Rousseau

See, I agree with your premise(s) -- resources, level of competition etc. -- but I don't therefore think that it means we should expect to be finishing 2nd; football doesn't work like that. I certainly want to be finishing 2nd, or 1st, but don't expect it. Perhaps it's just a confidence thing: you seem to be fairly confident, whereas I am not. I believe Warburton is doing the right things, and believe he is the man for the job, but whether we are quite there yet, I don't know? I'm a little worried at what you're implying: what do you expect to happen if it is "abject failure" (3rd or lower)?

Thanks for this. I'll just keep it in-house -- it's no bother. It's easy for everyone to place a prediction in a post, rather than signing into a BBC account. Point system is very similar (10 points for correct result, and 40 points for correct score).

I agree. There are some commentators that go too far in the hype department, but I try not to let that sour my opinion of the team itself: I actually like most of the players, so I take my opinion from that. I agree the hype is excessive at times. I think it was Hurst that said it was the "most exciting" squad since '66, not the best. It's an opinion, and to be fair, I don't think he's wrong. It's certainly not the best though!

You're not wrong with regards to resources, but I really think this expectation that we'll be competing with Celtic, or finishing 2nd, is misplaced. I'd be extremely disappointed with "top 6"; I don't think that's acceptable. To be saying, or implying, Warburton should be sacked for finishing 3rd is unnecessary. I appreciate the expectation at Rangers, but we can all agree Warburton is doing positive things, laying down a foundation for the future of the club. Just because he maybe 'fails' -- whatever that may be -- doesn't mean we should be ripping up the philosophy/system and starting again. I think that outlook is the same that has caused us to fall so far behind European clubs -- in a purely football sense. I'd be content with competing with Hearts and Aberdeen next season (based on their placement last season). It's a new situation for the squad, and although it's not something we're used to or will accept for too long, it is acceptable next season, IMO.

Testament to how important this site is to many Bears, and to how well you've done.

I think it's a fairly open tournament this year, with no overwhelming favourites. France, England, Germany (despite losing a core of experienced players that won the WC), Spain, Belgium and even Italy could all go far; you can't rule out Portugal also. I like the look of Croatia as an underdog/dark-horse; with Rakitic, Kovacic and Modric, they have an outstanding midfield. I'll be supporting all the home nations, and I especially hope England do well as they have a young, talented squad. I have never really signed-up to the 'anyone but England' tripe. It's a sad indictment of our society that we'd want a team not to win it.

Maybe not one of the best, but I always thought he was a stand-out performer. My dates are wrong, though; probably 10 years ago now, around the time he got an England call-up.

What's the wind-up?

Great! Ach... it's just a wee bit of fun!

Agreed! But that takes courage and a bit of forethought -- not sure anyone in our game has those qualities.

Wee bump! 4 days until the start of Euro 2016! Please put your name down if you are interested in playing in a wee informal Euro 2016 prediction league.

No, you're correct. I think they were on BBC One and BBC Two.

It's strange being linked with these inconceivable transfers, and then they turn out to be accurate. Like Barton, I thought Taylor way above our ability. 5 years ago I thought he was one of the best CB's in England; to be linked with a player of his calibre is unbelievable. I'm still not sure he fits our ball-playing mould, but he is the physical player that we've been crying out for. His injury record is very worrying, but that's probably why we are in with a chance of completing the transfer. In Warbs we trust.

I don't think it was cynical and lazy per se, I think it was more about letting the players do what they want, or relying on an individual to produce something, rather than working on the team as a whole like Warburton; it just so happens that the players Ally had were shite. It probably works with better players, especially in Scotland, but should not be relied upon in the modern game. I think Walter did the same, but had good organisation and defensive structure to go alongside.

I don't think he's suited to Arsenal's game: they have to break down 10-behind-the-ball with little space, whereas Vardy needs space to run into which is perfectly suited to Leicester's counter-attacking game. Silly move IMO.

I've got 6 names down so far. Please let me know if you are interested. It's just a wee bit of fun to get us into the spirit of the Euros!

Do you know who organised that? I had no idea -- I wasn't around then! I'll keep it in-house for simplicity -- I've got the time anyway -- but it's good to know about these third party offerings.

While I'm delighted to see some defenders being sounded out, I don't think Taylor is the answer. Firstly, his wages will be too high, and secondly, he doesn't fit the mould. Rafa Benitez is a good defensively-sound coach, so if he's not going to give him a contract, it doesn't bode well.

Eitan Tibi looks quite good: ball-playing centre-back, who can win a header and tracks and covers well -- pretty good slide-tackler too! I don't know if it's the picture quality or maybe the league, but he looked a bit slow?

For simplicity, I've decided to use the GPL rules as decided by Zappa, but with the FGS removed. The rules are: 1 point for Correct Result (Win or Draw), and 3 points for Correct Score (2-0). Only 5 have put their names forward thus far. Put your name forward if you are interested -- there is a Limited Edition Gersnet Polo shirt on offer!

OK, I've revised the rules of the OP to (something like) onevision's suggestion. It's 2 points for a Correct Result and an extra point for a Correct Score. Put your name down if you are interested!

Sounds interesting, but a bit complicated -- for me! Might be more interesting for players though. It makes it easier for me if players just pick who they think will win. So, France-Romania is the first game, if someone picks France to win, they'll get 3 points if they do, or 1 point if it ends as a draw. There is going to be quite a few games, so I was trying to stay away from predicting correct scores. I'll see what everyone else thinks, though. So, just predict the Result (France) or predict the Correct Score and Result (France 2-0)? Let me know, people!

Oh! If anyone sees a flaw in this plan, let me know!

Bonjour! In honour of the upcoming tournament, I'm wondering if there is any interest in a Euro 2016 prediction league, similar to our usual domestic version? It would be tricky to copy the domestic version of the prediction league exactly, so there will be a few differences. Here's what I'm proposing: Each day I'll post the day's Euro 2016 fixtures (I'll post them the day before, so we all have a full day to make our predictions), and all you have to do is predict the Correct Score and Correct Result from the various games. For simplicity, I've decided to use the GPL rules as outlined by Zappa, but with the FGS removed. The rules are: 1 point for Correct Result (e.g. Win or Draw), and 3 points for Correct Score (e.g. 2-0). I'll keep a wee tally, and a winner will be announced at the end of the tournament. Frankie is kindly offering a limited edition Gersnet polo shirt as a prize! I thought it would be a little fun; and since Scotland isn't involved hopefully it will get us into the spirit of the competition! Initially, it could get a little intensive because there are 3 games per day for the group stages of the tournament. Please let me know if you are interested, and I'll set it up!

When I saw the formation (4-4-2), I thought Strachan won't trust a player of McKay's quality in the side. The inherent strategy is defensive, so every player needs to work hard and defend; rather boring and dated to be honest. McKay can work hard and defend, but the formation -- where he plays on the left of a 4-man midfield -- is not going to get the best out of him. We'll need a better manager and a better way of playing for Barrie to get into the side. It's quite depressing: arguably one of the most talented players Scotland has and he can't get in the team? Where have I heard that before?