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Rangers chief executive Martin Bain admits he is not able to promise new signings during the transfer window. More...

On the back of another Kenny Miller double, this time contributing to the demise of Aberdeen at Pittodrie and firing Rangers back to the top of the league, the Scotland forward himself admits he is in the form of his career. Miller has already struck times in the SPL this season with just 6 games played, 11 in 7 if you count the first against Liechtenstein for Scotland. I will not try to re-write history. Miller returned to Ibrox to a hostile reception from the fans, none more so than myself. Even as rumours emerged that Walter might be interested in signing the striker who had served him so well as manager of the national team fans made their thoughts well known at games. Smith, though, is as strong a character as you will find in the Scottish game, (ask Killie chairman Michael Johnstone) and would not be dissuaded. The manager had an image for his Rangers team and would be his own man, making the signings he deemed necessary. Miller has had much to fight against, having scored for Celtic against Rangers prior to being re-singed from Derby and having a less than impressive scoring record for his previous employers north and south of the border. Whilst his work rate has never been in question, his allegiances, his touch and his composure were all very questionable. Miller�s effervescent style along with doubles against Celtic quickly saw many fans change their view on Miller more than repaying the manager�s faith in him. Again, though, I would be being economical with the truth if I were to say that he had completely won over all the fans. As has often been the case with Miller a rich vein of form and goals would be followed by an equal if not longer fallow period. He could not always be relied on to produce the goals. This season, however, Miller has produced goal-scoring form that even Kris Boyd would have trouble keeping up with whilst still contributing to all round team play and providing opportunities for his team mates. How then does this apply to Ulster hitman? Lafferty did not arrive with as much scepticism, nay outright hostility. Despite a modest goal-scoring record with former club Burnley, impressive outings for Northern Ireland saw Lafferty�s arrival greeted with much optimism. More so from fans across the Irish Sea. Lafferty did not have to contend with the baggage of being an unwelcome signing, a supposed traitor among the ranks. However, the first few years of Lafferty�s Rangers career have not been plain sailing. You would imagine that a player who has scored the goal that ultimately sealed the title on the last two occasions would be universally revered by his club�s supporters. But in truth that is not even close to half of the Kyle Lafferty story. Despite occasional flashes of quality from Lafferty he has all too often flattered to deceive. Combine this with moments of gross stupidity, on and off the field, and the rangy forward has all but eroded much of the cautious optimism that greeted his signing. Many of his more fervent supporters would argue that his cause has not been helped by a vindictive media campaign, but we should not allow a Ranger to shirk all responsibility of his behaviour and performances on the field. So, whilst Lafferty�s signing cannot be compared to the loud disapproval with which Miller�s signing met, the gaffer�s continued persistence to fit a toiling forward into his team has engendered much animosity toward the player. This is further exacerbated by a (by Rangers standards) hefty transfer fee. Particularly since the club, until this present season, have had no room for manoeuvre in the transfer window. Lafferty needs look no further than across the dressing room for the inspiration to overcome such adversity. Whilst the source of the hostility towards either player is markedly different, the road to redemption is exactly the same. Committed performances characterised by the skill and ability that Lafferty has so far exhibited all too infrequently and the kind of goal-scoring form required of a first choice Rangers forward can see Lafferty sharing the limelight with his more celebrated team mate rather than merely seeking to emulate a player currently of immeasurable value to Rangers trophy-winning aspirations.

ALGERIAN winger should sign in next couple of days More...

When Fergie speaks, we listen, especially on the goggle-box where he still refuses to talk to the BBC. Thus, the quick couple of minutes Sky's Geoff Shreeves manages to grab with him, pre-match, take on an almost Frost/Nixon aspect. On Tuesday we were pre another Champions League. "Wonderful, marvellous, the greatest competition in the world," purred Fergie. He was talking up the first group match in front of the sponsors' board but we savoured his words as if he'd unlocked the secret of life's inner meaning. Then he signed off with his customary "Well done" to his grand inquisitor, strolled to the dugout, a wave here and an autograph there, and settled down to watch ... Well, what was that? Man U reserves plus England's fallen idol and Scotland's captain versus the anti-football specialists? The future of the greatest club side in the world versus our doughty representatives, defending as if their lives depended on it and turning row Z-ing into an art form? Hmm. It certainly wasn't the Battle of Britain, as billed. It definitely wasn't one of those "big European nights" that Sir Alex Ferguson so cherishes. It was all that was wrong with the Champions League. A tournament that rarely lives up to the hype. A contest that doesn't get serious, or even interesting, until March. A goose that was laying golden eggs just fine until UEFA, in their foolishness and greed, decided to stretch its neck. But it's easy to blame the organisers. What of Tuesday's participants? Man U will argue they at least tried to attack, to score goals and to win - that Rangers didn't really have designs on these things. Afterwards Walter Smith offered up an eloquent defence of his hard-up club's tactics, pointing out that, as with England's Premiership, only the super-rich few can win the Champions League. So Rangers have to park the bus. What a quaint phrase. Who coined it? Noel Coward, I think, when he was summarising an Anderlecht-Panathinaikos group match a couple of years ago. Another phrase popular among the likes of Coward and Alan McInally is: "Such-and-such set out their stall." When we first heard that one - perhaps back when Smith would argue the Champions League was more of a level playing-field - we were in no doubt that it involved a statement of defensive intent, but the statement bit was key: as if the team were handing out pamphlets warning of 90 minutes of pinch-faced parsimony from a basic wooden shack - the aforementioned stall. Now, when their frustrated opponents talk of a stall being set out - and both Fergie and Rio Ferdinand used the phrase on Tuesday - we imagine the structure having been dragged into the centre circle to stand next to the bus, with a "Back in 90 mins" sign in the window. This was how Rangers played the game at Old Trafford. Actually, there was more. There was a stall and a bus. By AIDAN SMITH http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/football/Aidan-Smith-Rangers-didn39t-just.6539053.jp I feel your PAIN

Boruc signed a two-year deal with the Florence side after agreeing a �£1.7million switch, but he has been unable to oust number one Sebastien Frey and has had to content himself with a place on the bench. He has revealed he is beginning to wonder if he took the right path after quitting Parkhead and looks sure to look for a new club in January should he fail to win over head coach Sinisa Mihajlovic. Boruc said: "I came to play. If this will not change, I will change my club. "I accepted the offer because Fiorentina are an important club and I wanted a change after so many years at Celtic. "However, it is difficult to say whether I made the right choice. "I can't continue on the bench in Florence.I am glad to be back in the Polish national team and played well in our recent game in Ukraine. "I will fight for my place, but, if the situation doesn't change, I will simply change clubs." Mihajlovic has insisted Boruc will be given every chance to challenge Frenchman Frey, who was widely expected to leave Fiorentina during the transfer window. Mihajlovic said: "Frey and Boruc are both number one choices.I have been picking Frey because he is already a leader of this team and knows Serie A well.For the moment, this is my choice.However, if Boruc plays well when he gets the opportunity, he could keep the gloves."

Well, I know the transfer window is closed & I know that we possibly don't have the cash to bring anyone else in, but if we did, I'd love to see us bringing in someone like Jay DeMerit, the USA international and former Watford player. He did really well for the USA at the World Cup out in South Africa against some tough sides and IMO he'd be a cracking addition to our squad given that Webster is looking like being injured half the season if we're lucky. So, if you're reading Walter or Ally, DeMerit is a free agent and looking for a job! Jay DeMerit with Wayne Rooney in his pocket, South Africa, 2010.

Skysports.com understands a number of clubs are chasing Rangers forward Kyle Lafferty. More... Skysports.com understands a number of clubs are chasing Rangers forward Kyle Lafferty. The Northern Ireland international's place in the Rangers side appears in doubt due to the recent arrivals of James Beattie and Nikica Jelavic. A trio of English clubs are thought to have been alerted to the situation and may now look to bring in the 22-year-old. Premier League new boys Blackpool and Championship duo Bristol City and Crystal Palace are the clubs in question as they all search for further reinforcements before the close of the transfer window. However, Rangers will be reluctant to lose Lafferty as they want to recoup most of the fee they paid to get him from Burnley. Lafferty moved to Ibrox in 2008 after Rangers agreed a fee of �£3million with the Clarets.

Absolute steal at �£8m. From the Beeb....

As the transfer window 'slams' shut (why does it never close softly given the usual anti-climax?) at last Scottish football fans across the country can judge the comings and goings at their clubs and decide just how competitive they'll be this season. Thus, at Rangers, after a summer of scaremongering and torment, do we have a stream-lined squad capable of retaining the SPL title or is Celtic's bloated brigade a better strategy for success? An immediate comparison of the two squads in quantity terms shows Celtic have at least 25 players available to Neil Lennon who have all played first team football and could be considered genuine contenders for their first XI. Meanwhile a look at Gersnet's own squad page shows we're less well endowed with only 19 players maximum who can be considered demonstrable candidates for our team. That is a fair difference in personnel numbers before each manager has to look to the McGinn's/McGowan's or Shinnie's/Little's in their reserves when injuries and suspensions inevitably take their toll. So, quantity-wise Celtic undoubtedly have the edge. But what about quality and how do other factors affect both teams' chances of success? Rangers, while losing several players over the summer, still have a strong core to their first XI. Indeed, McGregor, Bougherra, Davis and Miller can justifiably be considered the best players in the SPL in their respective roles. These four players will be key to our chances of success and the loss of any would be a huge blow at any given time. Nonetheless, they are backed up with other reliable and proven colleagues. Certainly, as it has been over the last two seasons, consistency of selection will be one of Rangers continued strength this term. Several players have experienced what it takes to win league titles and Rangers first XI is still very strong in every department. Add in a few signings with the potential to improve this, the loss of players like Wilson, Thomson and Boyd may not be the demoralising blows they seemed at first. In fact it could be argued that while Rangers do have a smaller squad, we do have a better one. Of course squads cannot be discussed without examining the people responsible for instructing them each week. In that respect Rangers have a big advantage on their rivals with Walter Smith and Ally McCoist now having worked together successfully for several years. They know what it is like to win (and lose) while dealing with the unavoidable stresses associated with such difficult jobs. Unfortunately, they'll have to be more flexible than ever with Rangers likely to play at least 6 more games than anyone else via their involvement in the Champions League. This is where our smaller squad will certainly be a handicap. Moving onto Celtic, while they definitely have the kind of numbers to make a strong challenge this year; they do lack other qualities when compared to Rangers. They lack the same core of proven players and the luxuries of a larger squad brings with it the difficulty of consistency of selection - a conundrum Tony Mowbray struggled badly with last season. Therefore, while players like Juarez, Ledley, Stokes and Hooper are solid buys, just how quickly will they gel and how happy will other players be when they are left out? Obviously this is where Lennon's managerial inexperience may count against him. He has made wholesale changes to the squad after not being slow to blame the players for their lack of success last year. Ergo, it will be interesting to see how he deals with any bad times that come his way as he'll be unable to blame them solely this time. Not to mention when players ask why they're not playing this week because of having to accommodate a rotation process due to squad size. All in all it is difficult to make a clear-cut case for Rangers or Celtic winning the title this season. Both have their strengths and weaknesses which will be key as the season progresses. Proof of just how tight this will be can be found by looking at the top of the SPL table after just 3 games. Quality versus quantity it is then - to the victor the spoils! :robbo:

All the 'excitement', all the 'drama', all the rumours as the window shuts this evening in one handy pocket sized thread... OUT - Lafferty > Blackpool (Loan bid turned down) - Velicka > Killie (Bid turned down) IN :spl:

Neil Lennon has hinted Celtic could move for Hibs' Anthony Stokes before the transfer window closes. More...

It was the season of our failed attempt at ten-in-a-row, we lost a CL qualifier to Gothenburg in August, then lost a UEFA Cup tie to Strasburg in late September. By the Ne'rday game at ra Stydome, we were off the pace in the league championship to Vim ra Tim's green'n'grey hooped horrors. By Spring a faltering Sellik and a re-energised Rangers saw a double header old firm match-up in both the Scottish Cup and the League. At the neutral Stydome, Rangers wiped the floor with ra Yahoos, Jorg Albertz running more than half the pitch before slotting home the clincher in the semi-final. The following week at Ibrox, Jorg replicated the feat. Rangers edged ahead on goal difference and ra Sellik faithfull in both broadcast and print media went into meltdown. As usual in those days, Radio Snyde was at the forefront in articulating Yahoo hurt. Chief Executive, Paul Cooney hosted the phone-in in the immediate wake of the Ibrox victory. A Bear came on and celebrated the two victories on successive Saturdays, eulogising Albertz's goals. He added that if the two teams were to meet next weekend, Jorg would do the same again. Cooney lost it, let himself down by accusing the Bear of gloating! Cooney recovered enough to ask Nuremburg Hugh for his reaction to the caller? Ra Shugster cleared his throat and spat venom, "all this from a Rangers supporter whose team was knocked out of Europe twice before the nights got dark". Cooney congratulated Nuremburg on his, "fantasTIC retort". What goes around, comes around and last evening saw Hugh's beloved Sellik equal that feat. Out of Europe twice before the nights got dark, in fact out of Europe twice before the transfer window has closed. Further, out of Europe on four(yep FOUR) seperate occasions in a calendar year. Knocked out by Arsenal on 260809 at 21.45hrs and succumbed last evening(260810) at 21.15hrs. Hey Nuremburg, GIRFUY.

Walter Smith is hoping to negotiate the final few days of the transfer window with his squad intact. More...

He did come out and say we should judge things at the end of the transfer window when it seemed we werent active at all in the transfer market. In typical Rangers fashion when it seems nothing is going to surface and within the space of 1 week we have a much healthier looking group with 3 additions yet Barazite and Welcome could have been added aswell but probably would have been too much. No doubt WS will be asked in this weeks press conference if he is finished in the transfer market and it will be interesting to see if he says we are looking at 1 or 2 others which would probably be a vertasile defender or centre midfielder. I do think we are still 1 short. Last week we had Davis with flu, McCulloch suspended and Fleck injured - thats surely going to happen again this season. Although id have no worries about playing Bougherra centre mid. People can be judgemental about the way we do business and how poor our scouting is at time but we still normally deliver.

But, Sky Sports have this on their website.

I haven't read anything much about our goalkeeping situation recently, but I am suspicious about Alexander still being here when he quite clearly stated in January that he was wanting to go for first team football and his international chances. Is it only me that thinks that McGregor may be off just at the end of the window, or if it looks like that is not going to happen, Alexander will go. With cutbacks across the squad in every other department, I cannot see why the keepers have been left out. We dont really have proper experienced cover for any other position, so why can we afford to keep 2 international keepers? I think something will happen with one of them before Aug 31, I only hope that it is Alexander that goes, with our best wishes, to pursue first team footy elsewhere (probably a Championship side), and not McGregor being offloaded as that would really affect our chances of 54.

Skysports.com understands Rangers and Celtic have stepped up their interest in defender Matthew Kilgallon. More...

A Centre half. The link is in French but the translation is below it. No quotes from the player or St-Etienne. http://www.footmercato.net/asse-accord-trouve-avec-les-rangers-pour-benalouane_53813 I'm in two minds whether or not to let Webster go. I think he's a cracking player but for some reason is always injured while on our books. He was fine last season, only missing a couple of games (I think) but the Ibrox/Murray Park injury kinx strikes again for him.

Everyone thinks Rangers are skint and boring but Celtic are making all the right moves in pre-season. Sound familiar? by Alexander Anderson on 13 August 2010 As the new SPL season dawns, why can everyone be sure Rangers will ensure this season finishes the same as last? Because we have exactly the same situation as at this point last year. Rangers are champions, Celtic are chasing. There's a new man at the helm at Parkhead with all sorts of romantic notions having pushed his installation, there's Walter Smith still at Ibrox. There's lots of money being spent on new Celtic signings, there's none being spent at Ibrox. But there's also the small fact that yet again Celtic are out of the Champions League group stage, Rangers are already in it and therefore the big UEFA TV money will be coming to the blue half of the city. Rangers are settled, disciplined and cohesive. Celtic are a team of under-pressure strangers. And we all know how both clubs fared from this start point in 2009. Only a last-minute goal in a replay at the home of Scotland's new third force prevented The Gers completing a domestic treble. Instead they had to "settle" for a second straight SPL title, won at an absolute canter, and an historically sensational CIS League Cup final win over a St Mirren side with a two-man advantage when they fell behind. A few days later, as Rangers made that Scottish Cup exit to a destiny-fuelled Dundee United, news came through that St Mirren had coped surprisingly well in their first match after their Hampden tragedy. The Paisley Buddies played against a full Celtic side for 90 minutes in the SPL, and stuffed them 4-0. Tony Mowbray, the man who'd come to Parkhead as the new guru of glam at the outset of 2009/10 was gone within 24 hours. It was a season where even the bad stuff had great repercussions for Rangers fans. The Gers went crashing out of the Champions League with three straight home hammerings. But the fact they conceded only one goal per away game, losing only one of those games, vindicated the defensive formation which took them to the 2008 UEFA Cup final with a series of home draws. There'll be no more blind calls for Rangers to aimlessly cede possession against European opponents at Ibrox. Furthermore, the unnecessary fan backlash after the freakish 4-1 loss to Unirea Urziceni sowed the seeds for Walter Smith's best tactical move of the season. In a radio interview a few days later he played The Rangers Supporters Trust off against the Lloyds Banking Group to make two organisations he dislikes to create the media storm which took all the pressure off him and his players. Neil Lennon's next big game is the Europa League play-off. It may actually benefit Celtic to have drawn Utrecht, whose home ground's atmosphere makes it the Tynecastle of Holland. This way the green-and-white hooped ones can go crashing out of Europe altogether and not see continental competition become a further drain on their slim domestic chances, as it did last season. Celtic need the confidence from a Europa League group place but the money they'll gain is negligable in comparison to what Rangers will make in the big boys' competition. And the greater long-term gain is to be made in qualifying for next season's Champions League. The financial disparity between the two clubs will soon be closed. Skint Rangers may be, but only by their own standards, only by Champions League standards - this does not mean they can't lay on the excitement in Scotland. Last season Rangers won both Old Firm games at Ibrox. They went down at Pittodrie but that just set in motion a run of form which blew the league away. Within the space of a few December days Rangers beat Dundee United by an aggregate of 10-1, home and away. Having gone a man then a goal down before coming back to beat Hearts at Tynecastle in August, The Gers returned there in spring to win 4-1. They claimed the title with a second win at Easter Road, the first one being achieved with a 4-goal backlash after Hibs scored the fastest goal in SPL history. And for those who think defending like an open barn door is a more "honest" form of football, what about the champions' 4-1 loss at St Johnstone? Doesn't get much more "stylish" than that. Neil Lennon has endured two meaningful games as Celtic manager, in terms of competition. He lost both spectacularly. But if we take Braga and Ross County out of the equation, Lennon has enjoyed one win in his short tenure which Celtic fans will see as significant. Beating Rangers 2-1 last season long after the title was in Ibrox hands. Basically, Rangers lost the last derby of the season at Parkhead in exactly the same style they'd won the first one at Ibrox. But the reaction couldn't have been more different. Celtic had more of the ball at Ibrox, had a penalty claim turned down, lost 2-1 and then all hell was let loose in the media as refereeing conspiracies and those nonsensical accusations about "style" came flooding out the away dressing room. Nothing was mentioned of the fact Rangers lost three key players in the 24 hours leading up to the game and two more before half-time. At Parkhead in springtime, Rangers had more of the ball than during any trip to the home of their biggest rival in the last decade. Kenny Miller was sensational, scored a great goal and was denied a stone-wall penalty. Rangers lost 2-1 as Celtic burst out of their strait-jacket twice to score. No one at Ibrox complained. Rangers people understand football. They understand the breaks do indeed even themselves out and, most of all, they know that winning football - as long as it doesn't involve outright cheating - is the most stylish football of all. Everything else is just window dressing. And that's all Celtic's 2010/11 campaign is. Their new management team, their striker signed from Scunthorpe, their belief Rangers are lucky and their idea that Neil Lennon - who played for the club for half a decade - is some sort of "through and through Celtic man" or that that has anything to do with his ability to manage: All just window dressing. The ribbons will be staying at brox, on the handles of the SPL trophy. http://www.sportingo.com/football/a14023_why-parlous-rangers-will-trump-celtic-third-successive-spl-title

Nikica Jelavic has been subject to a bid from Rangers, according to Rapid Viennaââ?¬â?¢s sporting director Alfred Hoertnagl. The Croatian forward, who was linked with a move to Celtic in the January transfer window, has been attracting interest from Blackburn Rovers this summer. Hoertnagl told Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung on Monday Rangersââ?¬â?¢ bid for 24-year-old Jelavic was ââ?¬Å?not practicalââ?¬Â, before confirming the offer made by the SPL title holders, the amount of which is unknown, was short of Rapidsââ?¬â?¢ valuation. 6ft 2in Jelavic, who moved to Austria from Belgian club Zulte Waregem in 2008, scored against Celtic three times across their two Europa League matches last year. The Croatian scored Rapidââ?¬â?¢s goal in their 1-1 draw in Glasgow, before scoring twice in the first eight minutes of the 3-3 draw in Vienna. Capped five times by his country, Jelavic has just one year left to run on his contract. He scored 18 times in 33 league matches last campaign, finding the net nine times in 12 Europa League games. This season he has continued his scoring form in Europe, scoring twice against Lithuanians Suduva Marijampole in the second qualifying round of the Europa League in a 6-2 aggregate victory. Because of his involvement in European competition already this season, Jelavic would not be eligible to play in the Champions League for Rangers unless they reached the last 16. Uefa rules forbid players playing for more than one club across both of its club competitions, except for the knockout stages, where a player can represent another side provided his previous club did not take part in the same tournament.

Walter Smith hopes to conclude the signings of James Beattie and Tommy Smith before Saturdayââ?¬â?¢s SPL opener with Kilmarnock at Ibrox. The Rangers manager says he has not totally given up on his pursuit of Rapid Vienna striker Nikica Jelavic ââ?¬â?? but that deal appears to be all but dead unless the player lowers his financial demands. Beattie is set to cost around Ã?£1.5million from Stoke City and was on his way to Glasgow for contract talks with chief executive Martin Bain. Rangers are believed to have offered Ã?£900,000 to Portsmouth for Smith and were waiting on an answer from the Championship side before entering into wage talks. The Rangers manager confirmed today: ââ?¬Å?We are in negotiations with Stoke and Portsmouth for the signings of James Beattie and Tommy Smith respectively. ââ?¬Å?It is difficult to say just how long it will take to conclude these signings ââ?¬â?? but we hope to complete both deals in time for the weekend.ââ?¬Â Beattie would look the more likely deal to be pushed through, with Pompey boss Steve Cotterrill insisting of Smith: ââ?¬Å?He isnââ?¬â?¢t a players weââ?¬â?¢d be looking to lose. ââ?¬Å?Heââ?¬â?¢s a good player, and whatââ?¬â?¢s been offered wouldnââ?¬â?¢t be the figure weââ?¬â?¢d put on him if we did want to sell.ââ?¬Â Jelavicââ?¬â?¢s protracted transfer from Rapid Vienna has rumbled on for the best part of two weeks. Rangers have tabled a transfer package of close to Ã?£4million for the 24-year-old, with a Ã?£16,000 a week wage offer, but he is sue a slice of any sale and senior sources at Ibrox, privately, have all but given up hope of his arrival unless there is a change in stance on his behalf. Smith explained: ââ?¬Å?As for Jelavic, I admit that one is looking more doubtful as there are complications there that we had not foreseen. ââ?¬Å?Things have not gone smoothly ââ?¬â?? but we have by no means given up on bringing him to the club.ââ?¬Â Smith will also arrange a closed-door game for Honduran international Georgie Welcome early next week in order to make a final decision on whetherââ?¬â?¢s heââ?¬â?¢s worth a deal. He was denied a work permit to play in a second-string game against Glentoran this week and could face red-tape issues. Arsenal kid Nacer Barazite also remains on trial. Smith said: ââ?¬Å?Welcome has been unfortunate in that he is not allowed to play in any public games and so we are in the process of arranging a closed-door game and we will make a decision on him after that. As for Nacer, we will continue to look at him.ââ?¬Â Smith also confirmed that he will continue to work right up to the closure of the transfer window on August 31 as he bids to beef up his squad. ââ?¬Å?We have only 14 experienced players in our squad right now and it is obvious that we need to add more in terms of quality and experience,ââ?¬Â he added. ââ?¬Å?We have been working on a number of other deals, but these players are in demand elsewhere and that has made it difficult. ââ?¬Å?But we will keep working on things until the closure of the transfer window ââ?¬â?? and we hope to be able to bring in another couple of new faces above the players I have discussed.ââ?¬Â Meanwhile, Kenny Miller should be fit for Killie despite suffering from shin splints. Smith said: ââ?¬Å?Kenny has been struggling, but the fact he has not played midweek for Scotland should allow him to be OK for Saturday. ââ?¬Å?It is not a chronic condition with him so that bit of rest should have sorted things.ââ?¬Â But the Rangers manager confirmed that Lee McCulloch, who is in any case suspended for the SPL opener, will need up to a fortnight to recover from the virus he is suffering from. Smith said: ââ?¬Å?Lee picked up the virus coming back from Australia and we expect him to take another couple of weeks to make a full recovery.ââ?¬Â http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/editor-s-picks/walter-smith-confirms-beattie-and-smith-deals-1.1047824

Walter Smith is a phenomenon. At the age of 62, after 44 years in professional football, he has become a Patton without the bluster, a Churchill without the growling. Well, not in public at any rate. In his final season in charge of his beloved Rangers, his enthusiasm for the task is that of a grizzled general who wants to go to war one more time, a leader who will inspire his men on their last charge together. He does it quietly, of course. After all, it is not as if his record doesn't speak for itself. Smith would need to be manager into his seventies and win every title from now until then to beat the legendary Bill Struth's managerial record of 18 Scottish championships for Rangers, but with nine league flags collected on his own - Souness left before the end of season 1990-91 - plus three as assistant to Souness, not to mention five Scottish Cups, five League Cups and that run to the UEFA Cup final in 2008, Smith's place in the Ibrox club's history has long been secure. There are still a couple of records he might want. As Rangers match secretary and then first manager, William Wilton won four Scottish Cups and ten league titles, the last of them just days before his tragic death from drowning in 1920. Victory in either the Scottish Cup or SPL would give Smith 15 of the big two, second outright behind Struth. A tenth league title would also bring him equal with Jock Stein's record of ten championships. So there is further prestige to play for, and Smith is relishing the prospect of another campaign, even as the club's financial difficulties continue and they have shed Kris Boyd, Kevin Thompson, Danny Wilson, and Nacho Novo, with no replacements brought in as yet. "Everybody that's involved, management, players, everyone, has to accept the challenge of a new season," said Smith. "It doesn't matter how many you manage to win, you still face a huge challenge to show that you can do it again. "If you look at it historically, there are teams that can get up there and win a championship, but to try and win it year after year is a difficult motivation for anybody. "I admire guys in sport who can repeat their success season after season, as that is the true test of any team or individual. "It makes no difference that this is my last season. You still have that determination to succeed and if I didn't, I wouldn't have come back for another year. The easiest thing for me would have been to say 'that's it, I'm finishing' but the determination is still there." Smith also knows not to disturb a winning formula: "We need to bring in a few players, everybody knows that. But we are set in what we do and we have been doing it for the past three-and-a-half years, there's no reason to change anything. As far as the organisational aspect goes, we will be doing exactly the same as what we have been doing." At least the immediate future of Rangers in David Murray's ownership is secure, to Smith's relief: "The situation has maybe been clarified. Last year we had four or five months of somebody going to be buying the club. Hopefully, if somebody is going to buy the club in the future then they do so in a bit quieter fashion than we had last year." How Smith keeps his patience in the face of banking intransigence nobody knows. Judging by recent reports, it appears he has a case-by-case kitty for acquisitions this month, so Rangers fans should not hold their breath for big signings as the debt-ridden club's entire budget is under constant accounting scrutiny. Lloyds Bank has apparently made it clear to Rangers that maybe, just maybe, it might allow some of the Champions League income - boosted by more than �£2 million to a likely �£12m-plus by Celtic's exit last week - to be spent on players in the January transfer window. But that's a banker's maybe, the kind on which you wouldn't bet your bottom, never mind your dollar. Smith merely commented: "I would hope that if we qualified out of the Champions League group then money would be made available in January, but that's a big ask for us. If we got into the Europa League knockout stages that would also be financially beneficial for us. We'll just have to wait and see." How will they fare without the goal machine called Boyd? "It's an important factor for us," replied Smith. "We saw a bit of what was needed in the second half of the season when he didn't score as much, but it's going to be a big hole to fill. Whatever criticism anyone - including myself - had of Boydie, he got us a level of goals that was invaluable." The spine of the team is already laid out, said Smith, with McGregor in goals, Majid Bougherra and the evergreen Davie Weir in central defence and Steven Davis and Lee McCulloch in midfield, and Kenny Miller and A.N. Other up front. Davis in particular will be a vital cog: "He has moved into the middle which I feel can strengthen us. We just need to fill in at the front with support for Kenny Miller, which we're trying to do at the moment." Main rivals as ever will be Celtic, and their difficulties against Sporting Braga should be ignored, said Smith. "If you change the number of players that have been changed at Celtic it would be difficult for anybody to mould a team to play. I've experienced it myself - you don't get any continuity if you make that many changes. I don't think that will be an indicator of how Celtic will fare once they settle down." When Smith ended his first tenure at Rangers, he announced his departure early in the 1997-98 season which did not end with Rangers winning a record tenth title in a row. Smith sees this three-in-a-row farewell bid as markedly different: "I don't think the circumstances we are in at the moment can be looked upon as anything like that. "It's just about whether we as a group, management and players, take up the challenge for another season." No one should doubt his ability to be Rangers' general one more time. This is Walter Smith's last hurrah, and that's worth shouting about. http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/sport/Walter-Smith39s-ibrox-of-tricks.6463123.jp?articlepage=3

Hardly a day passes by without another player being linked to Rangers - be it in the unofficial media such as newspapers or forums - or even via official comment from Smith/Bain and stories on the club website. Given we've not paid a fee for a new player since Maurice Edu in 2008, yet have raked in millions since then from Champions League money and player sales, that would suggest we do have some sort of budget to strengthen our squad. Indeed, different figures have been mentioned - ranging from a couple of million to �£5million and beyond. Of course the club are consistent in trying to play down such figures and definitely don't seem keen on alluding to any kind of budget - even although they have confirmed (or alleged) reasonable transfer fees and wage packages for potential players. For example, Chris Eagles was supposed to be close to arriving on a deal worth around �£2million and �£15K per week over 3 years. That totals up to not far from the unsubstantiated �£5million 'warchest' oft talked about amongst the support. On the other hand, many fans are rightly cynical when it comes to such issues. Time and time again we're told money is available yet no players come in. Further to that, the hard luck stories are run out when the window eventually closes - 'he didn't want to come', 'we couldn't match another club's offer', 'SDM's private jet is under repair' etc etc. As such, it's difficult to argue with such people when the facts tell us we have the weakest Rangers squad (in terms of numbers) for over 20 years and an overall dearth in quality that will affect our competitiveness for the rapidly approaching season. Therefore, the issue perhaps comes down to two different scenarios: 1. Do we indeed have a reasonable total budget (say �£5million for fees and wages) and are bluffing a weak position to maximise our activity? 2. Or have MIH/Lloyds/HMRC, absorbed all of income limiting us to another Jerome Rothen type loaning signing if we're lucky? I'd like to gauge your opinion so we can come back at the end of August and see who has been proven right! Are we bluffing or have we already folded? :box:

He is all I like to see in a Rangers Captain. http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/rangers/david-weir-unperturbed-by-celtic-s-financial-advantage-over-rangers-1.1043873 David Weir, the Rangers captain, is unfazed by the clubââ?¬â?¢s financial strictures that threaten to hand Old Firm rivals Celtic an advantage in the race to secure the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title this season. Facing the reality that they just donââ?¬â?¢t have the money to spend in the transfer market, the defending champions appear to have an uphill battle to make it three titles in a row, especially in the wake of Celticââ?¬â?¢s Ã?£10m transfer outlay. Celtic, under new manager Neil Lennon, have embarked on a spending spree aimed at winning back the SPL crown. Lennon, who predicted ââ?¬Å?bedlamââ?¬Â in his transfer dealings when Celtic returned from their pre-season tour of North America, has already signed Charlie Mulgrew, Cha Du-Ri, Joe Ledley, Daryl Murphy and Efrain Juarez, while Gary Hooper was in Glasgow yesterday for signing talks. In contrast, Rangers have not made a major signing for almost two years and manager Walter Smith has admitted that the club might be lucky to sign even a couple of players by the closure of the transfer window at the end of August. ââ?¬Ë?ââ?¬â?¢We have only got a small group of players because of the financial position of the club; we have had to sell a few,ââ?¬Â Smith said. ââ?¬Å?Hopefully, between now and the end of the close season, we will add a couple of players to that squad. But, so far, we have had no luck in that department.ââ?¬Â We have players who have gone the distance, who have won championships. They know what it means to play for Rangers David Weir, Rangers captain Even though Rangers are thousands of miles away in Sydney, Weir exuded confidence and a typical veteranââ?¬â?¢s calm. He remains upbeat and says the club can more than match Celtic because of the vast experience in the ranks. ââ?¬Å?We have to make do as best we can with what we have at the moment,ââ?¬Â Weir said yesterday. ââ?¬Å?You have to play with what you have got at the end of day. We have the experience at the club to cope with the situation. We have players who have gone the distance, who have won championships. They know what it means to play for Rangers. ââ?¬Å?We will just keep doing what we are doing and not worry about anyone else. As long as we can improve, I will be happy.ââ?¬Â Weir remains confident about Rangersââ?¬â?¢ prospects for the new season. ââ?¬Å?We all know the financial position at the club is tough, but we still have got a good base of players,ââ?¬Â he said. ââ?¬Å?Our aim is always to try and win the league and do much better in the Champions League.ââ?¬Â Weir says he is far from jealous of Celticââ?¬â?¢s spending spree. Firing a volley ahead of the new season, he suggested Celtic need to spend to catch up to where Rangers are. ââ?¬Å?No, Iââ?¬â?¢m not jealous [of Celtic]; they have got to go out and buy players because we have won the league in each of the last two seasons and they have to catch up to us,ââ?¬Â he said. ââ?¬Å?It is going to be a great season and we are all looking forward to the chance of defending our title.ââ?¬Â Weir said the four-team tournament in Sydney was the perfect preparation for the new season, despite suggestions that travelling such a long distance could seriously affect the clubââ?¬â?¢s championship prospects. He believes it will be a benefit to fitness ahead of the new seasonââ?¬â?¢s kick-off, although he said it was also important to win the tournament because that is what is expected of Rangers. After beating Blackburn Rovers 2-1 in the opening match on Sunday, Smithââ?¬â?¢s men play Sydney FC, the Australian champions, tomorrow. Weir anticipates a tough test even though Sydney lost 5-3 to AEK Athens in their opening match. ââ?¬Å?We want to win all three games because, historically, that is what Rangers are all about,ââ?¬Â he said. ââ?¬Å?That will never change. That is the nature of the cub. I only saw a little of the Sydney v AEK Athens game on television. I donââ?¬â?¢t know much about them but I am sure we will watch a video and get enough information. ââ?¬Å?I think youââ?¬â?¢ll see an even better performance from us against Sydney,ââ?¬Â he added. ââ?¬Å?We will have had more time to get over the travel and will be more used to the conditions. The weather is good here, certainly a lot better than our winter and that helps, as well.ââ?¬Â Smith admitted he is unlikely to make any changes to the side that beat Blackburn. Vitezslav Lavicka, Sydney FCââ?¬â?¢s Czech coach, was full of praise for Rangers. ââ?¬Å?They were very good against Blackburn,ââ?¬Â he said. ââ?¬Å?I was impressed, because they played some excellent football and they had not been in the country long. ââ?¬Å?We cannot afford to make the sort of defensive mistakes we made against AEK. As you saw, European teams will punish you for that. ââ?¬Å?Rangers have the players to make us pay for mistakes such as that, so we will have to play up to our best

Algerian ace Madjid Bougherra still believes he could be sold by Rangers before the transfer window closes. More...