CammyF

No one who witnessed Rangersââ?¬â?¢ 2nd treble in 3 seasons when we defeated Aberdeen 2-1 in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden would believe that the man hugged and congratulated by Jock Wallace would be invited to replace Wallace as manager of Rangers. There are many rumours circulating as to why Jock Wallace left Rangers in 1978 but to say it was a shock would be an understatement. Jock Wallace epitomised Rangers and was a very successful and shrewd coach/manager. His departure left a gaping void and the board hoped that John Greig would be the man to fill this void. Much has been written regarding John Greigââ?¬â?¢s tenure as Rangers manager and most agreed that it was a terrible time in our proud history, but ironically, it started off wonderfully. Season 1978-1979 mirrored last season where a fixture pile-up and some overly negative tactics would result in Rangers coming tantalizingly close to a quadruple, but end up with the domestic cup double. Under Greig, the fixture pile-up was caused by the weather and resulted in Rangers playing only three league games between 23rd of December and 14th March. The early league results belied and gave little indication of the run that Rangers were to put together. Rangers failed to win any our opening six league fixtures. However, once the players got used to Greigââ?¬â?¢s new tactical awareness, vision and perception we looked like a team capable of going all the way domestically and in Europe. In saying that, Greigââ?¬â?¢s naivety as a manger led to mistakes being made. Possibly the most crucial was splitting the Johnstone / Smith partnership as JG wanted DJ as centre-half and captain. Domestically, the League and Scottish Cups were retained with Alex McDonald and Colin Jackson scoring the all important goals as Aberdeen were once again defeated 2-1 at Hampden. The Scottish Cup was secured after a marathon three games against Hibernian. The first two games finished 0-0 and were in truth, dire affairs. The 2nd replay saw Rangers eventually win 3-2 thanks to a Arthur Duncan own-goal (Derek Johnstone with the other two goals). The League Cup Winning Team ââ?¬â?? McCloy, Jardine, Dawson, Johnstone, Jackson, A McDonald, McLean, Russell, Urquhart, Smith and Cooper (Subs ââ?¬â?? Millar and Parlane). Scottish Cup Winning Team - McCloy, Jardine, Dawson, Johnstone, Jackson, Watson, McLean, Russell, Parlane, A McDonald and Cooper (Subs ââ?¬â?? Millar and Smith). Our league title was surrendered at Parkhead when we allowed a Celtc to come from a gaol behind and win ultimately 4-2. In the aftermath of the game, Greig was rightly criticised for his negativity and it was widely believed that if we had been more positive, we would have won the game and the league title. Hindsight is a wonderful tool, but you have to wonder if we had won this title, and therefore the treble, John Greigââ?¬â?¢s stint as Rangers manager would have been far more successful. However, it was in Europe in this first managerial season that Rangers and Greig excelled and Rangers eliminated Juventus and PSV Eindhoven with brilliant and at times, breathtaking displays. The Italian Champions contained NINE stars from Italyââ?¬â?¢s World Cup Squad and PSV were the current UEFA Cup Holders and had, until they faced Rangers, never lost a home European tie. The Juventus game at Ibrox gave the young Cammy F (i.e me!) an early taste of those unbeatable and unmatchable European nights at Ibrox, Ibrox was in the process of being rebuilt, but the atmosphere was electric and goals from Alex McDonald and Gordon Smith ensured that Rangers progressed. After a 0-0 draw at Ibrox, the feeling that was Rangers had blown their opportunity against PSV as their impressive home form suggested that we would struggle. This seemed to be the case as we lost a goal in the first minute, but Rangers rallied and with goals from McDonald and Johnstone put us 2-1 in front. The Dutch champions levelled, but Bobby Russell scored an unforgettable goal late on and Rangers became the first European club to win in Eindhoven. The quarter final draw saw us paired with FC Cologne and a severely depleted Rangers team were narrowly defeated 2-1 on aggregate and the European dream was over. If John Greigââ?¬â?¢s first season as manager has shown some promise, his 2nd was calamitous with Rangers failing to win a trophy and finish an embarrassing 5th position in the league, 11 points behind eventual champions Aberdeen (who secured 7 points from 8 from Rangers). Our away form was abysmal with Rangers gaining only 10 points from 18 away games ââ?¬â?? a total bettered by all bar the two relegated teams (Dundee and Hibernian). Aberdeen also put an end to our League Cup hopes defeating us in a two-legged third round tie. We faired slightly better in the Scottish Cup where we reached the final after defeating Dundee UTD, Hearts and Aberdeen before losing to a deflected George McCluskey shot in extra time in an OF Final. In Europe, after seeing off Lilliestrom in the Cup Winners Cup preliminary round, we defeated Fortuna Dusseldorf by 2-1 to then face Spanish giants Valencia. A 1-1 draw in Spain looked to have paved our way, but the magic of Mario Kempes proved too much for Rangers at Ibrox and the Spanish side went on to with the trophy against Arsenal. On a more positive note, the redevelopment of Ibrox took a major step forward with the opening of the Copland Road Stand. Bolstered by much needed signings (Jim Bett and Colin McAdam and the return of Willie Johnston), Rangers entered season 1980-81 knowing that they need to improve significantly. Rangers got off to an impressive start in the league with an unbeaten run of 15 matches which included two OF victories and a record 8-1 win away to Kilmarnock. However, this form wasnââ?¬â?¢t to last and a disastrous run in November and December threw our title challenge of the rails. Aberdeen once again knocked us out of the League Cup and the game was marred with controversy when referee George Smith awarded The Dons not one, but two contentious penalties, the second being awarded for a foul that occurred on the semi-circle outside the penalty box! Due to having no European participation, Rangers entered the Anglo-Scottish which led to humiliation and embarrassment at the hands of English minnows, Chesterfield Town. The third division side held Rangers to a 1-1 draw at Ibrox (Gordon Dalzeil) then thumping Rangers 3-0 in the away leg. We were to finish 3rd in the league 12 points behind Champions Celtic in the league campaign that was over before it really got started. The disastrous run in Nov/Dec was one that we would never recover from. However, there was slight solace in the Scottish Cup where we faced Dundee United. After a tedious 0-0 draw where Ian Redford would miss a last minute penalty for us against his former employers, Rangers went on to win the replay 4-1 with a wonderful performance topped by some Davie Cooper magic. Cooper was dropped for the original game, but made a devastating return in the replay scoring a goal and setting up two others. John McDonald (2) and Bobby Russell were the other scorers. The season ended the end or Alex McDonaldââ?¬â?¢s illustrious Rangers career. Remembered for his true Rangers spirit and his diving headers, Alex McDonald would always be held in great esteem by the fans. After 12 years of sterling service to Rangers, Alex McDonald was sold to Hearts for Ã?£30,00 and would later go on to manage the Gorgie side (along with Sandy Jardine). Scottish Cup Winning Team - Stewart, Jardine, Dawson, Stevens, T Forsyth, Bett, Cooper, Russell, Johnstone, Redford and J McDonald

As The Manics once said 'Everything Must Go'..... Cammy F

Noticed Furman scored the winner for Bradford last night. Thought that I read somewhere that this is a deal that Bradford are looking to make permenant (sp)??? Cammy F

Still far too many people within our support who believe that SDM is mounting his white charger and is ready to ride over the horizon and save us. There will still be people believing this when the come and put chains on the doors on the Main Stand at Ibrox... Cammy F

Exactly - as a proud Scot as the next man, but have no feelings for the national team. Nothing to do with patriotism...... Cammy F

I thought at the time, the same as I think now - we would have been better served signing a couple of full-backs We've been screaming out for fullbacks since before Hutton was injured (then sold). No cover at rightback then and no first choice left back, never mind cover. Now we don't have any fullbacks at all. A terrible performance all round that day, topped with Boyd slipping on his arse more than he was on his feet. And as said in the original post, an attitude that would have saw him hooked and fined under several past Rangers managers...! Cammy F

But we already had / have 5 centre-halves - Weir, Carlos (now Boogie), Papac, Broadfoot and Daily (Hendami can also play sweeper, so there was another option). There was no reason to take Webster. Cammy F

Boyd for Derby :box::devil: Cammy F

Agreed, but as Gordon has started a game for Sunderland for months now, surely Burley can't drop McGregor for the qualifiers coming up? Doesn't matter how good Gordon is, Burley has stated the rule is that of you aren't playing for your club, you aren't playing for Scotland. As you say, I wish all our players would retire from international football. Cammy F

The pub that our RSC leaves from (The Cross Keys Inn – Bo’ness) applied to have their licence renewed recently and were informed by the licensing board that their licence would only be renewed if they were to lose all Rangers related regalia in the pub. This included all Rangers scarves, paintings, signed tops etc that were on display as well as all Rangers and cultural songs that were in the jukebox. This pub is known locally as a Rangers pub and nobody has an issue with this and fans of other clubs, including Celtc can be found drinking in the pub with no problems or trouble. The owners tried to overturn this ridiculous ruling, but were unsuccessful and to regain their licence, they will have to remove any item relating to Rangers. This is what we are up against people….. Cammy F

The only reason behind me wanting Beasley to get an extended run in his favoured position is that he is the only natural left-winger we own. Call me old fashioned, but I like players playing in their natural positions, not a team thrown together just to justify the signing or selection of certain players. Walter Smith said a fortnight before Fleck's debut that there were no young players capable of breaking into the first team. After the furore of the potential sale of Boyd and the backlash that created, Fleck (and Aaron to a lesser extent) was thrown into the spotlight. We all knew that he wouldn't get a game in his favoured position and I think we all knew that he get thrown into the left wing position. This is unfair on the player and is depremental to the overall team performance and overall team ability. As is playing 4 centre-halves across the back four (why did WS waste money on the likes of Webster, Lafferty, Velicka et al instead of signing much needed full backs?) and playing Steve Davis at right-wing. Cammy F

As you know, I have little interest in international football, but I will be keeping an eye on the Scotland team that'll play in the up-and-coming qualifiers. Will George Burley pick Gordon in goal over McGregor given his comments on his decision not to play Kris Boyd earlier in the campaign? If he does plump for Gordon, will he loose the respect of the media and the fans, especially those Rangers fans that still support the national team? If I were McGregor and I was overlooked in favour of Gordon, I'd follow Boyd's example and tell Burley where to stick his team. Cammy F

What, worse than Boyd's in the opening game of the season at Falkirk where he spent the entire game on his arse moping about like a spoilt brat? Worst display I've witnessed by a Rangers player in a long, long time, and the worst attitude I've seen displayed by a Rangers player in a long, long time. Cammy F

At the expense of the likes of Gow, Adam, Hendami, Lafferty, Webster, Daily, McCulloch et al how it could be argued have been even bigger wastes of wages than Beasley? Disclaimer - Lafferty situation isn't the lads fault, but he has been utter gash for us this season. EDIT - If we receive any type of bid for Beasley over the �£1M mark we'll sell him - we are fooked financially so Bain will be under instruction to take any bid for any of our players. Sadly, that'll leave us with the 'dross' that no one else wants..... Cammy F

But the guys been injured and the manager has insisted on playing players out wide left just to accomidate them in the team (Lafferty, Fleck, Naismith, McCulloch et al). He has done the same with Davis wide right, no matter how depremental this is to both the player(s) and the team. He deserves an extended run in the team in his favoured position, he is a natural left winger and has shown that he can perform at the highest level. Walter Smith won't give him a run tho, he'll continue to waste the talents of Lafferty, Naismith and Fleck out on the left flank rather than use them in their correct positions. I actually wonder why Davis and Lafferty were signed. Was Walter Smith aware that we'd be looking to punt players like Ferguson and Boyd in the transfer window and was planning to use Davis and Lafferty as their replacements? Otherwise, it's been an utter waste of ~�£5M that we don't have to waste. Cammy F

If he is so negative and so far behind those you mention, how come he has scored more goals from that position than any other player you've mentioned? Beasley was settling into that position last season and was looking a decent player. He was outstanding (as were the rest of the team) in the 3-0 destruction of Lyon where he capped a fine performance with a great goal. He was also the highlight of last season scottish cup final, scoring and setting up a goal. Papac and Broadfoot have done well in their adopted positions, but playing 4 centre-halves across the backline has hindered Rangers' attacking ability this season. Both fullbacks have also been caught out and we've conceeded goals due to their lack of positioning. We can't, no matter how much we want to, say that Fleck and Aaron are going to be superstars for Rangers. We can't even say they are going to be first team regulars. Both have done well in their brief appearences, but I'll say something that may sound controversial, but IMO is just the plain and simple truth. I'd say that Burke, Adam and to a lesser extent MCormack looked more promising in their fledgling Rangers careers than both Fleck and Aaron have done to this point. Cammy F

Haven't you read about the state of our finances? Any fee's gained from selling players won't be reinvested in the squad - we are in the process of trying to reduce the playing staff by at least 8 first team players..... Aaron doesn't belong to us, and given that he has had the total of 35 minutes playing time, we can't say for certain that he is a genuine talent and capable of holding down a place in our first team. Given that we would have to pay in the region of �£2M for his services, can't see us signing him on a permanent basis. Fleck isn't a left winger, he is being used out there as a 'stop-gap'. Naismith is a forward and hasn't looked comfortable wide left - in fact, I'd go as far to say that he's looked worse than Lafferty outwide on the left. I find it amazing that as a support we give Walter Smith stick for playing players out of position then go out of our way to shoe-horn a player into a position that isn't their natural position. Cammy F

Yip, lets sell our only true attcking left sided player (that we own) and continue to play players out of position........ Cammy F

And off course this will have a snowball effect - if we don't win the SPL title this season and fail to get to the CL, we'll be forced to sell our 'better players' and this then reduces our chances of winning the SPL title the following season. Add that to the uncertainty of sponsorship, season ticket renewals etc, tough times ahead folks Cammy F

Been to see Bo'ness United a few times up in Lochee, certainly insn't 'Rangers friendly'...! Cammy F

Radio on Saturday were linking him, McArther and McCarthy with moves to every team from England, Italy and Germany. Appartently there were representatives from various clubs watching the game.....! Cammy F

The SFA observer was Alex Smith and he (nor has the referee) mentioned this incident in his report..... On the subject of the bheasts, they couldn't even catch the guy that threw a mobile phone at Nacho - how hard can it be to trace the owner of a mobile phone? Simply look up 'home' on teh phones contacts. dial and ask who the fook it is..... As for the lighter thrower, give Celtc a break, there were only 64 CCTV cameras in action that day Like Punch A Pape, Kill A Catholic is something we all indulge in.... well' according to Timmy anyway.. Cammy F

Surely it would be Irish free rather than Scot free Cammy F

Stick my name down Frankie, and if required (time etc - i.e I have plenty of it on my hands ), I'll do the ICT one as well....! Cammy

Didn't think we sat back after scoring. We controlled the game, created numerous chances before and after the goal and defended brilliantly. Can't remember Hamilton having even one clear cut chance. Cammy F