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  1. Not really any suprises, bet it was a hell of a night for Prso though !!
  2. Whilst we were dominating Scottish Football in the early 90ââ?¬â?¢s, Rangers were ââ?¬Ë?richerââ?¬â?¢ than clubs like Manchester United and after our fantastic European adventure in 93, we were better placed to win the European Cup than teams like Man U, Arsenal, Chelsea etc. It can be argued that those ââ?¬Ë?bigââ?¬â?¢ English clubs were still adjusting to life in the ââ?¬Ë?newââ?¬â?¢ English Premiership and life back on the European stage after years of exile. However, we defeated the English Champions home and away on the way to the inaugural Champions League group stages and were only denied a place in the final by the corrupt French Champions. So what happened to this fantastic opportunity? Well SKY TV arrived and financed the EPL, UEFA changed the goal-post regarding the CL and the 3 foreigner rule, and IMO David Murray allowed Walter Smith to stay on as Rangers manager for too long and the team that drank together, stagnated together. After securing 9-in-a-row Walter Smith decided that he would leave Rangers the following season and if we are honest, it was torture watching that aging team limp towards what would have been a historic 10-in-a-row, Now the nostalgic and romantics amongst us would argue that that team/squad deserved the chance to etch themselves into history. However, after a season that started fantastically (who can forget the moody Italian Marco Negri scoring with almost every touch he had ââ?¬â?? well, it seemed that way, then weââ?¬â?¢d watch him sulk back to the half-way line!). I know that hindsight is a wonderful thing, but you have to ask why SDM allowed Walter Smith to continue even after he had handed in his notice. Looking back to Graeme Souness, as soon as Souness indicated that he would be leaving for Liverpool, SDM showed him the door and booked him a taxi to the airport. So, why did Walter Smith not get the same treatment? Would a change of manager after securing 9-in-a-row ensured that we would have continued our domestic dominance and recharge our European challenge as this had faded since the halcyon days on 92/93? Weââ?¬â?¢ll never know, but Iââ?¬â?¢m sure a change of manager would have seen a change in fortunes as the season draw to a close. Walter Smith, rightly or wrongly chose to stick with the mainstay of the 9-in-a-row team who were clearly running on empty. We actually had 2 chances to win the league that year and blew them both (losing at home to Motherwell and away to Aberdeen) after defeating Craptic twice in a week in the Scottish Cup and League. We were famously to lose the league and both domestic cups that season but perversely, that season was to give me the possibly the proudest moment in my Rangers supporting life. As we stood at Tannidice, the deposed Champions and the 10-in-a-row dream in tatters, knowing that the manager and majority of players would be leaving, we reacted ââ?¬Ë?the Rangers wayââ?¬â?¢. The fans stood to a man (woman and child) and sang of their love for Rangers and applauded the players/manager from the pitch. Rangers, dignified in victory and defeat. Now it is worth reminding ourselves that at this stage in our history, we were still financially sound ââ?¬â?? and that our bitterest (sic) of rivals were still recovering from being on the brink or extinction. We were, in all honesty, going into the 10-in-a-row season, 10-15 years ahead of them off and on the pitch - all that was about to change. IMO, this is SDMââ?¬â?¢s greatest crime, allowing such a change in such a short space of time. SDM must have known that our debt was about to spiral out of control and should have put measures in place to ensure that we stayed ahead of the game. To his eternal shame, he didnââ?¬â?¢t and all our current ills can be traced back to this point in our history. SDM appeared to have pulled of a mater-stroke by appointing Dick Advocaat as our new manager. DA signed a whole host of exciting players like Amato, Gio, Numan and erm, Bert Konterman! After a shacky start and a thumping at the hands of Craptic, DAââ?¬â?¢s team gelled and played some wonderful football that saw his reclaim OUR title and win a glorious treble. Plenty other domestic success came or way along with some very credible performances and results on the European stage. Everything in the garden appeared rosy, oh how we were mistaken. DA started to lose the plot and Craptic under a new regime (on and off the pitch) stole our thunder and DA had to fall on his sword. He was replaced by Alex McLeish, an appointment that had a lot or Rangers fans shaking their heads in disappointment. To AMââ?¬â?¢s credit, he managed to match Crapticââ?¬â?¢s 2nd most successful manager on the trophy count (including a treble) whilst having to sell our better players, reduce the wage bill and replace them with inferior quality. Any money we made was put to servicing the debt whilst our financially sound neighbours had money to invest in their team. However, we were offered a ââ?¬Ë?chink of lightââ?¬â?¢. Martin Oââ?¬â?¢Neill was leaving Craptic and leaving them in a min-crisis. We had snatched the league title from under their noses for a 2nd time and their aging squad was to be dissembled. This was an opportunity for us to strengthen from a position of being the champions, but again SDM refused to back his manager with the funds required to forge ahead to domestic dominance. Once again, we were left in our rivals shadows and AM was sacked and replaced by PLG. Again, we have hope but alas, it was to be false hope and SDM didnââ?¬â?¢t back his new charge with money either. So after 2 disastrous domestic campaigns, can our leader take a possible opportunity to put us back where we belong? Or will he once again, miss a golden opportunity? If the (strong) rumours are to be believed, Gordon Strachan will leave Craptic in the summer and return to a role in the EPL ââ?¬â?? most likely at Manchester City. Crapticââ?¬â?¢s form over the closing half of the season hasnââ?¬â?¢t been particularly good and only our woeful results under PLG have stopped us from mounting a serious challenge in the league and cups. So what will our esteemed leader do this summer? I think heââ?¬â?¢ll do what he has done in the last 5 summers, give his charge a minimum transfer budget to sign players who are expected to replace the ââ?¬Ë?betterââ?¬â?¢ players in our squad. The early indications donââ?¬â?¢t look promising, but surely a brilliant business man like SDM can smell an opportunity and would do what ever it took to put his ââ?¬Ë?businessââ?¬â?¢ back on top? I wouldnââ?¬â?¢t bet on it, this summer will be another missed opportunity for SDM and for Rangers. Cammy F
  3. This has been so regular recently, we have had so much days off. Saturdays are all about football and the summer is approaching fast when we will have about a 10 week break which is bad enough, but we have lots of off days in Feb, Mar and Apr. One reason is being out of the Scottish Cup. We are almost on out longest stretch of not winning this trophy since that big gap between 1981 and 1992!!. Since then we won it in 92, 93, 96, 99, 2000, 2002, 2003 but we are now we have at least a 5 year gap since winning the oldest trophy in history!! That HAS to be rectified for next season!! Even the league cup has illuded us for a few season, so next season is MUST for some sort of silverware. To be fair to Walter Smith he hasnt had anything to play for this season as we were out of both cups when he arrived and the title was out of reach, so Im sure he will be successful in his search next season. But its frustrating times right now as we cant even get a game on a saturday afternoon in April but its all about being patient just now. WATP
  4. Mmm, not sure if he will be with us next season. I actually hope he is as I still think he is one player who has skill, pace and can create many chances for us IF he is used properly.
  5. Its one of those typical, standard interviews from a fed-up player or more likely his agent. Maybe he will be for the off after all to boost the transfer kitty? That might make sense with Weir being first choice and us having a few candidates who could come in alongside him. Besides, if Webster is going to cost us �£500,000 or so, we could pay for him from Svensson's fee and have money to spare. Taken from the Daily R*cord:
  6. Started the season very well and scored a few but since then has turned into a dumping so I might do a brake dance if he leaves.
  7. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/6502909.stm And don't come back!
  8. http://www.gersnetonline.net/newsite/index.php That time is here again. The letters will soon be through the door and RFC are asking for your hard-earned cash – often more than £400 in many cases. Are you automatically reaching for your bank account details? Is it money well spent or could it be considered emotional blackmail? Whatever you think wait a few minutes before getting your wallet out – read on! The end of this season will now see 2 years of no success – not one trophy! The product on offer has been depressing and if it wasn’t for a decent CL run last season and an interesting UEFA Cup run this term, we’d have no positives to talk about. I think it’s fair to say that at the beginning of the season we were all pretty happy. Attracting and installing Paul Le Guen as our new manager must have been no easy task. He was one of the youngest and brightest managers in world football and we all thought David Murray had secured a gem. We were back and nothing would stop us was the cry! How wrong could we have been? Investment into the playing side was minimal because of more pay offs and no CL football. However, even with the money PLG did get it appears to have been wasted on players that have offered little or no improvement on previous personnel. It all soon went downhill and I don’t think we need reminding about how bad it was. As such, in a marked difference from last season, SDM acted quickly and removed PLG immediately. ‘Back to the Future’ was the theme as Walter Smith returned along with Ally McCoist who would surely help dressing room differences. As a short-term solution it seems to have worked to a degree. Decent SPL form and a much-needed away win against Celtic means the feel-good factor is returning slightly. It remains to be seen if it’s the right medium-long term appointment and our quick Euro exit showed Smith et al have a lot of hard work ahead of them. In addition, we still don’t have our problems to seek off the pitch. The UEFA charge of early 2006 has hung over us and we have all been criticised in the media every other day since. At that time, Murray’s statement condemning sectarianism and bigotry was appropriate and the responsibility certainly lies with us all in eradicating the offensive content from our support. It is a challenge but one that we must overcome. The continued witch-hunt by various parties (independent, anonymous or not) shows that the matter won’t be laid to rest so we have to act soonest. I do wonder though at the club’s reluctance to combat the media on these issues. Too often now we seem impotent when it comes to their ever more frequent diatribes. Journalists such as the odious Graham Spiers, Gerry McNee and Hugh Keevins seem able to say what they want without fear of reprisal from the chairman or the club. Others have jumped on this bandwagon while other clubs seem to do what they want with minimal coverage. Why is the press coverage so seemingly one-sided? Criticism of our club and its fans goes with the territory. It’s is often valid and we should neither deflect nor deny the problems we face. However, at the same time we cannot allow our enemies to blacken our name by sensationalising a terrible issue. We cannot afford to give people like the above carte blanche to say what they like about the fans and our club. With new SPL rules on the horizon the danger has never been clearer and we have to be ready for further attacks. David Murray, as our club’s custodian and our ultimate ‘leader’, should answer on our behalf. Yet the only people I see standing up for our fellow fans are voluntary fans’ groups. Surely if someone like Murray or even Martin Bain did what Peter Lawwell of Celtic seems to be doing very successfully, these attacks wouldn’t be so frequent or so over the top? The last 2 years have been awful but there are signs that we can rally. However, unless the club start defending the fans, the Rangers family might not be as happy or together as it should be. David Murray and the board are the head of the family and they must start leading from the front. Once again, I implore the club to act in the good name of Rangers FC. There is a battle going on out there and we desperately need a General. Is David Murray that man? Where has he been lately? As such, I would ask every Rangers fan reading this to not blindly fill out that renewal form. Have a think what you want from your club. Do the arrival of Walter Smith and some more new players satisfy your ambitions? As well as the primary media issue, what about the other problems we have? Dangerous European away trips; hindrance of invaluable singing sections; over-the-top policing and stewarding; a confusing and forever changing Youth system; poor match-day facilities; questionable scouting policies and minimal appreciation of the club’s history. These are all negative issues which should concern every one of us. Are you still ready to sign that form? I know you will. I know I will. After all we are amongst the most loyal fans in the game and supporting a club such as Rangers isn’t always done logically. But, fellow Rangers fan, why not do what I’m going to do: accompany your renewal with a letter or with a simple piece of paper if you prefer. On it use the following words to show that you’re a customer who doesn’t appreciate being victimised in the media and who will not blindly accept second best year after year. This simple message will suffice: David Murray – Show some leadership and defend our club.
  9. Look at him referring to Scotland as "they" and not "us"- what an absolute joker.
  10. Thomas Buffel has revealed his intention to quit Rangers and ply his trade in a stronger league. The 26-year-old is under contract at Ibrox through 2009, but is keen to move on, possibly as early as the summer. Buffel, who was close to joining Hannover in January, will not feature for The Gers again this season after undergoing knee surgery. "I have played more than 80 games for Rangers over the past two years and I have won the league and League Cup," Buffel said in the Daily Record. "But I still have the ambition to play my football in a stronger league. "I had the chance to play in the Bundesliga in January and I could have earned more money there than I do in Scotland. "But I felt that I should not start out with a new club when I am not fully fit. "Had the situation been different I might have moved although there was a real chance that Rangers might not have let me go." Meanwhile, Buffel is disappointed with how things have gone for him since Walter Smith took over from Paul Le Guen. He added: "Sometimes your career depends on details. I rated Paul Le Guen very highly. "But when Walter Smith succeeded him, the train departed straight away."
  11. Much of which i'm inclined to agree with......... "When Boyd didn�t play in certain games under Paul le Guen, there was revolt in the air. When Boyd doesn�t play under Walter Smith - that�s okay" and "Alan Hutton was fucking sensational yesterday. Dado Prso is a god. Barry Ferguson was immense but I have no warmth for Barry now. I actually hope, Michael Corleone-like, Walter is keeping Barry close til the close season, and, just as Carlo eventually has to answer for Santino, Waldo will give the captaincy to someone else and maybe even sell Barry this summer, as people who undermine the club, who go agaianst the family�s chain of command, should never be allowed to get away with it." http://rangers.openfootball.co.uk/index.php/2007/03/18/the-second-coming-comes-second-gers-3-sheep-0/
  12. Fat Jim seems a bit puzzled as to what he means... Funnily enough I noted his silence last week after the Celtic fans sung their IRA hymns of hate.
  13. Needs to perk his ideas up. That's 4 games now we'sve struggled to create any chances. We got lucky against Hibs, their keeper is shit. The home leg against Osasuna was probably the worst performance under Smith since he came back to manage us. Our goal against the mhanks came from a set piece. Novo had a half chance which again came from a set piece. Tonight, apart from Rae's chance we created absolutely nothing and even at that his chance came from a fuck up by the Osasuna defence. His choice of tactics in big games is killing us. Long balls upto either Novo who will always lose out in the air to the centre backs, Boyd who is pish and can't trap a bag of cement and Sebo who doesn't really know himself what he's going next doesn't work. Why can't WS see this when every supporter up and down the country can?!?! I was against WS coming back to manage us when PLG left because of his piss poor record in europe and it looks like nothing new has changed - same old pish every game. We'll be laughed out of the CL if we make it that far next season. Pissed off and raging Loyal!
  14. Without even playing an all.... the most diddy-like rankings the sports world has ever produced.
  15. What a shambolic performance tonight. Wrong tactics, wrong selection wrong fuckin' everything. Tonight I was proved right, WS is exactly the same manager in europe as he was all those years ago -inept and shite! We were the home team yet played with 1 striker (more about that later). We played long ball tactics, no one supported that 1 striker and when we got the ball on the deck we panicked. I was disgusted with that performance tonight!!! People talk about playing the game with fight and heart. Not Rangers. We try, we fail, we can't do anything right. Absolute shocker tonight. Kris Boyd. Is WS the only brainless fucker out there who seems to think he can do a job for us? Last week Cammy was having a go at him and I agreed with him a wee bit but thought he was exactly what we needed - a goalscorer. Aye well, I can fuck right off cause he is diabolical! He can't run, can't trap the ball, can't head the ball and can't do anything right. What a waste of a space. I could rant on for days but why? No one listens. The players go home at night with their pay cheque. I could beleiev that a few players are out tonight in a nightclub having a laugh and joke with some burds while us the fans are raging with their performance. Absolute fuckin' wankers!!! What was WS thinking playing 1 up front in a home european tie?!?!?! It beggars belief. And Ugo fuckin Ehiogu, don't even get me started. How this guy got a cap for England is beyond me. Get him to fuck!!! There's so much I could write about tonight but I can't be fucked, just like the players. Only difference is I don't get paid ludicrous amounts of money to do fuck all. Get to fuck every single one fo you, you aren't worth the money I pay each season to watch you.
  16. RANGERS are believed to be keeping tabs on Poland striker Grzegorz Rasiak, of Southampton. The 6ft 3in, 28-year-old has bagged 19 goals this season in Saints' push to get back into the Premiership. Gers No.3 Kenny McDowall went to look at Rasiak in Saturday's 1-0 win over Ipswich, but the former Derby County and Spurs man was an unused sub. Rasiak was signed from White Hart Lane last May in a �£2m deal after failing to make an impact in London. advertisement But the 35-times capped Poland frontman, who was a team-mate of Celtic duo Maciej Zurawski and Artur Boruc at the World Cup last year, has shone since his transfer to Southampton. Gers boss Walter Smith is keeping his options open on the striking front with Dado Prso's future still unclear. But he knows he needs to add firepower to a front line that has relied solely on the Kris Boyd's goals this season. I suppose we will be linked with many players in the next few months.
  17. You're Just Fan-tastic IBROX was rocking last night as Rangers stormed into the last 16 stage of the UEFA Cup with a 5-2 aggregate win over Hapoel Tel-Aviv. The biggest crowd of the night in Europe - 46,213 - gave Walter Smith and his boys sensational backing which was sparked by a brilliant pre-match flag display. The supporters have been getting unwarranted stick in recent weeks but last night they were simply the best. And Chief Executive Martin Bain praised the Ibrox faithful after the club's sensational win. He said: "All of us at Rangers congratulate our supporters for the tremendous atmosphere they created at Ibrox tonight and the backing they gave the team on a big European night for the club. "Too readily our supporters are subject to criticism and tonight showed they can create an atmosphere that would be hard to match at any other stadium in Europe."
  18. Good luck to Andy and hopefully we will see him in action before the season ends
  19. After Walter Smith left the club in 1998 nobody it can be said with hindsight that we went off track. We were the domestic force by a country mile for a long period of time but not able to compete with the big boys of Europe so an alternative route was taken. Domestic success wasnt enough. It started with a bang with Dick Advocaat in charge. We missed out on our 10th title in a row the previous season which sent us in to the UEFA cup in 1998/99. We matched the mighty Parma that season and retained our league title - we were champs again. This continued into the next season and we competed in Europe with 3 teams from the top shelf - once again Parma, PSV and Bayern - the latter being extremely lucky to get anything off us. Only Valencia out classed us this year and we missed out on the next stage which really was a downfall moment. But the title was retained. The next season we all expected more of the same however it couldnt have went worse. Our midfield which was a match for anyone up and down the country and contributed to around 35+ goals a season was totally sold off. Some of them wanted to leave to join bigger clubs (which has back fired) but some wanted to stay. In replacement we were told better players were coming in, however we got an aging midfielder from Hibs (Latapy), a midfielder that didnt kick a ball for us (Nerlinger) and an aging striker from Dundee (Canniggia) - nothing near to what we had just sold off. We were battered in the league by Celtic. We were soaked with debt and had to downsize dramatically. A young scottish manager came in (McLeish) and didnt have an open cheque book like his previous managers. However he still signed a high quantity of players but never seemed to know what to do with them. In the next 5 seasons we won 2 titles which could easy have went the other way. But he still gave us a number of trophies but a mighty glamours side we were not. Teams would come to our fortress and no longer be intimidated, instead they were capable of matching us. We were no longer winning old firm games left right and centre like we were used to - infact we were struggling to win them home or away while being left trailing in the league. We decided to go for a top Euro coach which delighted every Blue Nose and many expected a fix over night. Many were sensible and expected a fix over a period of at least 4-6 months and some expected a fix in a year. But nobody expected us to go backwards. We didnt think the previous season could have been worsened however it. In europe however, we were doing ok and broke into the last 16 of the CL and this season we are no means out of the last 16 of the UEFA. - This was 1 bright spark from our depression run. Something happened back stage in the dressing room that we wont end up finding out but it forced us into another change in manager. We brought back the man who has lead us to so much domestic glory and the master of getting the better of Celtic - CAN HE DO IT AGAIN?? And can he return us to the Summit of Scotland where we should be?? But Walter will certainly patch up a few wrongs that we have like defensive weaknesses and any dressing room splits. But importantly he will have the players playing for the jersey again. Along side him this time is a cult hero in Govan and our record goalscorer - Mr McCoist who knows more than anyone what its like to pull on the blue jersey. I believe he has came in at a good time as the league was gone and domestic cups were gone and he has this few months to find out what he needs in the team. Not much pressure on him except to get us 2nd spot in the league which we are favourites for. So roll on August where we can begin afresh again and this time next year we hope to be back on top.
  20. THOMAS BUFFEL has been ruled out for the rest of the season. The Belgian will shortly undergo surgery to cure a knee injury and will now play no further part in this campaign. He last played in the 1-0 win at Dunfermline on January 21. His enforced absence is another blow to manager Walter Smith who is currently also without Dado Prso, Steven Smith and Andy Webster through injury. Buffel joined Rangers from Feyenoord in January 2005 and has made a total of 81 appearances, scoring 16 goals. http://www.rangers.premiumtv.co.uk/p...978793,00.html
  21. WALTER Smith could be set to hand Stefan Klos a dramatic return for Rangers at Rugby Park this Sunday. The German keeper, who has made only three SPL starts in two years, may have to replace injured No.1 Allan McGregor. McGregor missed the Scotland gathering at Turnberry to have intensive treatment at Murray Park for a groin injury. It's understood he would have been forced to sit on the sidelines had Rangers still been involved in the Scottish Cup at the weekend, but the extra week has given him hope of recovering in time. advertisement Klos made himself a huge favourite with the Ibrox legions before a string of injuries, and a loss of form, made it impossible for him to win his place back. McGregor has put in some fine displays so far this season and has been rewarded with a Scotland call-up, so he'll want to keep his first team place. It's believed Smith has no problem with bringing Klos back, but will back McGregor if he can convince the Rangers medical department he is fit. Meanwhile, Rangers' Euro rivals Hapoel Tel Aviv have not been slow to replace axed boss Yitzhak Schum. The new boss is Nir Levin, and that could be good news for Smith. Former Dundee United player Jan Telesnikov said: "The change of manager won't do them any good. "They've succeeded in getting rid of a very popular coach who had great success with Panathinaikos, leading them to a Greek league and cup double before coming home. "The Hapoel fans loved Schum and have been standing up for him all season with some dirty tricks politics going on behind the scenes. "Levin is a younger coach who has been out of work for some time. I just don't see how he can have any impact in the short space of time before the Rangers matches." In another surprise, Gers flop Julien Rodriguez, who quit for Marseille during the transfer window, has been called into the France squad as cover for the injured Philippe Mexes for tomorrow's game with Argentina. Publication date 06/02/07 This will make Gribz happy.
  22. Former Celt rejects Gers Thu, Feb 01 2007 18:45 Mark Fotheringham has revealed he snubbed Rangers to join Norwich - because he wanted to play a higher standard of football. The former Celtic star joined on transfer deadline day along with fellow Scot, Simon Lappin, who arrived from Scottish Premier League side St Mirren. Fotheringham had been training with Rangers for a week and looked set to join Walter Smith's men. However, having watched Peter Grant's side take on Wolves at Carrow Road on Tuesday evening, the 24-year-old was quick to change his mind. The former Dundee player said: "I went to watch Rangers against Hearts at the weekend, it was alright but I think the standard is a lot stronger in the Championship as a whole, with the amount of teams and the size of the clubs here so that was obviously a big decision for me but, I am just delighted to be down here, I'm buzzing." Fotheringham looks set to make his debut against Leeds at Carrow Road this weekend and admits he is excited about lining up with his new team-mates for the first time. "I am so impressed with the squad, we have got some good players here and I just can't wait to get started playing with them," he added.
  23. Danish starlet Adda Djeziri is being tipped to move to Rangers before the close of the transfer window. The teenage forward trained with the Scottish giants last week and is understood to have impressed Walter Smith and Ally McCoist. He currently plays for BK Frem and reports have suggested he would cost Rangers a fee of �£125,000. Frem chairman Hans Hermansen has confirmed talks have taken place and appears optimistic a deal will be concluded before the window shuts. "A couple of details remain to be discussed, but I am convinced that the transfer will take place this month," said Hermansen. Seems to be the new Lovenkrands
  24. Again, according to sky sports Hannover want to sign Rangers midfielder Thomas Buffel. The Bundesliga side believe the 25-year-old can bolster their midfield, but Rangers boss Walter Smith may be unwilling to part with the Belgian during the transfer window. Hannover's Sporting director Christian Hochstatter is believed to be set to fly to Glasgow in an effort to secure a deal for Buffel, who cost Rangers �£2.3million in 2005. Head coach Dieter Hecking said: "I�´m not the right person to ask to say whether a deal is possible before January 31. "But if we fly over there, I'm sure there�´s a chance for him to play (for Hannover) in the second half of the season." However, Smith has already indicated his desire to increase his midfield options after losing Jeremy Clement to Paris St Germain. "At this time of year, it's not ideal to lose someone unless you can bring someone else in," said Smith.
  25. Much has been written about the abrupt departure of Mr PLG and the reappointment of Mr Smith and the possible reasons behind PLGââ?¬â?¢s departure, but nothing is going to change the fact that Walter Smith (plus Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowell) has replaced the much lauded (well, before his arrival in Govan) Frenchman. For sometime now, probably since Dick Advocaatââ?¬â?¢s departure, it has been obvious that Rangers needed a period of stability, whilst David Murray downsized our ambitions as we were in uncontrollable debt. In retrospect, Alex McLeish gave us a period (2 years) of stability where he appeared to have steadied the ship, won us trophies (albeit both Championships were won on the last day of the seasons) whilst the ââ?¬Ë?top earnersââ?¬â?¢ ââ?¬â?? hence the ââ?¬Ë?decentââ?¬â?¢ players were sold and replaced with inferior ââ?¬Ë?talentââ?¬â?¢. Last season was unbearable for most of us, the record run of defeats, horsed out of both cups in the early stages but we had have a decent run in the Champions League and were in truth, very unlucky to be put out by a very good Villarreal team. When it was revealed in these very pages (thank you Mr KPTB) that PLG was going to be replace AM we were all delighted and after the ââ?¬Ë?official announcementââ?¬â?¢ we all looked forward to ââ?¬Ë?moonbeams of successââ?¬â?¢ and ââ?¬Ë?substantial financial investmentââ?¬â?¢ Ã?© David Murray. Now, it is safe to say that most of us were unimpressed with PLGââ?¬â?¢s dealings in the transfer market (partly blamed of the miserly transfer kitty he was given) but we all thought that PLG would mould them into decent players and therefore, us into a decent team. The first signs were encouraging, then, well, it went tits up. Knocked out of the CIS cup by St Johnstone, the first time in our history that we had lost, at home, to lower league opposition and a woeful 17 points the beggars in the SPL and struggling to cement even 2nd place. The arguments for sacking and retaining PLG were fascinating, the reasons for his eventual sacking clouded (depending on what version of events you believe). However, as I said above, that is all history and we have WS, AMc and KMc in charge and they have been installed to act as a stabilizing team. Now, whether you agree with their installation, I donââ?¬â?¢t think any Rangers fan can deny that we need stabilization and I am sure that the current management/coaching team can deliver this. What I am not so sure is if they are the team to project Rangers in the ââ?¬Ë?long-termââ?¬â?¢. On my humble opinion, what David Murray has done, as he had done with the AM and PLG appointments, is bought himself some time. No-one, even Murrayââ?¬â?¢s greatest detractors, which I am one off, can deny that Murray can manipulate and buy himself time. He has effectively bought himself a further 12-18 months by appointing ââ?¬Ë?Rangers legendsââ?¬â?¢ knowing the fans are unlikely to turn on them if things go bad, we are more likely to support / give more time to them. If DM thought that appointing the ââ?¬Ë?dream teamââ?¬â?¢ was a long-term solution, he would have put another ââ?¬Ë?layerââ?¬â?¢ of management in place between Smith and McCoist. Someone like Billy Davies, Gus McPherson or even Stuart McCall as they would be better place / more experienced than Ally McCoist to take over from Walter Smith. Now, this may happen in the summer, I sincerely hope that it does. PLG ââ?¬â?? Right Manager, Wrong Time Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but I remember talking to a few guys on our supporters bus who had reservations about PLGââ?¬â?¢s signing. Their biggest concern was his lack of communication skills and the fact that he had been out of football for so long. I didnââ?¬â?¢t agree with them, but in hindsight, they may have had a point. Whether this affected his ability to be a success in Scotland is up for debate, but it certainly didnââ?¬â?¢t help (neither did his signing nor Barry Ferguson, depending on whoââ?¬â?¢s side you are on! Lets be brutally honest here, weââ?¬â?¢ll never know the real story thatââ?¬â?¢s for sure). My thoughts that PLG was the right manager for Rangers, but was given the job at the wrong time. I would have loved to have seen PLG as Rangers manager when we had financial stability and money to invest in the squad and when the Youth Set-Up was properly funded and run. In saying that, that is all hypothetical, as under David Murrayââ?¬â?¢s leadership, that is never going to happen. Willie Gardiner Ex-Rangers and Boââ?¬â?¢ness United player Willie Gardiner sadly passed away a few weeks back. Willie signed for Rangers from the ââ?¬Ë?BUââ?¬â?¢sââ?¬â?¢ in 1950 and played under the legendary Mr Struth. He managed a total of 31 appearances for Rangers, scoring 19 goals before being sold to Leicester City where he went on to score 34 goals in his first season for The Foxes. Cammy F ââ?¬â?? We Are The Peopleââ?¬Â¦.
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