OnlyOneAmoruso

I'm not castigating anyone, mate. Just looking for answers.

It all petered out. I think they've had forum difficulties since which was probably a blessing. The abuse I got was out of order but was apparently of a similar level to the abuse I gave out. (I gave non and certainly no derogatory remarks such as lickspittle or lapdog to a man I've never met and barely conversed with) C'est la vie. I'll just have to take it on the chin and move on from here

I'm not restricted at all mate but the one pillar near me isn't all that massive. I've got no idea how restricted it would be.

He has refused to do so.

I sit in Row P mate so I'd likely think it's a pillar of some sort. I'd give the club a phone and they should be able to clear it up.

What row are they in? Don't post the seat number if you don't want to. I sit in the Main Stand Rear and there are a couple of pillars which may cause restricted viewing for fans behind them. I also think the back few rows visibility may be hindered slightly by the overhang of the club deck.

Not sure about the Calderwood suggestion! Living in Holland you'll know first hand how PSV and Ajax go about their business and if it's viable or not. Culture has a lot to do with it and people need to be willing to change. I don't know anything about Verbeek or Jans but, if capable then you would think that a manager of a mid-table team in the Eredivisie would jump at the chance of a project at a club like ours.

I don't agree that just because the Premiership isn't doing it doesn't mean we can't. Look to clubs on the continent such as PSV, Porto, Ajax amongst others who are doing it and being successful. Hell, the best club on the planet do it better than anyone. As I said in a reply above it would be a gradual first team alteration. I also want this team to play together for many years, the core of the team is young enough to. It's about making plans to supplement and (years down the line) replacing them with minimum disruption and maximum gain.

I don't see why it should be seen as an assault. I think every Rangers fan has a right to know what's going on at the club. A right to know why our manager is making the comments that he is. I don't think there should be any problem providing this information to the fans?

Exactly mate. I'd be intrigued to see how a manager would strike the balance between this. Across the city has been a shambles of a 'transformation'. A total rush job in my eyes. I'd be looking at a 5-10 year plan being implemented. In the first team sense, not much would change for the first couple of years. It would be the layers beneath that which would be overhauled. Then gradually, hopefully with little impact to results, changes could be implemented to the first team. I have no idea who could do this or who we could attract to perform such a job.

I wouldn't say it means nothing although it is comparative to the standard of player we are playing against. It's nice to be the best at something, however skewed the statistics could be perceived. Still, the best defence in Britain has a nice ring to it

There's certainly recent historical evidence to back up that theory. Perhaps it's necessary though? I don't like the current youth set up that we have. I think a total overhaul of it is needed, from top to bottom. I don't think Smith has the inclination to do this as he rightly recognises we are in a win at all costs environment. Le Guen clearly went about it in the wrong way and underestimated the job needed, however, I don't think it's impossible for it to be done and believe that ultimately it would be successful.

Thoughts on this? If, hypothetically, we are under new ownership by the time summer comes around, is Smith the man to lead us into this new era? As one of his most vehement defenders it may be surprising to some that I don't believe he is. Let me say now that I think Smith has been great for Rangers and is easily the second most successful manager we've ever had. I don't buy into the thought that he cannot build a team without reasonable funding or that he lacks the ability to nurture youth players into full blown first team stars. I think Smith feels that the pressures of succeeding at Rangers makes this already arduous task that bit more difficult. If Smith wins the treble this season, against the current backdrop then what will then be a 3.5 year period will rank up there with (if not superceding) his 7 year previous stint. I just feel that a fresh approach is needed, as successful as Smith is. We need to find a balance between what clubs like PSV & Porto do whilst still recognising that we have to win every game (as I'm sure those clubs do too). Our net needs to be cast far and wide in Scotland (much wider than it is just now). We should have employees all around Scotland scouting youth teams ranging from the very young to the mid teens and cherry picking the best talent and integrating them into our own youth set up. We should be aiming to bring players in at the 16/17 mark from around Europe (our record in doing this is terrible (Kalenga, Jacmot, Kaupilla, Fetai) to name but a few) and nurturing them into possible first team players, useful squad players or players we are capable of making a profit on. On top of that we should be looking at bringing in players such as the Bougherras, Cuellars & Van Bronckhorsts of this world and giving them the exposure and platform necessary to attract offers of double & treble their values. Ally McCoist has been touted as the obvious replacement when Smith leaves and this is mostly met with scepticism due to his lack of experience. I think it's plain to see that McCoist takes a great interest in the youth players and always speaks very highly of them when questioned. Whether he can channel this into managing them fully and giving them the appropriate chances to grow is another matter. Of course, it's not just about bringing through youth players. We have no idea what type of manager McCoist will be or how much of a disciplinarian or tactician he is. So my question is, do you think Smith should remain in charge IF we have new owners in the summer? If not, who do you recommend and what can they bring to the table?

Yes, I've noticed his name a couple of times. This and the Matthew Lindsay match report yesterday indicate there are still a few fighting the good fight

http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/rangers/solid-foundation-rangers-have-third-best-defensive-record-in-europe-1.1006765 Interesting and pleasing statistic!

Doesn't mince his words does Boydy

I can only think it's been hotlinked by Celtc members to have a jolly old laugh at Rangers. Frankie may be able to clarify but is it a case of the more hits an article gets, the more likely it is to appear on the website?

If you differ with some of the content or target then there has to be discussion. Rather than the website as a whole backing it, individual contributions should be encouraged and people should come on board as equals, not just to assist imo. Then we represent ourselves Frankie. As Rangers fans. Not as the Trust, not as FF, not as RM, Rangers fans. RWA has been speaking about it across the forums for the last two weeks and he's right. This is bigger than anyone else and I don't really want to sit about waiting for leadership that a) isn't going to appear and b) may not be what we're looking for anyway

After the weekend and yesterdays goings on it appears the only option is to forge on ahead with the plans laid out last week (See statement from Rangers supporters thread) Due to personal circumstances I've been unable to commit any time to this as yet but after this weekend I should be able to make more of a contribution. We should make also use of some of the excellent thoughts and ideas that are available on gersnet through it's writers and hope that no barriers are encountered when ultimately we all want the same thing.

That's not the immediate adjective that springs to mind when discussing MF

Watch your step, fanta pants.

How is Wiktorski looking mate? Heard some decent things.

Theres an exception to every rule

My eyes have been opened tonight. I don't know whats worse, FF's lunatic fringe which wants the manager out even now or RM's head in the sand 'we're 10 points clear, quit complaining' brigade. Thank god for this place (maineflyer apart :fish:)

Thats why clarity is a must. If this brings about some nasty truths regarding Rangers fans then thats unfortunate but clarity is required.