former Celtic youngster hasn’t kicked a ball for Scotland since last August when he was hooked by U-21 boss Billy Stark in a 6-0 defeat to England at Bramall Lane. Record Sport understands the SFA have become increasingly frustrated at his lack of desire to play for Scotland. The highly-rated teenager was born in Somalia but after his family sought asylum in Glasgow he signed for Celtic. He made his Parkhead debut as a 14-year-old in Tommy Burns’s Memorial Match and featured for Scotland’s Under-17 side at the same age – after former SFA chief executive Gordon Smith fought for a change in FIFA’s guidelines to accommodate players like Feruz who had five years education in this country. Dutchman Wotte has previously likened Feruz to ex-Brazil superstar Romario and believes he is one of Scotland’s top prospects. But after withdrawing his services from Sbragia’s squad and being left out of Stark’s U-21 pool for their Euro qualifier against Holland next week it’s not certain when Feruz will pull on a Dark Blue shirt again. Sbragia has refused to rule out a return for Feruz or Southampton duo Sam Gallagher and Matty Targett who will both play for England’s Under-19 side against Scotland in Burton next week. The duo qualify for Scotland and have been included by Sbragia in previous Scots squads and will still be eligible until they have played a full international for the Auld Enemy. Sbragia said: “The door is never closed, it’s always open, that’s the same for everyone. “I can understand Sam and Matty because they’re English-born players. And I know for a fact that, as much as we picked them earlier, they want to play for their home country. “I’ll speak to them both next week in England and we wouldn’t shut the door on them.” http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/play-scotland-forget-it-fully-3592418
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http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-utd/new-leeds-owners-will-buy-back-elland-road-for-15m-1-6322034 BUYING back Elland Road for around £15m tops the list of priorities for Leeds United’s prospective new owners, the Yorkshire Post has been told. A consortium led by United managing director David Haigh is bidding to buy a 75 per cent stake in the Championship club. The group - which is believed to include Andrew Flowers, the managing director of current shirt sponsors Enterprise Insurance - have signed a share acquisition agreement with GFH Capital, the Dubai-based firm that purchased United from Ken Bates a year ago. Football League approval is now being sought as this buyout would be the second of the club in as many seasons. Providing there are no late hiccups, the Haigh-led consortium is expected to take charge early in the New Year. As revealed in this newspaper yesterday, re-signing former Player of the Year, Max Gradel, in the January transfer window is high on the list of targets for the prospective new owners. However, sources close to Haigh’s group have also made it clear to the Yorkshire Post that buying back Elland Road will be their top priority once at the helm. United’s home was sold to Manchester businessman Jacob Adler for a knockdown £8m price in November, 2004, as mounting debts threatened to drag the club under in its first year outside the Premier League. Ownership passed the following year to Teak Commercial Limited, a firm based in the British Virgin Islands. Included in the initial sale and leaseback deal with Adler - and something retained in the subsequent sale to Teak - was a buyback option that allows the club to purchase the stadium at a set price. That amount rises each October and today stands at £15m. Also subject to a raise of three per cent each October is the rent United pay to Teak, which this year will cost the club £1.4m. Since Elland Road was sold to Adler by the United board that was led by Gerald Krasner, United have paid around £11m in rent. Removing that financial millstone from around United’s neck will, the source close to Haigh’s group insists, be the overriding priority providing the expected takeover goes through early in 2014. Regardless of whether the club’s would-be new owners are successful or not in that quest, United’s tenancy in LS11 is secure thanks to the terms of the 2004 sale and lease-back arrangement - a deal in which the owner of a large asset, such as property, sells it and then immediately buys back from the buyer the right to use the asset under a lease for a fixed term at a pre-arranged rent. In United’s case, that agreement was for a 25-year lease that, once at an end in 2029, can be extended by a further quarter of a century. This means Leeds’ future at Elland Road is safe for at least the next 41 years. Haigh and his fellow would-be investors, however, are well aware that buying back the ground would be the clearest signal yet to supporters that the club is moving in the right direction. If they are successful in that quest, it will be the second time in a generation that United will have bought back their home thanks to improving financial fortunes. The first instance came in 1998 when Peter Ridsdale’s board paid £10m to Leeds City Council for the stadium, which along with the surrounding land had been sold 13 years earlier to the local authority for a quarter of that sum. Crippling debts of around £1.5m had forced the 1985 sale on the club. History then repeated itself in 2004, though by then the sums involved had multiplied dramatically. Krasner’s board had taken over Leeds in March of that year but relegation just a couple of months later hit United very hard. A fire-sale of players such as Alan Smith and Mark Viduka during that summer bought the club respite for a time but by the early months of the 2004-05 campaign it was clear Leeds were still in the financial mire. Debts that had, at one stage, stood north of £100m when the takeover went through had been slashed to around £25m. However, punishing repayments to Jack Petchey, a London-born businessman who had once been chairman of Watford and an Aston Villa shareholder, for a £15m loan taken out by Krasner and his fellow directors when buying the club had started to bite. After negotiations with a number of parties that included Sebastien Sainsbury and local businessman Norman Stubbs floundered, the United board was left with no option but to sell the club’s only two remaining assets of substance - Elland Road and Thorp Arch, the latter’s sale raising £4.2m. Once the two sales were concluded, the remaining debt of £9.2m to Petchey was cleared. United’s financial woes continued, however, and the club was subsequently sold to Bates the following January. At his first press conference, the former Chelsea chairman said: “It is our intention, in the fullness of time, to exercise those options and bring the land and stadium back where they belong.” Scarcity of funds, though, meant those wishes went unfulfilled with a bid to buyback Thorp Arch floundering at the 11th hour in 2009. Similar sentiments about purcahasing Elland Road were expressed by GFH Capital following their December 21 takeover last year but, again, nothing concrete came of the plans.
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AT one point during a highly unsatisfactory and short-lived reign as Rangers chairman an increasingly exasperated Walter Smith made an observation to the directors of the club’s PLC board. It went something along the lines of: “I’ve lost more votes inside this f****** boardroom than I ever lost games out there on that pitch.” It was Smith’s way of saying he had reached the end of his tether. An admission the board over which he presided for little more than two months was dysfunctional beyond repair. But there was a deeper issue which troubled Smith to such an extent he felt compelled to do walking away. He had come to realise that, no matter what changes were made to the personnel around that table – even if there was a day when they all sing from the same hymn sheet – ultimately their voices would not be heard. It had become clear the board of the Rangers International Football Club PLC was not calling the shots inside Ibrox. Rather it was those who made up the so-called “football board” who were really in charge. This all-powerful football board is also known as Rangers FC Ltd. It was previously known as Sevco Scotland. Over two years it has been home to many a colourful character, including Charles Green, Imran Ahmad, Brian Stockbridge and more latterly, current chairman Sandy Easdale. Of them all, only Easdale has not sat on both boards. Then again brother James has been keeping that seat warm. Smith’s frustration with this entity became overwhelming. It’s understood even basic requests to see details of commercial contracts signed on the club’s behalf were repeatedly turned down flat. In other words it does what it wants. So perhaps what has gone on over the past few days inside Ibrox – as yet more splits and schisms have emerged – should come as no surprise at all. Last week, as season-ticket renewals continued to splutter along at an alarmingly slow rate, PLC chief executive Graham Wallace reached out to supporters groups with an olive branch. He invited them for peace talks knowing supporters wanted assurances neither Ibrox nor Murray Park would be pawned off to stop the club from plunging into a financial abyss. These discussions – which involved Wallace, Sandy Easdale and Norman Crighton – have backfired quite spectacularly. Blown to pieces by the obligatory bombardment of statement and counter statement. Claim and angry counter claim. A statement was issued by Rangers on Saturday which more or less accused their own fans of telling lies. As PR strategies go this might have left Gerald Ratner shaking his head in disbelief at its sheer crassness and stupidity. It read: “In some of our discussions with fans it was indicated that there was a wish for the board to confirm that our statement of intention not to grant security over Ibrox could become a commitment that would last for 12 months. “This has subsequently been discussed by the board and the board confirms that it will not be seeking to effect a sale and leaseback or grant security over Ibrox during that period of time.” While the inclusion of the words “over that period of time” will have raised more than a few eyebrows it was the complete omission of Murray Park which ought to worry the fans most of all. It now seems even more likely the club’s £14million training ground will be used to raise funds and keep this basket case of a club afloat. The statement said: “Whilst the board is reported to have offered legally binding undertakings during a fan group discussion in relation to Ibrox and Murray Park, this is not the case.” Late last night, bang on statement o’clock, the fan groups hit back by issuing their own withering media release. This one can also be filled in the box marked “Liar, Liar, Liar”. The Union of Fans insist it was Wallace’s proposal to offer up legally binding assurances Ibrox would not be flogged off as part of a sale and leaseback agreement or used as security against a cash loan. And the statement said: “Given what Mr Wallace proposed regarding Ibrox, we asked that the same arrangement be put in place to safeguard Murray Park from the same fate. “This was met by more substantial opposition from the board representatives, in particular Mr Easdale, who we would like to emphasise is not a PLC board member, and Mr Crighton. “They said they wished to retain ‘flexibility’ over Murray Park. However, by the end of the meeting they had also agreed to consider granting the same undertaking as the one they suggested for Ibrox. This, we were told, was also to be discussed at the PLC board meeting on Thursday, May 15.” The upshot of it all is those running Rangers now appear to be at war with those who claim to represent their supporters. At a time when the club needs season-ticket money urgently just to make it through the summer. And then there is Wallace, who now finds himself in the firing line of supporters and fellow directors alike. He has angered Easdale by trying to broker some sort of conciliatory agreement with the fans. And he has infuriated the supporters by failing to deliver on the deal. The CEO has already survived a whole series of hairy moments during his own short time at the club. Some of them ought to have been resignation issues. But if Wallace really has now lost the trust of the man at the top of the “football board” then it may only be a matter of time until he follows Smith out of that boardroom for good. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/keith-jackson-graham-wallace-borrowed-3568105?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
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HE pressure is mounting on the Ibrox board to find new cash streams but it is unlikely to receive support from the club's most influential fans who are being asked to fork out £4200 each. RANGERS have put out a cash call to well-heeled fans – just weeks after fearing they would storm the Blue Room. Renewal forms for the club’s wealthiest 150 season-ticket holders have been sent out in the past 48 hours but the beleaguered board are set to be hit with another snub. Record Sport understands only around 10,000 rank and file fans have renewed their season tickets, in stark contrast to the 31,000 who made the pledge at a similar stage last year. The pressure is mounting on the Ibrox board to find new cash streams but they are unlikely to find much support from their most influential fans who are being asked to fork out £4200 each. Record Sport can reveal details of the bizarre communication between director Norman Crighton and a significant investor after the final home game of the season against Stranraer last month. Crighton accused fans in the members’ lounge of being drunk and rowdy and even feared they would storm the Blue Room at the top of the marble staircase. One insider said: “It’s laughable stuff and the members who know of the communication are smarting. “Most are successful businessmen and some of them don’t drink at all. The suggestion they would storm the Blue Room is preposterous. Come off it, Walter Smith was in the members’ lounge that day. It’s ridiculous.” Many members had already decided to withhold season-ticket money with the future uncertain and Crighton’s comments will not help as the club stands to lose more than £600,000 if the rich Rangers followers turn their backs. One member said: “A significant number of us are already speaking about not renewing and it would break our hearts to do so. “They’re paying out more on wages to non-playing staff than players. How can they get that bill down and still generate enough money to run the club without selling Ibrox? “Until they can answer those questions we won’t be rushing to support their regime.” Rangers, meanwhile, announced yesterday they will keep the ticket office open over the weekend due to what they claim to be high, last minute demand. The deadline for season-ticket renewals was originally yesterday. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/battle-rangers-clubs-wealthiest-150-3553825 -
http://www.rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/6956-hateley-early-deals-key
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It is still 0-0 after 30odd minutes, Twitter feed here Starting line-up: Kelly Pascazio - Halkett - Gasparotto - Sinnamon Crawford - Hutton - Murdoch - Telfer Gallagher - Burrows Subs: Simonsen, Gibson, Stoney, Dykes, Ramsay, Roberts, Finnie
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Wallace about to come under greater scrutiny re assets. Also, his man Tyrrell speaking to BBC behind McCoist's back. Today's Sun back page a deliberate attempt by sports editor Ian king - been called by Wallace - to discredit McCoist. Hardly subtle Ian. Put on twitter by someone who has been very insightful recently.
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Andy Little @AndyLittle_7 26s It has been the best 8 yrs of my life. Being a Ranger has been an honour + I'll be one 'til the day I die. Thank you to all at the club.
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http://www.rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/6929-club-statement
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Since the season has now finished, I think it's prudent we all vote for our Rangers player of the year. Hopefully I've included the main option to keep the poll sensible. Apologies for those who wanted to vote for Emilson Cribari.
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The First Annual Gersnet Dinner will be held at Malaga Tapas, 213-215 Saint Andrews Road, Glasgow G41 1PD on 26 April 2014 at 3.00pm for 3.15pm till 7.00pm. NOTE NEW TIMES DUE TO EARLY KICK OFF V STRANRAER http://www.malagatapas.co.uk/ The restaurant is currently ranked in the top 20 in Glasgow on Tripadvisor http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186534-d1087980-Reviews-Malaga_Tapas-Glasgow_Scotland.html MENU FOR THE FIRST ANNUAL GERSNET DINNER (THE BEARS PICNIC) Primer Plato (First Course) Selección del chef de varias tapas, por ejemplo (Chefs Selection of Various Tapas e.g.): Pescados (Fish) – Pescado en Adobe ( Spanish Marinated Fish in a combination of paprika and spices) Fritura de Pescado (Fried Mixture of Fish & Seafood; king prawns, squid & white fish, served with garlic mayonnaise) Carnes (Meats) - Albondigas en tomate (meatballs cooked in a rich tomato sauce) Pinchos Morunos (Authentic Spanish Skewers of Sizzling Pork, marinated with cumin, garlic & red wine) Verduras (Vegetables) – Pisto Manchego (Mixture of roasted vegetables: peppers, potatoes, eggplants and onions mingled with tomato sauce) Bravas con salsa Picante (Malaga Tapas own take on the quintessential Spanish patatas bravas) 3 tapas per person Segundo Plato (Second Course) Paellas: Marisco (seafood), Valenciana (mix of chicken & seafood), Montana (chicken and dry-cured chorizo); Verduras (vegetarian) (the selection on the night will depend on numbers) Postres (Deserts) por ejemplo (e.g.): Crema Catalana (Spanish version of crème brulee fired at the table!) Copa Malaguena (Ice cream, honey coated peanuts, raisins and topped with Pacharin liquor) NB: The above are examples from Malaga Tapas’ current menu (see web site); as the owners import a high percentage of the ingredients from Spain, the actual dishes available on the night may vary from the above. £18.00 por persona (per person). All those wishing to attend please post in this thread. I am proposing to collect a deposit of £9/10 per head and in order to avoid any possible suggestion of impropriety, I intend opening a bank account with two signatories, specifically for that purpose. Frankie has approved the opening of a Gersnet Dinner account with me and Andy Steel as signatories. I'll PM the details to all those who sign up when I get it organised.
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BRAZILIAN centre back Cribari has asked Ibrox chiefs for a new deal despite only three starts in League One this season as his generous £7000 a week contract expires. RANGERS’ £7,000-a-week Brazilian misfit Emilson Cribari last night revealed he wants a new deal. Manager Ally McCoist this week finally met chief executive Graham Wallace to thrash out his budget for next term’s Championship campaign. The Gers gaffer has insisted he will hold talks with his five out-of-contract players first before bringing in any new signings. Former Lazio stopper Cribari, right, is one of those out of contract and it had been widely believed he was set to leave Glasgow after two years at Ibrox. The 34-year-old has made just three starts all season for the runaway League One champions and his appearance as a late sub last week against Stranraer was expected to be his Ibrox swansong. But the former Napoli and Udinese Serie A defender has claimed to be in talks to land a shock new deal. And he insists he could not have been happier with how things have gone in Glasgow. Cribari said: “It has been an amazing experience at Rangers. “I’ve experienced everything in a different way and explored a new culture. “The fans have always been with us. I want to stay at Rangers. I am out of contract but I’ll talk to the club about a new one. “Glasgow is a great football city and I have enjoyed my time here.” Cribari landed the bumper contract two years ago when he was snapped up from Cruzeiro on a two-year deal. And it would be a major surprise if he was offered a new deal, even on vastly reduced terms. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rangers-misfit-emilson-cribari-targets-3490116 -
A truly wonderful eulogy written by Andy Steel for the site on the day of Sandy's funeral in Edinburgh. http://www.gersnet.co.uk/index.php/latest-news/241-sandy-jardine-a-tribute
