ian1964

Irish international Ian Harte hopes to have a new club sorted within the next week. The former Leeds left-back has just left Spanish side Levante and is now locked in talks with a number of prospective employers. Sunderland and Celtic are said to be heading the chase for the 29-year-old. Talks "I'm flying back to England on Sunday or Monday and I will hopefully have a few offers on the table by then," Harte told The Irish Daily Star. "My aim is to get a club move sorted as quickly as possible. Then I can see about nailing down a place in Steve Staunton's squad for the rest of the Euro 2008 qualifiers." Never realised that he was only 29,a decent left back IMO

Hearts are closing on a deal for Leicester's Stephen Hughes, assistant coach Stephen Frail has confirmed. The former Rangers midfielder was a target for Motherwell earlier this summer but it appears The Jambos will be bringing him back to Scotland. Hearts are awaiting news on a medical and Hughes could put pen-to-paper in time for him to feature against Gretna on Saturday. "We are hopeful a deal will be done, but no deal has been done yet," Frail told the club's official website. "There are a few days to go in the window. "Maybe it will be done before the close of play today (Friday). It is an ongoing one, and it would be a boost to the squad if we managed to bring him in." This is one player i thought would have made it at Ibrox

How good would it be if we stretched a nice wee early lead on the unwashed, if not just to watch the reaction of the fans,they'd be calling for wee Chesney to be sacked :cheers:

I hope he's wrong with the sheep prediction :cheers:

When WS came back to Ibrox a lot of fans didn't really take to it,but again at the time of his appointment i said we couldn't have a better manager to come in, i have a lot of faith in Walter regarding signings he knows exactly the type of players to bring in,guys he can trust at least to put in a shift. I also thought when he came back that we have a more experienced manager than the Walter Smith that left Ibrox,hope we are all not getting too carried away though there's a long way to go,but we're certainly on the right tracks

Novo is a vital part of the team and no boubt he deserves to start,but the wee man is full of confidence and knows he WS & Ally rate him highly,we have other players who also need to get introduced sooner rather than later,Gow & Whittaker for instance,don't get me wrong i think he deserves to start,but as long as he feels at ease with the situation i don't think you will see him complain,but idefo think he should be given a contract extension if not just to prove to him how important he is to us

I must admit i'm quite surprised that a few fans are surprised about LMc,he was always going to do a good job for us as the guy is a grafter,i posted at the time he'd be a good signing,but my only querie was i really couldn't put a value on him,but i also felt that we were getting an International player who played in the EPL for a couple of seasons and while he's not " world class player " he was always going to be a decent signing, he's a good pro who appreciates playing for the GERS

Agreed again mate,i've been saying this for ages now,especially for Sebo to try and get his scoring boots on,but for any other first team player who is'nt playing should be in the reserves for match fitness

Agreed, the most important thing is to qualify and then,as you say,we can have a real go at teams in the group stages :cheers:

Hear Hear Frankie,is this the start of a new Rangers ?

Agreed mate, my glass is always half full,IMO it's a good steady start to the season and i believe we will grow stronger as the season rolls on :cheers:

Team GP GW GD GL GA-GF PT 1 Spartak 21 11 7 3 32-17 40 2 Zenit 21 11 6 4 35-26 39 3 Lokomotiv M 21 11 5 5 36-17 38 4 Kryliya Sovetov 21 10 6 5 27-16 36 5 Sokol 21 10 5 6 24-26 35 6 CSKA 21 9 8 4 25-15 35 7 Torpedo 21 9 5 7 35-30 32 8 Saturn 21 8 7 6 27-15 31 9 Anzhi 21 6 8 7 22-20 26 10 Rostselmash 21 6 5 10 18-24 23 11 Alaniya 21 6 5 10 21-30 23 12 Dinamo 21 5 7 9 25-33 22 13 Rotor 21 5 6 10 23-31 21 14 Fakel 21 5 4 12 19-26 19 15 Torpedo-ZIL 21 4 7 10 13-28 19 16 Chernomorets 21 3 7 11 10-38 16 Going to be tough for the unwashed tomorrow,going on current Russian league :cheers:

Rangers secured a narrow advantage for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League third round qualifier against Crvena Zvezda with Nacho Novo grabbing a last-gasp winner to hand them what could prove a crucial 1-0 victory. The SPL outfit struggled to create chances against their very capable Serbian opponents and had looked to be heading out to the second leg with the tie still poised at 0-0. However, substitute Novo popped up in the dying moments to latch on to a flick-on from a long ball and drive home low and hard with his left-foot to send Ibrox Park into raptures. Primera outfit Valencia have all but booked their spot in the group stages after a comfortable 3-0 triumph over Swedish minnows Elsborg at the Mestalla. Spanish international Vicente got them off to the perfect start as he edged them ahead with just six minutes on the clock. The Spaniards added two more in the second half with David Silva (58) and Fernando Morientes (70) with finding the net with headers from Joaquin crosses. Benfica were also winners on the night in their clash against FC Copenhagen, but their Danish opponents might well have ended the encounter at Estadio da Luz the happier after a narrow 2-1 defeat. Benfica looked on course to record a comfortable success early on as Rui Costa opened the scoring on 25 minutes. Copenhagen had not read the script, though, responding 11 minutes later when Canadian international Atiba Hutchinson found the net and Benfica had to rely on a second from Costa with just four minutes remaining to emerge victorious. Lazio face an uphill task to progress from their tie with Dinamo Bucharest after the Romanians claimed a 1-1 draw in the Stadio Olimpico in a game that saw three red cards. Ionel Danciulescu had the visitors ahead on 21 minutes, but Massimo Mutarelli restored parity eight minutes after the break. Lazio were reduced to ten men when Valon Behrami received his marching orders 18 minutes from time following a deliberate handball and Mutarelli then blotted his copybook five minutes from the end when he saw his second yellow for another handball offence. Still there was another dismissal as Dinamo substitute Lucian Goian picked up his second yellow in injury time. UEFA Champions League Qualifying Rangers 1-0 Crvena Zvezda Benfica 2-1 Copenhagen Lazio 1-1 Dinamo Bucuresti Valencia 3-0 IF Elfsborg

To be fair, it's still early season and the fact we are not conceding goals is a great base to build on,IMO the team has still to gel and when it does i'm sure we are going to see a good strong Rangers team, at last,and we all hope we get that CL qualification as i'm sure that will get our season really going once the pressure of CL goes :cheers:

By Emma Dodds Walter Smith has admitted he thought the goal would never come for Rangers tonight, but has praised his players for fighting until the end against Red Star at Ibrox. Novo scores against Red Star The Light Blues now take a slender one-goal lead to Belgrade in a fortnight's time and although this tie is by no means finished, they are in poll position to progress. It was a hard-fought victory by Gers and they had to contend with some physical play from the visitors, with seven of their players being booked, but Novo took his goal well much to Smith's delight. He said: "The tie is not over we know that, but it was a good feeling to see the ball hit the back of the net. "We're obviously pleased with the result, it was a tight game and not many chances for either side. But we kept going and secured what was eventually a good result. "We are proving very hard to score against and while it might not be the most pleasing on the eye just now, it's effective. "It's always hard to strike a balance between defending and attacking because the away goal is so valuable, so to come away with a win and a clean sheet is very pleasing. "We know there are certain aspects of our game we need to improve on, but tonight we did a decent job and will look forward to the return leg. "It's been a busy period for us thus far, but the players are coping well and hopefully that can continue.The referee warns a Red Star player "Nacho has a great spirit and we know what he can offer to the team. He always gives his all and once again tonight he scored a crucial goal. "He took it well and the players deserve credit for fighting until the final whistle because that goal came late." Rangers now have two SPL matches, against Falkirk and Kilmarnock, before going to Belgrade for the match on August 28 and Smith is hopeful his side can do enough to progress into the group stage. He added: "We have managed to win all the games we've played so far and are proving hard to break down. "Our players have worked extremely hard and that is a good foundation for us. I'm sure we'll see an improvement in time, once everyone gets to know each other. "For now we're in a winning position and hopefully we can hold on to that in Belgrade."

Didn't start the game but i hope you had a bet on him to score mate :cheers:

I've got it on my phone at home,unfortunately i'm overseas just now,but if you still don't get hold of it PM me and i'll give it to you mate :cheers:

I wonder when we are going to see him play for Rangers,he's one player i was looking forward to see playing,plenty time i suppose and he has been through a bit of a hard time recently with a couple of deaths in his family,but i hope to see him in the team soon. Buffel is also getting back to fitness,although i'm not a big fan of his,if he shows the right attitude and desire he could still offer the team a lot. Once Stevie Smith gets back fit and it just shows we have a really strong squad now given the start to the season and these players reaching thier full potential and fitness then things are looking good for us. Get this CL qualification secured and maybe we are just going to get back to winning trophies again,and more importantly the SPL title back home. :cheers:

Reds Won't Star At Ibrox By Emma Dodds Nacho Novo celebrates for Rangers NACHO NOVO insists Rangers will do all they can to make their trip to Belgrade as straightforward as possible by ending the tie as a contest tomorrow night. The Spaniard is well aware how tough the return leg in Serbia is going to be, given Red Star's hostile support and intimidating stadium. He is hopeful, however, the Light Blues can put on a strong display at Ibrox and acquire a lead to take into the return leg on August 28. He said: "It's really important for us to progress into the group stage and only Red Star Belgrade stand in our way. "I know they are a good team and are strong at home so we have to do the business at Ibrox tomorrow. "We have to win, that is always our approach to games but this time we really want to keep a clean sheet too. "There is always pressure on us at Rangers but at home and with our fans behind us I am sure we can get a good result. "We have a great team here and a good spirit in the dressing room and I am confident we will get through these two matches successfully."

Gers Triumph In Holland RANGERS' new-look under-19s finished their pre-season preparations by winning the prestigious Aves Andalucia Tournament in Holland on Sunday. Billy Kirkwood's young side travelled to Germany on Wednesday and spent two days in Bocholt before moving on to Doetinchem in the Netherlands to compete against some of Europe's biggest teams. The Light Blues started the tournament in fine style with a 3-1 Group B victory over Vitesse Arnhem on Friday. Recent signing Georgios Efrem was on the scoresheet in the club's opening fixture along with John Fleck who netted a double. The following day brought with it another win and Fleck and Chris Craig were to find the net in a impressive 2-0 victory over FC Twente. A Nicholas Gallacher strike earned a 1-1 draw in their third group match against Hertha BSC and this was enough to secure a place in the final against AZ Alkmaar on Sunday. AZ, who had topped a group consisting of Anderlecht, Bolton Wanderers and Hamburg SV, proved to be tough opponents but after a goalless draw the Gers' young guns held their nerves to lift the trophy after a tense penalty shoot-out. Rangers under-19s in Holland It was the perfect way to end the five-day trip for Kirkwood and the coach was delighted with his player's desire and will to win. He said: "All the boys worked really hard throughout the trip and the way they performed in the tournament was first class. "We had to play four games in the space of three days against very good teams so to come out on top was terrific and credit must be given to them all. "It was great to see them win another trophy and they thoroughly deserved it." The 19s will start their 2007/08 league campaign against Falkirk on Saturday and Billy believes that his team will be in confident mood after their tournament win. He said: "I think all the players will get a big lift from that as it was a very good tournament to be involved in. "It gave us the chance to come up against European opposition and the teams we came up against were all excellent in possession. "But we handled that very well and will go into this weekend's league opener against Falkirk with a lot of confidence." The 19s first league game of the season against Falkirk this Saturday will be played at Murray Park, kick-off 11am. Good to see the youths are continuing on the winning track

IMO we'll beat them 2-0 @ Ibrox and 1-0 or 1-1 over there,gutted i won't see the game !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! C'mon the GERS..............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wouldn't it be ironic if Sven does something with Man City,like making them an attractive and successfull team :cheers:

It's because we have been poor for a couple of seasons now,so there's not a lot of confidence going around,but hopefully we can keep getting better as the season goes on, and IMO we will :cheers:

I quite fancy Liverpool to have a good season,dunno what price they are to win the EPL

Walter Smith has paid tribute to Rangers chairman Sir David Murray for funding a summer spending spree. The Rangers boss has bolstered his squad with 10 new players and is still hoping for more recruits before the transfer window closes at the end of the month. Former Lens striker Daniel Cousin is the latest signing, bringing Smith's summer spending to more than �£8million. Murray recently promised up to �£10million could be released in a bid to mount a serious challenge for Celtic's SPL crown. "I'm grateful for the club's efforts where money is concerned," said Smith. Spending "I started out with what I thought was a decent budget and I'm delighted to have received further backing. "You never know if the spending is over or not and it could be that some players may go from the club as well." Cousin - who completed a �£1million move from Lens on Thursday - faces strong competition from Kris Boyd, Jean-Claude Darcheville, Nacho Novo and Filip Sebo. Explaining the need for another striker, Smith said: "It's asking a lot of any front player to last a whole season. "We were a bit light there, numerically rather than physically, last season and that's why new signings were necessary in that department. "Darcheville isn't at full fitness due to an Achilles injury but he wants to continue playing and help us make our push in the championship. "That's good to see in one sense because last season there was no challenge for places and the one thing any manager wants to see is healthy competition within the squad."