Search the Community

Old Firm Reaction Well another Rangers OF victory and another case of Masonic Conspiracy. Read any of the unbiased Scottish media today and youââ?¬â?¢d believe that Rangers cheated their way to victory with the help of another Brother In Black. I havenââ?¬â?¢t had time (nor the inclination really) to refer to my various oracles and on-line search engines, but I can take a guess at this, I do wonder if any Rangers OF victory has been met with a simple, ââ?¬Ë?Yip, the best team wonââ?¬â?¢? I would say it was highly unlikely. The latest OF game wasnââ?¬â?¢t particularly a great game of football but it encapsulated so much of what makes the OF game an OF game. Celtc got beaten and try to lay the blame at everyone elseââ?¬â?¢s door assisted by their lap-dogs in the media. I hear that Robert Mugabe is lining up Peter Liewell as his PR machineââ?¬Â¦. Anyway, the officials have a hard job and canââ?¬â?¢t get everything correct Ã?© Tommy Burns in a recent interview after Celtc benefited from a dubious refereeing decision that saw them steal 3 points from Love Street. But, I suppose, Timââ?¬â?¢s being Timââ?¬â?¢s this is only true when they benefit. IF anyone else does, its obviously a conspiracy. Saturdays officials werenââ?¬â?¢t the best, but I canââ?¬â?¢t see how anyone can claim that they were ââ?¬Ë?anti-Celtcââ?¬â?¢. It was heartening to hear Rangers finally praising the supporters groups who turned Ibrox into a sea of red, white and blue on Saturday. A lot of people put a hell of a work into designing banners, placing flags and cards in designated areas and this is sometimes a thankless task. So, hats of to TBO, CDL, EE and UB. Some people have talked about amalgamating all the different supporters groups, but I think Ibrox benefits from having supporters groups in different areas. One thing that I would like to see is the club helping these groups with displays, banners, finance etc ââ?¬â?? maybe something for the RST to champion? Some of the banners were outstanding and none more so that the ââ?¬Ë?voodoo no workyââ?¬â?¢ banner. This has gotten Timmy in a right tizz and some online forums are pleading with the SPL to deduct points from us due to the ââ?¬Ë?sectarian contentââ?¬â?¢ of said banner. This is even below their usual ââ?¬Ë?bottom of the barrelââ?¬â?¢ petitions ââ?¬â?? they mustnââ?¬â?¢t have any ambulances to chase this week - http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/200...ident-at.shtml - maybe they should stick to weeding out the sectarian, ââ?¬Ë?politicalââ?¬â?¢ and offensive songs sung by the vast majority of the patrons of the Broomie on Saturday. Back to the game, and whilst it was fantastic to claim our 4th successive OF victory without conceding a goal, we still have some major work ahead of us if we are to claim our 52 title. We have the distinct prospect of having 7 of our remaining 9 games played away from home and have the distraction of the UEFA and Scottish Cup as well. There is no doubting we have come a long way in a relatively short space of time but having come this far, me must ensure that we wrap up the title. It is ours for the taking, you can sense the expectancy and one very comforting thought is that WS and his backroom staff have reinstalled the famous ââ?¬Ë?Rangers ethicââ?¬â?¢. Our players give us all and there is an obvious togetherness about the squad at the moment (which had been missing for sometime it has to be said). So there is no time to bathe in the plaudits or rest on their laurels, they have a job to finish. Question: Heard someone say that in his managerial career with Rangers, Walter Smith has faced Celtc 37 times and lost only 7 ââ?¬â?? anyone know if that is true? Mad March Gives Way To Madder April So its good-bye to mad march and hello to madder April as we welcome Sporting to Ibrox on Thursday for the UEFA Cup Ã?¼ final first leg. This game will bring the usual and unique European atmosphere that only Ibrox offers. It is thought that Sporting donââ?¬â?¢t travel well and that the home leg offers the best opportunity for us to progress. However, I would be surprised if Walter Smith alters his tactics or formation for this encounter. I donââ?¬â?¢t think there will be many, if any, changes from Saturdays starting 11. Maybe Papac for SW ââ?¬â?? that is all the change that I can foresee ââ?¬â?? I fully expect ST and SD to shake of their injuries and start on Thursday. After Sporting, we have a wee jaunt to Tannidice to play DUFC. I fully expect this game to be a sell-out considering the amount of DUFC fans at Hampden recently declaring their undying love, devotion and support of the tangerine terrors. OK, that was tongue in cheek, but at least we know after Hampden that this will be a very tough game and weââ?¬â?¢ll have to be at our best to collect another priceless three points in our title quest. Scott Brown Whilst I donââ?¬â?¢t usually write about opposition players, especially Celtc ones, I thought that Iââ?¬â?¢d give you some insight into the current mental state of Scott Brown (no jokes please). Super Ally his written a fantastic article comparing Scott Brow and Kevin Thomson (http://www.gersnetonline.net/vb/showthread.php?t=6578) and hopefully this can add some further information to SAââ?¬â?¢s opinion and thoughts. I have a friend who I like to call ââ?¬Ë?The Hibee In The Knowââ?¬â?¢ ââ?¬â?? he is a life long Hibee and has a friend who is on the Hibs board and he lets me know if / when any Hibs players are linked with Rangers and vice-versa. Anyway, he told me that it was 99% certain that SB would follow KT to Ibrox in the summer and a price and been agreed. Come the summer, the Hibs board decided that the agreed price wasnââ?¬â?¢t enough and spoke to SBââ?¬â?¢s agent and informed him to ââ?¬Ë?auctionââ?¬â?¢ the player. SB was raging as he had his heart and mind settled on a move to Rangers. Rangers rightly played hardball and refused to budge on price and wages and lost out to Celtc. Now, SB is convinced that he has made the wrong move going to Celtc and is currently looking for an escape to the EPL in the summer. If Birmingham stay up and West Brom as promoted then SB will have two EPL managers looking to purchase him. SB hasnââ?¬â?¢t shown his true potential this season (for varying reasons) and If my ââ?¬Ë?Hibee In The Knowââ?¬â?¢ is correct, Celtc and SB are ready to cut their ties in the summer. Would SB still fancy a move to Rangers and more importantly would Rangers consider a move for SB? Well, never say never as I am led to believe that Rangers and WS in particular donââ?¬â?¢t have an issue with SB. However, the price and wages would need to be attractive to Rangers. Cammy F - Support The Dublin Loyal

Daily Record

When Kevin Thomson acrimoniously departed Hibs last January many expected his close pal to follow him along the M8 from Easter Road to Ibrox. During the following summer Scot Brown did indeed follow Thomson along the M8, but instead ended up at Celtic Park. The media took great delight in ridiculing Rangers as being the new owners of the biscuit tin as we were seen as being unable to compete with Cetlic's package to take the young Scottish international to Parkhead. Were Rangers unwilling or unable to match the �£4.5 million pound fee plus �£25k per week in wages? The two midifelders complimented each other well in an exciting Hibs team which regularly chalked up victories against both half of the Old Firm, stimulating the bidding war to take the two youngs stars to Glasgow. Brown took many of the plaudits from those who are not quite as appreciative of the nuances of effective midfield play as his all action combative style and marauding runs were more easily noticed. Keener students of the game tried to educate that Thomson was the better of the pair, with a more cultured game. Rangers won round one as Walter convinced Thomson to become one of his first signings as he rang the changes in Govan following the disastrous Le Guen experiment. Round two was given as a resounding victory to Celtic. Many in the media felt it was a knockout blow in the summer transfer duels. Brown was hailed as a "blue chip" signing along with other players such as Donati the former AC Milan player. So Thomson has had an extra half season to settle on the West coast. The Scottish press, and indeed some fans, were underwhelmed by his early contributions. A waste of �£2 million was the consensus. However towards the end of the season and most notably in the 2-0 Old Firm victory Thomson showed promise as Rangers dominated the mdifield contest. His ex partner in the youthful Hibs midfield then made to many the suprising choice of joining the green half of the city. Celtic fans and many journalists revelled in the bloody nose Celtic had dealt Rangers in securing his services. As Thomson said "It's Scot's decision, he'll have to live with it". Prophetic words as Thomson turned in a man-of-the-match performance scoring the only goal of the game after an incisive run and one-two with Darcheville put Rangers on course for victory at Ibrox on Saturday. Whilst in the early part of the season Brown's uninspiring performances had him bizarrely singled out as the best midfielder plying his trade in the SPL, murmurings of discontent about Thomson continued from the stands and on the back pages. It was only really once Thomson was kept out of the side through injury that those with an active interest in Scottish football and particularly Rangers fans appreciated what he brought to the team. Tenacity, aggression, tough tackling and a great engine. Our midfield looks a lot stronger with the young Scot in it. Conversely as the season drags on, the tide of opinion has turned on Scot Brown. A waste of �£4.5 million according to the disgruntled Celtic fans who watched in agony as he wasted several good chances as they succumbed to another crushing defeat to Smith's Rangers. Again failing to find the net. Yesterdays game could prove pivotal in the two player's Old Firm careers. As Thomson goes from strength to strength, Brown increasingly comes udner fire from those of the green and grey persuasion. As Thomson continues to grow into a true Rangers midfielder the fans demand more and more. And Thomson delivers. He has begun to step out of his captain's shadow. Fans now suggest he should be getting forward and providing some kind of goal threat. And what better time for a Rangers player to bag his first goal for the club than against Celtic. How he has yet to join his more illustrious team mate and club and national captain in the Scotland set up is beyond this fan. Before those from the east end cry bias at this peice let me be frank. Brown undoubtedly has the talent to be a top class midfielder. Not many Rangers fans can honestly say they did not want him at Ibrox. However the focus of this peice is to honestly assess the contributions of the two players many thought joined at the hip. Thomson did not move solely for the cash. He came to Ibrox to play beside and learn from the best Scottish player of the last decade, and maybe more, and under the guidance of possiblhy the most dominate coach in Glasgow. In an era in which Celtic have prided themsleves on the fine business conducted both on and off the field, you have to ask yourself how they allowed themselves to pay an inflated fee for Scot Brown when his more effective former team mate was signed for less than half the price and most likely wages. Ask yourself, would you be happier with Kevin Thomson at �£2million pounds or Scott Brown at �£4.5 million and �£25k a week. Yet again the wily Walter Smith appears to have gotten the upper hand on Celtic. And whilst it has taken most of the media the best part of 7 or 8 months to realise this, it is unlikely Smith was ever in any doubt about who was the more prodigious talent. Hopefully Thomson's first goal for the club in this powderkeg fixture will see his somewhat meteoric rise continue and identify himself as potential successor to the current Rangers captain. A role that many fans worried would be impossible to replace when Rangers number 6 hangs up his boots. Edit: Touched up the typos and a few errors to save Frankie a job before he posts it. Hope there's none left.

Its been over a month since we dumped Hearts out of the CIS Cup in the semi-final, but at long last we're on our way back to Hampden for a cup final. OK, so its only the league cup which is often called a "diddy" competition, but every club outwith us and Dundee United would still rather be there and not. As well as being a great day out for the fans, its the chance to win the first silverware of the season and in our case, hopefully, the first of many. It will also be the first chance for many of these players to win a trophy with Rangers. Many won't have played in a final at Hampden before, so I don't think that factor should be underestimated either in the team's desire to win. Since that semi, the team has gone from strength to strength. While the fans have often made it clear that they don't always like Walter Smith's sometimes negative approach to games, you can't argue with results and we've now gone 20 games undefeated in the SPL. Meanwhile, Craig Levein has undoubtedly improved United this season and they're looking a much more resilient side, a fact which is underlined by their recent draw at Parkhead, not to mention the fact they're sitting in third place. While we got in to the game as favourites, we all know that you can't take anything for granted, especially in one-off matches like this. Coming off the back of the UEFA Cup success in Bremen, Smith doesn't have his troubles to seek in terms of team selection up front. Daniel Cousin is out with a broken jaw, Nacho Novo is suspended following his stupid dismissal against Hibs in the Scottish Cup, while Steven Naismith is cup-tied. On top of those, Jean Claude Darcheville will do well to make the bench given his continued hamstring problems. Thankfully the rest of the team gives Smith much better problems to deal with, the main one being who to leave out of his starting XI. The back four will probably remain unchanged from Bremen and its remained fairly constant for the last while now. Davie Weir and Carlos Cuellar will continue their partnership in the centre of defence, with Sasa Papac at LB and Kirk Broadfoot at RB. While neither Papac or Broadfoot are natural full backs, both have filled in admirably this season, with Papac in particular looking very impressive at times. Broadfoot meanwhile seems to be improving in every game and is making the most of the opportunity to show what he can do, although there's no doubt he looks like he could do even better in his preferred centre back position. Special mention must go to Alan McGregor who is another homegrown player who has had to work hard to win over sections of the support. This season he's gone from strength to strength and put in arguably his best performance for us against Bremen. Goalkeepers tend to improve with experience, so the only way is up for McGregor now and its also great for the team that we have a settled goalkeeper who has age on his side, so we can hopefully build our defence for the next 5 years around him. Smith will probably stick with his much maligned 4-5-1 formation. While it can be seen as negative on paper, he's quick to point out that it can be quite an attacking line-up when it needs to be, particularly if you play guys like Novo and Naismith out wide. However, with these two missing, it will be interesting to see who makes up the midfield 5. Given we were on the ropes for much of the 90 minutes in Germany, Smith might choose to freshen things up in the midfield 5 and he certainly has options. But he also doesn't like to change the team un-necessarily, so don't be surprised to see the same line-up on Sunday. Barry Ferguson is a natural pick and Steve Davis has shown that he might be the perfect player to complement our captain in the middle, although he has been playing a bit further out on the right to balance the look of the team. Behind those two, Christian Dailly could retain the holding role that he's done so well since joining. Another one of Smith's signings who were maligned before playing, he's looked like exactly what you'd get when you sign a player with over 60 caps and a couple of hundred EPL games under his belt. While he looks like one of our fittest players, he might need a rest after Bremen, so maybe Kevin Thomson or Brahim Hemdani could replace him? If Dailly does play, then Hemdani will probably slot in alongside Ferguson. While he's been preferred by Smith for European games, the fact that we've so few choices up front might mean that he starts this one. Meanwhile with Charlie Adam suspended, that leaves another space in the midfield which could be filled by any one from McCulloch, Thomson, Whittaker, Burke.... The list goes on and on, which is a far cry from our threadbare squads of the last few seasons. Walter could shuffle his pack in any number of ways to fill the midfield slots. Which brings us to the forward line. I say line, but really its just one man. I think all Gers fans now realise that Kris Boyd just doesn't have the attributes to play up front on his own. Despite putting in some good shifts recently in that position, he's much more effective when playing with a strike partner alongside him. So that points to Smith playing Lee McCulloch up front. While he's not done much to impress in that position, he's showed that if we resist the urge to just play long balls up to him, he can bring more to the team. So below is the team I expect to see start the game, going on recent selections. However, don't be surprised to see Walter shake things up a bit, particularly after the grueling trip to Bremen. Given that we're missing Novo and Naismith, the 4-5-1 on this occasion might be overly defensive, with less mobility from the wide players, so maybe Smith will play a more traditional 4-4-2 lineup with Boyd and McCulloch up front. Whatever the lineup, its just great to see us back in a cup final at Hampden and gives us an early opportunity to celebrate the turnaround in our playing fortunes since Walter Smith returned to Ibrox, not to mention add another trophy to the collection. ____________________McGregor__________________ Broadfoot______Weir____________Cuellar______Papac ______________________Dailly____________________ Burke__________Ferguson_______Hemdani______Davis ____________________McCulloch___________________ 5 Subs from: Alexander Boyd Thomson Hemdani Whittaker Buffel

Nocho Novo and Stevie Naismith are set to be unleashed on Partick Thistle tomorrow night as Rangers aim to take further strides in the Scottish Cup. Charlie Adam is also likely to be brought back too as Walter Smith sets his sights on a slot in the semi-finals. Novo, Naismith and Adam were all ineligible for Sunday's CIS Cup Final triumph - with Nacho and Charlie suspended and Stevie cup-tied. So they are all certainties to be in the squad - and even the starting line-up - as boss Walter Smith aims to reach the last four. He said " All of these lads come back into the plans and it's important that all of the squad maintains a level of match fitness with so many big games coming up. We are certainly not going to make changes just for the sake of it and it will be a strong first team we put out. We can't take anything for granted and if we need a warning we only need to look at what happened last season when Rangers lost at home to St Johnstone in the CIS cup" http://www.rangers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,5~1268069,00.html

Hutton will just have to keep him out of the team again! Dont like Bardsleys attitude but he is a better option than McNaughton and Alexander. However Hutton has this position his own for the next 10 years and Whittaker is fine back up.

Taken from 4-4-2 magazine. I nicked this from FF... Good read.

MAD MARCH: Eight games in 28 days could hit Gers title bid RANGERS IN MARCH 1 Aberdeen (h) SPL 6 W Bremen (h) Uefa 9 Hibs (h) Scottish Cup 12 W Bremen (a) Uefa 16 CIS Cup Final 19 Partick (h; tbc or SPL) 22 Hibs (h) SPL 26 Scotland v Croatia 29 Celtic (h) SPL by Darrell King Rangers' dramatic win in Athens last night could seriously impact their dreams of winning back the SPL title this season. Nacho Novo's equaliser against Panathinaikos took Rangers through on away goals to a last 16 meeting with Werder Bremen. It also added to a hectic mad March of games for Walter Smith's side. Rangers face a punishing schedule of eight games in 28 days next month. advertisement And the Scotland players in the squad - such as Barry Ferguson, Lee McCulloch, Kris Boyd and Allan McGregor - could play NINE games, with the national side also having a game against Croatia. The 1-1 Athens draw last night also means that, with every midweek now filled, it is almost certain the Old Firm derby - originally scheduled for January 2 - won't take place before Celtic visit Ibrox on March 29. That would result in three Old Firm derbies being played in the last six weeks of the campaign - with the last two of them at Parkhead. The chances of a delay to the 33-game split in the SPL is also likely as Rangers also have rearranged fixtures with Motherwell and St Mirren. Rangers survived a few anxious moments in Athens last night. And Christian Dailly today relived the debut moment he feared would send Rangers crashing out of the Uefa Cup. The Scotland man was thrown on as a right back sub in last night's 1-1 draw with Panathinaikos in Athens, a result that sent Smith's side through to a last 16 showdown with Werder Bremen on the away goals rule. Bremen went through 4-0 after a 1-0 win at Braga, and will be at Ibrox on Thursday, March 6 with the return game six days later. But Dailly revealed how he feared German ref Felix Brych would point to the spot after his superb goal saving tackle on Dimitris Salpingidis as the Greeks pursued a killer second goal. The hitman had raced clear of Davie Weir before the 34-year-old made a last-gasp tackle, clearly taking the ball. But Dailly said: "What was going through my mind? You are always worried that the referee maybe doesn't see it properly and gives a penalty. "I did fear that might happen and that would have been a nightmare debut. "I saw their lad bursting away and my first reaction was just to get over and try to close him down. I kept my eye on the ball and when I slid in I thought to myself: That's a good contact'. "But you see the boy going down and the reaction of the crowd and sometimes refs give a penalty. That would have given them a chance for 2-0 and it would have been very tough for us then with 20 minutes to go. "So I was relieved, although the bottom line is that it was never a penalty. But things don't always go for you. "I was just happy to make that tackle, and it was maybe similar to the one big Carlos Cuellar made in the first half in terms of stopping a clear shot on goal." Porkhead twice in the last six weeks could be a nightmare. I would hate them to win the league against us at home. I hope we have a cushion to stop that. if we still have a lead they will hit us with everything. Including the kitchen sink. Nightmare scenario!!

RANGERS manager Walter Smith has expressed his delight at guiding the club through to the last 16 stage of the UEFA Cup and praised Nacho Novo after the Spaniard's goal in Athens proved decisive. Nacho NovoNacho admitted himself that he should have found the net on a couple of occasions at Ibrox in the first-leg but made up for that with a clinical finish on 80 minutes to give his side an aggregate win. His workrate throughout the game was tremendous and Smith always felt that he would take his chance when it came along. He said: "It was good to see Nacho score as he deserved it for the effort he puts in. "I know he was disappointed after the first-leg but he showed great composure with his finish tonight. "He is always there to get a goal and that showed that again tonight. He has now scored some very important ones for us this season." The gaffer was frustrated at the goal his side conceded in what was a disappointing first-half performance but Rangers fighting spirit was again evident as they battled back in the second-half. He said: "I thought we made it difficult for ourselves tonight. "Panathinaikos were perhaps the better side early on and we were disappointed with the goal we conceded. "They opened up a bit the second-half and we managed to get level at a good time in the match. "We didn't create that many clear cut chances but we put them under a bit of pressure and eventually that paid off. Nacho Novo scores"It was a good move that led to our goal and we had a few of them in the second-half. "But we knew the game was going to be tight tonight as it was in Glasgow. "That proved to be the case but we had players sitting on the bench that could go on and make a difference. "We have now scored a few goals on our travels in Europe this season so we were always confident that chances would come our way." Rangers now face Werder Bremen in the last 16 stage on March 6 and 12 and Smith is looking forward to facing the impressive Germans. "We face a bit of a fixture pile-up in the months ahead but it is great that we have progressed further in the UEFA Cup. "The players are delighted and we have to remember that we had eight unavailable from our squad tonight. "So from that point of view I am very happy for the boys tonight and everyone can now look forward to the next round."

KENNY McDOWALL expects a more positive approach from Panathinaikos when Rangers face them on Thursday - and says that can help the Light Blues win. The sides will meet in the second leg of their UEFA Cup tie at the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium in Athens eight days after they shared a 0-0 draw at Ibrox. Ally McCoist, Walter Smith and Kenny McDowallOn that occasion, it was Walter Smith's Gers who created the best chances and the Greeks' shoot-on-sight policy meant they barely threatened. First-team coach McDowall believes the Greens will be more upbeat as they try to clinch a likely last-16 meeting with German cracks Werder Bremen. But he also thinks they could leave themselves exposed at the back and that could provide Rangers with the opportunities they need to progress themselves. McDowall said: "There is no great need for us to go out and score an early goal. We know we are going to have to play away and be patient. "This is a big match but we know we can score a goal and the squad is feeling confident of getting one. "The onus will be on Panathinaikos to attack us and I fully expect them to do that. In turn, we are hoping that will give us a chance to get behind them and pick them off."Kenny McDowall and Walter Smith Rangers flew into Greece today on the back of Sunday's 2-0 SPL win at Kilmarnock, their eighth league win in succession. That result allowed them to extend the number of matches they have played without conceding to eight as well. The run of 764 minutes without losing a goal is Gers' best for more than 12 years and they last had so many clean sheets in a row in December 1995 and January 1996. Despite being in such good form at the back, McDowall has stressed how difficult it will be against Pana. Although the Light Blues are no longer in the Champions League, he insists the standard of competition in the UEFA Cup is just as high. McDowall added: "There are still a lot of good teams in this tournament and we are here to play one of them so we will need to be at our best to win the tie. Daniel Cousin"The UEFA Cup perhaps isn't held in the same regard as the Champions League but anyone involved in it will tell you differently. "There are a lot of decent players and good teams in the tournament and there is no doubting this will be a difficult fixture for us." Lee McCulloch is the only player in the travelling party carrying a knock but the minor injury he suffered in training won't stop him from playing. Also in contention to play is Daniel Cousin, whose protracted move to Fulham is now unlikely to happen before next week. FIFA has delayed a decision on whether he will be allowed to join his third club of the season until then and McDowall is adamant the striker will give his all for Gers in the meantime. He said: "Daniel has been back training with us, is part of the squad and he is available for selection. "The way we have to look at it is that he is a Rangers player and carry on regardless until we are told differently."

FRANK LAMPARD says Rangers can cope with the red-hot Athens atmosphere and get a positive result against Panathinaikos like his Chelsea side did at Olympiacos. England midfielder Lamps came on for the last few minutes of the Blues' 0-0 Champions League draw at the Karaiskaki Stadium last night. Home fans in the capacity crowd made the ground a cauldron of noise and Gers are likely to face something similar at the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium tomorrow. But Lampard believes Walter Smith's men have what it takes to handle fans' intimidation tactics and get the scoreline they need to advance to the last 16 of the UEFA Cup. A scoring draw would be enough to put Pana out on the away goals rule after the teams shared a goalless 90 minutes in Glasgow last Wednesday. Lampard said: "It is the type of atmosphere in Athens that every top player has to enjoy and Rangers have top players in their side. "You can't let the Greek fans have a detrimental effect on your game and you have to turn the way they act into a positive. "Even though the fans here support their teams very strongly, any player worth his salt will want to perform well in front of them. "The atmosphere will push them on and I don't think the Rangers players will have any problem." Lampard has first-hand experience of playing against Rangers, having taken part in Chelsea's 2-0 pre-season defeat to the Light Blues at Ibrox last summer. He has continued to monitor their progress since and points to the 3-0 Champions League win at Lyon in October as proof of what they can do in Europe. Lampard added: "I'm a Rangers fan actually and I definitely feel they can get past Panathinaikos and into the next round. "The progress the club has made in the Champions League this season shows exactly what they are capable of. "That is especially the case on their travels. We all saw what they did in Lyon and because of what happened then, I see no reason why Rangers can't advance. "Panathinaikos are a very strong side and similar to Olympiacos in that they are defensive away from home but they don't come out too much at home either. "They won't attempt to win by four or five goals. Instead, they'll try to wait for the right time to score and that really gives Rangers a chance if they start well." http://www.rangers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,5~1245887,00.html

The Rangers Football Club plc today (Wednesday, 20 February 2008) published its unaudited interim results for the six months to 31 December 2007. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Ã?· Ã?£10.0m (43.6%) uplift in turnover to Ã?£33.1m (2006: Ã?£23.1m). Ã?· Increase of Ã?£3.8m in profit before interest and tax to Ã?£3.1m (2006: loss of Ã?£0.7m). Ã?· Retained profit increased by Ã?£3.8m to Ã?£2.3m (2006: loss of Ã?£1.5m). Following publication of the interim results, Rangers chairman Sir David Murray, said: ââ?¬Å?These results are satisfying in that they reflect the progress the Club is making both on and off the pitch. ââ?¬Å?We invested significantly in our playing squad at the start of the season and, as we are leading the SPL and have qualified for the CIS Cup Final, that investment has been fully justified and we are very satisfied with the performance of the team to date. ââ?¬Å?It is also particularly pleasing to see the Murray Park investment producing returns, both in footballing success for our younger players and in the progression of home grown talent to the first team.ââ?¬Â Sir David Murray said: ââ?¬Å?We are pleased to see the Club return a profit in excess of Ã?£3 million and a significant uplift in turnover. Participation in the UEFA Champions League was, of course, highly beneficial to the Club. ââ?¬Å?It is very important to pay tribute to the commitment made by our supporters in the last six months. They travelled extensively in Europe at considerable cost and, at the same time, ensured excellent attendances at Ibrox and at away domestic fixtures. We are very grateful for this continuing support. ââ?¬Å?While playing in the Champions League was important to the Club, it is also essential for us to continue investment throughout the business in order to deliver long-term stability and success.ââ?¬Â CHAIRMANââ?¬â?¢S STATEMENT IN FULL The first six months of the financial year saw us qualify and participate in the UEFA Champions League Group stages against the champions of France and Germany together with the pre-tournament favourites Barcelona. We narrowly failed to qualify for the last 16 in what many termed the toughest qualifying group in the competition. The glamorous ties against Barcelona were enjoyed by our supporters, whilst the result in Lyon was one of the best in the Club's European history. Attention then turned to progression within the UEFA Cup. Domestically our participation in the CIS Insurance Cup Final is assured and qualification has been gained into the fifth round of the Scottish Cup. Our prime focus is however on winning the Clydesdale Bank Premier League. Turnover for the six months to 31 December 2007 increased by Ã?£10.0m to Ã?£33.1m primarily due to the UEFA Champions League performance and market pool income, and the positive impact on ticketing and hospitality sales. As well as benefiting the Club financially, qualification to and competition in the spotlight of the UEFA Champions League has also increased the profile of the playing squad, with many enhancing their reputations in a wider arena. Operating costs have increased on the prior year as we have strengthened the number, composition and overall competitiveness of the playing squad. Profit before interest and tax in the current period of Ã?£3.1m is an improvement of Ã?£3.8m on the six months to 31 December 2006 and reflects the performance in Europe. The interest charge of Ã?£0.8m is higher than the same period last year due to the increase in the net debt over the period following the summer signings to strengthen the football squad. The resultant retained profit of Ã?£2.3m for the six months to 31 December 2007 compares to a retained loss of Ã?£1.5m for the equivalent period last year. Participation in the UEFA Cup will provide some financial benefit in the second half of the year although this is not as financially lucrative as the UEFA Champions League. It is satisfying once again to see the investment in Murray Park producing returns, both in terms of footballing success and in the progression of home grown talent into the first team squad. In January, media speculation forced the Club to comment on potential development and regeneration initiatives around Ibrox. We are continuing to review our options on this project, in conjunction with a number of other parties, and no proposals will be finalised until a full evaluation exercise has been undertaken. In the 2007 Annual Report I commented that we had renewed confidence and momentum heading into the new season. This has, as expected, proved to be justified and credit must be given to Walter Smith and his management team for the performance and effort of the playing squad in the current season. We look forward to the remaining months of the season with anticipation as we compete to bring silverware to Ibrox. Sir David E Murray

Thought this an interesting comparison and view from Russell who himself was a very good player for us and after the debates and merits towards both Boyd and Cousin was a good read. Cousin may be the better option, or more specifically, better suited to the lone striker role. I'd still play Boyd though for reasons that have been debated thoroughly over the last week or so.

KEVIN THOMSON will return to action tomorrow afternoon when Rangers Reserves take on Hearts at Forthbank Stadium. Kevin ThomosnThe midfielder has made a speedy recovery from a double hernia operation and has looked fit and sharp in training at Murray Park. With the first-team squad travelling to Athens tomorrow Thomson will stay behind to face the Jambos along with Amdy Faye, Andy Webster and Steven Smith. Manager Walter Smith confimred this morning that the Gretna game would probably come too soon for Kevin but hopes he may be available for the club's home clash against Aberdeen on March 1. He said: "Kevin has made a very good recovery and he trained well last week. "We are looking forward to getting him back again and are hopeful he can start to play sooner rather than later. "I think Sunday will come too early for him but we will see how he feels after Tuesday's match." The match at Forthbank will kick-off at 2pm.

May been discussed to deatb but I thought it was a good read. Can anyion e think of ANY other team in the SPL that wouldn't hav Boyd as a starter?

I think that as a squad we have a lot of attack minded players but we persist on going on the defensive all the time , Yes we had chances last night but playing L.McCulloch up front his self says it all we should have had Burke , Naismith on from the start to cause havoc down the flanks and put N.Novo up front with McCulloch as support. Then Bring Cousin or Boyd on later in the game , but as usual Walter leaves it too late to make a change and the sub has no impact on the game. I am a Walter Smith fan but watching us at home in Europe is getting frustrating we are like a team who are more afraid to lose than one that wants to win. We need the away goal to go through and if we play these negative tactics over there i think we have had it. Just my opinion. DS23 W.A.TP

it seems to me that the exact same reason adam gets a game, boyd is left out. adam is one of those players who, in a way some players cant, a certain percentage of the time, actually scores or creates a good scoring chance. he done it last night. while a lot of the time he is beyond shit i cant recall how many times i've either said "aw, naw, what you bringing on him for at all?" or "he has been abject pish, surely he must be subbed" and he's done something brilliant as if to personally spite me. he is the classic percentages player - 90% or so of the time he is a passenger, but i think walter smith knows that there are going to be a few times every game or so he does something that could genuinly cause damage to opposition. and for that purpose he puts him in. but isnt this the very reason he doesn't play boyd? i realise they are different players in different positions but boyd doesn't seem to get a game presumably because he doesn't offer enough to the team enough of the time, even if, for a certain percentage of the time, he will score you a decisive goal. so, i dont really buy the "he doesnt do enough for the team" argument while adam seems to get played on the exact same grounds. it must be something personal with boyd. do you think we owe it to smith, a man who has in a dignified manner, completely turned our club from a laughing stock to serious contenders, to just accept him as knowing best about boyd?

Thought this was a great read. We've all debated the pro's and cons of Boyd on here. Some are for and some are against. Im a huge fan and would love to see him starting every game. 15 goals in 17 starts is phenomanal.

What team would you put out against Pana? McGregor SW Weir CC Papac Burke / Novo Davis Hendami Fergie SN / Buffel Cousin The reasoning behind this is that Pana will be big, strong and quick on the counter attack and we need to match all of that. I chose Papac purely down to his experience. I would like to see TB playing some part in the game as we will require all the craft and guile that we can muster to break down their defence. I chose Cousin as outwith JCD he is the only player currently on our books who can play the lone striker role on the European stage. In saying all that here is the team that I think WS will deploy McGregor SW Weir CC Papac Burke Hendami Fergie Adam McCulloch Boyd If he doesn't play Boyd, he will push Lee Mc up front and play SN. Cammy F

THE date is July 1, 2020 and Rangers' manager Barry Ferguson and his trusted assistant Lee McCulloch are plotting the club's defence of the domestic treble they won during the 2019/20 campaign. This might sound a bit far-fetched at the start of 2008 but Barry has revealed that he will take his first tentative steps into the world of football coaching at the end of this season with his good pal Lee. The Gers' captain, who celebrates his 30th birthday tomorrow, insists that he will play at the top level for at least another five years but is already making plans for when his glittering career comes to an end. Becoming the boss at Ibrox may be a distant dream for Fergie at this stage of his life but who is to say it will not become a reality in the future. If someone had said during the nine-in-a-row era that legendary goalscorer Ally McCoist and his partner in crime Ian Durrant would be back at the club as part of Walter Smith's coaching staff in 2007 they would probably have been locked in a cell in a straight jacket! McCoist and Durrant, of course, were famous throughout the 90s for their larger than life personalities and electric wit but as time has past both have become highly skilled coaches in their own right. Following in their footsteps is something that appeals greatly to Barry although he is the first to admit that he has a lot to learn as well as a lot to offer. Having made his debut against Hearts at Tynecastle on the final day of the historic 1996/97 season he has now played at the highest level for more than a decade and feels that passing his vast experience to the next generation of football stars in Scotland would give him a great deal of satisfaction. He said: "I have decided that I am going to do my coaching badges this year so that is something I am looking forward to. "I have been mulling it over for the past couple of years and finally decided to give it a shot. "The biggest thing for me would be to train young players and pass on my experience to them. "I think I would get a lot out of that but we will see if I can pass the badges I take later this year. "Myself and big Lee are going to do it soon and we will see where that takes us. "I know that Nacho did it with my brother Derek last year so if he can pass I am sure I do it also!" Hitting the big 'three zero' might be a frightening prospect to some footballers who view this as the end of their prime. Ferguson, however, insists that he has never felt better physically and feels that he is at currently at his peak in terms of fitness and stamina. He said: "There is no doubt that I feel fitter now than I was when I was 21 or 22. "Obviously when you get older you look after yourself a bit more than when you are young. "When you are in your early 20s being fit comes easy to you but I have learned a lot over the years and I am sure I will be able to play for the next five years no problem at all. "Rest, of course, is an important aspect as you get older but to be honest I would rather play in every game as oppose to train all the time. "That is not to say that I do not enjoy training because I do and I think I am working harder now than I ever have done at Murray Park. "My fitness is probably at the best level it has been in a long time." Like most people Barry feels the last ten years have flown by in the blink of an eye but having gathered eleven winners' medals during this time he has a lot of fond memories to look back on. Four League Championship medals, three Scottish Cup and four League Cup successes have cemented his position as a Gers' great but he is greedy for more and believes that Walter Smith's current squad have what it takes to bring the glory days back to Ibrox. He said: "I do not want to think about hitting 30 and, to be honest, I can't believe where the time has gone. "But to get eleven medals from my time at the club is a great achievement and I am sure I will win plenty more in the coming seasons. "I am back enjoying my football again and the whole place has been given a huge lift with the new management team coming in so hopefully I can win many more trophies before my career comes to an end. "Everyone can see when they walk into Murray Park that it is a happy place right now and that is the way it should be. "You should always feel happy coming into a place like this on a daily basis but in the past there were some players who did not feel like that. "But Walter and his staff have come in and changed everything. You look forward to going to work which is great for everyone." With Rangers currently in the midst of yet another hectic schedule of games it is not surprising that Barry will be spending most of his birthday at a hotel in Edinburgh with his teammates prior to Sunday's Scottish Cup fifth round tie against Hibs. The champagne will have to be put on ice until after the trip to Easter Road but he is hoping to make it a double celebration by securing a win against Mixu Paatelainen's side. "I have said many times that I am happy when the games come thick and fast. "People often ask me if I am tired if I play Saturday-Wednesday-Saturday but in this day if you prepare right and look after yourself you should not have any problems. "This week we have played against Hearts in the League Cup and then we follow that be taking on Hibs in the Scottish Cup. "As a footballer that is something you just have to accept and I will be looking forward to going back to Easter Road. "I think our 2-1 win there on December 29 was possibly our best performance in a long, long time but they now have a new manager in place so I expect them to be a different proposition to the team we faced prior to New Year." A daunting thought for most, I'd imagine! Happy Birthday none the less!

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=590&Itemid=1 The morning after the night before, eh? Iââ?¬â?¢m sure Iââ?¬â?¢m not the only football fan nursing the equivalent of a hangover this morning as the hype of January transfer window closes for another season. Internet forum server issues, ridiculous radio-phone rumours and around-the-clock satellite sports news excitement ââ?¬â?? coupled together they make for quite a cocktail of commotion and emotion. Hence the hangover this morning; especially when our team havenââ?¬â?¢t been as pro-active as weââ?¬â?¢d all like. Despite my article of Tuesday morning warning all Rangers fans of the unlikelihood of substantial investment in the wake of the Alan Hutton transfer, movement occurred nonetheless and it seems we werenââ?¬â?¢t far off securing the services of Italian striker Andrea Caracciolo from Sampdoria while we did manage to sign the Fulham and Northern Ireland midfielder Steven Davis on loan from the Premiership. Davis is actually a decent signing and although Iââ?¬â?¢m not personally a huge fan of loan deals, he will provide the kind of genuine back-up and depth required for Barry Ferguson and Brahim Hemdani as Kevin Thomson sits out for another two months. Obviously the Ã?£4million deal for Caracciolo was the most exciting rumour of the day and every Rangers fan waited with baited breath as we heard Walter Smith and Martin Bain were in Italy. Unfortunately (or as it may have turned out ââ?¬â?? fortunately) the huge striker chose to stay in his homeland and drop a division to Serie B to play with his former club Brescia. Itââ?¬â?¢s ironic that in the week one Rangers player leaves to realise his ambitions what seems to be our main transfer target lacks the same aspirations in his career to move to the UK ââ?¬â?? instead blaming a lack of self-confidence and the weather for his decision. Hardly the mental and professional discipline you want to hear from a player you want to spend the total of around Ã?£7million on! A lucky escape then perhaps? Unfortunately what this debacle does highlight is the further incompetence of our Chief Executive. Martin Bain quite simply is not up to the job. I bear the man no ill-will and in his Rangers career (over 10 years now) heââ?¬â?¢s done some good work in the face of constant criticism and financial downsizing while being the stereotypical lamb to the slaughter while his boss relaxes in France. A well paid ââ?¬Ë?yes-manââ?¬â?¢ nonetheless though and the way weââ?¬â?¢ve conducted our business this January (and in the past) shows just how out of his depth he is. To avoid any confusion Iââ?¬â?¢m not criticising the club about not spending the ~Ã?£10million from the Hutton/Cousin deals per se. As I wrote the other day, not spending it is understandable to a degree and Iââ?¬â?¢d much rather we were prudent and efficient in our dealings. However, if there was around Ã?£5million to spend, surely the old adage of not keeping all your eggs in one basket applies here? Weââ?¬â?¢re told that the club have scouted Caracciolo for months, yet we leave it to the absolute last minute to try and negotiate our way through the confusing world of the Italian transfer system ââ?¬â?? three clubs involved directly, other clubs interested, translators required and agents hovering with their claws as sharp as ever. Yet, ex-catalogue model Bain is deemed to have the tactical nous to navigate his way through such a tough deal ââ?¬â?? all in a few hours!? I certainly donââ?¬â?¢t pretend to be some sort of finance guru or transfer expert but time was never going to be on our side so instead of wasting time taking last minute flights to Genoa, we should have moved onto our next target. We do have one Ewan Chester, donââ?¬â?¢t we? Or was Willie McLies too busy hawking wee Broon again to furnish us with his usual brand of short-term client information? Certainly Martin Smithers and his merry band of under-achieving assistants are not justifying their inflated wages while the rest of us pay for the privilege of watching them let us down time after time. But, and this is the crux of the article, all the above does not mean we have a convenient get-out clause for not winning the league (or the other competitions weââ?¬â?¢re in). Yes, we should have strengthened while Celtic have done so (to a degree) but we still have more than enough talent at Ibrox to compete on all fronts. Losing Alan Hutton is a big blow and Daniel Cousin (if he does actually leave ââ?¬â?? more crazy dealings by our staff given the obvious FIFA rulings) is a similar loss. However, we have deputies more than capable of taking their place. Steven Whittaker has shown he has the game to develop into a fine player while a fit Darcheville and a determined Boyd would keep out most strikers out of many teams anyway. Christian Dailly and Neil Alexander may not be the most glamorous of signings either but both will provide competition for places and much-needed experience as we proceed towards our goals. As such, despite all the valid criticism aimed at the likes of Bain and despite all the obvious disappointment of not capturing another player or two, itââ?¬â?¢s vital we keep our eyes on the prize. A four point lead is a good one and should be able to defend this over the coming months with the existing squad. Three Old Firm games in two months will be the ultimate decider but we have nothing to fear in that regard either. So, confidence should remain, support for the players and manager should remain and no excuses will be accepted. The SPL is attainable and nothing less will suffice.

Now that's a promising looking signing. A 23 year old midfielder with Premiership experience, Northern Ireland internationalist and a Bluenose too. Hopefully his loan is just the start of a long & successful career here.

Rangers have completed the signing of Ipswich Town goalkeeper Neil Alexander, which should free Roy Carroll to join Derby County. Alexander has agreed a contract until 2011 with the SPL leaders after Ipswich admitted they could not stand in the player's way. The Scotland international only moved to Portman Road last summer from Cardiff City, but did not hesitate to accept a move to Ibrox. "As soon as I knew Rangers were interested in me, I didn't have to think twice about coming here," Alexander told the club's official website. Very grateful "There was only going to be one answer for me. "I'm very grateful to Ipswich for not standing in my way. My manager Jim Magilton said it was a great chance that I might never get again and I agreed. "This is a fantastic opportunity to come to one of the biggest clubs in Europe and I'm over the moon." With Alexander now signed, Gers boss Walter Smith is likely to allow Carroll to complete his switch to Premier League strugglers Derby.

Much can be debated about Walters tactics in SPL / Euro games and his choice selections. But I wonder how he feels being back at Rangers with the club being ran totally different. He no longer can buy multi million pound players and has to pick and scrape from the bottom end of the market and the club are a selling club if the opportunity comes around - although in Cousin's case our hands are tied as he wanted the move - but in Alan Hutton's case the player wants to stay at lease until the end of the season. TBH he hasnt done too badly so far with some buys in certain areas. He's done well with McGregor in goal and brought him on to be a fine keeper. Cuellar at the back has been a bright spark for 95% of the season, I just hope we can hold onto him. Davie Weir has been solid throughout but needs a break at the moment. In midfield McCulloch and Thomson have been popular. McCulloch was a preferred signing of mine and got off to a great start this season but went off the boil for a few games but I expect him to be back to his best soon. Thomson remains a popular player with the fans. We'll see a bit more from Naismith soon IMO and hopefully Darcheville can stay clear of injuries for a while. In the last 12 months we have went from being a disaster to title challengers. Dont get me wrong Celtic arent a top club - they have some on field problems at the moment in the SPL - but I think credit can be given to Walter for putting us in the situation we are in again and playing in 4 competitions as we head towards the end of January. We can only ask for a bit more attractive football and that may take a little bit longer but should come.

http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=582&Itemid=1 As we approach the last 7 days of the January transfer window and lose our most prolific league scorer, The-Insider once again lets us know of the rumours (yes, rumours not fact!) that he has been hearing over the last few days. First off, with Daniel Cousin signing for Fulham all the debate is who will replace him and how much of the �£3million will Walter Smith get to spend. The answer is not very much as once all the parties get their hefty cut of the transfer fee; and Rangers still looking to address their debt, that will only leave around half of the initial �£3million figure. It must disappoint and concern all Ranges fans that in seasons where they continue to support the team so strongly financially (despite no success and little defence from the club when criticised) that certain people continue to make so much money out of transfers. The three most common names linked with a move are S�¸ren Larsen, Luke Moore and, now, Kyle Lafferty of Burnley. Of those Larsen is the most affordable but Rangers retain an interest in all three. Larsen and Lafferty offer the most direct replacement in terms of style of play while Moore has already visted Murray Park and has viewed property in the West End of Glasgow. Unfortunately, Villa want �£3.5million for his services and, at this stage, Rangers cannot afford that fee. To counter the finance issue, as revealed last week by Gersnet, Alan Hutton's Rangers future is still very much in the balance. As we told you last week, Spurs increased their weekly wage offer by over 50% after dealing directly with Rangers and not Hutton's agent. Since then Hutton has sacked his agent John Lonergan and any move to London is still on the table with Rangers being keen to sell. Certainly with Ehiogu and Cousin now having left the club and no replacements brought back in, further pressure will be on Sir David Murray to buy - more so if Hutton and/or Buffel also leave. As we said last week, two or three suitable signings could mean the difference between a title-winning side and not winning any trophies whatsoever. The-Insider will keep you informed over the next week.