The Art of Counting Chickens

[Frankie 8,146]

It was another agreeable Carlsberg evening in the SPL; with Rangers winning away and Celtic losing at home to widen the gap at the top of the table to ten points. With Rangers topping the SPL form table (the last six games are taken into account) and Celtic languishing behind Hearts, Hibs, Dundee Utd and Aberdeen in sixth position; it is no wonder many bears are getting excited about our SPL chances.

 

While we've not had our player availibility worries to seek of late, key defender Bougherra will be back soon enough and with Mendes, Edu, Naismith, Beasley and Kris Boyd also all back from injury over the next fortnight, that is six important players to have back in the squad as we approach the business end of the season. While injuries shouldn't be used as an excuse for poor performance is has to be acknowledged as a contributory factor to our inconsistent form when we lose our two main strikers and several creative players. Hopefully that should change now and we can get back to our splendid form of late 2009.

 

Looking back for a moment then and the December and January months are always an important period in terms of a successful campaign. Fourteen games over both months including European/domestic cup matches and an Old Firm game all contribute to a time where it is vital to gain as many points as possible. Despite three away matches against the other teams alongside us in the top four, we were the dominant team in December and, despite a less impressive January, we've improved upon our lead. A win on Saturday should see us keep that 7 point gap (even Celtic will surely beat Killie) in place ahead of a cup week break.

 

Of course there is the small matter of the closing transfer window over the next four or five days. It seemed we'd maybe lose Mendes in particular but with the manager saying movement is unlikely in any direction (out with the unused Rothen); I think most of us will be comfortable enough with that. Certainly keeping guys like Bougherra, Davis and Boyd here until the summer at least is vital if we're to retain the title. Beyond that, no-one knows what will happen but a 53rd title will help our financial position hugely and hinder those from the East End who have spent in the region of �£10million this season on various unproven players and a manager who looks as if he'd rather be anywhere than the ever emptier Parkhead. Another CL experience for our club may also induce key players to stay and it will definitely help attract new players. Obviously the takeover situation will be an important factor in all of this as well.

 

However, that is all a long, long way off. Season 2007/2008 saw us throw away a similar cushion to that we have now (under very testing circumstances to be fair) and Celtic also did the same last season. Therefore, the Rangers players and fans should be well aware of how slender our lead actually is. With more difficult matches ahead including another Old Firm match in a month's time, we cannot underestimate the challenge ahead. The art of counting chickens in football is a common one but we cannot relax enough to partake this early in the season.

 

Nonetheless we're in a good position, deserve to be there and have the best squad in the SPL as it stands. It is up to the players to continue to prove that and the fans to support them ahead of what is going to be another roller-coaster ride!

[Bluedell 5,329]

Perhaps it should be more relevant to look to see if Hibs can catch us? :devil:

 

 

 

Missing the point loyal.

[Frankie 8,146]

:D Not bad mate!

[Super_Ally 0]

I'm quite bad for this. But you have to enjoy rubbing it in your rivals faces while your on top.

 

Hibs are only 2 points behind the tims at the end of January btw.

[Frankie 8,146]

Oh, nothing wrong with extracting the urine (I did it myself in the original post) but we need to keep our feet on the ground...

 

Even if their latest Asian player can't...

[Tannochsidebear 2,306]

Taking our last 38 SPL games into account, we have taken 91 points, a fantastic total that would win the title in any season, and would have seen us win the "title" by 14 points. 27 wins, 10 draws and that solitary defeat at the sheep-pen is a terrificly consistent return.

 

When you take into account the boardroom turmoil and financial meltdown over the last year or so as well, it makes it even more remarkable.

 

And still Timmy thinks that if they just bring in a couple of journeymen nobodies they will overhaul our lucky run of results.

 

Dream on Timmy, dream on.

[Wija 0]

Hibs for second place.

 

But let us celebrate our winning and continued success rather than gloat at misfortune. After all, who are they?

 

WATP

[Gazza_8 233]

Hibs are 2 points behind Celtic and United are 3.

 

[craig 5,195]

Hibs are 2 points behind Celtic and United are 3.

 

To be fair Utd have played a game more.... although a Tim win against Killie is by no means a guarantee this year.....