26th of foot

Laconic, lethargic, lamentable, ............. etc It was an 'L' of a game

Rangers 3 Dundee 1 FGS : Morelos.

Frankie, Taking up your invitation. 1. You played in a wonderfully entertaining West Brom side managed by Ron Atkinson. Laurie Cunningham, Cyrille Regis, Brendon Batson, ..... et al - Would Alfie Conn been a better fit for that side as opposed to Spurs? 2. Ron Atkinson or Jock Wallace? 3. When you sat on the ball against Celtic in the League Cup final, what did you say to Jim Craig?

Thanks Frankie.

Fintan O'Toole. I have long admired the writings of Fintan O'Toole. These days he is a columnist for the Irish Times. I recommend his book, 'After the Ball' - the story of what occurred in the Republic of Ireland after the the implosion of the Celtic Tiger. The Irish NHS went from 15,000 beds to under 4,000 as part of the cut backs brought about by Government austerity. There is a lesson for us in that tome. Today, he writes on the fall out of the Irish Ladies football side choosing to sing, 'the Celtic Symphony' in wake of their deserved victory at Hampden last week. I hope RAB Cosgrove reads the piece? Perhaps one of the Admin' could post the column?

What a lovely autumnal framed depiction of Ibrox? We should send it to BBC Scotland, prove there is an alternative to their preferred mind set of winter freeze.

"Oh, the Irish Ladies sang Paddy McGinty's Goat". After capitulating on our own midden 1-7 to Liverpool in the Champions League group stages last midweek, BBC Scotland gave us both barrels. It is not unexpected, five years of improving the Scottish coefficient single handedly, reaching last season's Europa Cup final and, surviving four CL qualifiers this season to secure group status; all conveniently ignored in the rush to bury Rangers again. I think Tom English has attempted to be fair in his analysis, pointing out we were 1-1 with last season's defeated CL finalists on the hour mark but could not cope with Liverpool's increasing pressure in the second half. I thought Goldson's injury absence was the main reason? The other end of the spectrum has Liam McLeod cramming in as many references to the thrashing in a Motherwell-Rangers commentary to RAB Cosgrove, just being RAB Cosgrove. On Saturday, Off the Ball had a Dundee United supporter as a guest, David Hamilton. He had sold his computer gaming company for in excess of £100 million and was now a Director at Brechin City. RAB asked him if he had watched the game? He told of Liverpool being his English side and really enjoyed the match and the outcome. RAB who NEVER watched any of the last four years Rangers Euro encounters(we know this because he continually told us so) appears to have micro viewed the English traveling support. RAB liked the Scousers goading the Rangers support by waving marmalade sandwiches? Apparently, this was a Paddington Bear and recently deceased Monarch reference? RAB lamented the interference running on Rangers thrashing due to the Irish Ladies defeating Scotland and, their post match celebrations at Hampden dominating the front pages. Dundee United supporter utters, "eh"? RAB replies, "oh, the Irish Ladies sang Paddy McGinty's Goat". The Nationalist RAB decides to protect fellow Nationalists by lying. The Irish Ladies belted out several choruses of, 'oh ah up the RA', a lionisation of a proscribed terrorist organisation that murdered fellow Journalist, Lyra McKee in 'Derry just three years ago. An organisation that detonated the Harrods Christmas bomb on the Saturday before Christmas(the busiest shopping day of the year) with barely 30 minuets warning some 39 years past. This is significant because last year, RAB told us his cousin, Philip was one of the six murdered that day. His wife was one of the ninety injured. Why did RAB choose Paddy McGinty's Goat? The song was penned in 1917 by two English songwriters, Lee and Weston. The original lyrics were patriotic, it was during World War One and McGinty's goat fought off German U-Boats at the Irish coast and accompanied the Irish Guards during battles on the western front. The IRA would have held a show trial before butchering the poor beast. RAB is a month away from entering his eighth decade, his hate has withered his mind. RAB broadcasts this vile content as a sop to all his Irish republican fan base. Regularly, he tells of Gerry Braiden, Big Kev'(Kevin McKenna, Angela Haggerty, Susie McCabe, ......... all being BIG, BIG fans of the show. Last Sunday, he was unhappy with the reaction of some of his fellow PQers to St Johnstone conceding a five minutes into injury time winner to ra Sellik, "aye that Sally Magnusson was sounding off". The Witch Finder had exposed another surviving Rangers supporter. Worse still, several sources revealed half a dozen 14/15 year year old girls working in the refreshment kiosks at the away end of McDairmid Park had to be rescued from attack and escorted through the concourse by Police. RAB made no mention, he is prepared to sacrifice the fear of early teenage girls of his home town to placate his Irish republican pals' sensitivities. RAB supports St Johnstone, only when his support does not upset his more important balaclava clad buddies. He will lie and ignore on their behalf.

I remember 20-odd years past receiving a telephone call from a well known Rangers supporter(sadly, no longer with us) telling me the latest Sellik wonderkid would be playing that evening against Rangers Youths at Broadwood. Aiden McGeady was the subject of phenomenal hype aged fifteen. I attended, the half time score was 2-0 Rangers, the full time 4-0 Rangers. McGeady came on as a half time Substitute and was substituted with ten minutes to play. Wullie McStay did not acknowledge him as he took his place at the back of the Sellik bench, where he sat on his own in a huff. I remember Sellik would release a dozen lads every year from their youth scheme and Billy Stark made a comment along the lines that the entire scheme was set up to support one emerging player, Aiden McGeady. We had a conversation in the car returning from Broadwood, the consensus and conclusion being any youth scheme should first install the necessary skills into all lads, to ensure they. could make a living from the game. If any lad went on to make their living from professional football at Falkirk, Thistle or, Dunfermline; then fine the scheme could be judged a success. I suspect the perfect pitch is to find a middle way, unearthing a Barry Ferguson, Charlie Miller, Nathan Patterson, Billy Gilmour, ..................... etc pays for the long term continuation of the scheme. What about Craig Halket, no one spotted his potential as he Skippered our youths to a Youth Cup win. He is at Hearts via Livi' and now a Scotland international. Liam Kelly is very similar. I could go on, they learned their trade at Auchenhowie, Rangers provided the tools. Losing five games across the age groups to the same club over a weekend is an indication that something is wrong. Hibs have had a decent youth set up for over 20 years. Keven Thomson, Whittaker, Fletcher, Brown, O'Connor, Caldwell, ........... and even Porteous. They have won both League and Cups at youth level. It might not be the players, it could be better coaches and a better set up?

Half time at 0-0. We have the best finisher in the country and we have given him zero service. The three behind him are misfiring. Kent began brightly and, any penetration has come from the Kent-Barisic partnership on the left. Results have been several over cooked crosses. Tillman has had two opportunities, one was high and handsome, the other Liam Kelly threw his bunnet on it. Matondo has hit the bye line once and crossed. Feed Colak and we will win this match quite comfortably.

Motherwell 1 Rangers 2 FGS : Colak.

I suspect I would have preferred McCann's energy in the midfield as opposed to either Tillman or Matondo?

Dearest Ollie follow followed the path trod by Michael O'Halloran. Michael whilst a Rangers player, decided to attend Hampden with his Old Man for a Rangers - Sellik League Cup semi-final and, sit extremely comfortably in the Sellik end. We got fcuked and he celebrated. Oliver knew what he was doing.

Sunday at Fir Park will be an adventure. Glodson is a BIG miss. He is the Talker in our back line. Look what happened last night after he limped off. Pearl any pairing from Davies, Sands and, King. I prefer King, we may play all three? The one thing is certain, the ball will fall out of the sky with snow on it at Fir Park. The Claret and Amber will be encouraged to play Van Teem with King Louis Moult satelilting. Are Tugay and Derek McInnes still available to play front Sweeper?

Battle reenactments are tedious, the outcomes are predetermined and every participant must adhere to the clock, absolutely. Still, you get to the end of the day wearing a clean and dry pair of boxers. The real thing is more undignified, being the recipient of constant heavy artillery will find you(no exceptions) pissing and shitting yourself. The hollow metallic vibrating ring coursing through one's body is unforgiving. We must offer congrats to the young Turks, attempting to reenact the Battle of Balaclava. All replete in the required article, some on the right way; they undertook the pointless action of charging the enemy's guns head on. Raglan sleeves and Cardigans were aflutter as they rode on, into the valley of death. The thin high visibility line held firm, Stewards and Police easily contained the misplaced aggression. I seem to remember the folly of the Light Brigade did conclude with the cavalry capturing Russian guns, all Victoria Crosses are manufactured from the barrels. No decorations are awarded for chanting and gesticulations; however, I would subject those participating another resultant of the Crimea War. Florence Nightingale was apparently a right old sadist. To gain access to those pristine wards, you had to suffer four hours of wire brush and Dettol application to your wounds. Once applied, I am sure the balaclava clad clowns will be pissing and shitting themselves at the smell of Dettol?

I attended a lunch today in Glasgow and was informed by a PQ staff member that FARE(Fans Against Racism in Europe) would be in attendance at Ibrox this evening. FARE last attended when we played PSV. It appears since UEFA awarded more funding to the organisation, they are intend upon trapping at the Stadium on a regular basis. We can only hope our fan base stay well away from the songs we know lands the club in trouble? I suspect after last evening's events at Hampden, the Republic of Ireland's ladies team celebrating their deserved World Cup qualifier victory by belting our pro-IRA songs in the dressing room; FARE might be intent upon publicity that will negate those actions? Sing loud and sing proud, sing Rangers songs.

Rangers 3 St Mirren 1 FGS : Colak.

I remember John Niven. He was a Firefighter from Edinburgh. I believe he passed after a horrendous bus journey back from a Euro' game in Romania? A blood clot? I used to meet John at Reserve League West and Youth fixtures. He always carried the Edinburgh Evening News because he continually riled and raged against a columnist, Bill Lothian. Apparently, he was a bitter Jambo who attributed every Rangers success to, "the Rangers bounce". John penned an unpublished letter to the paper/columnist stating the Rangers bounce was celebrated by the Bouncy.

It was late October'80, I came off a week long trining exercise on Dartmoor. I drove up to the Derbyshire and grabbed a couple of hours sleep in the car. It was the quarter-finals of the Anglo-Scottish Cup second leg. We had drawn 1-1 with Chesterfield at Ibrox a fortnight before. The weather on Dartmoor was horrid, it was worse on the edge of the Peak District, persistent heavy rain. We got skelped 3-zip by the then third tier English outfit. As usual, we had taken a huge support down and the disappointment manifested itself in numerous blue on blue on the terraces. Chesterfield went on to win the trophy, defeating Notts County(then first tier) 2-1 in the final.

Well, that was 2-nil going on six. Thank you Greegsy. Liverpool had 16 corners, we had one. Still, it is an improvement, 4-0 becomes 3-0, then 2-0. Clearly, the Champions League is a step too far for our beloved club so far?

Spartacus?

Liverpool 3 Rangers 1 FGS : Morelos.

I want, really want Ryan Kent to come to tonight's party.

I attended one of those 4 abandoned games, it was Villa Park in 1976. We were losing 2-zip after an hour when the Ref abandoned the match. Traveled down with a couple of Uni mates on the Bristol Bar bus. The coach had two five gallon drums on the back seat for the purpose urination and defecation. There was a BIG hint, the urinary drum had a funnel sticking out the aperture. Halfway down the M6, on a visit to the back seat I noted someone had crapped in the funnel. The game should have been abandoned at that point.

Are you blind? His shorts are monogrammed, 'KR'. Clearly, the Rolling Stones riff master, Keith Richards attended Auchenhowie for a kick about with Tav'?

I wonder how PQ select or, prioritise what gets the full report, discuss and, phone-in treatment? Jum Spence's ego and the sensitivities of sand castlers versus a Green Brigade banner with the word, "Hate" on it. Then there is Postman Pat, I think PQ have missed a trick here. Back in the day, giving this one the full treatment ensured an Undergraduate was charged, convicted and, fined because of over egging the Lennon situation. Now, ra Sellik have a legion of Japanese players and everyone knows the the three fingered Postman Pat is a member of the Yakusa. Time to throw that Undergrad' in the tin pail. Other BBC Scotland manufactured questions we did not get answers to include : Why did Rangers refuse to sell Pepperami ? Why did Rangers cut the grass in the shape of an orange sash? Why did Rangers remove Eggs Benedict from the Argyle House menu? Chief Super' Badyin McFadyin of le Surete must provide answers.