ian1964

FWIW, I don't think Boyd will start on Sunday,which will please a lot of fans

No doubt about it, we should have got a replacement for him, but TBH I think he has played well so far this season.

True BD, but you can also say that these two players are our most consistent players who both do what they are picked to do,Weir is IMO our most consistent defender, and Boyd is our most consistent goal scorer

C'mon now SA, don't rise to the bait!!!!

The Old Firm matches may no longer decide the title, but winning them certainly won't do either side any harm. The inconsistent form of Rangers and Celtic this season, and the ease with which the lesser lights in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League have pinched points from both, mean Sunday's high-noon duel between the Glasgow rivals will, in all likelihood, not prove decisive. And yet, there are benefits to be obtained from victory this weekend that stretch beyond mere bragging rights and adding another three points to the total. Recent history tells us as much. Rangers went to Celtic Park four years ago, just as they do this weekend, looking to get their noses in front in a championship chase that threatened to go to the wire. They travelled in hope rather than expectation having failed to win in the East End for five years, but found in Gregory Vignal an unlikely hero. The Frenchman, on a season-long loan from Liverpool, gave Rangers a second-half lead after a glaring error by Rab Douglas, before Nacho Novo confirmed the victory with a second late in the game. advertisement It took a final-day loss by Celtic at Fir Park for Rangers to ultimately win the title in the most extraordinary of circumstances, but it was that Old Firm win that imbued them with the confidence that they could go on to sustain a serious challenge for the championship. "After the game we went top of the league and then everything was open," Vignal told The Herald. "It made us more confident that maybe we could do something because we had not won there for so long. It was very close all the way that season, but everybody in our dressing room knew when we won away from home against Celtic that we had everything we needed to be champions. "It gave us a big lift. Not just because we went to the top of the table but because if you can beat Celtic in their stadium, then you feel you can beat everybody else. "We believed we could win every week and could be champions. Of course, it was not that easy and we lost games we should not have, but in the end we became champions on the last day. Big Marvin Andrews used to always say, Keep believing' and he was right." Vignal's wandering career has seen him make stops at Montpellier, Liverpool, Rennes, Espanyol, Portsmouth, Southampton, and Lens - where he is currently stationed - but it is his time in Glasgow, and the Old Firm match in particular, that he recalls most fondly. "These games are so important for both teams, for the city, for the fans, and for the players, too. It's not just about the match, but what it means to everyone going forward. I still talk about the Old Firm game with my mates here in France, as it was unbelievable. Liverpool versus Everton is a big derby but Rangers versus Celtic is even bigger. The stadiums are bigger and the atmosphere is better. It was an incredible experience to play in these games." Rangers were keen to secure Vignal's services on a permanent basis once his loan deal had expired but the player elected instead to sign for Portsmouth. It is a decision he still regrets four years on. "It was a big mistake for me to leave Glasgow Rangers. When you play for a British team, the spirit and passion is unbelievable and I would love to come back again and play in Scotland or England one day. "I should have stayed. I spoke with Alex McLeish and the chairman about coming back to play in the Champions League in season 2005/06 because I really enjoyed working with McLeish, the chairman, and Martin Bain Rangers' chief executive. If the Rangers chairman wants to call me and bring me back to Ibrox that would be amazing." Before then, however, the 27 year-old Vignal has some unfinished business to attend to, namely helping Lens back into the top flight of French football. "We are top of Ligue 2 so it's going well. When I came back, I told the chairman I would stay to help them get promoted back to Ligue 1 and when you say something like that you have to keep your promise. "I have one more year on my contract with Lens and if the chairman says I can go, I will try to come back to England - or maybe Rangers - this summer or the one after. I spoke to Newcastle and Middlesbrough in the transfer window and was very close to coming back, but I made my promise to Lens, so for now I will stay. But one day I hope I will be back." http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.2488906.0.Vignal_away_victory_can_inspire_Rangers_to_title.php

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1144161/He-fancies-future-Ibrox-boss-Rangers-crave-Prso-pomp.html

You obviously don't like/rate Boyd,that's your opinion which you are entitled to, but it's not the opinion of every Rangers fan. Regarding your ST,I was merely suggesting that you don't go to watch Rangers if Boyd annoys you so much. Tell me, do you ever cheer or clap when Boyd scores ?

I don't think you will find anyone disagreeing with the fact that he is not a good footballer,but you have to give the guy credit for banging the goals away so consistently, that is not luck,you don't just take to the pitch do nothing and score goals as consistently as he does, that is a skill in it's own and I can think of other Rangers players that I would rather see leaving before Boyd. If Boyd annoys you so much then give up your season ticket

Correct,gerintaethum

I really don't see any reason not to play him,he is our best/only option on the left,and I for one don't think he will be fazed by the game,the MOPES WILL be worried about him. By the way, wait until he gets a run in the team in his favoured position to see the best of young Fleck

by Lindsay Herron IAN DURRANT was just a kid when he sampled the Old Firm atmosphere for the first time and he handled it like a seasoned professional. He has no doubts John Fleck can do the same on Sunday if he is selected for the third Rangers-Celtic showdown of the season. Fleck is in line to make his debut in the often volatile Glasgow derby having performed very well in the last four Rangers matches. And first team coach Durrant, who was 18 when he made his bow in this fixture back in 1985, insists the teenage star is ready. He told Rangers World: "He can handle it. Of course it's a big arena and it's an Old Firm game but he is in the first team on merit and we have been happy with his contributions. "He is a very good football player and the other parts of his game will come with the more experience he gains. "Right now he is enjoying his football. At his age there are no barriers. He just wants to get out there and play." Rangers, of course, can go top of the league for the first time since the beginning of November. Durrant added: "The incentive is there. We know if we win the game we can go on and win the league. "But I'm sure we would be delighted with a draw. As long as we don't lose the game I think we can be happy. "The down side of it is that we have had a few players on international duty and we can only hope that they come back unscathed. "If we have a clean bill of health then it will give the manager food for thought for Sunday. "It would be great if we could win on Sunday but it is the toughest of venues. We know that Celtic will be hurting from the 4-2 game earlier this season but if our attitude is right and we produce the same form then we can win the game. "We are on a great run. The boys can hopefully keep the run going."

Murray wins first set,AMRO World Tennis Championship,against Andreas Seppi

RANGERS' under-19s will be looking to take one step closer to retaining the SFA Youth when they face Motherwell in the fifth round stage at Fir Park on Sunday (kick-off: 1pm). The Murray Park starlets have already beaten Brora Rangers and Dumbarton convincingly in this season's competition but will expect a far tougher challenge against the young Steelmen. Motherwell beat Kilmarnock and Livingston to set up a mouthwatering tie against the Gers and currently sit fifth in the Under-19 League after 13 games. Gordon Young's side suffered a 2-1 defeat when they last travelled to Murray Park on November 29. On that occasion goals from Isa Bagci and Archie Campbell proved enough for the Light Blues but it was John Fleck's performance that stood out on the day. Kirkwood is looking forward to seeing his side in competitive action following Saturday's league postponement against Aberdeen and is expecting another entertaining game. He said: "It's great for our boys to be playing at Fir Park this weekend. "They have had the chance to play at Ibrox twice now against Brora and Dumbarton and it is a thrill for them to run out at these venues. "On both occasions we managed to progress and we now have a tough test in front of us against a good Motherwell team. Andrew Little and John Fleck with the SFA Youth Cup "They will be desperate for a win against us at home but as the holders of the Cup we need to rise to the occasion and make sure we are up for it. "In the past couple of seasons we have reached the final of the tournament and that is our aim again this season. "To get to Hampden is very special for these young players but along the way you always have to face tricky hurdles and that is exactly what we can expect this weekend."

by Jim Hannah, Supporters Liaison Officer RANGERS lost one of their biggest fans yesterday when Garry Lynch passed away at Hairmyres Hospital. Everyone at the Club was saddened and shocked to hear of the sudden death of Garry, known to his mates as big Gadger. Garry was one of a group of true bluenoses who travelled everywhere and anywhere to see their beloved Rangers. It made no difference if the Rangers were training in America or playing in Aberdeen -you were sure to see him there. Almost everyone inside Ibrox I told about Garry said that they new him and described him as the big guy who was always at a Rangers game. This speaks volumes of him, indeed the Rangers Anthem Follow Follow could have been written with Garry in mind. I last spoke to Garry late on Friday afternoon just outside the Superstore at Ibrox and he was laughing and joking telling me how good he was at his other passion, signing Karaoke. He was looking forward to the next two games Celtic and Forfar. He was looking in good shape, which makes it all the harder to believe that he is no longer with us. Garry Lynch was a larger than life character, who certainly wasn't bashful and it was not uncommon when the crowd were silent at a match you would hear this booming voice from the terracing shouting some sort of funny quip which made people laugh. I received calls from all over the world yesterday from grief stricken fans and pals of Garry all of them shocked by the news. Strangely I was standing at Moses McNeil's graveside when I got the sad news about Garry's death, now when I think of one I will remember the other. He will be sorely missed by his Family and close friends and by his fellow Bears in the stands. Everyone at the Club from the Chairman down sends their condolences. Our thoughts go to Garry's family at this sad time and especially to his wife Elaine, daughter Angela and son Garry RIP Garry Lynch

by Matthew Lindsay A TOP financial expert today told the Old Firm that there is no embarrassment in falling off the football rich list. Neither of the Glasgow giants feature in the annual Football Money League published this week by business advisory firm Deloitte. Deloitte rich list for 2007/08 revenue (previous position in brackets) 1 (1) Real Madrid �£289.6m 2 (2) Man United 257.1 3 (3) Barcelona 244.4 4 (7) B Munich 233.8 5 (4) Chelsea 212.9 6 (5) Arsenal 209.3 7 (8) Liverpool 167.0 8 (6) AC Milan 165.8 9 (11) AS Roma 138.9 10 (9) Inter 136.9 11 (12) Juventus 132.6 12 (13) O Lyonnais 123.3 13 (16) Schalke 04 117.5 14 (10) Spurs 114.8 15 (15) Hamburg 101.3 16 (19) O Marseilles 100.4 17 (14) Newcastle 99.4 18 (n/a) Stuttgart 88.3 19 (n/a) Fenerbahce 88.1 20 (n/a) Man City 82.3 It is the first time since the league's inception in 1998 that Rangers or Celtic have not rubbed shoulders with the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Real Madrid. But Deloitte senior consultant Alex Byars is astonished it has taken so long for the Old Firm to drop off given their inferior broadcasting deals and the weak Pound. He said: "To be honest, it's amazing that one or both of Celtic and Rangers have always featured in the top 20 in the past. "The reality is that for any club outside the big five European leagues of England, Spain, Italy, France and Germany it is incredibly difficult to achieve the level of revenue required to make it on to the list. "Fenerbahce have managed it this year, making it in 19th place, and that is largely on the back of reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League. They are also operating in a larger domestic market than Celtic or Rangers and are doing well commercially. "Celtic and Rangers both had good years on the pitch last season. Celtic made it to the last 16 of the Champions League for the second year running, while Rangers got to the final of the Uefa Cup, but it is the relatively small broadcasting market they are in which is really holding them back. "They are also not helped by the depreciation of the Pound against the Euro. "I think the only way we will see either Celtic or Rangers back in the top 20 any time soon is if they can make major progress in the Champions League. From their point of view, hopefully their performances in Europe this season are just a blip and not a sign of a downward trend." Celtic, who were 17th in last year's 20-strong list, drop out despite their revenue showing only a minor decrease from �£75.2million in 2007 to �£73m in last year's annual accounts. Rangers, who were 18th in the list in 2007, recorded record turnover of �£64.5m last season as they reached the Uefa Cup Final, but were still some way behind 20th-placed team Manchester City. Publication date 12/02/09

If I can be bothered,and remember

Just have a roll call thread !!!

by Lindsay Herron IT WAS a successful night for Rangers stars on international duty last night as Northern Ireland and the USA both secured vital wins in the World Cup qualifying campaign. Northern Ireland defeated San Marino 3-0 away from home to increase their chances of qualification to the 2010 finals in South Africa while the Americans beat rivals Mexico 2-0 in DaMarcus Beasley in action for the United Statestheir first match in their final qualification phase. The down side for the Ulstermen was that Rangers pair Steve Davis and Kyle Lafferty were both booked in the match and will now be suspended for the next qualifier, the vital clash with Poland at Windsor Park on March 28. DaMarcus Beasley played the whole game for the States on the left side of midfield as two Michael Bradley goals gave them the win they wanted at a sold-out Columbus Crew Stadium. The Americans now face El Salvador away on March 28 and take on Trinidad & Tobago at home three days later. Madjid Bougherra's Algeria won a friendly against Benin 2-1. The Rangers star was a top performer and played 55 minutes of the match. Bougherra set up the opening goal with a terrific run out of defence and the perfect pass to Abdelkedar Ghezzal who beat the keeper from close range. Andrius Velicka also had a successful night. He scored the first goal as Lithuania defeated Andorra 3-1 in a friendly.

By Andrew Dickson SASA PAPAC has played down the importance of winning Sunday's Old Firm fixture and insists Rangers can win the league whatever the result. The Light Blues go into their clash with Celtic trailing Gordon Strachan's team by two points in the SPL table. Sasa PapacClaiming a derby victory wouldn't only send Gers top of the pile - it would also give them a huge psychological boost with three months of the season remaining. But even if Walter Smith's men lose and fall further behind their rivals, Papac is adamant it won't spell the end of their title hopes. With 13 rounds of fixtures to follow the derby, the Bosnian feels there will still be plenty of opportunities to climb to the summit. He said: "It is important we put Celtic under pressure and that we win as many games as we possibly can. "It would be great to get a victory again this weekend like we did when we last went to Parkhead in August. "But this match is just one of 14 we still have to play and there are many points still up for grabs. "We just need to concentrate as the end of the season is still some way away and a lot can happen as both sides have dropped points. "We have both beaten each other in the derby this season and lost to other teams in the championship too. "I won the league when I was at Austria Vienna and my dream now is to lift the SPL trophy here for Rangers. "It would be the best moment of my career. We will need a lot of points to do it but I feel confident we can get enough, regardless of what happens on Sunday."

Good,but I don't think I would like to go there and see us getting a hiding !!!!!

Greek Tosser.........................GIRUY

Are we getting a gersnet table ?

2-0 USA,93rd min,all over

No, he played for Rangers today,played well

Second Half just starting, USA 1 Mexico 0