CammyF

For what it is worth, here is what I have heard regarding McCulloch (and other targets). McCulloch will sign for us maybe as soon as the weekend. With Wigan's EPL future secured and a new manager in place, the sale will go thro smoothly and we'll pay in the region of £1.3M. McCulloch will be a good addition to our squad as he can play wide left (in midfield of in a front 3) or thro the middle. I have also heard that we will sign another 2 Bosmans in the coming days (or early next week). One of these is currently playing in Spain (sorry, no more information, but Bain has been working on this for a few weeks now) and Robbie Fowler has also been contacted and a deal is not far off. EDIT - It appears that we will also put in a bid for Naismyth - £750,000-£1M Cammy F

Great stuff Frankie IMO Gordon Smith was very underestimated as player, and outside the Rangers family, probably unerestimated as a pundit (and I hear he is a gentleman as well). A good guy and hope he gets his wish to return to football in some capacity Cammy F

I know that technically, you canââ?¬â?¢t win ââ?¬Ë?1 in a rowââ?¬â?¢, but please bare with me as hopefully youââ?¬â?¢ll see where this is going. As the 10th anniversary of our fantastic achievement approaches, I thought that it would be a good idea to relive my personal memories of this time, and recount those to the fellow forumees. I will apologies up front for any historical errors, or any dates, scores or scorers that I get wrong my memory isnââ?¬â?¢t what it used to be. The first game in the 9-in-a-row run was played at Douglas Park against Hamilton Accies and we were eager to dispose Celtic as Scottish Champions. Celtic had won the double the previous season in their ââ?¬Ë?anniversaryââ?¬â?¢ season, a feat that could be traced back to the unfortunate and untimely leg-break suffered by then Rangers captain Terry Butcher. Although confident of winning back our title, I donââ?¬â?¢t think any of the 1000ââ?¬â?¢s of Rangers fans present that day (Aug 13 1988) could have dreamed that they were witnessing the beginning of Rangers writing themselves into the annals of world football and on our way to dominating Scottish football for close to two decades. Going into the game and season, we were boosted by the arrival of further two big money signings from South of the border in the shape of Kevin Drinkell and Gary Stevens. Drinkell was a bit of an unknown quantity, but quickly proved himself to be a great striker and a fantastic addition to our squad. Gary Stevens was an established player with a wonderful pedigree and showed his class from his debut onwards. I think it is safe to say that we havenââ?¬â?¢t had a full back of his class since, and it could be argued that he was one of the best full backs ever to grace the light blue jersey. It was Gary Stevens who was unlikely first scorer of the season (ergo first scorer in the 9-in-a-row season) and Ally McCoist (who else) secured our opening day victory by a comfortable 2 goals to nil. We draw our opening home game of the season 0-0 with Hibs and defeated Clyde and Clydebank easily in the opening rounds of the League Cup. Next up was the first Old Firm game of the season and a chance to put one over the auld enemy and defending champions. The game didnââ?¬â?¢t start well, we were 1-0 down inside 3 minutes, then up-stepped Ally McCoist to bring us level. As the game approached the half-time interval, Rangers won a throw. Gary Stevens throw the ball in, it was headed on by Butcher and Ray Wilkins thundered an unstoppable shot into the Celtic net. After half-time, we destroyed Celtic and ran out 5-1 winners. Greame Souness decided that this was a time for showboating and rather than putting them to the sword he dictated play so we ripped the piss for the last 20 minutes. The game will be remembered for the goalkeeping antics of Ian Andrews, but in all honesty, he was at fault for only one of the five goals. What Iââ?¬â?¢ll remember the game for is singing ââ?¬Ë?Happy Birthday Dear Celticââ?¬â?¢ as the goals rained inââ?¬Â¦. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-bWchIBBbI Straight after that game, I went on holiday to Florida for 3 weeks and missed a lot of games including the European tie against Katowice and the League Cup Semi Final victory over Hearts. I also missed the next few games as on my return, I lost my Grandmother. The next game I can remember being at was the loss at Pittodrie on the day Neil Simpson ruined Ian Durrantââ?¬â?¢s career. The game and result paled into insignificance once the seriousness of the injury was revealed. Next up as a 1-0 victory at Easter Road followed by one of the best League Cup Finals I can remember, We defeated Aberdeen 3-2 thanks to 2 Ally McCoist goals and a great strike from Ian Ferguson. So, we had secured the first trophy of the season in a dramatic final and were well placed in the league. It was also the first time in our history that we had won the League Cup in 3 consecutive seasons http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaTfJqASNSQ We were then knocked out of Europe by Cologne and were well beaten by the Germans over the two leagues. This was a major disappointment as Souness had assembled a very decent team and squad and many Rangers fans, buoyed by a couple of encouraging runs under Souness, believed that we were about to make our mark in Europe, but it wasnââ?¬â?¢t to be. Our good form continued in the league until we were beaten 3-1 at Parkhead in November and then lost our way a little dropping points to Dundee, Dundee United and Hearts (who outclassed us at Tynecastle). Back to back narrow victories over Hibs and Hamilton didnââ?¬â?¢t appear to be the ideal preparation for the 3rd OF game of the season. However, once again after falling behind to an early goal, Rangers bounced back to record another emphatic OF victory by 4 goals to 1 with Walters (2), Butcher and I Ferguson getting the goals. If I remember correctly, this was Ian Fergusonââ?¬â?¢s first OF goal and his celebrations were as wild and enthusiastic as any fans! Due to the hangovers (!!) we then lost the next game away to Motherwell. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rj5-8M6yRA&mode=related&search= We then played Gretna in a game for the Lockerbie Disaster Fund and Gary McSwegan scored in a 2-1 defeat. The next game of note was a 8-0 Scottish Cup victory against Stranraer then a 2-2 draw away to St Johnstone which is notable for the fact that it was Rangersââ?¬â?¢ final game ever at Muirton Park. This was a testimonial game. The league run in was in full swing now and we powered our way to the finishing line, winning the league from Aberdeen by six points (our 39th League title). The title was wrapped up in a 4-0 thrashing of Hearts at Ibrox and the unlikely hero of the day was Mel Sterland who scored 2 goals (as did Kevin Drinkell). We rested most of our players for the remainder of the season and won only 1 further game, and that was the game after securing the league, beating DUFC 2-0. We then faced Celtic at Hampden for the chance to secure a historic treble. The game will be remembered for two terrible refereeing decisions. Firstly, Celtic scored from a Rangers throw-in taken by Roy Aitken and then a perfectly good Davie Cooper goal was chopped off when Paddy Bonnar was fouled by his own player. A sad end to the season, but one that Iââ?¬â?¢ll remember for the Tims singing ââ?¬Ë?Mo Mo Super Moââ?¬â?¢ at the final in reference to Mo Johnston returning from French football. However, as the next article will reiterate and history will tell us, it wasnââ?¬â?¢t the green and grey that he would return to Scotland to wear, by the famous light blue. Cammy F

Now that the dust has settled on our latest OF victory, I though that Iââ?¬â?¢d take a retrospective look back at the events on Saturday. Firstly, I firmly believe that Saturday was one of the best atmospheres I have witnessed at Ibrox for a few seasons (at the very least). Our fans were absolutely fantastic and were back to their witty and impromptu best. Some of the chants were hilarious and all in all, delivered in a non-sectarian fashion, pity the same canââ?¬â?¢t be said of our visitors, who when they did bother to sing, indulged in their usual sectarian and IRA worshiping bile ââ?¬â?? but enough of our unwanted and unwelcome guests. On the pitch the players were up-for-it from the first whistle and showed a desire that has been missing for large parts of this season (and last if we are being honest). We were first to ever ball, never allowed Craptic to settle and bossed them all over the pitch. It was a sight to gladden this old cynical so-and-so ââ?¬â?? what the players showed on Saturday is a prerequisite of pulling on the famous light blue jersey and every player should have that desire, determination and application every time he is lucky enough to play for The Rangers. Watching Thomas Graveson running around like a headless chicken trying to keep up with, or take possession away from Thompson, Hendami and Ferguson was a joy to watch. Here is a player who has ââ?¬Ë?gracedââ?¬â?¢ the EPL and La Liga, yet is getting led a merry dance in the SPL. He was lucky not to receive a red card for his continual fouling, something that only went unnoticed by yet another inept Scottish referee. As per usual, he wasnââ?¬â?¢t the only Craptic player to be let of lightly, Naylor should have walked for his assault on Novo, and I assume that the SFA will use video evidence on both (yeah, I knowââ?¬Â¦.!)ââ?¬Â¦.. Both our goals were well taken, but in all honesty, should have been defended a lot better. Boyd simply strayed from his marker and whilst his shot was well taken, it wasnââ?¬â?¢t the hardest shot and was saveable. Adamââ?¬â?¢s free-kick was very cleverly taken and Charlie did brilliantly to see that Borac was urging his wall to ââ?¬Ë?jumpââ?¬â?¢ when the ball was struck. Maybe Iââ?¬â?¢m doing Adam and Boyd a disservice as they say that all goals are preventable. We should and could have taken the Tims to the cleaners as we had plenty of chances. I bet I wasnââ?¬â?¢t the only one praying for Sebo to ripple the net with one of his chances. The big guy is so likeable and gives you 100% every time he plays. He deserved a goal on Saturday. The OF game wouldnââ?¬â?¢t be the OF game (with Rangers winning that is) if it didnââ?¬â?¢t boil over ââ?¬â?? step forward Naylor (yeah him again) and Hutton. In saying that, why does Neil Lennon have to get involved in ever ââ?¬Ë?meleeââ?¬â?¢ that happens within a 100 mile radius? The events after the final whistle summed Craptic and their players up to a ââ?¬Ë?Tââ?¬â?¢ and with Borac been reported to the Police (for the 4th time in as many months) weââ?¬â?¢ll just have to hope that the authorities come down hard on the Pole. It is worth noting here (as youââ?¬â?¢ll not read it anywhere else) that Borac wasnââ?¬â?¢t reported and sanctioned for blessing himself at Iborx, his offence was to make gestures to the fans. But when has the truth stopped the Mhedia having a dig at Rangers and us the fans? There wasnââ?¬â?¢t a player in light blue who didnââ?¬â?¢t contribute to the performance and result and hence, all would get pass marks and more. Special praise though for Alan Hutton who has this fan (gladly) eating his words. His performances of late have been outstanding and he is an example to the other ââ?¬Ë?underperformersââ?¬â?¢ of what can be achieved with the correct attitude and application. There is no denying that we still have a long way to go, but at least we have put a marker down for next season. We are more consistent, less likely to lose stupid goals (ergo, lose games that we shouldnââ?¬â?¢t), with the correct players arriving in the summer (if the budget is available) and with the luck that you inevitably require, we could win OUR trophy back. In saying that, itââ?¬â?¢ll all depend on the new signings. WS and his team need to get every signing 100% correct, there is no room and no money for errors. Cammy F

http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.1381371.0.0.php Cammy F

WS confirmed in his post-match interview on Saturday that he'll go with the players / squad he used on Saturday for the remaining games of the season. To me, that means very limited changes on Sunday with possibley Lowing replacing Hutton at right back and Prso (if fit) partnering Boyd up front. Cammy F

And what a night that was - I was sitting in the George Fox stand trying not to look too much like a Rangers fan all that went out the window when BL scored - didn't really matter, everyone else around me jumped up as well..... The most amazing site that night was when Richard Gough lifted the trophey, he had to choke back the tears - that is what it meant... Then it was straight over to Ibrox to await the team bus coming home - think it finally arrived at Ibrox around 1:30AM and que a wonderfull party...!! Great days but sadly never likely to be recaptured. Cammy F

Nothing wrong with playing games in NI as we have a huge fan base over there. I have been over 3 times to watch Rangers and had a fantastic time on all 3 occassions. In fact, we as a club and a fanbase could learn so much from Linfield. They have had the same 'issues' as ourselves and as a club and fanbase moved on so much in recent years. In fact, in the lead up to last seasons friendly one of the Sunday broadsheets printed a fantastic article regarding Linfield and the giant strides they had taken (I posted it on the site at the time). The only thing that was wrong IMO was playing Linfield all the time, there are plenty other teams in NI that would happily play The Rangers home or away. Hopefully this decision hasn't been made to appease the PC and anti-Rangers brigade in the media. Cammy F

Can't decide between Hutton, Fergie and Hendami - special mention to Novo for his energy, he put in one hell of a shift yesterday. Cammy F

But surely fans are entitled to 'doubt' and ask for more from Boyd (as we are with others?). IMO, Boyd could do worse than look at the overall improvement of Huttons game and if he applies himself as Hutton does, maybe he wouldn't give the 'doubters' reason to doubt. Cammy F

I wonder if any of the 'Scottish' Journos will print that the only sectarian singing yestrday eminated from the 'Jungle Jims'? Henrick larrson, Mark Viduka, Fook The Queen and Davie Cooper (he's died) and 'Soon There Will Be No Protestants....'? Also, if you include their many pro-IRA ditties, surely someone will take them to task? Over to you Britney. Cammy F

Cammy F

SO sang TBO at the mhanks after their party was as falt as a 2 day opened bottle of Magners. I have been to some aweful parties in my time, but yesterdays so called 'begger fest' was the worst by a long shot. The music they supplied was appauling and the volume was very low for long periods of the so called party. The invitees were ulgy, badly dressed and very, very smelly. Their behaviour was terrible but as usual went largely unnoticed by the authorities. However, next door to the begger fest was a different type of party - one that was attended by the 'good folks' who acted superbly, had a fantastic playlist of music and who, generally goaded the begger fest as it didn't really get into full swing.. Big Jock Knew Sebo's On We're Taking The Piss If You Think The Priest Was Guilty Clap Your Hands You're In The Wrong Fooking Country Oh This Is Some Fooking Party Come On Over To My Place, Hey TIMS We're Havin A Party and to the Tim near TBO section with his Boaby Sands scarf and T-Shirt - 'Who Got Buried In A Pencil Case....' :flipa: One swallow doesn't make a summer, but I'll tell you what, no matter what happens on the pitch, lets pray thanks to God that we aren't Tims. Imagine waking every day of you're life knowing that you are a smelly, ugly, repugnet Tim.... Cammy F

Sums up yesterday perfectly - an article that Britney could only dream (or would such honest writing be a 'nightmare' for him?) of penning http://sport.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=701522007 Cammy F

Fantastic performance by Milan last night and firmly put SAF's Man Yoo in their place. Hopefully for Rino's sake they beat the Scousers in the final. Cammy F

Does SDM read this forum? Only last night Frankie stated that season ticket sales weren't going as good as expected - hey presto the next day we are 'linked' with Alan Smith..... I'll believe it when I see him paraded at Ibrox / Murray Park. Cammy F

But why would Murray, his family and his companies give up ownership of these properties? The Albion is 'prime site' and was sold to Murrays son for �£1 - can you see him selling the new owner this land for the same price? Off course not, especially when he can get millions for it if it is used for housing, or more likely a hotel (given its easy access to Glasgow Airport. Frankie will now better than me regarding the ownership of Murray Park, and maybe its just me, but I wouldn't be sure that Murray Park belongs to us. If these properties aren't sold on, there is no disputing that SDM will continue to use Rangers as his own personal cash cow - a fooking rediculous situation to find ourselves in.. Cammy F

Another thought that I have had after reading a post on another forum from a very esteemed fanzine editor is that when Murray does go, the new owners will NOT receive any of the following - The Albion, Auchenhowie, the retailing arm (JJB deal ties that up) old Pools Office/Supporters Association building - these will STILL belong to Murray. What does that prospect hold for any prospective buyer? All that is for sale is Ibrox and the playing staff, SDM has ensured that all other assets are firmly in his, his families or one of his companies clutches. So, what incentive is there for anyone to buy Rangers? To be successful they will have to deal with SDM in buying out, or renting all or some of the above (especially Auchenhowie, as without it, we have nowhere to train. Am I the only one uncomfortable with the fact that even after he is gone, SDM will have a major say in the finances of our club and will continue to line his own, his families and his companies pockets with OUR money? Cammy F

Was it really only 12 months ago that we witnessed what some of us described as the ââ?¬Ë?worst Rangers team in historyââ?¬â?¢ crawl to 3rd place in the SPL playing terrible football? It seems longer, but I suppose that can be expected after the promises of ââ?¬Ë?moonbeams of successââ?¬â?¢ and ââ?¬Ë?investments that would rock Scottish Footballââ?¬â?¢ from serial liar SDM. In hindsight, and given SDM history of false promises, we should really have known better. It could be argued that this season was just as bad, if not worse than last. PLGââ?¬â?¢s revolution never really got off the ground and whilst Walter Smith has steadied the ship somewhat, watching Rangers isnââ?¬â?¢t really ââ?¬Ë?prime-timeââ?¬â?¢ at the moment ââ?¬â?? although weââ?¬â?¢re expected to pay top dollar for the privilege. Another close season arrives and another mass reapplication for season tickets will follow giving our esteemed leader the belief that we the fans are totally behind him and believe that he is the right man to carry us forward. Oh, weââ?¬â?¢ll have his lap-dogs in the media telling us that he has a new found hunger, a desire to put us back on top, a list of first class signings queuing to sign ââ?¬â?? just to ensure that those of us swithering will give him (another) benefit of the doubt. I am still unsure if Iââ?¬â?¢ll renew, but if I do it will be in spite of SDM not due to another bout of his lies leaked to the press. There is so much wrong with our club at the moment, it is hard to pick out something positive to talk about in the lead up to the last OF game of the season. I suppose the U19ââ?¬â?¢s thrashing their Craptic counterparts in the U19 Cup recently shows that there might be some gems finally coming through the system. Players like Stevie Lennon, Shinnie, Fleck and Perry to name but 4. The U19ââ?¬â?¢s also have a chance to claim the league title which will have been decided when you read this. The latest fan initiative by the RST and fanzines, Rangers First is also worth a mention and going by recent games, especially out-with Ibrox, the first signs are that this is working and the Rangers fans are warming to this initiative and actively encouraging songs without the unnecessary add-ons. However, the major issues that surround the club are still there for all to see and there doesnââ?¬â?¢t appear to be anything coming from the club that would suggest that these will change for the better. The most worrying is the money, or lack off that the manager will receive to rebuild the team in the summer. We urgently need at least 10 players, most of them ââ?¬Ë?startersââ?¬â?¢ but feel weââ?¬â?¢ll be pinning our hopes on players like Gow, Broadfoot and Naismyth (instead of the likes of Brown, Koevermans etc) and if we are, and I hope Iââ?¬â?¢m wrong, weââ?¬â?¢ll be back here in another 12 months wondering where it all went wrong and what if anything will change to make things right again. Cammy F

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.1366795.0.0.php Cammy F

Christ, read what I asked - thanks for mmcd_rfc for confirming that a statistic that I didn't think was correct was actually correct.:uzi: Cammy F

Killan is a poor mans Kris Boyd.... Pete, I take it AZ losing out on the league is a 'good' thing in regards to our chances of getting Koevermans? I am sure I read somewhere that he'd only move if AZ lost the league? Cammy F

Not wanting this to turn into another zillion page Boyd debate, but I read on another forum that, penalties excluded, KB has scored on only 1 SPL away ground this season. Anyone know if that is correct? Cammy F

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/scottishpremier/rangers/news/story_get.dor?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/04/30/SOCCER_Rangers_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=rangers Cammy F

Once again, on a visit to Scotland's capital, Rangers fans were met with heavy-handed Policing. Police in tracker vans with video cameras, Police in vans in full riot gear and the Police on the streets trying to intimidate the visiting support. On the way to the ground, a Rangers fan asked a Policeman if he was allowed to drink in the streets. He was informed that as long as he wasn't 'drunk' or close to the ground, he could indulge. The guy nips into a shop, buys 2 bottles of beer and is promptly surrounded by Police as he opens the first bottle - only after intervention from 10 fellow fans is the lad not arrested (he had his drink confiscated). Early in the game, a young Rangers fan was surrounded by Police and had his Union Flag confiscated and warned that he could be arrested. Meanwhile, the Hibs fans were happily allowed to fly the flag of a foriegn nation without Police intervention. Near half-time, the entire Rangers end is surrounded by Police and stewards whils the rest of the stadium is left 'unguarded'. Que Hibs fans rushing to the Rangers fans, gesturing, blessing themselves and making 'cut-throat gestures. What action by Plod? NONE, apart from telling the Rangers fans to shut the fook up..... When will all this end? Cammy F