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http://www.sportinglife.com/football/scottishpremier/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/08/11/17/SOCCER_Rangers.html&TEAMHD=scotspremiership Rangers striker Kenny Miller is doubtful for the visit of Aberdeen on Saturday after pulling out of the Scotland squad with a calf injury. Miller took a kick during Saturday's 2-1 win over St Mirren and the swelling on Sunday night forced him to withdraw from Wednesday's friendly against Argentina. The 28-year-old has been undergoing treatment at Murray Park this morning as the Rangers medical team bid to get him fit for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash. Rangers manager Walter Smith is hopeful of having Madjid Bougherra back for the Dons game after he missed the St Mirren victory with a calf injury. The Algeria defender has joined up with his international team-mates for their African Nations Cup qualifier against Mali but Rangers do not expect him to play. I know some dont like the lad but I actually think he will be a loss - he has done a lot of good work for us this season.

LEGENDARY Rangers manager Bill Struth and sensational striker Derek Johnstone have been inducted into Scottish Football's Hall of Fame. Struth, who bossed Rangers for an incredible 34 years, and DJ joined an illustrious band of men when they were announced at a dinner in Glasgow tonight. They were inducted along with John Thomson, Billy Liddell, Archie Gemmill, Jim Leighton, Ian St John and Bobby Evans. Football fans from all over the world nominated players whom they thought should be recognised for their contribution to Scottish football. Derek Johnstone at the Nou Camp with Cup Winners CupThen a panel of experts from football and the media considered the nominees and had the difficult task of whittling them down to eight. During Struth's remarkable tenure Rangers won 18 Championships, 10 Scottish Cups and 2 League Cups, which makes him the most successful British club manager of all time. He presided over the some of the greatest years in the Club's history, when it established its name in World football. He is, also often accredited with establishing many of the great traditions of the Club and has been a role model for many of managers who followed, most notably Scot Symon and Willie Waddell. Johnstone, of course, famously burst onto the scene in the League Cup Final of 1970 at the age of 16 when his header defeated Celtic and gave Rangers their first trophy in over four years. He was a natural footballer who could play equally adeptly at centre half or in midfield and did so regularly throughout his career. At the age of 18 he played at the back in the Cup Winners' Cup Final of 1972 when he and the rest of the Barcelona Bears became legends. However, it is as a striker that Johnstone made the best impact scoring 210 goals for Rangers, including 132 in the league. Only Ally McCoist has scored more in the post-war era. Those already included in the Hall of Fame are Jim Baxter, Billy Bremner, Sir Matt Busby, Kenny Dalglish, Sir Alex Ferguson, Hughie Gallacher, John Greig, Jimmy Johnstone, Denis Law, Dave Mackay. Danny McGrain, Jimmy McGrory, Billy McNeill, Willie Miller, Bobby Murdoch, Bill Shankly, Gordon Smith, Graeme Souness, Jock Stein, Willie Woodburn, Alan Morton, Alex McLeish, Bobby Lennox, Charles Campbell. George Young, Jim McLean, Joe Jordan, John White, Lawrie Reilly, Willie Waddell, Alex James, Davie Cooper, Tommy Gemmell, Richard Gough, Henrik Larsson, Brian Laudrup, Sandy Jardine. Billy Steel, Willie Ormond, John Robertson, Tommy Walker, Willie Henderson, Walter Smith, Gordon Strachan, Allan Hansen, Ally McCoist, Rose Reilly, Eddie Turnbull, Willie Bauld, Eric Caldow and Jimmy Cowan.

By Andrew Dickson PEDRO MENDES is confident he and Barry Ferguson can strike up a partnership to remember at the heart of the Rangers midfield. The duo started alongside each other for the first time in the 0-0 draw with Motherwell at Fir Park on Wednesday night. Barry FergusonThey showed in spells that they can be a big hit as a pairing, despite the fact Gers were held by the Steelmen in the end. Whether they get to team up again when St Mirren visit Ibrox tomorrow is unclear, with Walter Smith still to decide if he will risk starting Ferguson. It could be that after five months out with an ankle injury, the Light Blues and Scotland skipper is put on the bench instead so that he isn't rushed into playing too frequently. Either way, Mendes is sure they can gel over time and make a big impact as the Ibrox men challenge for the SPL title. The Portuguese star said: "Barry is a fantastic footballer. I've seen him at Murray Park in the last three or four weeks as he has come back to training. "Now it is all about him getting his fitness up because he has been away and out of the team for a while. "It is very good to have him back and I don't think him and I gelling is going to be an issue. "There has to be an understanding between all 11 players on the pitch and everyone must be aware of what they have to do. "If you are talking about Fergie and I, we, as midfielders, know what our jobs are so it's not a problem. "We are an attacking team so if we both like to press forward, that's not a bad thing. Besides, a team such as Rangers can't drop off and wait for other teams to come at us.Pedro Mendes "Barry and I just need to play together. It was our first time against Motherwell and the understanding will come. We will get even better and it's just a matter of time." Mendes is not worried by the fact Rangers trail Celtic in the league table despite beating them 4-2 at Parkhead in August. Indeed, he is perfectly relaxed about the situation and remains confident the deficit is something he and his team-mates can overcome. The former Portsmouth and Spurs star added: "There is a four-point gap but there is still a long way to go. "We are not happy with dropping some points lately, even though Dundee United and Motherwell played well against us, but there is plenty of time left. "A lot of games have still to be played, including three between us and Celtic, and everything is still very open. "In my opinion, we are playing very good football and we just need to be a bit more clinical in front of goal and tighter defensively. That will come."

WALTER SMITH admits that missed opportunities proved costly for Rangers in tonight's goalless draw at Fir Park. Kenny Miller rues a missed chance against Motherwell at Fir ParkAnd he also voiced his frustration at the Main Stand linesman's decision to rule Kris Boyd offside in the second-half. The Gers' no 9 latched on to a through pass before hammering a shot beyond Graeme Smith but the official raised his flag when Boyd was clearly in line with a Motherwell defender. This capped a disappointing night for the Light Blues who have now slipped four points behind Celtic in the title race. Smith said: "I thought the game was similar to last week against Dundee United in that it was a good match and we had to work hard for our opportunities. "We created enough of them to win the game but didn't manage to take them which is, of course, very disappointing. "We are also annoyed with the decision against Kris Boyd in the second-half. He e got through and scored but was ruled offside when clearly he wasn't. "Apart from that we had to work very hard tonight. "The first half hour was pretty even and we came into it after that and created three or four really good opportunities to score before half-time. Barry Ferguson "We didn't take them and I felt at that stage if we had got in front we could have stepped up from there but it wasn't to be." One positive note from the night was that Barry Ferguson came through the 90 minutes unscathed although Smith insists it was the player's decision to stay on the pitch for the full game. He said: "We did not intend to play Barry for 90 minutes tonight. "We felt if he got an hour that would be good for him but as the game went on he was keen to stay on. "It was a good 90 minutes for him and we are relieved that Sasa is also recovering from his knock towards the end. "He took a nasty one tonight but seems to be ok in the Dressing Room."

Manager Walter Smith warns Rangers they face a stern challenge to end Celtic's run of three titles in a row. More...

Carrying on from Frankie’s brilliantly written and though provoking article, Rangers FC, A House Of Cards - http://www.gersnetonline.net/vb/showthread.php?t=8803 I thought that I would add to the dreachness of the morning by trying to establish why or club appear to be determined to hand the SPL title to Celtc. As I said in my rants early in the week, we are consistently inconsistent and I can’t remember a time where I have been as frustrated at our form as I am at this moment. Sure there have been times when we have been worse than this, there is no doubting this, but the frustration comes about having witnessed this squad dismantle Celtc at Parkhead, Hibs at Easter Road whilst playing a brand of football synonymous with Rangers Football Club. Then we have had to endure the dross served up at Love Street, Falkirk Stadium and last night at Fir Park. Once again last night we started with little urgency thus allowing our opponents to settle into the game and dictate the pace and flow of the game. Motherwell are a physical team and were quite happy with the ball being leathered from one corner of Fir Park to another. That is their strength, and it is also our weakness. We are outnumbered, out-muscled and more worryingly, out-played on the midfield area for the entire 90 minutes last night. We played to Motherwell’s strengths and had no-one either in the dug-out or on the pitch who had the capacity to change our tactics and play to our strengths. There has been a trend recently where when we are struggling to impose ourselves in games that we revert to the high ball / long ball game. This plays right into the hands of the opposition. 2 towering centre halves (the prerequisite for SPL teams these days), backed up with physical full-backs and tough tackling midfield players, lap this up. What they don’t like is football being played round about them. So instead of dominating games, establishing our pace, footballing ability, we get dragging into a war of attrition and inevitably drop points. So how is to blame for this trend? The players have to take their share of the responsibilities, but the management team appear to lack the leadership required to ensure that we can start a game with the necessary urgency to stamp our authority on proceedings. I understand that we have no divine right to win any game, we have to earn the right to win games and titles. However, I believe as we have been weakened on the pitch, teams in the SPL are no longer intimidated whilst playing Rangers. In our prime, we carried an aura with us – we weren’t invincible, but teams knew when they played Rangers, we are capable of destroying them playing football, but had the players who could and would stand up to a physical battle. Ian Ferguson, Stuart McCall, Nigel Spackman, Graham Roberts, Richard Gough, Terry Butcher, John Brown, Mark Hateley – all fantastic football players, but also players who wouldn’t be frightened to go toe-to-toe with anyone of the nature of the game demanded it. Those type of players won their battles and allowed players like Gazza, Laudrup, Walters, Wilkins, McCoist, et al to then play the football that would win us the games. Quite simply, we don’t have that mix at the moment, and clearly, we don’t have that quality at our disposal either. Currently, we are deploying 4 centre-halves in our back four. Our midfield consists of 3 centre midfield players and a front man pitched in for good measure. Our front two try hard and have differing qualities, but to be honest, neither of them score the crucial goals that win you games like last night on a consistent enough basis. We have played the majority of this season with absolutely no width in the team. Opposition managers know this and use it to there advantage, There were times last night where you could have thrown a blanked over our 11 players, they were so narrow and so close together. Walter Smith has another frustrating trait – his use of substitutions. Firstly, some are mind-boggling in the extreme and almost all of them are never a simple ‘straight swap’. Take last night as an example – Novo for Lafferty – looked like the correct move at the time (maybe 5 or 10 minutes later than expected, but the correct move none-the-less). Anyway, on comes Novo to play wide left? No, Novo moves into the centre, Miller moved out left? In saying that, the above deficiencies, whilst being glaring, are not unfixable. Compare them to the gross incompetence of the officials and they pail into insignificance (however, they are the only deficiencies that we have complete control over). The standards of refereeing and assistant refereeing in the SPL this season have been disgraceful bordering on the corrupt. It is safe to say that we have fallen foul to at least one controversial / crucial decision in almost everyone of our SPL games this season (another perfectly good goal wrongly chopped of last night) and at the same time, Celtc have been the beneficiaries of at least one controversial and crucial in almost everyone of their SPL games. I don’t think that the above statement sounds paranoid, as there are facts, pictures, video footage et al to back these claims up. So what can be done about these? Well, our club could be doing a better job in highlighting these decisions. We hear / see every other SPL manager (and in Celtc’s case, Chairman et al) banging on about all the decisions that go against them, so why not us? Well, I’ll tell you why not us, our Chairman doesn’t care. Ask him for a quote about the big, bad Rangers fans singing songs, or posting on websites and its ‘pens and Dictaphones at the ready’, I’ll give you enough to fill a 100 papers. Ask him to defend us, or challenge officials who are bordering on the corrupt? Silence is golden in Murray Towers. So, in conclusion, have we thrown away the league title this early in the season? Well, on current form, it’s impossible to believe that we can go to places like Tannidice, Tynecastle (both loaming large on the horizon), Pittodrie et al and gaining 3 points. It’s hard to see where Celtc are going to drop points. We are looking at an OF game at Xmas that could see us a trailing them by 4 points (at least) and stacks enormous pressure on us to deliver a performance and a result. Lose that game and it could be all over bar the shouting. Where does that leave Walter and his staff? Well, losing a 4th consecutive league title would be catastrophic, and I’d like to believe that it would mean (yet another) change in manager. Tough times ahead folks and we must no witness leadership from the top – are we going to get it? As is the case with Mr Murray’s last decade in charge at Ibrox, we are left with more questions than answers. Cammy F

WALTER SMITH has called on the football authorities to use their powers to rescind yellow cards issued wrongly to players charged with simulation. Everyone abhors Walter Smithcheating in football - and rightly so. Players who are subsequently shown to have dived to gain an advantage should be punished. The most famous recent example of this was the two-match ban handed out by UEFA to Saulius Mikoliunas when he dived to win a penalty against Scotland last year. Smith feels this logic should be a two-way street and those players cautioned for simulation but later proved to be innocent should have their booking taken away. This, of course, stems from the incident on Sunday when Rangers suffered on two counts. Kirk Broadfoot made a superb run into the Kilmarnock box to collect a Steve Davis pass and was brought down by Alan Combe. It should have been a penalty and, potentially, a yellow card for Combe. Instead, Eddie Smith awarded a goal kick and booking Broadfoot for diving. Smith said: "I think the referees have a difficult job. I actually felt that even allowing for the fact that he hadn't been clipped - and he clearly he was - there was no way he was trying to win a penalty.Kirk Broadfoot at Rugby Park "When you see the incident again, the goalkeeper does catch Kirk. If people are going to be pulled up by the SFA for simulation then we should be able to appeal against the yellow card in this instance. "You should be able to rescind a yellow card if it shown to be the case that Kirk was clearly not simulating. "The other aspect is that it could have been an important stage of the game. "If people are going to make a fuss about diving then leeway should be given to those who are wrongly punished for it. "The officials are all wired up these days so the linesman has a certain responsibility in all of this as well. He wasn't far from the incident and he probably had a clearer view than the referee. "So we have to look at that situation. In my view if you are going to be punished after the fact for diving then you should have a yellow card rescinded if it's proved that you were not diving."

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=693&Itemid=2 As our forum regulars will know, I had this article planned last week anyway due to the recent comments from a range of people about the effect of unofficial websites based around football. Fortunately, BBC Radio Scotland also had a debate on this last night, so the topic gains even more relevance. Essentially, of late we’ve had people from Sir David Murray, to Walter Smith, to the likes of Richard Gordon and even that fearless objective crusader at ‘The Times’, Graham Spiers highlighting the role of unofficial sites in the current climate of the obsession with ‘bile’, sectarianism and discrimination in Scottish football. All these people suggest these sites (which I can only assume include this one as they don’t have the courage to name names) are cauldrons of hate – cooking up an intensity of spite and intolerance via misinformation and unchallenged anonymity. Now, I think it is important to acknowledge that some sites do have an element of that. Some forum posters or blog writers may not share the eloquence of the ‘genuine’ Fourth Estate and it’s easy to find non-constructive contributions on most sites. However, I think it’s important to retain objectivity when viewing the overall picture. Firstly, I completely reject any accusation towards Gersnet of sectarianism, bile or anonymity. We write here honestly, openly and always from a (reasonably) balanced view point. We certainly do not allow social intolerance or lies about individuals and we can be contacted easily and effectively via the site. Indeed, Rangers FC are fully aware of who runs this small fansite. To move immediately on, it’s important to discuss why the people/organisations above are now intent on reducing the credibility of such places - even if I don’t think this site is the target of any criticism. 1. Money Quite simply, as the stats from independent news-wire sites such as NewsNow will show, unofficial websites cost clubs and the media money. Why would supporters visit their bland ‘official’ websites or buy their offline products when they can access the same information for free? This site often out-performs the orthodox media/news sites and as such we are taking their customers away. We provide genuine competition and they don’t like this. 2. Access to Debate Football fans of every club have for years complained that their club doesn’t gain the attention it deserves in the media or that that attention is flawed: e.g.; non-Old Firm supporters complain of West Coast bias, Old Firm supporters complain about imbalance. As such, it’s obvious to anyone that when we can set up our own sites of debate, people will gravitate to these. Perhaps if the clubs and the media groups offered similar official forums (online and offline) for discussion, the need for unofficial ones wouldn’t be so great? 3. Quality of Debate Spelling mistakes and grammar errors notwithstanding, unofficial sites also compete in debate quality terms. It’s extremely arrogant and unfair of our critics to suggest that isn’t the case. Football phone-ins and most media platforms are hardly the epitome of accuracy and neither do they attempt to reduce hyperbole of any given subject – particularly sectarianism. In fact they add to it and the contributors do not take responsibility for their actions either. As such it’s rather hypocritical of them to complain about our contribution. 4. Hypocrisy It’s interesting to hear these figures complain of such sites so also imperative to note their double-standards. For example, they criticise us publicly but in the background they contact us to publish their latest RSS widget, offer competitions/adverts or even send staff to post on our forums. Most importantly, they suffer from the same alleged problems they accuse us of – inaccuracy, lack of balance, poor quality writing and ill-informed sensationalism. They just don’t like us pointing this out. In conclusion, it’s obvious the competition aspect is what the media (in particular) fear from places like this site. They know our contribution is as good (if not better) than anything they have to offer and they feel the pressure from that. This pressure manifests itself in their flawed attempts at discrediting us where in actual fact, they should accept our competition, and use their unrivalled resources to outflank us. Thus, instead of complaining about such places; rise to the challenge and improve your own services. Revamp club websites. Provide genuine supporters representation. Take our complaints seriously. Report accurately on subjects. Be balanced in your coverage. Offer supporters access to proper informed media debate. Provide value for money. Work with the supporters – not against them. Maybe, just maybe, if you stopped passing the buck, Scottish football supporting wouldn’t be as bad an aspect of the game you paint it out to be. Unfortunately, as it stands, the complainers above are not offering solutions but simply pointing the finger of blame. This always seems to be the case so it any wonder division arises? Perhaps if you take responsibility for your own actions then supporters may just stop questioning your own credibility - which is why ‘unofficial’ websites exist in the first place.

Rangers manager Walter Smith says squad exits are more likely than additions during the forthcoming transfer window. More...

RANGERS trip to face Inverness in January has been switched from Saturday January 3 to Sunday January 4 for live TV coverage on Setanta. The kick-off time has yet to be fixed for what will be Walter Smith's side's first fixture in 2009. Gers' trip to Aberdeen in January will also be broadcast by the satellite channel with details of the date at time to be confirmed following Wednesday's draw for the semi finals of the Co-operative Insurance Cup. The Dons clash, currently scheduled for 3pm on Saturday January 24, may move to an earlier slot that day or switch to Sunday January 25. A decision on that trip will be made once fixtures for the League semis are finalised. Smith's side could face Celtic, Falkirk or Dundee United on either Tuesday January 27 or Wednesday January 28. Full details of all matches will be published on rangers.co.uk when fixture dates and times are settled.

JEAN-CLAUDE DARCHEVILLE is ready to jump at a move to Nantes or Marseille. The French Ligue 1 sides are tracking the Rangers striker who has dropped down the pecking order at Ibrox this season. Darch has told friends he wants to end his Gers hell in January and SunSport can reveal heââ?¬â?¢s already eyeing a return to France. Nantes and Marseilles are both understood to be keen on the 33-year-old striker, who has failed to score in eight outings this season. Darcheville has been alerted to the transfer interest in his homeland and has hinted he is ready to call time on his Rangers career. He said: ââ?¬Å?My agent has told me about a few contacts there. Nothing is impossible. It is France that made me and I donââ?¬â?¢t forget it. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m not saying no to a return. It will depend on opportunities.ââ?¬Â Darcheville is now Gersââ?¬â?¢ FIFTH choice striker behind Kris Boyd, Kenny Miller, Kyle Lafferty and Nacho Novo. Thatââ?¬â?¢s a situation the former Bordeaux star is no longer prepared to accept. The Frenchman is out of contract in the summer and Gers boss Walter Smith will be tempted to cash in on a player he has used sparingly this season. Darcheville added: ââ?¬Å?I have been told about interest from Nantes. ââ?¬Å?I know the manager Elie Baup and we have a good relationship. ââ?¬Å?And Marseille? If such a club contacted me, it would not leave me uninterested.ââ?¬Â http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/article1903354.ece

Rangers manager Walter Smith has revealed Sasa Papac is set to sign a new deal at Ibrox later this week. Papac has been in talks with Gers officials for the last few months over a two-year extension to his contract. The Bosnian is set to meet Rangers chief executive Martin Bain after Tuesday's reaaranged SPL clash with Dundee United and Smith is confident the deal will be concluded quickly. "I would hope it would be finalised this week," Smith told the Daily Record. "Sasa is going to meet Martin and hopefully it will be sorted out as he has been doing well. "He came here as a centre-half but has adapted to his new role at left-back and shown he is a really good footballer. He deserves great credit." Must say I am glad to see him signing an extension. Has played very well since making the LB position his own - to the extent that it would be easy to think that LB is his natural position.

WALTER SMITH today admitted that it's not outwith the bounds of possibility for Kris Boyd to one day overtake Ally McCoist as Rangers greatest scorer. Boyd has a long way to go before he matches the achievements of Super Ally, the current assistant manager, who holds the Rangers record for both league and European goals and netted a staggering 355 goals in his 15 years as a player at Ibrox. However, 81 goals in 114 matches - including a hat-trick at the weekend, shows that Boyd has an impressie strike rate Smith said: "He's got a career to go through but the initial part would indicate that, if he carries on playing at Rangers as long as Ally did, then he has an opportunity to beat that statistically. "Ally had to break a few goalscoring records here to get himself up there and Kris will have to work like that. But that's a long way down the line." Boyd has often been criticised for his lack of work-rate in the past but Smith insists the striker deserves credit for trying to improve his overall game this season. He added: "I've said on many occasions that there are aspects of his game that he had to improve on but his goalscoring was something nobody could complain about. "He's a terrific finisher, one of the best I've been involved with. His overall level of play has improved as well. "He had bits of his game that he had to improve on and he's worked at that since the start of the season. "He's improved that aspect and it's not interfered with his level of goals. Long may that continue." Boyd's partnership with Kenny Miller proved productive against Inverness as Rangers riot with five goals in 45 minutes, with Boyd's three goals sandwiched between strikes from Nacho Novo and Miller. Smith now hopes his front pairing will lead the way after admitting to concerns about Rangers' lack of goals earlier in the campaign. "The partnership is starting to develop," said the Rangers boss. "In quite a number of the games this season we have had a lot of possession of the ball and never quite managed to get the goals at the end of it, so it was nice to do that on Saturday. "It's something we will have to continue to work at and emphasise that good possession of the ball isn't necessarily going to win you the game." Dundee United are the visitors on Tuesday night as Rangers attempt to make the most of their game in hand by moving level with Celtic at the summit of the Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League. Smith said: "Dundee United were a wee bit like ourselves and had a slow start to the season but they've settled down in the last six or seven weeks and are back to the form they showed last season. "We always get a really difficult game from them, they are always well-organised and have a good attitude. "They're well-motivated and have some good players in their team so it will be a good game tomorrow night and one that we're all looking forward to."

Walter Smith’s recent outburst decrying Rangers fans for spouting bile on websites has come as a huge slap in the face for decent majority of Rangers fans who use modern technology to discuss the club they support and allow them the freedom to express opinions and facts to fellow supporters. His words seem clichÃ?©d from other sources, such as those that have a perpetual agenda against Rangers fans, and the press who fuel this as it is easy to sensationalise twisted, negative interpretations of Rangers fans actions to sell newspapers with highly provocative headlines. It seems obvious to some he has been press-ganged into making this statement to give an impression that Rangers are actively fighting what to some self interested quarters is perceived as a great social issue. However, it is also obvious that he is very ignorant of the facts and has not personally experienced any of the forums that he is quick to demonise. He is jumping on a bandwagon he knows nothing about and allowing himself to be influenced by what is clearly a propaganda exercise. The anti-web slant could also be influenced by the fact that the freedom of exchange of knowledge and opinions, had allowed many supporters to be far more informed about the running of the club as well as clearing up many misconceptions. This has subsequently led to a melt-down of his employer’s popularity among the general support, making life for Sir David Murray much more difficult and less enjoyable. The recent pressure on the chairman to answer difficult questions at the AGM is an example, showing a complete contrast to the stage managed, party convention-esque affairs of the past, that used to massage his ego. It’s no wonder the once greatly admired figurehead would like to eradicate his dissidents, and demonising them and their communications medium is a first step. I'm sure there are plenty of bigots on around the forums for all clubs but I'm even more sure from experience, that by far the majority are very decent. To hit out at fans and slander the majority for simply communicating with other is ludicrous and only serves to alienate a huge number of good fans who feel totally insulted. Not only that Walter’s comments also seem to be lacking in any understanding of the medium and what the fans are actually saying, chanting or singing. He should learn this before making ill informed comments and when he does comment, he should word it carefully to be targeted instead of tarring so many with the same brush. He needs to be clear who and what he is talking about and give proper and valid examples. There are countless Celtic fans who seem to take offence at pretty much EVERYTHING Rangers fans do or say, and actively look for ways to interpret everything in an offensive light, and then report them to whatever authorities they can get to listen to them. This is then taken up by the media and blown out of all proportion. What no-one does is stop to think what the words of chants and songs, actually mean - what is the intention and what they are aimed at? No-one even thinks to actually ask Rangers fans these kind of questions: as demonstrated on a BBC news article about what is being labelled the “Famine Song,” where a highly offended leader a Celtic supporters group was interviewed, but no Rangers supporter who actually sang the song was questioned. The reporters were happy to tell the public what the song was about without any inside knowledge of the semantics which, when looked at objectively, are too sparse and ambiguous to interpret without proper understanding of the context. But as they say, “Why let the truth get in the way of a good story.” Unfortunately, it seems that it is this style of reporting that Rangers officials are acquiring all their knowledge of the subject from. The powers at be at Ibrox subsequently seem to have no finger on the pulse and come across as not only a bit dim at times, but totally out of touch as well as lacking any interest or sensitivity to where the fans are coming from. Comments like Walter’s really need to be fully informed and highly qualified, instead of woolly demonising using clichÃ?©d buzz words, presented to him with prejudiced views either designed to harm the reputation of Rangers fans, or to sell sensationalised news stories. I always believe that you cannot criticise anyone unless you have some understanding of what they are actually doing and what their motivations really are. For those who are interested, the Famine song is a satirical reference to the strange way that Scottish Celtic supporters with British passports rebrand themselves as Irish, and falsely claim to be descendents of immigrants that came from Ireland due to the famine. This is despite the fact that immigration from Ireland was very low during that terrible and very sad disaster. Their songs contain irrelevant references to the famine and many other songs attack the United Kingdom as a country. The Famine song reminds them that although they hate the UK, they no-longer need to live here if they don’t want to, as their reason for leaving their beloved homeland no longer applies. Basically the song takes the Mick out of “Plastic Paddies” who claim to hate their own country. How that can be interpreted as sectarian or racist is beyond me - even if “Plastic Paddy” was a bona fide religion or race, effectively saying, “It’s ok now, you can go home,” is about the most gentle of rebukes you will encounter in a football stadium. For those that pick up on the word "famine", and tell us that Rangers fans are sick for mentioning it, are only displaying the same kind of over-sensitivity that had people decrying "Baa Baa Black Sheep" as racist. I used to think WS was a wise and intelligent man, but now he appears like an old sheep or out of touch senior citizen, who believes whatever propaganda is put in front of him. The club should definitely be fighting against real sectarianism, but patronising lip service is never going to work and only going to wind up the decent fans and even have a negative effect on the less enlightened minority who verge on casual 90 minute bigotry. You will never get anyone to change for the better by chastising them when they know they have done nothing wrong. You will only succeed in insulting their intelligence. Proper dialogue is necessary between the club and fans on these issues, as well as an extensive, open-minded, national debate that clarifies the real demarcation between sectarianism and what is just club rivalry.

WALTER SMITH has urged the Rangers paymasters to give Kirk Broadfoot the new improved deal he deserves. Broadfootââ?¬â?¢s Ibrox contract runs out at the end of next season. But Smith wants the full-back, left, tied up NOW to keep predators away. Birmingham City are keeping tabs on his situation and SunSport revealed this week they are preparing a Ã?£2million swoop. But Smith admits the former St Mirren skipper has earned a pay rise. The gaffer said: ââ?¬Å?An improved deal? In all probability that will come. ââ?¬Å?Kirk had a really good season last year and has cemented that this year. ââ?¬Å?In the past he was inconsistent, but heââ?¬â?¢s settled down now.ââ?¬Â SunSport also revealed this week that Stevie Smith feared his Ibrox career was over. The left-back thought he wasnââ?¬â?¢t wanted, but Smith insisted: ââ?¬Å?I spoke to Stevie and he might have misunderstood what I said to him. ââ?¬Å?He is playing reserve games and thatââ?¬â?¢s doing him no good whatsoever. ââ?¬Å?I spoke to him about going out on loan and getting games under his belt ââ?¬â? then weââ?¬â?¢ll all have a better chance to judge where he is and whether he can return to the team. ââ?¬Å?In my 20-odd months here heââ?¬â?¢s managed just two games and he wasnââ?¬â?¢t match-fit for them. ââ?¬Å?Weââ?¬â?¢ve never seen the best of the lad, so the idea was to get him on loan and let him play.ââ?¬Â Smith also insisted he does NOT want to sell midfielder Kevin Thompson in January, with West Brom boss Tony Mowbray keen on his old Hibs star. Smith added: ââ?¬Å?We have two months before the transfer window opens up ââ?¬â? I donââ?¬â?¢t have a thought yet about what will happen. ââ?¬Å?I want our good players here and we need them for the future when the number of games will hopefully increase. ââ?¬Å?A few players may leave, but it wonââ?¬â?¢t be the ones I see as being capable of taking us forward.ââ?¬Â Rangers face Caley at Ibrox today, with skipper Barry Ferguson set for a top-team return. Smith canââ?¬â?¢t wait to team him with Pedro Mendes in a dream midfield. He said: ââ?¬Å?Barry is in our thoughts. Heââ?¬â?¢s ready after a reserve game. Itââ?¬â?¢s just up to me now to decide how best he should be introduced. ââ?¬Å?We have five games in the space of a couple of weeks and we want everyone involved. ââ?¬Å?Weââ?¬â?¢ll be able to get Barry back to full match fitness quite quickly. ââ?¬Å?The midfield is an area where I want players who are all good at keeping the ball. I am looking forward to seeing how they all gel. ââ?¬Å?Barry and Pedro are good midfielders and both have the capability of being attacking players or they can drop deeper. ââ?¬Å?I have no fears about them complementing each other. ââ?¬Å?I always feel that Kevin ââ?¬â? although he doesnââ?¬â?¢t get the write-ups ââ?¬â? also does very well for us in there.ââ?¬Â Kyle Lafferty, meanwhile, has been urged to remain patient. The young Northern Ireland star was signed as a striker, but has been forced to play in midfield. Smith added: ââ?¬Å?Itââ?¬â?¢s been a sticky start for Kyle in the sense that injuries have upset his rhythm. ââ?¬Å?I hope he settles down now and weââ?¬â?¢ll see a lot more of him in the future. ââ?¬Å?Although he has played most of his football wide on the left for us and Burnley, I still see him as a central striker in the longer term. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢d like to see him get more experience there.ââ?¬Â http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/article1880563.ece

KRIS Boyd today revealed how embracing the futuristic fitness regime at Rangers has helped him get in the shape - and form - of his life. Boyd has often been criticised for his lack of mobility and his dubious workrate during his two-and-a-half often fantastic, but frequently frustrating, seasons at Ibrox. Yet, his critics - and there are still a fair few despite his hugely impressive strike rate - have been unable to level that accusation at him in recent weeks. For the 25-year-old has contributed far, far more to the Glasgow club's cause than just goals during the 2008/09 campaign. Indeed, after his double in the 3-1 win over Hamilton at New Douglas Park in the SPL last weekend, Rangers manager Walter Smith declared Kris was in the best physical condition he has ever been in. And the enigmatic player has told how working with Adam Owen, the Head of Sports Science at Murray Park, has been responsible for turning him into a far more complete all-round footballer. Former Welsh professional Owen has introduced a wide range of modern training methods since arriving at Rangers from Sheffield Wednesday shortly after Smith returned last year. Boyd said: "With Adam here at Rangers, every aspect of our fitness and diet is closely monitored and I, along with all of the boys at the club, have definitely benefited from that. "They can put whatever training programmes and fitness regimes in front of you they like, but, at the end of the day, it isn't going to be any use to you if you if you don't want to do it. "In the last three or four months I have really got my head down and probably worked as hard as I have ever done in training. Now I am starting to reap the rewards of that in the matches I am playing. "You get out of the game what you put into it and that has definitely been the case with me in recent weeks. Hopefully, I will continue to do well and score goals in the weeks and months ahead. "With the players we have in the team here we are always going to create chances. It is my responsibility to put them away and so far I have been doing that. "It was a good to get back into the team against Hamilton after a pretty long lay-off and it has been great to score in my last two games. With any luck, that is me up and running now. "There are so many good strikers here at the club that I know that if I stop producing the goods then there will be somebody there on the sidelines waiting to take my place in the team." That fate will not happen any time soon if the former Kilmarnock hit man manages to maintain the purple patch of form he is currently enjoying. He scored the opening goal in his side's straightforward Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-final win over Hamilton at Ibrox on Tuesday night to take his tally for the season to seven. And he is almost certain to start against Inverness Caley Thistle tomorrow in what will be his team's first league match at home since they played Motherwell over five weeks ago on September 21. Who plays up front alongside Kris, though, is more of a dilemma for Gers manager Smith now with a clutch of top players all vying for a place in the starting line-up. Boyd played in tandem with Jean-Claude Darcheville in midweek and partnered both Kenny Miller and substitute Nacho Novo to good effect last weekend. In addition, Kyle Lafferty who scored a great header against Accies, has once again stated his desire to move from the left of midfield and play up front in the future. However, Kris, who grew up in Ayrshire supporting Rangers, is totally unconcerned who he is in the team with - just as long as he gets a game. He stressed: "I am happy to play with whoever the manager wants to play me with. The most important thing as far as I am concerned is just playing." Many Rangers fans would like to see Boyd given a prolonged run in the team alongside Miller as they feel the pair have different strengths and would complement each other. He said: "Every time I have played up front with Kenny I have felt we have done well together. I certainly enjoy playing with him. I think that, as a partnership, we have done well. "Hopefully, we can stay injury free and get the chance to play together soon to build on our understanding. I think we can definitely play well together." http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2464739.0.0.php

By Andrew Dickson BARRY FERGUSON could start against Inverness tomorrow - but Walter Smith has warned he won't necessarily stay in his Rangers side. The skipper is poised to return to the first team after four months on the sidelines with an ankle injury. But while he might lead the side against the Highlanders, Gers are keen not to push him too much as they tackle a heavy schedule of matches. As well as Caley Thistle, the Light Blues will play Dundee United, Kilmarnock, Motherwell and St Mirren in the next fortnight. Smith knows that having been without his captain for so long, asking him to be able to play in each fixture over that period could be expecting too much. He said: "We're certainly thinking about starting Barry tomorrow. He played in the reserve game on Wednesday so we'll look at that between now and tomorrow morning. "He is ready to come back but we have five games in the next couple of weeks so there are plenty of opportunities to get him involved. "Barry is a really good footballer and the more of them that we have in our team, the better. "At the same time, when someone is coming back from injury after a long time, asking them to play on Saturday, Tuesday then Saturday is not a good thing. "Barry needs to get back to match fitness and it is a matter of how we best go about doing that. "With five matches in a fortnight, after the spell he has had out, he'll not be able to play in them all. "But we would hope to get him the number of games in that period that get him back to full fitness." Brahim Hemdani and Steven Naismith are the only injured players at the club now and Christian Dailly is suspended this weekend. Young full-back Steven Smith won't be risked either as he lacks match sharpness after the best part of two years out. While it seems he will be sent out on loan in January, there are other players waiting in the wings to come back into the team. Amongst them are Lee McCulloch, Steven Whittaker and Chris Burke and Smith says they will all get opportunities at some point. He added: "Some of our players are needing more matches to get up to the proper level of fitness. "Just like Barry, there are plenty of chances for the likes of Whittaker and McCulloch to come in again."

Rangers manager Walter Smith says he will be able to field his strongest midfield when Barry Ferguson makes his comeback. More...

RANGERS Football Club will pay tribute to the brave Scottish servicemen and women who have just returned from active duty in Afghanistan at Saturday's SPL game with Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Ibrox. Over 50 members of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Battalion, 5th Royal Regiment of Scotland will be introduced to a packed crowd at half-time this weekend. Rangers legend Ally McCoist and defender Steven Whittaker joined members of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Battalion at Murray Park today to promote this weekend's activity, which will also include a can collection in aid of Poppyscotland. Poppyscotland support Scottish veterans in many ways - including help in dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the physical effects of serious battle wounds and also help families who have lost loved ones on active duty. McCoist said: "We are delighted to welcome the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Battalion to Ibrox on Saturday and are fully behind Poppyscotland's 2008 appeal. "Footballers are often regarded as heroes but the people who serve and fight on the front line for their country are the real heroes and it will be an honour for us to have them at Ibrox." Rangers legend Harold Davis has also sent the Club a message of support. He served with the King's Own Scottish Borderers during the Korean War - and recovered from serious shrapnel wounds to play for Rangers. He was delighted to learn the club has invited the returning servicemen and women to the game this weekend. Harold, who represented the Light Blues with distinction between 1956 and 1964 and is now settled in Inverness, said: "Unfortunately I am unable to attend Saturday's match on medical advice. "But I am thrilled Rangers are honouring the returning heroes who have put their lives on the line in Afghanistan. This is a wonderful gesture by the club and I am sure they will receive a well-deserved standing ovation by the crowd at Ibrox." Rangers will also wear a specially embroidered poppy on their strip when Walter Smith's side visit Rugby Park to play Kilmarnock on Sunday, 9 November and the club will make a donation to Poppyscotland in support of their 2008 appeal. Rangers Chief Executive Martin Bain added: "Honouring these brave individuals is not something we pay lip service to. "Our recognition of these men and women, who are the true heroes in life, is a constant by all those who support or work for Rangers Football Club. "I know the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Battalion were delighted to accept our invitation to attend Saturday's game. "But the pleasure is all ours and our supporters will give them a wonderful and deserved reception this weekend." Sgt Major David Robertson, from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Battalion, 5th Royal Regiment of Scotland, said: "We are all really looking forward to visiting Ibrox on Saturday. "Sometimes when you are stuck in a place like Helmand Province you wonder how people back home feel about what we are doing. "Gestures like this make us feel appreciated and I thank Rangers for the kind invitation. I am also delighted to hear the Club is hosting a can collection for Poppyscotland on Saturday. "Charities like this are a massive help and secure better futures for our people and their families. This fundraising is imperative and really helps soldiers who have been seriously wounded or traumatised through their experiences."

STEVIE WHITTAKER is desperate to get back ino the Rangers line-up after effecitvely missing the first three months of the season. The former Hibs star has not featured since the first SPL game of the campaign at Falkirk, largely due to a troublesome knee problem, However, he is fully fit and raring to go now. He said: "I'm ready to return. I came through my first reserve game during the week and I've trained with the boys for a couple of weeks now. "I'm just looking to get some match practice and return to the team. Hopefully, I will travel with the team on Saturday. It's always nice to be involved in some sort of form. "If I can make the bench then I'll be delighted to pull on a strip and hopefully get back involved. "I didn't have an operation but I had three injections in my knee to help the pain go away. It's still with me a little bit but it's not stopping me from doing anything. "I'm getting through training and games fine and I'm just looking to return." Whittaker believes the current Rangers squad is even stronger than the one who won two domestic trophies and reached the UEFA Cup final last year and he is well aware of just how tough a task it will be to force his way back into Walter Smith's plans. "At a club like Rangers, you are always going to have competition for your position, no matter where you play on the field," Whittaker said. "There is lots of competition and whoever is playing well will keep their place in the team. The boys have done well and the performances have been good so it's difficult for anyone to get back into the team. "It just comes from hard work and trying to impress in training and reserve games. Hopefully, I get a chance and perform well and take it. "We've got a lot of talent throughout the team. There are a lot of players who can play in the first team and it's just about fighting for a place in the first XI. "The bigger squad was needed last year. We're not in Europe this year, which is the disappointing thing - everyone would have been needed if we were in Europe. "A lot of players might have time on the sidelines now, and it's never easy for a player not to be playing. But, with the right attitude and hard work, hopefully we will all get a chance." Ferguson has been out of action for five months but has vowed to be back better than ever following successful ankle surgery in the summer. Whittaker believes Rangers have missed their captain despite a decent start to the campaign. He said: "It's good to have him back and see him doing what he does best. He came through the reserve game well and he's just like me now, looking to get some matches under his belt and get some match fitness and try to return to the squad. "He's a massive influence. He has been captain of the club for several years and he is a top player to have in your team. "At a club like Rangers, you need your best players playing well. It's important he gets match fit as quickly as possible." And, like every Rangers fan, Whittaker is relishing the prospect of seeing Ferguson and Pedro Mendes play in the same midfield for the first time. He added: "Barry has shown over the years that he can score goals and create from the midfield. And we have seen what Pedro can do since he has been at the club. "So it's exciting to have them both in there and I'm sure we won't be short of goalscoring chances."

BIRMINGHAM are weighing up a shock Ã?£2million swoop for Rangers star Kirk Broadfoot. Former Ibrox boss Alex McLeish is ready to pounce for Scotland defender Broadfoot when the transfer window opens in January. He has now established himself with Gers since quitting St Mirren two years ago. But the 24-year-old is understood to be unhappy about his current deal which sees him take home Ã?£3,500-a-week basic. That has alerted Blues boss McLeish who is ready to lure versatile Broadfoot south with a bumper Ã?£10,000-a-week package when the window opens. Big Eck is desperate for a centre half and believes Broadfootââ?¬â?¢s ability and physique make him perfect for the demands of the Championship. Broadfootââ?¬â?¢s contract expires in the summer and Gers boss Walter Smith is desperate to keep hold of the defender ââ?¬â? who is enjoying his best form for the club. Despite arriving at Ibrox as a squad player, he has filled the void left by Alan Huttonââ?¬â?¢s Ã?£9m move to Spurs ââ?¬â? but there have been no moves by Gers to offer him a new deal. After winning his first two caps for Scotland against Iceland and Norway, the defender believes he should be brought into line with other top-earners at Ibrox. But now McLeish is ready to lure Broadfoot ââ?¬â? who would prefer to stay at Gers ââ?¬â? with a massive wage hike. Meanwhile, former Ibrox favourite Peter Lovenkrands has pleaded with Rangers to put an end to his Schalke hell. The Danish hitman sees no future for himself in Germany after being frozen out by new coach Fred Rutten. The 28-year-old said: ââ?¬Å?There is no future for me at Schalke. Hopefully something will happen in January. ââ?¬Å?There was a lot of talk about me returning to Rangers last summer. ââ?¬Å?It didnââ?¬â?¢t happen, but I would love to go back there. ââ?¬Å?Of course, if the opportunity arose again I would be delighted.ââ?¬Â http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/article1867756.ece

According to The Scottish Sun anyway which means it's probably bullshit.

THE FAMILY of Ian McColl have asked for a minute's applause ahead of the cup tie with Hamilton to celebrate his Rangers career. McColl, who passed away on Friday aged 81, played 526 matches for Rangers in 15 years from 1946 to 1960. His funeral will take place at St Paul's Church in Milngavie, outside Glasgow on Thursday at mid-day. Boss Walter Smith certainly appreciated the impact he made at Ibrox. He said: "Ian was a fantastic stalwart for Rangers as part of the Iron Curtain defence. "He is someone I can remember coming to watch playing for the club when I was a boy and he later went on to have a successful career in management as well. "Anyone who goes and plays over 500 games for Rangers has made a significant contribution to the club and Ian was no different."

Most Rangers fans face a bit of a quandary when it comes to our defensive line up. Whilst Weir currently forms our strongest available centre back partnership with summer signing Madjid Bougherra. However it is suggested that playing the veteran Scot leads to some of our troubles against better quality opposition. Due to Weir's advancing years, whatever pace he once had is beginning to dessert him. Weir was never an exceptionally fast player. But with his reading of the game he was not often exposed for a lack of pace. Weir has performed admirably for the club since Walter Smith brought him back upto Scotland and can be proud of his performances for the club. He formed a water-tight back line with Cuellar and has struck up an excellent understanding with Bougherra already. However many fans have questioned whether his lack of pace causes a back line to sit too deep and invite pressure onto our defence. However Saturday's game at Hamilton exposed another potential issue for our defenders. Hamilton forward Offiong gave both Weir and Bougherra a torrid time with his strength. Every high ball played upto Offiong stuck. Any ball chest or head height was won by Offiong and played off to a team mate. Fortunately Hamilton didn't have the squad to take advantage. Unusually for Weir, who normally relishes the physical battle, and Bougherra who looks like a big strong centre back, they just could not match him for strength. I was actually relieved and a little confused when billy Reid decided to withdraw him when he'd had so much success in the first half. It reminded me a lot of a game in the past few seasons when we played Hearts and the centre backs, I believe they were Weir and Cuellar, again just could not compete in the physical battle. He ran amok and it's not the only such incident. Kenny Deuchar won a move to MLS football off the back of a a bustling centre forward performance against us were he bruised our defence all game and managed to get on the score sheet. Whilst many are worried about David Weir, his lack of pace and who his successor is I think we also need to look at why our back line struggles so much against big bruising centre forwards? With the game in Scotland being very much a physical battle you have to match the work rate and commitment of the opposition before your superior tecchnical and tactical ability can win through. It is also worrying when you look at the forward options available to Celtic, the only other contenders for the league title. Samaras, Hesselink and even Killen are all big guys. And whilst none of them should unduly worry us, if Strachan identifies this potential weakness in our team and lines his team up appropriately we may find ourselves struggling in the OF games.

WALTER SMITH will not give in to temptation and recall Barry Ferguson for tomorrow's SPL trip to Hamilton. The Rangers skipper made his comeback after four months out injured on Tuesday when he played 62 minutes of the 3-0 reserve win at St Mirren. Ferguson looked comfortable at Love Street and has continued to be heavily involved in training in the latter part of the week. But given the amount of time he has spent on the sidelines, Smith is adamant he has no intention of using the 30-year-old at New Douglas Park. The manager said: "Barry played in the reserve game the other day but he has been out for four months now and it'll take him a while to get ready. "We've got another reserve game next week and hopefully we can fit in a bounce match as well. "I'm sure after he gets two - maybe three - games under his belt, we can start looking at getting him back into the first team. "It's important for us to get all of our best players back and he has been a big factor in our team so we look forward to him returning. "But we have a squad of players there and it is not necessary to rush him back. We'll make sure he is right this time. "With that, I mean fitness-wise. His injury has totally cleared up and there's no problem with it now. It's just a matter of getting his fitness ready." While Ferguson won't be involved, Lee McCulloch is pushing for a return after scoring in his latest second-string appearance in midweek. Chris Burke is another who is hoping to be in contention after a fine goal and an impressive performance against the Buddies. Steven Whittaker and Steven Smith are also back in full training but are unlikely to make the trip to Lanarkshire. Smith added: "We've got a selection headache now as we've got a large group of players available and it's down to me to select the right ones to win games. "There is good competition and that's a great thing. We've got quite a number of players coming back into the squad now. "Lee is fit again, Barry's on his way and Steven Whittaker and Steven Smith returned into the group this week. I've got a lot to choose from."