26th of foot

Bleak Midwinter. It was Christmas week and both schools and amateur football were placed in cold storage. It would be mid-January before an opportunity presented for tying on the fitbaw bits. Shin pads were optional but on Saturday 18th December'71, they became compulsory as Airdrieonians were the visitors to Ibrox. The Tannochside RSC bus was two thirds full for the Diamonds but already had a waiting list for Christmas Day's visit to the Hibees. The Ibrox attendance was sparse, given as 20,000 but I suspect that was optimistic? Airdrie had a grim reputation that the teams of the era did not deserve. Rangers lined up : McCloy, Jardine, Mathieson, Greig, Jackson, Smith, McLean, Conn, Stein, Fyfe and, MacDonald. Airdrie put out : McKenzie, Jonquin, Clarke, Menzies, Delaney, D Whiteford, Wilson, McKay, Busby, Jarvie and, Cowan. Rangers were in a hurry, running in three goals in the first half. Stein notched in the second minute, Sandy got the second on the 33rd and, Fyfe completed the scoreline on the 37th. The comfort of a three zip result was quite surprising. Airdrie had knocked out both Manchester City(4-2 on aggregate) and Huddersfield(7-2 on aggregate) in the Texaco Cup in the previous several weeks. In fact the Diamonds went all the way to the final, losing 2-1 on aggregate to Brian Clough's Derby County. Drew Jarvie went on to have a decade long career at Aberdeen, the last Third Lanark player playing, Drew Busby did similar at Hearts. McKenzie was a Northern Ireland Keeper, kept out the international side by Spurs Pat Jennings, Paul Jonquin was a battering ram in the tackle and, Billy Wilson had blistering pace. In those days, trips to Broomfield were usually a high scoring adventure, it could be 4-3 either way. I felt a better standard of Manager could have taken that Airdrie side to a sustained higher level? Benny Hill was still number one in the charts, novelty records were quite the thing in the 60s and 70s. BBC 2 aired a serious music show for the first time in September'71. David Attenborough commissioned the Old Grey Whistle Test and was presented by Richard Williams. On the 21st December, TOGWT began another tradition; a ninety minute Christmas Special of highlights. Lindisfarne, David Bowie, Heads Hands and Feet, Elton John, Cat Stevens, Wishbone Ash and Glasgow's very own, Stone the Crows had us captivated. Maggie Bell had the pipes. Christmas Day TV was a cornucopia, Michael Aspel, the Black and White Minstrel Show, Basil Brush, Rolf Harris, Ken Dodd, Morecambe and Wise and, Bruce Forsyth all had their own shows. Endurance and survival techniques were required if you wanted to survive. The big film was, 'Arabesque' - starring Gregory Peck and Sophia Loren. I am convinced the Saviour's Day became a national holiday in Scotland because of the televisual feast. We did New Years back then, the major religious festival was Easter, we worshipped the risen Lord. Half a century past was the last time football matches were scheduled for Christmas Day and for us, Easter Road waited. My old man worked Christmas morning and decided to visit the Mothers Pride Edinburgh Bakery. I accompanied and we took in the game in Leith. The old Dutch fulminated, our Festive Lunch was served at 7 O'Clock in deepest, darkest Lanarkshire. Why do we have Turkey as the preferred festive dish? My Mother proclaimed it to be non-native and always served roasted leg of lamb. It was most welcome that day, the snow flurried continually at Easter Road. Hibs ran out : Herriot, Brownlie, Schaedler, McEwan, Stanton, Blackley, Edwards, Hamilton, O'Rourke, Cropley and, Duncan. We lined up : McCloy, Jardine, Denny, Greig, Jackson, Smith, McLean, Conn, Stein, MacDonald and, Johnston. Rangers had a huge travelling support crammed on to the old high terrace of the Edinburgh ground. The attendance was given as 26,000 but I thought that to be several thousand light? The constant wind whipping up off the Forth made life on the terrace grim but, our tenacity was rewarded in the final minute when Colin Stein emerged from a growing blizzard to knock the ball past Jim Herriot. A 0-1 victory and the two points secured lifted us to third in the table, seven points behind joint leaders Sellik and Aberdeen. One of my Christmas presents that day was a copy of Alistair MacLean's new novel, 'Bear Island'. My Aunt thought it appropriate because it was about Rangers. The tome was set in Norway, not the Isle of Lewis.

Rangers 3 Dundee United 0 FGS : Morelos.

Return of the Ginja Ninja. Recently, Michael has been lamenting his lack of opportunity to spit venom. He has taken to his Twitter account to inform his followers that, "BBC Scotland have not invited me on". These are trying times, Michael has so much hatred to vent and Hunnery is such a big target. RAB Cosgrove has been filling the vacuum, "Gerrard's left before Rangers next Administration", "Rangers are reclaiming history again" and, "that will be Neil McCann no talking to the BBC now". All in the last three weeks, RAB is as reliable as a Hammond organ refrain, filling the middle register. Still, his team have fell to the bottom of the table but it's his Rangers hatred he needs to keep warm. Neil McCann stymied RAB by appearing on Sportscene the very next night but, we had to wait a further week for the Caped Wonder to fidget on the Sportscene settee. His demand for truth, justice and, the Pacific Quay way was laid bare last Sunday. Rangers had successfully navigated the Rhone savage, leaving Lyon with a credible 1-1 draw to be confronted by the waiting, rested Jambos at Tynecastle. The Pacific Quay way was loaded, again! Paul Mitchell(a Jambo) was commentating, John Robertson(a Jambo) was adding colour and, Michael(Foundation of Hearts member) was waiting on the Sportscene studio couch, prepared to wield the trusty sword of fcukwittery. On Sportsound, Paul and John had a conversation on Alfredo's goal being offside, Big Dick and Tom Anguish dismissed this notion at half-time. There was agreement on Aribo's goal being sublime and Tom brought comfort, "Hearts started better, Rangers played for four minutes but if Hearts grab the next goal"? The game ended 0-2 and Tom remained fixated on four minutes. Big Dick wanted to know Robbie Neilson's reaction to being denied a stonewaller? They settled on a consensus, an entertaining game but the Referee lost control. We were reminded of the highlights being available later on that evening where the Ginja Ninja would redefine losing control. On Sportscene, Paul Mitchell's commentary was touched up and Robbo's colour removed. I suspect a semblance of balance was required before broadcast? Richard Foster sat beside the Ginja Ninja as the maroon broadsword was unveiled. The first thrust set the tone, "look, there's no doubt about it, Rangers rode their luck, all the big moments went their way". There was no need to parry and the second swipe carried injustice, "It's about fine margins, such fine margins. It was a frustrating afternoon for Hearts; ah mean ah don't like it but it was a penalty to Hearts". Confidence gained and the cleaving blow ensued, "Nick Walsh lost the plot, flashing yellow cards all over, particularly at Hearts players". Steven Thompson and Richard Foster thought Rangers were deserving of their victory. We move on to last night and Jane Lewis was hosting Sportsound. Adding colour to the Dingwall commentary was both Pat Bonner and Billy Dodds. Richard Foster was sat upon the PQ Naughty Step. On Sunday, Dodds had been subjected to a RAB tirade. Billy had complained about Morton's provision of Porta-Cabin facilities for his Inverness team stating, "they're manky". RAB was convinced Billy would know 'manky', he is a recipient of an EBT. It makes no difference that Dodds took to Scotland on Sunday some ten years past to declare, "I no longer consider myself a Rangers supporter", he just doesn't have the necessary purity for RAB. Anyways, it's half-time and we are told Rangers are winning one nil, Morelos the scorer. We then receive a couple of minutes of Sellik commentary, followed by a full time match report of Hearts - Hibs SWPL fixture, then back to Dingwall for more angst on injury ravaged Sellik. Full time, it's more of the same, two - nil Rangers, Kent adding to the scoring. That was the end of it, the next forty minutes until the end of the broadcast was ten man Sellik's determination to win, scoring the winner in the seventh minute of six added minutes. The key word was, "exuberance", the Green Brigade invaded the pitch to, "celebrate". Big Ange, he of AngeBall was interviewed and his first word on the end of match scenes was, "exuberance". Jane and Pat further utilised the word several times. Pacific Quay was exuberant in their liberal usage of 'exuberance'. I was surprised at Ross County boss, Malky McKay being allowed to broadcast live, "it seemed the Referee was going to allow play to continue until they scored". There was no exuberance at such a remark, it was repeated as often as the Rangers result. The remark that defined the PQ weekend was made(scripted) by Cat Harvey, guest on Off the Ball. There was a discussion about the necessary etiquette of constant Christmas online deliveries and Cat said, "I always bung the delivery driver an Alfredo". RAB guffawed, ah mean laughing at your own scripted jokes? Such was the exuberance, it was repeated, "ah always bung the delivery driver a wee Fredo" to another guffaw. We know RAB is a PhD in Theatre and Media, but may I suggest the joke would work better if you study Japanese theatre ie Kabuki. The classical diving character is entitled, 'Kyogo' - a right wee cnut of a Furuhashi.

Rangers 2 St Johnstone 0 FGS : Morelos.

A repeat of the '66-'67 ECWC tie. Dortmund were ECWC holders and we got them in the second round. We won the first leg at Ibrox 2-1, King Kai and A Smith were the scorers in front of 65,000. We drew 0-0 in Germany, winning the tie 2-1 on aggregate.

For those of us with an emotional involvement ; That was a HARD, HARD WATCH. Still, all's well that ends well.

We need an over the top option. Hearts are pressing, squeezing us into our last third constantly. We are making three or four passes, then losing possession before the half way line. A quick ball over the top with waiting pace and the game lengthens. We need a higher line. If we allow Hearts time to continually pick their passes, allow them to win free kicks and corners, then there's an inevitability about conceding.

Hearts 1 Rangers 3 FGS : Morelos.

A Winter of Discontent. Winter's fickle finger was wagging at the beginning of December'71. The country was being prepared for a national Miners' strike, the Prime Minister, Edward Heath had warned Parliament that if coal from the minefields did not reach the power stations, then a state of emergency would be declared. In the early 70s the UK had nearly a million Miners. My old man held a senior management position at Rank Hovis McDougall with responsibility for four Mothers Pride Bakeries in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and, Carlisle. Hustings had been held and a Bread strike was imminent. The Industrial Relations Act 1971 first impact was going to be no coal and no bread but, the immediate hammer blow was Benny Hill was now number one with, 'Ernie'. Ernie may have been the fastest Milkman in the West but, he could not catch Sandy Jardine. The Rangers right back regularly entered the Powderhall New Year sprint and I believe once finished second? Sandy's participation could not be guaranteed, the previous New Year's had witnessed the Ibrox Disaster and Rangers were scheduled with Thistle as first footers, away to Celtic on the 3rd of January. Nothing was guaranteed, around every corner waiting was a Two-Ton Ted from Teddington and he drove a Baker's van. Around Rangers immediate corner was Clyde managed by Archie Robertson, a Chemistry graduate who also worked for the Coal Board. The Bully Wee arrived at Ibrox on the 4th December 23,000 attended to see the following teams leave the tunnel : Rangers - McCloy, Denny, Mathieson, Jardine, D Johnstone, Smith, Henderson, Fyfe, Stein, MacDonald and, Johnston. Clyde - Cairney, McGoldrick, Swan, Burns, McHugh, Glasgow, Sullivan, McGrain, McBride, Hulston and, Aherne. I did not attend, my Scout Troop were climbing Tinto Hill to raise funds for the annual Gang Show. Ging gang goolie ya bass' inspired Colin Stein to notch the only game of the game on the 70th minute. After several reasonably successful years as Clyde's boss, Robertson left the club and the Coal Board to become Head Chemistry Teacher at Hunter High, East Kilbride. He coached the school team, including Ally McCoist. Before Rangers and I arrived at East End Park on the 11th of December, Dunfermline had appointed Andy Stevenson as Manager. His tenure barely lasted three weeks, he was gone before the Miners and Bread strikes began. Ernie was still riding the fastest milkcart in the west. We were cutting through the graveyard as the teams ran out : Dunfermline Athletic - Arrol, Callaghan, Mercer, Fraser, Cushley, McNichol, Paterson, Thomson, Mitchell, Scott and, Gillespie. Rangers - McCloy, Jardine, Mathieson, Greig, D Johnstone, Smith, Henderson, McLean, Stein, MacDonald and, Johnston. The crowd was given as 14,000 and myself and two mates were three of several thousand that missed Ham and Egg's opener on the fifth minute. There were barely several thousand left on the terraces when Bud got the second in injury time. I remember Cushley had a good game at Sweeper, he was a former Celt and at that time a Teacher at Holy Cross High School, Hamilton. Further, he was Lanarkshire School's Intermediate boss and I had been up for selection a few weeks before at Kerswell College. I made the cut and Cushley would go on to discover a host of players, particularly for Celtic. The McStay and McCluskey brothers being the most prominent. Sadly, John passed 15 years past, another former football that succumbed to MND. Two Rangers greats passed at the end of that second week in December, Torry Gillick and Alan Morton went on the same day. Torry or Torrance to give him his Sunday name was a winger who won the Championship on both sides of the border with Rangers and Everton. Morton or, 'the Wee Blue Devil' was another winger, specifically the Wembley Wizards winger. Morton was never full time, he was a Mining Engineer who won nine League Championship medals and three Scottish Cups. On retirement he became a Club Director until his death. To this day, climb the marble staircase and you are greeted by a life size portrait of the man who tormented the English at Wembley in our 1-5 victory in 1928. Next up was Airdrie at Ibrox and then Hibs at Easter Road on Christmas Day. Attending a football game in the Capital city on the Saviour's Day was not that difficult because Christmas Day was NOT a national holiday in Scotland in 1971.

Lyon 2 Rangers 2 FGS : Roofe.

Callum Butcher's attempt at a tackle was worthy of a straight red. Rather than distract the Compliance Officer from his/her collection of Sellik DVDs, wouldn't it be better to allow Charlie Mulgrew, George Galloway and, Jum Spence time to sort Butcher out? It has the added bonus of distracting the three of them from screaming sectarian abuse at Kris Boyd.

Cavaliers and Roundheads. We have to regress ten days or so, to Thursday evening 26th November. It is match day 5 in the Europa Cup group stages. The Jolly Craicsters toting bags of swagger are abroad in Germany, playing Bayern Leverkusen. North Rhine-Westphalia was braced for an invasion of rainbow themed balaclavas atop olive drab puffer jackets. Reinforcing the Green Brigade bridgehead was the Pacific Quay spearhead of Liam McLeod and Pat Bonner. The Clydeside HQ was manned by Big Dick and Tom Anguish of Angst. No Celtic lament is complete without the Blarney Bhoys singing descant. Amid the pyro' smoke, the Irish and Palestinian flags waved, announcing the presence of a Scots club about to strut the very epitome of AngeBall. The arrogant parade was relentless in a stadium barely a third full. Liam and Pat chorused the irresistible nature of Sellik's play. At half time it was 1-1 and Big Dick began with, "wow, just wow". Juranovic had dinked the cheekiest of Panenka penalties to equalise and Big Dick overflowed, "they have never won in Germany, with such confidence that could change tonight". It got better just before the hour mark, the sublime Jota struck to put the Cavaliers 1-2 up. Confidence was coursing both on the field and on microphone. Teutonic efficiency was being effortlessly brushed aside, "it's the movement, it's the movement" hollered Pat. A Waffen SS armoured Division had been stopped in it's tracks by uni-cycling, plate spinning horde of green'n'grey sword-swallowing, ball jugglers. We were told ra Sellik support demanded such an approach to the game and, "Celtic are easy on the eye". The Ride of the Valkyries is a refrain, a constant menace intent upon spoiling the party; and the screaming reached a pitch twice in the last seven minutes. All agreed, it was exasperating, so unfair and, undeserved. The match finished 3-2 to Leverkusen and ra Sellik were out of the Europa Cup with a game left to play. Big Dick checked other Group G results and announced, "Celtic have secured European football in the New Year, they will now play in the Euro-Conference competition". Pat is a lovely man, he is only required by BBC Scotland to talk about ra Sellik, a unique designation. He does not cover other games and sometimes comes across as unworldly, "ah hope the Celtic supporters get a big, attractive name in the draw". Here's hoping Dagenham and Redbridge will suffice? Big Dick then hosted a three way discussion on the rarity of away wins in Europe for Scots teams and the inevitability of endings such as that evening's. The show must go on because another Scots club was participating in the same tournament that evening, the Rangers - Sparta Prague game kicked-off at 8 O'Clock. We were told Rangers could qualify on the evening if, and it was a big IF; Rangers won by two clear goals and Lyon defeated Bronby. As usual, there was NO live commentary, NO updates and, no real discussion. Half-time at Ibrox was 1-0 Rangers and Big Dick announced the score and scorer, then spent the entire 15 minute break discussing Scotland's possible opponents in the next day's World Cup qualifiers draw. The match ended 2-0 Rangers and Lyon scored 3 in the last 20 minutes to defeat the Danes. Big Dick dolefully announced, "Rangers have qualified for the next round of the Europa League". There was no mention of the improved national coefficient, no mention of Rangers position in Europe rising from 216th to 41st in three years, no mention of Rangers Youths already managing two of those Hens teeth away wins in Europe this season, no mention ........................... Ah, life as a Roundhead?

Rangers 3 Dundee 1 FGS : Morelos.

In two league fixtures this season between Rangers and Hibs, Ryan Porteous has been the difference. I wonder if Irvine Welsh is reaching for his machete? We should be told.

Hibernian 1 Rangers 2 FGS : Morelos.

Presentation Over Content? I have attended a few dozen Club AGMs over the decades. Mostly, I have departed the venue thinking the event was a triumph of presentation over content; particularly during David Murray's tenure. Yesterday, I sat in the Auditorium accompanied by a calmness. The ambient blue light occasionally reflecting the lustre of the SPFL trophy. Pre-event, the lobby whispers were low and the sipped tea served to sharpen appetites for a Presentation confirming our return. The Hall was two thirds full, the empty seats were filled with contentment. The Blazers at the top table are largely the same as us, born and bred Rangers supporters. That's the end of the cheese, Rangers supporters have demands. The AGM began with a 10 minute video presentation of last season's Premiership goals. Next up was the the Company Secretary, James Blair. He introduced the Board and attending Advisors. He then ran through proposals, re-elections and, voting procedure. He handed over to Club Chair, Douglas Park who welcomed all and noted the attendance of the Premiership trophy. Managing Director, Stewart Robertson gave a short summation of the last year and current situation. He introduced Gio van Bronkhurst to loud acclaim. The next twenty-five minutes were taken up by Nick Thomson inviting Stewart Robertson, Ross Wilson and, James Bisgrove to sit beside the Premiership trophy stage left. The settee and lounge chair were filled and a relaxed discussion ensued reference Club finance, marketing and commercial activity, European Coefficient, Pitch, training ground and, contracts. Each were quietly, matter of fact impressive. Robertson emphasised the Club's Euro progress from 216th position to 41st. Further, the Club had contributed considerably in taking the National Euro position to ninth. Bisgrove extrapolated on the kit deal being worth £7-£9 million next year and Commercial activity growing up to £27 million as a new normal. Further, he claimed Rangers TV's revenue had grown 100%. Wilson talked about Gerrard's departure and claimed to be ready for it, van Bronkhurst's appointment within the week would suggest he was on the front foot. Robertson addressed the £7.5 million needed to finish the season, already raised and expects a small end of season profit. Nitty gritty issues ensued, all lifts at the Stadium were being renewed at the cost of £1 million. The kitchens catering for in excess of 2,000 hospitality customers were over 25 years old and along with all Stadium toilets would be replaced next. Academy has been improved, new Coaches appointed. Medical and Sports Science improved too, brought up to English Premiership standard. The women and girls side of operations has been made full time professional, it's important not an exercise in box ticking. Robertson finished with an update on New Edmiston House. The metal framework is currently being raised, and a new Manager, David Pyatt has been appointed to ensure it opens Autumn'22. The space will be big enough to host AGMs, Concerts, Dinners, functions, ..... etc. There will be a Museum and a two tier retail outlet. On match days, it will be the basis for a family match day zone. The current club shop will be converted into a Sports Bar and again be part of the FanZone plan. Bisgrove ended with notes on Club Partnerships, £3 million this year, will be a comfortable £7 million next year and, still room for growth. Wilson expanded upon Contracts, relaxed about reviewing older player contracts at the end of the season, non contributors will be allowed to leave and, there is a set wage structure that will NOT be broken. James Blair then moved the AGM to questions from the floor, there were more than a dozen but I will concentrate on the four most important. George Hoggin on a Club'72 proxy asked about loans secured against the Edmiston Club and rate of interest? John Bennet answered - £13 million in new loans secured at 6%, we were paying Dave King 8% and, others have offered between 9% and 13%(these have not been taken up) because the 6% coupon is now the benchmark. The Board have driven down the cost of funding. Eddie Simpson representing the Blind Party made two points, firstly because of Covid the Party has been moved from behind the dug-outs and has been subsequently separated. Secondly, the Blind Party no longer received Away tickets. Robertson promised a solution would be found for the first but the second was dependent upon away clubs. The Rangers Blind Party emanates from Bill Struth's time as an Officer in the RAMC, his decade of rehabilitation work with veterans after WW1 included introduction of Blind Party Commentators. The Blind Party are a much valued part of the Rangers Family, every accommodation should be made. David Ferguson asked about the Ticket Office, pointed out it was often closed and most queries go unanswered. Robertson accepted it was verging on shambolic and a new Customer Service Manager with improved accompanying software was necessary immediately. Stated it was now a priority. Charlie Murray from Linwood made the most heartfelt plea. He related the experience of being a disabled Rangers fan, the facilities are disgraceful, sight lines appalling, positions open to the elements, if rain is predicted some do not trap due to flooding, ..................... finished by stating, "I made the very same complaint three years ago". Robertson accepted all points, Park intervened stating the issue had been widely discussed ay yesterday's Board meeting. An assurance was given, necessary improvements will be made soonest. The facilities for disabled Rangers supporters should be the best in the world, they are fellow Rangers supporters and most deserving. Time for the fans in the Stands to grasp this nettle, starting Saturday. There was a final question from an anonymous chap grabbing the mike. He made the point Rangers are held to a different standard by the general media and had a pop at Humza, James Dornan and, Susan Aitken. All perpetrators in, 'tell a lie often enough' -this brought a reply from David Graham, "all we want is balance and fairness, we take a long term approach, more scalpel than chainsaw". The AGM concluded.

'PS I know an actual Terry Munro'. Is that a Stephen King novel?

Rangers AGM is set for tomorrow, St Andrew's Day at the Clyde Auditorium starting at 10.30hrs. Any fellow Gersnetters intent upon attendance? What are the questions dominating life as a Rangers supporter? Ibrox pies are always a point of concern, the piquancy of the peppered mince pate, the melt in the mouth pastry and, are they warm enough? Talking of culinary triumph, will we see the return of Bears' Pakora, the King Rib sandwich or, the chicken salad wrap? Club'72 has no white Burgundy, no Gravadlax and, no Bollinger. Working TVs in concourses is another favoured concern, perhaps with new Management Team appointments, Red Hot Dutch TV will be made available? Oh, and the welfare of Rino Gattuso is usually uppermost in the collective thoughts. Prominent attendees in the past were Tom Shields(ra Sellik View Columnist), Graham Spiers(the Laird of Dunlop), and, David Low(top Fergus Fluffer). Will Phil McFournames, Chris McLaughlin and, Michael Stewart trap, BIG Clown Shoes to be filled? Will anyone mention Finance? Will BBC Scotland provide coverage? In the mid-late sixties, I attended my first Rangers AGM. I was a ten year old schoolboy accompanying both my Father and Grandfather. The venue was the Kenilworth Hotel, located on the corner of Queen Street and Argyle Street. I remember a shareholder being reprimanded by the Chair for intemperate language utilised to describe the then Manager, Scot Symon, "he is not a track suit manager, he is a fuddy-duddy". Oh, how the tuts echoed around the high ceilinged room. If I can summon the energy to depart deepest, darkest Lanarkshire, I might Kayak down the Clyde to the Auditorium. My dander is up and the desire to paddle exists. Why have our Board allowed Angeball Postecoglou's Sellik to win this season's Best Passing Team in Europe Trophy? The Daily Record's Gabriel McKay revealed ra Sellik had out-passed Man City, PSG, Barca, ........... etc. You may remember Gabriel, he was the worst of the Record's social media abusers, lots of 'H' term references and when Her Maj', the Queen was opening the Commonwealth Games 2014, he posted, "where's the IRA when you need them"? Today's new, modern Scotland and Gabriel still has a job, you would think he would be more concerned that his beloved Sellik have conceded most goals in the Euro Group stages for the second consecutive year? I hope the Daily Record send Gabriel along to cover proceedings. He will be fulminating when he is confronted with the post AGM repast, Duck a l'Orange avec un verre de Pays de Gers.

Iain Philip could play, he won the League Cup on three occasions with both Dundee clubs. I thought his Crystal Palace move was probably the wrong one for such a heads-up player? Spurs would have been a better match. Talking of Spurs, John Duncan made that move from Dundee. As a centre forward, he had more than his fair share of injury problems. I checked his stats and they are incredible, five years at the Lane saw him make 103 appearances and score 53 goals. Gordon Wallace scored at a similar rate wherever he played and, Jocky Scott was a genuine hard case. Of course, it was Davie White that assembled that Dundee team.

Livingston 1 Rangers 3 FGS : Morelos.

A Trio of League Fixtures. After qualification for the ECWC quarter-finals, Rangers faced a trio of League fixtures to see out November'71. We had began the league season in appalling fashion, had battled to keep ourselves off the bottom of the table and, then put together a run of five winning games to hoist the club into fourth position. Spirits were high and a decent crowd was expected at Ibrox for the visit of Dundee. The Dens Parkers were a tasty side in those days, passed you off the pitch, with John Duncan, Gordon Wallace and, Jocky Scott all ready to put the ball into the net. My mates and I caught the Tannochside bus and joined another thirty-five and a half thousand on the terraces. Rangers began a contract with StadiaCatering in August'71, the idea was to provide an alternative to pie and bovril, macaroon bars and, Wrigley Chewing gum. A couple of dozen lads circled the track replete in white coats and forage caps. They carried trays loaded with cheese rolls, meat rolls, Chipmunk crisps and, Kia-Ora drink cartons. The mystery was 'the meat' on the meat rolls, my inquiry was answered, "it's meat meat". Even in Ershur, they differentiate between Spam and Corned Beef, don't they? Whatever became of Chipmunk Crisps? Rangers lined up with : McCloy, Jardine, Mathieson, Greig, Jackson, Henderson, Smith, Conn, Stein, Johnston and, MacDonald; whereas Dundee turned out - Donaldson, Wilson, Johnston, Steele, Philip, Ford, Duncan, Kinninmonth, Wallace, Scott and, Wilson. My cheese roll with added crisps had hardly began to digest when Gordon Wallace ran in Dundee's third goal on the 19th minute. He followed up both Kinninmonth on the 5th and Johnston on the 12th minutes. Willie Johnston pulled one back several minutes before half-time and the interval talk was of all out attack in the second period. Bud notched another just after the hour mark and, John Greig was sent up front. The game finished 2-3 and the boos echoed around the Stadium. Next stop was the Tail-of-the-Bank, the tide was out and Cappielow was deemed playable. The 'Ton ran out with : Sorensen, Hayes, Laughton, Lumsden, Anderson, Clark, Smith, Mason, Osborne, Murphy and, Chalmers. Rangers fielded : McCloy, Jardine, Mathieson, Greig, Jackson, Smith, McLean, Conn, Fyfe, Stein, MacDonald and, Johnston. The persistent rain kept the attendance to a manageable 12,500; just as well, the terrace at the corner of East Hamilton Street and the Port Glasgow Road slid towards the pitch pre kick-off. Everything happened in the first half hour, leaving us all an hour and a half of driving rain to be endured. Bud scored on the 6th minute, Morton equalised through Osborne on the 15th and, Ham and Egg knocked in the winner on the 27th. The 'Ton's Anderson was ordered from the field on half hour mark, no doubt grateful for an early, warm bath? The opposition Keeper, Eric Sorensen had been on our books for a season and a half before returning to Greenock and Joe Mason would be a £10,000 Rangers signing the very next year. I remember former Lisbon Lion, Stevie Chalmers took dogs abuse that game before the rain dampened everyones ardour. We ended the month with another seaside trip, this time to Somerset Park. Ally MacLeod was Ayr United's Manager and the former Third Lanark - St Mirren player was best characterised as, 'a character'. He would bang his hands together then gesticulate and, let go with a stream of invective. He could promote a player, the Honest Men won the Reserve League season '71-'72 and the stand out player was right back, Davie Wells. Ally MacLeod stated he had already knocked back a most attractive bid from Bayern Munich! Fifteen thousand squeezed in to see Ayr United : Stewart, Fillipi, Murphy, Fleming, Quinn, Mitchell, Doyle, Graham, Whitehead, McGovern and, Stevenson. Rangers fielded : McCloy, Jardine, Mathieson, Greig, D Johnstone, Smith, Henderson, Conn, Stein, MacDonald and, Johnston. Somerset Park and Ally MacLeod was always a struggle for Rangers. There was a pretty equal split on the three available results over five-six years. Joe Fillipi and Johnny Doyle were always at it and, both earned their respective moves to Sellik in the next couple of seasons. Colin Stein opened the scoring on the 11th minute, Fillipi equalised on the 36th and, Willie Henderson scored the winner on the 39th. Interestingly, this was Willie's 36th and final goal for Rangers in his dozen year spell. MacLeod held the Sunday newspaper headlines, claiming Joe Fillipi was worthy of national consideration reference Scotland traveling to Holland midweek. Scotland went down 2-1 in the Netherlands, Rinus Michels Dutch side included Cruyff, Wim Jansen, Ruud Krol, Johan Neeskens, Israel and, Muhren. Tommy Docherty fielded : Bob Wilson, Eddie Colqhoun, Davie Hay, Sandy Jardine, Billy Bremner, Archie Gemmill, Eddie Gray, Jimmy Johnstone, Pat Stanton, Kenny Dalglish and, George Graham. Cruyff opened the scoring, Graham equalised after half time and the Dutch notched the last minute winner through Hulshoff. Scotland's goal scorer, George Graham came from a Lanarkshire village near my own and I knew the family. George was a huge Bluenose but years after he told me the genuine article in both Arsenal - Scotland team was Bob Wilson. His middle name was Primrose, after Bob's Uncle, James Ure Primrose, Chairman of Rangers for a dozen years after WW1. December beckoned, the Indo-Pakistan War would begin, David Bowie would release Hunky Dory and, Rangers would play on Christmas Day.

Rangers 2 Sparta Prague 1 FGS : Aribo.

Balance? The Rangers media vortex was perfectly portrayed over the last few days, it was Scottish League Cup semi-final weekend and the Pacific Quay Gang Hut brought it's usual balance to events. The four semi-finalists were Rangers, Sellik, Hibs and, St Johnstone Off the Ball set the benchmark. One of the co-Hosts, RAB Cosgrove is a Saintee thus every fart and burp is covered including why 2,000 Saints supporters at Hampden on Saturday was, "a good turn out". Since the first semi on Saturday was Sellik v Saints, the Off the Ball show had balance, the guest was Craig McLean. A former Keeper at 'Well and Clyde gave up football for an Equity card. In his soliloquy he blurted, "ahm a big Sellik man". It was pantomime time on the Sunday show, another Actor and full time Hibee, Dougray Scott dropped the 'F' bomb and told of only ever being threatened once, by a Rangers supporter obviously after the 2016 Scottish Cup final. The balance was provided by RAB Cosgrove, even his mucker', Tam Cowan called it, "you're just a big Hater". RAB stated, "Gerrard was off before the next Administration" and, "Neil McCann will not be talking to BBC Scotland by the end of the weekend". RAB has recently entered his 70th year and his trolling of Rangers supporters extends to pronunciation. Giovanni van Bronkhurst is having his Christian name mispronounced. It's not Gee-o-vanni, the proper pronunciation is Joh-vanni. RAB quotes the authority of the Editor of Flourish - the RC Archdiocese of Glasgow Journal. Ronnie Convery has joined Kevin McKenna, Angela Haggerty, Jum Spence, Gerry Braiden, ............. and, Phil McFournames in telling RAB what to tell Rangers supporters. Ronnie was a Spokesperson for Cardinal O'Brien for several years, maybe he'll tell RAB why the Scots Cardinal spent his final four years living in Northumbria? Anyways, RAB will be the recipient of multiple pats on his napper from those named. He can be relied upon to supply that special PQ balance when required. Last week, he did the Big Dick thing, resorting to his newspaper column to present a preferred prejudice. He had several bites on radio about the way Actor, Brian Cox was treated on Question Time. I watched the show and the Dundee born and bred Thespian made a roaring cnut of himself. The final question epitomised, it was with reference to Glasgow hosting COP 26 and a bin man strike taking place because of a plague of rats? Brian answered, "that's life". Brian Cox is just another big Sellik man and he has lived outside Scotland these last fifty years, the last couple of decades in Manhattan. He was the ScotsNat rep' on the panel. He got off the plane, pinned on the necessary lapel badges and the damp of the SECC reminded him why he left the country. RAB was outraged such a special Actor was disrespected. So much so, he utilised his National column to inform the five thousand folks that continue to purchase the comic that those administrating the bin workers strike(the GMB) were funders of the Better Together campaign. Further, they were not interested in promoting Scotland's good image. Nicola and Brian copped it unfairly, the bin men were only motivated by greed. RAB brought balance to the rats and chaos present in the FM's constituency of Govanhill. It's hardly surprising, RAB of the sandstone villa in Dennistoun, the Sri Lankan villa with infinity pool, the East London flats, ............ supports Nicola and Brian against working men toiling in appalling conditions. His Socialism is framed in precise National terms, pronunciation - RAB Balance.

The first half was a clusterfcuk. Still, 1-3 at the interval and all to play for, the next goal would be most important. The second half lasted 50 minutes. We played in front, around and, down the sides. We got in behind once, we crossed in half-a-dozen balls and, we put the laces through three shots, all deflected for corners. The Hibs Keeper came for one ball and grasped it, he punched another. Hibs managed the entire fifty minutes, absolutely. Macey did NOT have one save to make.

Rangers 2 Hibernian 1 FGS : Morelos.