Jump to content

 

 

Search the Community

Showing results for tags 'walter smith'.

  • Search By Tags

    Type tags separated by commas.
  • Search By Author

Content Type


Forums

  • Main Forums
    • Rangers Chat
    • General Football Chat
    • Bluenose Lounge
    • Forum Support and Feedback

Calendars

  • Community Calendar

Find results in...

Find results that contain...


Date Created

  • Start

    End


Last Updated

  • Start

    End


Filter by number of...

Joined

  • Start

    End


Group


Location


Interests


Occupation


Favourite Rangers Player


Twitter


Facebook


Skype

  1. I can smell shite, there's no quotes. Pyoor pish journalism!
  2. Walter Smith has made more signings throughout his two spells as Rangers manager than he cares to recall. But there is one particular piece of business he has conducted for the Ibrox club he canââ?¬â?¢t help but regard as his shrewdest to date. During the nine-in-a-row days Smith was in the fortunate position of being able to attract the likes of Brian Laudrup and Paul Gascoigne to Ibrox. However, it is a signing in his second stint in the hotseat which stands out ahead of the others for the 62-year-old. When he inherited a struggling squad in the aftermath of Paul Le Guenââ?¬â?¢s ill-fated period in Glasgow, one of the first moves Smith made was to bring in a player he knew and trusted more than any other. It was only supposed to be a stop-gap fix to a defensive problem, but four years down the line Davie Weir is still the main focal point of Smithââ?¬â?¢s team and the man he entrusts to lead his players into the heat of battle. At Ibrox on Sunday when Rangers entertain Old Firm rivals Celtic, Weir will clock up his 200th appearance for the Light Blues. Itââ?¬â?¢s an astonishing record considering he is now 40 years of age. ââ?¬Å?When I brought him up here from Everton on loan I would have thought the 20 games between the January until the end of the season would have been what we were looking at,ââ?¬Â said Smith. ââ?¬Å?But such were his performances during that period that we have no hesitation whatsoever in taking him for another year. I didnââ?¬â?¢t think it would stretch to another three after that. ââ?¬Å?It has done, however, and it is a testament to him as a professional player that he is handling the situation the way he is.ââ?¬Â Weir was involved in Rangersââ?¬â?¢ dramatic run to the Uefa Cup Final in 2008 and the fixture backlog that came as a result of that when the Ibrox club were forced to play four games in the space of a week. The following season, he helped them win the first of two titles and has rarely missed a game through injury or suspension ââ?¬â?? and itââ?¬â?¢s that consistency of availability that has pleasantly surprised Smith. Smith said: ââ?¬Å?Itââ?¬â?¢s not just that he has managed to play 200 games for Rangers. Itââ?¬â?¢s that he has managed to play the amount of games in a row that he has. ââ?¬Å?Those 200 games have all come within a four-year period so he has averaged around 50 games a season for us and that is terrific for any player, never mind someone who is at the stage of their career which he is. ââ?¬Å?I think Iââ?¬â?¢ve left him out for a couple of games during that time and if he had his way that wouldnââ?¬â?¢t have been the case. He wants to play in every match and he would have already reached the 200 landmark had I not left him out here and there. ââ?¬Å?To say he has exceeded my expectations is a major understatement. When you look at signings everyone always asks you who is your best signing and as a manager youââ?¬â?¢ve got to be fortunate to have quite a few of them. ââ?¬Å?But Davie has put himself in a different level. Despite his age he is playing as well as he ever has done and he has been absolutely terrific for us. From a personal point of view, I canââ?¬â?¢t speak highly enough of him. ââ?¬Å?For any young boy, if they are looking for a role model, then Davie would be the logical choice and itââ?¬â?¢s not just during this spell at Rangers than Iââ?¬â?¢m judging him on as I also had him as a player earlier when I was manager at Everton. ââ?¬Å?Davie was an important player for me down there and his attitude and dedication has always been first class.ââ?¬Â Smith believes every player who has partnered him at the heart of the Rangers defence since he arrived in the January of 2007 would vouch for his qualities as well. ââ?¬Å?Davie has played beside so many players throughout his time with us,ââ?¬Â said Smith. ââ?¬Å?I am sure Carlos Cuellar would be the first to say he was a major influence and allowed him to perform so well during his time here. ââ?¬Å?Madjid Bougherra would say the same having built up an excellent partnership with him over the last few years. ââ?¬Å?Young Danny Wilson came in and was fortunate to have someone with Davieââ?¬â?¢s experience to help him through games and it has been the same for all the other lads who have played there at various times. ââ?¬Å?Sasa Papac, Kirk Broadfoot, Steven Whittaker and even Lee McCulloch have all, at some point of another, played there and Iââ?¬â?¢m sure each and every one of them will say having Davie there to talk them through the game was invaluable.ââ?¬Â But after 200 games, thereââ?¬â?¢s no need for Smith to talk up Weir. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/editor-s-picks/simply-the-best-i-ever-signed-1.1077179
  3. Someone else who has previous with The Establishment. :grin:
  4. BBC. The sooner this guys signs a new contract the better. He's a no nonsense, steady Eddie player who has performed well over the last few seasons.
  5. MARCO NEGRI has told Rangers talisman Kenny Miller to steer clear of squash courts and smash his Ibrox goals tally to lead the charge to three in a row. Miller's heroics at Motherwell were another clear demonstration of his value to boss Walter Smith and the Italian striker reckons there would be no greater New Year gift for fans than a new contract offer that is acceptable to the Scotland hitman. Negri, now 40, was at Ibrox when Miller arrived over a decade ago as a relative rookie in a �£2million deal from Hibs and has watched from afar as his career has blossomed at club and international level. He knows from his own experience Miller is riding the crest of a wave in a season very few players are ever fortunate enough to savour. Negri's campaign ultimately floundered after a bizarre eye injury sustained in a game of squash with team-mate Sergio Porrini in January 1998. Negri had scored an astonishing 33 goals in only 26 games in the first half of season 1997-98 but netted just three times in the second half after a rush back from injury led to a loss of form and confidence as Ibrox hopes of 10 in a row bit the dust. Miller has already scored 22 this season in 27 games and is on course to beat his own personal best of 26 he netted when Wolves returned to the Premiership in 2003. Negri wants the goals to keep flowing - and, who knows, it may even persuade Rangers to find the money Miller feels he deserves for the next three or four years. He told Record Sport: "I still remember Kenny when he arrived - fast, with a good shot, a funny guy and a very good professional. "For much of his career he has played as a No.2 striker. They're always among the least selfish players on the pitch because much of their work is done running away from goal - pulling defenders into corners, running into channels and creating space for others. "The departure of Kris Boyd has allowed him to prove his worth as No.1 and he has the maturity and self-confidence to show the qualities he's learned over the years. He knows the type of runs to make towards goal and it is paying off for him and Rangers this season. "Sometimes you get these magical campaigns when everything you touch turns to goals. I know, because I had a few of them at Perugia when I scored 19, 18 and 15 goals in Serie A before coming to Scotland. "Then, of course, there was my first half-season at Ibrox. I'd advise Kenny only to keep living his life as he does right now. Things are working well for him - but, please, don't go near any squash courts. "He will be feeling at the moment as I did when I was scoring all those goals. You believe in yourself and your team-mates, you're keen to score more and more and it seems every pass arrives at your feet in the box at just the right time. "I hope Kenny scores more than I did and that Rangers keep the title for at least another year. Who knows, if he keeps finding the net maybe Rangers will even find the finance to cover a new contract." Negri is living in Bologna with wife Monica and six-year-old son Christian and studying to become an Italian and UEFA-licensed coach. Much of his time at Rangers was shrouded in acrimony and yet he retains a fondness for the club and still keeps in touch with their results and performances. He added: "I'm sure Kenny is being torn between his head and his heart. In his head, he knows this is his last big contract and it has to be right for him, so he must examine all options. "But he will also know there is no place like Ibrox. You cannot find that atmosphere and support in another place. I'm sure there's a big part of him wants to stay. He is playing for the best team in Scotland. "He has established a good relationship with his team-mates and the fans and I'm sure his family are also happy living in their own country. But I hope he doesn't dwell too much on it because there is a danger the magic might leave him if he starts to worry about it. "There's little point. Let's face it, I don't think Kenny is close to living on the streets. And can you really see a guy who could win the Golden Boot being without a contract? "I hope Rangers can come up with the contract he desires, but he should trust and know the right decision is in front of him." Miller has even been touted with a move to AC Milan and while it has raised the eyebrows of some, Negri isn't so surprised. He said: "Pippo Inzaghi picked up a really bad knee injury recently and is out until the end of the season and Milan need a penalty-box striker. "I'm sure Kenny has come to their attention because of the number of goals he has scored. "It would be different in Serie A for him but someone who scores so often in Scotland could score in Italy, although chances do not come along as often. In Italy, if a team are winning 1-0 that's enough, shut up shop, game over. "I remember at Rangers we won games by four, five, six and seven goals because the mentality of the squad was to keep going, always." http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2010/12/28/i-d-love-to-see-kenny-miller-beat-my-rangers-goal-tally-says-ex-obrox-hitman-marco-negri-86908-22811436/
  6. VLADIMIR WEISS talked the talk with Walter Smith. Then he walked the walk against Motherwell. Now he aims to do the same against Celtic. Rangers' on-loan wide boy from Manchester City was absolutely outstanding in the 4-1 victory at Motherwell. Scoring one wonder goal and setting up another two, Weiss was the shining light in a team bursting with stars. He picked up a bottle of champagne as the sponsor's Man of the Match. But Weiss insists it wouldn't have been possible without the heart-to-heart he had with boss Smith last week. Disappointed with the way his season was going, he knocked on the manager's door and asked for a quiet word. Smith threw his arm around the confidence-sapped star. Weiss is now desperate to repay the faith the Ibrox gaffer has shown in him by starting against Celtic in the title crunch next week. Weiss said: "I wanted to score my third goal of the season and I am happy it came against Motherwell. "After they scored it was really important to get the third goal and get the game back on our side again. "It didn't matter if it was a tap-in or whatever, because the team performance is all that matters. And we were brilliant. "But from a personal point of view, I think that was my best performance for Rangers. "I know I haven't been doing well in the last few games and I spoke to the manager and had a good chat with him last week. "I have not been creating enough, but this has been my first season where I have been playing week in, week out. "I went to see him and it worked from both sides. "I have not been happy with myself and I wanted to get in there. "The manager has got great experience and I knew he could help me. "That was why I went to see him. The chat really helped to boost my confidence. "The manager spoke to me and told me what to do and just to go out and run at defenders. "I have been working hard in training and I am really happy he gave me a second chance and I was able to impress him. "Now I have to do it every week. If I am not playing well the confidence is not as high. "I tried not to think about things. I just tried to get out there and run at defenders and after two or three runs it got my confidence up. Then I just enjoyed the game. "I don't think there is pressure in football - it was just the confidence. "If you are not doing well and you are not happy with yourself then you don't enjoy the games the same. "After I spoke to the gaffer everything really changed and he told me he believes in me and that really helped me. "I just went out to show him I could do better than I had previously shown. "I did not start at Celtic Park and I am going to do my best against St Johnstone on Wednesday to keep my place in the team. "Hopefully I can do the same against them as I did against Motherwell." Rangers produced arguably their best performance of the season with Weiss contributing just one of a number of top-class displays. Steven Naismith was excellent before he pulled up with a hamstring injury, while Steven Whittaker, Steven Davis and Kenny Miller were all outstanding as Gers enjoyed a terrific win. Smith's side clearly mean business at this crucial part of the season. Weiss added: "After the break we've had, we were glad to get out there and impress everybody. "We have been working hard in training and I think we really deserved the win. "The manager didn't say anything personally to me after the game. "He was really pleased with the performance because over the last three games we haven't been doing that well. "But we started the game differently here and we had the game in total control over the 90 minutes. "We need to win the game on Wednesday and then all eyes will be on Sunday. "We want to win every game, but we know this one is going to be really important for us." Next week's Old Firm showdown is the one supporters of both clubs can't wait for. But Weiss insists St Johnstone in Perth on Wednesday is equally important. He added: "We need to get a good rest and recovery and be ready for Wednesday. "Hopefully we can get three points and if we could win at the weekend then, hopefully, we could be five points clear or more. "It could be important, but I still think it is too early to talk about things. "If we can win our next two games and our game in hand then we could go eight points clear and that could go a long way towards winning the league. "We just need to concentrate on Wednesday and then we can see what happens from there." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3318445/Walt-had-a-word-to-the-Weiss.html#ixzz19INPaVcf
  7. BIRMINGHAM CITY boss Alex McLeish is set to launch a sensational swoop for Rangers star Kenny Miller. Ibrox money man Martin Bain insisted recently that the club would not be forced to sell the in-form frontman during the January transfer window - despite contract talks having broken down. Rangers boss Walter Smith is still hopeful a new deal can be struck but McLeish could make a cut-price offer of �£1million when the window opens. It would be interesting then to see whether the Lloyds Banking Group would insist on a sale as Miller could go for nothing when his contract expires at the end of the season. McLeish and his assistant, Andy Watson, know all about the free-scoring striker from their time together at Hibs and Scotland and are looking for a goalscorer to join the Premiership club. Miller is also looking for one final payday before he retires and would not be bothered by the fact he has already played for Birmingham's Midlands rivals Derby County and Wolves. But Rangers fans would be gutted to see the striker leave as he has netted 20 times already this season. Brum need to boost their squad and McLeish, having missed out on a clutch of forward targets last summer, remains in need of attacking players. James McFadden is a long-term injury absentee and Aleksandr Hleb is also out through injury. McLeish's squad is thin and he accepts his team has to become more dangerous and creative. He said: "There is scope to be adding to our squad, no question about it." http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2010/12/24/rangers-hitman-kenny-miller-linked-with-january-move-to-birmingham-86908-22804415/
  8. RANGERS captain David Weir has accused the club's bankers of unreasonable behaviour in placing fresh restrictions on manager Walter Smith ahead of the forthcoming transfer window. The veteran defender is bemused by the policy, confirmed again by Smith earlier this week, which currently means no funds will be available to spend in January for either permanent or loan signings. With Rangers still in limbo as they await the outcome of the latest takeover bid for the club from businessmen Craig Whyte and Andrew Ellis, Lloyds Banking Group continues to dictate the financial management at Ibrox. Weir believes Rangers' bid to win a third successive SPL title this season and qualify for next year's Champions League could be seriously compromised if they are not allowed to strengthen the squad next month. "It seems illogical that we can't sign any new players in January," said Weir. "Given how successful we have been in reaching a European final and playing in the Champions League, reducing the wage bill and the squad at the same time, you wonder how much further you can go down in terms of numbers and still be competitive. "I'm an amateur when it comes to finances, but you look at the debt and the money brought in since the manager took over. You'd like to think that you could have wiped out the debt in that time with the money we've brought in. I'm obviously missing something." Lloyds last night declined to comment on Weir's criticism. Rangers' debt in their most recent annual accounts stood at �£27.1 million, of which �£22.3 million is owed to Lloyds and incorporates their long-term loan agreement with the bank and overdraft facilities. A two-year transfer embargo was lifted by Lloyds last summer, allowing Smith to spend �£5.25 million in transfer fees on strikers Nikica Jelavic and James Beattie and secure the loan signings of Vladimir Weiss and Richard Foster. That investment was offset by the sales of Kevin Thomson and Danny Wilson for �£4 million, however, while four other senior players left the club at the end of their contracts. Rangers raked in almost �£14 million from their participation in the Champions League group stage last season, allowing them to record a profit of �£4.2 million, and will earn even more from the current European campaign which has seen them finish third in their Champions League group to progress to the knockout stages of the Europa League. Weir is also concerned that they may face that challenge with their existing squad further diminished as prize assets such as Scotland goalkeeper Allan McGregor are vulnerable to potential transfer bids. "That's what the manager and his staff are fighting," added Weir. "You cannot underestimate the job we've done with one hand tied behind our back. "It's not inconceivable there could be departures next month. It's the reality of where we are at (with the bank]. It's no secret that, if a right bid comes in, then the player will go. We'd prefer everyone to remain and keep our best players to be successful, but it's out of our hands. "The tightness of our squad has been the basis of the success we have had in recent seasons, but that can change as well." Weir was speaking at Hampden, where he promoted ESPN's live coverage of SPL football over the festive period which will begin with Rangers against Motherwell at Fir Park on Sunday. He was joined by Celtic captain Scott Brown, who made his return from injury as a substitute in his team's 1-1 draw at home to Kilmarnock on Tuesday night. The 25-year-old midfielder is likely to be restored to the starting line-up on Sunday when Celtic seek to put their recent stuttering form behind them for the visit of St Johnstone. But, while manager Neil Lennon is able to add to his squad next month, Brown insists Celtic already have the strength and quality required to overhaul Rangers and win the title for the first time in three years. "Our squad is probably the best in the league, to be perfectly honest," said Brown. "We've got around 25 or 30 player who can come into the first team at any time. We've pretty much got two good starting elevens. If we went through January without buying a player, we would still be fine. "We have a big game on Sunday and we need to keep close to Rangers before the Old Firm game at Ibrox on 2 January. "There is no real concern about our form. We are looking good in training and we are dominating teams in games. We are putting the ball in the box and we just need a bit of luck." http://sport.scotsman.com/football/Bank39s-tight-grip-on-spending.6670700.jp?articlepage=2
  9. SCOTTISH football could change forever with plans for money-spinning play-offs in the SPL. Representatives of Hearts, Kilmarnock and Dundee United have secretly discussed ground-breaking proposals to bring the format to the top FOUR teams in Scotland. SunSport can reveal their sensational plans would mean the team who finished top of the league WOULDN'T automatically be crowned champions. Instead, there would be two-legged semi-finals between first and fourth and second and third, before a glittering winner-takes-all Hampden showdown. The men behind the plan - which they believe will be worth at LEAST �£4million per season - had hoped to table the sensational plans at today's SPL summit which was postponed due to the weather. Last night an SPL insider revealed the top-secret proposals United, Killie and Hearts believe will smash the Old Firm's football stranglehold. A source said: "This has only come to the fore in the last 48 hours but the implications are MASSIVE. "The league propose play-offs at the bottom but is that really going to float the boat of the broadcasters or fans? "If you do it at the bottom, why not the top? It's radical and people will initially assume it's madcap. The people involved say it's anything but." The minds behind the controversial system acknowledge the Old Firm are likely to be against it. They believe that's exactly why EVERY other club will back the move. They have calculated all five play-off games would attract a total of 200,000 fans, with gate receipts totalling �£4m. That's before any broadcasting deal to show the play-offs would be struck. Going by last season's final SPL table, Walter Smith's champs Rangers, Celtic, Dundee United and Hibs would all have been involved. A source said: "There isn't a reason why anyone outside the Old Firm SHOULDN'T vote for this. They've nothing to lose." Dundee United chief Stephen Thompson admitted he was in favour of play-offs at the top end of the table. He said: "The proposals that have been put to us contain a lot of decent ideas and a lot of good things have been tabled. "However, if there is to be a 10-team league - and I still do not think that is right from a purely footballing sense - why can't it be more radical? "I strongly believe that fans of teams outwith the Old Firm have become fed up of those two sharing the title between them. "It is incredible and extremely regrettable that the last non-Old Firm title win was 25 years ago. "I think we need to go further and make things more interesting at the top of the table as well as having promotion/ relegation play-offs." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/3309058/Play-off-for-SPL-title.html#ixzz18dMejHZU
  10. A couple of quotes from Walter "Surely if the season's not going to be extended for one team, they can't extend it for any," "There was only one team going to benefit from the season not being extended then and that was Celtic.So they refused to do it then, so they can't do it now. Is that not fairly straight-forward?" "I think that's probably all we can be(annoyed) isn't it, if they make the decision? But surely they can't make the decision after saying to us before that they can't extend the season," "Of course it would be of benefit to us, and that would have been a benefit we would have accepted two years ago and we tried to get it, but they said no," "Much as we would like them to extend the season, we would have liked them to extend the season a couple of years ago, we would like them to extend the season if it's necessary. But they can't."
  11. SPL may consider extended season due to fixture pile-up Blair faces an arduous task to reschedule numerous SPL games Scottish Premier League secretary Iain Blair says continued disruption to fixtures may force the SPL to consider extending the season. Four of Saturday's SPL games were called off due to weather-related problems, adding to several postponements earlier in December. "It's not something we're looking at this point in time," said Blair. "But if there's severe congestion and no other alternatives then it's something we have done once before." Blair is hopeful of rescheduling the outstanding fixtures but admits further cancellations would put the league in difficulty. "It (extending the season) is not the first port of call in terms of resolving the problems," said Blair. "We would see to what extent we can actually get the fixtures played. "The unknown at this point is progress in terms of the Scottish Cup for all the Premier clubs, because they only come in in January, and obviously we've still got Rangers in Europe and hopefully they will continue to be in Europe for some time. "What actually happens is that the opportunity to slot games in reduces and there does come a point at which you think, 'well the only way we can do this is by extending the season'. "But before we get to that stage, we would consider things such as having four games in eight days, which we try and avoid doing. We had a situation where Dunfermline had to play four games in a week, I know it happened to Rangers in 2008 and it has happened on one or two other occasions. It's a difficult situation, only a fool would say that it wasn't Iain Blair "I certainly don't remember quite so much congestion by this stage in the season previously. "There is still some flexibility in the calendar in terms of getting matches played midweek. We can schedule matches up against the Champions League and the Europa League. It's not something we like to do but that is a possibility. "There is a real difficulty in terms of those matches that are scheduled in that way, we're simply not allowed by Uefa for those to be broadcast live so there are issues then about talking to the broadcasters about the best way to resolve the whole situation. "It's a difficult situation, only a fool would say that it wasn't but if we were to get the matches played reasonably regularly from now on then I think we can cope with it." One further complication to the rescheduling process concerns games that were due to be broadcast live on either Sky Sports or ESPN. "We certainly talk to the broadcasters when a televised game is postponed," said Blair. "Nine times out of 10, the broadcaster selected the game because it's a game they want to cover and they will follow the game. "Very occasionally, there is simply a situation which doesn't allow that to happen, perhaps because we need the game to be played on a particular date and the broadcaster simply cannot cover for whatever reason on that date. Hamilton's match with Celtic was called off on Saturday morning Two of Saturday's postponements, Rangers v St Mirren and Hamilton v Celtic, fell victim to problems relating to burst pipes. "It's very disappointing and obviously the clubs are working to ensure that they don't lose games," said Blair. "Believe me, neither Hamilton nor Rangers would in any way have wished for these games not to take place. "But we have had some very extreme weather over the last two or three weeks and that's what's caught folk out and presented the problem. "I certainly wouldn't like to have been the maintenance manager at Ibrox to tell Walter Smith that he wasn't going to be able to get his game on because I know that he has expressed concerns about fixture congestion relatively recently. "At Hamilton, my understanding is that there was a burst pipe of some description, which was in close proximity to some electrical installation and the electrical installation was part of the undersoil heating system. "So there seems to have been concerns about the electrical system because of a burst locally. I don't think the burst was actually in the undersoil heating. As we do in any of these cases where something unexpected happens relatively close to the game, we will investigate the situation."
  12. For no particular reason I started this on Facebook - I know it's futile and he's made his mind up, but I just wanted to express an opinion. http://www.facebook.com/pages/I-wish-Walter-Smith-would-change-his-mind-about-leaving/147709755278312?ref=ts
  13. ALLY McCOIST couldn't be better prepared to become Rangers boss, according to assistant-in-waiting Kenny McDowall. The Ibrox first-team coach is convinced he and Super Ally are ready to step up when gaffer Walter Smith quits at the end of the season. McDowall - not taking anything for granted with the club still in takeover talks - said: "It has been well documented what might happen going forward and it has been spoken about a lot. "If it was to happen it would be absolutely fantastic. "I feel I'm ready for the next move forward and it's the same with Ally too. "We'll both be 48 next summer, so we're not young in terms of stepping up into new roles. "The players know Ally has a serious side to him already and it will not take him becoming the manager for them to realise that. "He is well ready for what he has got to do. He has, like the rest of us, had a good education over the last four years and it's something he's prepared for. "But if anyone has any doubts, there's no need. He's a serious, determined guy and, while it's a big job, he's someone who is well placed to take that on. "He has got the day-to-day personality people like, but he's so focused at the same time." It's almost four years since McDowall quit his job in charge of Celtic's reserves to join his boyhood club. He added: "There are a lot of young managers out there, but we are experienced enough that we're in a good position to kick on. "The biggest factor for me though is that there's still so much to take care of this season - and we can't lose sight of that. "What we might achieve over the next few months is massive in relation to what might happen. "We want to give the gaffer a good send-off. He deserves it and hopefully we can go and win the title for him. "It's hard to believe it's nearly four years since he brought me to Rangers. Being here has been a real eye-opener for me and I'll forever be grateful to him. "It's the best opportunity I've ever had in my career. "He's one of the best coaches we've been fortunate enough to have in this country. "Would it be Walter's best ever title if we got it this season? Yes, it would. That's a fair comment - and that's our aim." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3278596/Were-ready-to-boss-Gers.html#ixzz18GdTX8m8
  14. I would agree that teams should be able to have teams in the lower divisions but i would hate to see a club have a monopoly of the top divisions. Apart from that it is good to see another youth player get some game time.
  15. Nikica Jelavic is due back at Murray Park next week to step up his recovery from ankle surgery, but Walter Smith is pessimistic about the prospects of the �£4million Croatian striker being fit to face Celtic on January 2. 'Nikica is back here next week, although there is the complication of his wife expecting a baby next week, as well - so it might be put back another seven days,' explained the Ibrox boss. 'When he gets back, he will get into his training but, realistically, it will be the middle of next month before he is ready. It's more than likely he will miss the Old Firm game.' Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1337638/Rangers-boss-Walter-Smiths-worry-Kenny-Miller-talks-stall.html#ixzz17o1NRIJY
  16. The daily record and scottish sun are both carrying this story that miller will quit rangers during the january transfer window after transfer talks broke down??, I'm hoping this is just romours and this is not the case but rangers really should be pulling out all the stops to hold on to our top striker!!, you really have to ask what is going on at murray park! I'm very worried tbh
  17. Rangers are weighing up an audacious loan bid for West Bromwich Albion's Scotland international Graham Dorrans. Manager Walter Smith has pleaded with the Ibrox board for January recruits to bolster his squad for their SPL title bid and the knockout stages of the Europa League. And while the English Premier League club wouldn't sell Dorrans, a loan stint back in Scotland could kick-start the midfielder's career following a recent spell on the bench at the Hawthorns. Sportsmail understands that Smith is a big admirer of the 23-year-old former Livingston player. Dorrans, who has five full caps after being brought into the national set-up by former Scotland boss George Burley, was a Rangers fan as a youngster and now West Brom boss Roberto di Matteo could hold the key to a move north. Dorrans returned to the Baggies team last weekend for the 4-1 victory at Everton but that won't prevent Rangers enquiring about the player who recently signed a five-year contract after a series of bids from West Ham reached �£5million. Rangers are also monitoring American international Oguchi Onyewu's desire for a loan move from AC Milan, although much would depend on whether the Serie A giants were prepared to subsidise the central defender's wages. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1334249/Rangers-eye-loan-deal-Graham-Dorrans--EXCLUSIVE.html#ixzz16ipCIGgn
  18. Walter Smith has reiterated is intention of retiring from Rangers. He has told potential new owners that McCoist is ready to fill his position. Is this an old pals act? Should the new owner's bring in their own man in order to move Rangers forward, or will McCoist suffice?
  19. The consortium of Craig Whyte and Andrew Ellis want to complete their �£33 million purchase of Sir David Murray's shares within the next month. Craig Whyte and Andrew Ellis will hold talks with senior Rangers officials next week, as they look to step up their joint efforts to buy Sir David Murray's shareholding in the Ibrox club. STV understands the duo want the deal, worth �£33 million, to be concluded by Christmas but have conceded privately it may take until the new year to finalise the sale. The takeover, which will wipe out the club's �£27.5 million debt to Lloyds TSB, is understood to be at an advanced stage. Whyte and Ellis will also pay shareholders, including Murray, a total of �£5.5 million as part of their proposals. If the deal for Murray's 92 per cent shareholding is completed, Whyte will own 69 per cent of the club's shares, with Ellis - who failed in his own attempts to buy the club earlier this year - holding 23 per cent. As part of their plans, �£25 million will be invested in Rangers' first team squad over a period of five years, with transfer funds being made available to Walter Smith in the January transfer window if the takeover is concluded in time. News of the pair's bid first broke on November 18, with Whyte and Rangers both putting out statements to the Stock Exchange confirming a possible offer. Nearly two weeks on, evident progress has been made in a bid Whyte's solicitor confirmed as being "at an early stage". Talks between Whyte, Ellis and club officials were also yet to take place at that point. More to follow... http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/rangers/213122-rangers-takeover-bidders-want-club-bought-by-christmas/
  20. Walter Smith will be urged to become a powerful Ibrox boardroom player if Craig Whyte succeeds in his �£32 million bid to buy Rangers. And Ally McCoist's promotion to the manager's office would also be given the seal of approval by the man who would be the next Rangers king. Whyte's period of due diligence is almost complete and it is understood he remains confident of clinching a deal with David Murray to buy the club within two months. Whyte was hoping to be in control by the turn of the year but that is unlikely. Despite his frustration, sources at Ibrox and in England insist Whyte, who met Rangers chairman Alastair Johnston on Friday, is determined to get his hands on the club. And they also stress there would be no change in the proposed line of succession. McCoist would welcome a takeover from Whyte that edges him closer to landing his dream job. He said: "I am only concerned that the takeover, if and when it comes, is successful for Rangers. "If I was buying Rangers I would want my own people running it. "You keep your fingers crossed that you are the person they want to run it." Although Whyte would rather see Smith continue as manager he would not block McCoist's own take over. But he is determined to make use of Smith's knowledge and experience. And if Murray sells to Whyte moves would be made to hold on to Smith. He'd be offered a position as director of football and if that didn't appeal he would then be invited to take a seat on the board. Our sources stress that Whyte would want Smith to have a crucial say in the club's direction. And if Smith were to go for that McCoist would then have a strong ally in the boardroom and there would be a better understanding of the team's needs. Whyte is bankrolling the entire deal although, with a loan from the buyer, Andrew Ellis is likely to take a 25 per cent stake. But there will be only one man calling the shots and Whyte's desire to own the club is stronger than ever. Ibrox sources are also convinced he has the financial clout to see this through and believe the deal, which will commit Whyte to spending at least �£5m on players in each of the next five seasons, will be concluded within eight weeks. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2010/12/06/craig-whyte-i-want-walter-on-the-board-86908-22764832/
  21. According to The Sun... http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3256068/Kirk-KO.html I think a new centre back is a must in January.
  22. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/editor-s-picks/johnston-no-cash-to-beat-ibrox-crock-1.1072104
  23. THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO VOTE FOR "Worst Ever Manager" The Candidates are as follows: John Barnes Tony Mowbray Liam Brady Dr Jozef Venglos Neil Lennon Rules: You can only vote for Three of the above in an orderly 1 2 3 fashion. If you pick all five, your vote will be considered. If you select only ONE of the above, your vote will still count. Any votes for Lou Macari or Tommy Burns will not count, but will be looked at. The vote is expected along these lines: 1. Thee Worst. 2. The Worst, but not as bad as Thee Worst. 3. Worst, but not as bad as Thee Worst or The Worst. In the event of a tie, the winner will be decided by football manager expert Mr Walter Smith of Glasgow Rangers FC. (Founded 1872, and World record holders Of 53 national titles.) His decision is of course final.
  24. According to the Express - http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/214985/Rangers-keen-on-Keylor-Navas
  25. KYLE LAFFERTY last night branded himself a CLOWN and confessed he has let down Rangers boss Walter Smith again. Lafferty is facing six weeks on the sidelines after breaking a finger in his left hand. The Northern Ireland star suffered the freak injury during horseplay with team-mate Gregg Wylde at Murray Park. He said: "I was messing about while coming off the bus last Wednesday morning. "I fell and fractured my wedding finger in two different places. "Walter Smith didn't say anything at first, but I knew he was furious. "We were already down to the bare bones for the Manchester United game. "I don't know if I was starting against United, but I'd like to think I would have been because we were struggling for numbers. "Walter had to go out and give a team-talk to the players who were featuring. "I apologised to him at the game and just said my stupidity had left me looking like a clown - and given him a bigger headache." Lafferty would have started against United. But livid boss Smith - already without FIVE established stars - was forced instead to pitch in rookie kid Kyle Hutton. Smith was still so angry last Friday he made it clear he didn't want anyone mentioning what happened 'within earshot' of him. Lafferty - struggling to be fit for the January 2 derby against Celtic - added: "Because of my messing about I'm facing the possibility of a decent period out of the team. "But that's my punishment and I've got to accept it. I'm p****d off with myself. "It was wrong for me to be messing about on the day of the game." Lafferty could miss up to eight SPL and European games unless his injury heals quicker. I honestly didn't think a broken finger could keep a player out for so long!!!!!,a keeper aye,but an outfield player?????? Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3252307/Im-a-clown-and-Ive-let-Walter-down.html#ixzz16kSnsLEN
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.