Gribz

Its time the SFA, SFL and SPL got together along with a number of ex players and current managers and worked out what to do about the joke that is Scottish Football. The backward trend that has been going on for the last 15 years has to stop now. I dont think its a coincidence that the a 4th league was introduced in the country around this time and in that time period new clubs such as Inverness, Ross County, Livingston, Peterhead, Elgin and Gretna have all entered the professional game. Dont get me wrong there was always a good shout for a highland team and Inverness have not been bad for the game but Im not so sure Ross County and Elgin are justified and could have been part of the original Highland merger. But the fact of the matter is there are too many teams and divisions in a small country meaning games have attendances that you see at Shinty matches. The Gretna scenario has to be the wake up call for all 3 football bodies in the country to sort something out. Its time tradition was put out the window and clubs were made to merge. If it means upsetting a few hundred fans from each small team then so be it for the state of the game. Soon enough the traditionalists would miss football and be bite the bullet and want to see football again at some grounds and if it means they change the team they follow then thats not a bad thing as they would still be turning up a a game somewhere. It may take a generation or so to get used to mergers but in the long run this would be benefical. After all we have been going backwards for 1 generation already, so whats 1 more when its for the good of the game and the trend would be on the up rather than decline. There is no over night solution for the game anyway. You could name a few ways to improve the structure but a maximum of 3 leagues is the way. Personally id like to see 2 top divisions with the lower regional leagues being brought back and then play offs at the end of it between the top teams from each region. A trip from Montrose to Stranraer on a Wednesday night has absolutely no point to it at all and I cant work out where the travelling club would profit from this. The stadium issue also has to be addressed following the state of Fir Park lately. Clubs must submit all details of stadia well in advance to make sure only severe weather conditions can force games off. Obviously tragic circumstances such as the Phil O Donnell situation this year are exceptions. One of aspect to improve the game is either having summer football or a winter break. During the winter break all clubs would have to re-lay there pitch. But Id be a fan of moving to summer football. There is no doubt in my mind having midweek games on a summer night would bring much more fans out than to midweek nights on a cold December. The Christmas period also means fans have to dip into there pockets more and some just have to give up going to the footy on the odd week. On the bright side of the Scottish game at the moment is the Old Firm seem to be improving when playing in Europe. Both sides have held there own against supposed bigger teams in the last few seasons. Not only that the national team are improving and we're very unlucky not to qualify against the 2 World Cup finalists. So the product is there in the country, we just need to tighten it up and run things better. We have a number of superb footballing brains from our country - that is shown with the amount of success stories down south from Alex Ferguson, Davie Moyes, Kenny Dalglish and all the way back to greats such as Shankley and Busby. Its just a shame they are cancelled out by a group of men who seem inept of doing there job with a hint of common sense in there system and just seem happy sitting a nice desk at Hampden during the week. One final point is the media in the country dont help on occasion. They continue to fault and criticise and show bitterness to certain clubs in Europe rather than rally behind them when these clubs are flying the nations flag. But these journo's are easy to ignore and are certainly not worrying about. The way they act is more a social problem than a footballing one. But the game needs someone to stand up and drive the ideas forward so we are not having a top flight football team going bust during a season making us a laughing stock.

Its time the SFA, SFL and SPL got together along with a number of ex players and current managers and worked out what to do about the joke that is Scottish Football. The backward trend that has been going on for the last 15 years has to stop now. I dont think its a coincidence that the a 4th league was introduced in the country around this time and in that time period new clubs such as Inverness, Ross County, Livingston, Peterhead, Elgin and Gretna have all entered the professional game. Dont get me wrong there was always a good shout for a highland team and Inverness have not been bad for the game but Im not so sure Ross County and Elgin are justified and could have been part of the original Highland merger. But the fact of the matter is there are too many teams and divisions in a small country meaning games have attendances that you see at Shinty matches. The Gretna scenario has to be the wake up call for all 3 football bodies in the country to sort something out. Its time tradition was put out the window and clubs were made to merge. If it means upsetting a few hundred fans from each small team then so be it for the state of the game. Soon enough the traditionalists would miss football and be bite the bullet and want to see football again at some grounds and if it means they change the team they follow then thats not a bad thing as they would still be turning up a a game somewhere. It may take a generation or so to get used to mergers but in the long run this would be benefical. After all we have been going backwards for 1 generation already, so whats 1 more when its for the good of the game and the trend would be on the up rather than decline. There is no over night solution for the game anyway. You could name a few ways to improve the structure but a maximum of 3 leagues is the way. Personally id like to see 2 top divisions with the lower regional leagues being brought back and then play offs at the end of it between the top teams from each region. A trip from Montrose to Stranraer on a Wednesday night has absolutely no point to it at all and I cant work out where the travelling club would profit from this. The stadium issue also has to be addressed following the state of Fir Park lately. Clubs must submit all details of stadia well in advance to make sure only severe weather conditions can force games off. Obviously tragic circumstances such as the Phil O Donnell situation this year are exceptions. One of aspect to improve the game is either having summer football or a winter break. During the winter break all clubs would have to re-lay there pitch. But Id be a fan of moving to summer football. There is no doubt in my mind having midweek games on a summer night would bring much more fans out than to midweek nights on a cold December. The Christmas period also means fans have to dip into there pockets more and some just have to give up going to the footy on the odd week. On the bright side of the Scottish game at the moment is the Old Firm seem to be improving when playing in Europe. Both sides have held there own against supposed bigger teams in the last few seasons. Not only that the national team are improving and we're very unlucky not to qualify against the 2 World Cup finalists. So the product is there in the country, we just need to tighten it up and run things better. We have a number of superb footballing brains from our country - that is shown with the amount of success stories down south from Alex Ferguson, Davie Moyes, Kenny Dalglish and all the way back to greats such as Shankley and Busby. Its just a shame they are cancelled out by a group of men who seem inept of doing there job with a hint of common sense in there system and just seem happy sitting a nice desk at Hampden during the week. One final point is the media in the country dont help on occasion. They continue to fault and criticise and show bitterness to certain clubs in Europe rather than rally behind them when these clubs are flying the nations flag. But these journo's are easy to ignore and are certainly not worrying about. The way they act is more a social problem than a footballing one. But the game needs someone to stand up and drive the ideas forward so we are not having a top flight football team going bust during a season making us a laughing stock.

Ive got that mate and will look later. It worked well for the Hatton fight but it didnt work for a game i tried to watch recently (cant remember which one) and had problems with trojans trying to get into my system.

Its a good point Ian. All id be interested in would be the future of Rangers. Im not saying he is the type of player to blast us to trophies but he is no worse than what we have and WS rates him. For a 4-5-1 he makes good sense and did well for Scotland under WS. Working with Super Ally everyday wouldnt do any harm and KM has a good attitude.

If they deduct and scrap out all the points made what do they do with all the revenue made from these games? Do fans get their admission money back from a void match that ended up being a meaninless kick about?? Deducting the points is a nonsense from top to bottom.

Yip I know that and its something we should be looking at soon, employing him to sniff out talent around the Germany, Holland areas.

I get the feeling Wenger would prefer the CL this season and may put more into that. But with all 3 chasing both comps and dont have the FA cup to worry about we are in for probably the best run in we've had - due to it being a 3 way battle EDIT: Next few fixtures: This midweek Man Utd v Bolton and Spurs v Chelsea Next weekend Man Utd v Liverpool Chelsea v Arsenal

Anyone have any links to watch the game on the internet today?

Watched Derby v Man U yesterday live and Miller played well. He had a great chance where he beat one defender then Ben Foster pulled of a superb save from the shot. What i was impressed with most was his work rate and getting himself in good positions and he linked up well with the midfield. He can play upfront on his own and still has plenty of pace. He also isnt injury prone like JCD so in a 4-5-1 he would be better than our current options bar Cousin. If he came back to Rangers im big enough to say It wouldnt bother me one bit that he played for Celtic. If it benefits Rangers then i have no problem with it. The only thing would be the price tag for me. I wouldnt spend 3 million on him but if we got a good deal then WS knows how to get the best out of him.

Aye Fraser, English exam!!! I was in Italy one year when I was supposed to have my Higher Accounting Exam. Ironically I was on a school trip and still got to re-sit the exam. Just tell them Gersnet says you can go to the final and we'll write you a note

Awesome find. Get in there. That was at least 30 yards :cheers: Its nearly 100% unlikely but I would love to see him in a Rangers shirt again, he is fit and can still play. And if Sheringham is still playing.... Id rather bring Albertz on with 20 mins to go than some of the players we have.

Man Utd looking good for this at the moment. They have the bigger squad and are dragging results out while Arsenal are going through a shocking slump of 4 draws. Arsenals squad has been hit since Eduardo's injury and now they are struggling. They are a big player or 2 behind Man Utd. They have lost a 5 pt lead and now Man U are top on GD with a game more to play. Chelsea are in there aswell only 3 behind with that game extra to play also. Its hotting up to be a great finish but only if Arsenal can get some form going again. There will still be twists yet and there are some big games coming up between the top 4 next week.

Where did that West Brom result come from?? 4-1 to Shitty Leicester. Arsenal drawing makes my coupon not as sore as I hate being let down by 1 team. But Im wanting the Goons to win the league and at the moment they are throwing it away. 5 pts clear a few weeks ago but now level with a game more played

We HAD to get a win today. I had them on the coupon for that reason. Yet again we bring another potential great player through the brilliant academy.

Derby didnt deserve to lose that. If they had showed that fight all season they would have a lot more points. Miller and McEveley both played well. Miller isntworth 3 million but Im big enough to say it wouldnt bother me if he came back to Ibrox. He showed pace and determination against one of the best sides in europe and playing like that he would benefit the Rangers team. Plus he can play upfront on his own and isnt injury prone.

Notts Forest just screwed me out of 113 quid from a fiver. Its the usual shit of 1 team costing me. 6 out of 7 on the basis Arsenal win. West Ham won 2-1 Man U won 1-0 Chelsea won 1-0 Liverpool won 1-0 C Palace won 2-0 Arsenal will win Forest drew fuckin 1-1 with Walsall and Walsalls goal was a og. Unbelievable how this can happen every week.

Just checked sky scoreboard and he did! 1-0 at half time - The Hammer Albertz Albertz Albertz Albertz :cheers:

Cracking first half but its 0-0. Man U came out the blocks flying and could have hit 5 and Carroll had a great save. Since that Derby came right back into it and Ben Foster pulled off 2 top class saves, but Derby were giving them a right go. Kenny Miller has been playing well, and had a good run from his own half along with a a great chance that Foster saved. The atmosphere is brilliant and since the start the Derby fans have been at the top of there voice.

Ive gone for 3 draws today: Portsmouth v Aston Villa Ipswich v Charlton Watford v Stoke Will also maybe get an accumulator on.

Is the Hammer playing today?

Agree that its been a successsful (or progressional) season despite what happens (to an extent). But I dont think I can put WS up with Awex and Wenger. WS struggled at that level with Everton and has had more poor european season than not. Sir Awex has been sucessful both sides of the border where as Smith only north, but he did superb with Scotland. Id say he learned a lot about himself after Everton. He is a brilliant manager but he isnt Wenger or Fergie - they could hand pick any job they wanted in the world.

Havent even looked at the coupon yet. Will get onto it right away. Good luck with that Juff

And how many at Fir Park!! Its getting laughable, Sunday league games have probebly been called off less this season.

Id go the opposite, West Ham HAVE to win today and I think they will.

Arsenal v Middlesboro: Boro are the only team to beat Arsenal in the league this season but I dont see a repeat here. Boro are on a decent run of form in the league but 2 defeats in a row see's them right back in the thick of it. Arsenal dropped 2 points on Wigans field last weekend so will be eager to win today and hope Derby do mission impossible against Man Utd. Home win Derby v Man Utd: Will Derby ever get another win this season and will it come against the champions? The odds are the longest ever for a Premier League home team - 14/1. Paul Jewell continues to slam his team in public which does no good at all. Man Utd will be happy with this game and should pick up an easy 3 points with the chance of resting a few players if they wish. Away win. Liverpool v Reading: Liverpool have finally kick started there season but its too late in the league. Its no coincidence that there last few wins have came when Rafa has not rotated and has played his best players. Reading have had back to back wins for the first time this year giving them some real hope of staying up. This trip is too difficult for them though and should be an easy home win. Portsmouth v Aston Villa: Cracking game in store with 2 attacking teams going for europe. Villa may think the final Champions League place is just beyond them now but they will still give it everything. Pompey are favourites for the FA cup now they are the only BPL side left in the competition and are still chasing a top 6 place. I cant split these 2. Draw Sunderland v Chelsea: Sunderland are relying on home form to keep them up but they lost last time out against Everton and now they face a stiffer test. Roy Keane's men are going to be in the relegation fight up until the end. Chelsea are still plucking away and winning games. They are right back in the title hunt following recent results. They gave Derby a backlashing in midweek following there cup exit at Barnsley and Sunderland may get a bit of the same. Away Win. West Ham v Blackburn: The bookies are offering 100/1 on Blackburn being the 4th consecutive team to beat West Ham 4-0. The Hammers have got to end this terrible run of conceding 12 goals in that time with no reply. They looks well short of confidence in games and dont look like a team who can play together at the moment. The defence is a worry. Curbishley has to get a result here or he may be looking for another job. Mark Hughes men have a terrible record in East London and have not won since 1994. They are still chasing a european spot but a draw with Fulham last week was a hit on the tail. Tough one to predict but: Home Win. Sunday: Fulham v Everton: Fulham got a last gasp equalizer at Blackburn last week and they will hope it can kick start there survival bid. A win this weekend with results going there way would give them a chance. Everton had 120 mins on Wednesday night then went out the UEFA cup on penalties to Fiorentina. It will be interesting to see how they respond. They know they are still chasing 4th spot and its still well in there hands. However they may be playing catch up after this weekend. Draw Man City v Spurs: The home side are really struggling at the moment after a terrific start to the season. They are missing key players such as Richards and Petrov. Spurs bar last week against West Ham have had a poor run since winning the carling cup. They were thumped at Birmingham and went out the UEFA cup to PSV. Tough one to call. Draw Wigan v Bolton: I never thought id say this would be an interesting game to watch but I will be taking this game in on Sunday. It should be a roasting lancashire derby with both clubs fighting for survival. Wigan are 5 places above there rivals but they would be level on points if Bolton won. Bolton are struggling to score at the moment since Anelka left for Chelsea. This couls be one of the games that keeps Wigan in the league. Home Win. Monday: Birmingham v Newcastle: Arguably we have to wait until Monday night for the match of the weekend. If other results go against these teams we could go into this one with these teams 3rd and 4th bottom. Newcastle cant buy a goal never mind a point at the moment. Every outfield player looks lost and Keegan is struggling big time. Birmingham have had some good draws against Arsenal and Spurs recently but still find themselves in deep trouble. Again hard to predict but Im going to stick my neck out and say Keegan will get his first 3 points in this spell in the North East. Away Win.