The Champions v Motherwell

[stewarty 1,878]

The league flag will be unfurled tomorrow as Rangers are crowned champions for the 53rd time, a world record. It is two-in-a-row for Walter Smith's men and in many ways, perhaps the most remarkable of the the 9 championships he has delivered as Rangers manager.

 

Rangers do not have their problems to seek off the field. A debt estimated circa �£25-30m, restrictive business plans imposed upon the club and an ongoing takeover saga. On the field, Rangers have not forked out a transfer fee on any player since August 2008. The squad has slowly eroded over that time with only loan deals supplementing the squad.

 

The season began with a new Celtic manager in Tony Mowbray. High quality, high tempo, attacking football was promised. It is, after all, "The Celtic Way". Sadly, the Monkey Heid lasted only until March. By then, the league was lost and only pride was left to play for. Rangers though, stumbled toward the finishing line, but reached it with 3 games to spare. It may not have been pretty for much of the season with a number of results ground out through sheer belligerence - but given the circumstances, what more could we realistically expect?

 

The close season holds plenty of fears and poses many questions. Will someone take over and wipe out/ drastically reduce our debt? Will that person(s) have Rangers best interests at heart? Will the manager have funds to strengthen the squad? Who will be our manager? Which players will move on to pastures new?

 

Nevertheless, it is a time to celebrate. To rejoice at the achievements of a team who have stood firm against forces that would have floored lesser men and lesser teams. You can never quite get enough of that winning feeling, and lets hope we finish the season with three points.

 

Motherwell showed on Wednesday night that they are capable of scoring goals and with the Rangers players no doubt looking to put on a champions performance, there could be some good entertainment on offer. The team that plays may prove difficult to guess correctly but I'd like to see one or two young players play a part.

 

I'd go for the following:

 

:na:

:sw::kirk::sp:

:nn::kt::sd::jf:

:kb:

 

Prediction: Rangers 3-2 Motherwell

[ian1964 10,459]

Looking forward to the game today,celebrating another title win for the mighty Rangers FC, we're having a party.

 

Rangers 2 Miller,Lafferty

Motherwell 0

[Gazza_8 233]

I think Novo should get a start as it'll probably be his last game for us and deserves a full game to try and get a goodbye goal. I'd also play Fleck and Wylde to give them a wee run out.

[Rangers Football Club 0]

KRIS to start in what could be his final Gers outing

 

More...

[metlika 0]

No Novo starting . Naismith still keeps his place some how? Boyd also starts probably his last game.

 

Rangers: Alexander, Whittaker, Broadfoot, Weir, Papac, Naismith, Davis, Edu, Lafferty, Boyd, Miller. Subs: Gallacher, Thomson, Novo, Smith, Fleck, Little, Stirling.

 

Davis through the middle is better though

[Gazza_8 233]

What does it say on our jerseys today?

 

Doesn't sound like a party atmosphere. Infact, there isn't much atmosphere at all.

[Zappa 0]

Interesting to see Steven Stirling on the bench....

[Gazza_8 233]

That'll be 101 SPL goals for Rangers now.........

 

1-0 to the 09/10 SPL Champions. Krisy, Krisy Boyd.

[Zappa 0]

Boydy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[metlika 0]

Good on Boyd get the hattrick today...