ian1964

RANGERS and Celtic are planning to launch their own TV channel and bid for the rights to Scottish football. The Old Firm are furious over the cut-price TV deal being offered to the SPL by Sky and ESPN in the wake of the collapse of Setanta. And they held secret talks at the weekend to discuss a bid of their own. Rangers chief executive Martin Bain said last night: "I can confirm that the Old Firm have had talks regarding the current broadcasting arrangements. "We are deeply disappointed at the proposals on the table and are exploring other avenues. At this stage I don't want to comment further." Bain and Rangers chairman Sir David Murray met their Parkhead counterparts, Peter Lawwell and Dr John Reid, to find a way forward on the TV issue. Both Old Firm clubs are furious that most other SPL teams seem willing to accept the "derisory" �£65million, five-year deal on offer from ESPN and Sky. The rest of the clubs look certain to rubberstamp the bid this week. The offer is worth roughly half the �£130million the SPL would have banked from Setanta over four years. But the Old Firm were always cynical about the Irish broadcasters' ability to actually pay the cash it had promised. Rangers and Celtic are preparing to offer more than �£25million to buy the rights for two years. They claim that the other 10 clubs will each earn more cash if they accept their deal. The Old Firm would stand to make more money by either selling the rights on to a new bidder or launching their own pay-per-view channels. The Record understands that Sir David Murray and Celtic's majority shareholder Dermot Desmond held urgent talks after last week's Hampden meeting with SPL executive chairman Lex Gold. The two tycoons discussed some sort of breakaway TV deal and agreed to hold a further round of talks. Any move to gazump Sky and ESPN will have to be tabled within the next 48 hours. A source close to the discussions said last night:"The Old Firm are very clear and united on this. "There is a feeling that the offer on the table right now is tantamount to these broadcasters holding our game to ransom. "In effect, Scottish football has been asked to drop its standards and accept whatever they offer. It is ludicrous to agree to these conditions for the next four or five years. "It would make far more sense for Rangers and Celtic to find the money to buy the rights for the next couple of years with an offer in excess of the terms on the table. "That way, the other clubs will share a bigger guaranteed income. And the Old Firm would be in a position either to sell the rights on to a broadcaster themselves, or, more appealingly, to create their own Old Firm TV channels. "Both clubs are well aware how lucrative the Old Firm derbies would be if launched on a pay-per-view platform. "As it stands, because of the collapse of Setanta and some botched negotiations, their own TV income is dropping like a stone. "It has gone down from �£ 5million a year when the new deal with Setanta was agreed, to �£4million a year when that deal was restructured, and now to a sum closer to �£ 1.9million a year. "The Old Firm are no longer willing to allow the tail to wag the dog." http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2009/07/14/rangers-and-celtic-get-together-to-buy-up-tv-rights-for-scotish-football-86908-21518563/

CHARLIE ADAM has been told to make a decision on his move to Blackpool. Seasiders manager Ian Holloway claims Rangers midfielder Adam has been ignoring his phone calls about finalising a switch to the Championship side. Adam spent part of last season on loan at Bloomfield Road and Holloway has now agreed a �£500,000 fee with Gers. But he fears Adam is still hoping a bigger club will swoop to sign him. He said: "He's ignored our calls. He's blamed it on his agent and it seems like he is stalling. "Whether he is waiting for his agent or another club to come in for him, I'm not sure. "If I could meet him I could sell him this club and my plans. I'd explain we can help him get into the Premier League. "He needs to know how much the town loved him, but I can only do so much without talking to the lad. "And I have a horrible feeling someone else might nip in." http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/2531023/Blackpool-boss-Ian-Holloway-fears-Charlie-Adams-is-stalling-on-a-move.html

CROCKED Celtic star Scott Brown risked the wrath of new boss Tony Mowbray ââ?¬â? by partying at T In The Park. Brown, 24, is recovering from ankle surgery and was told to take it easy by the Hoops manager. But instead he joined up with pals at Balado while his team-mates were on a gruelling pre-season trip to Australia. They headed for the VIP bar where he downed pints of lager and cider with his mates. They then moved on to Red Bull and vodka, and Sambuca during a four hour boozing session. Last night a source said: ââ?¬Å?Scott told pals Tony didnââ?¬â?¢t want him to go to T In The Park as he should be resting his ankle. Hooping it up . . . Brown laps up atmosphere Hooping it up . . . Brown laps up atmosphere Michael Schofield ââ?¬Å?He decided to go and hoped the boss wouldnââ?¬â?¢t find out. But there was no chance he wouldnââ?¬â?¢t get recognised. ââ?¬Å?It will be an interesting conversation when Tony gets back.ââ?¬Â Brown ââ?¬â? managed by Mowbray at Hibs ââ?¬â? arrived at the festival on Saturday with brother Stewart, 21, three girls and two guys. The Scotland star ââ?¬â? spotted without his wedding ring, despite marrying Lisa Taylor last month ââ?¬â? hid behind shades and initially wasnââ?¬â?¢t spotted by revellers. He headed to the main stage to watch Razorlight and one of his mates forced him to wear a novelty umbrella hat. But some punters began to yell abuse. One onlooker said: ââ?¬Å?It looked like things might turn nasty so pals took him to the VIP area.ââ?¬Â Celtic refused to comment. Midfielder Brown couldnââ?¬â?¢t be reached http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/2531047/Crocked-Brown-parties-at-T.html

Shocking news,hope he can pull through this but I'm not confident as it has spread through his body to the brain,hope I'm wrong though,all the best John

Who is the reporter ?. Just another load of shite IMO,we all know what we would like Rangers/SDM to do regarding signing players,however we all also all know it can't/won't be done until we get rid of the excess players. We still have the best team,IMO,and am not too concerned with the MOPES transfer activity

You won't see any action,if any?,until the last day or two of the transfer market regarding bringing in any new players,if any?

Not even thinking that far mate,happy/relieved to be there and enjoy seeing the teams we get drawn against

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2009/4/12/1183517/out-of-contract-players-in-italy-free-to-move-this-summer

Scotland have confirmed Nissan Stadium in Yokohama as the venue for their friendly against Japan on 10 October. The Scots last faced Japan in 2006 when they won the Kirin Cup under Walter Smith following a goalless draw. The sides have only ever met twice, with the previous friendly encounter also ending 0-0 in 1995. Scotland's fans will be familiar with former Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura, who won his latest cap in a World Cup qualifier against Quatar. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/8140293.stm Great time to travel around the world for a feckin friendly !!

I think we all were happy at that time with the signings,however did we know we were getting deeper into debt ?, did SDM ?, if we all had known we were operating/spending way above what we should have been I don't think we would have been best pleased !!, the bottom line is SDM sanctioned all the signings therefore he has to take responsibility for our debt,IMO, he is the one running the club and the clubs debt, so while we were all caught up in chasing the dream we didn't know how much debt it was putting the club in, then after that when we keep falling deeper into debt even when we have been bringing money in ????, as has been said the buck stops at the top

http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/2190007/ http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/2064619/

Sheffield United have suspended Paddy Kenny for failing a drugs test, BBC Radio Sheffield reports. Kenny tested positive for a banned substance, ephedrine, following last season's Championship play-off semi-final second leg against Preston. Ephedrine is believed to be present in a cough mixture that the Republic of Ireland international is understood to have bought over the counter. The 31-year-old goalkeeper could face a lengthy ban. The club, the Football Association and UK Sport have so far refused to comment over the matter. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sheff_utd/8137680.stm

http://www.imscouting.com/global_news_item.aspx?id=2510

Aye,I think it's a fair assumption he would get a great welcome on his return to Ibrox,even if it was in the Accies colours

Former Rangers star Marvin Andrews could be set for one more crack at the SPL with Hamilton Accies. Record Sport understands the 33-year-old centre-half is one of a number of players on New Douglas Park boss Billy Reid's radar and he may be offered a deal. Reid wants to bring some experienced players into his young squad for their second SPL season and Andrews fits the bill - if he can prove his fitness. Accies are now back in training and Reid will run the rule over a number of trialists over the next few weeks. Andrews won his 100th cap for Trinidad and Tobago last month and helped Raith Rovers land the Second Division title last season. The big defender, famously a committed Christian, helped Rangers win the 2005 SPL championship on Helicopter Sunday. Andrews injured his cruciate ligament that season but he refused medical treatment and continued to play for the Ibrox side, claiming God would look after him. He only missed one match and became a cult hero with the Rangers support because of his wholehearted and honest approach to the game. Andrews' first club in Scotland was Raith but he moved to Livingston in 2000 and helped the Almondvale outfit lift the 2004 League Cup. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2009/07/07/exclusive-hamilton-could-hand-marvin-andrews-shock-spl-return-86908-21500821/

I hope Rangers have a sell on clause, another young player who got far too much criticism IMO, good luck Charlie and I hope you go on to prove a lot of doubters wrong

This should probably be moved to Rangers downloads section

by Lindsay Herron CHARLIE ADAM is set to end his association with Rangers and make a permanent move to Blackpool after a bid of �£500,000 was accepted today. Adam spent a highly successful loan spell with the Championship side in the second half of last season and made a big impact on the fans. Now new manager Ian Holloway wants to make Adam a permanent fixture and subject to personal terms being agreed the left sided midfielder will sign a deal with Blackpool tomorrow. Adam scored twice in 13 games last season but it was his influence on the field which convinced Blackpool to splash the cash. Adam had three years left on his Rangers contract but had found himself on the fringes under Walter Smith. Ironically, his last match fCharlie Adamor Rangers was the Old Firm derby in December last year. Charlie came right through the ranks at Rangers and on his day was a very effective player, especially from set pieces. He made his debut in a 3-2 win over Dunfermline at the end of the 2003/04 season but went on loan to Ross County the following season and then spent a season at St Mirren, helping the Buddies win promotion to the SPL. It was Paul Le Guen who gave Adam the big breakthrough in 2006/07 and it was his most productive season as he scored 14 goals, including a cheeky daisy-cutter free kick which fooled Artur Boruc and gave Rangers a 2-0 Old Firm win. And few will forget his stunning goal against Stuttgart in the Champions League at Ibrox in 2007/08. At the age of 23 he has a very bright future ahead of him in English football.

http://www.britishpathe.com/results.php?search=glasgow+rangers&o=0

THE NEW Rangers kit is available to pre-order now or you can buy yours on July 16. The new kit is traditional blue with a distinctive checkerboard pattern design which is reminiscent of the home top from the late 80s and is sure to appeal to all Rangers fans. The shirt, which will continue to sport a Saltire on the back neck, is complimented by traditional Rangers black socks with red trim and the classic white shorts which continue to feature the Rangers Charity Foundation logo on the rear. The Club has worked closely with JJB to ensure supporters can purchase the new kit as early as possible, this has meant focusing on the Club's sales channels - including online - to maximise availability of the range for all Rangers supporters. You can pre-order online HERE or via mail order on 0871 702 1972 (then press option 5) from Monday on a first come first served basis. The SPL Champions will officially launch the new home strip on Thursday, July 16 and it will be available to purchase exclusively from Rangers outlets including the Rangers JJB Megastore at Ibrox Stadium, the Argyle Street Rangers JJB store, online right here on rangers.co.uk and via mail order on 0871 702 1972. The strip will be available from other non-Rangers retail outlets for the new SPL campaign in August. New Kit Prices Home Short Sleeve Shirt: Kenny Miller with the new kit Junior 6/7 - XLB �£29.99 Adult S-XXXXXL �£39.99 Long Sleeve Shirt: Junior 6/7-XLB �£34.99 Adult S-XXXXXL �£44.99 Shorts: Junior 6/7-XLB �£15.99 Adult S-XXXL �£17.99 Socks: Boys/Large Boys �£7.99 Mens �£8.99 Infant Kit: 2yrs-6/7 �£29.99 Baby Kit: 68cm-86cm �£24.99 Womens Shirt: SG-LG �£29.99 8-20 �£39.99 GK Shirt: SB-XLB �£34.99 S-XXL �£44.99 GK Shorts: SB-XLB �£15.99 S-XXL �£17.99 GK Socks: Boys/Large Boys �£7.99 Mens �£8.99

BIG-SPENDING Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez is plotting to set up a European Super League and could invite the Old Firm to join. The president of the Spanish giants threatens to lead a revolt against UEFA if they don't do more to support bigger clubs. Last night he said: "We have to agree a new European Super League that guarantees the best always play the best - something that doesn't happen in the Champions League." Celtic and Rangers would have to prove they deserve a place among the elite. Ibrox chief executive Martin Bain backed the Real plan and said: "The time is right for it to be looked at in detail. "It is also important to emphasise that it would not necessarily involve us leaving Scottish football behind." Perez also stressed he does not want to abandon domestic football - only to guarantee clubs such as Real, Manchester United, Barcelona and AC Milan participate every season in a big-money competition. He is brassed off by UEFA president Michel Platini who tried to make the Champions League more open to clubs outside the elite by bringing in an unseeded third qualifying round that puts the big guns at risk. Platini dismissed the idea of a breakaway when he said: "I don't think it's a threat." http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2009/07/06/old-firm-considered-for-euro-super-league-86908-21498224/

THIS is the new kit Rangers will wear for the defence of the league and cup double. Ibrox ace Kevin Thomson posed in the strip, available for pre-order from Monday. Thommo said: "I really like the design of the new strip and I'm sure it will be a hit with our supporters. "Hopefully we can be as successful in the new strip as we were last season." Gers have accepted Blackpool's �£500,000 bid for Charlie Adam. The midfielder, 23, was on loan at the Seasiders last term and could make a permanent move to the Championship, with Preston and Barnsley also keen. Boss Walter Smith admits Adam won't be the last star to leave Ibrox this summer. He said: "Every player is susceptible to a bid. I know there's a feel good factor here after winning the double, but this doesn't go away." http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/2518189/Kev-stripped-to-double-up.html

Sunday mail: The thought of leaving Rangers after our double win did cross my mind, says Walter Smith IBROX lies silent. It's the calm after - and before - the storm. Not an echo of the euphoria that filled it six weeks ago, not a hint of the elation to come in another six weeks when the flag runs up the pole. The Blue Room at the top of the marble staircase lies dormant, set up for a wedding. Through the door, though? In a oak-panelled office reeking of history and basking in sunshine, Walter Smith is looking like a man who is still enjoying his second honeymoon. And nothing like a man many thought would have walked off into the sunset on May 31 as either a Double-winner or two-time title loser. Relaxed, tanned, rested ... and ready. In his first interview since winning the SPL and Scottish Cup in his second full season back, Smith reveals the idea of walking away at the top DID cross his mind. But deep down the 61-year-old knew his time wasn't up - and he didn't want to leave the staff he brought with him in the lurch. Despite the heart-attack high of Gers' last-day victory - and seven titles from his first spell as boss - he will walk back through the doors of Murray Park on Thursday hungry to do it all over again. Walter admitted: "When you get over the 60 mark it's a relevant question, whether or not you walk. Yes, it crosses your mind. "But I would have been more likely to leave after losing. What kind of person walks because of an image? That you want to be SEEN to be going out at the top? I don't have that kind of ego. "If I turn round and say I'm off? They will say: 'Great, you've reached a European final and won four trophies in two-and-a-half years. Thanks.' And that's it. "What does that mean to me in the end? I'm here for a challenge. "I know what it feels like when your time is up. It happened when I was here for seven years and it was time for a change. A team completely died. "I won't manage for seven years now but when is the time to go? It will be when I feel I don't have as much to offer - or when my team's not good enough and I take responsibility. That's not now." Smith's moral compass was also pointing him back towards work. He has absolute faith that the legacy he has put in place in the Rangers dugout, Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall, would cope in his absence. But with Rangers still struggling financially Walter doesn't want to throw his sidekicks straight into a firefight without big enough guns. He said: "If I walked out I would feel as though I was leaving other people with a problem. And I have to be fair to my staff. "Ally, Kenny, Jim Stewart, Adam Owen and Pip Yeats make up a great staff. "If I leave - and I stress this isn't my decision - I would like to think the chairman would consider Ally taking over. But in the circumstances it would feel like I was leaving them with issues. "It's not just that though. When I returned people were saying: 'You won nine-in-a-row so why would you come back?' "The simple answer is people in football want to achieve. It was a challenge - and one I feel we have met." It's also one that he will instantly have to meet again - or face exactly the same Groundhog Day grilling about his future. Smith shrugged: "That's the Old Firm. You can win every year but then you have to do it again the following year. "All the managers I know have a competitive spirit - that keeps us going. If it's golf, or whatever, you want to win. "You need to have goals. If you lose that as you get older, fine, but I still have it. "Davie Weir once made a great point. If he makes a mistake now people say it is because he's 38 or 39. But Davie made the same mistakes at 28 or 29. What was it then? "It's the same for me - it doesn't just switch off one day. You will get a feeling but that's not now." The change in Smith and Rangers from this time last year is tangible. After a 68-game season and a break of less than a month he saw the black cloud sitting above his squad before the heavens opened on their darkest day in Kaunas. This time there isn't a cloud in sight. Nineteen games fewer played, a six-week sabbatical and the walk-on-water lightness of step that graces a winner. Smith admitted: "It feels different. Last summer we knew how difficult it was going to be. Liverpool thrashed us in a friendly and we were lucky to beat Raith Rovers. "We weren't good enough. This year it's so different. The season ended on a high and we've had a break that feels like the kind you used to get 30 years ago." And Smith is desperate to harvest what he has sown - especially when the shoots were so visible at the end of the season. He said: "People say I never play kids but I've tried to get a solid base of young Scots to benefit the club. "That takes time. If you buy a seasoned professional they will settle at Rangers or Celtic. "But it's different for younger guys. Look at Steven Whittaker. In my mind he was our most consistent player from January. "But previously he struggled dealing with the demands of the crowd and everything else. "That's what you're up against. I read one pundit telling me Kyle Lafferty was a bad buy and six months later saying if I don't play him we won't win the league! "Kevin Thomson was starting to dictate games before his injury while Steven Naismith has been unlucky. "But he will still be a very good Rangers player. Maurice Edu came in and did so well. "We have a good base of young players. We won't have a big-name buy but this team can be successful. "This side is as capable, if not more so, than the Rangers team that played in the Champions League and UEFA Cup two years ago."

RANGERS boss Walter Smith last night admitted every player at Ibrox is still up for sale - despite the club's �£15million Champions League windfall. The SPL champions return from a six-week break for pre-season training at Murray Park on Thursday. But in an exclusive interview, Smith has delivered a reality check by revealing the financial crisis that rocked Ibrox in January still hangs over the club. That means Gers will consider bids for any of their stars. And Smith admits he is also unlikely to buy big in the transfer market this summer. However, he refuses to be downbeat after watching his side claim the SPL title and Scottish Cup last term. And the Ibrox boss believes he. a side that will see off Tony Mowbray's revamped Celtic AND perform in Europe. He said: "What happened in January is still there. Every player is susceptible to a bid. "We told them circumstances meant we had to sell a player and we're still in that situation. "I know there's a feelgood factor after winning the Double but this doesn't go away. "Yes, it's far less of a problem than in January. But the problem most teams outwith the big leagues have is still at Rangers' door. "We know we won't have a big-name buy but we DO have a team that can be successful. "We've lost players likeCarlos Cuellar and Alan Hutton and still managed to get success." Former skipper Barry Ferguson has already been linked with Birmingham City. But Walter said: "Barry is the same as every other player. If someone makes a bid we have to decide if we accept it. Crunch "And we won't be spending a lot on players just because we're in the Champions League. We still have to be prudent." That sense of responsibility weighs heavily on Smith's shoulders - and it's a buck he refuses to pass. He said: "I get accused of being too close to the chairman but David Murray has run Rangers for 20 years and put in a load of money. "Every company in the world has been affected by the credit crunch. How can I go to David and say I need so many millions when there are consequences? "The level-headed fan will see it's an unfair situation to put the chairman in. I hope everyone understands why I won't ask." That reality hit home when Smith became aware losing the title last season would cost jobs all through the club. He said: "People have worked here for 20 years and suddenly you find if you don't get Champions League money they are facing redundancy. "It made the finish to the season as tense as any I have experienced. There was as much relief as joy when we won." http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/sport-news/scottish-football/spl/2009/07/05/walter-smith-every-rangers-player-has-a-price-despite-spl-title-win-78057-21495754/

WEST BROM are trailing Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson as new head coach Roberto Di Matteo sets about strengthening the squad he inherited at The Hawthorns. Former Scottish international Fergie, 31, was on Albion's hit-list beforeMatteo arrived. Any move was put on hold when Celtic made their move to lure the then Albion manager Tony Mowbray north. Ferguson, right, has been told he can leave Ibrox and Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish is also weighing up a bid. Di Matteo is already poised to seal his first deal with Swindon Town striker Simon Cox due at the club tomorrow to finalise a �£2m move. Meanwhile, Burnley boss boss Owen Coyle is also looking to Ibrox as he lines up a swoop for Gers striker Kris Boyd. Coyle plans to test Rangers' resolve by making an offer of �£3m for last season's 31-goal hitman, who also interested McLeish in last season's January transfer window. Rangers were keen to sell in January, but Boyd dug his heels in over terms at that time. Increased financial pressure on the club could see them ready to accept a �£3.5m offer. A bigger problem could be personal terms to suit Boyd after Coyle revealed recently that a rigid pay ceiling is in place at Turf Moor. http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/scottish/scottish_sport/391374/BARRY-FEGUSON-WEST-BROM-RANGERS.html