26th of foot

A determined winger prepared to stand up the full back and hit the bye-line is a fine site. Scintillating wing play is guaranteed to get supporters out of their seats. In my sixty years of watching Rangers I have witnessed several players more than capable of stimulating such excitement. However, I will start with my Grandfather's view that Alan Lauder Morton was the greatest left winger in the land. The wee blue devil had a twenty year career, thirteen of those with Rangers and, throughout he remained part time. Morton was a qualified Mining Engineer and when Bill Struth made him him his first signing he insisted on retaining his profession. My Grandfather would eulogise the diminutive Morton's ability to take the ball and run the full back then, check inside before deciding to go again or cross. Climb the marble staircase and the life size portrait continues to gaze upon you. My old man worshipped Jim Baxter, his vision and passing ability were unrivalled. Jim had no pace, could not tackle a fish supper and, his right foot was chocolate. Dad lamented Jim's inability to curb over confidence but, when his arrogance was on show, he intimidated his opponents absolutely. I saw him as a eight year old at Firhill on a wet and windy evening under the floodlights. Rangers won 0-6 and slim jim tormented the Thistle players by wrong footing and immediately playing perfectly weighted passes. When he returned four years later I saw a lot more of him and his lack of professionalism had caught up, he retired aged 31 years. I loved Davie Cooper, his skill levels were latin. Again no pace but he had more time than any other player on the pitch. Every supporter agreed on Davie's skills and ability; however, he was Marmite to the support in terms of work rate and effectiveness. He had a number of spats with then gaffer, John Greig and Davie acquired the nickname, 'Moody Blue'. Anyone in any doubt, you can view his Glasgow Cup final goal against ra Sellik on YouTube. I would like to relate a personal story from 37 years past. I experienced a bad parachute jump in borderline windy conditions and broke my leg. I was returned home from Holland to undertake ten weeks of physio'. When the stookie was removed I was told to accelerate my recovery by daily walking around Strathclyde Loch. It was summer and during the second week I met the middle distance runner, Tom McKean jogging with his two dogs. I told him of my intent to start jogging the next week and he insisted I trap at nine am on the Monday morning. I turned up with the family hound, 'Sandy' and another dog named, 'Blue' brought his owner, Davie Cooper wrapped in a black bin liner ready to start his preparation for pre-season training. Four weeks ensued, from hirple to steady running and, several lunches in the Cave Bar(because it was next door to the Bookies) in Hamilton. Davie was a true Ranger. Other mentions should include Davie Wilson, Bud Johnson, Albertz and, Neil McCann. I retain a soft spot for Neil, he was a superb winger and Ranger. He made truly big contributions to the team when we won the league at ra Piggery in '99, against Parma in the home leg 2-0 victory, the last day league winning victory against the Pars and, delivered the cross that won us the cup in the last minute at Hampden'02. Conforming to the team structure means I have to vote for Jim Baxter despite my love for Davie Cooper.

Harold Davis was tougher than bullets, literally. He served with the Black Watch in Korea and took three rounds, two to the foot and leg, the other was abdominal. Two years of operations and recovery before being signed by Scot Symon at East Fife. Symon moved to Rangers and Harold follow followed for eight seasons. No nonsense on and off the field, including hanging his fellow Black Watch comrade, Jim Baxter from a dressing room hook. Davis was the, 'Iron Man'. Ian Ferguson and Stuart McCall were a central midfield pairing, they were both box to box bringing good energy by the truckload. Both had other excellent attributes but, an old Arthus Montford phrase best summed up the pairing, "tenacious tenacity". Hemdani glided across the surface in European games and was a must in Walter's UEFA Cup final appearing side. I thought the Scottish game exasperated him although he never gave up, best illustrated by his last kick of the ball equaliser against ra Sellik at Ibrox. He read the game extremely well. A player who read it better is current Bar'72 season ticket holder, the octogenarian Dave Smith. I included him as a possible centre back because he appeared as Sweeper in the ECWC winning side of 1972. Dave was a stroller, always had time. He was the definitive front sweeper when Matthias Sammer was being wheeled into kindergarten. At the end of season'72/73 he was deservedly awarded Scot's Player of the Year. A heads up, sweet left footed elegant baller, what's not to like? 755 appearances, 120 goals and, won three domestic Trebles are the statistics. Eighteen seasons as a Rangers player where Jock Stein's Celtic won nine in a row and both Hearts and Killie won the league too. John Greig achieved what he did because of force of personality. He imposed himself on both fellow and opposition players, the epitome of determination. He skippered the club and held it together through dark days on and off the pitch. Often in bigger games against top range Euro' opposition or ra Sellik, he was tasked with a man marking role, always carried out selflessly. He was as tough in the tackle as he was on himself. He played through injuries particularly in Barca'72 and securing the league at Easter Road'75. His presence on the park was a necessity for Rangers. Defensive midfielder, I vote for ham and egg.

When he was introduced to those attending Ibrox for a league fixture against Hearts, he was referred to in the match programme as, 'William' and the PA announced him as, 'Billy'. This was the week after our catastrophic Scottish Cup dismissal at the hands of the mighty Berwick Rangers and Billy Jardine played right side of midfield. We won 5-1 and on his next start at the Stadium three weeks later against Ayr United, he scored. The programme notes contained the information he was known as, 'Sandy' and was a promising inside forward. He held his place in the 1967 ECWC final team against Bayern Munich. He was 18 and looked most comfortable in a game we dominated and unluckily lost 0-1 in extra time. Sandy played and won the ECWC in Barca' in '72 and, played in the first Euro super cup final against Ajax in '73. How many Scots have played in three Euro' finals? He established himself as Rangers right back in 1970, pairing up with Tommy McLean on the right flank. Sandy had genuine pace, competed in the Powderhall Sprints in all three events. He played for Rangers over 18 seasons and was rarely injured. Over a period of three and half seasons in the early 70s, he played 171 consecutive matches. I have witnessed other fine right backs at Rangers; Gary Stevens, Alan Hutton and, James Tavernier. However, Sandy Jardine is THE man.

Five minutes was enough for Martin Bain to secure the necessary monies for his villa and bijou vineyard adjacent to Sir Duped's. Bitter Vintage Loyal RSC.

The merits of Corky was a fairly regular topic for heated discussion between my old man and Grandfather, neither of the two rated him the best. The former loved Ronnie MacKinnon whereas the latter could not see past the Meek(Davie Meiklejohn). I grew up believing Ronnie McKinnon was the epitome of the modern day centre back. He was fleet of foot, could hang in the air and, possessed an innate elegance. His leg break in Lisbon was heartbreaking. A process of elimination ensued. Colin Jackson, Derek Johnstone, Dave Smith and, eventual winner, Tom Forsyth fought it out for a couple of seasons. Bomber was a male model who could head a ball as far as he could kick it. Dave Smith was a Rolls Royce of a player. Signed as a midfielder, he fitted in as Sweeper, either in front or behind. His positional sense ensured his lack of pace was never an issue and range of accurate passing was top of the range. Two of the ECWC winning goals were created by Dave Smith's vision and ability. DJ was a John Charles-esque all rounder and as such he became undervalued in all positions. He turned out as centre half, midfielder and, centre forward for both Rangers and Scotland. Tam Forsyth aka Jaws was Soldier Blue, he tackled, you stayed tackled. This belie his wonderful timing eg the Wembley tackle in '77 against Mick Channon. We move into the late 70s and mentions must be given for Jim Steele - five appearances, five bookings and, five Player of the Season awards. Gregor Stevens was aided by the chain saw he carried on to the field of play. Sandy Jardine played sweeper in '78/'79 season. Craig Paterson dominated, John McClelland only played in the sun and, Dave McPherson endured. Souness arrived as did Butcher, Roberts and, Richard Gough. The Scots international raised in South Africa but born in Sweden was outstanding and his central defensive partnership with John Brown was superb. We went through a dozen stoppers, notable mentions for big Amo, Craig Moore, big Marv', Alan McLaren, Bjorklund and, Petric in the next thirty years. My pairing would be Richard Gough and Ronnie McKinnon.

It is a special Rousseau tactic to fool the opposition.

Does the sight of Gazza snapping on a marigold rubber glove stimulate a warm frisson of nostalgic excitement? Do tell.

I did not see Tiger Shaw play but my Grandfather was a huge fan. I saw Eric Caldow on a dozen or more occasions but I was a primary schoolboy and my only firm memories of him come from '66/67 season. He had recovered from his leg break but was struggling with his mid-thirties, recovery and, the challenge from Davie Provan. My old man loved Caldow. After Davie Provan, the club left back for the next decade was the bluff Fifer, Billy Mathieson. He played in the team that won the EWCW. Billy or Wullie if you prefer was stuffily solid. A Mathieson goal is real hens' teeth, I believe he notched one? Actually, there is a story that combines Billy and yesterday's topic, 'Rangers Keepers'. It was a game against East Fife at Ibrox in the early 70s and Rangers fielded a young Goalie for his first and last game. I cannot remember his name but he conceded and we lost 0-1. A middle aged guy in front of me blamed Mathieson for not stopping the cross ball and berated the left fullback, "you're tae blame, you're useless, you couldnae kick doors at Halloween". Did I mention Billy had received a ECWC winners medal earlier that year? John Greig played left back from '75 to '78. He bullied/intimidated young wingers and generally enjoyed playing keepie-up with Jinky. I prefer to remember ham and egg as a wonderful driving tough tackling midfielder. Ally Dawson was wonderful before the serious head injury, I thought he lost his edge after a long period of recovery. A real club servant, he Skippered the team that won the Glasgow Cup at Sellik park at the end of '86/87 season under Souness. I have huge admiration for Stuart Munro, he endured and survived a whole host of far more expensive Souness purchases. We signed him for a peppercorn fee from Alloa pre-Souness. He played in a back four of English and Scottish internationals, Woods, Stevens, Butcher and, Gough. He survived eight seasons and we sold him to Blackburn Rovers for £350,000. Munro's secret was his recovery pace, a failed tackle on the half way line concluded with another successful dig on the cusp of the penalty area. David Robertson had genuine pace, could tackle and, a real pile driver of a shot. Numan had the same attributes. Papac was more Stuart Munro. A special mention to Lee Wallace, stayed on after the implosion. I thought he was poorly treated after the 2016 Scottish Cup final and at the end of his Rangers career by the club. Barisic is a fine modern day wing back and a regular Croatian international. After all that, I am voting for Artur Numan.

There were only two?

Sounds like a euphemism. What are you trying to say?

Looking through my above list, I note we signed three(including Peter McCloy) of our mainstay Keepers over a thirty year period from the mighty claret and amber. I am not attempting to veer off topic but I have a story from my time in the early 70s at Fir Park Boys Club. I arrived in 1971 to play in the under 15s and Peter McCloy's replacement was a 19 year old Keith MacRae. When we trained on Tuesday and Thursday evenings under the guidance of Joe Wark and Northern Irish international, Sammy Campbell. Regularly, an all in black clad MacRae would join in as an outfield player. He was a fine sweeper and had already made a couple of appearances for Motherwell as a right back. Keith's nickname was, 'Yashin' after the similarly all black Russian goalie. The 'Well received a bid of £100,000 from Manchester City for the then 21 year old and off he went to Maine Road to succeed Joe Corrigan. It was considered an unbelievable sum for a keeper back in those days. Considering Motherwell had experienced a decade of McCloy and MacRae, it was also unbelievable that their replacement was ra Sellik's clusterfcuk, John Fallon.

There are a number of Keepers I witnessed playing for Rangers that have so far received no mention, from memory: Norrie Martin - Billy Ritchie's understudy for a dozen years, made 115 appearances but unfortunate with injuries. Eric Sorensen - One of Hal Stewart's Scandinavian imports. We bought him from Morton in 1967 for £25,000 and he returned to Greenock in 1970. Gerry Neef - A fine German keeper signed by Davie White. He played in our League Cup final success(big DJ's headed goal) in 1970. 48 appearances but most folks remember he had been both a Binman and a Polis in his native Hausham. Jim Stewart - Came to us from Middlesborough and made 55 appearances over four seasons. Returned to Rangers a couple of times in coaching roles. Nicky Walker - Arrived from Motherwell and appeared in 75 games. He won a couple of League Cups. Currently, a Director of the family shortbread firm, 'Walkers'. Bonni Ginzburg - Israeli international signed by Souness, made four appearances. Ally Maxwell - Another stopper from the 'Well, signed as Goram's back up for four seasons. He made 53 appearances, winning the League Cup against Hibs in 1993. I will allow other Gernetters to bring us up to date on those that wore the gloves?

I saw Colin Stein play in goals for Rangers against Queens Park in a Glasgow Cup semi-final in 1969. He kept a clean sheet. My Grandfather insisted Jerry Dawson was indeed, 'the Prince of the yellow jersey'. However, in my time viewing I think Andy Goram was a head above Klos and McGregor. Honourable mention too for the big Gas Meter, I saw him pull off some amazing game saving stops in Europe.

The highlight of today's BBC Scotland's Sportsound was Pat Bonner blaming Aberdeen for ra Sellik's six goal thrashing in Madrid during midweek. This proved too much for Big Dick, he went on a two minute rant about budgets. Now, Peter has recently been appointed to UEFA's most influential committee; why doesn't he ensure all of ra Sellik's Euro' opposition play in the Aberdeen strip. Everything will be okey dokey.

Livingston 1 Rangers 3 FGS : Sima.

Today might be Sam Lammers day. Here, in deepest, darkest Lanarkshire the mercury sits at minus two. A Noon kick-off in the higher reaches of West Lothian on the drastic plastic will see players skating around. Sam is Dutch and his experience of gliding atop frozen canals will be just the dab. Today is not a day for moulded rubber studs, choosing the most appropriate blade will be the difference. Blades on Clogs Loyal RSC.

The day after the night before. A few musings on the game against Sparta. Started well, took a couple of chances, made another few opportunities for the third but failed to close the deal. I thought Ryan Jack was back to his metronome best for 65 minutes. Jack and the rest ran out of puff and legs between the 65th and 70th minutes. Clement appears to know when and who to utilise in substitutions although I thought he left it a tad late last night? I voted Ryan Jack man of the match; however, two notable mentions. The first is Jack Butland, he came and took three cross balls at important times. He had one save and what a save, a stinger of a shot was not only parried but pushed away for a corner on the 77th minute. Ross McAusland made a telling contribution, he made two killer defence splitting passes, the first was the ball of the night. Oh, in case some Gersnetters are not aware, Sellik were pumped six nil by Atletico.

"Naive Celtic need to learn from the masters of the dark arts". Above is the headline from today's Herald. There is a struggle to come to terms with Tuesday evening's Champions League skelping in Madrid. The Journo penning the piece is Graeme McGarry, the Herald's current Senior Sports Writer; recently before his designation was, Senior Celtic Writer. Graeme is a growing group of obsessive scarred Journos attending weekly self help meetings. However the group hugs(should that be Huddle) are not enough, you have to write Sellik View pysh to attain a tad more comfort. Anyways, below are the first two paragraphs, any further exposure will have you searching for your own self help groupings. "If you are going to get a lesson in the dark arts of football, then you may as well get it from the masters. Atletico Madrid's jaw dropping Estadio Municipal could well be the Harvard of football's dirty tricks, and how to deploy them while testing the boundaries of the rulebook. Certainly, there was more than a whiff of orchestration about the way the entire Atletico bench sprung up in unison when Celtic winger, Daizen Maeda went in late to a challenge with their defender, Mario Hermoso, and how they then crowded referee, Ivan Kruzliak to keep the pressure on him as he reviewed the incident on the VAR screen". Graeme let me remind you of the final result : Atletico 6(SIX) Sellik 0. The only dark arts are allowing Kevin McKenna to whisper whilst he sticks his tongue in your ear.

Rangers 2 Sparta Prague 1 FGS : Sima.

The Jolly Bhoys' Outing. Madrid in the second week of December is most attractive and the PQ Gang Hut have been rubbing their hands at the prospect since the Champions League group stage draw. Tapas and vino veritas is just the very rub. Of course, only those that are up to date in their sub' contributions need apply for a seat on the Beeb CS bus. Leaving from PQ and, pick ups at the Admiral Bar and Candleriggs. In the Spanish capital since Sunday night, both Sheelagh McLaren and Martin Dowden did traveling supporters VoxPops for Monday and Tuesday lunchtime and evening TV news. James McFadden and Liam McLeod did Brendan's presser and Monday evening training at the Atletico stadium. Tuesday night saw the same pair do the match commentary. In the studio were Big Dick, Aiden McGeady and, the current unwelcome Tom English. Post game, the consensus was the plucky purveyors of cavalier football were unjustly undone by Masonic VAR. Aiden was particularly upset. We can only assume Pat Bonner and Chris McLaughlin missed the bus? The game finished Atletico 6 Sellik 0. Thus, there were no mentions of the result in Wednesday morning, lunch or, evening bulletins. No supporters VoxPops either. An admiral decision or more probably an Admiral Bar decision? Wednesday night and former Sellik TV employee, Michael Stewart brought much needed gravitas to the situation. He told the listenership that Sellik were deserving of six points from their two Champions League home fixtures against Lazio and Atletico. Further, only one of the red cards in Rotterdam was correct and last night's red card for the Bushido Warrior was also a travesty. There you have it, the Jolly Bhoys have decreed Sellik have at least seven or maybe nine Champions League points and do not forget the bonus three points for hitting the post against Real Madrid last season. The next stop is Rome where Connie McLaughlin, Amy Canavan and, Sheelagh McLaren will perform a re-enactment of, 'Three Bhints in a Fountain'. I wonder who won the bus sweep?

Peter has recently accepted a position on a high powered UEFA Committee. I am reliably informed he will sort out the refereeing conspiracy determined to stymy Sellik's deserved progress. Tonight's Referee from Slovkia, Ivan Kruzliak attended a non-denominational school in Bratislava, regularly attends Lodge Danube and, is current Grand Wizard of the Brown Fadouk. Sellik TV have footage of the Ref' mouthing the vile, sectarian song, "it's Slovakian easy, it's Slovakian easy". Peter will prevail.

I note Simeone running up the tunnel again immediately on the final whistle. Speculation will grow as to his reasoning. It is quite simple, he had to change his strides after pyshing himself laughing watching Brendan's green'n'grey hooped horrors concede six.

Last season's AGM was in December, it was announced that construction on the proposed extensive wheelchair facilities would begin this coming close season.

The most interesting Korean stuff I ever encountered was in a Korean restaurant in London some forty years past. I ordered the belly pork and squid on a bed of raw kimchi. Damn tasty and fiery hot. The hilarity arrives the next morning. PS if your darling daughter is encouraged, I advise putting the bog roll into the freezer.

As we were the last team out of the semi-final hat and Aberdeen participated in the first semi-final then, I suspect we are confined to the away Hampden dressing room?