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Hampden Park's pitch will be relayed before next month's Co-operative Insurance Cup final between Celtic and Rangers. More...

By Andrew Dickson WALTER SMITH admits it's still too early to think about putting together his team to face Celtic on Sunday because of the international break. Rangers' preparations for this weekend's crucial league derby have been hampered somewhat by the fact so many players have been called up by their countries. Barry FergusonBarry Ferguson, David Weir, Allan McGregor and Kirk Broadfoot all attended Scotland's training camp at St Andrews earlier this week. Kyle Lafferty and Steven Davis are also scheduled to play for Northern Ireland tonight against San Marino in a World Cup qualifier. The same applies to DaMarcus Beasley, who is in the United States squad to face Mexico in the same tournament this evening. Madjid Bougherra is away with Algeria for their home friendly against Benin while Andrius Velicka completes the set as he is representing Lithuania against Andorra. In all, Gers have been without nine senior players over the last couple of days and it would have been more had Kenny Miller been fit enough for the Scots' gathering. With three of his stars involved in competitive games and many more away from Murray Park, Smith is unsure of what state they'll return in. Until he has them back together as one group, he concedes he can't settle on what side he'll field at Parkhead and it could be Friday before he has an idea of who he'll use. All he knows at this stage is that he will be without the injured Nacho Novo and Kevin Thomson, although Miller will be available. Smith said: "It is too early in the week at the moment to say what we'll do at Parkhead on Sunday as we still have people away. "There are a few people who are yet to get their international games out of the way such as Lafferty, Davis and Bougherra. Madjid Bougherra"They're all guys who have been in our team recently but we must wait and see if they return to us injury-free before we know what we're doing. "We won't be sitting down to pick a side until tomorrow or Friday. It's different with the Scottish boys as they're attending a training camp. "We wouldn't expect them to get injured but there are other lads taking part in World Cup qualifiers and they can be a wee bit teethy. "The situation is not perfect in the sense that you like to have your squad together as one in the lead-up to a big game. "The fact the players who were away with Scotland didn't train in the early part of the week because of the weather was a problem, especially as our game at Forfar was off. "I know these things happen but it's not ideal. At least the fact we're playing on Sunday gives us a bit more breathing space. "When international games are on in midweek, we sometimes only get players back on a Friday morning and that's not great if we're then playing on Saturday. "Because the match in 24 hours later, we still have a couple of days together to prepare so it isn't too bad."

ALEX RAE is backing Rangers to complete a Parkhead double on Celtic this weekend and go top of the SPL. The former Ibrox star reckons the pendulum has swung in the title race in recent weeks although he is still anticipating a battle royal for the crown. It promises to be a huge occasion on Sunday when the two sides meet for the third time this season. Speaking to RangerKenny Miller celebratess World, he said: "Of course Rangers won at Parkhead earlier this season. I was there that day and Rangers played ever so well. "So that indicates that they have what it takes to go there again and win. "The huge incentive is there because if they win they go top and that would be a huge boost at this stage of the season. "Rangers have a lot of good players in their side and if they play as they did last August then they can win the game alright." Having been involved in a title campaign that went to the last day, Rae is also anticipating a tight contest in the remaining matches. He added: There is no doubt it is going to be neck and neck. "I think it has been a very good SPL this year because there are four or five teams who are capable of turning over the Old Firm. "When you look back three out of the last six championships have gone to the last day of the season so there is every chance the same will happen again. "There is very little between the two teams and you could see that in the last game at Ibrox. Celtic got a very good victory that day but the game could easily have gone the other way. "So there is a lot of football to be played and I know from experience how things can suddenly change. "Because of the nature of the SPL with Dundee United, Aberdeen, Hibs, Hearts and Motherwell all feeling they can beat the Old Firm on any given day, it's all up in the air."

Interesting the difference between Rangers and them. I am a bit surprised. Clubs competing in the Champions League will learn on Tuesday if they are to face stringent restrictions on spending on wages. The European Clubs' Association (ECA) are meeting in Geneva where they are expected to come up with proposals to limit the proportion of a club's income that they can spend on salaries. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the chairman of Bayern Munich who heads the new clubs' body, is pushing for a 50 per cent limit of turnover going on wages. Article Continues below... Among English clubs, Chelsea would have the most to fear from such a ruling - they spend 71 per cent of their turnover on salaries. Liverpool, according to the most recent figures available from 2006, would also be affected with 57 oer cent of turnover going on salaries. Manchester United would have least to fear - they have made a policy of prudent spending on wages, and their current level is 43.6 per cent. Arsenal's proportion is also comparatively low at 45.4 per cent, although this rises to 49 per cent if the income from property sales at the old Highbury stadium is discounted. Rummenigge said of his plan: "The 32 participants [in the Champions League] would have to meet certain conditions. Only 50 per cent of the club's total revenues could be invested in wages." Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon is on the ECA board, as is his Liverpool counterpart Rick Parry, and they are likely to argue for a less drastic limit such as 60 per cent or even an initial 70 per cent with clubs being given several years to cut their wage bills. A 50% ruling would not trouble the Old Firm in Scotland too much - Rangers only spend 43 per cent of turnover on wages, while Celtic's figure is a less comfortable but still acceptable 50 per cent. Rangers vice-chairman John McClelland is also on the ECA board. UEFA president Michel Platini is keen on imposing limits and he has already met with Rummenigge for talks on action. Speaking in London last week, Platini used Manchester City's �£100million bid to sign Kaka as an example of why some restraints were needed. Platini said: "Clubs have to operate within their income. "How one guy can cost 150million euro is ridiculous from a social, football and financial point of view. "It's why we have to do something to have a transparency and a fairness in football. It's not good for the popularity of football."

I came across the following article and thought this represented an opportunity for all bears to make a contribution. I hope you'll agree and add your own offering. It is interesting information whatever you choose to do. Following the departure of Scotland on Sunday editor Les Snowdon, a few new names are being mentioned as his replacement. One of them is our old friend, the recently ahem…… “surplus to requirement” editor of the Scottish Daily Mail, Kevin McKenna. Some of you may remember this piece of human waste - the former Troops Out Movement member and Irish News journalist who once announced in Vesuvio Restaurant that the Enniskillen atrocity was “a legitimate act of war” and that Protestants were “low-life's and “bred illegitimate children like rabbits”. McKenna, who at the time was editor of the Celtic View, was subsequently dismissed from his position after a Sun expose. Reporting on the SoS situation yesterday, The Sunday Herald described McKenna as being “unavailable for comment”. A nice wee dig at the horrible creature who’s learned his lesson having been passed over for the Herald editor’s job a few years back. At the time “The Mad Bomber” had been running around The Rogano restaurant telling anyone who would listen that the job was “in the bag”. Once a slabbering wretch…….. When McKenna was after the Herald editor’s job, I encouraged members of another website to write to their managing director expressing disgust that he was even being considered for the position. Many did. I would humbly suggest every one of us email Scotland on Sunday owners Johnston Press’ Chairman Ian Russell informing him that should the putrid bigot McKenna get the job, you will cease to purchase ANY Johnston Press publications. Make sure you tell him why. Also inform Mr. Russell he has enough to contend with trying to reverse falling sales without alienating the whole Rangers support and Protestants in general (as well as any other right-thinking person) by appointing McKenna. We must hound this cockroach to the end of the earth. Make sure he knows we’re watching his every move. Front-runner for the SoS position is current deputy editor Tom Little. irussell@johnstonpress.co.uk

Details of the sixth round draw for the Homecoming Scottish Cup. More...

CALUM MURRAY will referee this Sunday's Celtic v Rangers showdown at Parkhead. This will be the first time the Edinburgh whistler has handled an Old Firm derby. However, Murray has impressed SFA chiefs since returning from injury, and was outstanding in a recent Hearts v Hibs clash. The Fifa-listed official will have Alan Cunningham and Gordon Middleston as his assistants, with Iain Brines the fourth official. advertisement The game is live on Setanta and kicks off at 12.30pm. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2488060.0.0.php

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan says he has "sorted out" a training ground row between Artur Boruc and Aiden McGeady. More...

AIDEN McGEADY sports a shiner at training ââ?¬â? after being THUMPED by Artur Boruc. SunSport can reveal the Celtic stars had to be pulled apart by stunned team-mates in a sensational training ground barney. McGeady clashed with the Holy Goalie on the pitch at the clubââ?¬â?¢s Lennoxtown base on Thursday afternoon. It looked like the fracas was sorted out after the pair screamed and bawled at each other. However tempers boiled over again when McGeady and Boruc reached the dressing room. And the Polish keeper lashed out at the winger, landing a blow to his left eye. Gaffer Gordon Strachan confirmed an altercation took place, but tried to play it down. And he revealed no action will be taken against either player. Strachan laughed and said: ââ?¬Å?There was nothing untoward which weââ?¬â?¢ve not seen before on a football field or a training field.ââ?¬Â Both players trained together yesterday and are set to face Queenââ?¬â?¢s Park in the Scottish Cup today. Strachan added: ââ?¬Å?Weââ?¬â?¢ve all shouted and screamed on a training field and thatââ?¬â?¢ll not change. ââ?¬Å?Itââ?¬â?¢s only shouting and screaming and all the boys were absolutely fantastic this morning. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢ve seen loads of things happen on the training field and not been far away from the action a few times myself, donââ?¬â?¢t worry about that. I could always run, though. ââ?¬Å?There wonââ?¬â?¢t be any action taken against anyone. Weââ?¬â?¢re all fine, weââ?¬â?¢re okay. Everyone was in good spirits this morning, smashing spirits.ââ?¬Â McGeady and Boruc have been no strangers to controversy this season. In December McGeady was fined two weeks wages and suspended by the club for a fortnight after being involved in a dressing room bust-up with Strachan. That looked set to end the 22-year-oldââ?¬â?¢s Hoops career when he threatened to appeal the decision. But after consultation with the Scottish PFA, the Republic or Ireland star accepted the punishment. McGeady returned to the Celtic side with Strachan insisting the matter was resolved. Advertisement Boruc also breached club rules earlier this season and was fined Ã?£50,000 for breaking a late-night curfew during pre-season training. He hit the headlines again when he was pictured smoking, drinking and cavorting with his new girlfriend while back in Poland recovering from a knee injury. http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/article2214583.ece

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."

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan feels the current transfer window system unsettles clubs and players. More...

RANGERS will find out tomorrow if their Homecoming Scottish Cup fifth round clash with Forfar Athletic will take place on Sunday as planned. Homecoming Scottish CupThe Loons' Station Park ground has been hit by the cold weather that has engulfed much of Britain over the last few days and conditions in Angus are difficult. While there isn't much in the way of snow there, there has been plenty of frost and that could pose problems. But with sunshine and showers expected over the next 24 hours or so, it is hoped a thaw might kick in despite the low temperatures. A pitch inspection at the ground is planned for 11.30am and the Third Division outfit's officials are doing everything they can to ensure the game goes ahead. We'll let you know whether it is taking place right here on the official Rangers website so make sure you check in with us again tomorrow lunchtime. If the tie is postponed, the rearranged fixture is scheduled to take place at 7.45pm on Wednesday 18 February, three days after the Old Firm derby with Celtic.

Shunsuke Nakamura is back in Japan while his Celtic team-mates prepare to face Queen's Park in the Scottish Cup. More...

THE Scottish Premier League has provided its member clubs with a timely financial boost this week by paying them the final instalments of a record collective fee of over �£18million for last season. The revenue from commercial agreements with broadcasters and sponsors is split incrementally among the 12 SPL clubs based on their final positions in the league table. More than 30 per cent is shared by the champions and runners-up, meaning the O ADVERTISEMENT ld Firm again earned the biggest sums. Celtic collected just over �£3million, a 17 per cent slice of the total, for winning a third successive title while Rangers received �£2.7million (15 per cent) in second place. Motherwell's third place finish saw them pick up a little more than �£1.7million, a 9.5 per cent share, with the remaining clubs earning from 8.5 per cent of the pot for fourth position down to 4.5 per cent for the bottom-placed club who were Gretna last season. The ill-fated Dumfriesshire club received just over �£800,000 with their final instalments paid in advance in order to help them complete the campaign before they went out of existence. The SPL normally pays clubs their fees in three instalments. The first is at the start of the season, the second comes at the time of the top six-bottom six split and the final payment is made some time into the following season. The instalments announced yesterday total �£800,000. "We achieved record turnover last season and paid record fees to our member clubs," said SPL secretary Iain Blair. "The current financial climate is challenging, but, thankfully, we are in good shape with turnover likely to increase even further this season." SPL cash pot 2007-08 season Celtic �£3.06m Rangers �£2.7m Motherwell �£1.71m Aberdeen �£1.53m Dundee United �£1.44m Hibernian �£1.35m Falkirk �£1.26m Hearts �£1.17m Inverness CT �£1.08m St Mirren �£990,000 Kilmarnock �£900,000 Gretna �£810,000 http://sport.scotsman.com/spl/Clubs-receive-early-payment-from.4948651.jp

Rangers have a very proud history in Europe being the first Scottish club to play a competitive European tie whilst participating in the European Cup in season 1956-57 season and became the fist Scottish or British Club to reach a European final when in 1961 we lost 4-1 on aggregate to Fiorentina in the inaugural European Cup Winners Cup final. During this campaign we defeated Wolves in the semi-final the game that gave us the wonderful Wolverhampton Town song which has thankfully, found it’s way back onto our hymn sheet in recent years. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwzxN0jPiS4]YouTube - Wolverhampton Town[/ame] As we will all be ware off, John Greig was the only captain to lead Rangers to a European trophy when he captained Rangers to the historic and exhilarating victory over Moscow Dinamo on that unforgettable night on Barcelona (May 24th) John Greig also has the distinction of playing in two Cup Winners Cup Final as he also played in our defeat at the hands of a young and upcoming Bayern Munich team that contained the likes of Beckenbauer, Muller, Maier and the scorer of the winning goal, Roth. The 1967 Cup Winners Cup Final was historic in the fact that it was the first time two clubs from the same city had played in both major European Finals in the same year. Ultimately, Rangers wouldn’t match Celtic’s victory and were defeated 1-0 by the Germans in a game played in Nuremburg. Losing this final was a disappointing end to a disappointing season that saw Rangers finish the season trophyless for the first time since 1951-51 season and saw Celtic claim a clean sweep of trophies. This was also the season that bore witness to one of the most embarrassing defeats in our history when a Berwick Rangers side inspired ironically by Jock Wallace knocked Scott Symons charges out of the Scottish Cup. A result that at the time, and is still thought of as nothing other than a catastrophe. However, the defeat at Berwick hastened the introduction of much needed young blood with Sandy Jardine and Alex Willoughby both introduced into the team. Willoughby would score 16 goals in 14 games, a run that astonishingly saw him dropped from the Cup Winners Cup Final and replaced by Roger Hynd, a huge error of judgement from Symon that arguably cost Rangers the Cup Winners Cup Final. Rangers had defeated some very decent teams to get to the final with Glentorn, holders Dortmund, Real Zaragoza and Slavia Sofia all defeated. The tie against Real Zaragoza was decided by a coin toss after thhe clubs draw 2-2 over two legs. The Rangers team that evening was Norrie Martin, Kai Johansen, Davie Provan, Ronnie McKinnon, John Greig, Sandy Jardine, Davie Smith, Willie Henderson, Roger Hynd, Alex Smith and Willie Johnston. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1967_UEFA_Cup_Winners'_Cup_Final [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgn9tb4wZsE]YouTube - 1967 European Cup Winners Cup Final Rangers vs Bayern Munich[/ame] We would ultimately gain revenge on Munich when we defeated them in the semi-final of the same competition in 1972. The calibre of opponents we faced during this competition was simply outstanding. Not only Munich in the semi-final, but we overcame the likes of Rennes, Sporting Lisbon. However, the Munich side were mightily impressive and would go on to win the European Cup three years in succession. They also contained 6 West German internationals who would help West Germany win the European Championships mere weeks after Rangers defeated Munich. Sandy Jardine and the young Derek Parlane (who replaced Greig in the starting 11) scoring the goals. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e60DMeCc1_w]YouTube - 1972 ECWC Semi-Final Rangers vs Bayern[/ame] The highlight of this campaign was a balanced side, scoring in every away tie we played, the critical goals from Colin Stein, Willie Johnston and Alex McDonald and the conversion of Derek Johnstone into a superb centre-half. The early tie against Sporting was decided on away goals after Rangers lost 4-3 in Portugal after winning 3-2 at Ibrox. However, with the scores tied, the officials commenced a penalty shoot-out that we eventually lost. The officials had forgotten about the away goals rule and declared that the Portuguese side had progressed and only changed their mind when challenged by Rangers officials and Scottish media once they realised their mistake. The final in Barcelona was unforgettable and one of the major achievements in our long and proud history. Our opponents were off outstanding quality, as was shown in the later part of the game as the Russian’s tried to overhaul our 3 goal salvo. This was Rangers 14th European Campaign and was already our 2nd Final (we had also reached the semi-finals for The European Cup) and we became the first club to have reached three Cup Winners Cup Finals. Willie Waddell’s charges had a determination to exorcise the memories of Nuremburg and had a brilliant knack of raising their game in Europe that season which was in stark contrast to our domestic form. The game was hugely anticipated and everyone hoped that it would live up to the friendly between the two clubs when the Russians toured Britain in 1945 in a precursor to European Football. The match at Ibrox was fascinated, with 90,000 fans missing work and school to witness the light-blues take on the welcome visitors from Russia; [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnBb7ZgEEng&feature=related]YouTube - Archive Footage - Rangers V Dynamo Moscow[/ame] A game that would see The Rangers play in blue and white hoops. Rangers, as always were well supported in Barcelona with in the region of 16,000 fans making there way in varying ways to witness Rangers triumph. Rangers dominated the game for around 50 minutes and raced into a three goal lead thanks to Colin Stein and Willie Johnston. Despite a late rally from the Russians Rangers held on and won the game 3-2 finally getting out hands on a European Trophy at the 3rd attempt. The scenes at the final whistle are well documented and the over reaction from Franco’s Fascist Police Force was an utter disgrace and spoiled what should have been the best evening in our illustrious history. Historically, the events that evening have been blown out of all proportion with the Rangers support being accused of rampaging and destroying chapels and assaulting Nuns. None of which is even close to the truth. In fact, the Rangers support are held in great esteem in Barcelona for putting the fascist Police in their place. The subsequent UEFA ban led to Barcelona inviting Rangers to their pre-season celebrations the following season and Barca captain Carles Puyol stated as much when interviewed prior to last seasons Champions League encounter. http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0047/print.shtml [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlgmhGkh4Eo&feature=related]YouTube - 1972 ECWC Final 1st half Rangers[/ame] [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rvPIy0Q8ps&feature=related]YouTube - 1972 ECWC Final 2nd half Rangers vs Dynamo[/ame] I guess the saddest aspect of the events was that John Greig wasn’t allowed to lift the trophy in front of the static Rangers support, but the celebrations on their arrival back in Scotland and at Ibrox certainly made up for any disappointment. Rangers winning team – Peter McCloy, Sandy Jardine, Billy Mathieson, John Greig, Derek Johnstone, Dave Smith, Tommy McLean, Alfie Conn, Colin Stein, Alex McDonald and Willie Johsnton (other members for the official squad – Penman, Parlane, Jackson, McKinnon, Denny and Fyfe) http://www.glesga.ukpals.com/rangers/rangers1972a.htm Cammy F

RANGERS have named Harold Davis, Stefan Klos and Sam English as the 2009 inductees into the club's Hall of Fame. The trio have been recognised for the contributions they made in their spells at Ibrox as players and each man will be formally honoured at next year's celebration dinner. Harold DavisAt the event, they will join the 78 other men already listed on the Hall of Fame board which hangs above the Marble Staircase in the Bill Struth Main Stand. A strong, hard right-half, Davis played a key role in the excellent Light Blues team of the early 1960s. Along with the likes of Bobby Shearer, John Greig and Jimmy Millar, the Cupar-born player was a formidable opponent for those who came up against him. A superb ball winner, he was rarely caught out of position and seldom lacked the pace he needed to make a difference. Ex-Ger Sandy Jardine, speaking on behalf of the Hall of Fame panel, said: "Harry gave fantastic service to the club at a time when there were so many great players here. "He played more than 300 games for Rangers and was really well liked at Ibrox, not just by the fans but by the players as well. "Harry is a gentleman - you couldn't meet a nicer man and he later went on to be a coach here in the late 1960s and early 70s. "To this day, he still has a huge love of the club and he thoroughly deserves his place in the Hall of Fame." Klos was bought by then Rangers manager Dick Advocaat for just �£700,000 in 1998 from Borussia Dortmund. The transfer quickly turned out to be a good piece of business as the keeper went on to make himself a fixture in the team. Stefan Klos A Champions League winner with the Westfalen side, the German also made over 300 appearances for Rangers during his time in Scotland. Indeed, such was his good form that he minimised the impact of Andy Goram's departure from the club at the end of the previous season. Jardine added: "Our reasons for picking Stefan are simple - he gave Rangers fantastic service and he was at the club for not much less than nine years. "His stats will tell you how much of a contribution he made to the team and he did a great job. "Post-war, Andy Goram aside, he is arguably the best goalkeeper we have had here at Rangers." English was chosen because of the 44 league goals he scored for Rangers in the 1931/32 season. To this day, almost 80 years on, his haul remains a club record. The Irish striker's career was overshadowed by his part in the incident which led to the death of Celtic goalkeeper John Thomson in September 1931. As the Parkhead player dived for the ball, his head accidentally collided with English's knee and he died in hospital from head injuries a few hours later. English did not stay at Ibrox for much longer as he was deeply traumatised by what had happened and he moved to Liverpool in 1933. Had he not been involved in the tragic clash with Thomson, Jardine feels he could have gone on to become on of Gers' greatest ever forwards. He said: "Unfortunately Sam did not play for the club for a long time. He only played 82 games and scored something like 71 goals. "He is the record goalscorer in one season for Rangers and because of that, we've included him in the Hall of Fame. "There's no doubt that if he hadn't been in the tragic accident with John Thomson, he would have stayed at Ibrox a lot longer. "The unfortunate circumstances surrounding what happened led to his departure but we felt we had to recognise his achievement of scoring more goals than anyone in a season."

Celtic striker Scott McDonald tells BBC Scotland of twice being asked to represent Scotland while he waited on a first full cap for Australia. More...

[ame=http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=MRIznPDC4Tc&feature=related]YouTube - Gollum[/ame]

Silversmith ââ?¬â?? The Biography of Walter Smith ââ?¬â?? Neil Drysdale (Birlinn ââ?¬â?? http://www.birlinn.co.uk) I had been looking forward to reading and critiquing this book for sometime and have to say that, in the main, Neil Drysdale doesnââ?¬â?¢t disappoint. His biography of Walter Smith is excellently written, well put together, historically correct (unlike some official publications) and is an honest assessment of the ex and current incumbent Rangers manager. There are a few minor complaints regarding the content of this book (which Iââ?¬â?¢ll cover later) but overall, this is a fantastic read and I would recommend the book to all Rangers supporters. Walter played for and was Dundee UTDââ?¬â?¢s assistant manager under Jim McLean and has also managed Everton and Scotland, however, as the vast majority of his managerial career was served at Ibrox, the book dedicates most of its pages to his two stints as Rangers manager. The book also serves as a brilliant insight into the ââ?¬Ë?privateââ?¬â?¢ aspects to Walter Smithââ?¬â?¢s characteristics which have served him well in his professional career. When reading about Walterââ?¬â?¢s Calvinistic views and ideals, his strong family ties and his love for Rangers Football Club, it is easy to see why he treasures his time at Rangers and as well as treasuring our traditions and history, he also installs these great values into anyone and everyone who is employed at Ibrox. The book starts in poignant fashion as it details the happenings in and around Ibrox on the day of the Ibrox disaster where 66 of our brethren were tragically killed whilst watching The Rangers. Walter Smith was in attendance that day and the events and aftermath of this tragedy stayed with him forever. This opening chapter is brilliantly written and is worth purchasing the book for in itself. Whilst reading any account of that tragic day, I always get goose-bumps and a lump in my throat. Drysdales account is no different. The book then goes on to tell of Walters playing career that saw him play for junior football with Ashfield whilst serving his time as an electrician. He then played professionally for Dundee United and Dumbarton. In his earlier career with Dundee United, Walter also held down a fulltime job as an electrician. After playing 250 games for Dundee United he was invited onto the coaching staff by then manager Jerry Kerr who coincidently, played for Rangers after the 2nd World War. The book also gives an insight into how Walter missed the opportunity to move to Ibrox when Jim McLean refused the Rangers managers job the subsequently led to the return of Jock Wallace and then the Souness revolution, which Walter Smith would play a hugely influential part. As youââ?¬â?¢d expect, the vast majority of the book is dedicated to the Souness revolution and the nine-in-a-row era. This vastly successful part of our history is well documented, but again, Drysdale manages to document the successes whilst also questioning the obvious failings during this period. Near constant failure in Europe, an ageing team kept together which limped to 9-in-a-row and failed in itââ?¬â?¢s quest to achieve 10-in-a-row. All of the detail is in the book, all major games discussed and all through the book, events are punctuated with interviews / comments with the main protagonists. As I said in the opening of this review, there are a couple of minor points that concerned me and these are the old sectarianism chestnut. In the book, the Mo Johnston signing is detailed as is the outpouring of sectarianism for a tiny minority of Rangers supporters. To his credit, Drysdale does mention the fact that only 1 solitary season ticket book was handed back. However, all the furore surrounding the MoJo signing is blamed (mainly) on the Rangers support. There is no mention of the fact that MoJoââ?¬â?¢s family were attacked and his father assaulted by Celtic supporters. No mention that Johnston cannot return to the country of his birth due to ongoing death threats he receives from Celtic fans. Another contentious subject that is glossed over (it merits two lines in the book) was the vile racist abuse Mark Walters received on signing for Rangers both at Parkhead on his debut, then the following week at Tynecastle. There is also no mention of the fact that the racist abuse wasnââ?¬â?¢t consigned to the terraces with Walters being subjected to racist abuse on the pitch as well. There are also the tenuous and tedious remarks regarding Andy Goramââ?¬â?¢s unfounded links to the UVF. As I said, none of this should take anything away from the book, just something that I thought should be raised. After detailing Walters stints as Scotland and Everton manager, the tale end of the book looks at last seasons quadruple attempt which ultimately fell tantalizingly short. The author is obviously supportive of our attempts to have the season extended and puts in print what most of us think of Scotlandââ?¬â?¢s governing bodies. Walter Smithââ?¬â?¢s and Martin Bainââ?¬â?¢s public comments regarding this, and Celtics shameful approach to our request is also highlighted and supported. All in all this was a fantastic read and one that I would recommend to one and all. If asked to rate this book, I would say 8 out of 10. In closing the cover of the book states that this biography is ââ?¬Ë?a timely portrait of a man chiselled in the traditions of Rangersââ?¬â?¢ and the book certainly does deliver on this promise and it is hard after reading this book to argue that Walter Smith isnââ?¬â?¢t ââ?¬Ë?one of usââ?¬â?¢. I closing, I will quote Walter Smith; ââ?¬Ë?This Club is different; This club is Rangers Football Clubââ?¬â?¢ and the author ; ââ?¬Ë?It doesnââ?¬â?¢t matter how tough the task has proved, because Smith strives under scrutiny and being presented with challenges at Ibrox, the place where he and his grandfather thrilled to the sight of blue-clad warriors giving their all for what they sincerely believed to be the greatest club in the world. And, as Walter Smith will tell you, Rangers remain just thatââ?¬â?¢. Cammy F

How come it always sneaks under the radar with them? Or did I just miss it staying down here now:

http://www.gersnetonline.co.uk/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=740&Itemid=2 Regular Gersnet readers will remember we submitted a full report into the failings of the ââ?¬Ë?Sectarianism in Football Working Groupââ?¬â?¢ ââ?¬â?? established in 2006 (a). This group - consisting of the Scottish Executive, the SFA, sportscotland, ACPOS, the SPL and the SFL - along with contributions from Rangers FC, Celtic FC and Glasgow University ââ?¬â?? reported on the effect Scottish football had on the social problem of sectarianism in Scotland. A wide range of action points were agreed by all parties involved to help address the issue. Despite their obvious relevance to the subject, no fans were invited to take part other than the main office holders of fan associations which donââ?¬â?¢t always accurately represent the views all supporters. Certainly these fan associations didnââ?¬â?¢t seem to consult their members before commenting either. In addition to this immediate constitutional failing it became obvious during the presentation of the Gersnet report (b) to these various bodies that our constructive criticism of the working group was deemed not important enough to comment on. None of the above bodies have offered to discuss the content of our report other than a generic intention to examine it and forward it to the new group: ââ?¬Ë?Promoting Citizenship through Footballââ?¬â?¢ - established in October 2008 ©. The author of the Gersnet report has asked several times to be included in the new committee (or at the very least consulted with regard to its operations) but no further information has been received. The main reason for our request to be included is because, bizarrely, the exact same bodies that made up the failed initial group are included once again in the new committee. Thatââ?¬â?¢s all well and good but given their lack of communication with ââ?¬Ë?decent citizensââ?¬â?¢ and the obvious lack of imagination to include other qualified people/organisations (such as Michael Boyd of the Irish FA and the Police Service Of Northern Ireland), the credibility of the new group is immediately open to debate. Furthermore, when one examines the new expanded financial remit of the PCTF group, this is where ââ?¬Ë?decent citizensââ?¬â?¢ may start to get worried. Ã?£2.5million from the Scottish Government's Cashback (d) scheme until 2011, Ã?£0.6million to ââ?¬Ë?tackle sectarianism and racismââ?¬â?¢, and only Ã?£0.07million to promote healthy living; suggests the group havenââ?¬â?¢t taken Sir David Murrayââ?¬â?¢s quotes about sectarianism/racism being exaggerated while ignoring much more prevalent social problems such as obesity and drugs seriously (e). This is even stranger when the aims of the new group are mainly made up of addressing the more prevalent problems SDM mentions. How do they justify their allocation of funds? And that is just one question which these government officials fail to answer. After all, considering sectarianism and racism is still happening at football (but hardly a huge problem comparatively speaking) the new quota of Ã?£125,000 to the failed (and rather dubious) anti-sectarianism ââ?¬Ë?charityââ?¬â?¢ Nil by Mouth (f) is surely worthy of challenge by Scottish tax-payers. I say dubious because this ââ?¬Ë?charityââ?¬â?¢ seems to pick and choose the issues they involve themselves with and didnââ?¬â?¢t even take the time to acknowledge or comment on the balanced report I sent them. Add in an obvious imbalance in the way they approach their remit having been shown to show different attitudes depending on the background of the people who contact them, then tax-payers are quite correct to question their work. Just what do they do with their money apart from wasting it on calling back inaccurate DVDs? Another high-profile beneficiary of this money ââ?¬Ë?Kick out Bigotryââ?¬â?¢ seem equally impotent and unresponsive to debate. So where are PCTFââ?¬â?¢s money and resources going and how are they being used? Is the continual inaccurate and sensationalist coverage of the Scottish media being challenged? Are the fans not represented by member associations being surveyed? Are the police being forced to justify their actions as ââ?¬Ë?aggravated breach of peace chargesââ?¬â?¢ seem to be rising? Just when do clubs/fans break the new SPL ââ?¬Ë?Unacceptable Conductââ?¬â?¢ Rules? Why do the other action points agreed in 2006 remain incomplete? All I see are more and more questions of the same tired people/organisations that have already shown they will fail when trusted with millions of pounds of public money. And when we ask these questions, weââ?¬â?¢re either ignored completely or patronised by governmental bureaucrats. What is to be then? Are they really wanting to ââ?¬Ë?Promote Citizenshipââ?¬â?¢ or is this just another sham to further highlight the only secret shame in Scotland is that of her 'decent citizens' and 'decent football fans' continually being ignored by those they elect? References: (a) - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/12/11144623/0 (b) - Please contact us if you would like a copy of our report (released in mid-2008) © - http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/12/10145304 (d) - http://www.cashbackscotland.com/index.php?page=1.2 (e) - http://tinyurl.com/49xos4 (f) - http://news.scotsman.com/politics/SNP-throws-antisectarianism-charity-a.4934351.jp :box:

by Thomas Jordan PEDRO MENDES today shot down fears he could have left Rangers in the transfer window. The Portuguese midfielder was the subject of a late move from Bolton, who were prepared to pay upwards of �£3.5million for his services. But having just arrived in Glasgow from Portsmouth in the summer, the 30-year-old held talks with chairman Sir David Murray a couple of weeks ago and told him he was not interested in leaving - despite the club's need to sell. Mendes said: "There was a lot of speculation during January, but it is closed now and we are looking forward to the rest of the season. advertisement "On my part and the club's part there was a clear intention for me to stay. That's what I will say about my own situation." Mendes believes that with the cloud of uncertainty now lifted from Ibrox, the squad can focus on challenging Celtic for the Treble. He added: "We have a great chance to win the title now. There has been a bit of doubt in the air recently because of all the speculation so I'm sure everyone is pleased that is finished now." Before Rangers get back to domestic business in the Homecoming Scottish Cup at Forfar this Sunday, they have a glamour friendly against AC Milan at Ibrox tomorrow night. Having been deprived of European football due to the disastrous KO in Kaunas back in August, the match against David Beckham and Co at least gives the fans a chance to see some big names close up. Mendes said: "It's a great game for us to look forward to as they are a fantasic side with some of the best players in the game. "Not having European football has been a big loss for us, and the main thing is we get it back next season. But this is a game to relish." http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2486699.0.0.php

A post that Shroomz will enjoy and will make MF irate. :devil: I make no apologies for stealing this from FF, I thought it would be a good post to stir debate and bring a bit of optimism to the board after what was a fraught transfer window:

Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher's agent says his client is disappointed by the club's refusal to let him hold talks with Celtic. More...

Celtic full-back Paul Caddis joins Dundee United on loan until the end of the season. More...