26th of foot

The early eighties is the correct analogy reference the league. We will be presented with opportunities, and we will squander most of them. Thirty-odd years past, we battled with St Mirren for fourth, this season it will be the other Saints. Killie on Saturday is a MUST win. If they beat us, they could go ahead in league position. I think we have to persevere, keep passing it. In the early eighties, we sacrificed Davie Cooper for hard running,. hard tackling players, and duly suffered. In ten league games, we have conceded first in seven of them. Let's cut that out, it may be marginal but that is where we can fashion an edge.

I note the Dandy Dons, always anxious to flash their credentials as hating us more than the Yahoos, have succumbed 1-0 to Hamilton Acas this evening. Thus, an 8-zip victory over Saintees would place us second. Clint Hill to score the eighth?

Opportunity Knocks! Whilst Marc Bolan was proclaiming the benefits of riding a white swan, the Beltane folk of Carnac were ignoring their necessary offerings to Alaunus. In a fit of pique, the sun god had washed our intended summer hols camp site into the Bay of Biscay. This information arrived a week before setting off, French stamped envelope, correspondence and returned cheque in hand; my old man was on the blower to the BBC Meteorological Department, wanting a long range weather forecast for Brittany? Apparently, the outlook for ducks was most promising. A bracing week in Portpatrick ensued amid vague promises over the unexpected windfall. A month later, another envelope delivered fulfillment. This was a much more exotic piece of stationery, it had the gates of Ibrox on the bottom left hand corner. Three season tickets all in the same name. Both Granddad and Dad had no imagination. I had always assumed Mother's aspirations for the windfall had drowned in a sea of misogyny; however, she insisted the events of six months previously had been uppermost. Section G of the Main Stand was Death's waiting room, a pinelands of pensioners seeking their last gasp. Well, that's how it looked to this fourteen year old in August'71. We were all gasping our last as ra Sellik cuffed us three times in the season's opening four weeks, all at Ibrox. Ah, and there as those that insist the reintroduction of the League Cup sections are a good thing? Bad went to worse, we lost the first three League fixtures, Thistle and Aberdeen straddling the green'n'grey. Mitigating factors were twofold, a couple of retired theatricals immediately behind us demonstrated their strict adherence to the cause of Rangers, and Gilbeys. It was all legal then, tartan flasks(not hippies) were consumed with gusto. The thermal wave of juniper competed for discomfiture with those old heavy oak seats, it was a gin'n'tanic experience. The taller of the two introduced himself as, 'Tommy Top Onions' and his intro' was timed to Rangers first corner/free-kick. As Andy Penman addressed the ball, and Bomber strode forward, he effected Hughie Green's transatlantic tone and bellowed, "opportunity knocks". He meant it, most sincerely. The rest of the turn quietly succumbed to a Gilbey induced slumber. The second ray of light arrived from rain sodden Brittany. Rennes to be exact, in the first round of the European Cup Winners Cup. Wullie Johnson's goal had secured a first leg 1-1 draw on a night of torrential deluge. The BBC did not lie in those days. The Ibrox return's defining moment came when a Colin Stein shot was parried by the keeper, Alex McDonald continued his late run into the box and slid the rebound into the net. At full time, Tommy was demanding we all vote for Doddie that week, as he had received a record score on the clap-o-meter. I was not aware of the phrase, 'managing expectations' in the autumn of '71, the demands of the Rangers support was ever present. We had won our first trophy in six years a few months before, DJ's headed League Cup winner. It was to be Wullie Waddell's first full season in charge, and Kilmarnock's Tommy McLean had finally signed for his boyhood heroes. The first five weeks of that season were truly crushing. Doddy's belief in continuing that run seemed to signify a continuing deep belief within the players. At Hampden on Sunday, whilst standing in the North Stand; an uninvited and unwelcomed Hughie Green flashed into my mind, as Jason Holt's unbroken stride met Tav's square cross. Opportunity knocked, but a centre half stymied Holt's needle on the clap-o-meter. In relating Jason Holt's style to that of Doddie, I am not emulating Billy McBungle's direct comparison of Stevie Fulton to be, "the new Roberto Baggio". Of course, it's easy to be mistaken of Bob Baggio traversing the terraced roads above Milan in his Lamborghini and Fulton's struggle to maintain his balance toting a Big Mac in each hand, as he bounces down the slopes above Greenock. In mitigation, we must remember Billy managed to relegate both Manchester City and Aston Villa in the same season. No, Holt is taking his first steps on a road that could lead to Doddie status. Further, there is no comparison in abilities between the 71/72 team and today's. There is one direct similarity, both arrived at the club for the reported transfer fee of £50,000, nearly half a century apart. McDonald's arrival from St Johnstone was not universally accepted by Bears. I remember numerous heated discussions on supporters' buses and terraces, there was a hard corps minority that claimed Doddy was a 'corner boy' not fit to wear the jersey. I loved his combative style, a powerhouse of a competitor, and his innate ability, even willingness to upset the Yahoos, at every turn. It took three years for Doddie to become a firm favourite. Similarly, we must encourage Holt to keep on, keeping on. Those runs up the blind side, always available, never hiding, must be applauded. I hope Jason can go on to emulate Doddie's 500 appearances and 92 goals? Tomorrow evening, the wily Tommy Wright brings a stuffy Saints, hoping to replicate last season's 1-3 result. They are ahead of us by two points, having played one game more. There is a three goal advantage to the Perth side in goal difference. We are quite similar, in that both teams lack genuine pace. It will be studies, tactical, and attritional aspects will determine ie the ability to keep making those runs. I believe Holt is our best hope in this regard. Kranjcar's injury is most unfortunate, because he has the ability to find the blind side runner. Will Dodson retain his place and ensure Tav' plays one forward? Can we convince a forward to remain in the opposition box? O'Halloran deserves a chance, but a tight Saints leave no room in behind. Should a clearly tired McKay be rested? I would go with Foderingham, Dodson, Hill, Kiernan, Wallace, Tav, Halliday, Holt, Waghorn, Miller, and O'Halloran to effect a 2-1 result. This is my emotional reaction, I have predicted 1-1 draw in Bluebear's thread. Interestingly, in Ally's first season in management, he was 13 points ahead of Lennon in late Autumn. We had St Johnstone and Killie in succesive games at Ibrox, we drew both 0-0 and the rest is history. Like Rennes in '71, I hope we achieve two victories, shining the light on the road ahead.

Rangers 1 St Johnstone 1. FGS : Miller.

Yep mate, I will post the match preview tomorrow morning, or early tomorrow evening.

She looks like she just ate Rick Wakeman.

I remember Rangers defeating B Gladbach 3-2 at Ibrox circa 73/74. A sixteen year old Alex O'Hara notching a couple. Truly, the highlight was watching Gunter Netzer strolling around the Ibrox turf, spraying passes with the outside of the boot. A wonderful player.

Stubbs says his Rotherham record of six points from 13 games is all Rangers fault, and can assure everyone that he will not be selling Scot Allen to Rangers.

BBC Radio Scotland's team of Tom English, Scot McDonald, Pat Bonner, and Richard Gordon are agreed. In conclusion, "Sellik are tired". Before the game, all four were discussing ra Sellik winning, and laying down a marker for the return game in Gladbach. One point in Germany, maybe even a win, and if Barca beat Man City, then when ra Sellik go to Manchester, second place and qualification remains up for grabs. As is pointed out earlier in this thread, Rodgers' Sellik had conceded 10 goals in two CL games. What will Chris McLaughlin say?

I suspect Murdo is succumbing to a sense of entitlement?

Imagine Chris Sutton emoting on the word, 'respect'? That would be the respect he showed his fellow professionals, particularly the Dunfermline players who had just succumbed at Ibrox by six goals. That would be the respect he showed DJ on Radio Snyde recently. A man that possesses a Euro winners medal and a couple of dozen more caps than Chris. Finally, the morally bankrupt Chris showed huge respect to then Sellik View cub reporter(now, Herald reporter), Alison McConnell.

There is a misconception among a group of Bears that Darren Cooney is the son of former Sellik PRO and Radion Snyde Managing Director, Paul Cooney. There is no relation. Darren's auld man is a journalist, Bryan Cooney from Aberdeen. Darren has over exposed himself on numerous occasions, he was the Daily Record's Online Editor for 3-4 years. He was on a personal crusade to elicit responses(most particularly from Nil by Mouth) on songs sung by the rangers support. The Daily Record is replicating BBC Scotland's mix of groupings anxious to be perceived as the most Rangers hating. A mix of ra Sellik and Aberdeen fans vying for the title, with the odd bod such as Gordon Waddell(Falkirk) and Cosgrove(St Johnstone) thrown in. The overwhelming conditioning factor that articulates their hatred to this day, was the Aberdeen fanzine from circa 25 years past, 'The Northern Light'. Darren Cooney is akin to former daily record Chief Reporter, Anna Smith; in that, his hatred for all things Rangers overwhelms his particular love for anything.

Thankful for small mercies. In the last two games, we have avoided the stings of both Jags. Three goals for, none conceded, and six points garnered. A wee word for BBC Scotland's Rob McLean. I was driving home last evening and as such a captured audience. Last night was your opportunity, AmDram Quine, Big Dick was missing and you had a blank canvas to paint as Host of the Show. We know the on message narrative and we know you are a strict adherent. However, your half-time and full time summaries over-egged an already rancid pudding. Repeatedly expressing disappointment that ICT had not taken their two scoring chances, and describing the referee's reaction to Andy Halliday's tackling as, "disappointing", "strange" and, "curious". You are trying too hard to impress the big bhoys at Pacific Quay CSC. Ever wondered why you were dispatched to the wilds of Inversneckie on a Friday night?

The exuberance is strong in John McGeever.

In May'99, Rangers won 0-3 at ra Stydome and won the league. The Refereee, Hugh Dallas was attacked on the pitch and struck with thrown coins. He returned home to Motherwell that evening and the Police arrested several Sellik supporters in different groupings wandering around his estate, with intent. They couldn't prevent Dallas's immediate neighbour, Kevin Dunn walking around the family home, armed with a golf club. He struck thirteen double glazed windows, fully smashing two. The entire Dallas family were inside throughout the several minute sustained attack. Kevin Dunn was a season ticket holder at Sellik Park, in fact he sat in the green leather, heated seats in the North Stand. His ticket was suspended, until court proceedings culminated. He was found guilty at Hamilton Sheriff Court on criminal damage charges, fined £2,000, and ordered to pay the costs of repair. Fortunately, Kevin owned a double glazing firm. The then Sellik chief executive, Allan McDonald was expected to confirm Dunn's ban. Instead, he stated that Dunn had come as close to banishment as it was possible to be, but was allowed to retake his seat. It was reported that Dunn was applauded and cheered to the echo as he retook his normal position.

I suspect Sheriff Mungo Bovey QC is the son of Keith Bovey? Seriously, is anyone surprised? Two effigies hanging by their necks, both had their hands bound behind their backs, one wearing a Rangers scarf, the other replete in an orange collarette; and yet no charge of hate crime attached. I keep going back to Stuart Cosgrove on BBC Scotland two years past, breathlessly informing the listenership that he had lunched with the then Lord Advocate, Frank Mulholland, and could report his office was NOT interested in pursuing anyone for usage of the 'H' term. The Justice Minister, Michael Matheson will NOT answer questions on 'Kill all H-n' banners on display inside the Green Brigade designated area. You can indulge in Rangers hating with impunity. A dozen years ago, Fernando Ricksen was struck on the head(drawing blood) by a lighter, whilst taking a throw-in at the Glitterdome. Peter Lawwell immediately issued a statement after the game assuring that every frame of every camera would be studied and the perpetrator banned from Sellik Park. We are still waiting.

Give it to John Hughes. Talks a good game and performs a Cabaret act at the same time. We need a laugh.

Well done you. I've been on the tour twice and thoroughly recommend the experience to all Bears. I have done similar sporting/historical tours in the USA/Canada. They often incorporate a piece of theatre or two. A fully attired 19th century baseball player or an 18th century soldier replete in red tunic and toting a musket appear, and relate the social and economic historical relevance. I can imagine a 15 year old Moses McNeil wandering out of the woodline at Fleshers' Haugh, in relevant 1872 football clothing and addressing the semi-circle of Bears. The inspiration of his Queens Park playing brothers, the motivation for playing football and training five nights a week, and the stimulation of the name, 'Rangers'. I am sure there will be a Gersnetter with the necessary Equity card?

It's all about the amplification. I am sure Mark Daly is already on the case? Regular phone-ins on the number of hospitals, schools, public transport services, .....etc denied by Sellik personnel non payment of taxes? MSPs raising questions at Holyrood, MPs laying down early day motions, and MEPs opining the need to dine in two Michellin star establishments because ra Sellik undermined their expenses budget? A Sellik tax case blog? Oh, I could go on, including face painters queuing at food banks; but we all know, those sound controls will be set and remain at zero.

Pete, If there are no takers, I am willing to do St Johnstone on Wednesday 26th October.

Today's result in the Challenge Cup. Now, I wonder how the Ginger One will react? After the Heroes of Bronby won one zip at Easter Road in the Europa Cup, Neil blamed the referee. After Dundee Hibs secured a 1-1 draw at Tannadice, Neil blamed the referee. Last week, after Ayr United won at Easter Road, Neil blamed the referee. Could Lennon and Stubbs(Rotheram are bottom) be jobless before the nights get dark? Further, I hope Neil is not reverting to established behaviour and subjecting his current partner to another round of domestic abuse?

Rangers won their second treble in season 63/64, just before my time. The next ten years saw Kilmarnock win the league, followed by ra Sellik's nine-in-a-row. I attended Rangers Scottish Cup final victory in '66, a 1-0 replay win. It would be nearly five years before our next cup success, the League Cup victory, again the same score over the same opponents. It's famous for a 16 year old Derek Johnstone heading the winner in front of over 100,000 fans. Those five years were hard to endure; however, the opposition was tough. Both Killie and Dunfermline had reached Euro semi-finals. Sellik won the European Cup in '67, Rangers lost out to Bayern Munich in Nuremberg 1-0 after extra time in the European Cup Winners Cup final, in the same year. Sellik again reached the European Cup final in '70, losing 2-1 to Feyenoord. Rangers lost out to Newcastle United in the Fairs Cup semi-final. The footballing standard was extremely high, and entertaining. I think I am right in stating that Rangers average home attendance was higher than ra Sellik's in nine out of ten of those fallow seasons? Post '70, Eddie Turnbull's Hibs side were a fantastic team to watch, and Rangers/Hibs fixtures would attract huge crowds. Rangers eventually won the ECWC at the third time of asking in '72, beating Moscow Dynamo 3-2 in Barcelona. Our run to the final saw us defeat the French, Italian, Portuguese, and German cup winners. In '73, we met Ajax in the first European Super Cup final, two legs, losing out 6-3 on aggregate. The football in viewing terms remained attractive and comparably successful, picking up a third trophy in 3 years by winning the '73 Scottish Cup, defeating ra Sellik 3-2 in front of 126,000. The comparison between those fallow times and the early eighties would be the latter period was hard watching. Mostly, the team was turgid, and got worse as the season progressed. Remember, the Scottish League cup culminated by early November. We could usually be relied upon to remain spirited until the festive period. I was home on leave January/February '80/81 and managed to see two home games against Morton and Dundee United. Both played on hard pitches on a Saturday and Tuesday evening. Both attendances were under 20,000, both defeats 0-1 and 1-4 respectively, and we were comprehensively demolished in football terms. Out thought, out run, out played, out .............. down and out inside our most modern new stadium. When John Greig vacated the management seat at the top of the marble staircase, Rangers successfully pitched for both Alex Ferguson, and then Jim McLean to take over. Both huge Rangers men, Govan born'bred Ferguson had played for the club, but both returned to Aberdeen and Dundee United and telephoned the club the next day to relate their change of decisions. A panicked approach to Jock Wallace was a face saver. In one hundred and eleven years, Rangers had only had seven managers, no one had ever refused the Ibrox call; suddenly, two men had done so in the same week. The arrival of Souness thirty years past relit a doused flame.

It was season 80/81. The competition was the Anglo-Scottish Cup. The first leg at Ibrox finished 1-1. The second leg on a rain soaked evening culminated in a 3-0 deserved victory for the Derbyshire side. Several thousand Bears traveled to Chesterfield and at the end realised things had changed. You must remember, in the previous 20 years, rangers had participated in four European finals.

Well remembered. I had forgotten the Cologne game was played on the Thursday night. Reference the bad guys, Gregor Stevens was the Rangers News player of the year.

On reflection, there was one important factor in the 78/79 season often forgotten. Quite simply, it was a truly horrendous winter. The snow fell thickly on Hogmanay and remained on the ground for the next ten weeks. There was a Partick Thistle/Albion Rovers Scottish Cup tie postponed in excess of twenty occasions. From the middle of March until early May, three fixtures a week was the norm, I think Rangers played a dozen games in the last four weeks, the Scottish Cup final took three games before Rangers vanquished Hibs 3-2. Further, I remember Rangers sending the reserve squad up to Pittodrie for two games on the one day. The first at 11am was the reserve League Cup final, the second at 2pm was a reserve league fixture. Talking of snow, our European Cup second round game, second leg at PSV's grouns was late November. We had drawn the first leg at Ibrox 0-0. PSV had NEVER been defeated at home in Europe. They had a wonderful side, including the Van Der Kirkoff brothers. I attended the game on the open terrace amid snow flurries. It was 2-2 going into the last quarter, the play had lengthened, but PSV were slowly dominating. Tommy McLean won the ball in the center circle, looked up as PSV's defence closed up on the offside, a deep running Bobby Russell ran through the back four as Calemero released a 40 yard diagonal pass. It was a foot race between Bobby and the PSV keeper, the Ranger won and passed the ball into the net from 30 yards to make it 2-3. We saw the ball coming towards us on that terracing, and we danced in the snow before the ball crossed the line.