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You're Just Fan-tastic IBROX was rocking last night as Rangers stormed into the last 16 stage of the UEFA Cup with a 5-2 aggregate win over Hapoel Tel-Aviv. The biggest crowd of the night in Europe - 46,213 - gave Walter Smith and his boys sensational backing which was sparked by a brilliant pre-match flag display. The supporters have been getting unwarranted stick in recent weeks but last night they were simply the best. And Chief Executive Martin Bain praised the Ibrox faithful after the club's sensational win. He said: "All of us at Rangers congratulate our supporters for the tremendous atmosphere they created at Ibrox tonight and the backing they gave the team on a big European night for the club. "Too readily our supporters are subject to criticism and tonight showed they can create an atmosphere that would be hard to match at any other stadium in Europe."

Good luck to Andy and hopefully we will see him in action before the season ends

After Walter Smith left the club in 1998 nobody it can be said with hindsight that we went off track. We were the domestic force by a country mile for a long period of time but not able to compete with the big boys of Europe so an alternative route was taken. Domestic success wasnt enough. It started with a bang with Dick Advocaat in charge. We missed out on our 10th title in a row the previous season which sent us in to the UEFA cup in 1998/99. We matched the mighty Parma that season and retained our league title - we were champs again. This continued into the next season and we competed in Europe with 3 teams from the top shelf - once again Parma, PSV and Bayern - the latter being extremely lucky to get anything off us. Only Valencia out classed us this year and we missed out on the next stage which really was a downfall moment. But the title was retained. The next season we all expected more of the same however it couldnt have went worse. Our midfield which was a match for anyone up and down the country and contributed to around 35+ goals a season was totally sold off. Some of them wanted to leave to join bigger clubs (which has back fired) but some wanted to stay. In replacement we were told better players were coming in, however we got an aging midfielder from Hibs (Latapy), a midfielder that didnt kick a ball for us (Nerlinger) and an aging striker from Dundee (Canniggia) - nothing near to what we had just sold off. We were battered in the league by Celtic. We were soaked with debt and had to downsize dramatically. A young scottish manager came in (McLeish) and didnt have an open cheque book like his previous managers. However he still signed a high quantity of players but never seemed to know what to do with them. In the next 5 seasons we won 2 titles which could easy have went the other way. But he still gave us a number of trophies but a mighty glamours side we were not. Teams would come to our fortress and no longer be intimidated, instead they were capable of matching us. We were no longer winning old firm games left right and centre like we were used to - infact we were struggling to win them home or away while being left trailing in the league. We decided to go for a top Euro coach which delighted every Blue Nose and many expected a fix over night. Many were sensible and expected a fix over a period of at least 4-6 months and some expected a fix in a year. But nobody expected us to go backwards. We didnt think the previous season could have been worsened however it. In europe however, we were doing ok and broke into the last 16 of the CL and this season we are no means out of the last 16 of the UEFA. - This was 1 bright spark from our depression run. Something happened back stage in the dressing room that we wont end up finding out but it forced us into another change in manager. We brought back the man who has lead us to so much domestic glory and the master of getting the better of Celtic - CAN HE DO IT AGAIN?? And can he return us to the Summit of Scotland where we should be?? But Walter will certainly patch up a few wrongs that we have like defensive weaknesses and any dressing room splits. But importantly he will have the players playing for the jersey again. Along side him this time is a cult hero in Govan and our record goalscorer - Mr McCoist who knows more than anyone what its like to pull on the blue jersey. I believe he has came in at a good time as the league was gone and domestic cups were gone and he has this few months to find out what he needs in the team. Not much pressure on him except to get us 2nd spot in the league which we are favourites for. So roll on August where we can begin afresh again and this time next year we hope to be back on top.

THOMAS BUFFEL has been ruled out for the rest of the season. The Belgian will shortly undergo surgery to cure a knee injury and will now play no further part in this campaign. He last played in the 1-0 win at Dunfermline on January 21. His enforced absence is another blow to manager Walter Smith who is currently also without Dado Prso, Steven Smith and Andy Webster through injury. Buffel joined Rangers from Feyenoord in January 2005 and has made a total of 81 appearances, scoring 16 goals. http://www.rangers.premiumtv.co.uk/p...978793,00.html

Seemingly he has to go and see a specialist in England next week about his groin problem, and is out for the meantime, hope he recovers soon as he has been playing well this season.

ALAN HUTTON has been called up by Scotland for tomorrow's B international against Finland and could go straight into the team. Alan HuttonThe young full-back arrived at Scotland's training headquarters today after being drafted by Bobby Williamson and Alex Smith for the tune-up match. Hutton was brought in when Steven Whittaker of Hibs and Christophe Berra of Hearts had to call off. It is now likely that he could go straight into the side in the right back berth with team mates Kevin Thomson and Charlie Adam also in line for a slot at Rugby Park Allan McGregor was due to play in goal, but had to withdraw as a result of a groin injury. The Rangers medical team believe he will recover for Sunday's SPL match against Kilmarnock. Hopefully this will be a confidence booster for him and get him playing as in his debut year.

Scotland u21 lost to a far suprier German team yesterday but what is more dissappointing is that there was not one Rangers player in the team or even on the bench. Where are all these super-talents we are supposed to have. SCOTLAND McNeil (Hibernian) [McDonald {Hearts} 45]; Ross (Dunfermline Athletic), Wallace (Hearts); Fitzpatrick (Motherwell), Cuthbert (Celtic), Reynolds (Motherwell); McGlinchey (Celtic) [smith {Motherwell} 45], Robertson (Dundee United) [Dorrans {Livingston} 45], Naismith (Kilmarnock), Quinn (Celtic) [Adams {Kilmarnock} 68], Conroy (Celtic) [Considine {Aberdeen}81] UNUSED SUBS Kenneth (Dundee United), Cameron (Dundee United)

WALTER Smith could be set to hand Stefan Klos a dramatic return for Rangers at Rugby Park this Sunday. The German keeper, who has made only three SPL starts in two years, may have to replace injured No.1 Allan McGregor. McGregor missed the Scotland gathering at Turnberry to have intensive treatment at Murray Park for a groin injury. It's understood he would have been forced to sit on the sidelines had Rangers still been involved in the Scottish Cup at the weekend, but the extra week has given him hope of recovering in time. advertisement Klos made himself a huge favourite with the Ibrox legions before a string of injuries, and a loss of form, made it impossible for him to win his place back. McGregor has put in some fine displays so far this season and has been rewarded with a Scotland call-up, so he'll want to keep his first team place. It's believed Smith has no problem with bringing Klos back, but will back McGregor if he can convince the Rangers medical department he is fit. Meanwhile, Rangers' Euro rivals Hapoel Tel Aviv have not been slow to replace axed boss Yitzhak Schum. The new boss is Nir Levin, and that could be good news for Smith. Former Dundee United player Jan Telesnikov said: "The change of manager won't do them any good. "They've succeeded in getting rid of a very popular coach who had great success with Panathinaikos, leading them to a Greek league and cup double before coming home. "The Hapoel fans loved Schum and have been standing up for him all season with some dirty tricks politics going on behind the scenes. "Levin is a younger coach who has been out of work for some time. I just don't see how he can have any impact in the short space of time before the Rangers matches." In another surprise, Gers flop Julien Rodriguez, who quit for Marseille during the transfer window, has been called into the France squad as cover for the injured Philippe Mexes for tomorrow's game with Argentina. Publication date 06/02/07 This will make Gribz happy.

Former Celt rejects Gers Thu, Feb 01 2007 18:45 Mark Fotheringham has revealed he snubbed Rangers to join Norwich - because he wanted to play a higher standard of football. The former Celtic star joined on transfer deadline day along with fellow Scot, Simon Lappin, who arrived from Scottish Premier League side St Mirren. Fotheringham had been training with Rangers for a week and looked set to join Walter Smith's men. However, having watched Peter Grant's side take on Wolves at Carrow Road on Tuesday evening, the 24-year-old was quick to change his mind. The former Dundee player said: "I went to watch Rangers against Hearts at the weekend, it was alright but I think the standard is a lot stronger in the Championship as a whole, with the amount of teams and the size of the clubs here so that was obviously a big decision for me but, I am just delighted to be down here, I'm buzzing." Fotheringham looks set to make his debut against Leeds at Carrow Road this weekend and admits he is excited about lining up with his new team-mates for the first time. "I am so impressed with the squad, we have got some good players here and I just can't wait to get started playing with them," he added.

RANGERS latest signing Kevin Thomson was given a 23 minute run-out in tonight's 3-0 win over Airdrie United at the Excelsior Stadium. Kevin Thomson The 22-year-old midfielder recieved a rapturous applause when he came off the bench to replace Alan Hutton in the second-half and he put in an impressive display in his short spell on the pitch. Walter Smith's team dominated the majority of the match and two first-half goals meant the Gers players could enjoy the second and give five substitutes a taste of the action. Davie Weir, one of Rangers best players on the night, opened the scoring with his first goal for the club on 21 minutes. Charlie Adam played a wicked free-kick into the penalty box from the left wing and the defender glaced the ball superbly beyond Airdrie keeper Stephen Robertson. There was not a lot of great football played in the opening 45 minutes but Chris Burke's strike to double his side's advantage was worth the admission fee alone. The winger, playing on the left, cut inside his marker before firing a terrific shot from 25 yards which flew into the roof of the net. Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall were in charge of the team in the absence of manager Walter Smith, and they decided to take Weir and Svensson off at the interval and replace them Weir celebrates goal against Airdrie with Ugo Ehiogu and Sasa Papac. Thomas Buffel then came off the bench prior to the hour mark before Thomson was given the biggest cheer of the night when he was introduced to the game. Rangers retained possossion impressively in the second-half and the Rangers fans were out of their seats again with eight minutes remaining when Filip Sebo fired home a third, much to the delight of the travelling Gers support. Burke fed the ball to the Slovakian striker and he cut inside before firing a low right-foot shot through a ruck of players. The relief of his face after he finally found the net again said it all and it capped a good nights work for the Gers. RANGERS: Robinson (Gallacher 82); Hutton (Thomson 67), Svensson (Ehiogu 45), Weir (Papac 45), Murray; Burke, Adam, Rae, Sionko; Sebo, Novo (Buffel 58) Subs: Ferguson

I can't be fussed even attempting to spell his surname so I'll just come him Ugo Smith from now on. I thought he was solid today and won the high balls that came his way. He had one crazy swipe at the ball and nearly took out the Govan Stand. The wee Hearts boy definately got a sore one. Well done today Mr Smith, more of the same please.

Danish starlet Adda Djeziri is being tipped to move to Rangers before the close of the transfer window. The teenage forward trained with the Scottish giants last week and is understood to have impressed Walter Smith and Ally McCoist. He currently plays for BK Frem and reports have suggested he would cost Rangers a fee of �£125,000. Frem chairman Hans Hermansen has confirmed talks have taken place and appears optimistic a deal will be concluded before the window shuts. "A couple of details remain to be discussed, but I am convinced that the transfer will take place this month," said Hermansen. Seems to be the new Lovenkrands

I know Walter needs time and he has stated he wont bring in others for the sake of it but after watching some players yesterday id like to identify where the areas of improvement are required. Keeper: McGregor has done ok since coming in. He is a decent SPL keeper but no more than that. He has produced some great saves but also had a lot of flaps. He hasnt had the best defence infront of him so hopefully the new recruits give him more confidence. Klos is still sitting on the bench earning 30k a week which is sickening IMO. I blame McLeish for not bringing him back but understand the German may have had an attitude. However he gave us years and years of quality. He is likely to leave in the summer meaning we are short in keepers. Defence: Firstly Ehiogu and Weir look comfortable but I did feel a bit for Svensson yesterday. I think he can improve. But its good we have those 3 plus Webster to come in. And we still have Papac (who might move on) and Hemdani can play there - so we are more than covered at Centre half. I hope we get Webster permanent. At full back we are sorted at LB. Smith has been good all season bar maybe 2 games but you can excuse that as he is 19. Murray came in recently and does a fine job and Papac can play there aswell. Right back depth is a problem. Hutton has done a not bad job whenever ive seen him play. His best game was against Celtic. But if he gets injured we are lost at RB as Lowning hasnt had a chance yet. So a RB is needed. Midfield / wingers: Ferguson seems to be playing a lot better recently and got himself forward in the last few games - about time! Hemdani hasnt had a bad game this season even if he hasnt set the stadium alight. They 2 look good in the middle but a little creative player and tackler would be a good purchase. Our wide players just arent good enough! Sionko had 2 good games at the start then has been Capucho in disguise since then. Adam gets on the ball a lot and tries a fancy touch or 2 but is totally ineffective. But to his credit he has scored a few. But his crosses never meet there targets. He is a good player to have on the bench. Burke has never been consistant. He does well in small patches but is then our injured for periods again, and he never looks a goal threat - something we need in midfield. So id say a left midfielder is top target with either a creative or solid player in there next on the list. Forwards: If Prso stays on next season (which looks likely now) it will be a god send. He can rest all summer and come in 100% for next season. The big man is going to be almost impossible to replace. He is a banker to start when fit. But who partners him? Novo is a trier and is loved by the fans. But he cant re-do his 25 goals from a few seasons back. He gets in behind defenders but cant always deliver the final ball. Boyd IMO isnt a the answer. He is a goalscorer and poucher but needs 5 chances before he takes 1. He is slow and has a poor first touch. Im hoping Ally can develop him. Sebo - Yet to have a run in the team. He looked dangerous when he came on against Hearts. Its time for him to start upfront. So to clarify: A few personell need to be identified between now and August. Right back, Left Midfield and upfront are the areas or concern.

Again, according to sky sports Hannover want to sign Rangers midfielder Thomas Buffel. The Bundesliga side believe the 25-year-old can bolster their midfield, but Rangers boss Walter Smith may be unwilling to part with the Belgian during the transfer window. Hannover's Sporting director Christian Hochstatter is believed to be set to fly to Glasgow in an effort to secure a deal for Buffel, who cost Rangers �£2.3million in 2005. Head coach Dieter Hecking said: "I�´m not the right person to ask to say whether a deal is possible before January 31. "But if we fly over there, I'm sure there�´s a chance for him to play (for Hannover) in the second half of the season." However, Smith has already indicated his desire to increase his midfield options after losing Jeremy Clement to Paris St Germain. "At this time of year, it's not ideal to lose someone unless you can bring someone else in," said Smith.

Much has been written about the abrupt departure of Mr PLG and the reappointment of Mr Smith and the possible reasons behind PLGââ?¬â?¢s departure, but nothing is going to change the fact that Walter Smith (plus Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowell) has replaced the much lauded (well, before his arrival in Govan) Frenchman. For sometime now, probably since Dick Advocaatââ?¬â?¢s departure, it has been obvious that Rangers needed a period of stability, whilst David Murray downsized our ambitions as we were in uncontrollable debt. In retrospect, Alex McLeish gave us a period (2 years) of stability where he appeared to have steadied the ship, won us trophies (albeit both Championships were won on the last day of the seasons) whilst the ââ?¬Ë?top earnersââ?¬â?¢ ââ?¬â?? hence the ââ?¬Ë?decentââ?¬â?¢ players were sold and replaced with inferior ââ?¬Ë?talentââ?¬â?¢. Last season was unbearable for most of us, the record run of defeats, horsed out of both cups in the early stages but we had have a decent run in the Champions League and were in truth, very unlucky to be put out by a very good Villarreal team. When it was revealed in these very pages (thank you Mr KPTB) that PLG was going to be replace AM we were all delighted and after the ââ?¬Ë?official announcementââ?¬â?¢ we all looked forward to ââ?¬Ë?moonbeams of successââ?¬â?¢ and ââ?¬Ë?substantial financial investmentââ?¬â?¢ Ã?© David Murray. Now, it is safe to say that most of us were unimpressed with PLGââ?¬â?¢s dealings in the transfer market (partly blamed of the miserly transfer kitty he was given) but we all thought that PLG would mould them into decent players and therefore, us into a decent team. The first signs were encouraging, then, well, it went tits up. Knocked out of the CIS cup by St Johnstone, the first time in our history that we had lost, at home, to lower league opposition and a woeful 17 points the beggars in the SPL and struggling to cement even 2nd place. The arguments for sacking and retaining PLG were fascinating, the reasons for his eventual sacking clouded (depending on what version of events you believe). However, as I said above, that is all history and we have WS, AMc and KMc in charge and they have been installed to act as a stabilizing team. Now, whether you agree with their installation, I donââ?¬â?¢t think any Rangers fan can deny that we need stabilization and I am sure that the current management/coaching team can deliver this. What I am not so sure is if they are the team to project Rangers in the ââ?¬Ë?long-termââ?¬â?¢. On my humble opinion, what David Murray has done, as he had done with the AM and PLG appointments, is bought himself some time. No-one, even Murrayââ?¬â?¢s greatest detractors, which I am one off, can deny that Murray can manipulate and buy himself time. He has effectively bought himself a further 12-18 months by appointing ââ?¬Ë?Rangers legendsââ?¬â?¢ knowing the fans are unlikely to turn on them if things go bad, we are more likely to support / give more time to them. If DM thought that appointing the ââ?¬Ë?dream teamââ?¬â?¢ was a long-term solution, he would have put another ââ?¬Ë?layerââ?¬â?¢ of management in place between Smith and McCoist. Someone like Billy Davies, Gus McPherson or even Stuart McCall as they would be better place / more experienced than Ally McCoist to take over from Walter Smith. Now, this may happen in the summer, I sincerely hope that it does. PLG ââ?¬â?? Right Manager, Wrong Time Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but I remember talking to a few guys on our supporters bus who had reservations about PLGââ?¬â?¢s signing. Their biggest concern was his lack of communication skills and the fact that he had been out of football for so long. I didnââ?¬â?¢t agree with them, but in hindsight, they may have had a point. Whether this affected his ability to be a success in Scotland is up for debate, but it certainly didnââ?¬â?¢t help (neither did his signing nor Barry Ferguson, depending on whoââ?¬â?¢s side you are on! Lets be brutally honest here, weââ?¬â?¢ll never know the real story thatââ?¬â?¢s for sure). My thoughts that PLG was the right manager for Rangers, but was given the job at the wrong time. I would have loved to have seen PLG as Rangers manager when we had financial stability and money to invest in the squad and when the Youth Set-Up was properly funded and run. In saying that, that is all hypothetical, as under David Murrayââ?¬â?¢s leadership, that is never going to happen. Willie Gardiner Ex-Rangers and Boââ?¬â?¢ness United player Willie Gardiner sadly passed away a few weeks back. Willie signed for Rangers from the ââ?¬Ë?BUââ?¬â?¢sââ?¬â?¢ in 1950 and played under the legendary Mr Struth. He managed a total of 31 appearances for Rangers, scoring 19 goals before being sold to Leicester City where he went on to score 34 goals in his first season for The Foxes. Cammy F ââ?¬â?? We Are The Peopleââ?¬Â¦.

Really looking forward to the game. Should be a cracking atmosphere. Don't think WS will change much and I imagine we'll go 4-4-2.Not too sure how injuries are(Prso Clement Smith), but I'd go for __________McGregor_________ Hutton___Hemdani____Svensson___Muarry Burke____Fergie_____Rae_________Adam ___________Boyd____Prso Novo for Prso if the big man isn't fit

I've been thinking about our last three managers who had to leave after under-performing and I don't ever remember them looking comfortable in the job. Advocaat looked a bit out of place to start with but then looked very confident in the role which multiplied when he was winning trophies, however when they dried up you could see his feet get itchy and you could tell he wasn't here for the long haul. In came Eck who never quite looked like he could believe he was doing his dream job. He looked like he was pinching himself all the time and that deep down he seen himself as a fake. He grimly held on to the job for four and half years but when he left you could tell it was never meant to be. Then we had PLG who we couldn't believe had taken the job and after a few weeks he looked like he couldn't believe it either. He cultivated a look that said, "Wat ze 'ell am I doing 'ere?" Contrast that with Walter Smith who looks to be settling back into the job like an old pair of comfortable slippers along with McCoist who looks like he's found the perfect stage. We now have a management pair that know why they are there, are completely up for the challenge and in for the long term. And they are completely comfortable and at peace with that.

Surprised and happy that it was sorted out so fast, and out of court.

Its obvious we're never going to sign the cream of the EPL but i was having a think at some of the types of players id like to see us go for. Christian Dailly - Not the best defender in the world but would certainly shout about our back 4 and give his all. Mathew Etherington - Was superb in West Hams promotion season 2 years back and started last season well but he been unlucky with a few niggles. I think when fit he could do a fine job for us in the left. Claus Jensen - Similar to Quashie but after we lost out to him Jensen could do a job for us. He has experience, is a good passer/tackler and props up with the odd goal. Massimo Maccarone (sp) - Under rated at Boro and badly treated but when he comes on he seems to score. With Dado retiring, Novo prob leaving and Sebo's future in doubt this is the type player who could be a good signing. Alan Smith - Prob a dream but would still like to see us enquire about a loan. Robbie Fowler - Again prob a dream but isnt playing much for Liverpool and i think he'd come to us in a minute. Would score for fun in the SPL

WALTER SMITH is the new manager of Rangers. Smith's appointment has just been confirmed and he will be joined in the dug-out by Light Blue legend, Ally McCoist, who also makes the move from the Scottish national team to become Rangers' new assistant manager, and Kenny McDowall, the former Celtic reserve boss, who becomes first-team coach. The new management team's first match in charge will be at Ibrox this Saturday against Dundee United, ironically the team where it all started for Smith. A club statement reads: Rangers Football Club today (Wednesday January 10, 2007) confirmed Walter Smith, Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall as the new Management Team. Walter, who first joined in 1986 as Graeme Souness' assistant before guiding Rangers to its historic Nine In A Row triumph, returns as Manager while Ally joins as Assistant Manager and Kenny completes the new-look backroom team as First-Team Coach. Chairman Sir David Murray commented: "It is a great pleasure to welcome Walter and Ally back to Rangers Football Club. I have great respect for both men and their achievements and I am convinced they will take the Club forward. "I would also like to extend a special welcome to Kenny. He has a terrific track record as a coach and will undoubtedly enhance our new Management Team." Smith, who has transformed Scotland's National side and managed Everton since leaving Ibrox in 1998, has signed a three-year contract with the Club. He commented: "I am delighted to return to Rangers as Manager. This Club has always been in my blood and I can't wait to get started. "I am looking forward to teaming up with Ally and Kenny. I worked side by side with Ally during our time with the National team and I am also delighted Kenny has agreed to join us at Ibrox." McCoist, the Club's record marksman with an incredible 355 goals in 581 appearances between 1983 and 1998, stated: "It was a privilege to pull on the Rangers jersey for so many years but I am delighted to return as Assistant Manager. "I was honoured to be named in the Greatest Ever Rangers Team and included in the Club's Hall of Fame but this is something really special. I know the Club inside out and I am ready for the challenge." McDowall, the former St Mirren and Partick Thistle striker who has a proven track record as a youth coach with Celtic FC, commented: "This is an exciting new chapter in my life and I am relishing the chance to team up with Walter and Ally at Rangers. "Working at Murray Park on a daily basis will also be a real thrill." Press Conference shortly.

I feel Walter Smith has done a wonderful service for the Scottish FA when he took over the National Team. They were in a state were no one would touch them with a ten foot pole and now they treat him like this. They need to hear from supporters what they feel and Walter Smith does not deserve how he is being treated by them. I sent them the e-mail to the address below and we should all tell these ******* what we think of them. info@scottishfa.co.uk

I think all that is coming out now Shows PLG was was indeed fighting dressing room cliques. Unfortunatly the instigator seems to be getting away with it. If Murray knew this then it is diabolical that he never backed his manager.

i realise their is another thread about this subject, but i want to let it be known that there are a Majority of fans out here who ALWAYS wanted this appointment and i believe we should all rally round our great new manager and his team. Its time to win back the scottish game from celtic and there is no better appointment that could have been made than the great Walter Smith. There has been grumblings from a SMALL, insignificant section of the support about how the appointment has been made, but if your a true blue then you wont even think about that, you will get behind Smith and Mccoist from the start until we win back the title from them. I urge fans of Rangers f.c not to listen to these Smith knockers or doubters as they really only have one intention at heart and this to see Rangers to continue failing in everything they do. Walter and Ally will bring us back the league given time and we must also start to do our job now and get behind their sellection every saturday. I welcome you back to Ibrox Stadium Walter, and Ally.

The SFA are taking legal actions against Walter Smith for breach of contract, and against Rangers for inducement of breach of contract. They maintain there was NO compensation agreed, and there will be a statement released in the next hour.

Wonder when that meeting took place, seems to me that Smith was contacted either before PLG left or on the same day to have had a meeting with this guy so fast.