ian1964

By Andrew Dickson NEIL ALEXANDER will use his spell on the sidelines as motivation as he bids to make himself Rangers' number one goalkeeper in the long term. Neil AlexanderThe former Cardiff City star is in possession of the gloves at present, having started the Light Blues' last four games. So far he seems to have been something of a good omen and in each of the seven first-team games he has featured in this season, Gers have emerged triumphant. The 31-year-old took over from Allan McGregor after he was suspended by the club for his actions while he was representing Scotland. Alexander has spent much of this season living in his colleague's shadow and admits doing so has been more difficult than he thought. But now that he has been given an opportunity by Walter Smith, he's determined to grab it with both hands. "It has been very difficult being number two if I'm honest," Alexander said. "You sit there, analyse every game and see the good, bad and the ugly from the bench. "Not being involved is hard and sometimes you wonder why you're here when you could be away somewhere else playing every week. "I love it here, though, and Rangers are a fantastic football club. I'm very happy here and I'm very fortunate to be at Ibrox. Neil Alexander"At the moment, I'm just getting my head down and seeing what it brings and obviously, with Allan being out of the team just now, I'm getting a chance. "If I do well over the next few weeks, hopefully that will set me up nicely for next season and give me the opportunity to have an extended run in the side." Alexander has been unlucky not to play a bigger part in Rangers' campaign. When he was last in the team in September he did little wrong but was dropped after three games. Looking back, he accepts the reasons for that but is keen to put it behind him and make up for his absence with title SPL success. "I understand why the manager put Allan back in the team a few months ago," Alexander added. "He spoke to me about it when he made his decision and I appreciated that. "He tried to protect me and while it was disappointing to come out of the team, I think he wanted me to step down on a high. "I realise he wanted that rather than for me to go back to the bench on a low with the fans on my back after I'd made a mistake that had cost us or whatever. Neil Alexander"Because he did that, my confidence was still high in training every day and the supporters kept a good opinion of me. "In that respect, I don't have too many problems with what happened but you clearly want to play and I'm no different to anyone else. "I want to be in the team and think I should be playing but I know why things panned out the way they did and Allan was in fantastic form when he was recalled. "Due to circumstances, he's now out of the side again and I've got another chance so it's important I make the most of it. "As I've been on the bench for so long, it's going to take me three or four games just to get match fit again and get my eye in. "But hopefully I can go to do well and have a sustained period in the team that brings us some silverware."

Any truth in Robbie Neilson already being a done deal for next season ?

Rangers are weighing up a sensational summer swoop that would see former Scotland under 21 star Stephen Hughes return to Ibrox. http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/96310/Gers-eye-up-swoop-for-former-boy-Hughs-

It's amazing how some fans actually believe that BF has so much power that he can dictate to a club when he wants to leave and then when he wants to come back,he is on his way out and he is still our best midfield player,IMO, so when he does leave I will thank him for his services to Rangers FC

THE residents of Wallyford have paid tribute to former Rangers manager Jock Wallace by paying for and erecting a plaque in his memory. Legendary Ibrox boss Wallace was born in the East Lothian village and he went on to enjoy great success in two spells at the Light Blues helm. Wallyford residents pay tribute to Jock WallaceAfter leading the club to its first title for 11 years in 1975, he went on to claim Trebles in both 1976 and 1978. His achievements have been marked by those in the community he lived and grew up in as a child and they have put up the plaque in their local community centre. A tribute evening was held there recently and friends from Wallace's schooldays and beyond all shared their recollections of the great man. Each had different stories, including from his time doing national service with the Kings Own Scottish Borderers in Ireland and Malaya in the 1950s. Amongst the guests was current Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies, who spoke of his long-standing relationship with both Jock and the Wallace family. A night enjoyed by all who attended, it was a fitting way to acknowledge the achievements of a man hugely respected by all connected with Rangers.

KYLE LAFFERTY has vowed to fire Rangers to the SPL title after declaring himself fit for the run-in. The 21-year-old hitman has handed Gers a massive boost by revealing he is close to a top-team return. Lafferty suffered ankle ligament damage in the draw with Hearts last month and it was feared his season was over. But after battling back, the Ulsterman has set his sights on Celtic and the Old Firm title crunch at Ibrox on May 9. Lafferty said: ââ?¬Å?The injury is getting better all the time. In fact I am ahead of schedule. Iââ?¬â?¢ve already done a bit of ball work and a bit of running this week. Iââ?¬â?¢m getting there. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m looking at the first game after the split. I have my hopes riding on that. ââ?¬Å?But if not that game then definitely the Old Firm game a week later. ââ?¬Å?Thatââ?¬â?¢s the one I desperately want to be involved in. ââ?¬Å?There is still so much to play for and Iââ?¬â?¢m bursting to get back. Iââ?¬â?¢m desperate to be involved in the title run-in and a potential Scottish Cup Final. Iââ?¬â?¢ve already had the heartache of a cup final defeat to Celtic, so I think all the lads are more determined to get to this final and win it. ââ?¬Å?But we have St Mirren first and we also have five massive matches in the league. ââ?¬Å?The championship is the one we all want.ââ?¬Â Laffertyââ?¬â?¢s debut season in Scotland has been plagued by injury problems. His latest set-back came just when it seemed he had finally found his feet. Itââ?¬â?¢s been a frustrating, sometimes depressing, ten months. But the Ã?£3.25million summer buy from Burnley is confident he will have the last Laff. He said: ââ?¬Å?When this latest injury happened people were talking about my season being over. That worried me a bit. ââ?¬Å?But the results of my scan were far more positive and Iââ?¬â?¢ve got my head down in training. ââ?¬Å?It was frustrating to pick up another injury. My studs got caught in the turf as I tried to turn, but it could have been a lot worse. ââ?¬Å?I was due some luck because Iââ?¬â?¢ve not had a lot where injuries have been concerned this season. ââ?¬Å?First of all it was my back, then I had a few niggles and now this one to my ankle. ââ?¬Å?I keep on saying ââ?¬Ë?I hope thatââ?¬â?¢s itââ?¬â?¢, but I keep on getting cursed. Hopefully that will be it this time. ââ?¬Å?Itââ?¬â?¢s been frustrating because I felt I was doing well. The gaffer had given me my chance up front and the goals were coming. ââ?¬Å?But I only lasted three or four games then I picked up this latest injury. Hopefully I can get back and play my part in the run-in.ââ?¬Â http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/article2388648.ece

http://www.realradio-scotland.co.uk/station/listen-live/k8um6mai/

That's what Euan Cameron is just saying on the football phone in just now, the MOPES are foaming @ the mouth Euan : '' Celtic won the league last year through default ''

No,no ,no Craig..............it is a very reliable site , tbh I got this off a Rangers forum, as I said I love all the rumour shit, it puts a smile on my face

Football phone in is quite lively tonight, a lot of MOPES getting upset at Euan Cameron saying Celtic won the league last season by default

It's great fun though all these rumours.................I love them

Borrowed from another forum: IN: Dorman, St Mirren – 550K Aguair, Hearts – Free Tonel, Sporting – 1.8m Stranzl, Moscow – Free Miller, Aberdeen – Free Cerny, Hamilton – 150K Barr, Falkirk – 300K Hutton, Spurs – Swap Total – 2.8m OUT: Ferguson, Cardiff – 1.2M Webster, St Mirren – Loan (Dorman Sweetner) Boyd, Birmingham – 4.5 if they make the EPL Bougherra, Everton – 3.5m (if they loose lescott) Adam, Blackpool – 150k Gow, Norwich – 250K Hemdami – FREE Weir – Free Daily – Free G. Smith – Free McCulloch, Leicster – 700k McGregor, Spurs – 3.5/4 m Wilson, Spurs – Swap Total – 13.8m.

In The Balance Hearts Reserves 0-0 Rangers Reserves By Andrew Dickson RANGERS' are clinging on to their SPL Reserve League title hopes after they failed to get a much-needed win against third-top Hearts at Forthbank. Barry Ferguson in action at Forthbank before he limped offIn a match when midfielder Barry Ferguson made the briefest of comebacks before getting injured again, the Light Blues dominated without making a breakthrough. Their 0-0 draw in Stirling means they are now six points behind Old Firm rivals Celtic - whom they meet next Tuesday afternoon at Ibrox - with two games to play. They must win the derby and against Inverness on May 5 then hope the Parkhead team loses to both Dundee United and Aberdeen next month. Even then, Tommy Wilson's men will be relying on goal difference and the coach will appreciate that's a tall order. Of course, the pre-match talking point before this fixture was the return to action of Ferguson and Allan McGregor. Each made their first appearances in Gers colours since their two-week suspensions by the club for their behaviour whilst on Scotland duty. Allan McGregorFerguson's outing lasted barely two minutes as he went off with what appeared to be a calf problem after he made a block tackle on David Templeton. With Ally McCoist, Kenny McDowall and Ian Durrant amongst those looking on, it wasn't the kind of day the former club captain had in mind. Hearts tested McGregor with a couple of half chances but he looked comfortable throughout and it was the visitors who had the best chances before the break. Danny Wilson had a bullet header from John Fleck's corner cleared off the line at the far post and Aaron put the ball over when Steven Naismith set him up. The Spaniard had another opportunity shortly before the interval when the lively Steven Lennon was fouled on the right flank. But whilst he was on target this time, Jambos keeper Jamie McDonald smothered his driven free kick without too much trouble. Rangers continued to press after the restart as they looked for the win that would keep boost their title hopes. Brahim HemdaniNaismith went close with a header while Andrew Little also nodded over after Gregg Wylde's deep cross. With time starting to run out, Andy Webster was next to have a go but he couldn't make a difference as he put the ball past the woodwork. Gers were thrown a lifeline with 13 minutes left when Hearts skipper Ryan McGowan was shown a second yellow card for handball. But despite towing everyone bar McGregor forward in the dying seconds, they couldn't net and now they'll hope results can go for them instead elsewhere. RANGERS: McGregor; Little, Webster, Wilson, Wylde; Lennon (Hutton 81), Ferguson (Stirling 2), Hemdani (Durie 72), Aaron; Naismith, Fleck.

RANGERS' Reserves will try to keep their slim title hopes alive when they take on third place Hearts at Forthbank Stadium this afternoon (kick-off 2pm). Tommy Wilson' side are seven points behind in the championship race after 19 games and a defeat to the Jambos will see league leaders Celtic crowned champions for the eighth consecutive season. Tommy Wilson, Jimmy Sinclair and Billy KirkwoodIt is expected that several under-19 players will be drafted in to the Gers' squad for today's trip to Stirling with a number of first-team stars providing experience. But Wilson will be hoping his team can build on the 2-1 victory picked up against Aberdeen at Murray Park a week ago. Hearts will also go in to the match with confidence after beating Celtic 3-2 at Forthbank in their last league outing on April 14, a result which stopped Willie McStay's team from clinching the title on that day. Celtic's next match is against Rangers at Ibrox on April 28.

We are a Scottish club, and that is the way I want it to stay that way

Old Firm move could save some English clubs from oblivion, says Preston chairman Derek Shaw Apr 21 2009 By Chris Roberts PRESTON chief Derek Shaw last night claimed the Old Firm joining the English Premier League would save some clubs from extinction. The Deepdale chairman has thrown his weight behind Bolton chief Phil Gartside's revolutionary proposals to invite Celtic and Rangers into the new-look Premiership 2. Shaw told Record Sport the global recession was hitting Championship clubs more than most but says the prospect of more revenue through the turnstiles when the Scottish giants visit could keep them afloat. He said: "It costs a hell of a lot of money to survive at this level, especially at this moment in time. You hear of clubs struggling all the time and gates being down so we are all feeling the bite. "Clubs can only be helped in surviving with something like this that is going to increase attendances." To highlight Shaw's point the Lancashire club pulled in 21,000 for a clash with local rivals Blackpool at Deepdale this month - double what they get for most other sides. He said: "If we were in a league with a Rangers and a Celtic, I am sure that would be two full houses every season. "Cash is king to Preston. We had a full house against Blackpool recently and doubled our takings on just one day. "That is what we have to look at because we are in the entertainment business and if there was a new structure formed that is better entertainment for the paying customer then it has to be looked at."

It's all pie in the sky, and I would not like to see it happen,don't get me wrong the financial side of it is the only interesting bit,but it won't happen IMO

Oh dear...........they just can't help themselves http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8008726.stm

Think he meant Whittaker , however it was Weir that won the header from the corner,then Bougherra sent it back in for Edu's goal ...........great read Cammy :cheers:

"We are just looking for a fair crack of the whip and a level playing field and that has not happened." I seem to remember last season when they rejected the request to extend the league,'' due to football integrity'', it was because they had planned a tournament in Japan,which they never have played in yet ???, they chunts know nothing about integrity

I don't think the MOPES have ever played away three times in a season ?????

CELTIC chiefs were seething last night after the SPL handed Rangers a third home showdown with third-place Hearts following the split. Record Sport understands the champions feel their arch rivals have been given a huge advantage in the battle for the title when it emerged they will host the Jambos at Ibrox next weekend. Rangers have been to Tynecastle just once this season, losing 2-1 in November, while the Hoops feel aggrieved they have already had to make two trips to Edinburgh. Gordon Strachan's men must negotiate tricky post-split away fixtures to Aberdeen, Easter Road and Ibrox while Rangers head on the road to Hibs and Dundee United on the final day of the season. A Celtic insider said: "All we are asking for is an even playing field." Fans chief Peter Rafferty was also shocked having heard the fixtures and has called for the SPL to review the way in which it decides the post-split games." The secretary of the Association of Celtic Supporters Clubs said: "That is pretty unusual it's got to be said, though I know it happened a few seasons ago when we faced Dundee three times at Celtic Park. "But I thought it would have been at Tynecastle. The whole thing needs reviewing because there is a problem with these fixtures. "We are just looking for a fair crack of the whip and a level playing field and that has not happened." Twelve months ago Rangers were up in arms when the club were forced to cram in their final four matches in the space of eight days. The SPL ignored pleas from the Ibrox outfit for a longer SPL extension due to their involvement in the UEFA and Scottish Cup Finals. However, this time around the Rangers Supporters Trust believe both sides of the Old Firm have been treated fairly following the publication of the post-split fixtures. Trust spokesman David Edgar said: "It looks a pretty even fixture list against the best teams in the diivision." "Rangers' final game of the season at Tannadice and I don't know how anybody can say that is beneficial. "Both teams have five games to play including the final Old Firm match at Ibrox and the best team will win the title." Edgar believes the only way to avoid the ritual end of season squabling is to scrap the controversial top six setup. He added: "There are going to be fixture anomalies." http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2009/04/20/celtic-fury-as-split-fixtures-hand-advantage-to-rangers-86908-21291161/

WALTER SMITH was delighted to see Rangers close the gap at the top of the SPL at Easter Road but admits the victory has come at a cost with Sasa Papac taking a knock which could rule him out of forthcoming matches in the title run-in. The Bosnian international looks to have suffered ligament damage to his knee although the Gers gaffer faces an anxious wait to find out the extent of the problem. Sasa Papac and Hibs' Jonaton JohanssonPapac returned the starting eleven for today's 3-2 victory at against Hibs having needed stitches to an ankle wound picked up against St. Mirren and Smith is hoping his new injury is not as bad as first feared. He said: "Kris Boyd has taken a wee knock and should be ok but we have concerns for Papac as he took a sore one to his knee. "Hopefully it will settle down but we think there might be ligament damage there. It might not be major but we will have to wait and see." Goals from Steven Whittaker, Andrius Velicka and Mo Edu secured three vital points for the Light Blues on a tough trip to the capital and Smith was delighted with the commitment shown from every player in his team. He said: "It is never easy to come to Easter Road and get a result. "We got the early goal which was a nice cushion for us but we needed it as I thought Hibs played very well just after that. "We had one or two chances to increase our lead but overall I felt our possession was not as good as it should have been in the first-half. "But credit to Hibs as they put us under a lot of pressure and were quick to the ball. "Second-half I thought we played a bit better and obviously getting the second goal had a big impact on the game. Andrius Velicka "It was a terrific strike from Andrius and it came at an important time. "We then added another one but like many of our games this season we lost a goal although I have to say it was a great hit from John Rankin. "We had to deal with a little bit of pressure after that but overall we are delighted with the win prior to the split. "In recent weeks we have brought in players who haven't played as often as they would have liked. "But we have always had a good reaction from them when they have come in and joined the group. "Velicka's season has been upset a little bit through injury and Steven Smith has been out of things for a very long time. "So they have done very well and have shown a great commitment to the team."

Dunno about Dorman, I wouldn't mind signing Bamba from Hibs, every time I have seen him he is a great physical game that we need IMO, he is a great spoiler

Win all our remaining games= we win the league