26th of foot

Club 72/Bar 72 - Last evening we were presented with the usual traditional football fare plus a choice of Shin of Beef with roasties, Chicken with gnocchi and, a Lamb curry. I did NOT try any of it. At the Bar, they decided to, for the first time without notice to run cashless.

I have looked at Robert McElroy's book, 'Season by Season' and it reads 2nd of August'79. We won 3-2, goals from Kenny Watson and a Gordon Smith double. Well done you.

It may be my memory? I have attended Rangers - Arsenal and, vice versa on several occasions. Similarly with Spurs. I have seen Chelsea visit Ibrox twice and attended Stamford Bridge twice for Rangers visits. Further, I have seen Rangers at Loftus Road and Craven Cottage but, I have NOT seen Rangers play West Ham United. Have we ever faced the Hammers, any Gersnetters attend?

No, it's more what pot is he smoking?

I have just noticed from the Union website that they transferred one of their front three to Brugges on Saturday,Casper Nielsen.

Old Army mate married a Belgian girl and opened a Boutique Hotel in Blankenberge. Anyways, Tam is a Hibee and we have remained in occasional e-mail contact over the years. He was most impressed with Union Saint-Gilloise last season, a real surprise package. As Bluedell has alluded, they have the same owner as Brighton and Hove Albion, Tony Bloom. There had been a cross pollination of players, two of Union's most important, influential players were Mintoma and Undav. They have both been returned to Brighton for this season. Tam was impressed with their front three, all fluid and rapid. He claimed the top Belgian sides had more success later in the season, denying supply of the ball to the front three.

Yeah, the Bruges thing was a real bummer. Despite the constant schimfs about the colony of vicious penguins that protect Bruges waterways, she was prepared to be taken in by Kayak. It was a double paddle approach, Pieter Huistra being the proposed back thruster.

Plastic Bertrand, Georges Herge, Audrey Hepburn, Inspector Poirot, TinTin, Eddie Merckx and, Rene Magritte, ....................... insert some really obscure names. Your Club is about to take a helluva beating - hopefully, please God I have been really good, honest.

Are they both, little and plucky? We should be told.

BBC Scotland and the Daily Record have issued a warning order to their Journalists in Blackpool. The Rangers support departing Bloomfield Road have turned towards the beach. PQ and Central Quay have told Journos to abandon their KissMeQuick hats and Candy Floss, move to the waterside urgently because the traveling Rangers support have previous for the recalcitrant behaviour of destroying sand castles.

Glasgow City Council's Policy Advisor and PRO to Convenor, Susan Aitken is Falls Road born and bred, Gerry Braiden. Gerry is a former Herald Journo, he left Herald Towers when the SNP won the majority of the Council seats four years past. A lot of the troubles Rangers have had with the council over establishing a Fan Zone, the Loving Cup ceremony every New Year, the formation of both Ibrox and Cessnock Residents Associations, ........................ etc are down to Gerry advising his fellow Sellik supporters like Councillor David McDonald. I wonder what Gerry's advice to the SNP ruling party was, on the matter of awarding Rangers a civic reception on the Club's 150th anniversary? Still, it is good to know the city Council acknowledging a 150 year unbroken history.

I know after Michael Jackson's performance blowing Bubbles, everything pales. However, West Ham are out guests and I feel we are obliged to ensure a degree of comfort for the visiting cockney sparras. May I suggest a balaclava'd Martin Compston blowing Bubbles? I am sure Martin will go down as well as he goes down. Further, it is a win win, Rangers facilitating Martin's rehabilitation.

I predict that the week leading up to the first old firm game of the season at ra Stydome, BBC Scotland and the Daily Record will wheel out Neil Lennon(pray for him), Martin O'Neill, Paul Lambert, Broonaldo, John Hartson, Chris Sutton and, a non singing, non gesticulating, non swaggering Martin Compston; all predicting a comfortable Sellik victory.

Nailing Jelly to the Wall. Yep, Kenny Macintyre has succeeded Reinhardt Gordon as the Saturday 'Open All Mikes' Sportsound Presenter on BBC Radio Scotland. Kenny is a self confessed Bluenose and, the usual suspects do not let him forget. His nickname at PQ is 'the Token' because they have to have one, to allow the Gang Hut to portray themselves as objective. Big Dick has become Cove Rangers PRO but, will continue to present Sundays and midweeks on BBC Radio Scotland. Dandy Don propaganda will fall more on the shoulders of Liam McLeod, Jonathon Sutherland, Rob McLean, Wullie Miller, ...................... etc. The most popular Rangers hating website and a constant reference point for BBC Scotland is, 'Pie and Bovril'. RAB Cosgrove is most fond of quoting the site. It has a Sportsound thread and since Macintyre's promotion has been announced, several pages of negative comments have been posted because, "he is a H-U-N". If you go through that several year running thread you find the comments on the confrontation between Kenny Macintyre and Michael Stewart a couple of seasons past. Just like Cosgrove and Cowan complaining about the stench hanging around the studio because Kenny Macintyre shat himself at being confronted by truth, Pie and Bovril cheered Michael Stewart to the echo. Of course, eighteen months down the line; what Macintyre said to Stewart that evening has rung true. Rangers, Rangers supporters and, James Traynor were NOT present to defend themselves from Michael's ludicrous accusations but righteous Michael ploughed on and, three months past he issued broadcast(on Twitter) apologies to Rangers, Rangers supporters and, James Traynor. You will not hear those apologies on the national broadcaster like, you will not read about them on Pie and Bovril. Inconvenient news will not be broadcast nor acknowledged. Kenny Macintyre has been boxed, the bracketing tightly applied. Consider, if Kenny Macintyre was to do any of the below substituting Rangers or Rangers player for any other club, how long will he last? Reinhardt Gordon broadcast live that Edinburgh Zoo have accepted the transfer of Rangers player, Filip Sebo they plan to exhibit him. Michael Stewart in that aforementioned incident stated, "I don't like how they do things as a club, I don't like Rangers". Chris McLaughlin began a match report with, "Police have arrested four Rangers supporters for sectarian chanting". Positive reporting of Rangers at PQ is akin to nailing jelly to the wall. "Aspiring small independent nations". Above is a favoured phrase of RAB Cosgrove. These last twenty years, RAB has been keen to relay every burp and fart that has emanated from Sri Lanka, an aspiring small nation state taking it's seat at the table of world affairs. RAB is married to a Sri Lankan, holidays annually on the island, owns a coastal villa with infinity pool, expresses his pride at his son's mixed heritage, ............... etc. Often, he concludes with something along the lines of, 'Scotland should similarly aspire'. Nationalism is a legitimate expression of politics and like Kenny Macintyre's football preference, RAB's political preference should be constantly flagged. Inconvenient news is ignored and what is currently occurring in Sri Lanka is being absolutely ignored by RAB. The President has fled the country, the whereabouts of the Prime Minister are unknown and, the residences of both have been invaded by the peoples of the island. the food and fuel situation is so desperate, they are appealing to Vladimir Putin to help out. Of course, those ruling Sri Lanka are a long established family dynasty. Similarly, in Scotland we have Nicola as First Minister for eight years, her husband, Peter Murrell has been SNP Chief Executive for 22 years and, RAB in his seventieth year continues to broadcast. I suspect we can draw parallels between the Establishment in both aspiring small nations? When RAB is not constantly waving the flag, he constantly self promotes. RAB has penned a few books and his Beeb Producer constantly allows mentions and contrived stories of visits to book festivals. RAB has a considerable property portfolio in the countries to be sustained. It is the Establishment way. Anyways on Saturday last, RAB and Tam's substitute, right on Partick Thistle man, Ray Bradshaw hosted a show that talked about football. Craig Levein and Craig Easton were the guests and take all the credit for the discussion topic. RAB was intent upon burdening the listeners with his impending visit to the Alma Mater, Hull University. They are awarding RAB with another Honorary Doctorate. In an establishment tone RAB told us, "this is my sixth Doctorate". At least he can nail them to the wall, or the door of his island villa to keep Sri Lankans from investing his infinity pool.

Who remembers, who attended our last pre season friendly against the Mackems? I was about to begin my last Army designation at Edinburgh Castle and had the time to travel to Roker Park for the Gary Bennett testimonial match. Another 15,000 Bears had similar inclinations. We won quite comfortably 1-3, the late David Hagan scored our third and best goal. He ran on to a through ball, saw the advancing Sunderland Keeper and, lobbed him from 35 yards. The ball bouncing in the six yard box before finding the roof of the net. The Rangers support danced and sang throughout the entire game. Let's hope for a similar result and performance tonight?

Gazza, Welcome back, good news for the Gersnet community. Reference the six year absence, who can tall the difference between a 15 year old Filipino girl and a 16 year old? Further, I thought that Judge was at it when he gave you such a lengthy custodial sentence. Reference club finances; the parameters are the Kerrydale Accountants who continue to have quite an input on the media narrative and, the very occasional cautious piece in the better broadsheets.

Franc, The photo is truly frightening. During the month of land battles during the Falklands Conflict, Menu A was our daily feed. The curried chicken was good scoff but it waned after four or five days. I am sure other former service personnel can pitch in, I think there were five options - A to E? Further, there were Arctic ration options too. I have a very occasional nostalgia for a heated Menu B - stew and dumplings augmented with a packet of Spangles.

As part of our season ticket package, we should receive a 24 hour ration pack. In that cardboard cube, delights such as Biscuits AB Brown, Spangles and, a fold out hexamine stove await. My favourites included Cheese Possessed and Apple and Apricot flakes. In Club 72, we receive a homemade Mental Lentil Soup at half-time, it is very good.

I suspect I have arrived at that stage? Recently, the likes of Alan Anderson, Davie Wilson and now, Drew Busby have all passed. I remember Drew Busby at Third Lanark, he scored their last ever goal. He reappeared at Airdrie and became a strong running centre with a regular goal touch. He played in a Diamonds team that finished sixth in the old First Division. A lot of folks of my generation will remember that Airdrie side - Black, Cowan, Whiteford, Busby, Jarvie, Wilson, Jonquin, ....... etc. In 1972, Rangers won the ECWC and Airdrie contested the texaco Cup final against Brian Clough's Derby County, losing 2-1 in a two legged final. Airdrie defeated Man City in the semi-final, Busby scoring home and away. It is strange. Hearts would have been a big step up for Busby in professional terms. Jambos have fond memories of Drew but, I remember Busby as an Airdrie player.

I believe Eoin Jess is available? Chick Young thinks it could be a goer, could we fit him in? Granted, not a big name, only four letters but would his signing satisfy the demanding Bears?

The Rangers who take the field against Blackpool, should the Club award them, Kiss-Me-Quick hats?

I would like to confirm the worst thoughts of ra Yahoo conspiracists. Rangers two latest friendly announcements are what you think. Blackpool play in an all orange kit and Davie Moyes sports orange hair. Rangers, July and, Orange - it's enough to get Martin Compston on a Las Vegas stage punching the air whilst punching out the naughty lyrics.

Buster, You are correct reference Tom English and the SPFL Committee. When the story broke reference Cinch at the end of last week, English took to Twitter to slaughter both MacLennan and Doncaster. What does BBC Scotland's Chief Sports Correspondent, Chris McLaughlin say? I suspect we will have to wait until MacLennan and Doncaster tell him what to say.

Ian McCall Tells it as it is. Today, the Maryhill Magyars Manager, Ian McCall appeared on Off the Ball with RAB and Tam and slaughtered the Chairman of the SPFL, Murdoch MacLennan. Of course, that robust organ, Private Eye refer to big, BIG Sellik man, MacLennan as, "Shifty McGifty". In a discussion on this week's Court decision to clear Rangers and Club Chairman, Douglas Park's decision NOT to support the SPFL's sponsorship deal with Cinch, Ian McCall stated, "Murdoch MacLennan is bloody useless". Hurrah for the Partick Thistle in stating the bleeding obvious. I toasted the bleeding obvious, sitting here in the Portuguese hilltop town of Tavira. I am near the villa shared by Nicola and Peter(guardian of the ring fenced £620,000) and thought it suitable to enjoy a lunch time Salad Nicoise accompanied by a bottle of Portuguese Rose. Light wine to be sure but dominated by sharp cranberry and crisp apple that poke at the palate. I am sure Peter Murrell is no stranger to that early morning feeling of a tumescent Nicola pressing against his rear? Putting the Vinha Grand Rose down, I remembered RAB Cosgrove telling us all at the height of Rangers demise a decade past, he was often given a Chauffeured lift by Murdoch MacLennan over a three year period whilst both worked in the same London building. I thought he would put meat to the Ian McCall bones, why is Murdoch MacLennan, "bloody useless"? To no avail, RAB held his discipline in the same way he has held on to his two East End flats. It is difficult for RAB, having to grapple with his property portfolio and one of Scottish football's most annoying prigs at the same time. "Bloody useless" is a term easily applied to Glasgow City Council Policy Advisor, BIG Sellik man and, "good friend of the show", Gerry Braiden. I thought the man from West Belfast would expand upon Scottish and Irish Nationalist, Martin Compton chorusing beautiful Sunday morning eulogies for the IRA? In his home town of Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, Martin took to the stage at the gathering of Sellik supporters clubs in North America to punch the air and extort his fellow Yahoos to continue to support the organisation that detonated the 1993 Warrington bomb without warning. Two children murdered, what is Gerry's policy advice? I suspect Gerry advises Martin to lay up at RAB's safe house in Sri Lanka, a villa with infinity pool. Martin, Peter Murrell and, £620,000 of ring fenced dosh on the inside. Outside, the Army are on the streets amid a state of emergency and, Martin from Las Vegas, Gourock, Turf Lodge, ................... will feel right at home. It's his mindset.

My first Old Firm match at Celtic Park was the 1st January'66. It had been freezing the entire Christmas - New Year week and, as was customary for Celtic at that time, they covered the pitch in hay bails. The game was on, the pitch was rock hard and frozen on top. Davie Wilson skated through the opposition to put Rangers one up in the first minute. Half time was the same score. In the second half, three of the Sellik players, John Hughes included changed their footwear to baseball boots. They ran in five unchallenged to run out 5-1 winners. However, the scene of Davie Wilson running arm aloft, backdropped by a dozen hay bales continues.