Gribz

Well all I'll say is we have somehow managed to get back to the top of the league and given ourselves a great platform to go on and win the league while Boyd has been on the bench. Id rather see us top the league with others scoring than Boyd scoring goals and us fighting for 3rd in the league.

Can people confirm if they can do these? East Stirling (H) SFA Cup - Sunday 13th Jan - Craig Gretna (A) SPL - Wed 16th Jan - Super Ally Inverness (A) SPL - Sun 20th Jan - AlanMidd Celtic (A) SPL - Wed 23rd Jan - Frankie St Mirren (H) SPL - Sat 26th Jan - Ascender Hearts (Hampden) SFL Cup - Wed 30th Jan - Gribz Fraser, havent seen you around so havent put your name up. Pete, you started the Dundee Utd game the other day, I'll put you down for the next available one that comes up.

A year is a long time in football, as all connected with Rangers will testify. Last January, the Ibrox club were coping with the turbulence of Paul le Guen's shock departure, amid clashes with Barry Ferguson. A French revolution was in the air, but the former Lyon boss failed to take flight in Scotland, much to the surprise of many observers. The Glasgow club were disjointed, low in confidence and lacking purpose when Le Guen left, and chairman Sir David Murray - not a man to hesitate in a crisis - sent for his old friend, Walter Smith. Having enjoyed a successful spell with Scotland, Smith clearly saw the attraction of coming to Rangers rescue. And he appeared immune to any risks, as the man who made his reputation in leading the Light Blues to a golden nine-in-a-row era previously. From inheriting a mess at international level from Berti Vogts, the task facing him at Ibrox was of a similar magnitude. It was a move generally welcomed, for Smith's knowledge of the club, from his first spell in charge between 1991-1998, in addition to an upbringing steeped in Rangers' traditions, ensured that a sense of stability would become his priority. The new boss, and assistant, legendary striker Ally McCoist, returned to the top of the Ibrox marble staircase on 10 January. And the Scot swung into action with decisive effect, as results improved immediately, Dundee United the first to be accounted for in a 5-0 hammering. Celtic had cast a 17 point Scottish Premier League shadow over their old rivals and, with Rangers in danger of missing out on second place they eventually, however, took the runners-up spot with some ease. Major surgery has taken place in all areas, and the capture of players such as Jean-Claude Darcheville, DaMarcus Beasley and Daniel Cousin were imaginative. But Smith's number one priority was to reshape the defence, which was particularly brittle under Le Guen, who had been accused of underestimating the physical nature of Scottish football. Julien Rodriguez and Karl Svensson left, and the acquisition of the experienced David Weir proved to be a masterstroke. Since his arrival from Everton, the Scotland international has enjoyed an Indian summer, bringing some organisation to the rearguard. Weir's partnership with Spaniard Carlos Cuellar has a composed look to it overall, despite their exposure by the Lyon attack in the disappointing 3-0 home defeat which killed off the Light Blues' Champions League ambitions in December. Indeed, Smith's experience of the blue riband competition ended in disillusionment, the limp exit to the French outfit the most notable failure of his twelve months in charge. It was all the more disappointing, given that Rangers were in pole position to qualify for the last-16. Furthermore, the presence of Celtic when the Champions League resumes will have done little to douse the frustration of Rangers supporters, and an upcoming Uefa Cup tie against Panathinaikos will be a hollow consolation. That said, the capture of the Scottish Premier League title remains the key objective for Smith this season. And Rangers started 2008 in good form, beating Dundee United at Ibrox. Intriguingly, the first goal, supplied by the rejuvenated Chris Burke - who has relished his top team recall - and executed by Steven Naismith, hints at a bright new era, with the two young Scots rewarding Smith's faith in their ability. So far, the manager's reshaping of Rangers has cost �£10m, with Smith himself admitting his surprise at being able to spend so much in a relative era of downsizing at Ibrox. Rangers fans have witnessed more cosmopolitan squads over the years, but since taking over, the manager has placed his trust on a mainly Scottish core. The veteran Weir is the exception to a crop of young talent, with Naismith, Burke, Kevin Thomson, Alan Hutton, Steven Smith, Lee McCulloch, Steven Whittaker and Kris Boyd augmenting the vital presence of captain Ferguson. While there appears to be question marks regarding the prolific Boyd's long term future, Smith was undoubtedly boosted by Hutton's decision to reject a lucrative move to Tottenham Hotspur. Although the �£9m on offer could have helped fund a January transfer spree, the Scotland full-back's loyalty to his club's title chase is to be admired. Smith has yet to taste defeat against the green and white half of Glasgow, and there is no doubt that record will be put to the test when Rangers visit Celtic Park on 23 January. For his second coming to be considered a success, this most shrewd of operators must deliver the SPL title - which would be the first trophy in the Ibrox cabinet since 2005. With a watershed 60th birthday approaching and his reputation under scrutiny, Smith must ensure Rangers' new year elevation to the top of the table will be the shape of things to come. Walter's Way Scottish Premier League: P34 W24 D5 L5 CIS Cup: P2 W2 In Europe: P14 W6 D3 L5 Total: P50 W31 D8 L10

Yeah he might be average or half decent

Well I'll explain once again for you: Yes Boyd can go - as ive said loads of times he can go 4 or 5 games missing sitter after sitter but then notches a few goals against the likes of Falkirk and he's everyone hero All I ever said about Sebo was to TRY him, its been misinterpreted by a few on here and then assumed I rate him - my comments on him would come out once he was given a try - does that register? It must be great for you lot who can judge him on a 3 minute run there and a 7 minute run then 100% know he is a failure. As for Buffel - I rate him. I havent seen much of him but when he wasnt playing out of position he impressed me. The games that stcik out were the 3-1 OF win at the start of last season and when he came on against Porto in the CL. Thats my view on it so you lot can think your right and im wrong if you like but I know Im not alone on my thoughts and then again what the fuck have we won trophywise in the last few years when playing dumplings like Boyd - jack shit!!

Another arrogant tosser. Ive never liked him

Yeah 15k is madness and out of proportion, I bet McGregor isnt on that

I often use the nickname Weapon for myself Stevie Banks though??!! But of a surprise there although may be a decent stop gap

He's faster than Boyd

Mark Hughes is a good shout. But agree with Jon, Shearer is a arrogant arse who comes across as the level headed guy but throws the toys out of the pram at the least thing he dislikes. But i think he may be a No.2 but then the No.1 will be in a no win situation again as he will be grooming Shearer for the job.

This one came out of the blue. Will be hit or miss

Yip, sounds good. Id also like Stevie Lennon to get a run out aswell. This game is a great chance for the likes of Gow, Buffel, Broadfoot etc all to play

Fair do's mate, although i disagree on Buffel. I think he'd be ok in the EPL as it would suit his game due to him being a more pacey player. The only shout for keeping Boyd IMO is the same as Ascender said - JCD is injured a lot and Cousin is 30 plus looks disinterested. But then again Smith is playing with 1 striker and that just isnt Boyds role at all. He still looks out of shape aswell to me despite losing weight last summer. I know this is something from me, but, Id actually play Boyd if Buffel was in the team - I think that could be a decent partnership.

Not surprised by the draw, i fancied a Everton v Tottenham final before the 1st legs were played and il stick by that.

2 things - Allardyce is a soor face and does my head in and im glad he buggered up and has got the boot. But Newcastle have a poison right through the club which has stemed for years so any manager who goes there is fighting a losing battle. Ive love to know how much money they have spent on player, pay-offs and other things over the last 10 years, i think it would be more than Chelsea. It will be interesting to see who gets the job, I think 'Arry Redknapp is top contender but Newcastle fans may want a top top coach like Lippi.

And 3 months from Mols who was an all rounder. But as for Boyd, Im with Gav - Sell sell sell. I give him 3 games and he will be in Birmingham reserves, there is NO WAY he could hack the premiership. And 3 million is laughable.

At least is soon so we look forward to it but the K/o time is a pain in the ass for me but never mind. Gavs right, we havent had a midweek OF game in a long time and they are normally good.

You know what will happen now do you - McGregor will pick up a knock!! But like everyone else Ive been impressed with the way Mcgregor has came on this season and Carroll is a good back up but is back up at best. Let him go and we can get a better keeper in either this month or the summer

It was a trial

Well make it a sticky then you hammick!!! All bets off with me, ive lost loads in the last few months. I havent been near a win.

Great news. He will need a good 6 games to get match fitness though.

It looks like we could have 3 OF games in a month. There will be one in March which is already schelduled then the rearranged game in early April and then one more after the split.

I think id rather have Berti Vogts back than Jefferies.

It can rain in July but far from what it would in the winter and the odds against games being called off would be far reduced. Scandinavian and Eastern European countries manage to play there games in the summer with a similar weather program like Scotland yet those 2 countries have had relativley success with there national teams in the past. You just have to look at the state of the Ibrox turf the other day and in past seasons to see that games shouldnt be played in winter. It looked like there was a rugby tournament on before them.

Where did you find that Pete? I just read they are pursing him again.