26th of foot

Can I advise some caution on Lowry comments. He is an eighteen year old lad who lost his Mother last year. He has one sibling, a younger brother and, the Father has not been on the scene for a dozen or more years. His Mum had long term severe health issues and was not always in a position to function. I hope Rangers provide the stable platform necessary for Alex and his bruv'.

I watched the entire game live last evening between Servette and Genk and, the genuinely surprising aspect was the hammer and tongs approach of both teams. It was mostly end to end. I think Genk shaded the possession stats, certainly more studied in their build up play. Two players for the Belgian side caught the eye, the Nigerian centre forward, Tolu Arokodare scored the opener. He is 6 feet 5 inches tall and easily rose above everyone else in the box to nod home. He is big and awkward. The other was a wide right midfielder/forward, Joseph Paintsil is a tricky, fast footed Ghanaian. He was Genk's continual out ball. However, he displayed a fair bit of petulance towards the officials and, was deservedly cautioned. He could be worked on. Both sides were quick in the transition but, Servetted were marginally quicker. They caught Genk out on three-four occasions with the long diagonal switch, probably because Paintsil pushed too far forward. They had two one on ones with the Keeper but failed to convert. The Swiss looked a bit pacey in the wide areas. Further, they picked up four bookings. Both clubs did not look too clever defensively. Next week, we will find out whether it is the plucky Belgians or the punctilious Swiss who are visiting Ibrox the following week?

No, no and, thrice no. Half 8 is a pie with three bites out of it.

Pittodrie is a toilet, only one stand, the Dick Donald is deserving of a license. Appalling sight lines, insufficient toilet provision, rusting seat frames bolted to crumbling concrete over 40 years ago, ................ etc. When you think Falkirk were denied promotion because Brockville was in such a state of disrepair, three of the stands at the hill of dung should be closed. The SPFL should take action, but they won't. Burrows pushes at an open door, highlighting Rangers and Hearts as treating the Dandies unfairly. I note Burrows has assured ra Sellik that they will receive their normal ticket allocation for the second fixture of the coming season. Burrows knows further advancement is dependent upon continuing to tongue Peter's ring.

I suspect they are on to it? There were rumblings at PQ after Jane Lewis attended the launch at Edmiston House. Rangers served a refreshment to all Journos attending. The chilled wine, 'Vin Orange' is unique. Grapes gathered from the south facing green, grassy slopes of the Boyne are subjected to a 333 year old vinification process. Fermentation takes place with whole grapes so that the juice stays in contact with the skin. This gives the wine it's orange colour. Of course, Jane took a glass and the provided accompanying biscuit snack, 'Club Orange' to the waiting Chris McLaughlin, standing on his grassy knoll. I fear the cat is out of the bag.

Rangers have negotiated a special deal with Castore reference the newly released blue and orange third kit, rather than £6.90 Rangers receive £16.90. Any Journos, particularly PQ Journos looking in; you know you want to believe it. You need to believe it.

The back page of today's Daily Record is bad news for Rangers supporters, Keef screeches Feyenoord's perception of Rangers low ball offers for Danilo. The front page blames Alan McGregor's testimonial for exacerbating Glasgow's homelessness problem. Yesterday, it was reporting a Rangers fan being banned from Scottish football for eight years because he threw a boiled sweet at a Police van. Tomorrow in the Sunday Liam, Rangers will be exposed for creating more than their fair share of pot holes.

Once again, Rangers exhibit the cosmopolitan 'Open to All' nature of the club. Inspiration for the above came from the Vatican's Swiss Guard. I note ra Sellik launched their third strip at the start of the week, claiming inspiration from Glasgow's most active music scene. The top looks like a lava lamp. I suggested on another less Rangers favourable Scottish football forum that the the true inspiration was Jim Torbet's finger prints. Result, green'n'grey seethe.

Ah, sounds like a good book, 'The Joy of Six'. Admiral Yamamoto Lawwell will be obliged to commit hari-kari.

Reference Snow White, you must remember six out of seven of her devotees are NOT Happy.

The first hour, we were a yard off it. Newcastle passed through us, two or three passes saw them on the edge of our box time after time. We scored a fortunate equaliser and got our heads up for 15 minutes. We made a couple of chances. I have to ask, would Sakala do a step over on the run up for a penalty? The Magpies performance was deserving of their victory. I was impressed with Soutar, Rice and, Raskin. I believe Rice is still 16 years of age?

Tonight at the Stadium, we face our first home pre-season friendly against Newcastle United. How do you think we will perform? Generally, I am not a fan of pre-season friendlies. They are necessary, players must acquire both fitness and sharpness. We can kid ourselves the result does not matter but, a defeat, particularly a home defeat can have an impact upon supporter morale. I have seen Rangers play the Geordies on five occasions, two of those matches were competitive. Season 1968-69 ended with an Inter City Fairs Cup semi-final against the Magpies. We drew the first leg at Ibrox nil-nil, missing two penalties in the process. An attendance of nearly 80,000 knew we had missed an opportunity because we had dominated the game and, deserved a two to three goal victory. The return at St James was a 2-0 defeat, Scots internationalists Bobby Moncur and former Thistle left half, Tommy Gibb were outstanding. It was a shame, we had lost the Scottish Cup final a month before, to the Yahoos and, I have no doubt we could have easily replicated the Magpies 6-2 final win against Ujpesti Dozsa. Next up was Ally McCoist's testimonial, another capacity crowd watched as Newcastle deservedly won 2-1 at the Stadium. A pre-season friendly at St James followed, we lost 4-2, a decent result in the end given we were 3-0 down with 15 minutes to play. A 1-0 victory at Ibrox a decade-dozen years past followed(can any Gersnetter remember who scored our goal)? Suffice to say, our record against the Geordies is pretty poor. This evening's game is Greegs testimonial and, again a guaranteed full house, including some 8,000 traveling fans from Northumbria. Will it be a bottle of Newcastle Broon Ale from Rangers. A bit of froth which quickly dissipates into a flat chemical brew or will we sparkle like a hoppy rich Indian Pale Ale?

Continuing the thrust of Scott7's comparison; if the Royal Artillery are nine mile snipers, then Nicolas Fairbairn was a chutney sniper.

Not RAB's Cup of Tea. The news broke on Friday last, Neil Doncaster and Murdoch MacLennan apologised and agreed to pay compensation to Rangers. Further, both agreed to sanction an independent review into the governance of the SPFL. This was the end of a two year spat between Rangers and the SPFL over the Cinch sponsorship deal. Rangers had argued their existing contract agreement with Park's prevented them from providing advertising inventory to a competitor in the motor vehicle industry. When the SFA gave permission to Rangers to progress their intent to sue the SPFL, all agreed their position had been completely vindicated. Rangers had won and the SPFL owed several hundred thousand pounds in legal fees. SPFL Chief Executive, Neil Doncaster and SPFL Chairman, Murdoch MacLennan decided to railroad through the Cinch deal despite being informed by Rangers beforehand that their existing contract with Park's prevented the club's compliance. The force utilised by the SPFL duo involved numerous mendacious briefings of Journos in both print and broadcast media. Basically, they were given absolute assurances that the SPFL were right absolutely whereas, Rangers were in the wrong again. PQ and, Michael Stewart in particular lost no time in conveying such pernicious propaganda. The conclusion to this saga is most embarrassing and, indeed humiliating for the SPFL duo. The SPFL is a members' organisation and the clubs will have to decide whether Doncaster and MacLennan should be disciplined for their actions. They promised a money making deal and it now appears the only club that will benefit in pecuniary terms will be Rangers. The Cinch deal has cost every other club. I note over the weekend, the Journos NOT compelled to do what Peter tells them; have compared the conclusion of this spat alongside the Jim Farry - Jorge Cadette incident. Our national broadcaster, BBC Scotland have exhibited absolute loyalty to Peter, their discussion on Friday's news occurred on Sunday at three O'Clock. Liam Mcleod and Tom English spent an entire four(4) minutes imparting background knowledge and views. We endured four hours of, 'Off the Ball' over the weekend and RAB Cosgrove who never misses an opportunity to get after 'the Blazers' said nothing, not one word on Friday's news. Of course, go back a couple of years and he was delighted to join the SPFL inspired pile-on. He was a willing contributor to the Michael Stewart conducted chorus. RAB is a tireless drummer for Scots nationalism, "this is new, modern Scotland". In his seventy-second year, increasingly he articulates a narrow personalised nationalism. His Username on the Rangers Tax Case Blog was a homage to his Donegal born maternal grandmother, 'Sarah Leyden'. Last weekend, he told of his love for avuncular bearded Irishmen; his guest was Paddy Duffy. Yesterday, whilst talking about pet hates he announced, "I won't have Twinings tea in my house. During the Irish potato famine, Twinings forced my great-grandparents off their Galway farm". The Celtic State of Mind is such at PQ that RAB is bringing new terminology to the grievance politics of nationalism. The Green Brigade accuse elements of ra Sellik Board as being, 'soup takers'; RAB has added the term, 'tea takers'. Clearly, the events of Friday last require a whole lot of sweeteners in comparison to events of 180 years ago. In RAB's mind, Tom English must be a 'tea-taker'; he is not bearded and certainly, his avuncularism needs work. In four minutes he told Liam McLeod he had spoken to a number of club Chairmen about the apology and the costs incurred. He related all were angry, they had been informed the SPFL were 100% in the right and Rangers 100% in the wrong. Further, they want to know where the money for compensation and legal fees are coming from, because the SPFL is not flush. He ended with, "Sadly none of the Chairs want to put their heads above the parapet, this is extremely messy and Rangers have won". Liam McLeod dd not put this topic out for panel discussion, it was guillotined after Tom English stopped speaking. I suspect the other members of the panel, Rachel Corsie and Richard Foster were happy to do as Peter told them? Talking of which, Fozzie had no qualms about launching into an attack of recent Rangers re-signing, Leon Balogun. He was pushing at an open door as he told Liam McLeod he was not a fan of Balogun's first spell, a poor defender and, given his age, "I think it's a bit desperate of Rangers". It would appear Motherwell's first team coach is determined to fast track himself into the position PQ's latest useful idiot. What is in the tea at BBC Scotland? I am of a mind to send a Twinings tea bag to PQ, addressed to RAB with an accompanying message, 'Have a drink on me".

Martin is the very epitome of Leprechaun Chic. He is Peter Approved.

The SFA appointed a new Compliance Officer at the end of last year. The current incumbent is Martin Black. Martin Black is the fifth person to hold the designation and, the fourth Sellik supporter.

Seriously, You have to admire the seamlessness of Peter Lawwell's approach? Okay, we have been caught with our pants down. We will fudge an apology, pay some compensation, promise it will never happen again(ie we will ensure that we are never caught again) and, set up an INDEPENDENT review loaded with our place men. You know all those folks criticising the Blazers will say nothing because Peter has told them to say nothing.

As well as Michael Stewart's outrageous utterances on BBC Radio Scotland, I remember he took to his Twitter account to further expose himself. It was August'21 when I believe Michael was in the midst of his ten week employment at Sellik TV. Of course, he was also appearing twice/thrice weekly on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Scotland Sportscene on TV. Anyways, Murdoch MacLennan being a BIG Sellik man and working for Dermot Desmond at his company, Independent News and Media(Ireland) lit a fire under Mikey and his Tweet was as follows : "Can anyone explain why Rangers arn't happy to comply with the SPFL title sponsorship"? Two things : 1. I hope today's findings explain everything to Michael? 2. I hope BBC Scotland discuss these events fully? I know they will not because Peter will tell them not to and, the vast majority of the staff will happily agree.

When news of this dispute between Rangers and the SPFL first came to light over the SPFL's determination to foist their Cinch deal on all members' clubs, allow me to remind Gersnetters of Michael Stewart's comments on Saturday's Sportsound on BBC Radio Scotland : "I do not like the way Rangers do things as a club. Neil Doncaster and Murdoch MacLennan, these are the good guys here". No one on the show challenged Stewart on that statement.

Ding Ding, Seconds Out! Two of Rangers' long term political adversaries engaged in an angry spat earlier this week. The ring was the Palace of Westminster as Brendan O'Hara MP and Brendan Angus MacNeill MP squared up, threw a few insults and, finally threw their Commons Order Papers at each other. Anyone following the tragedy of CalMac these last few years will know both MPs are main but, silent players in the continuing drama. O'Hara is MP for Argyle and MacNeill represents the Western Isles. Despite being the MPs representing at least 80% of the CalMac lifeline Ferry ports, they have said nothing. Brendan O'Hara is akin to Sellik Royalty, a direct descendent of one of six families that founded the club in St Mary's Halls in November 1887. He and his late brother, Dermot the former BBC Scotland News Editor; campaigned against the old Board and were most active in the early fanzine scene. Not the View was their 'zine of choice where both regularly referred to Rangers and Rangers supporters by the 'H' term. When Brendan was first elected as an MP, he made a public apology for his four decade usage of the term, particularly on social media. Dermot was the Editor at PQ who introduced the bouncing ball on his own made up lyrics to the Famine Song. Brendan Angus macNeill is a colourful character to say the least. Dalliances in Hotel rooms with teenage girls, conducting an affair with a Westminster Journo who was also engaged with fellow SNP MP, Stuart Hosie, convicted of Dangerous and Reckless Driving ie knocking a 15 year old girl off her bicycle on his home island of Barra, making three all expenses paid visits to the UAE in the last six months, ........................ married with three children. MacNeill was garrulous at Westminster CSC meetings during our demise. Unlike the CalMac lifeline Ferries, he had plenty to say. Today, the Western Isles MP has announced he will sit as an Independent for the rest of the Parliament. O'Hara is the SNP Whip and MacNeill's conduct annoys him greatly; well, he is having considerable fun. After tossing his order papers at O'Hara, MacNeill bellowed, "bully, you are a wee small man". Brendan replied, "ah'll get ye". It was reported Stuart Hosie was holding back O'Hara. I suspect Mhairi Black was handing out the chibs? It is just another PR disaster in a continuing litany for the SNP; however, the most interesting point is that former Sellik View Editor, Kevin McKenna was dispatched to ensure containment. Kevin is the Godfather these days, he is the Godfather to Angela Haggerty's child but, increasingly he is the Troubleshooter expected to smooth things over. He has reported the fight was, "a case of handbags". Only several months past, Kevin did a couple of Herald articles assuring his fellow Yahoos that the Admiral Bar's closure was temporary, it would open again in a different location. His companion whilst visiting the bar was Monsignor Tom Connelly - Spokesman for the Scottish Bishops' Conference. Thus, a fight between two well known Scots MPs and, sinister Kevin does a tidy up. BBC Scotland does NOT report a word. Are they worried they will be banned from SNP press conferences as well as ra Sellik's? We should be told.

You know, the BBC has a decades old history of child sexual assault. Jimmy Saville, Rolf Harris, Chris Denning, DLT, .................... etc. This week the age old concerns continue. Those that gravitated to the organisation because they knew that is where the fun resided. Similarly, ra Sellik continue to provide evidence of at least a six decade long organised Paedophile ring. Today, former Celtic youth coach, Mark McAuley has been jailed for preying on young lads Why don't the Beeb and ra Sellik do the right thing, play a pre-season friendly to raise funds for the survivors of the organised abuse?

Beeb Speculation? My Iberian hurl has ended, my drive up the road from Portsmouth yesterday was the usual nightmare. Driving in both Spain and Portugal is a joy, the adventure of the empty roads. Although, try finding a parking place in any Iberian town or village? The entire peninsula is parked out. Anyways, the wheels of my car had just left the roll on - roll off Ferry when Radio Four was speculating upon the name of a well known Auntie Beeb Presenter who has paid £35k to a seventeen year old girl for sexually explicit images. I note several Beeb personalities have anxiously got on their marks to state, "it's no me". Jeremy, Gary, Nicky, ...... et al are the chorus. Now, decisive action has been taken at Broadcasting House, they have suspended the Presenter concerned. He or she has been taken off air. Being away for over a month, immediately I wondered about Creepy Chris, the grassy knoll sentinel? Then, at Noon I listened as 'Off the Ball' announced RAB Cosgrove and Ray Bradshaw as Presenters. No mention of Token Tam and, the same today. Would Tam the Token shell out £35k for a tug? What about Kheredine, Tom, Pat, Susie McCabe, ..... etc? We cannot underestimate the effect of their beloved Sellik banning PQ from the unveiling of Brenda. Doing a Derek Mackay sexpesting a teenager of school age is the behaviour expected from unrequited love.

I agree with Cammy, Kamara was outstanding in the CL qualifiers. I suspect he became a bit of a lost soul because two of his best mates, Bassey and Aribo had left and, the other ie Ryan Kent was the subject of constant speculation. Those four were inseparable, they holidayed together, attended gigs together, chilled together, ..... etc. Kent is away too, thus Kamara is last man standing. It is the way of the modern footballer.

I would give ra Yahoos all the seats they ask for, as long as they agree we can plug them all in.

Nice One Cyriel. Age does not come alone as they say. As a 16 year old schoolboy follow following my team to victory in the first Royal Scottish Cup final in 1973, did I ever think Rangers would field players with the following monikers : Trevor, Nigel, Baillie, Zak, .................... and now, Cyriel? We had a particularly Scottish slant back in the day, Tam, Doddie, Sandy, .................. and Billy 'couldnae kick doors at Halloween' Mathieson. The big, gruff Fifer did not venture up the park much; however, on the other side, Sandy Jardine was often further up the wing than Tommy McLean. He was the epitome of the then, 'overlapping fullback'. Honestly, you would get home on a Saturday evening after playing for your school, your amateur boys club and, watching Rangers. You would sit down in front of Brian Moore or Frank Bough and they would be telling you of the latest footballing revelation, 'overlapping fullbacks'. You had just played in two games and watched one that featured this revelation, in deepest, darkest Lanarkshire. In London, Englandshire; the player responsible was a bluff Yorkshireman playing left back for the Spurs, his name Cyril Knowles. Tottenham Hotspur reached the final of the English League Cup final against Norwich City in 1973. Their star player was Martin Chivers, big bully of a centre forward who scored goals for fun. Thus, surely a song about Martin was the very thing to cheer up the Cockerels on their way to Wembley? No, the Cockerel Chorus took the dirge, 'Nice one Cyril, nice on son' to number 14 in the national charts. All I ask as I take my seat at Ibrox for the coming season, do NOT play that dirge over the PA system every time Cyriel puts one in the back of the pokey. I am off for my morning cafe and Tostado con tomate y aceite.