CammyF

It already happens in some parts of Europe where games will be moved to midweek to give teams a full week to prepare for an upcoming important European game. In fact, I am sure Lyon have a free weekend next weekend. I also think (rightly or wrongly) that Club football is now far more important (in terms of money, tv deals etc) than international games and in 10 years time it may not be uncommon for Internationals to be rearranged to suit domestic games (just look at the luke-warm reception the 'Celtc Cup' got from managers). Cammy F

Well, whats the problem with my views? I believe that this is the biggests scandel to hit Scottish football and SHOULD be up for debate. We shouldn't have journos telling us it is bordering on sectarianism. As for singing Big Jock Knew - its a personal choice - it isn't sectarian, it isn't offensive, it isn't racist - before anyone says it isn't football related, I know it isn't but come on, there are plenty of songs sung around football that aren't football related. I personally don't sing it, but wouldn't shout anyone down for singing it. Cammy F

I think the key word in there is SHOULD.... That team has NEVER played together, Faye is injured (or in jail), Gow is so far of the radar that I am more likely to get a game against Gretna, and losing Thomson or Adam (considering the injuries we have) against Gretna would be a blow going inot the Lyon game. We all have our opinions on the merits of cancelling this game, some will agree some will not. No right or wrong, just some people will think it should be rearranged (or at least put back to the Saturday or even the Friday night) some won't. Cammy F

I did'nt think that was the question. Cammy F

Or if we suffer any other injury blows to key players (like Fergie, JCD, LMcC, CC) etc, will be happy with picking up 3 points then going into the Lyon game with an understrenth team? We should have the squad to deal with Gretna, but do we have the strength in depth to deal with Lyon? Scotland asked for the OF games to be rearranged due to fear of injuries, Rangers are simply doing the same. In fact, Celtc, in hindsight, are wishing that they had asked for their game v Hearts to have been rearranged. Cammy F

Ask the kids who were abused if Jock Stein's knowing of the abuse (and doing very little) isn't worthy of highlighting. Jock Stein (to his credit) sacked Torbett but he said NOTHING to the authorities and Torbett was then reinstated in the Boys Club. I think a few fair-minded journalists have said that there does need to be a debate on this subject where others tell lies to claim that we are the bad guys in this situation. It has been proven in court that Jock Stein knew about the abuse - in fact Billy McNeil said that this was 'an open secret' - indicating that most people employed at Parkhead knew about systamtic child abuse and to their eternal shame, lied, covered this up and didn't inform the authorities. BTW, as far as I am aware, Celtc have NEVER apologised to the children (now adults) who suffered abuse whilst in their care. Cammy F Cammy F

It didn't help Scotland, but the offer was there and we did everything in our power to help Scotland - surely all we can ask is the same to be respricated? Cammy F

Honestly folks, this thread on FF is a MUST READ - if this doesn't set off alarm bells about the one-sided sectarian offensive in this country nothing will. Log on to FF, read and digest this and support this Bear and his family http://forum.followfollow.com/showthread.php?t=337616&page=1 Cammy F

Aye his next line was 'one minute they are never walking alone and the next they are so lonely round the fields of arthurs thighs....' Cammy F

Looks like Jim 'Masonic Orange Order' White and Charlie 'Dirty Turncoat Barsteward' Knickerless have gone and upset the MOPES Cammy F

..... great words from the great Denis Law Cammy F

A brilliant idea and one that surely cannot be denied given how we readily cancelled our game prior to the Scotland v Italy international. Cammy F

I realise and understand that we were drawn in the group of death, but even given that, surely a club of the stature of Rangers FC SHOULD be aiming for the last 16 of the CL EVERY season no matter who were are drawn against? Is settling for anything less than the last 16 of the CL a systematic of the thinking / downsizing of ambition instilled by David Murray? Cammy F

As long as QOTS win - Feckin Lithgi Feckin Rose..... Wait to the BU's get them in the Junior Cup :uzi: Cammy F

With injuries to McCulloch and Beasley it looks like there will be a few changes to the staring 11 on Saturday - here is my team to face Killie; McGregor Hutton Weir CC Papac Naismith Fergie Handami Adam JCB Buffel Cammy F

Along with Willie Mc Lies Cammy F

Do I Expect Too Much? Sitting here reflecting on another glorious failure in Stuttgart, I have asked myself, do I expect too much from our football club? Stuttgart are the reigning German champions who whilst not having the best of starts to the season, have finally found some form and are a genuine force to be reckoned with. However, watching the game last night, I got the distinct impression that they were beatable, even in their own back yard. In fact, we were controlling the game, got a very good opening goal and sustained some exerted pressure (which you would expect) and were coasting as half-time approach. Then, like so many other times in Europe, we fell asleep and made an amateurish mistake. Their first goal changed the entire course of the game and established their tempo for the 2nd half. We all witnessed the flair, skill, passing, movement of Stuttgart at the beginning of the 2nd half, but weââ?¬â?¢ll never know if they would have exhibited this if they hadnââ?¬â?¢t been allowed back into the game with the last kick of the 1st half. We then managed to pull ourselves back into the game when we were gifted an equaliser but (and maybe it was just cynical old me who was expecting this) then we went and shot ourselves in the foot and conceded a late goal. In retrospect, the difference between a draw and a defeat in the grand scheme of the group, is nothing really. We still have our own fate in our own hands and if we avoid defeat against Lyon, we will qualify. Like Scotland, this is a scenario that would have taken at the start of the group. However (here is the old pessimist coming out), like Scotland, I can see this ending in tears (I sincerely hope not). Over the course of the group we have taken points from all other teams in the group, that in itself is no mean feat, but I feel that we are 2 or 3 points worse off than we should and could have been and staring the last 16 in the straight in the eyes with one qualification game to go. Instead, we look forward (with some trepidation I have to admit) to a very nervous 90 minutes against Lyon. Gaining the point we need is far from insurmountable, but come on Bears, weââ?¬â?¢ve all been here before. Finger nails will be bitten, sphincters will be twitching, underwear will be soiled ââ?¬â?? its going to be one of those nights! Looking back over this CL campaign, you can not have failed to notice that some of our (youthful and inexperienced in CL terms) looking like they are struggling at times. If you watch a player like Hendami, he makes football look so simple ââ?¬â?? he does this against any opposition be it Gretna or Barcelona, where as, players like Adam, Thompson, Boyd, and others (and this isnââ?¬â?¢t a personal attack on anyone) look like rabbits staring into headlights. Hopefully they will learn and use these lessons to improve themselves and our team. Also, it is evident that teams at the highest level spot weaknesses and try to exploit them to their advantage. Teams have identified that our left back area is very weak and have tried to expose this ââ?¬â?? as Stuttgart did on numerous occasions last night. Again, this is not a slight on Sasha Papac who has filled in there admirably this season. This cannot take away from the fact that he is not a left back and against better teams he is left exposed. I also have concerns over Alan McGregor ââ?¬â?? I know that sounds strange as he has developed into a very decent keeper. But, that is the rub of the green, given that most of his predecessors were ââ?¬Ë?world classââ?¬â?¢, a very decent keeper is a step down for what we are used to. Rangers FC should be in the later stages of the CL every season ââ?¬â?? that is what we must be aiming for ââ?¬â?? that is where not only the money is, it is where the prestige is. I know and understand that Walter Smithââ?¬â?¢s side / squad is still in its embryonic stage, but for me, qualification for the last 16 is so close, so tangible, that falling at the last hurdle will seem like failure (UEFA Cup parachute or not). So the question is, am I expect too much of my team to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League from a group that contains Lyon, Barca and Stuttgart (considering we were 4th seeds)? A Case Of Two Findlayââ?¬â?¢s We are all aware of what happened to Donald Findlay when he was hung out to dry by those he thought were his friends, and we will all remember the press assassination of Donald Findlay that followed and that is still going on to this day. It is interesting to note that Dr Jeanette Findlay has had a comparatively easy ride from those who chose to ââ?¬Ë?assassinateââ?¬â?¢ Donald Findlay. It was also interesting to note that Dr Jeanetteââ?¬â?¢s outburst came whilst trying to vindicate the stance of Celtic fans regarding the election of John Reid to the Celtc Board (funny how Mr Reid claimed that Celtc was an ââ?¬Ë?all encompassingââ?¬â?¢ club where ââ?¬Ë?politics were left at the doorââ?¬â?¢. Funny that, his predecessor spent years telling the gullible media and anyone else who was stupid enough to believe him, that they songs of bigotry and hate were merely political. Anyway, I digress. Back to Jeanette and her repugnant views on the murdering scum that are the IRA. Apparently, according to Dr Findlay, it is OK, right on, morally correct to sing the praises of these murderers at Celtc Park ââ?¬â?? I am tempted to say, itââ?¬â?¢s the Celtc way, but the irony would be lost on any Celtc fan reading this. I wonder if Jeanette will face committees to see if she still has a job, face constant press harassment forcing her to the brink of suicide ââ?¬â?? or is this just another case of one rule for one, one rule for another. And to think, she is tasked with the education of Scottish students. Cammy F

I think Hrealy struggles at club level as he has never really been given an extended run - Leeds played him out wide or put him on the bench. LS bought him then proceeded to put him on the bench. Cammy F

At last, one Scottish Journo who doesn't kiss Britneys ring : ----------------------- In Jackson's column today he writes "word reaches me that one of the most pompous and least respected operators in this business had a pop at this column for daring to criticise the wretched Dr Jeanette Findlay. Nice try Corduroy boy, just a shame no one reads your stuff! You and the good doctor make a good match - hopelessly out of touch and irrelevant to the decent majority. Jog on Britney - your in danger of making a fool of yourself. Oops, too late!" ------------------------ Cammy F

I said on loan - Liverpool as keen to loan out Crouch as he is 5th or 6th in line at the moment. They aren't keen on sending him to another EPL club as they know he'll score goals - you don't get if you don't ask. Healy is worth a punt on loan - the guy scores for fun for NI - his record at international level is unbelieveable - he has just equalled the scoring record for Euro qualifiers, this including a hat-trick against Spain. We might need cover up front if the rumours of Cousin leaving for the EPL are true. Cammy F

I think our proirities should be a left back, creative midfield player and possibly a stiker on loan (Healy or Crouch would do nicely). Cammy F

And I'll think you'll find that GG was one of his students Cammy F

You can hear her comments here - http://www.zshare.net/audio/5035175ed58a02/ The mask is slipping... wonder if John Reid will ban her from Parkheid? Cammy F

Barcelona Trip In the lead up to this trip, I was like a kid in a candy store, I couldn’t wait to visit Barcelona and visit the ‘famous’ Nou Camp stadium. Boy, was I left disappointed. I don’t know if it was because I went on the ‘day trip’ (26 hours solid!), but the trip and more importantly, the stadium didn’t live up to my expectations. I had done the stadium tour many years ago and seemed to remember a first class stadium that took your breath away. In reality, the only breathtaking aspect of the Nou Camp is the Everest-esque hike to the visitors section. We were escorted to the stadium close to 2 hours prior to kick-off and weren’t allowed to hang around outside, visit the club shop or go to any of the numerous near-by restaurants for food – we were forced into the ground and left with no alternative but to purchase over-priced and under-cooked ‘football food’. The stairs inside the ground were treacherous and I. along with a few others lost my footing and fell down the stairs on the way to the food outlet. Luckily, I managed to grab hold of a barrier before I did to much damage and was left with only a bruise on my knee as a reminder. The guy sitting along from me wasn’t so lucky – he went down with a thud and hurt himself quite badly. Thankfully the Police and Stewards were on hand – they shrugged their shoulders and didn’t even bother to ask the guy if he was OK. The time spent in Catalonia Square was the best part of the trip – to witness the supporters clubs banners from the length and breadth of the UK and further a-field is always worth it – it just cements the passion, pride and support that we have around the world. It was a first class display and the local TV and media outlets spent hours upon hours photographing every banner. The ‘original’ GersNet banner was proudly on display near the fountain (it is absolutely boggin – need to get it washed!!!). So, in summary, the trip didn’t live up to my expectations and I have vowed never to go on the day-trip again and NEVER to visit Spain again following Rangers – we simply just aren’t wanted – have heard various stories of people being pick-pocketed and one guy from our RSC caught someone in his hotel room going through his baggage – he is still awaiting the Police to respond to his 999 call. However, the reasons for this decision are for another thread at another time. Scotland & ‘Failure’ It is a pity that there isn’t another word to describe Scotland’s inability to qualify for the European Championships, as ‘failure’ isn’t a word I’d use to sum up the qualification campaign. Scotland have managed to amass 24 points and finish 3rd in a group where we were given little chance in. People know my thoughts on the national team and the SFA but I decided to watch the game on Saturday and there are 2 reasons why I was glad that I did – 1/ Barry Ferguson and 2/ Alan Hutton. Both these (Rangers!) players were outstanding against the world champions and neither would looked out of place in the Italian starting 11 – I can pay them no bigger compliment. The game itself was gripping to watch and IMO a draw would have been a fair result as Italy dominated the first half whilst Scotland dominated the 2nd. The game will be remembered for some very erratic decisions from the officials. Italy’s ‘2nd’ goal’ was wrongly chopped off for offside and Fergie was very close to being offside for the equaliser. However, how the officials managed to penalise Alan Hutton in the lead up to the winning goal defies explanation. Scotland can now look forward to the World Cup draw later in the week knowing that they are 2nd seeds and likely to have an easier group than they encountered this time. The only question is, can Scotland convince AMc to stay as manager? There is some hope that there will be some home international representation at Euro 2008 – England managed to get a ‘get out of jail free card’ and if they avoid defeat against Croatia (not a formality) then they will qualify. Northern Ireland also still have a slight hope of qualifying if results in their group go in their favour (a huge well done to David Healy for surpassing the record for goals scored in a qualifying campaign). Richie Binnie Now, this isn’t a name that you will instantly recognise, but the guy deserves credit for his recent achievements. Richie is a Bo’ness lad who represented Team GB Football Team at the Special Olympics in Shanghai and he helped GB to Gold Medal. Richie scored the goal that ensured GB got to the final (which they won 5-3 on penalties) was honoured by the local council. Richie was also honoured by our local ‘Rangers Pub’ – The Cross Keys Inn – where the patrons had a collection and presented Richie with a Rangers top and watch. So congratulations Richie – you done yourself, your family and your nation proud. David Weir Now, hopefully this is a name that is familiar with us all! However, even the ‘famous’ deserve praise and credit where and when it is due. The guy who runs our RSC recently approached David Weir as one of his workmates kids was very ill. They wanted a signed top to raffle for the lad and David was more than forthcoming. He presented a signed Scotland top along with 2 tickets for the Scotland v Italy game for the lad and his Dad. Unfortunately, the lad was to ill to attend the game so one of his friends was the lucky recipient of David’s generosity. Celtc Fans and Irony This story is a little late, but sums up the mentality of your average green and grey supporter. A few weeks back, I popped into my local after work to catch up with a friend who I haven’t seen for a while. When I arrived, my friend wasn’t there, so I approached the bar and ordered myself a pint. As the barmaid was pouring the pint, I noticed a box of poppies on the bar and a collection tin. As I popped in my Ã?£1 coin I noticed a Celtc fan at the other end of the bar watching me. Now, said Celtc fan had a ‘Celtc Against Fascism’ badge on. Never one to be shy to engage the tims in a debate, I asked him if he’d like me to pass him over a poppy. He replied that he didn’t wear a poppy as it was a sign of ‘British nationalism’. I had a little chuckle at that remark and the tim then asked my why I was chuckling. I replied that I found it ironic that someone who was openly ‘anti-fascist’ was so unwilling to wear a symbol of remembrance for those who defeated fascism. He muttered something about orange barstewards before leaving the pub. Cammy F – We Are The People….

Does anyone have a Rangers tartan scarf lying around doing nothing? I have a 'German' work colleague who has adopted 'Rangers' as his Scottish team and is looking for a tarten scarf. He is due to go back to Germany soon and wants the scarf to wear with pride!!! Now, I've searched high and low for one and can't find any (I had one but think I gave it away to someone). So if anyone was one lying around and is willing to part with it (I'm willing to pay for it) then reply to this thread or drop me a PM. Any help in locating one is most appreciated Cammy F