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  1. Smith has sent him packing, saying we are well covered at left back and it is not one of our priorities.
  2. For our inaugural Gersnet Interview, we�re honoured to welcome Rangers legend and outstanding Scottish media pundit Gordon Smith to Gersnet Online. http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=409&Itemid=2 Many, many thanks to Gordon for helping us out.
  3. Lads, the following is a new column I'm thinking of starting - the idea is basically just to keep an eye on the media and summarise the different approaches to their reporting of the news to try and get a more balanced picture. I'm undecided how worthwhile it is, so I'd welcome your thoughts for improvement or indeed if its just a waste of time: Mediawatch ââ?¬â?? the signing of Darcheville Introduction to the column for first time readers In this regular column Iââ?¬â?¢m going to cast a skeptical eye over our friends in the media. Itââ?¬â?¢s a poor manââ?¬â?¢s attempt to de-sensationalise newspaper jargon to get at the news underneath. Iââ?¬â?¢m certainly not free from bias ââ?¬â?? to paraphrase Wordsworth Iââ?¬â?¢m a ââ?¬Å?[Rangers] man writing for [Rangers] menââ?¬Â ââ?¬â?? but Iââ?¬â?¢m going to do my best to be free from the tendency towards sensationalism and spin we so often encounter when we have the misfortune of reading the papers, and try my best to be a suitable antidote for those tired of reading the same old nonsense in them. Where theyââ?¬â?¢re good, I shall even praise them! Daily Record Thereââ?¬â?¢s nothing quite like the signing of a new player to whip the tabloids into a frenzy. None moreso than the Daily Record. Every single hint of a fact that points to the playerââ?¬â?¢s tendency towards Ronaldo-esque greatness is not only highlighted, but made the central point of the article. Iââ?¬â?¢ll save you the hyperbole, the main points of the article are as follows: ââ?¬Â¢ Rangers handled the affair well, according to the Bordeaux president ââ?¬Â¢ Darcheville is a 2-3 million rated player, according to the Bordeaux president ââ?¬Â¢ The Bordeaux president only offered him a one year deal ââ?¬Â¢ Weââ?¬â?¢ve signed him on a two year contract ââ?¬â?? this fact, and the lure of playing in a foreign league in front of large audiences, he says persuaded him These facts are joined together with the usual references to who he turned down, both in the past (Liverpool) and in the present (Monaco/Bordeaux) to increase our sense of having captured someone important. The fact that he has only netted 37 goals in 5 seasons is played down by explaining Walter Smith is after his for his rocket-like pace and subtle touch ala Prso, which Walter rather more understatedly explained by saying: ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢ve been to France a few times to see him and there is no doubt in my mind we are getting a quality player capable of doing a great job for us.ââ?¬Â But these are small points. Despite there being evidence of the usual signs of hyperbole the largest part of the article is made up of quotes, and the Daily Record is generally at its best when sticking to things people having actually said. You can read the article here: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/tm_headline=gers-have-got-a--pound-3m-hitman-for-free%26method=full%26objectid=19076077%26siteid=66633-name_page.html The Herald Darryl Broadfoot paints a slightly different picture of the signing, as you would expect from a broadsheet. He sets the focus on the fact that this is the third time weââ?¬â?¢ve attempted to sign Darcheville. Perhaps in an attempt to palliate the sense of sensation in the tabloids, his main points are largely concentrate on his, according to Darryl, negative history. The main points being: ââ?¬Â¢ Previous attempts to sign him broke down at the negotiation stage (note Darryl is unwilling, like the Record, to claim that it was because we didnââ?¬â?¢t have enough money, even if it is the case) ââ?¬Â¢ He used to be fat ââ?¬â?? earning unfavourable comparisons to Ronaldo in France ââ?¬Â¢ He didnââ?¬â?¢t do too well at Rennes ââ?¬Â¢ Or at Forrest ââ?¬â?? the manager branding him a waster ââ?¬Â¢ His next manager, at Lorient, also considered him selfish and wasteful ââ?¬Â¢ The manager after that liked him. He scored 25 goals in two seasons. ââ?¬Â¢ He then moved to Bordeaux from whom we signed him: the support apparently never liked him because he stated his intention to make tons of money So, we see a perhaps intentionally bleaker side of Darcheville in the Herald ââ?¬â?? and though I tend not to like the trend in broadsheets to see pessimism as essentially the same thing as ââ?¬Ë?high browââ?¬â?¢ journalism, it provides good foil for the happy clappy image presented in the Record. You can read the article here: http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.1387462.0.0.php Conclusion All in all thereââ?¬â?¢s not too much to complain about today, and I hope this summary, and the contrast between the two approaches, has been in some way beneficial towards an understanding of our new signing. The following video is some of Darchevilleââ?¬â?¢s finer moments:
  4. So what's the thinking? I say, unless we sign someone spectacular to replace him then he should be our number one left midfielder next season. He may be lacking in pace, but with a pacy left back behind him (Stevie Smith) that shouldn't be a problem. His tactical and match awareness is coming on well, he delivers a decent dead ball and scores goals. I honestly think, if WS sticks with him, in a couple of years we will have a top quality left midfielder at the club.
  5. pete

    Andy Todd

    Seems Smith is looking to bring in Andy Todd of Blackburn. He has dropped down from the Blackburn first team. A 32 year old! I hope Smith is not going to strangle our youth set-up by bringing in too many older players.
  6. Just noticed this in a piece in the Sunday Liam... http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/sport/football/tm_headline=walter-plans-german-camp--%26method=full%26objectid=19053725%26siteid=64736-name_page.html
  7. Alan Hutton, Stevie Smith, Alan McGregor and Charlie Adam have all ( in my opinion) come through this season with flying colours but all bar smith have had their fair bit of critisism too. Hutton from the outset was a target for the boo boys at Ibrox and was the main whipping boy from the stands while Adam and Mcgregor to an extent got a few on their backs when things werent going our way. So now that we have signed Gow and broadfoot i have to wonder what lies in store for them. I have already read in a few posts that some dont reckon they are good enough for Rangers and fear they will suffer the same fate as Hutton. And thats before they have kicked a ball for the club. so what chance do they have? Do you think they will get a fair crack at the whip? And just how long do they get before we reject them as duds like some did with Adam and Hutton? I would just like to say that i hope everyone give thes boys a chance to prove themselves and not judge them on a couple of bad games that they might have. Its a big step up and its a big learning curve to make it at Ibrox so i hope that we can all get behind them and give them the support that will see them through. just give these boys a break.
  8. seems we are on his trail and the initial sings are good as he is interested in playing for us. All we need is the nod from fergie to give it the green light. Another major plus is that like many of our other singings hes had a career threatening injury so this makes me think that the big man is on his way!
  9. http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=405&Itemid=1 As we did last week with the players, itââ?¬â?¢s now the turn of the staff to receive their end of season report cards. From Paul Le Guen to David Murray ââ?¬â?? all notable staff will be appraised. Today, weââ?¬â?¢ll begin with the managers and then weââ?¬â?¢ll move upstairs. So, make a cup of tea, open the Kit-Kats and let us know whether or not you disagree with Gersnetââ?¬â?¢s assessments. * Paul Le Guen It may seem a little strange analysing a manager who is no longer here but PLGââ?¬â?¢s effect on our season is still pretty obvious so itââ?¬â?¢s worth discussing. Initially, the Frenchman arrived in a blaze of publicity with an instant burden of expectation placed on his shoulders by the Rangers support. Itââ?¬â?¢s difficult to put a finger on exactly what went wrong but I guess itââ?¬â?¢s down to a number of factors. Firstly, although PLGââ?¬â?¢s success record was second to none, it appears his man management skills werenââ?¬â?¢t quite as refined. We all know about the various alleged fall outs with Barry Ferguson (and a few other players) but I think the main problem the manager had wasnââ?¬â?¢t with anyone else but with his own discipline. I think right from the outset, Le Guen felt that wouldnââ?¬â?¢t have too much trouble in Scotland. He didnââ?¬â?¢t do his research properly and his signings (although restricted in terms of affordability) were arguably too raw to make the instant impressions required. This, along with his far too stubborn attitude and his alleged failure to settle into the British way of life, means that perhaps the biggest personality clash was with himself. Secondly, and most obviously, the results and performances just were just not happening. A bright (and arguably unlucky) start wasnââ?¬â?¢t developed properly and the teamââ?¬â?¢s morale and confidence was built on a house of cards. One could sense footballing improvement over time but the least setback and we were right back to square one. Notwithstanding our excellent European displays, our form was far too patchy and PLGââ?¬â?¢s obdurate attitude to tactics and his incapability to fix our most basic faults eventually led to his departure. Not intending to improve the central defence in January was the last straw for the chairman. Thus, the PLG era came to a quick ââ?¬â?? and arguably premature ââ?¬â?? conclusion. It certainly didnââ?¬â?¢t pan out as many of us hoped and the disappointment is still seen from a large part of the Rangers support as we speak. Would we eventually have improved under Le Guen? Would we have finished in second place? Would the player relationships have improved? Would Barry Ferguson still be captain? Would any new signings have fixed our obvious problems? Would we be able to mount a SPL challenge next season? These types of questions are still impossible to answer if PLG was still in charge. Meanwhile, the very fact Walter Smith has answered them positively means it was the right decision to appoint him. There are obviously positives to retain from the previous managerââ?¬â?¢s spell in charge. The re-emergence of Alan Hutton is not down to Walter Smith as many people argue but down to the fact that Le Guen persevered with the right back through the bad results and performances. The same goes for the likes of Charlie Adam and Kris Boyd who despite never really being outstanding have played an important part in this season. The recall of Nacho Novo bringing hard work and spirit just when we needed it and placing more responsibility on Brahim Hemdani also yielded some long term rewards. Moreover, the much criticised 4-2-3-1 formation which PLG couldnââ?¬â?¢t get to work consistently has now been the spine that Smith has used to secure second place. For these benefits, we should be big enough to appreciate the contribution Paul Le Guen had in them. To conclude, its obvious PLGââ?¬â?¢s tenure was a failure. However, I think there are enough glimpses of a French hand to suggest itââ?¬â?¢s not as clear a failure as some would have you believe. Score ââ?¬â?? 4 * Walter Smith I think the best way to approach Smithââ?¬â?¢s 5 months in charge is to immediately answer the questions above. Iââ?¬â?¢m not sure any Rangers fan was as excited as they were about PLG regarding Smithââ?¬â?¢s arrival. The appointment smacked of the usual David Murray short-termism and many thought it was a backwards step. However, it has proven to be the right one. The saying may be familiarity breeds contempt but in Smithââ?¬â?¢s case (backed up with his Scottish management team) it was a case of familiarity breeding assurance. Immediately, Smith set about his work in the most straightforward manner. He brought in two experienced centre-halves to fix our obvious defensive frailties whilst retaining a conservative attitude to tactics. The appointment of Ally McCoist would have helped alleviate the dressing-room tension and Kenny McDowall being snatched from Celtic showed Smith wouldnââ?¬â?¢t be denied in what he wanted. As such, although improvement wasnââ?¬â?¢t huge, it was evident and morale lifted quickly. David Weir was an inspiration at the back, Barry Ferguson was back playing to his full capabilities in midfield and results (although not always performances) were coming in. Also, of vital important was an away Old Firm win in early March which showed the management team hadnââ?¬â?¢t lost any of their blessings when it came to these fixtures. Clinching second spot at the weekend with another convincing win over our arch rivals showed that the appointment was definitely the right one. Being undefeated domestically since Smithââ?¬â?¢s arrival was an impressive turn around. Yes, second place shouldnââ?¬â?¢t be deemed acceptable but in this seasonââ?¬â?¢s context it was imperative. Now, the fans can look forward to next season with a smile rather than a frown. However, the smile may not be as big as weââ?¬â?¢d all like. Paul Le Guen had brought some excellent European tactical nous and Smith has already shown signs of weakness at this level. We all know from Smithââ?¬â?¢s previous years that the European arena isnââ?¬â?¢t the best part of his CV so doubts will linger about his suitability in that regard. In addition to that negative, the last few years have seen a few younger players break into the first team. Steven Smith, Alan Hutton and Chris Burke have all contributed to a fair degree so it will be interesting to see if Smith intends to explore the potential of some of the younger players such as Lennon, Shinnie and Furman. If he can do that, deliver domestic success and achieve the holy grail of European level consistency and respectability, this could be an even more successful period in charge for Walter Smith. Obviously, thatââ?¬â?¢s easier said than done and heââ?¬â?¢ll need the funds to do so but he certainly wonââ?¬â?¢t have the same kind of cash that he did in the 1990s. Can he take this second place and improve upon it? The jury still remains out but appointing Smith has shown it wonââ?¬â?¢t be any less risky than employing the so-called cream of managerial talent. Score ââ?¬â?? 7.5
  10. Thats 1 donkey away, about 3 to go. Ok he got a nasty injury which is never nice but he just doesnt have the abililty to play for Rangers. But fair play to him as he always showed committment and had a good attitude especially during the Ferguson / PLG saga as he was put in the difficult situation by being made captian and then got it taken away from him. I wish him well wherever he ends up.
  11. Taken from the official site: Views? I have to say I don't know much about him other than recognising his name from playing too much Championship Manager.
  12. Was it really only 12 months ago that we witnessed what some of us described as the ââ?¬Ë?worst Rangers team in historyââ?¬â?¢ crawl to 3rd place in the SPL playing terrible football? It seems longer, but I suppose that can be expected after the promises of ââ?¬Ë?moonbeams of successââ?¬â?¢ and ââ?¬Ë?investments that would rock Scottish Footballââ?¬â?¢ from serial liar SDM. In hindsight, and given SDM history of false promises, we should really have known better. It could be argued that this season was just as bad, if not worse than last. PLGââ?¬â?¢s revolution never really got off the ground and whilst Walter Smith has steadied the ship somewhat, watching Rangers isnââ?¬â?¢t really ââ?¬Ë?prime-timeââ?¬â?¢ at the moment ââ?¬â?? although weââ?¬â?¢re expected to pay top dollar for the privilege. Another close season arrives and another mass reapplication for season tickets will follow giving our esteemed leader the belief that we the fans are totally behind him and believe that he is the right man to carry us forward. Oh, weââ?¬â?¢ll have his lap-dogs in the media telling us that he has a new found hunger, a desire to put us back on top, a list of first class signings queuing to sign ââ?¬â?? just to ensure that those of us swithering will give him (another) benefit of the doubt. I am still unsure if Iââ?¬â?¢ll renew, but if I do it will be in spite of SDM not due to another bout of his lies leaked to the press. There is so much wrong with our club at the moment, it is hard to pick out something positive to talk about in the lead up to the last OF game of the season. I suppose the U19ââ?¬â?¢s thrashing their Craptic counterparts in the U19 Cup recently shows that there might be some gems finally coming through the system. Players like Stevie Lennon, Shinnie, Fleck and Perry to name but 4. The U19ââ?¬â?¢s also have a chance to claim the league title which will have been decided when you read this. The latest fan initiative by the RST and fanzines, Rangers First is also worth a mention and going by recent games, especially out-with Ibrox, the first signs are that this is working and the Rangers fans are warming to this initiative and actively encouraging songs without the unnecessary add-ons. However, the major issues that surround the club are still there for all to see and there doesnââ?¬â?¢t appear to be anything coming from the club that would suggest that these will change for the better. The most worrying is the money, or lack off that the manager will receive to rebuild the team in the summer. We urgently need at least 10 players, most of them ââ?¬Ë?startersââ?¬â?¢ but feel weââ?¬â?¢ll be pinning our hopes on players like Gow, Broadfoot and Naismyth (instead of the likes of Brown, Koevermans etc) and if we are, and I hope Iââ?¬â?¢m wrong, weââ?¬â?¢ll be back here in another 12 months wondering where it all went wrong and what if anything will change to make things right again. Cammy F
  13. I know it's been prbably done to death but where are we gonna get the players that will make the difference next season? The past few years we seem to have trawled Europe to pick up duds. I think, and obviously so does Walter that closer to home is the best bet. Gow and Broadfoot have signed so who else? Scott Brown is an obvious target and seems realistic although if the reports are true that both Spurs and Boro are after him then there is a possibility that he could be priced out of our league. Even the Mhanks getting involved will probably put the bidding war beyond us with their CL cash. I personally think we should go for Russell Anderson to shore up the defence. He has been mega consistent over the last 3 or 4 years and would give 2 from Anderson, Webster, Weir and Broadfoot. That is a Centre defence I could live with! Also, we desperately need cover for both full backs. 3 months ago I would have said we needed a first choice RB but the way Hutton has come on has been impresive but if he or Smith are injured then we're snookered. To cover these positions Steven Whittiker is the way to go. He can play both sides and is a young lad with a big future. He'sgood enough to give genuine competition. The next one to go for is up front. We're not gonna get Koevermans, not if he is building the sort of reputation he seems to be. He'll go to bigger and better thab the SPL I'm afraid. Healy and Naismith are more realistic. Healy has the strength and power and is proven on the international stage. As for Naismith, we've all seen him and the boy is class. Those two, plus the enigma that is Kris Boyd would give us the goals that'll make a succesful season. Midfield is where I'm a bit stuck. I want Fergie gone, he's not a captain, he's too big for his boots and he isn't conducive to a settled dressing room. Hemdani should be our lynchpin next year as he has been this season but who to put in alongside him? Thompson is to defensive and I think we'll be outpriced for Brown. I think next year is the year for Thomas Buffel to come to the fore. Walter has to start with him, build his confidence. The guy has the talent and now is the time for him to show it.
  14. This is depressing in a way. Why dont the other clubs want to advance and have a 2nd SPL to try and boost revenue etc!!! The worst part is the SPL may invite the other 8 clubs in and have this breakaway which will create 2 leagues of 10. Who is honestly running the game in Scotland??? They are a joke!!! Everyman and his dog outside those in charge realise we need to expand the SPL to at least 14 teams and scrap a lower division and make it 3 leagues. The likes of Dundee, Gretna, St Johnstone, Livingston, Partick and Clyde are all capable of holding there own against Dunfermline, St Mirren and Motherwell etc and we should have a 16 teams in the top flight. We could be playing each team twice then have some sort of breakaway / split where the bottom sides have some sort of play off and the top sides play each other again.
  15. From Ajax website Ajax will play two friendly matches in Scotland in preparation for the 2007-2008 season. The Amsterdam side will face Glasgow Rangers and Falkirk FC. Ajax will play against Glasgow Rangers in the Ibrox Stadium on Tuesday 24 July. Glasgow Rangers, 51-time champions of Scotland, is the former club of, amongst others, current Ajax youth coach Frank de Boer. Currently, familiar names such as Thomas Buffel and Dado Prso(unfortunately not) are on the teamlist of the Gers, who are managed by Walter Smith and his assistant Ally McCoist. Ajax willl face the Scottish powerhouse at 8 p.m. local time.
  16. Rangers manager Walter Smith hopes to set up a player exchange programme with David Beckham's future employers, Major League Soccer outfit LA Galaxy. The Glasgow side will face Galaxy in a friendly in the USA on 23 May. And Smith told the Scottish Daily Express: "We will be holding talks with a view to setting up an exchange scheme that can help develop players. "With Beckham already signed, they will attract the cream of American kids who want to play alongside a superstar." Former England midfielder Beckham will join the Californian outfit in a five-year deal worth a reported �£128m once he leaves Real Madrid in the summer. "When I was Scotland manager, I spoke to then USA coach Bruce Arena at Hampden and he felt the best-ever crop of American players was just about to break through," said Smith. "A club like Rangers can't afford to ignore such a vast pool of talent and I can't think of a better club over there to have close ties with than LA Galaxy. "We would be prepared to have their players and coaches at Murray Park for a few months at a time and vice versa. "I don't foresee any problems and it's something I'm very keen on. "There are no regulatory issues with younger players coming over and, while you need a work permit for those you want to sign at professional level, you oten find American lads have European links and even have passports for EC countries." LA Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas feels exchange schemes can help his club grow. "If there was a chance for players to move between Glasgow and the US, for example, it could be beneficial for both clubs," said the former USA defender "Establishing connections is important for us and Rangers come into that. "For us, it is a chance to tap into their history and expertise."
  17. Not really any suprises, bet it was a hell of a night for Prso though !!
  18. Whilst we were dominating Scottish Football in the early 90ââ?¬â?¢s, Rangers were ââ?¬Ë?richerââ?¬â?¢ than clubs like Manchester United and after our fantastic European adventure in 93, we were better placed to win the European Cup than teams like Man U, Arsenal, Chelsea etc. It can be argued that those ââ?¬Ë?bigââ?¬â?¢ English clubs were still adjusting to life in the ââ?¬Ë?newââ?¬â?¢ English Premiership and life back on the European stage after years of exile. However, we defeated the English Champions home and away on the way to the inaugural Champions League group stages and were only denied a place in the final by the corrupt French Champions. So what happened to this fantastic opportunity? Well SKY TV arrived and financed the EPL, UEFA changed the goal-post regarding the CL and the 3 foreigner rule, and IMO David Murray allowed Walter Smith to stay on as Rangers manager for too long and the team that drank together, stagnated together. After securing 9-in-a-row Walter Smith decided that he would leave Rangers the following season and if we are honest, it was torture watching that aging team limp towards what would have been a historic 10-in-a-row, Now the nostalgic and romantics amongst us would argue that that team/squad deserved the chance to etch themselves into history. However, after a season that started fantastically (who can forget the moody Italian Marco Negri scoring with almost every touch he had ââ?¬â?? well, it seemed that way, then weââ?¬â?¢d watch him sulk back to the half-way line!). I know that hindsight is a wonderful thing, but you have to ask why SDM allowed Walter Smith to continue even after he had handed in his notice. Looking back to Graeme Souness, as soon as Souness indicated that he would be leaving for Liverpool, SDM showed him the door and booked him a taxi to the airport. So, why did Walter Smith not get the same treatment? Would a change of manager after securing 9-in-a-row ensured that we would have continued our domestic dominance and recharge our European challenge as this had faded since the halcyon days on 92/93? Weââ?¬â?¢ll never know, but Iââ?¬â?¢m sure a change of manager would have seen a change in fortunes as the season draw to a close. Walter Smith, rightly or wrongly chose to stick with the mainstay of the 9-in-a-row team who were clearly running on empty. We actually had 2 chances to win the league that year and blew them both (losing at home to Motherwell and away to Aberdeen) after defeating Craptic twice in a week in the Scottish Cup and League. We were famously to lose the league and both domestic cups that season but perversely, that season was to give me the possibly the proudest moment in my Rangers supporting life. As we stood at Tannidice, the deposed Champions and the 10-in-a-row dream in tatters, knowing that the manager and majority of players would be leaving, we reacted ââ?¬Ë?the Rangers wayââ?¬â?¢. The fans stood to a man (woman and child) and sang of their love for Rangers and applauded the players/manager from the pitch. Rangers, dignified in victory and defeat. Now it is worth reminding ourselves that at this stage in our history, we were still financially sound ââ?¬â?? and that our bitterest (sic) of rivals were still recovering from being on the brink or extinction. We were, in all honesty, going into the 10-in-a-row season, 10-15 years ahead of them off and on the pitch - all that was about to change. IMO, this is SDMââ?¬â?¢s greatest crime, allowing such a change in such a short space of time. SDM must have known that our debt was about to spiral out of control and should have put measures in place to ensure that we stayed ahead of the game. To his eternal shame, he didnââ?¬â?¢t and all our current ills can be traced back to this point in our history. SDM appeared to have pulled of a mater-stroke by appointing Dick Advocaat as our new manager. DA signed a whole host of exciting players like Amato, Gio, Numan and erm, Bert Konterman! After a shacky start and a thumping at the hands of Craptic, DAââ?¬â?¢s team gelled and played some wonderful football that saw his reclaim OUR title and win a glorious treble. Plenty other domestic success came or way along with some very credible performances and results on the European stage. Everything in the garden appeared rosy, oh how we were mistaken. DA started to lose the plot and Craptic under a new regime (on and off the pitch) stole our thunder and DA had to fall on his sword. He was replaced by Alex McLeish, an appointment that had a lot or Rangers fans shaking their heads in disappointment. To AMââ?¬â?¢s credit, he managed to match Crapticââ?¬â?¢s 2nd most successful manager on the trophy count (including a treble) whilst having to sell our better players, reduce the wage bill and replace them with inferior quality. Any money we made was put to servicing the debt whilst our financially sound neighbours had money to invest in their team. However, we were offered a ââ?¬Ë?chink of lightââ?¬â?¢. Martin Oââ?¬â?¢Neill was leaving Craptic and leaving them in a min-crisis. We had snatched the league title from under their noses for a 2nd time and their aging squad was to be dissembled. This was an opportunity for us to strengthen from a position of being the champions, but again SDM refused to back his manager with the funds required to forge ahead to domestic dominance. Once again, we were left in our rivals shadows and AM was sacked and replaced by PLG. Again, we have hope but alas, it was to be false hope and SDM didnââ?¬â?¢t back his new charge with money either. So after 2 disastrous domestic campaigns, can our leader take a possible opportunity to put us back where we belong? Or will he once again, miss a golden opportunity? If the (strong) rumours are to be believed, Gordon Strachan will leave Craptic in the summer and return to a role in the EPL ââ?¬â?? most likely at Manchester City. Crapticââ?¬â?¢s form over the closing half of the season hasnââ?¬â?¢t been particularly good and only our woeful results under PLG have stopped us from mounting a serious challenge in the league and cups. So what will our esteemed leader do this summer? I think heââ?¬â?¢ll do what he has done in the last 5 summers, give his charge a minimum transfer budget to sign players who are expected to replace the ââ?¬Ë?betterââ?¬â?¢ players in our squad. The early indications donââ?¬â?¢t look promising, but surely a brilliant business man like SDM can smell an opportunity and would do what ever it took to put his ââ?¬Ë?businessââ?¬â?¢ back on top? I wouldnââ?¬â?¢t bet on it, this summer will be another missed opportunity for SDM and for Rangers. Cammy F
  19. This has been so regular recently, we have had so much days off. Saturdays are all about football and the summer is approaching fast when we will have about a 10 week break which is bad enough, but we have lots of off days in Feb, Mar and Apr. One reason is being out of the Scottish Cup. We are almost on out longest stretch of not winning this trophy since that big gap between 1981 and 1992!!. Since then we won it in 92, 93, 96, 99, 2000, 2002, 2003 but we are now we have at least a 5 year gap since winning the oldest trophy in history!! That HAS to be rectified for next season!! Even the league cup has illuded us for a few season, so next season is MUST for some sort of silverware. To be fair to Walter Smith he hasnt had anything to play for this season as we were out of both cups when he arrived and the title was out of reach, so Im sure he will be successful in his search next season. But its frustrating times right now as we cant even get a game on a saturday afternoon in April but its all about being patient just now. WATP
  20. Mmm, not sure if he will be with us next season. I actually hope he is as I still think he is one player who has skill, pace and can create many chances for us IF he is used properly.
  21. Its one of those typical, standard interviews from a fed-up player or more likely his agent. Maybe he will be for the off after all to boost the transfer kitty? That might make sense with Weir being first choice and us having a few candidates who could come in alongside him. Besides, if Webster is going to cost us �£500,000 or so, we could pay for him from Svensson's fee and have money to spare. Taken from the Daily R*cord:
  22. RANGERS under-19s have beaten Ross County 3-0 in their SFA Youth Cup semi-final clash in Dingwall tonight. Victoria ParkA crowd of 1,493 travelled to Victoria Park to watch the Staggies take on Billy Kirkwood's team but the home side failed to match their SPL opponents who romped to a comprehensive victory. Steven Lennon, who was in superb form, opened the scoring on 18 minutes with a typically composed finish but despite dominating the first-half Rangers failed to increase their advantage up to the interval. This all changed when William McLachlan replaced winger Adda Djeziri on 57 minutes and the substitute was to score with his first touch before Andrew Shinnie celebrates his goalAndrew Shinnie secured a memorable win against the SFL Champions by netting a third on 66 minutes. County will have been disappointed not to test keeper Scott Gallacher more throughout the tie but there is no doubt that Rangers were worthy winners and the Murray Park starlets can now look forward to a final against Old Firm rivals Celtic at Hampden on April 26. RANGERS: Gallacher, Lowing, Kinniburgh, Perry, Smith, Emslie, Djeziri (McLachlan ), Shinnie, Lennon, Furman, McMillan
  23. Gribz

    Dire times

    We have to be honest and real now, the last 3 years have produced the worst Rangers sides that I have seen (the older posters may think different) and 2 title wins in the last day of the season has kept Celtic from being on 7 in a row and in the other 5 seasons they have won the league by huge margins. That is saying something!! This is the 2nd season in a row without a trophy and that for Rangers is a disaster considering the League Cup is a diddy cup and Gretna can manage a Scottish Cup final appearance while being a 2nd division side. The amount of players who have been in and out of Ibrox in the last few years is enough to set up a league in a small country, and some didnt even kick a ball like that Italian. We arent going to get stability like that but it seems that certain players were preferred all the time even if there form was shoddy and they simply cant be dropped. Even when one of our managers tried to drop a player in poor form he ends up out the door - thats the sort of stuff you couldnt make up and is a journalists dream. The other thing is we dont seem to play players in their preferred positions hence once again meaning we are going to struggle. In the past we have had a few great playmakers being the link from midfield to frontmen. Gascoigne and De Boer were in a different class at doing this and we admit we wont see this type of player with us again for a long time. But when we do get a few players in this role with a hint of talent they are not given the chance. Im talking about Namouchi, Lovenkrands and Buffel here. Lovenkrands shined in the european stage and in Old firm games and had pace to scare defenders but he was deployed on the wing most of the time. Namouchi was thrown out on the wide right or left depending what number McLeish drew him out of the hat and Buffel was the same. Since Smith has came in he has steadied the ship and made us hard to beat and score against. He did well in january singing two solid defenders and at the moment we are top of the form table and closed the huge gap on Celtic. Things are looking better at the back but in midfield and upfront we are still absolute rank rotten bar 1 or 2 players. I'll give Smith the benefit of the doubt as he only had a few weeks in January to buy players, but come the summer Im hoping for the same improvements in the others areas of the squad but buys like Gow wont convince me.
  24. Was played at Ibrox today and i pooped along and wathced the game along with my friend who is a Celtic fan :admin: Anyway here is the report from the Official site Fleck looked very good but his challenge was shocking, Furman and Lennon were very impressive . The whole defense had a comftable game with Utd only having one chance. Djeziri looked no bad when he came on and was show boating a bit . Not a bad game and the team looks very good Anyone else go
  25. Started the season very well and scored a few but since then has turned into a dumping so I might do a brake dance if he leaves.
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