ian1964

Why don't you fuck off and lie in yer pish

SINGING just two lines of the notorious "Famine Song" amounts to racism, a court has ruled in a landmark case. At Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Wednesday, a 20-year-old Rangers fan was found guilty of committing a breach of the peace during Rangers 4-0 victory over Killie on November 9. And procurator fiscal Les Brown successfully argued that by singing the lines "The famineââ?¬â?¢s over, why donââ?¬â?¢t you go home?" William Walls, of Glasgow, had associated himself with other, more offensive elements of the song. Walls, who had denied the offence, was remanded in custody until December 16 for social enquiry and community service reports. During the trial, Sheriff Iona McDonald heard that Walls was seen singing the chorus of the song and other offensive remarks during the game by stewards employed by Rangers FC. Nicola Tait, 24, said that one of her tasks was to monitor the Rangers support for sectarian behaviour, including the singing of the "Famine Song". "The ââ?¬Ë?Famine Songââ?¬â?¢ is one song that is not tolerated by Rangers," she told the court. Miss Tait ââ?¬â?? a club steward for the last three years ââ?¬â?? said that her instructions were to take the seat numbers of those guilty of sectarian behaviour and report them to Rangers for further action. Walls, she said, was seen on a number of occasions in the first and second halves standing up and singing. He did this particularly when other fans had stopped singing the song, in an effort to get them to continue. "He was up and down out his seat every two minutes," said Miss Tait. "He had been asked to sit down a few times by another steward." She had reported his seat number at half-time and later saw him being escorted up the stairs by another steward and two police officers. Fellow Rangers stead Michael Rennie, 38, also identified Walls as singing the two best-known lines of the "Famine Song". He was also "constantly in the aisle", singing the song. Two friends of Walls, who were at the game denied that their pal had sung the "Famine Song" or made any other sectarian comments. Both claimed that the "Famine Song" had been sung by only a "small minority" of Rangers fans ââ?¬â?? in contrast to the evidence of stewards that as many as 90 per cent of the Rangers support in Rugby Parkââ?¬â?¢s Moffat stand had taken part. Under cross-examination by Mr Brown, one defence witness ââ?¬â?? David Hopkins, 25, of Glasgow ââ?¬â?? admitted that he had previously been banned from Ibrox, Hampden and Celtic Park. Addressing Sheriff McDonald, Mr Brown argued that while it was accepted that, at most, Walls had sung only two lines of the "Famine Song", it would be clear to the majority of those there that it was "telling people from Ireland to go home". "That, in itself, is a racist sentiment," he said. BY contrast, Bob McDowall, defending, argued that that would require a "quantum leap" by the court. "Evidence is led that one or two lines are used and it is implied that the rest of the song is meant," he said. "Says who?" Mr McDowall described the case as "novel" and "a very serious matter". "Ireland and the Irish are not mentioned in that stanza," he pointed out. Earlier Sheriff McDonald rejected a defence submission that there was no case on answer on the ground that the description of Wallsââ?¬â?¢s conduct given in evidence could not amount to a breach of the peace. Finding Walls guilty, Sheriff McDonald told him that "given the whole context" his conduct was "likely to be generally alarming and very disturbing to others". After the verdict, Mr Brown revealed that the accusedââ?¬â?¢s record included previous convictions for a breach of the peace with a football aggravation and for an offence with racial aggravations. http://www.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/ayrshire-news/news-east-ayrshire/kilmarnock-news/2008/11/26/rangers-fan-fined-over-singing-famine-song-at-rugby-park-81430-22348515/

The fact that every player so far that has played out left has been poor to say the least,would it be too much of a gamble to give the lad a try out, he can't be any worse than Beasley

by Andrew Dickson WALTER SMITH has hinted Rangers ARE in the market for a defender - but hasn't ruled out Lee McCulloch and Andy Webster providing long-term cover at the back. The Ibrox manager has found himself short of options in that department recently thanks to Madjid Bougherra's calf injury. With Webster on loan to Bristol City and not due back until January, McCulloch has been converted to a centre-half as a result and deployed there ahead of Christian Dailly. The experiment has been a relative success and the Light Blues have won both matches in which the former Wigan man has deputised alongside David Weir. Lee McCullochNow his immediate future could be in the back line as Smith looks to avoid shelling out more cash when the transfer window opens five weeks tomorrow. Gers chairman David Murray has said money will only be available to the manager to strengthen his squad in the case of an emergency. And while Smith is keeping tabs on the availability of certain players, he is keen to see if any of the men he currently has at his disposal can do a job for him. Indeed, if anything, his priority remains trimming his excessive squad and he has reiterated his desire to do that at the turn of the year. Smith said: "When we look at the number of players we have overall, there are 28 people in the senior squad and that is a big staff. "First and foremost, we must deal with that situation as we don't need that many players and we have to address it. "Understandably, some of the boys aren't happy they've not been involved as regularly as they would wish. "In all probability, our staff will be cut down more than anything else but that doesn't stop us from looking at one or two positions we miWalter Smithght need to fill as well. "Obviously, we have to do that in conjunction with people who may leave in the January transfer window. It may be we just go with the squad we have at the moment. "Defensively, Lee has come in and played in a position where he hasn't really played before except in the reserves over the last month or so. "He has done really well in that area and we are pleased with the progress he is making at the back. "Andy will also come back to us from Bristol City and that will alleviate our situation there too. We'll see what happens when his loan agreement ends."

RANGERS Under-19 star Gregg Wylde has scooped the Clydesdale Bank's rising star award after a run of excellent displays for Billy Kirkwood's side. Gregg WyldeThe young full back is enjoying his first term with the 19s and has popped up with three goals in his nine appearances so far this season. His performances from both left back and left midfield have caught the eye and he admits he was delighted to receive the recognition for his positive start to the campaign. He said: "It's good to get the award and it's something I'd like more of in my career in the future, but this is a nice way to start. "It's a great boost to get recognised in this way and when I was first told about it, it was a real surprise." Wylde has contributed to a steady start from Kirkwood's side as they aim to defend the title they won last season and he is enjoying the step up to a new level. He added: "I've enjoyed the start to the season with the under-19s and although we haven't been playing too well recently we've been grinding out results. Greig Wylde in action"I feel I've started quite well and hopefully I can keep that going throughout the rest of the season." It is a sentiment echoed by Kirkwood who feels the defender's recent performances make the award a thoroughly deserved one. And he is hoping some of his other young stars can follow Wylde's example and earn themselves a similar accolade. He said: "Credit to Gregg; he's had an exceptional month. He's been fantastic from the left back area and wide on the left. "He had three goals in three games at one stage and he's been doing very well. "He has a great asset in his pace and down that left side he delivers a great ball in to the box. "Hopefully some of the other lads can do the same and pick up the award through the season."

By Andrew Dickson KYLE LAFFERTY has told Walter Smith he would love a chance to prove himself up front in this weekend's SPL clash with Hearts. The former Burnley youngster moved into the forward line in the latter stages of Saturday's 2-0 win over Aberdeen in Kris Boyd's place. Kyle Lafferty, RangersIt was a role he was comfortable with and one which he has been earmarked for in the long-term, despite being used largely on the left side of midfield at present. Kenny Miller is struggling to be fit for the trip to Tynecastle and while Boyd should be able to play, he is also getting over a minor knock sustained against the Dons. That could present an opening in attack and Lafferty, who plays there for Northern Ireland, would love an opportunity as a striker. The 21-year-old said: "It would be nice to be involved after playing 90 minutes the other day and hopefully I'll get another game. "I was out on the right for a while against Aberdeen and while it was only the third or fourth time I'd played there, I don't mind where I appear. "With that said, I think people probably saw when I moved up front later on in the game that I was a bit happier. "If I don't get starting up front, hopefully I'll get a game on the wing but it would be great to be used as a striker. "Every place in the team is up for grabs and that includes the forward positions. It would be nice to think I did enough at the weekend to merit staying there.Kyle Lafferty celebrates with Andrius Velicka and Sasa Papac "I think people caught a glimpse of what I can do up there and I'd love to show them lots more of the same." Lafferty is looking forward to Saturday's trip to Edinburgh after he scored his first Rangers goal against Hearts back in August. The strike, which opened the scoring in a 2-0 win, is one he still looks back on with some fondness. Lafferty added: "Hopefully we can get three points again like we did that day although it will be tough because Hearts came to Ibrox and gave us a hard game. "From my own point of view, it was great to score my first goal that day and especially because it came at home. "Any time we play Hearts, I'm sure I'll remember that moment and this weekend will definitely bring back good memories."

by Tom Miller THE STRIKING qualities of Nacho Novo and Andrius Velicka were too hot for Kilmarnock tonight as Rangers claimed a comfortable win at Rugby Park. Industrious Spaniard Novo scored twice in the first half, set up by Velicka on both occasions, And Novo returned the favour in the second half from an indirect free kick inside the box - an incident which led to the dismissal of Killie keeper Chad Harpur. There were good pAndrius Velicka, Rangerserformances throughout the Rangers side with young Ulsterman Andy Little excellent at the back beside experienced Christian Dailly and exciting Spaniard Aaron showing his skills for the 70 minutes he played. The only down side was a knock to Chris Burke which forced his substitution at half-time. Novo struck the opening goal after just seven minutes when Velicka played him in then made it 2-0 on 33 minutes when he finished well after another good lay-off from the Lithuanian. The match was safe in 75 minutes when Gavin Skelton clearly passed the ball back to keeper Harpur when trying to divert a cross in from Georgios Efrem. An indirect free kick was awarded just outside the six yard line and Killie put everyone on the goal-line. Novo touched the ball back to Velicka and he rifled it high into the net. Harpur complained so much about the decision that was sent off by referee Craig but the 10 men of Killie managed to hold out without conceding again. RANGERS: Robinson; McLachlan, Little, Dailly, Stevie Smith; Burke (Efrem), Loy, Edu (Fleck), Aaron (Kinniburgh); Novo, Velicka

Rumour on another forum saying Stevens mother passed away today !!. If this is true, RIP Mrs Davis

PUT it down to a conspiracy. Put it down to intimidation. Put it down to global warming, the credit crunch or Haringey social services if it makes you happy. But this morning, I�m putting it down as pure, bald fact. Celtic have now had FIVE blatantly wrong refereeing decisions go their way this season. And it�s driving managers, players, directors and fans of every other club round the twist. That�s not Celtic�s fault. They are the same as everyone else, happy to accept the breaks when they come along. It�s just a pity for the rest of us they come along so often. If you�re a Rangers fan, you�ll be convinced the SFA are deliberately trying to stop your team winning the league. You�re wrong, though. Fact is, we�re all suffering from Gordon Strachan�s rub of the green. We�re all feeling like they have 12 men on the park. In 15 games, Celtic have been handed crucial freebies against St Mirren � twice � Dundee United, Falkirk and Hamilton. August 10: Eddie Smith sent Saints defender Will Haining off for an offence he didn�t commit and gave a match-winning penalty they weren�t due. August 17: Charlie Richmond denied United a stonewall penalty when Gary Caldwell brought down Roy O�Donovan in a game that finished 1-1. August 24: Iain Brines allowed a Stephen McManus punch into Falkirk�s net to stand as a goal. November 16: Steve Conroy showed Hamilton defender Martin Canning a straight red AND gave a penalty for a foul on Cillian Sheridan that was two yards outside the box. And now we have Willie Collum. The SFA�s golden child. Personally mentored by Hugh Dallas. Off soon to handle his next big European tie. Giving a yellow card to Artur Boruc for racing out of his box and straight-legging Craig Dargo in the thigh. I�d have more sympathy with Collum had he missed the incident altogether. Because to see it and decide it wasn�t violent conduct simply makes him look incompetent. I�ve written plenty times that Collum�s the worst kind of referee, one who knows the rules inside out but doesn�t have a clue about the game. But don�t take the huff, chief. Because you�re far from alone. Five different whistlers have given Celtic those five vital calls and plenty more have supplied evidence to suggest this is the worst batch in our game�s history. Back in August, the hugely experienced Stuart Dougal missed James McArthur handling the ball into the net for Hamilton against Dundee United. Two weeks later, linesman Billy Baxter convinced ref Craig Thomson to disallow what would have given Rangers a last-minute winner at Aberdeen for an offside that never was. Our old pal Smith drove both sides crazy in the 1-1 Edinburgh derby in October, first by ruling out a Christian Nade goal for a shove on keeper Yves Ma-Kalambay no one else saw and then denied Derek Riordan what looked an obvious penalty. Mike McCurry sent off Aberdeen left back Charlie Mulgrew against Hibs and gave a penalty when the correct decision should have been offside against Steven Fletcher. For his next trick, he then gave Falkirk a penalty at Killie when Graham Barrett clearly cut across Jamie Hamill and went down without being fouled. Kris Boyd�s second goal in a 3-1 win at Hamilton last month was offside � to everyone bar referee Dougie McDonald and his officials. And in the 90th minute of last week�s Challenge Cup Final, with Airdrie and Ross County locked at 1-1, Callum Murray and linesmen Mark Doyle were the only people in the ground who didn�t see Diamonds defender Marc Smyth handle in his own box. Smyth would have been sent off, County could won the trophy. Instead, the Irishman rubbed salt in their wounds by scoring the winner in a penalty shootout. Though we only got that far after Doyle gave County scored their second from a corner when one of their OWN players clearly toed the ball out the park. In that final, I watched fourth official Crawford Allan spend two hours chasing Airdrie boss Kenny Black up and down the touchline. On Saturday, he refereed United against Hamilton in exactly the same way. Never in control, not seeing the incidents he needed to see, only the reaction to those incidents. That�s a recipe for failure. That�s why he booked nine and sent one off � yet didn�t deal with constant timewasting by Accies keeper Tomas Cerny or punish dreadful challenges on him by Jon Daly and Lee Wilkie. He was off the pace. Out of his depth. Chasing the game like a giraffe trying to catch a beach ball in a hurricane. I�ve listed plenty of clear-cut decisions here. Haven�t even touched the dozens more that have been debatable, the free kicks that go the wrong way and lead to goals, the fair tackles that lead to sendings-off. That should be incredibly worrying for the SFA, the SPL and the SFL. They should be moving heaven and earth to improve the standard pronto, to give the Collums and Allans of the world a crash course in how football�s played in the real world. Instead all we get is mumblings about how the more pressure we lump on, the more mistakes they�ll make. Well you know what? If they can�t take the stick, they shouldn�t be in the damn job. It�s time they toughened up, wised up and bucked up. But there are two chances of that happening. Oh sure, they want respect. In fact, they demand it. But did they ever think to try and earm it? Or maybe try to show some? Don�t be silly, son. This relationship�s a one way street, all take and no give. And right now, what they�re taking is the p**s. http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/columnists/billleckiesports/article1962219.ece

What a vile bunch of scum they are, nothing new there, however it still amazes me what they get away with singing and feck all is done or said about them.Don't get me wrong here I am not wanting us to start behaving like the MOPES and complain but the fact is why should we get hammered at every opportunity by the press for singing harmless chants to wind up the opposition, never mind I am sure everyone will just say what a good atmosphere they create

From Amir Rashid at Kilwinning Sports Club RANGERS kept the pressure on league leaders Hibs after a hard fought 1-0 win away to Kilmarnock when Kane Hemmings grabbed the only goal of the game. With Hibs beating Inverness Caley Thistle 4-1 on Friday, it was imperative Rangers went away with all three points - Billy Kirkwood will no doubt be pleased his side were able to do just that. In what was a fairly balanced first half, the young Swede Isa Bagci could have opened the scoring for Rangers after just seven minutes when his shot just outside the box went wide past the right of the Kilmarnock goal. Stephen StirlingOn the 25 minute mark Kilmarnock created an opening when a flowing passing move led to a shot from Scott Walker on the left who failed to test Arturs Vaiculis - his shot going harmlessly past the Latvian stoppers' post. Five minutes later Rangers were denied a penalty when Kyle Hutton's shot appeared to the hit the hand of the on-rushing Kilmarnock defender from close range. Bagci tried to take the game by the scruff of the neck, when on 32 minutes he collected the ball wide on the right before cutting in on his left before releasing a shot just outside the box that sailed over the bar. Stephen Stirling then attempted to get Rangers moving on 35 minutes but his shot from distance - low to the keeper's right - was easy enough to deal with for the diving Kilmarnock goalkeeper. Following Kirkwood's inspiring half-time team talk Rangers came out all guns blazing in an effort to take the lead. After just a minute into the second half a well flighted corner from Gregg Wylde found the head of Ross Perry in the 6 yard box who saw his header cleared of the line by the Kilmarnock defence. Rangers came out the hungrier of the two sides and a Jamie Ness cross from the left found Bagci who was unable to turn the ball home with his head from inside the box, after only three minutes of the second half. But it was the returning John Fleck who proved the inspiration for the Light Blues on 53 minutes, his clever assist on the halfway line found Hemmings 40 yards out from goal. The powerful striker picked it up and ran at the Kilmarnock defence, who were unable to stop him, as he unleashed a beautiful curling shot low into the left of the Kilmarnock goal from the edge of box. Rangers were keen to ensure there were no slip ups and chased the second goal. Minutes later it was Bagci again who tested Kilmarnock when his rifled shot from an acute angle in the box was parried out for a corner by the goalkeeper.John Fleck, Rangers Rangers' dominance was showing in the second period and Kilmarnock created very little. An ambitious effort from 45 yards by Daniel McKay on 57 minutes caused little trouble to Vaiculis who ignored any attempt to embarrass him by plucking the ball out from the air as it arrived at his goal. McKay came back at Rangers 10 minutes later when his run past the idle Rangers defence culminated in a shot from 30 yards that went over the bar. Hemmings and Bagci linked up well with 20 minutes left as Rangers searched for the goal that would guarantee all three points. Hemmings' header found Bagci in the box who skipped past the Kilmarnock defence, doing the hard work before squandering a goal scoring chance as his close range shot went wide. On the 80th minute Kilmarnock were reduced to 10 men. Mick Doyle saw red following a slip that was quickly seized upon by Hemmings who outpaced the last man Doyle before having his shirt pulled by the young Kilmarnock defender. From the resulting freekick, 25 yards out from goal, Stephen Stirling saw his excellent effort brilliantly saved, one handed to his top left hand corner by the diving Kilmarnock goalkeeper. Rangers continued to create chances up until the final whistle but they will no doubt be pleased that they managed to secure a win away against a battling Kilmarnock side.

From John McGarry in Aalborg, 22/11/2008 ALLAN KUHN has sensationally branded Celtic LUCKY and off-form. The stand-in Aalborg boss cranked up the heat ahead of Tuesdayââ?¬â?¢s make-or-break Champions League clash with the Hoops in Denmark with his blast. The stakes could hardly be higher with the winner almost certainly guaranteed UEFA Cup football. But despite Celtic racking up 11 straight SPL wins since losing to Rangers in August, the man who stepped up from No2 when Bruce Rioch was sacked feels his side are facing Celtic at just the right time. He said: ââ?¬Å?I know people are saying this is the game Celtic will end their bad away run in the Champions League but thinking like that could be their main problem. ââ?¬Å?We have a much better team than we did when we drew 0-0 at Celtic Park. ââ?¬Å?They will still be favourites coming here because they have the experience in Europe. But so far they havenââ?¬â?¢t used that to get a win away from home. I think against Celtic itââ?¬â?¢s 50-50. They are a bigger name than us but thatââ?¬â?¢s all. ââ?¬Å?I saw they beat the team who are bottom of the Scottish League just 2-1 last week. ââ?¬Å?I think they were very lucky with the penalty and scored with just four minutes to go. So I think theyââ?¬â?¢re struggling a bit at the moment.ââ?¬Â Despite a lack of superstars in his side, Kuhn believes his players can achieve the result that guarantees them European football in the New Year and will perhaps earn him an extended stay in the dug-out. He added: ââ?¬Å?The club have told me Iââ?¬â?¢ll be in charge for six weeks then Iââ?¬â?¢ll probably be back as No2. But you never know what can happen in football. ââ?¬Å?Of course, it would help my case if we could beat Celtic or Manchester United but itââ?¬â?¢s not all about those two games. ââ?¬Å?We donââ?¬â?¢t fear anything. Our guys played in Europe last year against the likes of Spurs and Sampdoria so they have learned how to play. Thatââ?¬â?¢s why it didnââ?¬â?¢t surprise me when we got the draw in Glasgow. ââ?¬Å?Weââ?¬â?¢re not afraid of Celtic because we have a lot of international players who have been involved in big games. ââ?¬Å?If we make third in the group and the UEFA Cup it would be a massive achievement. At the start, we knew if we had the scenario of Celtic at home with everything still at stake, it would be a great opportunity. ââ?¬Å?Now weââ?¬â?¢re there and we want to take it. We know if we beat Celtic weââ?¬â?¢re through and weââ?¬â?¢ll do everything we can to do it. ââ?¬Å?It would be great to go into the winter training, in the cold and snow, knowing weââ?¬â?¢re in the next stage of the UEFA Cup. Itââ?¬â?¢s a massive match for us.ââ?¬Â Kuhn only hopes his next experience of European football against a Scottish side is better than his first. He said: ââ?¬Å?I played for Lyngby against Rangers in 1992, trying to qualify for the Champions League. I didnââ?¬â?¢t play in the first leg at Ibrox because I was sick. ââ?¬Å?I was back for the return but we lost 1-0 in Copenhagen. I managed to get Ally McCoistââ?¬â?¢s shirt that night. ââ?¬Å?It was a great tie to play in and great experience for me as a youngster, going up against players like McCoist and Mark Hateley. ââ?¬Å?Rangers were even bigger favourites to beat us then than Celtic are now so it wasnââ?¬â?¢t too much of a disappointment to lose. ââ?¬Å?Thatââ?¬â?¢s the only time Iââ?¬â?¢ve played against a Scottish team, as a player or coach. But we know Scottish football well in Denmark, we always get the Old Firm games on TV. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢ve seen a few of Celticââ?¬â?¢s games recently and our scout was at the St Mirren match, so we know how theyââ?¬â?¢ll play. Even with a few injuries they still have a strong team. Theyââ?¬â?¢ve never won away from home in the Champions League and this could be our chance.ââ?¬Â Aalborg have steadily climbed away from the foot of the Danish league since Kuhn took charge and the 40-year-old said: ââ?¬Å?It is incredible how quickly you learn in this game. ââ?¬Å?In the first week you feel the adrenalin and youââ?¬â?¢re stressed, but after that you cope, you have to. We were second from bottom in the league when I took over, so it was important to move up. Weââ?¬â?¢re doing that now and weââ?¬â?¢re in the semi-final of the cup. ââ?¬Å?Weââ?¬â?¢ve not lost yet since I took over and I can feel the confidence coming back into the squad.ââ?¬Â http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/scottish/scottish_sport/82146/Aalborg-brand-Celts-weak-and-lucky.html

Me too mate

By Graeme Bryce, 22/11/2008 SIR DAVID MURRAY claims the next multi-million-pound buyout of a British club could rock the football world ââ?¬â? because it could happen in SCOTLAND rather than the Premiership. The Rangers chairman insists the prospect of a Russian billionaire, oil-rich Sheikh or American tycoon making a major investment in Rangers or Celtic isnââ?¬â?¢t as fanciful as it seems. He reckons the Premiership can no longer guarantee their mega-rich clubs a passport to the Champions League they crave every season. In recent years Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have effortlessly cruised through to the group stages of the tournament. However when the Abu Dhabi United Group turned Manchester City into the richest club in the world overnight, the odds were altered dramatically. Now with American tycoon Randy Lernerââ?¬â?¢s Aston Villa on the rise and Newcastle the latest Premiership club attracting serious Arab and American interest, up to seven of the worldââ?¬â?¢s richest clubs could soon be chasing four places at Europeââ?¬â?¢s top table. But in Scotland it is a two-horse race between Rangers and Celtic every year. That is why Murray, who celebrated his 20th anniversary as owner of Rangers this weekend, believes itââ?¬â?¢s not fantasy football to suggest a mega-rich foreign benefactor could soon turn Scottish football on its head. He said: ââ?¬Å?If it is more difficult for Premiership clubs to qualify for the Champions League then of course itââ?¬â?¢s an advantage to Rangers and Celtic. ââ?¬Å?A football club is a risky business, itââ?¬â?¢s not really the best investment. It needs to have somebody with deep pockets and a plan. ââ?¬Å?If you ran Rangers as a conventional business, without any benefactor element, you would need to downsize the club by 20-25 per cent wage wise. But if somebody wants to use it as a tool for a different means, theyââ?¬â?¢d probably spend a bit more. ââ?¬Å?Joe Lewis was a business recluse until he bought shares in Rangers. That afternoon helicopters were flying over his house in the Caribbean! ââ?¬Å?So if somebody wants a high profile, buy a football club. ââ?¬Å?Roman Abramovich gained Western acceptance when he bought Chelsea. All of a sudden he became a business face, which would not have been known if he hadnââ?¬â?¢t bought Chelsea. It helped him greatly.ââ?¬Â Murray believes if serious foreign cash was invested in either half of the Old Firm it would floor their rivals. He added: ââ?¬Å?Thereââ?¬â?¢s not much between Rangers and Celtic. They beat us, we beat them, generally. Weââ?¬â?¢ve both got a lot of Ã?£2-4million players, so thereââ?¬â?¢s little to choose between the squads at the moment. But if somebody put some serious money into one club, I think the other one would be away in the background again for a while.ââ?¬Â Murray has made it clear for some time he is willing to step aside, after two decades in charge of Rangers, provided the right buyer can be found. He admits he came within seconds of selling his stake in the Ibrox club last year to an un-named British buyer, only to pull out at the last moment. He said: ââ?¬Å?Thereââ?¬â?¢s been a few potential buyers on the dance floor over the years. Weââ?¬â?¢ve had a few people interested, but weââ?¬â?¢ve only had one over the line. ââ?¬Å?We were actually very close to completing a deal with a British investor a year ago in July. I was in the Dorchester Hotel with Martin Bain, the legal documentation was done, the deal agreed, all I had to do was sign my name. My team had worked very hard, but I said ââ?¬Ë?Tell me one more time what you intend to doââ?¬â?¢, then said it wasnââ?¬â?¢t for me and left. I saw a bit of asset division getting made. ââ?¬Å?Some people say on these websites Iââ?¬â?¢m an asset stripper. But Iââ?¬â?¢ve never known how you can asset strip something which you own 92 per cent of yourself. ââ?¬Å?All I had to do was sign my name, but the investor was fine about it afterwards. ââ?¬Å?It wasnââ?¬â?¢t a case that I couldnââ?¬â?¢t give up being chairman of Rangers, I wouldnââ?¬â?¢t go that far. It just wasnââ?¬â?¢t right. There might be flats at Murray Park today otherwise. I didnââ?¬â?¢t feel the way they were going to run the club was the Rangers way. ââ?¬Å?The proposed plans we have for stadium re-development cover 45 acres, so thereââ?¬â?¢s more money to be made on that than the club. Maybe that tells you a little bit about why we didnââ?¬â?¢t do the deal. You go through life and you have to make decisions. It would have been easier to take the money and go. My life would have been easier for the last 12 months, but in my mind it just wasnââ?¬â?¢t the right thing to do. ââ?¬Å?If I had known the credit crunch was coming it might have been slightly different, not to be dishonest. ââ?¬Å?But that was a decision I made and you live and die by your decisions. The deal had been three months in the making but my family backed me. ââ?¬Å?You hear all that stuff, ââ?¬Ë?Murray must goââ?¬â?¢? Well tell me about it, because my family want me to go! ââ?¬Å?Twenty years as chairman of Rangers is a long time, but contrary to what people say, the fact I have said Iââ?¬â?¢d be willing to sell doesnââ?¬â?¢t diminish my efforts to try and win things. ââ?¬Å?Anyone who knows me, knows thatââ?¬â?¢s not true. ââ?¬Å?How much longer will I go on for? I donââ?¬â?¢t know, thatââ?¬â?¢s for others to decide. What I would say is Iââ?¬â?¢ve never hidden, Iââ?¬â?¢ve tried to give leadership and hopefully integrity. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m the longest serving chairman in the clubââ?¬â?¢s history. Iââ?¬â?¢ve been here for 15 per cent of the history of Rangers Football Club and weââ?¬â?¢ve won 30 per cent of the trophies in that time. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m happy to keep going for now, until I can pass the baton on to a suitable owner. ââ?¬Å?But I wouldnââ?¬â?¢t put my children through it. Let them have a life. Theyââ?¬â?¢re both happy, married with children, doing well in their careers. ââ?¬Å?Goodness me, put them through all of this for another 20 years?ââ?¬Â http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/scottish/scottish_sport/article82126.ece

Oor Wullie & The Broons

By Danny Stewart Rangers face a fight to hang on to Pedro Mendes.RANGERS FACE a fight to fend off a bid from Spurs for Pedro Mendes. Itââ?¬â?¢s understood Harry Redknapp is poised to swoop with a Ã?£5-million-plus bid as soon as the January transfer window opens. Redknapp sold the Portuguese star to the Light Blues for Ã?£3-million in August while still boss of Portsmouth. At the time, though, the renowned wheeler-dealer insisted he was forced to make the sale in order to balance the books at Fratton Park. Willingness Mendes, he claimed, was worth more than the fee received and had only been the one to go because of his willingness to leave Portsmouth. ââ?¬Å?I am really sorry to lose Pedro,ââ?¬Â he said then. ââ?¬Å?I love him as a fella and a player. ââ?¬Å?He is great pro and a great player but I had to get some money in. It is the rules of the game.ââ?¬Â Three months on, Redknapp finds himself with cash to spend and a need for an experienced midfielder to play alongside young stars Jermaine Jenas and Tom Huddlestone. Redknapp actually signed Mendes for Pompey from Spurs in 2006, eighteen months after heââ?¬â?¢d arrived from Porto. Having loved Mendesââ?¬â?¢ attitude in the three years they were together at Portsmouth, Redknapp has decided he is the one he wants. Rangers have the player on a three-year contract and donââ?¬â?¢t want to sell. Returning Mendes, who provided cover for the injured Barry Ferguson at the start of the season, has made a huge impact in Scotland, returning to some of the best form of his career. On top of that, while Ferguson is now back, his fellow Scotland midfielder Kevin Thomson has since been ruled out for the rest of the season with knee ligament damage. The problem Rangers will face is what happens if Mendes himself gets sold on the idea of a quick return to the English Premier League. The Portuguese has taken to life in Scotland and has expressed his admiration for Glasgow as well as the quality of the football played in this country. Without doubt, though, Redknappââ?¬â?¢s ââ?¬Ë?big projectââ?¬â?¢ at Spurs has captured the imagination of fans and players alike throughout the whole of the UK, and Mendes may be tempted to be part of it. http://www.thesundaypost.co.uk/postindex.htm

It really was a shocking challenge/assault with no intention of playing the ball

WALTER SMITH expressed his delight after watching his side take three points against Aberdeen with a battling display at Ibrox. The Dons made life difficult for the Gers, as they usually do, but two second-half goals from Jean-Claude Darcheville and Kris Boyd secured a valuable win after Celtic had beaten St. Mirren earlier in the day. Kris Boyd celebrates scoringThe gaffer said: "It was pleasing to get the win, we had to work very hard for it today. "I felt it was a good first-half although we took time to get settled. "Our first real opportunities came before just half time and Allan McGregor also had to make a very good save at the other end before the interval. "In the second half we started to impose ourselves and got the goal which was a turning point in the match. "Once we got the second we controlled the game but had to retain our concentration. "Overall it was a difficult first-half for us and Aberdeen deserve credit for that. Allan McGregor saves a shot on goal "They played the ball forward early and were dangerous from set plays so we are very pleased with the result in the end." Once again Lee McCulloch had a steady game alongside Davie Weir in the heart of the Gers' backline while Barry Ferguson looks to be getting back to his best. Barry FergusonWalter said: "Lee seems to be settling in there and I think he has the capabilities to play in the defence. "He still needs games before we can say that is another position for him but he is giving his all and slowly getting used to it. "In terms of Barry I think in the next few games we will start to see him get back to his best. "His fitness is getting there now and once he gets a few games alongside Pedro I think they will form an excellent partnership." Smith was also quick to praise Charlie Adam after he set up both goals against the Dons with two wicked corner kick deliveries. He said: "Charlie has his Charlie Adam moments but overall that never prevents him from taking part in the game. "Sometimes he does things that others wouldn't attempt to do and when they come off it's great. "But he is working hard for the team right now and he provides a good balance to the team."

No Place To Hide CHARLIE ADAM played a pivotal role in Rangers win against Aberdeen having set up both goals in the 2-0 victory. Charlie AdamHis pinpoint corner kicks for Jean-Claude Darcheville and Kris Boyd helped clinch a valuable result for Walter Smith's men on a day when dropping points was unthinkable. Adam recieved some stick from the home support in the early stages of the game but insists he will never hide when he pulls on a Light Blue jersey. He said: "Ibrox can be a tough place to play, there is nowhere to hide in front of 50,000 fans. "You have to be strong and mentally tough to keep trying things. "There is no point in hiding and I will never do that. "At times you get criticism but that is part of life, it is how you deal with that that matters. "The important thing for me is that I always keep going and try my best for the team. "At the end of the day that is all you can do and if you try things and they don't come off you can't let your head go down." Adam was delighted to see Rangers pick up another home win against Jimmy Calderwood's men. "We always know that teams will make it difficult for us when they come to Ibrox. Jean-Claude Darcheville scores "But it's all about how we react to that and deal with the situation. "In the first-half the game never really got flowing. "We did not really create many chances and Allan had to make a brilliant save just before the break. "But we came alive in the second period and got two goals I felt we deserved. "It's great to get assists, that is something you always want to do as a midfielder. "But the most important thing for us today was to get the win and I hope we can build on that at Tynescastle next week."

What you on about ?,I was still at school in the 70's :box:

Rangers 3 Boyd x 2, Mendes Sheep 0

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/scotland/article5201316.ece

I would make one observation as an outsider looking in because it’s the same at the Boro. Why is it that supporters are up for the big games but not for others? Only towards the end, when the fans could see Rangers were hanging on, did the volume increase. The team is often accused of not being up for the run of the mill games. Well the same is true for the fans. Who lifts who? Teams will love coming to Ibrox, it’s their Cup Final. If they are met by the wall of sound that Celtic face then their job would be made a whole lot more difficult. What a valid point he makes here !!!!

By Lindsay Herron DICK ADVOCAAT was greeted by David Murray on the doorstep of his Jersey home on a wintry day in early 1998 and he know instantly that a special bond was about to be made. Advocaat is like many Dutchmen. He is pragmatic and he has an instant feeling for things. He knew in an instant that he and David Murray were about to become very good friends. Dick AdvocaatIn four action-packed years, Advocaat brought some of the most exciting players ever seen, delivered the Treble, gave Rangers credibility in Europe and instigated the building of Murray Park. There were tough times too, of course, but through it all Advocaat and Murray remained firm friends. They still are. They always will be. Advocaat told me: "The first day I met him the snow was falling as I approached his home in Jersey. He came out of the house to greet me when I arrived and in that moment I had a special feeling. "My first impression of him was a great impression and I felt right way that this was going to be a good situation. "In my view the only way to do your job well as a coach or as a manager is if you have a good relationship with the main man. "We used to speak to each other many times a day and he knew exactly what was happening. It was the ideal way for me to work. "For me and my family the best time in my life was spent in Scotland with Rangers.david murray and dick advocaat open the rangers training ground, murray park "They are a special club and they were special times when I was there. "I think every manager hopes to work with someone like David and I was lucky. "He is a very unique individual. Everyone knows about his terrible accident when he was a young man, but I never heard him complain once about his disability." Advocaat and Murray both moved out of the frontline at Ibrox around the same time and selected Alex McLeish as the new manager. The Dutchman added: "When I realised that David was thinking about stepping back from the club on a day to day basis, I decided it was the right time for me too. "We both decided that Alex was the best candidate to take over and I think we did the right thing because Alex did very well. "My best memories are when we used to go for dinner after games or have a couple of drinks. "I used to go to his house and he would prepare dinner for me. We would also regularly watch Champions League matches on TV." Fate drew Advocaat and Rangers together in last season's UEFA Cup Final and the Dutchman, who guided his Zenit St Petersburg team to victory, admits it gave him mixed emotions. He said: "I am a RDick Advocaat was largely responsible for bringing Alex McLeish to Ibroxangers man and I always will be because it was the best part of my life. "So when we were drawn to play Rangers in the final it was an emotional moment for me. "Of course, I said to myself that if my team wins then I am happy. If Rangers win then I am not happy but I would have been happy for David and everyone at Rangers. "It was a strange feeling when the game was played. When we scored the first goal I showed no emotion because I wanted to show respect to Rangers. "I feel we were the better side on the night and deserved to win the game. "But I realise what the implications could have been for Rangers. The players would have become legends like the Barcelona Bears. They would have been revered for years to come." Advocaat still keeps in touch with his old friend. He added: "We scarcely disagreed. We had some discussions but every time there was a solution. "David was a friend from the start and he will remain a friend forever."

By Lindsay Herron FOOTBALL nowadays is dominated by agents and advisors as players and even managers make sure they get the best contracts and commercial deals. Some players have a complete entourage looking after them - but it was not always like this, even as recently as Rangers' trophy-laden 9 in a row era. Indeed, the greatest goal-scorer in the club's history, Ally McCoist, had no representation when he was smashing all of the Ibrox scoring records. Gazza and Ally were the goal heroes in 1986So when it came to contract renewal time McCoist was on his own and left to negotiate with David Murray. The assistant manager has revealed that these talks were always memorable. He said: "He used to love these contract negotiations with me because he used to play keepy-up with me, that's the bottom line! "I never had an agent in my life and I used to go in and conduct my own negotiations with him. "He always used to tell the story that he had three envelopes - one that he wanted to give me, one that he would give me and one that I was never going to give me. "So I was always getting envelope 1 or 2 - I was never getting the third one!"Ally McCoist salutes Kris Boyd's strike Ten of McCoist's playing years were during the Murray era and, of course, he has been back at the club as assistant boss since January 2007 and he is in no doubt about the impact he has made. McCoist said: "The chairman has had a phenomenal impact on this football club. He was a terrific chairman to play under and he has been a terrific chairman to be assistant manager under. "He comes in with his opinions, which are valued, and he always gives you his opinions, don't worry about that, on footballing matters and business matters. "However, the thing that is most appreciated is that he genuinely lets Walter get on with it. "He gives him a free hand to do the job and that is so important." McCoist is also in no doubt that the construction of the Rangers Training Centre at Auchenhowie on the outskirts of Glasgow has been one of the greatest things that Murray has done. He added: "The impact he has made overall has been wonderful. You just have to look at Murray Park - what a legacy that is. It is a tremendous training ground. Sir David Murray"I have been fortunate enough to have been all over Europe looking at training facilities and what we have at Murray Park is comparable to anything in world football - it's fantastic. "He has now been here 20 years. He has had his ups and downs like everyone else but over the piece he has been hugely successful. "If and when he does leave he will leave a great legacy. "He has said that if there are people out there interested in buying the club then his door is always open. "I think he will have a heavy heart when he walks away from Ibrox because Rangers has been so much of his life for the past 20 years."