26th of foot

We returned from the last international break to play Hearts at Tynecastle. We were top of the table, Hearts were a point or two off the bottom. We knew what to expect, the ball would be lumped into our box at every opportunity and supported heavily. We started poorly, the Jambos were camped in our final third for twenty minutes. We were 1-zero down and had survived another couple of scares. Today before the next international break, Livi' will be more of the same. We must start well, on the front foot, take the game to Livi'. Dictate the tempo and we should win comfortably. It is essential we score first and second, whilst retaining defensive discipline. The surface is what it is, ignore it, get the victory and hopefully we will not have to revisit it this season?

(ii) Rank Hypocrisy. Enthralled, I returned home last evening, Rangers beating of Porto was the high on my mind. I switched on the TV and found BBC's Question Time underway. Guests included Humza Yousaf and Angela Haggerty. The HND armed Journo is a piece of work, and considerable work has been put in by many to ensure she is provided with every opportunity. Angela straddles the horses of both Irish and Scottish nationalism, riding down Union aspirations the way she rode down any claims that fellow Journo, Lyra McKee was murdered by the IRA. As my high ebbed, I wondered just how far does Angela's protection extend? She is among a coterie of Journos regularly invited by PQ to broadcast their preferred prejudice. You have the likes of former Sellik View Editor, Kevin McKenna, the Herald's former Literary Editor, Hugh MacDonald, and Herald columnist, Catriona Stewart(Gregor Cox). They all provide support to a range of Producers, Staffers, and Presenters. Well, it's mutual support; Chris McLaughlin, Tom English, and DrStu' can all say what they like, knowing it will minimised/expanded, rationalised/evaluated, justified/acceptable, ...... etc. They have all uttered the most vile, sectarian statements about Rangers and Rangers supporters knowing that not one of them will ever be pulled up, chastised, or disciplined. They will not be reminded either, their sin is clean. They were all contributors to the Rangers Tax Case Blog and that has never been raised for conversation since the day it all disappeared, after a number of court rulings. Nearly a million impressions gone overnight without a word. Actually, DrStu' has commented on a few occasions, it has always been the same, "Rangers supporters should forget all about the RTC Blog". It's the arrogance, we are not allowed to find out whose display cabinet hosts the Orwell prize? DrStu' the Jedi Knight! Last Thursday's Media Review, you know that show where DrStu' brings a different voice to the microphone? He introduced himself saying he had been watching Jeremy Corbyn's election campaign. He found it most compelling, or rather he could understand why traditional voters in the north of England would find it compelling. He urged those voters to forego the temptation of the Brexit Party and return to the socialism fold. A break ensued, then DrStu returned to speak of "coherence". In Scotland, Corbyn's message was incoherent because socialism was represented by the SNP. Here's me thinking if you allow your socialist sensitivities to be subdued by nationalist demands, then you are a national socialist; something entirely different. Why can't DrStu' allow his fellow Scots to vote Labour? Further, I am surprised that the broadcast footprint of BBC Scotland has been extended to include the north of England. Of course the rank hypocrisy is that DrStu' hates the English as much as he hates Rangers supporters. Question Time is a show that exercises the collective minds of the Gang Hut. We have had several rantings and ravings on the make up of the panel, and even more interesting is a demand to ensure approval of the audience members. DrStu' spent an entire Media Review battering a particular audience member from Livingston who had rag dolled Fiona Hyslop. It was DrStu's favoured shotgun approach, he was outraged that the Livi' chap was a drummer in an Orange marching band. The rank hypocrisy is DrStu's Councilor in Dennistoun is a drummer in a marching band, his name is Allan Casey and he banged the drum for an Irish Republican marching band. Obviously, DrStu' is prepared to subdue his socialist principles because Casey is nationalist Councilor. I suppose it's a relief that DrStu' only hates some drummers. The other conclusion must be DrStu' the Jedi Knight approves of Angela? It was he on the Media Review that announced Lyra McKee had died as a result of cross fire. Mutual support provides mutual comfort.

The presentation contains a good contrast. The younger guy has a great passion for the football narrative; there's a beginning ie going to the match, there's a middle ie the game itself, and the end is the low key, coming down appraisal in the hotel lounge. The older lad adds bon mots and occasional reinforcement of comments. BBC Scotland's, 'the View from the Terrace' should take note.

Thank-you for posting the vlog. I thought the vloggers caught the raw passion, particularly I liked the mix of confident and apprehensive score predictions across the generations. Such objectivity puts most of the Scots press pack to shame.

Alfredo's finish is a thing of beauty. To let that ball come across his body and take a touch, then strike to the far corner with the same foot, classy. Well done Rangers.

Tonight is stick or twist for Stevie G. There will be a compulsion to move the team 20-30 yards up the pitch, crowd Porto, and hope we gain our just rewards. The disadvantage is the width and space available to the opposition behind our back four. I suspect it will be more of the match we saw in Portugal. We will be narrow and quite deep. If, like over there, we are competing in a tight tactical affair; we will open up a bit in the last twenty minutes. I hope for a victory, those three points are gold dust; but I think a draw is more likely.

(i) Rank Hypocrisy! Let's go back ten days, DrStu' is doing his petty and ill informed gig on, 'Off the Ball'. The guest is fellow Super Saintee, the actor Colin McCredie. You may remember his fifteen year stint in Taggart? Of course, he has something to plug. Whatever it is, you would be better served finding a burning orphanage to view. The real reason he turned up at PQ, apart from the peppercorn fee and further exposure; was to await the invitation to watch St Johnstone play Acas at Perth on an incoming live feed. DrStu' and Cowan extend the invitation and McCredie offers, "ah was wondering where I could watch the game"? It's the sense of entitlement available to the Gang Hut and their pals. DrStu' bangs on about his keen sense of injustice, it keeps him awake at night. It is really from the first whistle to the last for the Gang Huttees. Rangers supporters paying their BBC License Fee when Rangers entertained Acas did not receive live coverage from Ibrox. In fact, Sportsound went off air as the Ibrox game kicked-off. In fact, full live coverage of the Livi'/Celtic game had just ended and Big Dick handed over to Geoff Webster who spent two hours talking rugby/tennis/golf. Similarly, when Motherwell visited the stadium, full live commentary of Aberdeen/Sellik ended and again Big Dick handed over to fellow Dandy, Geoff Webster for more minority sport. Rangers License Fee payers on both Sundays received two thirty second reports from Rob McLean, interrupting the Webster flow. The rank hypocrisy of the entitled few exercising their privilege over the air, knowing the vast majority listening are paying. Rangers supporters in remote areas, infirm Bears, elderly and alone bluenoses, ..........etc - those where their radio/TV is their link to the outside world should know, DrStu' sleeps well.

Really, ra Sellik View from Mike Meehall Wood? A twitter account lionising Phil McFournames, screaming in capitals, 'FCUK THE H-U-NS'. proclaiming TAL, mocking the deceased Sandy Jardine, hinting at FARE membership, and a disgraceful comment reference the Manchester bombing. Well, he has had his piece published in Forbes and it is now on our screens. That will be enough objectivity for BBC Scotland to reward him with a senior position.

Craig has left the building, no longer Director of Football either. I suspect Jack Ross will be favourite to take over? I demand Michael Stewart be offered the role; well, for Sunday's game at least.

1. Sandy Jardine. 2. Dave Smith. 3. Alex MacDonald. 4. Davie Cooper. 5. Gazza.

BBC Scotland Journo's reaction to proposed General Election Date. Long term Sellik blogger, Stefan Bienkoski was rewarded for his faithful through and through approach by being hail hailed into the PQ Gang Hut during the last close season. Mostly, he pens match reports on SPFL matches. He has covered a few Rangers games, including Euro ties; and his grudging remarks can be quite entertaining. Obviously, he has still to come to terms with the move from blogging about his favoured club, to becoming an objective Journo' dealing with the fanatical levels of admiration required by the fellow Bhoys in the Gang Hut. Anyways, on hearing BoJo is set on the 12th of December as the date for the General Election, Stefan 's immediate thought is on Sellik's away Europa League game in Romania, against FC Cluj, "so a general election on December 12, the same day Celtic will have 10,000-15,000 fans in Romania". Now, Stefan assumes all those traveling come from Glasgow, because 15,000 missing the vote will significantly effect those marginal seats in the city. He is also worried about the demographic, "fans could sign up for postal votes, but we're talking about a largely 18-35 demographic of men. Can't imagine many will have that on their minds". The Gang Hut sophologist, Philip Sim(the oft' eulogised, Big Phil) contributes with a graphic claiming Scotland is a country of marginals. Stefan has been chastised, a lie is a more believable lie if it is tempered somewhat, "I've probably exaggerated the number of Celtic fans that will be out the country(haven't had any coffee yet) but even 4-5,000 could make a big difference in Glasgow". Ra Sellik's traveling support to Romania for the Champions League qualifier in August was under one thousand. I suspect Stefan would be better offering his fellow Bhoys the traditional Irish nationalist advice, 'vote early and vote often'?

Twenty pictures, one brow!

The 'BUT' of the Gang Hut. I noted last Saturday the narrative in the PQ Gang Hut was changing. Rangers sat top of the table, thus a general admittance that Gerrard had improved Rangers was necessary. However a caveat was a requirement too. Wullie Miller launched into a rehearsed spiel on Gerrard's Rangers which goes like this : Gerrard has done well, the Board are backing him BUT - we all know why he is here, to stop Sellik winning nine/ten in a row. Anything less is failure. Further on Europe, spending several millions on one player, he should be qualifying from Europa League group stages, anything less is failure. Wullie sets a high bar, Big Dick is eager to agree; the words Rangers and failure should be included in every sentence. Michael Stewart is anxious to reinforce such sentiment and does so by proxy, "who was I talking to during the week? Aye, it was Mark Wilson, remember the Celtic player? He pointed out that Rangers have mostly played home games, and have not faced any of the top teams away from home". Yep, the Masonic Computer at the SPFL has come to our aid again, scheduling easy fixtures. Both Billy Dodds and Neil McCann didn't go along with the above, BUT they both have EBTs and probably do not bump into Mark Wilson. Allan Preston was concerned for Scottish football, he felt Hearts must take something from the Tynecastle game, Rangers thrashing teams is to the detriment of the game. It was party streamers and balloons in the Gang Hut after Sunday's 1-1 draw at Tynecastle, Rangers were second after having failed to secure victory. Mark Wilson is the new Guru, he is not a false prophet. Now, Porto are a Champions League side in terms of investment, their Chairman's reaction to being knocked out of the CL qualifiers, was to promise the winning of the Europa Cup. I suspect most folks recognise the Stadio do Dragao as a tough venue to visit? Rangers secured a most credible 1-1 draw. Meanwhile, ra Sellik playing in the same Europa League were actually playing in the Champions League. This was the same as last season, the Gang Hut fail fail to recognise the reality. All hail Mark Wilson.

Seriously, I have never heard that, could you elaborate? I was out of the country, thus a lot slipped away.

John Greig began his fifth season as manager of Rangers in August'83. Levels of optimism were low, Jim Bett had left and returned to Belgian side, Lokeren. However, Ally McCoist had finally joined Rangers at the third time of asking. Sunderland had taken a considerable hit in accepting a £185,000 fee. Ally would go on to finish the season as Rangers top scorer on 21 goals, John Greig's season ended on the 28th October. In two months, he had lead Rangers to wining a Glasgow Cup, a 1-0 against Celtic in front of 60,000 at Hampden, the League Cup semi-finals, and secured a club European record victory over Valletta(18-0) in the first round of the European Cup Winners Cup. The clouds had been gathering, our start to the league season had seen one point secured from four games. Amid the plethora of cup victories, another four league matches had seen three wins and importantly a home loss to Aberdeen. Post match posses collected in front of the Main Stand. The week ahead saw Porto visit Ibrox for the second round ECWC first leg, Saturday would see Motherwell provide opposition for our ninth league fixture at the Stadium. Thirty-six thousand witnessed the Portuguese spirited defence. We started well, had a good first half and Sandy Clark notched several minuted before half-time. The second half was a grind, Porto were comfortable, and showed our attack down cul-de-sacs. A few long range efforts peppered the goal and we got lucky, a decent save was met on the rebound by our substitute the big Aussie, Dave Mitchell. We were two zip with five minutes to go. In the last minute, Peter McCloy made an appalling blunder, gifting Porto's Jacques a tap in. The concession of that goal proved extremely costly. Rangers team that evening was : McCloy, Dawson, McClelland, McPherson, Paterson, Redford, Prytz, McCoist, Clark, Russell, and Cooper. On the Saturday, the mighty Claret and Amber arrived, conceded a penalty scored by McCoist and then notched two second half goals themselves. The Posses reconvened in Edmiston Drive and Greig decided on a few days off to decide his future. We had seven points from a possible 18, and Hearts awaited midweek in the League Cup. Tommy McLean stood in and steered us to a 2-0 win. John Greig offered his resignation on the Friday and the Board accepted the inevitable. Calimero continued in the dug-out for the next day's visit to Love Street, there was no injustice, we were deservedly routed 3-0. Sunday saw Alex Ferguson visit Ibrox, the Board offered him the opportunity to manage his boyhood heroes, and he accepted. He returned to Aberdeen to inform Dick Donald who offered the same terms as Rangers and promised a place on the Board. Fergie called Rangers next day and informed the club of his reverse decision. The joke at the time was his mistress, Jane Franchi did not fancy a move to Glasgow. How far were Rangers to fall? The second leg of the ECWC tie was played at the Antas stadium on a rain soaked evening in front of 60,000. Tommy McLean put the team : McCloy, McKinnon, McClelland, Paterson, Dawson, McPherson Cooper, Russell, Prytz, Redford, and Clark to defend a most slender 2-1 lead, Again, a good first half, Cooper was deep on the right and was picking the passes. McCloy had made two wonderful saves from Porto's centre, Gomes. All square at half-time, but Porto kept coming in the second. Driven no doubt by the Club Chairman's incentive to pay a bonus of £1,600 to the scorer of the winning goal. Gomes claimed the only goal and the bounty. Most Bears thought the Big Gas Meter had a claim on that fee as we lost out on away goals. Interestingly, Porto went on to the final of the ECWC that year, losing narrowly 2-1 to Juventus. Further, they dispatched Aberdeen in the semi-final 2-0 on aggregate. In the mean time, Fergie had refused the Arsenal job, still awaiting that promised elevation to the Aberdeen Board. Jane Franchi did not like London either. Returning from Portugal, we faced Celtic at Ibrox and lost 1-2. Dundee United's manager was next offered the Ibrox hot seat and again, accepted. Walter Smith tells of donning a well worn Rangers scarf as Jim McLean told him he was accompanying him at the Stadium. Yep, Jim was sacking his younger brother, Tommy; then he spoke with long term Tannadice Director, George Fox, changed his mind and told Walter to remove his scarf. The turn of the year would see McLean turn down Newcastle United too. Tommy's misery continued for a further two weeks, before the Board settled on a third choice Jock Wallace. We would go on to win the League Cup against Celtic, McCoist scoring a hat-trick in a 3-2 victory. Wallace temporarily restored confidence and fitness levels, we went on a five month unbeaten run. He signed both Stuart Munro and Jimmy Nicholl, taking us to fourth in the league, finishing 15 points behind Champions, Aberdeen. It's been a recurring theme among older Bears, could an inspired Rangers have replicated Porto's journey to the final? We were definitely a cup team, added battle fever might have had us dreaming? Thursday night's Europa Cup tie has none of the surrounding drama and I suspect the Gaffer will go with : McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Helander, Barisic, Kamara, Davis, Aribo, Arfield, Kent, and Morelos. It's the Estadio do Dragao where we drew 1-1 fourteen years past in the Champions League. Ross McCormack scored the equaliser and that precious point saw us qualify for the last sixteen. I fancy Porto have a couple of goals in them, notwithstanding any Chairman's incentive. Hopefully, Morelos and one other can reply to secure a 2-2 draw?

My take on yesterday centres on the lack of energy in the side. We had four/five players who did not contribute, Ojo, Aribo, Arfield, Tav'? I know we have a lot of players away on international duty, and some of them involve long journeys. We know what to expect at Tynie, it's a battle, it's frantic, it's atmospheric, it's fractured football at best. In games like Hearts away, shouldn't the manager consider the energy that Docherty brings to the midfield? Further, yesterday's opening 15-20 minutes; we missed Ryan Jack's presence, those interceptions and considered passes.

Heading to the pub to watch this and feeling nervous. One last plea, be aware Kevin Clancy has been sitting in the cold these last three weeks. When he runs out into the sunshine at Tynecastle, do not give him any excuse to please Peter.

James Delaney fail fails to mention Kris Boyd was also sectarianly abused by TGFITW. Understandable, because the then Killie boss, Steve Clarke failed to mention it too.

Good news travels fast.

I note Club 1872 are tweeting they have been informed that their complaint reference BBC Scotland's Tom English comments on Rangers supporters being crushed outside Rugby Park on the first day of the season, has been upheld by the BBC Executive Complaints Unit. Tom's tweet was, 'Trapped outside Rugby Park... Trapped outside?? this execrable stuff'. I seem to remember Michael Stewart supported Tom's Tweet? Rangers fans being trapped and fainting against Rugby Park walls beside turnstyles, ran against both Tom and Michael's implied narrative, that too many Rangers supporters were in the away end as a result of forged tickets. Tom is currently in Japan watching rugby.

I note a lack of momentum in progressing BBC Scotland's story. The Daily Record buried it mid paper, with no journalist named. Further, the Daily Record has closed down it's specific Sellik 'zine, 'Football Scotland' website. Anthony Haggerty has been let go after 20 years. The Sun's take on the story has been credited to long term Rangers hater, Robert McAulay, and the Herald have utilised former Irish Times Journo', James Delaney. BBC Scotland's lunch time news bulletin had no time to continue/update in it's fifteen minutes. I suspect the intention behind Daly's report is to ensure any inquiry in the future includes the Gordon Neely/Rangers connection.

Jambo Jousting! I like that. Hearts have not won a home league match since March. We have conceded the fewest goals in the league, let's maintain that defensive discipline and take our chances when they are presented. Let's make it a no dramas, professional 0-2 or 3 victory. In doing so, we will put a lot of expectant noses out of joint.

A fantastic 1-0 victory, goal scored by Josh McPake. It could have been more, Kennedy hit the post; and Mebude battled well throughout.

Dog Whistling Dixie. This morning's 'Call Kaye' on BBC Radio Scotland had a stand-in presenter, I think it was Laura Maxwell? Being topical, they had an hour's phone-in on Racism in Football, last night's events in Sofia to the fore? Well, not really, it was a convenient hook to hang Rangers. After the introduction, citing Bulgaria; it was brought home to the racism(sectarianism) charges brought against Rangers by UEFA/FARE. Callers were invited to contact the show and 'Call it Out'. Of course, 'Call it Out' is the organisation formed by Angela Haggerty and Jeanette Findlay in the wake of Cannon Tom White being spat upon, outside his parish church, St Alphonsus on London Road, the Barras. The Dog Whistle worked, the first few callers were keen to equate Rangers fans singing sectarian songs with racism. A caller wanted to talk about Morelos and the racism he has faced, quickly let go in favour of some other caller, more on message with 'Call it Out'. The conclusion to the item was Humza Yousaf, our very own Scottish Justice Minister who managed to loose all the evidence against nine fellow Sellik supporters, charged with hanging two effigies from the roof of Sellik Park's North Stand. One effigy had a Rangers scarf, the other had an orange collarette, both hung for over an hour above a dozen KAH(Kill All H-u-ns) flags. Humza promised strong action if and when racism is called out. Kevin Clancy is appointed Referee for Tynecastle. PQ did not discuss Kevin Clancy NOT being appointed to officiate at any Scottish fixture last weekend. It was his own fault, he did not award Sellik two penalties at Easter Road and Peter's will cannot be opposed. Kevin will be given another opportunity at redemption this coming Sunday and Peter will be watching. The Gang Hut expect no less of their Leader. Peter moves in mysterious ways, and that is NOT up for discussion. You can whistle Dixie.

Have the Sun factored in a Kurds counter attack? Just saying.