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I don't want to dwell on last night too much longer. It's too frustrating. But that said we can't deny it was ultimately a bad result (in terms of how it looks on our record if not in absolute terms of it's effect on our European ambitions). If ever we wanted to pick a game to get our season back on track after a shocking run of results, an opportunity to get the weight of the support behind us, we could not pick a better game than an Old Firm match at Ibrox. The other side of that coin is that should we lose it could put a serious dent in our season and perhaps stop us before we even get going. However, you can not approach sport like that. You cannot duck challenges. You cannot be motivated by a fear of failure. Rather it is the desire to succeed that should be motivating the Rangers. Last year we proved we were the best side in the country by securing a leageue championship and cup double. By surrending top spot and falling 4 points off the pace this early on we have already somewhat surrendered that status. After this shocking run of form with only a victory over lowly Queen of the South in the month of September, it is time for our players to show us what they are made of. To demonstrate that they really are top dogs in Scotland. To show that a small amount of success has not dampened their desire for more, not sated their competitive desires. McGregor is in form. Bougherra is the best footballer in the country and is one man who is never beaten. Who never knows when to quit. Many of the rest of the team may have capitulated after Sevilla's first, but this weekend they are up against far inferior opposition than the Spanish outfit. Play like we did in the first 50-60 minutes. Avoid being screwed over by the officials and I am confident we will emerge victorious. One thing you can guarantee about an Old Firm game is that the form book goes out the window, and for us that may be a good thing. Failure to secure victory and not even I would be able to put a positive spin on it. Smith and the players have again led us to a position where we must win this Old Firm match. Otherwise we will be staring at a 7 point deficit early in the season. The squad know what they have to do, no excuses.

When I turned on ESPN this Saturday, the first Rangers game broadcast by the American Network that puts Sky�s coverage to shame, I was shocked and pleased in equal measure by the starting line up Smith had chosen to tackle Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. Since Smith and his management team have returned to the club I have at times been frustrated by his unwillingness to utilise his full squad. It can be argued that at the end of the 2007/8 season as we battled on four fronts to win silverware that had Smith been willing to utilise the full benefit of his large squad we may not have come up just short in our assault on the title. I may be being a little unfair Walter and his deputies as hitherto before unseen backlog of fixtures is what ultimately cost us the league crown. However, it still stands that at times he has been reticent to rotate his squad and gain the benefits of fringe players who are fresh, fully fit and eager to contribute. So as posters in the main forum will have noted, prior to kick off, I was pleased to note the changes made from what was an excellent point earned in Germany. Kris Boyd, who prior to this weekend�s game had a scoring record of more than a goal a game against his former employers, returned to the starting line up as a toiling Kenny Miller made way. Davie Weir returned to the first XI and with Bougherra suspended it was vital our captain was fit with few other options for the centre-back position. I had assumed the veteran defenders experience would coach McCulloch through another game in his new defensive role. In came Fleck and Novo as Thomson and Rothen dropped to the bench. There could be little complaints about the formation and line up the manager had selected for this latest fixture. A willingness to freshen up the first team and attacking intent in abundance. We had pace and trickery in wide areas from Fleck, Novo and Naismith. Mendes was partnered in the centre by the diminutive Ulsterman Steve Davis, moved in from the right flank where he is able to have more influence on proceedings. With Scotland�s deadliest marksman feeding off this supply on-loan Celtic keeper Mark Brown must have been expecting a far more difficult afternoon than he endured. However, as the draw in Stuttgart highlighted, defying popular opinion of so called experts and bookmakers, football is played out on the field not on paper. Despite the supposed gulf in class, despite the abundance of attacking quality available to Rangers, we rarely troubled the Kilmarnock goal. Yesterday was not a game for the neutrals. Had I not such a deep emotional attachment to my football team, I might not have been watching until fulltime. It was the kind of contest where you would not open your curtains had it been played out in your back garden. Time and again I have argued from the position of football fanatic, not customer. I am not terribly interested in the so-called product so long as positive results are being obtained. Where that argument falls short and where those who wish to be entertained as well victorious are hard to argue against is after a fixture like Saturday�s. A poor performance married with a poor result that saw Celtic usurp our position atop the league table. Fortunately with fixtures against Aberdeen and Celtic next up on league duty we have ample opportunity to make amends and return to our rightful position at the summit. Before that of course we have a Co-op cup fixture with Queen of the South and our first Home Champions League game against La Liga cracks Sevilla. A worrying trend in an inability to motivate ourselves from the first whistle has continued into the new season. Away in Germany we can be forgiven for having to survive a first half onslaught. Stuttgart, as the home team, were under pressure to take maximum points as results achieved at home so often determine the outcome of the Champions League group stage. The German outfit are also blessed with greater financial clout and therefore individual star quality. At half time Smith was able to galvanise his team and they produced a second half performance worthy of the Rangers to take an excellent point on the road. There are no excuses for not being able to take the game to a vastly inferior Kilmarnock team. Much like we have managed to do on our European travels under Smith and McCoist, Killie managed to produce a team performance to outfox a team with greater resources and quality. Like we have shown in our march to Manchester, a good team ethic can defeat superior opposition. We, therefore, no better than anyone that approaching any fixture with the right mental attitude is vital if we are to avoid dropping silly points as we mount our title challenge. I put last week�s drab draw with Motherwell down as a one off. It is rare any team can complete a perfect season. Rangers have managed it just once in our history. But if we have serious ambitions of retaining our league title and extending our world record to 53 titles we cannot afford to put together a string of dropped points. I had hoped the 0-0 draw at Fir Park would serve as sufficient motivation to approach our league fixtures with the correct mindset. It was disappointing therefore that we would again drop points in the very next fixture. Last weekend we were fortunate that our errors were not punished by Celtic as they could not take advantage of our slip up. We were not likely to get away with it two weeks running. Perhaps this weekend�s disappointment was a result of a Champions League hangover. If that is the case it is a worrying scenario for the season ahead with a minimum of 5 more Champions League fixtures to be negotiated. We are all aware of the importance of competing at Europe�s top table. This summer�s transfer window was a bit of non-event as far as Rangers were concerned. Imagine the disaster that may have unfolded had we not guaranteed Champions League participation. Star players such as Bougherra and Davis may no longer be plying their trade at Ibrox. We therefore understand the importance of ensuring we retain our league title and are entered into the draw in Monaco next summer. It is essential then that Walter Smith gets this first half malaise drilled out of our players. Queen of the South are up next at Palmerston this midweek and I expect them to be on the end of a Rangers backlash. There are many players with a lot to prove ahead of vital fixtures with Aberdeen and Sevilla. Kris Boyd, Pedro Mendes and Kenny Miller have flattered to deceive so far this season. They are all seasoned and experience pro�s and their performances should be helping guys like John Fleck and a now injury free Steven Naismith to settle into the team. I am unsure as to whether we should stick with Miller and Boyd and hope that what should be a formality of a fixture will allow them to play their way into form, or drop them to the bench and hope that that serves as the motivation to find their form from the first whistle.

Top flight clubs could face a transfer ban if they fail to adhere to new financial rules brought in by the Premier League on Monday. Under the proposals the Premier League Board has the power to punish clubs who fail to meet certain criteria. "The whole purpose of this is to protect the viability and sustainability of the clubs", said Premier League chief Richard Scudamore. In addition, clubs have also agreed to new rules on "home grown" players. From next season, each club will, at the end of every transfer window, have to name a squad of up to 25 players, at least eight of which will have to be "home grown" - registered for at least three seasons at an English or Welsh club between the ages of 16 and 21. NEW FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS Clubs must submit independently audited accounts to the Premier League by 1 March each year with requirements to note any material qualifications or issues raised by auditors Clubs must submit future financial information to the Premier League by 31 March each year as early warning for any club taking undue financial risk An annual requirement to demonstrate to the Premier League Board that a club does not have outstanding debts to other clubs An annual requirement to demonstrate to the Premier League Board that a club is not in debt with regard to income tax or National Insurance and payroll taxes Squads can be boosted beyond the 25 limit but only by players under the age of 21. The Premier League's new financial rules are similar to Uefa's current licensing guidelines, but differ in that they are compulsory to clubs and punishment takes the form of sanctions as opposed to outright exclusion from competition. Each club will have to provide its annual accounts to the Premier League by 1 March every year, and show that it does not have outstanding tax debts, or debts to other clubs. Clubs will also have to prove they can fulfil all fixtures and contractual obligations, and meet all payments due during a season. As well as denying clubs the right to acquire new players, the Premier League can also prevent them improving contracts with current players. "It is absolutely essential that these clubs are run as viable, going concerns," said Scudamore. "We would far rather intervene than risk a club going into administration." Earlier this month, Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie admitted that the club almost went into administration, having lived "way outside its means". At the end of August, Sulaiman Al Fahim completed his takeover at Fratton Park but prior to that Pompey were forced to rely on other clubs, agents and the Inland Revenue agreeing to allow a delay on payments owed to them to keep the club afloat. But the new rules do stop short of Uefa president Michel Platini's "Financial Fair Play" proposals, which are due to be approved by Uefa's Executive Committee this week. It's a rule which we think will give clubs an extra incentive to develop players, and to make a better return from their investment in youth Richard Scudamore These seek to limit clubs to spend only what they earn from football-related income such as ticket sales and television deals and punishments could include the banning of clubs from European competition. However, the new Premier League rules do not prevent clubs from amassing large amounts of debt, serviced by wealthy owners. Last year, Football Association chairman Lord Triesman warned of the potential danger posed by what he cited at the time to be over �£3bn worth of debt owed by English clubs, a third of which was accounted for by Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United. Chelsea reported losses of �£65.7m up to June last year, while Red Football, Manchester United's parent company which is owned by the Glazer family, recorded a �£21m loss last year to increase their total debt to �£575m. Liverpool's American owners recently renegotiated the club's debt with the Royal Bank of Scotland, believed to be �£290m, and have extended it for another year. But Scudamore defended the Premier League clubs' financial health. "Contrary to what many people think, the clubs from a financial point of view are well run," he said. "They all have qualified accountants running them. "These clubs are extremely well regulated both in company law and certainly when you add our criteria and Uefa licensing on top." In agreeing to 25-man squads featuring a minimum of eight "home grown" players from the beginning of the 2010-11 season, Premier League clubs have been guided by Uefa's interest in the development of young players. 606: DEBATE I think Chairmen, Managers, players and anyone else involved in professional football should take along hard look at the cash they earn from the game judaspart2 "It will encourage youth development and the promotion of young players," added Scudamore. "It's a rule which we think will give clubs an extra incentive to develop players, and to make a better return from their investment in youth. "Make, rather than buy, is our intention." According to a recent poll from the Professional Football Players' Observatory, English clubs employ the highest proportion of expatriate players, with 59.2% coming from abroad. Liverpool have the highest percentage in Europe of expatriate players within their squad, measuring 90%. In addition, Chelsea were recently found guilty by Fifa of inducing Gael Kakuta to break his contract with Lens in 2007 when he was 16 which has opened up the debate on the tapping up of young talent. Whilst Scudamore admits this ruling will not prevent clubs from recruiting young players from abroad, it will work towards reducing squad sizes and allow greater opportunities for young players to advance. "The clubs will always go abroad and look," he commented. "The important thing is are they looked after and is it done properly and I don't think we will stop that happening any more or any less because of this rule. "I think it will reduce squad sizes, and stop the warehousing of players, if that is really what is going on." http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8255784.stm

Tottenham skipper Robbie Keane is a shock transfer target for Scottish giants Celtic - with a multi-million deal planned for the next window. Tony Mowbray's club are planning the sensational raid for Republic of Ireland hero Keane and hope to pull off one of the moves of the season in the New Year. Keane only went back to White Hart Lane from Liverpool at the beginning of 2009 but he could be on his travels again if the Parkhead club can pull off this massive coup. Celtic have already started the ball rolling and would buy Keane and pick up his wages in one of the biggest coups of their illustrious history - a move that works on many levels. Keane is 29 and would cost around �£7 million if Celtic bought him - so Spurs would look for that kind of cash in a straight deal or as part of an exchange. The Irishman is in the Spurs starting line-up just now but may be available down the line as Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch look like being their first-choice pairing. Keane has been squeezed out of the central positions in the last couple of games and that does not suit him. The arrival of Nico Kranjcar and the eventual return of Luka Modric would see him under pressure to play at all. Spurs took Keane back from Liverpool where he was unhappy at the lack of action and now history could repeat itself at White Hart Lane - with Celtic hoping it does. The major snag for Celtic will be paying Keane's wages, but their wealthy Irish backers would dig deep for such a popular capture and a player who would help them domestically and in Europe. Celtic supremo Dermot Desmond found the funds for namesake Roy Keane and would be willing to fork out to land Keane in one of the largest signings in recent times for the famous outfit. Mowbray also thinks Keane would light up his team with the kind of lively and thoughtful attacking he likes to play - it could be a master stroke to see off Rangers in the SPL title race. Celtic's interest in Keane could see Spurs revive a bid for their Scotland midfielder Scott Brown, who is a confirmed Harry Redknapp favourite. Brown was valued at �£12 million in the last window, a price tag that put off Redknapp and his money men because they would not meet the valuation. http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Celtic-target-Tottenham-s-Robbie-Keane-article154495.html

Possibly should've posted it in Football Chat but I never. Would you go for any of these players? Personally, I'd stay well clear of them.

From the guy who first broke the Rothen story on FF last night:

I don't mean in general, I mean with our activity, whether it be the players who have left, the player who has signed or perhaps the lack of signings.

DANIEL Cousin's future looks far from assured after being dropped from the Hull City side which beat Bolton. The 32-year-old was not even in the 18-man squad at the weekend following his refusal to shake Phil Brown's hand when substituted early in the 5-1 defeat to Spurs last week. It is understood City are ready to listen to offers for Cousin and would not stand in the way of him leaving before the end of the transfer window. Asked if Cousin remained in his plans, Brown said: "That's up to him. He refused to shake my hand on Wednesday but that's his prerogative. "I told him it wasn't me that got him subbed, it was the players for not sticking to a game-plan." http://www.sporthull.co.uk/headlines/HULL-CITY-Cousin/article-1277730-detail/article.html what a shame

Manchester City and Everton have confirmed that an agreement has finally been reached over the transfer of defender Joleon Lescott. The fee has not been revealed but is thought to be about �£24m for Lescott, 26, and looks set to bring an end to bitter negotiations between the clubs. A statement on the Toffees website said: "After the earlier bid, there was a change in the player's attitude. "It was in the best interests of Everton if they allowed him to leave." The move is subject to a medical and Lescott agreeing personal terms with City. The Eastlands club offered �£15m for Lescott after John Terry decided to stay at Chelsea last month. This was increased to �£18m but rejected out of hand by Everton boss David Moyes, who insisted that Lescott was not going to leave. 606: DEBATE Will there be even more signings? mrfootballfanno1 Two weeks ago, Lescott made a transfer request but that was turned down by Moyes, who criticised City for the way their offers had been made in public, and for saying they would go over the Everton boss's head to secure the deal. Lescott was dropped for a poor attitude after Everton's 6-1 home defeat by Arsenal on the first day of the Premier League season, and the clubs revealed they had finally started negotiating on Saturday. The Everton statement added: "Chairman Bill Kenwright has worked tirelessly to get the best deal for Everton, achieving a substantial increase on Manchester City's original offer." It leaves Moyes with Joseph Yobo as his only fit recognised centre-back as Phil Jagielka remains a long-term absentee with a knee injury and just a week to find a replacement before the end of the transfer window. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/8216645.stm

SOME look at it as the beginning of the end. They see it as a terrible state of affairs. It's viewed as a sorry situation which will spell disaster for Rangers in the months ahead. They've let a whole team of players go in the last year and not brought in one single signing. It's an amazing stat if looked at in isolation. It's also something Ibrox fans may feel will only have a detrimental impact to their hopes of making inroads at home and abroad. My inclination is to think the total opposite. For me, it's just what Rangers need - right across the board. Losing players hasn't weakened Rangers. On the contrary, it's strengthened them. First things first, Walter Smith's squad was too big. He had far too many players with the task of keeping them all happy a virtually impossible one. If anyone could do it, it was Walter. His man-management style is legendary having been there and done it with top class players for the majority of his career. He'll know better than anyone how to say all the right things to players on the fringes but it's not easy. Players look into every little detail when teams are picked and bibs are handed out during training sessions and practice games. Even the slightest hint they're not in the first 11 and they can be unsettled. All of a sudden the manager has a headache he doesn't need. That's a risk a club runs when they have a squad which is much bigger than it needs to be. Advertisement Simply because everyone can't play at the one time. I'm not just talking about the Saturday games when the squad list goes up on the board. It's day to day when training sessions can become a waste of time as there are too many bodies. The ideal number from a coaching point of view is 20 first-team outfielders and Rangers seem to be there. For me they're maybe just one player short of an ideal situation and that's because of circumstance. Kirk Broadfoot's injury has robbed them of cover needed in defence. It would amaze me if Walter didn't bring in another central defender before this transfer window closes. He'll also be keen to ensure he doesn't lose any of his key men. But if things stay as they Rangers are not in such a bad state. The current situation also does something for the club which can only help them in the long-term. It sends out a message to every youngster there which says: Now is your chance. Murray Park was built for the progression of youth and it's not done too badly in the last few years. Alan Hutton's �£9million move to Spurs virtually justified the place in one deal. Other lesser moves like Charlie Adam to Blackpool for �£500,000 and Ross McCormack to Doncaster for �£100,000 have helped. Now the boys in there have been given an incentive like never before. They don't need to bang on the manager's door to ask if they're going to get an opportunity. It's there in front of them. They need to grasp it and make sure it doesn't pass them by. In the past the accusation has been that Rangers have signed players instead of rearing their own. Those days are gone. http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/2599339/Walts-playing-numbers-game-to-perfection.html

SPURS boss Harry Redknapp is set to make Celtic a bumper offer for Aiden McGeady - and NOT Scott Brown. Redknapp and his No2 Kevin Bond headed north on Tuesday to run the rule over �£10million target Brown at Parkhead. But they left purring over the performance of McGeady in the 2-0 Champions League qualifying defeat by Arsenal. SunSport can reveal the White Hart Lane gaffer has been a long-time admirer of both players. Redknapp saw the Republic of Ireland ace dazzle while Brown failed to shine. It's understood the Spurs chief is weighing up a �£5m-plus bid for McGeady, 23. The transfer window deadline is 11 days away and Celtic - who face missing out on the �£12m group stages of the top Euro tournament - are bracing themselves for big-money bids for their best talents. Meanwhile, it's understood �£4m-rated right back Andreas Hinkel, wanted by Hull City and Cologne, is to have talks with Celts chief executive Peter Lawwell on Friday. The German and his agent Klaus Schaude want to know how the club sees his future. Hinkel, who is under contract until 2011, is happy at Parkhead but the chance to play in the Premier League could be too good to resist. http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/2597246/Arry-eyes-Aid-raid.html

We all know we need another central defender & preferably one with the advantages of youth & pace on his side, so that we have the necessary sharpness & pace throughout the back line to not be embarrassed in that department in the Champions League where we're likely to be up against some of Europe's finest footballers. Reading the latest thread about Bougherra I got to thinking "what if we bring in another Algerian defender who Madjid already knows?" "an Algerian international?". After a quick scout I think I've found an interesting player:- Rafik Halliche is a 22 year old Algerian center back who in the Jan 08 transfer window, received interest from a number of French clubs, namely AJ Auxerre and Valenciennes FC. However, on January 30, he signed a four-year contract with Benfica & moved to Portugal. Benfica immediately loaned him to C.D. Nacional in their own League until the end of the season. He made his debut for Nacional just 8 weeks after signing, coming on at halftime in a 2-0 home league win against Leiria. Obviously competition for starting XI places is extremely fierce in Portugal & as a result Halliche only made 18 appearances for Nacional, although that's perhaps not too bad for a 22 year old center back on loan in Portugal's top league. So, my thinking with this suggestion is that:- a] He must be a very decent player as he attracted interest from a few big clubs before Benfica gave him a four year contract. b] He's been training & playing in Portugal for about 18 months now & will have gained considerable experience from that. c] He's only 22, but has 5 caps for Algeria. d] He could possibly be drawn to Ibrox by the prospect of playing with Bougherra and the chance of Champions League football. e] He wouldn't cost us too much in wages. f] If signed, he could be a player that has the potential to greatly increase in value. Is this a player that could slot into our central defense with Madjid & quickly forge a good partnership? Is it a player we could possibly even get from Benfica relatively cheaply? Any thoughts?

MADJID BOUGHERRA today insisted he can't wait for the transfer window to slam shut at the end of this month - to end speculation linking him with a move away from Rangers. The Ibrox defender has reiterated his desire to remain at the SPL champions for the entirety of this season despite being linked with a return to England and a move to France this summer. Bougherra has given the Light Blue legions his word he has no plans to jump ship at the last minute this month. He just wants to be allowed to focus on his football and prepare for the forthcoming campaign. He said: "I am happy at Rangers. I don't want to move. This is not the first time I have said such a thing. And yes, it will be nice for the transfer window to close so it is not an issue for anyone. I still have things in football I have to learn and we have the Champions League this season as well. I have never played Champions League football before so this will be a first for me. "It will be exciting to play against the best teams in the world. For me, it is very important to play in this competition. It will help improve me as a player and that is crucial if I want to better myself. "And Rangers are a massive club with fantastic fans. Look at the amount of them who travelled to London at the weekend to support us in the two games against PSG and Arsenal. That sort of backing means so much to me. "So I want to play at Rangers for another season and I'm looking forward to trying to help the club to further success." Publication date 04/08/09

PEDRO MENDES rejected a return to the Premier League in the last transfer window to focus on winning a title medal with Rangers. Now the dream of ending a five-year wait to return to the Champions League will keep the Portuguese playmaker at Ibrox. Mendes is getting a reminder of life in England's top-flight as Rangers take on Arsenal, Manchester City and former club Portsmouth in glamour pre-season games. But it's the chance to get back among Europe's elite which is driving the midfield star this summer. Mendes sparkled at The Emirates Cup in London at the weekend, but he insists he's in no rush for a permanent return south. He said: "The transfer window is still open, but I'm really pleased to be here at Rangers. "I'm happy with the way I have been treated by the club and really happy to still be here. "Yes, we have to get through August until the deadline is over and, in that time, anything can happen. "People can come in, people can move out - but these are decisions for the chairman and the manager to make. "I remember in January there was a lot of speculation because of the financial situation at the club. "People said we would have to lose players - but I said then I wanted to stay. "That was because I believed that I could be a champion with Rangers and that is what happened. "Now we have a big season ahead of us. We have a title to defend and we have the Champions League to look forward to. "I don't think my attitude has changed too much since January. It also helps when the fans are on your side. "It's always good as a player when you feel the fans are behind you. It reflects the effort you put into the team for them. "When things are going well it's great but, when things go wrong, there is another side to it and you need to be prepared for that. "The most important thing for me is I feel good at the club and my family is settled in Glasgow." Mendes has yet to play a European match for Gers after arriving in the aftermath of last season's disaster against FBK Kaunas. Advertisement His last experience of Euro action was winning the 2004 Champions League with Porto. He got a reminder of that contest when he faced a Paris St Germain side including Jerome Rothen and Ludovic Giuly - who were in the Monaco side which lost to Jose Mourinho's aces. But Gers were given a stark warning about the scale of the task they face in this season's Champions League when they were hammered 3-0 by classy Arsenal on Sunday. Mendes knows it will be tough and isn't expecting to repeat the heroics of Porto. But he remains eager to test himself against the best - and sample his first-ever Euro night at Ibrox. He added: "When I joined it was just after the team had lost in the Champions League qualifiers, so I have not had the chance to play in Europe with Rangers yet. ''It's something I'm looking forward to. In fact, the last time I played in Europe was in the Champions League Final for Porto against Monaco in 2004. "They had Rothen and Giuly as well as Dado Prso and Fernando Morientes. But we managed to win. "It's been a long time to wait for me personally and I'm looking forward to experiencing it again. "People keep telling me how special the atmosphere is at Ibrox on a big European night and I want to taste it for myself. The Champions League is something a little bit special for the fans and the players. "It's a break from the pressure of the SPL and it will be good for everyone at Ibrox." Rangers manager Walter Smith has made several changes since the last Champions League group campaign two seasons ago. He has added the likes of Madjid Bougherra, Steve Davis, Kyle Lafferty and Mendes to the squad. And the Portuguese cap believes the return to fitness of midfield sidekick Kevin Thomson will be like a new signing. Mendes added: "When Thommo got injured last season he was having his best spell. He was playing some terrific stuff at that time. "Hopefully his confidence will now come back. It can take some time to build that up again after such a long time out. "It will be great for Rangers to get him back as the player he was before the injury, or maybe even better." Smith pitched Mendes, Thomson and Davis into a new-look three-man midfield for part of The Emirates Cup. And Mendes reckons it was a worthwhile experiment as the SPL champions plot the title defence and prepare for a tilt at Europe. He said: "The 4-3-3 system gives us a little more space to play and it's great for me and Davo to have a more defensive midfield player behind us. "That gives us more freedom to get forward." http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/2569471/I-cherish-those-big-nights-in-Europe.html

Martin O'Neill and Jose Mourinho are battling it out for the �£10m signature of Jermaine Jenas, according to reports. GettyImages Jenas (L) has a tough choice, Inter or Villa? Villa boss O'Neill is also keen to land Scotland international Alan Hutton as part of the deal, but will face competition for midfielder Jenas, who he sees as an ideal replacement for Gareth Barry. Inter Milan coach Mourinho tried to lure Jenas to the San Siro in the January transfer window but Tottenham refused to let him leave. Harry Redknapp needs to raise funds to buy players and the Spurs boss is considering cashing in on the England international. Redknapp is still keen to take Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch to White Hart Lane and needs to boost his transfer kitty to do so. O'Neill has already splashed out �£12m in the last week to land Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing. The 24-year-old said it took him no time to sign: "As soon as I spoke to Martin O'Neill I knew I wanted to play for him. The ambitions the manager has are even bigger than I realised. "The first thing I asked the manager was 'Are these players staying? Because I'd like to play with them'. "His response was that the likes of Ashley Young will not be leaving because he is trying to build a squad." http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=662034&cc=5739

I reckon we might struggle if we do not bring any new players in as all big teams are buying players to add to there squads even if its bosmans a squad needs depth , and we seem to have lost a few players this summer but wont be replacing any a risky stratagy if you ask me , i know our hands are tied financially but we have freed up over �£50K per week in wages so surely we could afford to bring in a few players to boost the squad for an assualt on the SPL and Europe there are plenty of good players who are available on a free transfer just now. I know we will give the younger players more games this season which is fantastic but my fear is we will struggle for quality when it is required during the season due to injurys etc. Are things really that bad financially at Rangers ??? are we poorer than Hearts ? the Tims ? its so frustrating as its like we are the poor man of European football who has a everything must go sale every transfer window i would even say we must keep the likes of McCulloch and Dailly if we arent going to replace them. I am looking forward to seeing the youth get a chance at Ibrox but i fear we will come up short if we are drawn against the cream of Europe. Also i must add this has been the most boring and Frustrating post season summer ever for Gers fans i reckon. Roll on the Man City Game

A summer of discontent: As I whiled away the close season this weekend watching a rather uneventful stage 9 of the Tour de France, my brother exclaimed “I bloody hate the BBC, they never have any news about Rangers” whilst perusing their website. It is a complaint familiar to any Rangers fan reading through the numerous popular bluenose forums available to choose from in cyberspace. Almost as soon as Nacho’s stunning Cup Final goal secured the double, the achievements have been forgotten and Rangers have hardly graced the back pages since. The Scottish sports pages have been dominated firstly by Celtic’s embarrassing manager chase as we were told they secured their first choice man, after openly courting several other targets, and secondly by Mowbray’s attempts to rebuild a failing side. The lack of activity at Murray Park, at least as reported in the press, has many bears worried that we will not press home any advantage gained by last season’s double winning exploits and automatic Champions League qualification. One bear at least is not worried, at least not yet. The greater professionalism in not conducting all our business in public that Smith appears to have returned to the club, whilst perhaps frustrating to fans suffering through a quiet close season and eager for rumours, is reminiscent of the experienced manager’s first dominant stint in Govan. It is also worth noting that the need to strengthen the squad is not as pressing as it was last season, nor indeed as pressing as it is for Celtic. The Kaunas debacle and the refusal to splash the cash until it was too late have no doubt led to the current state of concern pervading through the support. For reasons never fully elucidated, we did not stump up the money for Davis nor other summer signings in time for the Champions' League qualifiers and the repercussions of that miscalculation will be felt for seasonss to come, on the bank balance, on the field and in European rankings. Thus, it is understandable that some fans are anxious over an apparent lack of activity in the transfer market. This concern is only heightened by the fact that Celtic have already brought in former Dundee United goalkeeper Zaluska and striker Fortune from Nancy. However, as previously alluded to, Celtic’s need is greater. They have the Champions League qualifiers to navigate - more perilous than ever under the current format - where they could get past the likes of Arsenal or Lyon to join us at Europe’s top table. Their qualifying campaign begins on the 28th of July and they will be eager to avoid the same fate we succumbed to last season. By contrast, our season does not begin until the 15th of August. We can afford to take our time in the transfer market. We do not need to rush into transfers. The transfer door only opened at the start of this month and there is still a long way to go before the competitive action begins for Smith's squad. Of course our reluctance to dive into the transfer market as of yet will also have been dictated by a meagre transfer budget and a need to get rid of the dead wood. Players we would like to see leave or who are out of favour with the manager will need to be moved on before we can bring anyone in. Ferguson, McCulloch and Adam are on decent wages and could bring in vital transfer funds. However Smith needs to trim the squad and the wage bill to keep our finances at a manageable level and so no one will likely come in before transfers out are secured. We are in need of a left midfielder who can cement a first team spot and a centre back to challenge Weir and Bougherra. We should not, however, be panicking and agonising over our lack of transfer dealing merely because our nearest challengers have already made moves to strengthen their team. Do not misunderstand that statement. I am not advocating any kind of downsizing by the hierarchy, or imagining we can afford to stand still. I am merely attempting to remind those frustrated by a lack of Rangers news in the gutter press that League success and automatic Champions League entry has given us a bit of breathing room this summer. We do not have to dive into transfers that may or may not prove shrewd business at the start of the transfer window. We have bought ourselves time and can afford to be patient in our business dealings. The excessive press coverage from the East End demonstrates the state of affairs over at Parkhead. The fawning on the BBC website of a routine victory over a poor Australian side was particularly embarrassing. The vanquished foes, Brisbane Roar, also fell to defeat against a Japanese Youth team earlier in their pre-season. Don’t let the summer heat aggravate you, nor the media’s reluctance to report on the Scottish Champions. Sit back with a nice cold drink and enjoy the upheaval over at Parkhead whilst Rangers again go about their business quietly. Look through the official site and the photos of the players returning for pre-season training and the fantastic shape in which the likes of Novo, Whittaker and Adam have returned to the club. Trust in Walter in spite of the silence emanating from the club. Remember the quiet, self-assured way the club conducted business prior to securing the SPL title at Tannadice and in his previous tenure at the club, whilst Celtic continue their public grandstanding much as they did prior to bottling the title fight this season. Thank the Lord Martin Bain isn't making crazy claims that Allan McGregor is the 'best goalkeeper in Europe'. Peter Lawwell certainly has had his share of XXXX this week! To conclude, there is still a lot to be decided this summer in the transfer market and the time to worry over the state of the squad for next season has not yet arrived. http://www.gersnetonline.co.uk/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=807&Itemid=1

Into July then and the new season is now upon us. The transfer window is open, pre-season training will begin next Thursday and preparations will be under way to ensure we retain our SPL crown. With key club figures at pains to say our squad size must be reduced and with the year-end finances expected to be somewhere around �£30million in the red, once again Walter Smith will have to be imaginative with his squad. Versatility has been his buzz-word since he returned in 2007. Players like Whittaker, Broadfoot, Dailly, McCulloch, Miller, Naismith, Novo and Lafferty have all been utilised in a wide range of positions as Rangers compete on all fronts over the last 2 seasons. For the most part, they've done OK but there's no doubt our lack of consistency on the park can be explained by a lack of consistency in selection compounded with players out of position. To add to that, we've already we've had several players move on - young and old - and we'll need more to go if we're to create finance for incoming players. Barry Ferguson remains our highest earner and if we can attain a decent fee for him and Charlie Adam, to name but two fringe players, we may have some flexibility in the transfer market. Players like Beasley, Gow, Graeme Smith and Webster should also be on the move. Even so, any new players will be minimal despite the expected ~�£5-10million bounty of the CL group stage. Key areas for strengthening remain a centre-back to complement 'Madjestic' Bougherra and perhaps allow Davie Weir an easier path to retirement. Meanwhile the wide areas of our midfield remain a problem - especially the left side - as the use of up to 10 different players there last season showed us. Therefore, a left-sided midfielder in the vein of Chris Brunt may indeed be our priority if we do manage to move on the surplus high-earners. Of course the �£3million fee over his head places doubt on our ability to not only sign him but entice him to Glasgow ahead of richer EPL clubs in terms of wages. Thus, with the doubt over who leaves and our budget, how can the manager be flexible with a necessary reduction in squad size and minimal funds to find new players? To add to that dilemma, the fans will expect a better standard of football, more consistency and less defensive play when we do play in Europe. As usual, the pressure on the manager will be high. As such, the answer may ironically lie in another head-ache that will come his way once two of our main midfielders are fit. Both Kevin Thomson and Maurice Edu are injured after being important components of our side last season. While neither player can be considered as tough as a Souness or an Ian Ferguson; their controlled aggression, strength in the tackle and mobility were imperative to allow the creative players such as Mendes and Davis to do their stuff. Therefore, the quicker they both return the better - though Thomson looks the more likely to make the season opener at Ibrox against Falkirk. However, what happens when Edu also retains fitness? Can we really afford to keep such an exciting young talent on the bench for another season? After all, it's doubtful that a central-midfield pairing of he and Thomson would be creative enough in the absence of genuine wingers in the squad? This is where the 4-3-3 formation comes in and I'll contend that makes sense for several reasons: - Playing Edu and Thomson in deeper 'holding' roles means we have a more solid unit for the tougher games without compromising on our need to retain attacking players. - Davis could move inside from the right to play in a free role behind the attack. His creative play is his strongest suit and he is all too often isolated on the right. With Mendes sitting behind him alongside Edu/Thomson we also have a player capable of picking him out when he does find space. - Our current lack of wide players means we don't have to play a Naismith, Miller, Novo or Lafferty in unfamiliar roles they're not as effective in. Instead they get to concentrate on their preferred attacking positions and compete for the two slots up front (or one if Boyd continues to score goals). - We also get the best out of John Fleck. The lad is a prodigious talent so we shouldn't be minimising that by shunting him out to left midfield. Let him compete with the senior players for the free role and we'll see the best of him. - The midfield positions are easily interchanged or rotated to ensure freshness and strategic flexibility when required depending on opposition. 4-5-1 can still be utilised if the situation really demands it. - We free up space for our full-backs to get forward. Steven Whittaker is a player that is at his best roaming forward with space in front of him. No winger allows both him (and to a lesser extent Papac) to support in space with players around them to help them keep possession (not their strongest suits) more effectively. - The strategy above means we may not need to sign a left-midfielder or even another defender given the added protection for the defence. Any money could be kept back for January when new players are often needed more desperately. 4-3-3: The answer to our problems - or a way for the board to hide decreasing squad quality and the manager to go overly defensive again in Europe? You decide!

It's well known to the Rangers fans this summer & hopefully to the management as well, that with another fixture packed season approaching, we could really be doing with a new partner for Madjid Bougherra. David weir has been an excellent signing for us, but in my opinion he now often shows signs of tiredness & thus lack of pace & sharpness. For the most part, he's been extremely solid in his role in central defense & without a doubt for his age, he's admirably played a part in bringing silverware to Ibrox. I'm wondering now though, as are most Gers fans I'd imagine, if we should primarily in the summer transfer window, be looking at bringing in a new central defender. I know that this is no new idea, as it's been discussed for quite some time amongst the online Gers community, but the question remains open as to who the right man would be. The club have apparently had an ongoing interest in the Sporting defender Tonel, but having been watching the Confederations Cup in South Africa, I'm wondering if the USA central defender Onyewu might be a better option. He's been playing for Standard Li�¨ge since they signed him from Metz in 2004 & as well as being in integral & important part of a successful Li�¨ge side, he's also won a fair number of footballing awards in Belgium. He was named in the Belgian league's Best XI after the 04/05 & 07/08 seasons, as well as winning the Foreign Player of the Year award in 2005. In 2006 he won US soccer athlete of the year. He's been a big part in Standard's league winning past couple of seasons & other than an unsuccessful loan spell at Newcastle to consider, I'm only wondering if we could afford him. His performance in last night's USA win over Spain was so good though, that I'd imagine yet again he'll be a player being targeted by clubs from around Europe. I think he's a defender that's on form & possibly approaching his peak, so he'll probably be worth a few million.

i can't say i know a lot about him but we do need a defender badly. the fact that Italian teams are interested may be a good sign.

Over the coming weeks Iââ?¬â?¢ll be delving back into the happenings of the season gone past and reviewing all the major talking points from the debacle in Kanuas to the unforgettable and fantastic scenes at Tannidice when the league flag finally came back home (why do I feel the urge to burst into Glasgow Rangers Champions Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh?). I know there was a game AFTER that Sunday in the sun, but Iââ?¬â?¢ll get to that, I promise. I will try to dismantle the season into three month chunks looking back to the games that had the greatest effect on the SPL title race, how the players faired in those monthly segments and try to decipher how Walter Smith wasnââ?¬â?¢t named Manager of the Year and how Boogie wasnââ?¬â?¢t name player of the year. Boogie isnââ?¬â?¢t only the best player at Ibrox, he is the best player in the land by a country mile. As well as documenting the incidents, performances and results that ensured that theyââ?¬â?¢re would be no 4-in-a-row, I will endeavour to paint an honest opinion of our footballing style (or lack off) over the course of the season. There is no doubting that we displayed some very decent football in patches. Victories at Easter Road, Parkhead and off course, the final SPL game of the season instantly spring to mind. In those games we were simply awesome. It is my opinion that if he had maintained those games as our ââ?¬Ë?standardââ?¬â?¢ and hit that form on a consistent basis, we would have won the league at a canter. However, for every brilliant performance, there was a dross performance (ying and yang if you like). Away to Falkirk twice, away to St Mirren, losing to ICT at Ibrox spring to mind ââ?¬â?? and I havenââ?¬â?¢t mentioned the Scottish Cup Final yet. It is also important to investigate and discuss the state that we approached in the season in given the heartbreaking end to the previous season and off course, the sale of King Carlos. There are many trains of thought as to how successful we were in season 2007/08 where we secured the domestic cup double but that only begins to tell the story. We were tantalisingly close to an unprecedented quadruple and at least, should have been good enough to secure the domestic treble. To let the SPL title slip was unforgivable, no matter the mitigating circumstances. We were so far ahead, Celtc required snookers. Given the disappointment of last season, winning the SPL title was a MUST this season. Allow Celtc to lift their fourth title in a row, given our calamitous financial position would have been akin to committing footballing suicide. With that in mind, it is also our duty not to allow our title victory, our 52nd domestic league title (still a world record), to paper of the enormous cracks in our club. There will be at least 10 players sold in the summer (two have already been released) so it is fair to say that some fans favourites could still leave. If Walter Smith intends to add to the first team, heââ?¬â?¢ll likely have to lose even more than the ten that is currently being banded about. Our club is teetering on the edge and guaranteed champions league money has only delayed more stinging cuts. There is also the question of how our club is being marketed. In laymanââ?¬â?¢s terms, it isnââ?¬â?¢t. Here we are basking in the afterglow of winning the domestic double and there isnââ?¬â?¢t a commemorative DVD (or any item celebrating this apart from ONE t-shirt ââ?¬â?? which I am proudly wearing!). Kris Boyd has just celebrated scoring 100 goals for this club, the first player to do so since Mark Hateley. Again, this wonderful achievement hasnââ?¬â?¢t warranted a DVD. Due to the complications of the Umbro deal, we still arenââ?¬â?¢t any closer to knowing the design of our new home top. All of this may not appear to be important in the context of the wild celebrations that rightly greeted the SPL triumph, but this is the time to cash in on the success and by God do we need the cash. There is also a predicted shortfall in season ticket sales, but the only place you see season ticketââ?¬â?¢s for sale in on the official website. Meanwhile our neighbours are advertising on radio, TV and national press. Anyway, back to the post-mortem of the season gone by and it is great to witness that we have a new ââ?¬Ë?cheer-leaderââ?¬â?¢. After the departure of Shota, we didnââ?¬â?¢t have anyone to marvel at as the celebrations took place ââ?¬â?? well step forward and take a bow Mr Nacho Novo. Watching Novo lately has been a joy in itself, especially his ââ?¬Ë?Ha Ha Samarasââ?¬â?¢ antics at Tannidice. Another aspect of the season that is worth discussing, and Iââ?¬â?¢ll mention this in my reviews is how the team spirit grow over the season and was cemented during and after the ââ?¬Ë?boozegateââ?¬â?¢ affair. It would have been easy for the players to have chucked it at certain stages of the season (being 7 points behind, the boozegate affair, the draw at Easter Road) but they all pulled together and this was most evident at Tannidice when we won the title, but it had been growing over the course of the season. So much so we have players like Boyd, Novo and Mendes claiming that they want to finish their careers at Ibrox and players like Boogie stating that knocking back big money moves to the EPL as being the ââ?¬Ë?correct decisionsââ?¬â?¢. It appears that the feel-ggod factor is back at Ibrox and I believe that this is down to the influences of Ally McCoist and Ian Durrant. In finishing, the hard work starts here as we have to build on this success and ensure that we dominate the domestic game for the next few years. This will not be easy and the full extent of how difficult this will be will only be know once the transfer window is closed and we can assess who is still here. We require a long term replacement for David Weir, a left midfielder (Chris Brunt seems the favourite at the moment and he is a very decent player), a right midfield player (as Stevie Davis isnââ?¬â?¢t the answer wide right). Again, these needs may change depending on who is or isnââ?¬â?¢t sold. Either way, itââ?¬â?¢ll be a nail-biting summer with Rangers fans hoping and praying that our ââ?¬Ë?blue chipââ?¬â?¢ players remain at the club for another season (at least). Next week Iââ?¬â?¢ll open the review concentrating on July through to the end of October. This will include (close your eyes) the Kanuas games, the first OF game of the season and asking if whether our eventual forays into the transfer market would have made a difference if they were signed PRIOR to the CL qualifier. Cammy F :spl:

Pedro Mendes insists there is no truth in stories linking him with a summer move away from Rangers. The Portuguese midfielder has become the subject of much transfer talk since the 2008/09 campaign came to a close, with Sporting Lisbon said to be keen on taking him back to his homeland. Italian giants Lazio are also reported to have expressed an interest as they look to mount a Serie A title charge in 2009/10. However, Mendes, who joined Rangers from Portsmouth for �£3million in August 2008, claims he is happy at Ibrox. "My contract is valid for two years," he told Desporto. "I feel happy in Glasgow and I see no reason not to continue at Rangers." Despite landing a Scottish Premier League and Scottish Cup Double last season, Rangers' financial difficulties have led to speculation that key men will have to be sold once the transfer window re-opens. Mendes was thought to be among those likely to be on their way, but the 30-year-old insists he has been given no indication that he will be allowed to leave. "I do not know (of interest from other clubs)," he said. "One thing is for certain, I will not ask to leave. Nor do I think that Rangers are thinking about a possible transfer."

After a break for a couple of months, the 'Setting the Standard' project reaches its final stages with a couple of closing articles. The first one from 'Lord Nelson' below is a fascinating look at how Rangers could benefit from changes in the boardroom and is especially relevant with various rumours surrounding the ownership. The final STS article (which offers independent academic credibility for supporter opinions) will be published later this week before the overall expanded report is released next week for download. This expanded report has been printed and will be provided to Rangers FC for official comment. Anyway - onto the penultimate article Setting the Standard: Improvements in the Boardroom (Written by Lord Nelson) This article is going to look at one of the most important areas of the club - the place where the decisions that affect the running of the club - the boardroom. It proposes that two independent directors are appointed in a non-executive position to assist in the decision-making process. It was only 4 and a half years ago that the club was Ã?£74 million in debt and in a great deal of financial difficulty. We got out of that debt following the rights issue that was supported by Sir David Murray (SDM) and the cash from the JJB deal, but yet again the club finds itself in financial difficulty after such a short period of time. Our debt could be in excess of Ã?£30m in January, which is a lot when we consider that we only have facilities of Ã?£36m from the bank, and our outgoings will exceeded our incomings in the months prior to the receipt of the season ticket money. We were in the position that we were unable to even bring one player in on loan during the recent winter transfer window. Both situations arose due to overspending which the club canââ?¬â?¢t afford, but was authorised by the directors nevertheless. It is because of this situation arising twice that it is believed that the Board of Directors of Rangers would benefit from having independent non-executive directors appointed, who may force SDM to at least question and re-examine the level of spending and other decisions and bring a freshness and alternative outlook that can only benefit the club as a whole. Background For the purposes of good corporate governance, listed companies on the major UK exchanges are required to have independent non-executive directors. They do not work on a day-to-day basis but attend board meetings. They have no connection to the company but are involved in strategy and have an oversight of management (see Appendix A for a more in-depth description of their responsibilities). There is currently no requirement for Rangers to have such directors as the Plus Markets exchange where Rangers shares are listed do not have the same level of requirements as other, more primary exchanges. Our rivals across the city are listed on a more senior exchange and as such do have independent non-executive directors - Ian Livingstone, Chief Executive of BT and Thomas Allison, Chairman of Peel Ports as well the well known John Reid, and it believed that the former two would benefit their clubââ?¬â?¢s decision making with their vast business experience. The need for a strong set of non-executive directors was highlighted recently with the biggest loss in UK history following the Royal Bank of Scotlandââ?¬â?¢s near collapse, requiring support from the UK government. One of the causes of this is alleged to have been the inability of the non-executive directors to stand up to Sir Fred Goodwin, which highlights the need for a strong board, who are able to make their feelings known. If RBS can be close to collapse then what is to say that Rangers could not run into serious trouble? That is why as strong board of Directors as possible is required. The new directors should be independent of SDM so that they can stand up against him if they believe that he is incorrect and should not feel threatened or intimidated to give their opinions. They must be able to have his respect and should perhaps be regarded as ââ?¬Å?Captains of Industryââ?¬Â. The current position The blame for the current financial problems has to stay with the directors of the club. Matching the supportersââ?¬â?¢ expectations and keeping the club on a financial even-keel is admittedly an extremely difficult thing to do but with strong leadership, it can be done. We appeared to be in the position where we had to sell our top scorer in the winter transfer window and it is worrying to the support that the club finds itself in this position, and means the outlook remains extremely bleak even with Champions' League qualification for next season. Misleading statements It is believed that it was during the 2001 AGM that someone questioned the increasing debt level which was sitting at Ã?£28 million at that point. The shareholders were reassured by the Chairman at that meeting that it would be irresponsible for the board of directors to allow the debt to increase above Ã?£40 million, but in less than 12 months it had increased to Ã?£52 million, and eventually ended up at the well-publicised Ã?£74 million. It is therefore a myth that many have said that nobody complained when the debt was increasing. The issue was raised but it appears that the shareholders, and therefore the support, were misled. Following the cash that was received from the aforementioned rights issue and the up-front payment of Ã?£18 million received from JJB, the net debt was reduced to under Ã?£6 million in June 2006 and again the support were reassured by SDM in August 2006 that they would be ââ?¬Å?maintaining financial prudenceââ?¬Â. It is not believed that anyone can argue that taking the club to within a few million of its borrowing limit in such a short period of time is maintaining financial prudence, and yet again what the shareholders of the club were told does not reflect the way the reality of the situation. Having independent directors may result in more openness in the running of the club, which the support deserves, given the financial commitment they make each season. Options It would be in the clubââ?¬â?¢s best interests to try and ensure that this level of overspending is made more difficult in the future. (It is impossible to prevent when there is a majority shareholder in place). SDM has made it clear that he wishes to sell the club, but it is equally obvious that there are no potential buyers out there. Any solutions therefore have to be within the current set-up of SDM being the majority shareholder. The support need reassurances that the club will be run on a sound financial footing and there appears to be an inability for this to happen and therefore something has to change. What is required is for SDM to make a major leap and admit that mistakes continue to be made and accept that it would be helpful to have assistance in formulating the plans for the club. Conclusion The decision making of the directors of Rangers can only be enhanced with new, enthusiastic non-executive directors. It is acknowledged that SDM will always have the final say due to his shareholding, but additional, experienced businessmen could bring fresh and innovative ideas and perhaps help him prevent the club getting into a more perilous financial situation. APPENDIX 1 - The role of an Independent non-executive director An independent non-executive director should play the following roles: 1. Participating in formulating strategy of the company The board of directors is responsibility for the management of a company. It does not directly take part in the routine management, but it has to participate in the drafting of strategy of the company. They must use the professional knowledge or common sense, experience and specialty, vision and the advice they get from outside or the people and business relations they have developed to help directors solve related problems. 2. Oversight of management Oversight of management covers two aspects: one is to oversee the management and the company in implementing the rules, procedures and plans established, that is, to see whether the company operates along the established orbit; the other is to check the company to see whether or not it has established a proper and effective internal monitoring system, procedure and guide. The former to see whether the company follows its rules and system in force and the other is to see whether the current system is rational enough. 3. Independent stand It is very important for independent non-executive directors to air their affirmative and objective views, take independent decisions. As an independent non-executive director, the law demands impartiality in taking decisions by taking into account all available information, instead of casting votes according to the views of shareholders who have appointed you. First of all, an independent non-executive director must study and get to know all the information provided by the company; secondly, the voting and decision taking are not influenced, directly or indirectly, by individual interests; thirdly, he must honestly ask himself whether any private interests have influenced his judgement. 4. Protecting the interests of all shareholders As an independent non-executive director, an important task is to protect the interests of all shareholders. APPENDIX 2 - Disclaimers 1. It should be made clear that this proposal does not supersede or replace the requirement for supporter representation on the board, which is a separate subject and is not covered by this proposal. References: 1. http://www.cipe.org/ Further reading: The Higgs report - http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file23012.pdf

I said a few weeks back, after the Falkirk game, that I was never going to another Rangers away game due to the dross being served up on the pitch, the current financial climate and the harrassement we receive away from Ibrox. Given that, I reluctantly refused an offer of tickets from the St Mirren game as I wanted to visit their new stadium. I resigned myself to not going and watched the game on Sentanta (a free trial via Virgin - refuse to pay for it!). Anyway, going to the Motherwell game on Saturday and names were being taken for Easter Road on Sunday. Guess what, I stuck my name down of a ticket, so I'm heading into Leithshire on Sunday and look forward to another visit to Easter Road. Now, I have also loved going to Easter Road, there is always a wonderful atmosphere and who can forget Helicopter Sunday? Yip, Easter Road will always have a place in my heart after witnessing the events of Helicpoter Sunday. See, I am trying to justify my decision to break my promise after only missing ONE away game. I also said that I was 99% certain that I wouldn't renew my season ticket. Guess what? It has been filled out, signed, envaloped, but as yet is unstamped. I know that as soon as we have stamps, I'll post my renewal. Why do I allow my heart to rule my head when it comes to Rangers? Outwith Rangers, I am a levelheaded person who doesn't allow his heart to rule is head, but when it comes to Rangers, all sense goes out the window. I hope I have the courage of my convictions and after Easter Road, refuse to go to any post-split away games (yeah, who am I kidding) and refrain from posting my renewal. Cammy F

BIRMINGHAM and Newcastle will fight it out over Ã?£4million Madjid Bougherra ââ?¬â? but only if Rangers LOSE the SPL title. Cash-starved Gers will have to sell some stars if they donââ?¬â?¢t pip Celtic to the crown. The Ibrox club are desperate for the Ã?£15million passport direct into the Champions League that comes with the title. And if they donââ?¬â?¢t get it, Algerian ace Bougherra will be high on the list of potential summer departures. Newcastle were keen on the stopper, 26, during the January transfer window and they still want him. They would only move if they keep their Premiership status ââ?¬â? while Birmingham will only bid if they go up. Former Gers gaffer Alex McLeish needs a win at Reading on Sunday to guarantee an instant return to the top flight. But itââ?¬â?¢s understood Bougherra is high on his wish list should he lead City into the cash-rich Premiership. French championship pacesetters Marseille have also had the ex-Charlton star watched this season. But Bougherra would prefer to stay in Britain as he believes his style of play is better suited to the game here. Fresh doubts over the playerââ?¬â?¢s long-term future were raised after the Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren on Saturday. Speaking in a radio interview, he appeared to hint that heââ?¬â?¢d leave if Gers didnââ?¬â?¢t win the title. Those remarks were subsequently retracted in a statement on the clubââ?¬â?¢s website. Bougherra said: ââ?¬Å?I have to say to the fans that I have no intention of leaving.ââ?¬Â SunSport understands he is committed to Walter Smithââ?¬â?¢s side and is happy to stay for the long haul. He wants to sample the Champions League with Gers and is keen to plant roots in Glasgow after several moves over the past five years. But itââ?¬â?¢s believed heââ?¬â?¢s also aware that he is likely to be sold if Gers miss out on the financial bonus of direct entry to the Champions League. http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/article2398932.ece