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RANGERS' top goalscorer Kris Boyd admits the uncertainty surrounding the club could prevent him signing a new contract at Ibrox. Rangers are leading Old Firm rivals Celtic at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League by seven points and have a game in hand ahead of their meeting at Ibrox on Sunday. However, the cash-strapped Glasgow club are looking for a new owner, and amid the uncertainty manager Walter Smith and his backroom staff are working without contracts. Boyd has been offered an extension to his current deal which runs out in four months' time but the 26-year-old striker will continue to monitor developments at the club. "I love the Rangers and I want to stay here, but there is a cloud hanging over the club which makes everything uncertain," he told The Times. "My hope is still that I will be in a Rangers jersey for years to come, but I have to say the club just doesn't feel secure at the moment. "I don't even know who the manager will be next season and I've already had three managers in my time at Rangers. "People say to me, 'Kris, just go and sign' but it's not as easy as that. "There is uncertainty at Ibrox, and I don't want to be boxed in to a corner where, if it turns out that other players have to leave, then I'm the guy left in a situation where the club can't go on to the next level. "As much as I want to stay, I wouldn't stay in that situation." http://www.scotsman.com/spl/Kris-Boyd-voices-his-concerns.6107992.jp

Walter Smith is 62 today, so Happy Birthday Walter! Hope you have a great day and get molested by horny big breasted women. :devil: :cheers:

Rangers have been linked with a move for French internationalist striker Jimmy Briand. It is believed Ibrox scouts have been spying on the Rennes star following his return from a knee injury which kept him out of action for 10 months. With the possibility of Kris Boyd leaving in the summer, boss Walter Smith has asked his scouts to scour Europe for a replacement, especially if they should land another �£12m Champions League jackpot by retaining the title. If a new buyer comes in, the Rangers manager wants to be in a position to makes immediate moves for players. Briand, 24, who is also being monitored by Bordeaux and Marseille, had agreed to move to Paris St Germain before his injury while on international duty in March, but the transfer fell through when the clubs couldnâ��t agree a fee. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/editor-s-picks-ignore/rangers-on-trail-of-striker-1.1007814

As far as I'm concerned, Walter Smith is the Rangers legend of my lifetime. I still remember Derek Johnstone handing out the prizes at a BB display in the 70s, I still remember Ally Dawson being held up as an example for we Johnstone High kids to follow into pro football (unkindly, perhaps, the line was 'if he can make it, so can you'), I still recall the time Coisty touched my shoulder in MacVid - one for the older fan, there - and said 'Scuse me, mate,' so he could reach Last Man Standing starring Bruce Willis. And I still worship the memory of Davie Cooper. None of these Rangers heroes can match Walter Smith for me, despite the criticism he received and still receives. A lot of it is understandable: a support which can watch the likes of Arsenal and Man Utd is unlikely to be thrilled by the fare we serve up. But we win, dammit. And you can have all the cavalier stuff you like: all I want is to see the Rangers captain, come the good weather, lifting silverware. On that score it's hard to argue that Walter Smith has delivered. Add to the haul of Cups the UEFA run to the Final in Manchester, which for all the baggage we took was still unforgettable. I'll always remember watching the quarter final while I was supposed to be at a wedding reception; I'll always remember sitting immobile through the penalty shootout in Florence in case I hexed us by moving. Don't be telling me that the manager had nothing to do with all these memories. Even more persuasive has been the Old Firm effect since his return to the hotseat. It's just like the old days; sometimes we thrash them, other times we are pummelled but still sneak a win or a draw. Compare the great man's aura with that of his embattled counterpart across the city, Tony Mowbray. I happen to think he's a good football coach with an unfortunate (for them) failure to consider defending a part of the game. If they're willing to stick with a manager who divides his support to the extent that Mowbray is doing, good luck to 'em. I prefer the man who gets results, no matter how. I still recall the putative 10 in a row season, saying to my pal Jim that we were coming to the end of a Golden Age. While Walter can't be accused of bringing back that sort of dominance, he's not only a link with that era he is also the only man I can think of who has the experience and class to drag what is, frankly, an ordinary side to a level where the glint of silverware is just around the corner. The upcoming Old Firm game, widely seen as a title decider should we win it, gives a taste of what Smith has done for me at least. I'm quite confident that we will win, either comfortably, or sneakily, or that at worst we shall get a draw which is equally precious in the title race. I could be wrong, of course, and we could go down to defeat - such things do happen. But with Smith at the helm I am confident going into game that we'll win, and confident that should we lose he'll sort things out lickety spit. You can't ask for much more from your manager than that.

RANGERS chairman Alastair Johnston believes the remaining 13 games of the SPL campaign hold the key to the Ibrox club securing a healthier, long-term financial future. Speaking as Rangers published half-yearly accounts which reveal an operating profit of �£13.1 million for the six months to 31 December 2009, Johnston admitted the value of Champions League qualification cannot be overstated in addressing the prospects of reducing his club's �£31million debt and attracting new ownership and investment. The Scottish champions' interim figures also showed a turnover of �£37.8million, directly attributable to their participation in the group stage of European football's elite club competition this season. Twelve months earlier, on the back of elimination from the Champions League in the second qualifying round by Lithuanian side Kaunas, Rangers posted a loss of almost �£9million and turnover of just �£20.1million. The contrast is startling and illuminates Rangers' need to retain their domestic title this season. With Scotland's Uefa co-efficient ranking in freefall, it is likely to be the last year for some time the SPL champions will qualify directly for the lucrative group phase of the Champions League. Rangers, who squeezed into the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup last night with a 1-0 win over St Mirren, are ten points ahead of Celtic at the top of the SPL with 13 games to play, leaving them on course for a championship success which would underpin Johnston's quest to steer his club out of their current fiscal storm. "The main thing for us at the moment is the short term and focusing on matters on the field," Johnston told The Scotsman last night. "The next ten weeks will impact significantly on how we aspire to make progress for the club. "The figures we are announcing today are pleasing and they show just how crucial it is to be in the Champions League. We have to sound a note of caution, because we still face many challenges, but clearly getting into the Champions League again would be of significant benefit." Johnston succeeded Sir David Murray as Rangers chairman last August during a period of turmoil for the club as their finances came under intense scrutiny from Lloyds TSB. While he concedes the bank's ongoing involvement in the club's affairs is "not desirable", Johnston sought to ease concern among supporters as he insisted it is currently to Rangers' benefit. "Looking back to August, when Lloyds TSB were taking a more than unusual interest in Rangers, we have to be satisfied with where we are now," he added. "We were successful in persuading them that their immediate reaction, which was to look to downsize the club, was impractical and particularly unwise in terms of maintaining the club's value. "We reached an agreement with them which is not ideal for either party but is practical in the circumstances. In no way would I criticise the fans who are entitled to voice their opinions. But as far as our relationship with Lloyds goes, it is working. We need them at this point in time. Murray (International Holdings) are not going to put any more money into the club, so we need the bank. They have been left holding the baby after the economic crisis hit Murray. The bank are our stop-gap measure." Donald Muir, the corporate troubleshooter appointed to the board to oversee the club's financial restructuring, has become the focal point of protests from Rangers supporters, but Johnston called for understanding of his fellow director's position. "To say Donald Muir is conflicted may be overstating it, but he is wearing two hats," said Johnston. "He is a non-executive director of Rangers and is expected to work within that role. He also represents the Murray group of companies, so in that role he is seeking to liquidate to Murray's advantage. "In terms of a possible new owner, there is activity, but it is like shadow boxing at the moment. I would hope something will happen sooner rather than later, but there has to be understanding and probably compromise. It will be challenging going forward and hopefully we can adjust the current business plan which was the subject of Walter Smith's ire recently, rightly so in my opinion." Smith had expressed his frustration at the restrictions placed on him in the transfer market where Rangers have now not paid money for a new player since August 2008. Johnston praised the veteran manager for his part in achieving ongoing success for Rangers despite those handicaps and is hopeful Smith and his assistants Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall will be in a position to agree new contracts this summer. "The guys know our position," he said. "Walter is at the stage of his career that whenever his time at Rangers does end, he will probably go and play golf. With Ally and Kenny, who are a bit younger, we are dealing with different scenarios. Walter is keeping an open mind at the moment. Whatever happens, history will show that Rangers were very fortunate to have him as manager during this period." Emerging from the January transfer window with the loss of only Pedro Mendes and Jerome Rothen was regarded as something of a bonus by Rangers but the club face further uncertainty at the end of the season when several players, including top scorer Kris Boyd, are out of contract. Boyd has decided to wait until the summer before making a decision on his future. "The offer to Kris Boyd remains on the table," said Johnston. "We hope he will stay but circumstances outwith our control, such as offers from English football, could persuade him to leave. We can't control the environment we are in when it comes to contract negotiations." KEY FIGURES TURNOVER �£37.8m Up by �£17.7m OPERATING PROFIT �£13.1m Up by �£17.0m OPERATING EXPENSES �£21.0m Down by �£3.6m http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/Rangers-progress-in-cup-.6082665.jp

CHAIRMAN reveals profit of 13.1million pounds to December 31, 2009 More... RANGERS have announced unaudited interim results for the six months to 31 December 2009 and chairman Alastair Johnston has released the following statement: I HAVE pleasure in presenting the Interim Results for the six months to 31 December 2009, a period that saw the Chairmanship of the Club pass to myself in August 2009. The ensuing six months of my tenure saw us perform in Europe's elite club competition and reap the financial benefit of so doing in achieving turnover of �£37.8m and an operating profit of �£13.1m, an increase of �£22.0m on the prior year. These however have been challenging times within the Club, and credit must go to Martin Bain and Walter Smith and their respective teams in maintaining performance, standards and above all the intrinsic value of the Club over this period. Whilst our results in the UEFA Champions League were disappointing, we currently sit proudly at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, and have progressed to the final of The Co-operative Insurance Cup and the fifth round of the Active Nation Scottish Cup. This has been achieved with a first team squad that has been stretched through injury and suspension, which has in itself created opportunities for the younger members of the squad. Whilst the recent transfer window saw the departure of Pedro Mendes and Jerome Rothen, it was pleasing to retain our more valued assets in the run in for the league title. Discussions continue on various contract extensions, although a balance has to be struck between value and player expectations. Earlier this month we were delighted to confirm the appointment of Tennent's Lager as the official Club and shirt sponsor from 2010/11. We will continue to work towards a positive climax to a highly successful and productive seven year relationship with Carling. Work also continues in developing our ground-breaking media offering through http://www.rangersTV.tv, enabling live broadcasts and archive material to be viewed on demand. Although the effect of the current economic climate had an impact on ticketing and hospitality sales as well as the income from SPL media rights, the turnover for the six months to 31 December 2009 rose by �£17.7m to �£37.8m on the back of Champions League participation. Due to the timing of our involvement in the Champions League, revenue is weighted in favour of the first six months of the financial year. Net operating expenses decreased by �£3.6m to �£21.0m reflecting the reduced salary levels and efficiencies introduced throughout the Club, and resulted in an increase in operating profit of �£22.0m. Accounting for a �£5.5m decrease in gains from the sale of player registrations to last year, profit before interest and tax rose by �£16.5m to �£13.8m. Lower interest rates and historical tax losses contributed to a retained profit of �£13.1m, compared to a retained loss of �£3.9m for the same period last year, an increase of �£17.0m. Whilst the Interim Results are pleasing, a degree of caution is required as the future outlook is fraught with challenges. When I assumed the Chairmanship in August 2009, I realised that we had to take a short-term perspective on the business model that we needed to adopt for the financial year through to June 2010. The Board appreciated the understanding of Lloyds TSB Bank plc in supporting our initiatives to stabilise the Club without totally compromising the ability of the management team to field a competitive squad of players for the current season. We continue our efforts to source a capital injection into the Club to fuel the ambitions of the staff, supporters and shareholders, all of whom have been remarkably supportive as we navigate through the turbulence. Until such time as this is achieved, we are compelled to maintain our working relationship with Lloyds TSB Bank plc. The Board understands that reliance on such a facility going forward is not desirable if we are to retain control over the Club's destiny and avoid negatively impacting the potential for future success. However, a balanced view is required at this stage amongst operating sustainability, ambition, and the commensurate underlying value of the Club. Rangers will need continued commitment from all of those with the best interests of the Club in mind in the months ahead, and I remain totally confident that we will prevail together.

CHAIRMAN pays tribute to Smith and Bain More...

Lifted from FollowFollow.

ALTHOUGH Rangers will tonight continue on their quest for an improbable treble, Ally McCoist has admitted that even he can't bear to think about Rangers' long-term prospects at times. While the immediate future is something to relish there is an uncertainty which must strike at the heart all of involved with the Ibrox club at present. Even the reliably upbeat McCoist yesterday admitted he falls prey to moments when thoughts stray ADVERTISEMENT beyond the end of the season, and what the future holds for the club he has adored since when he was a boy. He insisted that his own ambitions to succeed Walter Smith as manager must be considered a side-issue when compared to the needs of the club. The assistant manager also applauded those players who have put to one side their own contractual concerns as they bid to complete what would form a historic and unlikely treble. Skipper David Weir, top goal-scorer Kris Boyd and Nacho Novo are among those whose deals with the club expire at the end of the current campaign. In an effort to prevent distraction from his duties on the pitch Novo yesterday said he had instructed his agent not to involve him in on-going talks with the club. "Some of the boys have got contract issues and they never mention it," said McCoist. "They just get their work done. They have to have concerns about it too ââ?¬â?? of course they have. But they are handling it really well, and they are appreciative of the fact that the club is the most important thing." Rangers remain up for sale and heavily burdened by debt and have been hampered in their efforts to hang on to such prize assets as Boyd. Some fear that the ingredients are there to deliver the club back to the grim days prior to the arrival of Graeme Souness in 1986, when Rangers were not considered to be among those challenging for the league championship. McCoist does not want to even contemplate this down-scaling of ambition. It is a particularly relevant fear for the former striker, since he could well be asked to steer the club through whatever stormy waters lie ahead. "I couldn't see it," he said, when asked whether the bleak days of the early Eighties at Ibrox ââ?¬â?? which he experienced as a player ââ?¬â?? could be revisited. "But to be brutally honest, maybe it is because I don't want to look at that big picture. It's not through ignorance. I am obviously a half-full person rather than a half-empty one. "I just think we will be OK. In Graeme's first game as manager we had to beat Motherwell just to qualify for Europe. I remember those days. But I would be certainly hopeful it would not return to that kind of situation. "It's only a worry for me because it's my football club ââ?¬â?? and has been since I was a wee boy," he added. "It's thousands and thousands of other people's club as well. It's the same concern for them. I will survive. But the most important thing is the club. Hopefully we can sort it out in the near rather than distant future. The stripping of this club's assets is something no supporter would want to see." The immediate future is a much more palatable thought for Rangers supporters. The Ibrox side entertain St Mirren this evening in a fifth-round Active Native Scottish Cup replay and then on Saturday lunch-time will aim to go 13 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League with a victory in Perth against St Johnstone. The chances that these outings will end with positive outcomes for Rangers have increased due to an easing in the injury situation at the club. Three weeks ago both McCoist and Smith feared that their ambitions on all three fronts this season ââ?¬â?? Rangers also have a Co-operative Insurance Cup final appearance against tonight's opponents to look forward to next month ââ?¬â?? would be de-railed by a crippling injury list. This was on top of the dire financial circumstances which have caused Rangers to be inactive in the transfer market for over 18 months. But the return of in-form strikers Boyd and Kenny Miller has heartened Rangers ahead of a critical period, with nearest challengers Celtic due to be faced at Ibrox a week this Sunday. There was further good news for Rangers yesterday when DaMarcus Beasley came through a half of a bounce game against Kilmarnock at Murray Park as he bids to improve his match fitness. McCoist is someone who cannot help but accentuate the positives and he welcomed this return to what is a full-strength squad. Rangers will contemplate resting either Miller or Boyd tonight, with the option of leaving one on the bench until the later stages of the game. "We are in a lot better shape than we were maybe three weeks ago," said McCoist. "Back then we were all concerned about having players injured. For us to be successful we have to have a reasonably clean bill of health. I don't want to tempt fate, but we have that now. We (McCoist and Smith] feel that is the most important thing for us, it really is." http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/Finance-fears-stop-Ally-McCoist.6078352.jp

Super_ally examines the interesting conundrum of Steven Whittaker... http://www.gersnetonline.co.uk/2010/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=221:the-curious-case-of-steven-whittaker&catid=1:articles&Itemid=67 Just as the famous protagonist of the Fitzgerald short story confounded his contemporaries in paradoxically getting younger as he aged, in the story of Rangers' season fullback Steven Whittaker manages to embody a similar level of contradiction - delighting and frustrating in equal measure. Though enduring much justified criticism he has managed to become Rangers� third highest goal scorer this season, behind only strike duo Miller and Boyd. When Kirk Broadfoot returned to the fold at the start of the year most fans were glad as they assumed it spelled the end of Whittaker�s run at right-back. Although Broadfoot was immediately restored to the first XI, he has been rested on occasion to facilitate his recovery from injury and Rangers have benefited from this squad rotation with Whittaker scoring another highlight reel goal to put Rangers on the path to victory against his former club. As with another former Hibernian full-back that progressed to the Rangers first team Whittaker, much like Ian Murray, has not be helped by his own versatility. In the modern game, where the ability to fill more than one position can ensure you a place on the team sheet come match day. It can also be a curse, leaving you slumped on the bench with the knowledge you can fill in for a number of positions over the course of a game should the manager need to make a change. Furthermore, the lack of a recognised favoured position can mean a player never gets a regular run in one position, cannot effectively learn the role at the top level and struggle for form. On this front the support are definitely divided. Is he best on the left or the right? Should he play at fullback or further forward as a wide midfielder or even utilising his athleticism as an orthodox winger? When Whittaker was purchased from Hibernian he was like a diet-Alan Hutton. Playing right back (or right midfield) for the Leith side he was (and is) a reasonably tall full back, a natural athlete who likes to break forward and beat an opponent with a change of pace. As a young full back, similar in age to Hutton, his defensive game was questioned and perhaps this was an acknowledgement of a lack of experience, with his positioning particularly questionable. Not a lot has changed in the years he has been at Rangers. He still displays the same attributes, but the same question marks over his defensive capabilities remain. These very arguments formed the case for the immediate return of Kirk Broadfoot. He is not the first Rangers player to prove a conundrum, nor even is he alone in the current squad in this respect. His fellow goal-scorers in this weekend�s 3-0 victory over Hibs, Kenny Miller and Kris Boyd, can testify to this. Whilst his form has been inconsistent this season his stunning goals and foraging runs have been a feature of this season leaving us well placed in the hunt for the treble. I too was an advocate of giving Whittaker a rest when Broadfoot was fit and able to replace him. Even in spite of the results we were achieving and a remarkable defensive record, which now reads just 15 goals conceded in 25 SPL fixtures, there appeared an apparent weakness on our right hand side. Yet on Sunday, Whittaker put in one of his most accomplished defensive displays at Rangers in addition to his ever-impressive offensive thrusts. It provides another headache for Walter Smith who does not have his troubles to seek. However, this problem may prove somewhat more palatable to his manager. With Whittaker looking more accomplished in defence again, will we persist with the former-Hibs man knowing he offers more going forward than his competitor for the right back role, or do we allow Broadfoot to play his way back into match fitness? A further option open to the manager is to deploy Whittaker in front of Broadfoot, allowing for greater defensive solidity and utilising one of our most potent offensive options further up the field. Perhaps the role Whittaker was initially bought for, with Alan Hutton protecting our right flank behind him. The added bonus of this selection would be the option of moving Steve Davis into the engine room where the POTY candidate has delivered his most accomplished displays this season. The only question to be answered is whether or not Whittaker�s defensive runs would be as penetrating starting from further up the field or does starting these runs from further back allow him to build up a head of steam to drive into the heart of the opposition�s territory? Whilst I can empathise with the frustrations of the support over Whittaker�s performances this season, particularly around the turn of the year, it is undeniable that he has made many significant and important contributions this year. Once again he could almost have his own dedicated season highlight DVD, never mind featuring strongly on the club�s annual review. The manager does not have the deepest squad to pick from but at right back we have obvious and distinct options. It is preferable that the manager picks the right man for the right games and does not merely pick one man as his first choice. Broadfoot may be the preferred option when we need to tighten up at the back and prevent the opposition from creating chances whilst Steven Whittaker should be the pick when we are seeking to utilise width and pace to expose the weaknesses of the opposition. Whittaker may not quite be in the running for the POTY awards, but he will most likely be in contention when we discuss the in house goal of the season award and in spite of some disappointing performances this year, at least from a defensive point of view, his sterling contribution to the chase for yet more silverware to add to the overflowing Ibrox trophy room should not be forgotten nor underestimated.

It has been announced that a group of Rangers fans - backed by all official fan groups and all unofficial fansites in the online community (including Gersnet) - are to hold a peaceful protest within Ibrox Stadium this Sunday. You can read the statement released by the group below.

Interesting viewpoint in this RM article by Boss. . http://www.rangersmedia.co.uk/homepage/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=263%3Arangers-protests--qdonald-muir-the-saviour-withinq&catid=41%3Afinances

In December we were devastating. Our January performances were jaded. What then for our fortunes in February? Our results over the past two months have allowed us to open up a healthy 10 point gap at the top of the SPL table as we seek to retain the title. The December demolition of some of the league’s leading clubs is well documented. A maximum 18 points accrued, scoring 26 and conceding just 4. Equally well documented were our New Year struggles. Madjid Bougherra has been missing since the final game of December representing Algeria in an impressive African Nations run to the semi-final. Scotland’s deadliest strike duo; Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller have missed most of our January fixtures through injury and suspension. We also had to cope without (the now departed) Pedro Mendes, DaMarcus Beasley, Steven Naismith, Maurice Edu and Nacho Novo at various points throughout the month. In fact, in the league fixture against Hamilton we could not list a full complement of substitutes. Last weekend after we dropped points to Hearts, whilst Celtic eventually overcame ten-man St. Johnstone, the media were effusive in their praise of a resurgent Celtic. Mowbray was ridding himself of the deadwood and moulding the team in his own image. A resounding victory, ignoring the fact they only overcame the Perth outfit once Derek McInnes’ team were at a numerical disadvantage, was evidence of this. It may surprise some to note that during a month in which we have often competed with only one fit senior striker and could not always name a full 18-man match day squad, a month in which our form and results were questioned, we extended our Championship advantage. Rangers: Celtic (A) 1-1 Hamilton (A) 0-1 Hearts (H) 1-1 St Mirren (A) 0-2 Falkirk (H) 3-0 Celtic: Rangers (H) 1-1 Falkirk (H) 1-1 St Johnstone (A) 1-4 Hibs (H) 1-2 Hamilton (A) 0-1 Team P W D L F A Pts Rangers 5 3 2 0 8 2 11 Celtic 5 2 2 1 8 4 8 We have extended our lead by an additional 3 points and 2 goals in the goal difference column. I warned earlier on this month that we would only realise the benefit of our scintillating December performances if we maintained our form throughout January. Despite struggling in the triple header with Hamilton and at home to a stodgy Hearts side we have progressed in the Scottish Cup and forged further ahead in pursuit of the league crown. Unlike for our great rivals, Hibernian (and United) did not prove the stumbling block that was hoped for as we produced our best form in December and a decimated squad did not derail our title defence in January. With such a healthy advantage it is only natural we will look ahead to our remaining fixtures to examine the obstacles to securing title number 53. After a League Cup semi-final against St Johnstone and fifth round cup tie with St. Mirren we face a potentially tricky trip to Fir Park. Motherwell head up the chasing pack behind Dundee United and Hibernian who are competing with Celtic for second spot. Their confidence will be soaring having secured a 3-0 victory at Pittodrie and will look to cement their position in the top-six. We failed to take maximum points from this fixture back in September, but a 6-1 victory in December at Ibrox, coupled with the return of Boyd, Bougherra and Miller should give us the confidence to maintain our unbeaten run. A home game against John Hughes Hibernian should not be taken lightly as Tony Mowbray and Celtic will attest. It was Hibs midweek Parkhead victory that allowed us to return the gap from ourselves to Celtic to 10-points. Hibernian took an early lead when we travelled along the M8 to Leith, but Kenny Miller inspired a Rangers comeback as we ran out 4-1 winners. So, whilst Hibernian cannot be treated lightly, if we play to our capabilities we can put another nail in Celtic’s coffin this season. Anything less than three points at McDiarmid Park is unacceptable and victory would set us up nicely for a colossal Old Firm encounter at the end of February. If we can match or exceed Celtic points haul across the February fixtures we could effectively end their title hopes with a home victory on February 28th and who would argue against that with Walter Smith at the helm? Of course we have seen over the past two seasons especially that a small advantage this early in the season is not decisive and often doesn’t lead ultimately to success. Many fans more sensible than I would guard against such flagrant optimism. However, we are not competing on four fronts with midweek trips across the continent and an unprecedented backlog of fixtures. The destination of the league title is far from a foregone conclusion and there will be plenty of points dropped by ourselves and Celtic over the remaining fixtures, but our ten-point cushion affords us the luxury of playing without pressure and we can look forward to four February SPL fixtures with optimism and expectation. Celtic’s game against Killie should allow them to cut the gap to seven-points, but we know we must merely concentrate on what we do and keep the Championship outcome out of their hands. Three victories or at least matching Celtic’s result ahead of the penultimate Old Firm encounter will pile the pressure on a side that Mowbray has shorn of its SPL and title winning experience. Rangers’ February SPL fixtures: Motherwell (A) Wed 10th Hibernian (H) Sun 14th St Johnstone (A) Sat 20th Celtic (H) Sun 28th Celtic: Killie (A) Tue 2nd Hearts (H) Wed 10th Aberdeen (A) Sat 13th Dundee Utd (H) Sat 20th Rangers (A) Sun 28th It is maybe uncertain that we can maintain a winning record heading into the Celtic game, but it is equally likely Celtic will not make it through four testing fixtures unscathed. We have shown Championship character in negotiating our recent fixtures and maintaining our advantage in the league without the services of many of our key performers from this season. As the squad returns to full strength there is every reason for confidence in the remainder of the season as we seek another glorious treble!

Celtic forward Marc-Antoine Fortune has questioned title rivals Rangers' ability to cope with the pressure at the top. More...

Interesting article from FIFA.com - "Contrasting values clash in Scotland Ever since their legendary rivalry was born 122 years ago, Celtic and Rangers have always had very distinct, opposing identities. Rarely, however, have there been as many clearly marked differences between these Glaswegian Goliaths as there are in their current battle for the Scottish Premier League title. In the green corner, Celtic are undergoing a revolution. No other description would do justice to a transformation that, having started with Tony Mowbrayââ?¬â?¢s appointment during the summer, has included the addition of 12 new players, eight of whom arrived during a frenetic January window. Mowbray has earned renown, and occasionally ridicule, for his romantic football philosophy, and a commitment to reviving Celtic's tradition for expansive, attractive football resulted last month in the biggest personnel changes anywhere in world football. The dramatic deadline day capture of Robbie Keane, whom 5,000 fans waited until midnight to greet, capped an unprecedented period of activity in which the Celtic manager also moved on 10 players, including the clubââ?¬â?¢s captain, vice-captain and top scorer. ââ?¬Å?It's a gamble," Mowbray admitted. "But you either sit on your hands and do nothing, or you try to make improvements.ââ?¬Â While Mowbrayââ?¬â?¢s challenge is to knit a dressing room of strangers into a cohesive unit - and quickly - the task facing his Rangers counterpart could hardly contrast more starkly. Walter Smith is nothing if not stoic, but with Rangersââ?¬â?¢ financial plight having prevented him from making any permament signings since August 2008, he must have been envious of the spending spree taking place across the city. Smith, though, has taken a 'glass half-full' view - and with good reason. After all, while Celtic have dominated the headlines, it is Rangers who lead the Premier League table by the not inconsiderable margin of eight points. Stalwarts such as David Weir, Kenny Miller, Steven Davis and the prolific Kris Boyd have excelled and, ironically, Rangersââ?¬â?¢ greatest weakness ââ?¬â?? an inability to change their squad ââ?¬â?? looks to have become their most significant strength. As Smith acknowledged: "In many ways, a lack of new faces has helped us. Because there's not been much movement in or out of the club, there has been a stability that's benefited us.ââ?¬Â Even before the financial shackles were applied, Smith differed from Mowbray in purposely building his team around a core of admittedly ââ?¬Å?unflashyââ?¬Â Scottish players such as Weir, Miller and Lee McCulloch. The result has been a team that rarely dazzles, but is never lacking in determination, togetherness and team spirit. As Weir said today: "I know we're not the most pleasing on the eye at times, but it's all about winning - that's why we're here. We're not looking for credit or pats on the back. All we're interested in is winning." While Smith sent out a line-up containing eight Scottish internationals on Wednesday, Mowbray has opted for a more cosmopolitan approach, recently fielding a team that included ten different nationalities and not a single Scot. The former West Bromwich Albion manager is from the Arsene Wenger school of thought in this respect and, unlike Weir, shares Wenger's belief that football should be about more than the pursuit of points. As he said at his first-ever press conference as Celtic manager: ââ?¬Å?I need to be inspired and the supporters need inspiring. When I watch Spain, Barcelona and great technical teams and players, I try to recreate that where possible.ââ?¬Â These were ambitious words, and translating them into reality has proved easier said than done. Mowbrayââ?¬â?¢s Celtic have been plagued by defensive fragility from the outset, with injuries, inconsistency and changes in personnel ensuring that the Josh Thompson-Thomas Rogne partnership which finished Wednesdayââ?¬â?¢s win over Hearts was their eighth centre-half pairing of the season. Furthermore, Thompson and Rogne are 18 and 19 respectively. Compare that to Rangers, whose defensive solidity is based on the unmatched experience and unflappable composure of 39-year-old Weir. To the teenagersââ?¬â?¢ credit, both performed assuredly as Celtic succeeded in narrowing the gap with a morale-boosting win in which the team's outstanding player, Aiden McGeady, was back to his bewitching best. Inventive, skilful players such as McGeady, Keane, Kamara, Shaun Maloney and cult hero Paddy McCourt are at the heart of Mowbrayââ?¬â?¢s vision, while Smith will be pinning his hopes on solidity, unity and pragmatism providing the foundation for a successful title defence. Whichever philosophy prevails, this matching of contrasting styles, volatility against stability, and youth against experience promise to make this Old Firm title duel one of the most intriguing in years." http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1169203.html?cid=rssfeed&att=

Their headline: Bougherra hints at new Gers deal Then: Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra hints at new contract Despite the quotes in the story being completely neutral and him just saying 'I don't know, we'll see' the BBC have managed to put on a surprisingly pro-Rangers spin to the story by implying it means he's staying. I'd have bet my bawsack that their headline to that story would have been 'Bougherra considering his options' at best or 'Bougherra may leave'. Sometimes even the BBC can surprise you.

CHIEF Executive reveals key points at Assembly meeting More...

Rangers have landed a much-needed Ã?£300,000 TV windfall from their exertions in the Active Nations Scottish Cup so far this season. Sky TV today confirmed they will show live coverage of Gers fifth round replay against St Mirren on Wednesday, Ferbruary 17 at Ibrox. And that means all four of the cup holdersââ?¬â?¢ ties so far this term will have been broadcast, bringing much needed cash into the Ibrox coffers. Sky pay Ã?£82,500 to each club when they cover a cup-tie. They screened Rangersââ?¬â?¢ fourth-round tie, and subsequent replay, against Hamilton Accies last month and will now show the Saints clash a week tomorrow. And there was also a payment to Gers and Saints from the BBC, who covered the 0-0 draw between the clubs last Saturday lunchtime. With a place in the Co-operative Insurance League Cup Final also secured next month against each other, both clubs are banking much-needed additional revenue from the domestic scene. However, after talks yesterday, it has been agreed that ticket prices for next weekââ?¬â?¢s cup replay will be dramatically reduced ââ?¬â?? with kids also going free. Rangers approached St Mirren over a pricing structure and pointed out that a crowd of just under 22,000 turned out for the Hamilton Accies replay at Ibrox. Ticket prices for the general public have been slashed to just Ã?£15 and Ã?£5. And four kids can get into Ibrox for free with a full-paying adult. Rangers season ticket holders will also receive a further Ã?£2 discount, which is being subsidised by the club. Meanwhile, boss Walter Smith is hoping Sasa Papac will be back in action against Motherwell tomorrow night at Fir Park. The left-back returned to full training yesterday after missing the last two matches with a knee problem. Smith said: ââ?¬Å?Weââ?¬â?¢re hopeful Sasa will be fit for Motherwell. He doesnââ?¬â?¢t miss many games and weââ?¬â?¢re keen to get him back. ââ?¬Å?As long as thereââ?¬â?¢s no reaction to him training, he should be able to return.ââ?¬Â http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/editor-s-picks-ignore/rangers-enjoy-sky-cup-cash-boost-1.1005036

Walter Smith says he is unconcerned about transfer speculation linking Madjid Bougherra with a move away. More...

Join Supporters Group Statement News - Assembly News "The Rangers Supporters’ Trust, Rangers Supporters Assembly and Rangers Supporters Association united today in expressing alarm at recent comments made by the club's Manager, Walter Smith: "anybody who thinks it is going to get better in the summer is deluding themselves. My concerns for Rangers for the long term - not even in the long term, for the end of the season - are genuine concerns as being a supporter as much as being a manager." We call on Rangers fans to stand shoulder to shoulder with Walter Smith and we ask all fans to show public support for the Manager and join us on February 14th at Ibrox where fans will express their frustration at the club's current situation. All fans' groups are united in seeking a public announcement from the Club Chairman on the precise remit and intent of both Donald Muir and Lloyds Banking Group, regarding the future of Rangers Football Club. Finally we ask parties who have expressed an interest in buying into Rangers FC to now come forward publicly with an outline of their plans, specifically on how the Rangers support can be involved and help overcome barriers to a successful, sustainable transfer of ownership which will secure the Club's future." Looks like I'm not alone in wanting to know what Muir's remit is ??????

Taken from FF, posted by User Barrybaldy. We were warned 4 months ago... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/h...ngers-1.928574 Guys, I told you at the time Darrell King had been given this from high - most probably Walter Smith. Every word of that story is now coming true, much as it hurts. My understanding right now is that Muir is blocking any attempts for bank talks with Dave King, who did make an �£18m bid which Muir told the bank to reject. Muir has told the bank 'I'll get you every penny back' I am told he gets a sizeable fee if he brokers a sale - and it won't be to King on the cheap if he has his way. King, and his people, have clearly been behind the negative PR against the bank, most of which has been done in Herald Group papers. I am told Muir has even tried to go after Darrell King by pressuring his editor, and a furious battle is raging internally on every Gers/finance story. Meantime, we are nowhere near being saved.

McDOWALL adamant Kris will only play when he is ready More...

Walter Smith has expressed his delight at Rangers reaching their fifth successive cup final in midweek. More...

Last August, ArsÃ?¨ne Wenger cautioned against the typically British opinion that “In England, people think all problems can be sorted out by buying players”. Certainly, as Tony Mowbray and Celtic have discovered thus far, that is not always the case. As the third transfer window in succession closed without a new signing arriving at Ibrox the blue half of Glasgow cast envious glances across the city as the hordes of hooped horrors bared their behinds in our direction. The temporary signing of Robbie Keane, a man who has amassed Ã?£70million worth of transfer fees over his career, is undoubtedly a real coup for Celtic. A player of EPL pedigree should run amok in Scotland. But I’m not ready for jumping off the Kingston Bridge just yet. During the summer I wrote an article calling for calm amongst the support as stage one of the Mowbray revolution was underway. The point was made then, and is perhaps more appropriate now, that the reason for so much turnover at Celtic Park was due to their greater need. Walter Smith presided over a team of double winners whilst the new manager at Parkhead was tasked with rebuilding a team that could challenge for the title. The vast number of transfers in and out, in addition to a change of management, did not just demonstrate a financial strength currently unavailable to Smith. It was a clear indication of turmoil in the East End. First team stalwarts of previous seasons; Nakamura, Hesselink and Hartley were moved on as a number of fringe and youth players also exited Parkhead. 12 players left Celtic either permanently or on loan, with Darren O’Dea (now back at the club) among their number. At the same time 7 players were brought in, all to questionable success so far. Zaluska has rarely featured with Boruc number 1. Zheng Zhi had an Old Firm cameo that ended in defeat, whilst left-back Danny Fox has already returned to England. Young defender Josh Thompson has only featured due to a recent lack of viable alternatives whilst N’Guemo and more strikingly Fortune have yet to justify their fees. As I quoted in the summer article ArsÃ?¨ne Wenger is a firm believer that purchasing players is not the only way to develop and improve your team. Consistency of selection with a group of players who know and are willing to work for each other can be far more valuable than a high-profile transfer earning mega-bucks who could disrupt dressing room harmony. How will Keane’s team mates react to Celtic reportedly paying half of his Ã?£130,000 wages? The flurry of activity in this transfer window, like in the summer has further highlighted our lack of incoming business. During the summer, only Jerome Rothen arrived on loan whilst Barry Ferguson, Brahim Hemdani and Christian Dailly amongst the high profile departures. A large number of players left the squad, but the majority of the double winning squad were retained with the impact of those leaving questionable at best. I appealed for calm in the summer as just because Celtic were making a lot of moves, there was no guarantee of success. No one could judge how the signings would settle and it was not as if they were merely adding to an already strong unit. Only selling key players from the first team allowed to finance their summer spending spree, as has been the case this January. The effect of continuity is there for all to see. Despite a first team squad reduced to around 20-23 first team players, Walter Smith has led Rangers to a ten-point lead at the top of the SPL table. All this achieved despite a desperately unlucky run of injuries and suspensions. With Bougherra, Boyd, Miller, Edu, Beasley, Naismith, Mendes, Novo and Broadfoot all unavailable at various points in the season (and most of our star performers missing in January) many predicted our title challenge to falter as we started the new year. Instead, we extended our advantage at the top. There was no doubt an element of luck in coping without so many key players, but it is also testament to the character and collective will of the players who performed in their absence. We are undoubtedly a better unit with the likes of Bougherra, Boyd and Miller in particular are available. But we have the players to keep picking up the points when the first team is down to the bare bones. It is highly unlikely that we will contest the rest of the season with the number of players unavailable that we suffered through January. Bougherra, should he not lose himself or his passport, will be back for this weekend’s match and if he has aspirations to return to the EPL should relish the challenge of Robbie Keane when that arrives. Kenny Miller seems to have aggravated a long standing injury and may miss a few more games but should hopefully be available for the tougher upcoming fixtures. Kris Boyd should be playing bounce games next week ahead of a first team return and will look to renew his partnership with his international team mate. So we may not have strengthened the squad with new bodies, but we will have a host of the key players from earlier this year to bolster the squad that battled valiantly in January. The loss of Mendes weakens the squad but due to injury his contribution to developing a ten-point lead was minor. There is every reason for positivity in the ability of those who remain in spite of his absence. If the squad turnover at Celtic in the summer was a sign of turmoil, their January spend has done nothing to dispel that view. Summer signing Fox had already returned to England whilst Darren O’Dea, packed off down South on loan, has returned and already taken the captain’s armband (if temporarily) with McManus going out on loan... Hardly the sign of a manager with a clear vision for the future of his club. A further 12 players left the club last month, most notably the captain McManus, his centre back partner Caldwell, Barry Robson and top scorer Scott McDonald. These players have been replaced by South Korean Ki, Jos Hooiveld, Rasmussen and 3 loan signings in Keane, Diomansy Kamara and defender Braafheid from Bayern. With Celtic’s preference for masking their transfer business with undisclosed fees and using the press to augment their signings values by increasing their wages across the duration of the transfer it would take a more financially astute poster (visit our forum for our two accounting experts' views) to assess the impact of their transfer dealings and hence gain insight to their real financial standing. However, with the fact that the big name players have come in on loan and the departures of their top scorer, captain and first XI players it appears their incoming transfers have only been possible by flogging half their squad. Suggestions of financial strength appear wide of the mark. Having lost the title last year and missed out on the financial bounty of the Champions League, Celtic cannot afford to miss out again. Having fallen ten points behind after their match with Kilmarnock last night they have taken an enormous gamble by throwing money at expensive imports in an attempt to wrestle the title from our grasp. Should they fail their financial problems should become more apparent. The rumour that Dermot Desmond has put up the money to cover the cost of Robbie Keane’s expensive loan stay further supports this theory. As does Redknapp’s insistence on Sky Sports News that it is only a temporary move. Essentially, Celtic have not spent much money this transfer window to flex their financial muscle over Rangers. Mowbray has wheeled and dealed better than Del Boy Trotter, or even dodgy ‘Arry to manoeuvre his club into a position to attract big name players from down south. The suggestions out with Parkhead suggest falling attendances were a further motivating factor. Whilst bringing in EPL class strikers is most surely going to strengthen your squad, selling your top scorer, your captain, your first choice centre backs and your most effective combative midfielder does not. Celtic are not going from strength to strength. They are trying to resurrect the phoenix from the ashes of the last 18 months. By contrast, whilst we do not have the funds to bring in EPL squad players, we do not have to sell Boyd, Bougherra and Davis to try and turn round a misfiring squad. It is distinctly unlikely we will suffer the injuries and unavailability of player that we have over the first half (or so) of the season. A full strength Rangers in December was a ravenous beast - chewing up and spitting out the best the SPL had to offer out with the Old Firm. When our player of the year candidates return there is every reason to expect we will be strong enough to maintain our title advantage and secure a second consecutive title. The lack of continuity at Celtic is an unknown quantity that could backfire for Mowbray as he tries to rebuild a squad in January and the sensible money will be on Rangers retaining the SPL championship.

Well that was the end of the transfer window. It is funny how they call it the transfer window when so many Celtic players were shown the door. All of a sudden the Celtic supporters are having a whale of a time. Big Mowby Dick has caught them hook line and sinker. Just two day�s ago they were all at sea, Floundering in second place 10 points behind the Rangers. Big Sinbad was Sobad they wanted him to walk the plank. All of a sudden big Mowby Dick has become a fisher of Men. All the pieces have fallen into Plaice in one quick cast. The great white Shark in Robbie Keane, has been reeled in. This deadly predator that has failed on the Mersey and on the Thames is going to find easy prey, in the SPL gold fish bowl. The big fish who has not been that great at finding the net in other waters. The Celtic shoals are already singing we�ve won the league. Well I suppose with 20.000 leagues under the sea they may win one. The problem is, these mighty fish sometimes turn out to be a red herring and you get a haddock that starts to smell after a few weeks. I am sure even the fish sized brains of the Green and grey Guppy�s will remember Thomas Graveson and Bobo Balde. The old C-dogs certainly took the bait there. They got more like Cod�s Roe than nine in a row with them. So what if King Nep-tuna does not find Atlantis but sinks like the Poseidon? What if this great white shark, turns out to be a damp squid? Well I suppose Sharky will be thrown back to terrorise in the murky waters of the EPL reserve league. The Parkhead piranhas will be going on a feeding frenzy on big Mowby, as he is mussled out the door. Come May, Walter Smith and his mighty minnows will be Perched at the top of the SPL, and go on to feed on the not so rich Parkhead plankton for years to come. Oh to see the green and grey guppy�s Clam up as they will be totally gutted as their team are skinned. Whale. Whale.