ian1964

RANGERS should have the normal central defensive pairing of Davie Weir and Madjd Bougherra restored for Sunday's crucial SPL trip to Falkirk. And fellow defender Kirk Broadfoot is not far behind having rested for over a week and started work with physiotherapist Pip Yeates earlier this week. Only Kenny Miller was in action for Scotland last night and he seemedt o come through unscathed. Steve Davis played the full 90 minutes in Northern Ireland's 1-0 win over Slovenia and DaMarcus Beasley did the same as the USA defeated Trinidad & Tobago 3-0.. Madjid BougherraSpeaking on Rangers World, Smith said: "We're hopeful everyone will come through the international fixtures okay. Everybody who has been involved with Scotland seems to be alright injury wise. "We have no word on anybody else that there is anything untoward. This is an important stage of season and we will be happy to get everybody back and fit. "We are hoping Davie's knee injury will have settled down a bit. There was a fair bit of swelling there just before the international break. Obviously, he has had a little bit of time to recover. "He also missed the Hearts game through suspension. That lay-off has allowed it to settle down. He has done a little bit of jogging in the early part of the week and hopefully it should settle down enough for him to be available for us on Sunday." Smith added: "The indications are Madjid is fit and ready now as he played for Algeria last weekend. He was touch and go for the Hearts game. The extra week will have made a little bit of difference to him and it was god that he got that game. "Kirk has been given time off during the break to rest. Hopefully that will have cleared up the problem."

Exclusive by Lindsay Herron GAVIN RAE is hoping Stevie Smith can join the growing colony of ex-Rangers at Cardiff City next season - in the Premiership. Chris Burke and Ross McCormack are also regulars with the promotion-chasing side while Stevie Thomson is currently on loan at Burnley. Stevie SmithOut of favour full back Smith has been interesting Bluebirds boss Dave Jones and he travelled to Wales last week. Smith played in a specially-arranged friendly game and had a good discussion with the Cardiff manager. With the window for loan signings in the Championship now closed, Smith is hoping there can be further discussions in the summer. And old team mate Rae will be thrilled if a deal can done AND Cardiff have made it into the top flight. He told Rangers World: "I spoke to Smithy when I heard he was down for a trial and Burkey saw him when he was down. "Obviously the gaffer has a few ex-Rangers players on the books and he seems to have done well with them so it would be great if Stevie could be the next one. "He is a great wee player so hopefully he can come down and join us." Cardiff are nine points behind Alex McLeish's Birmingham, who currently occupy second spot which carries automatic promotion, but they have two games in hand. There are eight games left in the Championship but Cardiff have four in eight days, starting with bitter rivals Swansea on Sunday morning. Rae said: "We are still in a good position. We have not been out of the top six all season and hopefully we don't fall out now. "We have eight games to go so the plan is to go on a run and just go for it.Ross McCormack celebrates his strike for Scotland "We have a heavy schedule of games coming up but that's normal down there. You seem to play more than you train but we are used to it now." Unfortunately, Scotland hero Ross McCormack will be missing for the Bluebirds after being sent off in the last league match - a 3-0 defeat by Sheffield United. However, Rae is in no doubt that he has arrived as an international player. He said: "He has been doing brilliantly for us since he joined and I think he's got it all in his locker. "Playing week in, week out at Cardiff has been a big thing for him and obviously helped him. "There is nothing like making your Hampden debut for Scotland and it was a bit special for Ross. In saying that he was probably our best player against Holland too so to get two man of the match awards and a goal can't be bad."

Hutton plays for Spurs Seriously, I see what you are saying, but I think this has been blown out of proportion, or all the players would have been sent home, why is it only the Rangers players were dropped ?

Of all the players that were involved in this wee sesh, Burley drops two of them, Scotland wins,does this mean he was correct in his actions ?

Most of the 9iar squad would have been booted out then ?

RANGERS' on-loan star Andrew Shinnie was on target for Scotland's under-21s last night as they beat Albania 5-2 at the Falkirk Stadium. Andrew ShinnieAnd there was further good news for John Fleck who was given his second cap following his debut in Elbasani on Saturday. Billy Stark's kids are now flying high at the Group 10 summit and, having taken six points from two games, they could not have got their qualifying campaign for the 2011 European Championships off to a better start. Dundee United's David Goodwillie got the young Bravehearts opening goal in a sluggish first-half but the game burst to life in the second. Chris Maguire doubled his side's advantage before Murray Park starlet Shinnie, who has gained great experience on-loan at Dundee, added a third with an excellent finish after Albania's keeper Shpetim Mocka had blocked a Maguire shot. Fleck had come on for the final few minutes of the country's 1-0 win over the same team on Saturday and he was to replace Aston Villa kid Barry Bannan on 66 minutes last night to huge roars from the 3,080 crowd. Jamie Murphy and Stephen McGinn rounded off the scoring and the fact Albania bagged two goals was irrelevant on an excellent night. John Fleck Elsewhere Gers' Reserve star Andrew Little was an unused sub for Northern Ireland as Nigel Worthington's men sensationally moved to the top of Group 3 with a 1-0 win over Slovenia. Little, of course, made his full international debut on Saturday against Poland having yet to make his top team debut at Ibrox.

I sat watching the game with Frankie, and I said to him that I thought the game was poor and without my blue tinted specs on I thought the Scotland midfield were lost without Barry to get his foot on the ball, now that won't go down well with a lot of our own fans never mind the Rangers hating Scottish supporters but true never the less IMO

Agreed. I find it all quite strange really, for one I didn't think Barry was a drinker ?, the other thing is it is totally different for an athlete to have a wee sesh than any of us as they are so fit that I don't think it does much harm at all,unless of course they are doing it all the time consistently.The fact that they were given permission to go and have a few beers I can't see what all the fuss is about tbh and don't believe it would have made them perform any worse because of this. Burley is a class A twat IMO and it would please me if no Rangers players played for Scotland as long as this clown is in charge, only my humble opinion of course.

Cash-strapped Charlton are considering selling off their training ground and other facilities and laying off staff to try and tackle their �£20m debt. (The Sun) http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/7978183.stm

What do you mean ?

Surely a wind up !!!!

Glasgow Rangers are to buy a controlling stake in Charlton Athletic, in a move that will not only completely change the structure of Charlton in its current format, but also impact on the face of British football in general. Following five months of talks and negotiations, the revolutionary deal will be announced at a joint press conference on Friday 3rd April at The Valley after the move was given the go-ahead by the various football authorities on Tuesday. Glasgow Rangers are to pay Ã?£24.2m for a 64.5% stake in Charlton, and will transfer a number of senior and junior players, both in permanant deals and season-long loans during the summer. Discussions between the clubs date back to November, in the aftermath of Charltonââ?¬â?¢s perilous financial position highlighted by the need to pay previous manager Alan Pardewââ?¬â?¢s compensation package. On the 24th February, a Charlton delegation consisting of Richard Murray, Derek Chappell, Bob Whitehand, Steve Waggott and Nigel Capelin met with Sir David Murray, Rangers Chief Executive Martin Bain and Finance Director Donald McIntyre at Londonââ?¬â?¢s Dorchester Hotel to finalise the agreement. Former Chief Executive Peter Varney was also present, and has been working as an intermediary on the deal. ââ?¬Å?The original concept was the idea of Sir David Murrayââ?¬Â revealed a senior Charlton employee. ââ?¬Å?Rangers are acutely aware that unless they absorb some of the Premiership money within the next few years, they are unlikely to ever compete at the highest level in Europe again. They see it as essential to their heritage that some form of presence remains in Scotland, and they believe they can continue to do that to a lesser degree long-term by balancing their squad and remaining competitive in the SPL. But they desperately need the money that is generated by English football, and it is no secret that we desperately need fresh financial impetus to remain a viable entity. The bulk of Rangers resources will be devoted to getting Charlton back to the Premiership as quickly as possibleââ?¬Â. The deal will instantly clear all Charltonââ?¬â?¢s outstanding debts, including the early repayment of both the Ã?£6m on Charltonââ?¬â?¢s mortgage and the Ã?£15m convertible bond issue key directors undertook in 2008. ââ?¬Å?I would be lying if i said that this is the ideal scenario we envisaged for the future of Charlton. But the financial situation is crippling, and the board fell that they are backed into a corner. There are no more funds, there is no overdraft facility and next year we are facing third-tier football. There are no other options on the table, and as it stands the future of Charlton Athletic shows no sign of recovery in its current format. At least this way there is a chance of Premiership football returning to The Valley and the ââ?¬Ë?Charltonââ?¬â?¢ name to be attached to it, albeit looselyââ?¬Â. Since the February meeting, representatives of both Rangers and Charlton have been in continued negotiations with the SPL, Football League and the Premiership. ââ?¬Å?Talks have been intense. The SPL were originally strongly opposed to the move, but are realistic enough to know that financially the big-two in Scotland cannot compete with other leading European clubs, so need to seek unique initiatives. They also now see this as an ideal opportunity for Scottish clubs to continue to benefit from the strong support and finance Rangers and Celtic provide by playing other SPL clubs, but equally by fielding potentially weaker sides it will make the SPL as a league more even and competitive. Rangers believe Celtic will quickly set up a similar arrangement with another English club. The Football League have been very supportive of the move, as it will provide a greater focus and benefit to its member clubs. However, the Premier League were rigid on the legalities, and this is largely what has taken the past month to resolveââ?¬Â. ââ?¬Å?Charltonââ?¬â?¢s imminent relegation to League One was not ideal, but has meant the deal could be agreed at the levelââ?¬â?¢s Rangers could realistically afford. Sir David Murray has made clear that Charltonââ?¬â?¢s location, availability, current structure and potential for development far outweigh long-term the negatives. They believe they can develop a model that will take Charlton Rangers to compete with Arsenal and Chelsea within seven yearsââ?¬Â. Ironically, the name of the amalgamated club has also provided a delaying problem. ââ?¬Å?Rangers see it as essential that ââ?¬Ë?Rangersââ?¬â?¢ is represented in the name. However, there is already an amateur football club registered with the London F.A as Charlton Rangers. Greenwich Rangers and Rangers Charlton were being considered, but its now been agreed that the club can register next season as Charlton Rangers through the Kent F.Aââ?¬Â. The move will see the near-total replacement of both the Charlton Football Club board, and the Charlton PLC board. Richard Murray however, will remain a non-executive director for a minimum 12-month period. ââ?¬Å?There are real concerns on how the Charlton fanbase will react. I have my own strong views, but i am also a fan. Having Richard Murray on board is seen by Rangers as essential to not just providing a smooth transition, but also winning the acceptance of Charlton supporters. I think theyââ?¬â?¢ve underestimated just how this will be taken by the Charlton fans to be honestââ?¬Â. Members of Charltonââ?¬â?¢s Fans Forum were uncontactable late last night, but Bromley Supporters Group representative Ben Hayes said ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m shocked. I know the board are also Charlton fans, and would not undertake such a deal without having the best intentions of the club at heart, and i think on this one we are just going to have to trust them and wait and hear what they have to say. But i can understand not all Charlton fans will be happy with this and i encourage them to contact Fans Forum representatives with their views. It makes sense now why the club have delayed announcing season ticket prices for next season. Charlton Rangers is something i am going to have to think long and hard about though, particularly as i am a lifelong Celtic follower. Iââ?¬â?¢m sure i wonââ?¬â?¢t be the only one with this dilemnaââ?¬Â. http://www.charltonlife.com/blog/?p=218

Not just the press mate, as I have said in another thread the majority of Scotland supporters loathe Rangers and Rangers players and sit waiting on the likes of Miller to make a mistake so they can abuse him/them, it's becoming so bad that I find myself caring less and less about the Scotland team

But enough for the Rangers haters to jump on

Time to get Archie in the first team

Dry yer eyes ya tube

The amount of abuse ALL Rangers players receive from the '' Tartan Army '',and Scotland fans in general, it would not bother me one little bit if Rangers players never played for Scotland again, Rangers and Rangers players are simply hated by all other fans

By KENNY McALPINE Published: Today rigTeaserImage BOOZE-shame stars Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor were partying with FIVE team-mates during the bender that led to their axe from the Scotland team. Rangers duo Ferguson and McGregor were originally ordered home by furious boss George Burley after their six-hour early-morning binge. Boozing ... Cameron House Boozing ... Cameron House But he backed down after a showdown with the other five stars ââ?¬â? who warned him he would have to send them packing from the teamââ?¬â?¢s posh hotel HQ. And in another amazing twist, Burley ââ?¬â? after dropping Ferguson and McGregor from the team which beat Iceland 2-1 last night ââ?¬â? relented and named the pair as substitutes. Itââ?¬â?¢s understood captain Ferguson and keeper McGregor were joined on the lash by Celtic midfielder Scott Brown, Spurs defender Alan Hutton, Rangers defender Steven Whittaker, Hibs striker Steven Fletcher and Derby winger Gary Teale. They felt their skipper and McGregor were being made scapegoats for the bash at Cameron House Hotel at Loch Lomond. There is also disquiet in the squad as Brown ââ?¬â? who used his own clippers to shave McGregorââ?¬â?¢s head during the drinking session ââ?¬â? escaped without punishment despite lurching to his room just 20 minutes before the Ibrox pair went to theirs. Blame It is a huge embarrassment for Burley ââ?¬â? who has been slammed for letting his players drink in the bar in the first place after they flew back from Holland. There is also now a massive question mark over Burleyââ?¬â?¢s authority with the team. Last night a source close to the camp said: ââ?¬Å?This has been a disaster for Burley and Scotland. ââ?¬Å?He originally told Ferguson and McGregor to pack their bags and go home. Enraged ... George Burley Enraged ... George Burley ââ?¬Å?However, when the other lads found out they decided to stick together. ââ?¬Å?They didnââ?¬â?¢t think it was fair for the two of them to shoulder the blame. ââ?¬Å?The players went to Burleyââ?¬â?¢s room and told him they were involved in the boozing as well. ââ?¬Å?He was told in no uncertain terms that the squad felt singling them out was unfair. ââ?¬Å?Burley then changed his mind and let them stay in the squad and stay at the hotel before putting them on the bench. ââ?¬Å?He was in a no-win situation as he needed the other players to play against Iceland. ââ?¬Å?What else could he have done? However his authority and standing amongst the other players must now be in grave doubt.ââ?¬Â We revealed yesterday how Ibrox team-mates Ferguson and McGregor went on a booze session lasting at least six hours after flying back from Holland on Sunday morning. The duo hit the bar at around 5am with other players following their crushing 3-0 defeat. Bonding The team had been given permission for the ââ?¬Ë?bonding sessionââ?¬â?¢ by Burley. But while some of the squad went back to their rooms after a couple of drinks, seven stayed ââ?¬â? and Ferguson, 31, and McGregor, 27, kept going until 11am. They were still supping alcohol as other guests, including families, came down for breakfast and to use the facilities at the five-star resort. Witnesses claimed they watched the players down vodkas and Red Bull in the Great Scots bar. We understand Burley was left raging when he learned about their booze antics ââ?¬â? and wanted them sent home immediately. But the boss was left stunned when the five others owned up to being involved in the party. Brown, 23, went to his kip at 10.45am ââ?¬â? around 20 minutes earlier than Ferguson and McGregor. Punishment It is believed Hutton and Whittaker, both 24, Fletcher, 22, and 30-year-old Teale hit the sack at round 9am. Advertisement Our source said: ââ?¬Å?Ferguson and McGregor were not going to land any of the other players in it. They were going to take their punishment but the other lads didnââ?¬â?¢t think that was fair. ââ?¬Å?The other players had been drinking all morning with Ferguson and McGregor but finished just a little while before them. ââ?¬Å?I think Burley was shell-shocked. ââ?¬Å?There was no way he could boot seven players out of the squad. ââ?¬Å?All the guys who were boozing were part of the first-team plans last night and the squad is thin enough. ââ?¬Å?The players have shown him no respect and left him in an impossible situation. ââ?¬Å?However, what manager sanctions his team to go for a drink at 5am with a huge World Cup qualifier to come? ââ?¬Å?They had just played an energy-sapping match and then a flight home to Glasgow and then on to their hotel. ââ?¬Å?A good rest is what they would have needed ââ?¬â? not a few pints.ââ?¬Â He added: ââ?¬Å?Everyone involved in this debacle needs to take a good look at themselves.ââ?¬Â An SFA spokesman said: ââ?¬Å?We can confirm that there has been a breach of team discipline. Disrupt ââ?¬Å?This is being dealt with within the squad. ââ?¬Å?We are not allowing this to disrupt preparations for a vital World Cup qualifying match.ââ?¬Â A spokesman for the West of Scotland Tartan Army blasted the players. He said: ââ?¬Å?They have let themselves and the supporters down. ââ?¬Å?There is still a definite drinking culture in Scottish football. ââ?¬Å?Drinking was okay if you were in the mould of Jimmy Johnstone or Billy Bremner but these guys are not in the same class.ââ?¬Â http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/article2355564.ece

GEORGE BURLEY declared that Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor are still in his Scotland plans despite a breach of discipline last weekend. Both Ferguson and McGregor were relegated to the bench as Scotland managed to see off Iceland 2-1 tonight to maintain their World Cup hopes. However, Burley insisted Ferguson and McGregor will remain very much part of his plans as long as they maintain their form for Rangers. He said: "If it was otherwise, they wouldn't be in the squad." He also hinted Ferguson would remain Scotland captain, saying: "I haven't got a crystal ball. "Barry's still our captain when he's playing. It all depends on games and availability of people." Asked if tonight's result had vindicated his decision to drop the pair, he added: "It's a team game and Barry's very much part of it. "You've got to make some tough decisions at times. I knew it was going to be a different type of game to the game over in Holland, and thankfully it worked out. "Certain things happen and it was dealt with, simple as that."

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuOEBsIVFLk]YouTube - Crying Bellamy[/ame]

So you know what happened do you ?

ARCHIE CAMPBELL was the hero this afternoon as the Rangers' Reserves beat an experienced Falkirk side 1-0 at Murray Park. The pacey 18-year-old was deployed on the right side of midfield for the majority of the opening 45 minutes but moved in to his familiar role as a striker at the start of the second-half. The tactical switch by coach Tommy Wilson immediately paid dividends when Gregg Wylde played a delightful cross in to the box and Archie was there to guide a terrific shot past Bairns' keeper Robert Olejnik. The goal proved decisive in what was an excellent contest between two very good sides. In the first-half both had chances to get their noses in front and, to be fair, the visitors enjoyed the majority of possession. On 14 minutes Kevin Moffat tried his luck from distance with a 20 yard shot across goal which brought out a terrific save by Graeme Smith who had to dive low to his left. And before the half-hour mark Rangers were again fortunate when Arnau Riera chipped a free-kick in to the box and the unmarked Dean Holden somehow missed the target with a right-foot volley from six yards. Brahim Hemdani Rangers, however, were always a threat and on 36 minutes Steven Naismith was guilty of missing a snip. Campbell flicked the ball between two defenders and sent Naisy racing through on goal. He rounded the keeper but took the ball too wide and his shot from a tight angle zipped across the six yard box and out for a goal kick. The second-half was equally hard fought but Campbell clearly relished being up top alongside Naismith and his instintive strike after the interval was a suckerpunch for the Falkirk players. Steven Naismith in action against Falkirk ReservesOnce the goal had been scored Rangers started to control proceedings with Ross Perry and Danny Wilson hugely impressive in the heart of defence. The pace of Naismith and Campbell was also a contant threat and midway through the half the pair combined brilliantly. The latter picked up the ball on the half-way line and fed it out wide to his strike partner before darting past three markers in to the box. Naismith looked up and found his teammate but his shot was straight at Olejnik. Only minutes later Wylde, being utilised on the left side of midfield, played the ball to the overlapping Steven Smith. His inch-perfect cross was met first-time by Naisy from eight yards but again it was too close to the keeper. In the end the Light Blues held on to their advantage and it was an excellent result for a team littered with under-19 players. Steven Lennon Campbell's speed and movement was impressive throughout as was the defensive qualities of Perry and Wilson. In the centre of midfield Kyle Hutton, who scored in the 19s 6-2 win over Inverness on Saturday, worked hard alongside Brahim Hemdani while Wylde was full of energy on the left. The youngsters deserve great credit for the way they performed against a strong Falkirk side who will be kicking themselves for not taking the chances that came their way before half-time. RANGERS: G. Smith; Lowing, Wilson, Perry, S. Smith; Campbell (Bagci), Hemdani, Hutton, Wylde; Lennon, Naismith Subs Not Used: Vaiculis, Forbes, Durie Scott Falkirk: Olejnik, Holden (Sludden), McCaffrey (Stallard), Allison, Staunton (Young), McBride, Aafjes, Riera, Robertson, Lynch, Moffat Subs Not Used: Andrews, Murdoch Position P W D L F A Gd Pts Celtic 17 14 2 1 41 13 28 44 Rangers 17 10 5 2 34 15 19 35 Hearts 17 8 6 3 25 18 7 30 Dundee United 17 8 3 6 25 18 7 27 St Mirren 19 8 2 9 25 29 -4 26 Hibernian 18 7 3 8 26 32 -6 24 Aberdeen 16 7 2 7 19 20 -1 23 Motherwell 16 6 4 6 26 23 3 22 Kilmarnock 18 6 4 8 18 22 -4 22 Inverness CT 19 5 4 10 25 35 -10 19 Falkirk 19 3 4 12 15 36 -21 13 Hamilton 19 3 3 13 23 41 -17 12

TOMMY WILSON praised the young players that helped his Reserve side secure an excellent 1-0 win over Falkirk at Murray Park. The coach admits that he was concerned when he saw Falkirk's experienced starting line-up and wondered how his talented teens would cope with the demands. Tommy WilsonHe need not have worried as players such as Danny Wilson, Ross Perry, Kyle Hutton, Gregg Wylde and scorer Archie Campbell all stood out and showed that they are ready to feature regularly at this level. Tommy said: "I am delighted with the result today, especially after seeing the experienced team Falkirk had out. "In contrast we had a very young side but coped with the situation very well. "We knew there would come a time when we would have to bring a few of our under-19 players in to the Reserve set-up and today was that day because of internationals and players away on loan etc. "I am thrilled with the performance and credit must go to all the players including Archie Campbell who scored a terrific goal. "Three under-19 players were involved in it with Kyle playing it out to Gregg and then Archie getting on the end of his cross. Archie Campbell celebrates scoring with Gregg Wylde "We had a number of chances in the second-half as did Falkirk throughout the game; we expected that from an accomplished team with a lot of good players. "I didn't feel that we were hanging on after we scored but it would have been nice to get the second goal." Rangers have now taken 16 points from their last six games at Reserve level but remain some distance behind leaders Celtic. Tommy added: "We are on a good run of form right now and we need to be with Celtic still ahead although we have still to play them again. "We're still there with an opportunity to win the league which I would have settled for at the start of the season. "I looked at the team line before today's game and only two players were involved in the previous Reserve game against Falkirk. "So that shows you the changes we have had to make in terms of personnel but we are still in with a fighting chance."

Looks like that was the final result

April fool