ian1964

Aye...........but they are fighting for their survival & a new manager :cheers: Hopeful Loyal

Aye......wishful thinking from me

What chance of a wee upset here ?,I think this will be a tough match for the MOPES, new manager and all.........................MON the ICT

We have LMc.........................

WHO, in their right mind, seriously expected bigger attendances for this weekâ��s Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-finals? I reckon that every paying punter should have been given a gold medal. Rangers v Falkirk pulled in more fans than watched Premiership contenders Liverpool at Wigan on Wednesday. The following night Celtic and Dundee United, with Scott MacDonald scoring the decisive penalty, above, drew a bigger crowd than the midweek Portsmouth- Aston Villa match despite live, terrestrial TV coverage. Set against the bigger picture, the Co-op Cup is an irrelevance. It lost its sparkle the moment its winners were denied a place in Europe but in these dire financial straits football needs every thin dime it can get. We should be on our knees thanking the insurance giant for its continued support of our game. For over a year, the SFA failed to hook a sponsor for its own flagship Scottish Cup before Glasgow entrepreneur Willie Haughey stepped in to save it. Football sponsorship will be the first casualty as the multi-nationals battle for survival. Be in no doubt, this game of ours is in a bad way. Every club in the country is in uncharted water. This is no ordinary credit squeeze and those who believe weâ��ll still have 42 senior clubs standing by this time next year need counselling. Even Carol Vorderman would struggle to make sense of Hearts' balance sheet Face facts, there will be no government bail out of Scottish football. In the current financial climate it will be every club for itself. When we see Sir David Murray is prepared to jeopardise Rangersâ�� title hopes by selling one of his best players in mid-season then we should all recognise the gravity of the situation. This week there was talk of Livingston players striking after their wages failed to appear in the bank on time. It was a carbon copy of events at Tynecastle earlier in the season. Even Carol Vorderman would struggle to make some sense of Heartsâ�� balance sheet as owner Vladimir Romanov continues to pile up the debts. But if Livi and the Jambos were the first to show signs of distress, they wonâ��t be the last. With sounder leadership in the past, Scottish football would be in better shape to get through this, but weâ��re reaping what has been sown for decades. Take that poor Hampden surface the other night. Those criticising the groundstaff or stadium director David Kells are missing the point. The pitch is poor because the amateurs of Queenâ��s Park are the only people who have the right to use it. Everyone else, including our international football team, pays through the nose for the privilege. We shovelled millions of pounds of taxpayersâ�� cash into rebuilding the ground but then we allowed Queenâ��s to keep the title deeds. You honestly couldnâ��t make it up. It might be called the National Stadium but it no more belongs to the nation than Harrods does. In a deal that would make the eyes water the SFA originally agreed to pay �£22million over 20 years for office space and use of the pitch! Not that the SFA ultimately represents the biggest threat to Scottish football. That distinction goes to the SPL, a private members club which is clearly no longer fit for purpose. Their manifesto promised to foster youth development. FAILED! They're doing their best to sink Scotland's World Cup hopes They promised supporters a better standard of football. FAILED! Better value for money? FAILED! Their only success was in driving clubs into the hands of banks through the 10,000 seat rule. Currently, theyâ��re doing their best to sink Scotlandâ��s World Cup hopes by kicking off the SPL season just days before George Burleyâ��s boys travel to Norway. Well done Lex Gold, take a bow. There is so much wrong with the game you wouldnâ��t know where to start, but start we must. Itâ��s several weeks since SFA president George Peat promised a major review of Scottish football. Independently chaired, it was to include all the relevant parties for the common good of the game. Since then we havenâ��t heard a cheep. If this was a throwaway soundbite to earn Peat some kudos he should be strung up. We donâ��t have time on our side. Half empty grounds and mudbath pitches will be the least of our worries unless Hampdenâ��s sixth floor gets its act together. More than a decade ago Fergus McCann told us Scotland couldnâ��t support more than 20 senior football clubs. Thereâ��s every chance heâ��s about to be proved right. http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/scottish/scottish_sport/150637/For-credit-crunch-read-meltdown.html

By David Craig, 31/01/2009 WOLVES swooped last night to sign Hearts skipper Christophe Berra in a Ã?£2million deal. Berra travelled south yesterday to meet Molineux boss Mick McCarthy and thrash out personal terms after the Jambos gave him permission to speak to Wolves. It was third time lucky for McCarthy in his pursuit of Berra. He twice tried to sign him last summer and saw offers of Ã?£1m and Ã?£1.5m rejected. Berra, 24, was under contract at Tynecastle until 2011 and the club had been holding put for around Ã?£3million. However, club owner Vladimir Romanov flew in to Edinburgh on Friday and he gave permission for Wolves to speak to Berra on Friday night. It is understood Hearts urgently need the cash and they didnââ?¬â?¢t want to jeopardise the deal by playing him in yesterdayââ?¬â?¢s 2-0 defeat to Hamilton. A Tynecastle spokesman said: ââ?¬Å?Hearts have given Christophe permission to talk to Wolves. He does so with our blessing.ââ?¬Â Berra watched Wolvesââ?¬â?¢ 3-1 victory over Watford before undergoing a medical at Molineux. Berra, who has three Scotland caps, has also been linked with moves to Fulham and Sunderland. Heartsââ?¬â?¢ dire financial situation ââ?¬â? they are thought to be more than Ã?£30m in the red ââ?¬â? forced Romanov to admit he would be prepared to sell key players. The likes of Andrew Driver and Laryea Kingston may also be sold before the transfer window closes tomorrow. http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/scottish/scottish_sport/151049/Wolves-snatch-Berra-Hearts.html

Levein : http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/7863100.stm'>http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/7863100.stm Walter : http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/7863100.stm

By David Melvin STEVEN DAVIS has praised John Fleck for having the confidence to make a vital breakthrough for Rangers after the teenage star opened the scoring against Dundee United from the penalty spot. John FleckThe Northern Ireland international admits he expected the 17-year-old to pass on the penalty taking responsibility after he was fouled by Mihael Kovacevic. But the talented midfielder refused to surrender the ball and confidently slotted it past Lukas Zaluska to rapturous applause from the Ibrox crowd. Davis said: "He showed again today what he's all about. It took a lot of bottle to take the penalty in a match that was so important for us to win. "But he was obviously brought down for the penalty and he was more than confident of taking it and he stroked it away well. John Fleck, Rangers scores a penalty for Rangers"It was a key moment in the game and he won it for us, but you maybe expect him to get the ball and hand it on to one of the more senior players. "But he grabbed it with both hands and obviously wanted it and he took it well so we're delighted that he's got his first goal for the club and hopefully he can build on that again." It was a crucial moment for the home side after they had been frustrated by a dogged United team for 76 minutes. Davis was relieved to get another important three points against difficult opponents with the small matter of an Old Firm game to come in a little over two weeks time. Steven DavisHe added: "We've seen that in most home games teams come and are compact and make it difficult for us and that's why that first goal is so important. "It took a penalty to get there today but once we scored that the lads relaxed a little bit and started to play some good stuff after that. "I've said it before, but all we can do is concentrate on ourselves and keep picking up wins. "We've done that today and it puts a little bit of pressure on Celtic but they'll be looking to go and win too ahead of the Old Firm game in a couple of weeks." Davis was also delighted to see his compatriot Kyle Lafferty return to action and grab a late goal to put a more comfortable look on the scoreline. Kyle Lafferty, Rangers celebrates scoringLafferty finished comfortably in to an open goal in injury time having replaced Kris Boyd shortly before Fleck's opening goal. And Davis was impressed with the way his international team mate's introduction changed the game. He said: "I think he made an impact when he came on today and to get a goal was an added bonus. "He's been out for a little while with some niggling injuries so it's good to have him back after Nacho picked up a knock."

TBH, I would sell him if this rumour is true,he has done nothing for far too long IMO,and that is me being a Fergie fan

Pity I never got the goal scorers correct

GARY MEGSON wants Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson to fill the void left by Kevin Nolanâ��s departure to Newcastle. Bolton boss Megson sent chief scout Colin Harvey to check on Ferguson in Rangers' clash with Dundee United yesterday. The Trotters hope the Scotland and Gers skipper, 30, can be bought for a cut-price �£2million as Rangers look to ease their wage bill. But a player Megson will not be pursuing is Sporting Lisbon winger Miguel Veloso after being quoted a price-tag of �£12m. http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/150378/BARRY-FERGUSON-IS-BOLTON-TARGET.html

Exclusive by Lindsay Herron RINO GATTUSO will be hurting at Ibrox on Wednesday night because he will not be able to play against his beloved Rangers. A serious knee injury has wrecked his season and he is so disappointed that he won't be able to grace the turf once more. However, the combative midfielder who became a cult hero with the fans 11 years ago, will be thrilled to meet his mentor Walter Smith and believes the manager can deliver the SPL title this season. Rino Gattuso and Walter Smith Speaking exclusively to Rangers Media at the sensational Milanello training complex, he said: "My knee is getting better and I hope to be back in the squad within three months so I'm happy with that but I'm not happy that I will miss the chance to play against Rangers at Ibrox, "I will be coming to the game, though, and it will be great to meet up with some old friends. "I had only one and half years in Glasgow but it was a great time for me. I met a lot of great people and they all stay in my heart. "It's great that Walter Smith, Ally McCoist and Ian Durrant are all back at the Club and I saw them recently.Rino Gattuso celebrates his goal against Beitar Jerusalem "I was back at Ibrox a year ago for the game with Motherwell and I went down to the manager's office after the match and it was like meeting up with the family again. "Walter was the most important man in my career and the best man in career. He gave me my big chance to play for a big club and I will never forget that. "But he has been an influence in my life too, not just my job. He is a nice person and I speak to him on the phone from time to time. "I hope that Walter can be successful again and of course I want him to win the league. "There is a smaller gap now between Rangers and Celtic so there is a chance. "It is four years since Rangers won the league so I know that they will be desperate to win it this year. "Celtic are a hard team. They have players who have been together for a while and Strachan is a very clever manager. "But Rangers have good players too and they still have a good chance."

by Lindsay Herron NACHO NOVO is almost certainly out of the vital Old Firm clash at Parkhead on February 15 after damaging his ankle in today's 2-0 win over Dundee United. The little Spaniard, who was the inspiration for last Wednesday's Co-operative Insurance Cup win over Falkirk, took a knock early in the game and then suffered again just before half-time, forcing him tNacho Novo gets treatmento come off. The Rangers medical team have confirmed there is no break but there is considerable discomfort. Boss Walter Smith said: "He has a badly sprained ankle and it will keep him out for a few weeks so that is a disappointing aspect." Sasa Papac, however, will be ready for the Celtic clash. He was left out of today's game which meant that he could not incur a booking which would rule him out of the Celtic game by going through the penalty points barrier. Smith, however, insisted the move was tactical. He said: "We had a situation there where Dundee United's aerial threat was something we had to handle and I just felt that Kirk Broadfoot would handle that on the left side. "However, Sasa will be back - I just felt it was something we had to do today."

Lafferty looked the part when he came on,in his correct position,I'd like to see him get a run in the team as a CENTRE FORWARD

Why even listen to the prick,I cannot believe some Gers fans touted him as our next manager, the guy is a grade A tosser

That's just so as when the result doesn't go our way,they can say........well I told you they were a good side !!!!!

Rangers 2 { Boyd, Novo } DUTD 0

[ame=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=hDylvPxsZ9Q]YouTube - Beckham[/ame]

WALTER SMITH does not expect Dundee United to still be suffering a League Cup hangover when they visit Ibrox on Saturday. Walter SmithRangers' SPL opponents suffered a heart-breaking semi final defeat to Celtic at Hampden on Wednesday night after a remarkable penalty shootout. That set up an Old Firm final for the first time in six years and left United deflated after another spirited performance against one half of the Old Firm. But Smith fully expects Craig Levein's men to be back to their best when they take to the field tomorrow afternoon. He said: "I think there will be a good reaction from Dundee United tomorrow. "They will obviously have felt the disappointment of not reaching the final of the League Cup but they can be pleased about their performance on the night. It was excellent. Barry Ferguson and Morgaro Gomis"They have had good results against the Old Firm in recent games but not only that they have been terrific matches. "If you are a supporter coming along you would have enjoyed almost every one between the sides recently. "They have always been very tight and there are usually goals so it is a game to really look forward to." Smith again spoke of his respect for Levein and the job his opposite number has done since taking over at Tannadice. Walter Smith and Craig LeveinHe added: "He has done an excellent job at Tannadice. He went to United a couple of weeks before I returned to Rangers and he has lifted them up and they have played very well over the past 18 months or so. "This season they have shown that they are stepping up again and they have been terrific in terms of the manner in which they have played." The Ibrox boss can welcome Kyle Lafferty back to his squad ahead of the visit of Levein's side and he admits he is hopeful the Northern Ireland man can now get a run of games under his belt. He said: "It's important for him to get a run. He has not had that yet so we are hopeful he can get a level of consistency in to his play."

No More Movement WITH three days of the transfer window remaining Walter Smith has confirmed that Rangers have received no further bids for any of their players. Steven SmithThe manager also revealed that Steven Smith - linked with a loan move to St Mirren - won't be joining the Buddies as the Paisley club have already reached their quota of loan signings for the season. However the Rangers boss says a loan deal for the defender would be an ideal move for a player who has struggled with injury since the manager returned to Ibrox. He said: "We have not had any bids for any players although we have had a couple of enquiries for players going on-loan. "Technically St Mirren can't take Steven as they've used up their loan deals for the season so that won't happen. Walter Smith"If someone comes in and enquires about him we will definitely look at that because he has not played now for a number of years and hopefully doing that would get him a few more meaningful games than he has had of late with our Reserves." Smith also admits that while he will be happy when the window closes he doesn't believe that the system itself is a problem for clubs. He added: "I don't think it makes that much difference when you compare it to a time when transfers could take place freely throughout a season. "It does mean that everything is concentrated in to one month which brings with it a few stresses and strains. "But previously we were used to players coming in and out at any time so it doesn't make t

KYLE Lafferty is desperate to put his injury problems behind him and return to the Rangers team as they bid to reclaim the SPL title. Kyle LaffertyLafferty has been sidelined since early January after taking a heavy knock to his knee and ankle in a closed door game at Murray Park. But now the Northern Ireland international is battling to make his way back in to Walter Smith's side as they aim to close the gap on rivals Celtic at the top of the table. He said: "It's good to be back. The injury wasn't as bad as we first thought and I'm back now and raring to go. "To be fair the whole of the first six or seven months have been about injuries for me and I haven't really got going. But hopefully this is the end of it and I can kick on now. "I supported this club when I was younger and I know how great a club it is so I want to prove to the fans and anyone who is doubting me that I can do a job for Rangers. "All I can do when I get my chance is to try to do my best and that's what I do every time I put on a blue shirt." Kyle Lafferty celebrates with Pedro MendesLafferty will aim to do that against Dundee United this weekend, but he knows that whatever team Smith fields, they will face a difficult challenge from Craig Levein's men. The Gers No.27 hit the net at Tannadice in December to earn his side a 2-2 draw and he is expecting another tough meeting with a side that have run Rangers close this season. He said: "They are a good side and we haven't managed to beat them yet this season so everyone in the dressing room knows what a good team they are. "I haven't been surprised by the challenge the teams outside the Old Firm are making because this is a good league, there are a lot of good teams in it." If he does get a chance, Lafferty knows it may not come in his favoured position - as a striker - but he insists he is ready for the fight he faces to earn a regular starting spot. He added: "The Gaffer has said that he bought me as a striker and that's my position. If I can't get a chance there in the first team hopefully I can show in the reserves what I am capable of. "Everybody knows what Kris Boyd is about and as long as he is scoring and the team are winning I'll be happy. So it's going to be hard to budge him but I'm up for the challenge."

BECKHAM-MANIA will hit Ibrox on Wednesday night when Rangers take on AC Milan and the most famous man on the planet will visit Ibrox! David Beckha, AC MilanEight lucky fans coming to Wednesday's match are in for the surprise of their life when they are selected at random to meet the Serie A superstars before the glamour friendly! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for eight Light Blue fans who will get the chance to collect autographs of the high flying squad when they arrive at Ibrox! For your chance to be among the lucky eight, make sure you pick up a ticket for Wednesday's massive match before Monday 12 noon. Commenting on his impending trip to Ibrox, Beckham said: "It's great for me going back to Scotland and it's great for the fans to see some of the great players because there are so many great players at Milan, like Kaka, Seedorf, Pato, Maldini and Ronaldinho so it's exciting. "Scottish fans are so passionate about their football so I know it's going to be an amazing atmosphere because Rangers have got amazing fans. It's going to be exciting.

From Lindsay Herron in Milan DAVID BECKHAM is relishing the prospect of going back into battle with Barry Ferguson nearly eight years after the pair fought out an Auld Enemy clash with their national sides. Beckham comes to Ibrox next Wednesday with the star-studded AC Milan side for a glamour friendly and it will be his first match in Scotland since the nail-biting European Championships play-off in Barry Ferguson battles with Scott Severin1999. England won 2-0 at Hampden and then the Scots performed superbly at Wembley but could only manage a 1-0 win and Beckham and Co went on to Euro 2000. The former England captain has described Ferguson as a top player and he is looking forward to going head to head with him again next week. Speaking exclusively to Rangers World at the Milanello Training Complex Beckham said: "It's great for me going back to Scotland - I haven't been there since England beat them 2-0 in 1999 so hopefully it's going to be the same result! "Barry Ferguson is a great player. He has been around for quite a few years, he's so experienced and he knows how to play the game in the right wayDavid Beckham, AC Milan. "He's passionate about the game and you can tell that in every game that he plays in. "There are going to be a few good match-ups in the game so it's one we are all going to enjoy "Both teams have got good players so it's going to be a good spectacle for the fans so hopefully they come to enjoy themselves. "It's great for the fans to see some of the great players because there are so many great players at Milan, like Kaka, Seedorf, Pato, Maldini and Ronaldinho so it's exciting."

You'll have to get them mate....................I'm unemployed

Is the versatility of modern-day attackers a blessing or a curse? Walter Smith would probably sway towards the former after restoring Nacho Novo to a frontline striking position on Tuesday night and then reaping the benefits as the Spaniard scored twice against Falkirk to help Rangers through to the Co-operative Insurance Cup Final. How to get the best out of Novo and several of his team-mates, though, is a quandary that must regularly test the Rangers manager. Within the current squad, only Kris Boyd could be labelled a traditional centre-forward whose remit is to patrol the penalty box, engage in combat with opposition centre-halves, and score as often as possible. The remainder of Rangers' attackers can not be so easily pigeonholed. Novo, Kenny Miller, John Fleck, Steven Naismith, and Kyle Lafferty have all been deployed in numerous positions dependent on the resources available to Smith, the nature of the opposition, and the team's formation. advertisement Having more clearly defined roles would benefit both club and player, according to Kevin Drinkell, the former Rangers centre-forward now director of football with 110sport Management. "I always have a laugh at the philosophy of some players when they say they like to play in the hole," Drinkell said. "There were no holes when I played, except at some of the old grounds. It's an imaginary area. "It's players saying they don't want to have the responsibility of scoring goals but would like to sometimes; they don't want the responsibility of winning possession but claim they will be really effective if they are allowed to do what they want to do. It's a bit of a cop-out for me. Players need to decide what their best roles are and how they can be most effective for the team." # Nacho Novo 29 Novo arrived from Dundee in 2004 and struck up a productive partnership with Dado Prso, scoring 25 goals as Rangers claimed the SPL title. In recent seasons he has been used more sparingly, often wide on the right of midfield. "I still think Nacho is one of those really good acquisitions for a club where you just bring him in now and again," said Drinkell. "I don't think if you played him in 40 games a season you would get 40 good performances. He went through a stage last year where he would come off the bench and cause problems, earn his place in the starting XI, and then fade away. I'm sure it's not how he sees himself, but he's more of an impact player rather than someone who could play every week. He's coming towards the end of his career and still doesn't know his best position." # Kenny Miller 29 After initially thriving as a traditional centre-forward at Hibernian, Miller has since been used more often than not, both for his club sides and for his country, as a willing foil for a more direct striker or as a lone attacker in difficult matches away from home. "I think it's important to build up striking partnerships as you don't get that chance too often these days with most clubs having rotation systems and managers changing shape for away games and things like that," said Drinkell. "For me, you can't build up that rapport if you don't play week in, week out together and, although Kenny was out the team the other night, we've seen that he and Kris Boyd seem to work well together. The most important thing is building that understanding between the two men in attack." # Steven Naismith 22 Naismith's versatility was first realised at Kilmarnock where he was used as a centre-forward, on either flank, or as an attacking midfielder. Injuries have curtailed his involvement since switching to Rangers. "I'm a big admirer of Steven as a footballer, but he's another one that has to decide what position he wants to be," said Drinkell. "He's got pace and can use a bit of trickery, but there's a different art in going out there and standing with your back to goal and playing as a striker. You don't necessarily have to be physically strong to do the role. There are some centre-forwards who cause problems by coming deep, spinning and going long which is still as effective. Steven is still young, but I still see it a lot in players between 16 and 21 where they aren't properly learning the position they would like to play." # Kyle Lafferty 21 Lafferty arrived last summer from Burnley, where he was used primarily as a left-sided midfielder, although he traditionally plays through the middle for Northern Ireland. "He's another one that's got the dilemma of whether he's a front player or a wide player. He has to learn his trade," said Drinkell. "If it's to be up front, then go and play 20 to 30 games as a centre-forward, even if it's reserve-team football, and learn the art. If it's to be a winger then go and sit yourself on the touchline, get on the ball, take full-backs on and develop your crossing. The halfway house is no use. I made my debut at 16 for Grimsby Town as a centre-forward and every day I did my best to improve my knowledge of that position, how to win a header or how to lose a marker in the box. I dedicated myself to that position. Now it's a bit like five-a-sides all the time and players just play where they want." # John Fleck 17 The great hope of the Rangers' academy has been gradually introduced to the first team as a left-sided midfielder although he also has the ability to play as an attacking midfielder or as a striker. "What he needs is someone to decide for him how they see his future developing," said Drinkell. "They have to say, you're going to be a centre midfielder that bombs on and joins the forwards, a centre-forward that can play with your back to goal, or a wide player who gets down the wings. Rather than trying to do it all, it would be better if he could be fantastic at just one thing." http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.2485310.0.Rangers_attackers_need_to_play_leading_role.php