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RST Chairman "Boycott of Lloyds can't be ruled out" 07 January by therabbitt Speaking to the BBC on the subject of Walter Smith's comments regarding the controlling influence of the bank on Rangers, RST chairman Stephen Smith was pointed in his criticism of Lloyds. Rangers are currently being held at gunpoint by Lloyds and Smith intimated that the sooner the clubs hands are untied, the better. "The sooner Lloyds are disentangled from the running of Rangers Football Club the better. I'm as worried now as I was last year when the manager felt strongly enough to publicly criticise the bank's role. Echoing the managers sentiments, the RST chairman discussed the fact that with successes in the Champions League, it would be expected that Lloyds wouldnt be holding such a stern view on the finances of the club, "We've had a successful Champions League campaign, we're guaranteed at least two more European games, yet there has still been no change in attitude from Lloyds. We're challenging for four competitions and that's why the size of the squad is a concern." In a more barbed comment, Smith backed up his managerial namesake, chosing to brand the banks treatment of the club as being 'vindictive', "If the manager's saying we need help, why are Lloyds behaving in such a vindictive way towards Rangers?" Signalling the RST's intent, Smith then refused to rule out that if the situation isn't improved, then the RST would consider finding a way to take action against the bank, "If that begins to materially affect Rangers on the park, we will certainly look to take action to try to change that. "Getting the Rangers family involved in a boycott of Lloyds Bank can't be ruled out." http://www.rangersmedia.co.uk/homepage/index.php/component/content/article/41-finances/895-rst-qboycott-of-lloyds-cant-be-ruled-outq.html

Craig Whyte remains hopeful of concluding his proposed takeover of Rangers before the end of January. Whyte has been in negotiations with the current owner Sir David Murray since the middle of November. He had initially hoped to complete a �£33m deal before Christmas, but due diligence has taken longer than the Scottish businessman expected. However, if that can be concluded soon, Whyte aims to take over in time to help Walter Smith strengthen his squad. On Thursday, Smith bemoaned the current financial constraints at the club, stating that he would be unable to bring in new players unless he sold first. As of September 2010 Rangers' debt stood at �£27m. While Smith was allowed to conduct some transfer business in the summer - including the purchase of Nikica Jelavic for �£4m - his hands have been largely tied on that front for the past three seasons. The Scottish champions trail league leaders Celtic by four points, although they have two games in hand. However, as things stand, Smith will have to challenge in all domestic competitions, as well as in the Europa League, with the same small squad of players. Meanwhile, across Glasgow, rivals Celtic appear likely to bring in more players during the January transfer window. Champions League participation over the last two seasons has helped Rangers go some way to alleviating their financial problems. But failure to win the Scottish Premier League again this term, and thereby miss out on the lucrative Champions League, would reverse that trend and make things even more restrictive for whoever succeeds Smith as Rangers manager next season. Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version see also Whyte holds further Rangers talks 03 Dec 10 | Rangers Gers boss pleads for investment 24 Nov 10 | Rangers Ibrox changes will not sway Smith 19 Nov 10 | Rangers Duo hold Rangers takeover talks 18 Nov 10 | Rangers -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- related bbc links: Rangers fans' views on My Sport BBC Where I Live - Scotland Glasgow weather BBC Sport SPL related internet links:

Telegraph.co.uk Blame the bank, says Rangers manager Walter Smith as he looks for his players to bounce back from defeat Rangers manager Walter Smith believes that Lloyds Banking Group constitutes a bigger threat to his clubââ?¬â?¢s chances of winning a third successive title than Neil Lennonââ?¬â?¢s Celtic. They may trail their Old Firm rivals by four points after losing 2-0 to them at Ibrox last weekend but Smith is in no doubt that the financial constraints he is being forced to work under can only undermine Rangersââ?¬â?¢ prospects of triumphing at home and abroad. Smith, who will turn 63 next month, is in his final season in charge and has had to contend with the interference from Lloyds (the clubââ?¬â?¢s biggest creditors) for the last two years. However, he accused the bankers of short-termism and pointedly noted that it was their profligacy ââ?¬â?? on a far greater scale than that indulged in by Rangers owner Sir David Murray, although they bankrolled that as well ââ?¬â?? which has brought the global economy to its knees. At a time when he has guided Rangers back into profit for the last three years, significantly reducing the clubââ?¬â?¢s debt in the process, Smith believes he is due a little respite from the number crunchers who continue to treat him with the distrust normally shown to those applying for a first mortgage. ââ?¬Å?I feel as though the whole situation is a bit unfair from the football side of things,ââ?¬Â he said. ââ?¬Å?We do need a bit of help. You had the situation a couple of years ago when some boys put the banner up saying 'We Deserve Better.ââ?¬â?¢ ââ?¬Å?Of course, they meant the supporters but at times you have to look at it from our side and realise that we also deserve better for what weââ?¬â?¢ve done: and by that I mean in comparison to clubs of similar stature. ââ?¬Å?There obviously isnââ?¬â?¢t a long-term view, they are only looking at it from a short-term perspective. Whether we think itââ?¬â?¢s fair or not it doesnââ?¬â?¢t really matter because weââ?¬â?¢re not getting any kind of reaction anytime we ask: therefore we are well and truly in the hands of the bank. ââ?¬Å?We just need to get on with it. Of course, the ironic aspect, not just for Rangers but for everybody, is that the banks are telling us what we can and canââ?¬â?¢t do. Maybe someone should have done that with them a long time before they started [the credit crunch].ââ?¬Â The bankers have informed Rangersââ?¬â?¢ chief executive, Martin Bain, that they would not be allowed to reinvest any fee received from another club should one their players be sold during this transfer window. ââ?¬Å?It becomes a concern when you have to keep asking the same group of players to keep on delivering,ââ?¬Â said Smith. ââ?¬Å?Thatââ?¬â?¢s when you need a wee bit of help. Unfortunately, we are not going to get that help. ââ?¬Å?We canââ?¬â?¢t afford to bring in a loan player or anything like that. Thatââ?¬â?¢s the situation weââ?¬â?¢re in. Itââ?¬â?¢s an unfortunate one for our club but the bank are dictating the policy overall. Thatââ?¬â?¢s what we have to put up with. ââ?¬Å?If we transferred a player we might not get all the money and we have been told that. If someone left it would give us the opportunity to bring someone in on a similar wage. ââ?¬Å?But transfer-wise weââ?¬â?¢ve been told thereââ?¬â?¢s no certainty we would get the money. The wage would obviously allow us to bring someone in but if we donââ?¬â?¢t lose a player then we wonââ?¬â?¢t be bringing anyone else in.ââ?¬Â Smith also pointed out that the decision to accept or reject any offers for his players would be taken by Lloyds and not by Rangers. As his relatively small squad prepares to do battle in the Co-operative Insurance and Scottish Cups and the Europa League while also having to contend with a fixture backlog in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, the veteran is concerned that his resources will be stretched to breaking point. ââ?¬Å?This season was always going to be a big ask for all of our players,ââ?¬Â he said. ââ?¬Å?Weââ?¬â?¢ve handled the first half extremely well, allowing for the fact a few games have been postponed due to the weather. ââ?¬Å?Now we find ourselves in a situation, after the turn of the year, that if we win those games in hand we go back to the top of the table. Considering the Champions League games, the size of the group weââ?¬â?¢ve got and other things, that would still be a fair achievement. ââ?¬Å?We have to remember that but we need to get a good reaction following the Old Firm defeat. Weââ?¬â?¢ve taken a little knock in the Old Firm game and youââ?¬â?¢re always worried about a possible hangover from that. ââ?¬Å?This is big test of character from my players but theyââ?¬â?¢ve shown in the last number of years that they are able to dig deep. If weââ?¬â?¢ve had a setback in the past theyââ?¬â?¢ve always come back from it. We have enough experience.ââ?¬Â Did Walter not slate the we deserve better campaign:confused:

Wish people would stop having a go at him. He is a right winger and not a left winger end of story. Only smith seems to think he can play there.

Good news.

I can smell shite, there's no quotes. Pyoor pish journalism!

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Walter Smith has made more signings throughout his two spells as Rangers manager than he cares to recall. But there is one particular piece of business he has conducted for the Ibrox club he canââ?¬â?¢t help but regard as his shrewdest to date. During the nine-in-a-row days Smith was in the fortunate position of being able to attract the likes of Brian Laudrup and Paul Gascoigne to Ibrox. However, it is a signing in his second stint in the hotseat which stands out ahead of the others for the 62-year-old. When he inherited a struggling squad in the aftermath of Paul Le Guenââ?¬â?¢s ill-fated period in Glasgow, one of the first moves Smith made was to bring in a player he knew and trusted more than any other. It was only supposed to be a stop-gap fix to a defensive problem, but four years down the line Davie Weir is still the main focal point of Smithââ?¬â?¢s team and the man he entrusts to lead his players into the heat of battle. At Ibrox on Sunday when Rangers entertain Old Firm rivals Celtic, Weir will clock up his 200th appearance for the Light Blues. Itââ?¬â?¢s an astonishing record considering he is now 40 years of age. ââ?¬Å?When I brought him up here from Everton on loan I would have thought the 20 games between the January until the end of the season would have been what we were looking at,ââ?¬Â said Smith. ââ?¬Å?But such were his performances during that period that we have no hesitation whatsoever in taking him for another year. I didnââ?¬â?¢t think it would stretch to another three after that. ââ?¬Å?It has done, however, and it is a testament to him as a professional player that he is handling the situation the way he is.ââ?¬Â Weir was involved in Rangersââ?¬â?¢ dramatic run to the Uefa Cup Final in 2008 and the fixture backlog that came as a result of that when the Ibrox club were forced to play four games in the space of a week. The following season, he helped them win the first of two titles and has rarely missed a game through injury or suspension ââ?¬â?? and itââ?¬â?¢s that consistency of availability that has pleasantly surprised Smith. Smith said: ââ?¬Å?Itââ?¬â?¢s not just that he has managed to play 200 games for Rangers. Itââ?¬â?¢s that he has managed to play the amount of games in a row that he has. ââ?¬Å?Those 200 games have all come within a four-year period so he has averaged around 50 games a season for us and that is terrific for any player, never mind someone who is at the stage of their career which he is. ââ?¬Å?I think Iââ?¬â?¢ve left him out for a couple of games during that time and if he had his way that wouldnââ?¬â?¢t have been the case. He wants to play in every match and he would have already reached the 200 landmark had I not left him out here and there. ââ?¬Å?To say he has exceeded my expectations is a major understatement. When you look at signings everyone always asks you who is your best signing and as a manager youââ?¬â?¢ve got to be fortunate to have quite a few of them. ââ?¬Å?But Davie has put himself in a different level. Despite his age he is playing as well as he ever has done and he has been absolutely terrific for us. From a personal point of view, I canââ?¬â?¢t speak highly enough of him. ââ?¬Å?For any young boy, if they are looking for a role model, then Davie would be the logical choice and itââ?¬â?¢s not just during this spell at Rangers than Iââ?¬â?¢m judging him on as I also had him as a player earlier when I was manager at Everton. ââ?¬Å?Davie was an important player for me down there and his attitude and dedication has always been first class.ââ?¬Â Smith believes every player who has partnered him at the heart of the Rangers defence since he arrived in the January of 2007 would vouch for his qualities as well. ââ?¬Å?Davie has played beside so many players throughout his time with us,ââ?¬Â said Smith. ââ?¬Å?I am sure Carlos Cuellar would be the first to say he was a major influence and allowed him to perform so well during his time here. ââ?¬Å?Madjid Bougherra would say the same having built up an excellent partnership with him over the last few years. ââ?¬Å?Young Danny Wilson came in and was fortunate to have someone with Davieââ?¬â?¢s experience to help him through games and it has been the same for all the other lads who have played there at various times. ââ?¬Å?Sasa Papac, Kirk Broadfoot, Steven Whittaker and even Lee McCulloch have all, at some point of another, played there and Iââ?¬â?¢m sure each and every one of them will say having Davie there to talk them through the game was invaluable.ââ?¬Â But after 200 games, thereââ?¬â?¢s no need for Smith to talk up Weir. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/editor-s-picks/simply-the-best-i-ever-signed-1.1077179

Someone else who has previous with The Establishment. :grin:

BBC. The sooner this guys signs a new contract the better. He's a no nonsense, steady Eddie player who has performed well over the last few seasons.

MARCO NEGRI has told Rangers talisman Kenny Miller to steer clear of squash courts and smash his Ibrox goals tally to lead the charge to three in a row. Miller's heroics at Motherwell were another clear demonstration of his value to boss Walter Smith and the Italian striker reckons there would be no greater New Year gift for fans than a new contract offer that is acceptable to the Scotland hitman. Negri, now 40, was at Ibrox when Miller arrived over a decade ago as a relative rookie in a �£2million deal from Hibs and has watched from afar as his career has blossomed at club and international level. He knows from his own experience Miller is riding the crest of a wave in a season very few players are ever fortunate enough to savour. Negri's campaign ultimately floundered after a bizarre eye injury sustained in a game of squash with team-mate Sergio Porrini in January 1998. Negri had scored an astonishing 33 goals in only 26 games in the first half of season 1997-98 but netted just three times in the second half after a rush back from injury led to a loss of form and confidence as Ibrox hopes of 10 in a row bit the dust. Miller has already scored 22 this season in 27 games and is on course to beat his own personal best of 26 he netted when Wolves returned to the Premiership in 2003. Negri wants the goals to keep flowing - and, who knows, it may even persuade Rangers to find the money Miller feels he deserves for the next three or four years. He told Record Sport: "I still remember Kenny when he arrived - fast, with a good shot, a funny guy and a very good professional. "For much of his career he has played as a No.2 striker. They're always among the least selfish players on the pitch because much of their work is done running away from goal - pulling defenders into corners, running into channels and creating space for others. "The departure of Kris Boyd has allowed him to prove his worth as No.1 and he has the maturity and self-confidence to show the qualities he's learned over the years. He knows the type of runs to make towards goal and it is paying off for him and Rangers this season. "Sometimes you get these magical campaigns when everything you touch turns to goals. I know, because I had a few of them at Perugia when I scored 19, 18 and 15 goals in Serie A before coming to Scotland. "Then, of course, there was my first half-season at Ibrox. I'd advise Kenny only to keep living his life as he does right now. Things are working well for him - but, please, don't go near any squash courts. "He will be feeling at the moment as I did when I was scoring all those goals. You believe in yourself and your team-mates, you're keen to score more and more and it seems every pass arrives at your feet in the box at just the right time. "I hope Kenny scores more than I did and that Rangers keep the title for at least another year. Who knows, if he keeps finding the net maybe Rangers will even find the finance to cover a new contract." Negri is living in Bologna with wife Monica and six-year-old son Christian and studying to become an Italian and UEFA-licensed coach. Much of his time at Rangers was shrouded in acrimony and yet he retains a fondness for the club and still keeps in touch with their results and performances. He added: "I'm sure Kenny is being torn between his head and his heart. In his head, he knows this is his last big contract and it has to be right for him, so he must examine all options. "But he will also know there is no place like Ibrox. You cannot find that atmosphere and support in another place. I'm sure there's a big part of him wants to stay. He is playing for the best team in Scotland. "He has established a good relationship with his team-mates and the fans and I'm sure his family are also happy living in their own country. But I hope he doesn't dwell too much on it because there is a danger the magic might leave him if he starts to worry about it. "There's little point. Let's face it, I don't think Kenny is close to living on the streets. And can you really see a guy who could win the Golden Boot being without a contract? "I hope Rangers can come up with the contract he desires, but he should trust and know the right decision is in front of him." Miller has even been touted with a move to AC Milan and while it has raised the eyebrows of some, Negri isn't so surprised. He said: "Pippo Inzaghi picked up a really bad knee injury recently and is out until the end of the season and Milan need a penalty-box striker. "I'm sure Kenny has come to their attention because of the number of goals he has scored. "It would be different in Serie A for him but someone who scores so often in Scotland could score in Italy, although chances do not come along as often. In Italy, if a team are winning 1-0 that's enough, shut up shop, game over. "I remember at Rangers we won games by four, five, six and seven goals because the mentality of the squad was to keep going, always." http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2010/12/28/i-d-love-to-see-kenny-miller-beat-my-rangers-goal-tally-says-ex-obrox-hitman-marco-negri-86908-22811436/

VLADIMIR WEISS talked the talk with Walter Smith. Then he walked the walk against Motherwell. Now he aims to do the same against Celtic. Rangers' on-loan wide boy from Manchester City was absolutely outstanding in the 4-1 victory at Motherwell. Scoring one wonder goal and setting up another two, Weiss was the shining light in a team bursting with stars. He picked up a bottle of champagne as the sponsor's Man of the Match. But Weiss insists it wouldn't have been possible without the heart-to-heart he had with boss Smith last week. Disappointed with the way his season was going, he knocked on the manager's door and asked for a quiet word. Smith threw his arm around the confidence-sapped star. Weiss is now desperate to repay the faith the Ibrox gaffer has shown in him by starting against Celtic in the title crunch next week. Weiss said: "I wanted to score my third goal of the season and I am happy it came against Motherwell. "After they scored it was really important to get the third goal and get the game back on our side again. "It didn't matter if it was a tap-in or whatever, because the team performance is all that matters. And we were brilliant. "But from a personal point of view, I think that was my best performance for Rangers. "I know I haven't been doing well in the last few games and I spoke to the manager and had a good chat with him last week. "I have not been creating enough, but this has been my first season where I have been playing week in, week out. "I went to see him and it worked from both sides. "I have not been happy with myself and I wanted to get in there. "The manager has got great experience and I knew he could help me. "That was why I went to see him. The chat really helped to boost my confidence. "The manager spoke to me and told me what to do and just to go out and run at defenders. "I have been working hard in training and I am really happy he gave me a second chance and I was able to impress him. "Now I have to do it every week. If I am not playing well the confidence is not as high. "I tried not to think about things. I just tried to get out there and run at defenders and after two or three runs it got my confidence up. Then I just enjoyed the game. "I don't think there is pressure in football - it was just the confidence. "If you are not doing well and you are not happy with yourself then you don't enjoy the games the same. "After I spoke to the gaffer everything really changed and he told me he believes in me and that really helped me. "I just went out to show him I could do better than I had previously shown. "I did not start at Celtic Park and I am going to do my best against St Johnstone on Wednesday to keep my place in the team. "Hopefully I can do the same against them as I did against Motherwell." Rangers produced arguably their best performance of the season with Weiss contributing just one of a number of top-class displays. Steven Naismith was excellent before he pulled up with a hamstring injury, while Steven Whittaker, Steven Davis and Kenny Miller were all outstanding as Gers enjoyed a terrific win. Smith's side clearly mean business at this crucial part of the season. Weiss added: "After the break we've had, we were glad to get out there and impress everybody. "We have been working hard in training and I think we really deserved the win. "The manager didn't say anything personally to me after the game. "He was really pleased with the performance because over the last three games we haven't been doing that well. "But we started the game differently here and we had the game in total control over the 90 minutes. "We need to win the game on Wednesday and then all eyes will be on Sunday. "We want to win every game, but we know this one is going to be really important for us." Next week's Old Firm showdown is the one supporters of both clubs can't wait for. But Weiss insists St Johnstone in Perth on Wednesday is equally important. He added: "We need to get a good rest and recovery and be ready for Wednesday. "Hopefully we can get three points and if we could win at the weekend then, hopefully, we could be five points clear or more. "It could be important, but I still think it is too early to talk about things. "If we can win our next two games and our game in hand then we could go eight points clear and that could go a long way towards winning the league. "We just need to concentrate on Wednesday and then we can see what happens from there." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3318445/Walt-had-a-word-to-the-Weiss.html#ixzz19INPaVcf

BIRMINGHAM CITY boss Alex McLeish is set to launch a sensational swoop for Rangers star Kenny Miller. Ibrox money man Martin Bain insisted recently that the club would not be forced to sell the in-form frontman during the January transfer window - despite contract talks having broken down. Rangers boss Walter Smith is still hopeful a new deal can be struck but McLeish could make a cut-price offer of �£1million when the window opens. It would be interesting then to see whether the Lloyds Banking Group would insist on a sale as Miller could go for nothing when his contract expires at the end of the season. McLeish and his assistant, Andy Watson, know all about the free-scoring striker from their time together at Hibs and Scotland and are looking for a goalscorer to join the Premiership club. Miller is also looking for one final payday before he retires and would not be bothered by the fact he has already played for Birmingham's Midlands rivals Derby County and Wolves. But Rangers fans would be gutted to see the striker leave as he has netted 20 times already this season. Brum need to boost their squad and McLeish, having missed out on a clutch of forward targets last summer, remains in need of attacking players. James McFadden is a long-term injury absentee and Aleksandr Hleb is also out through injury. McLeish's squad is thin and he accepts his team has to become more dangerous and creative. He said: "There is scope to be adding to our squad, no question about it." http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2010/12/24/rangers-hitman-kenny-miller-linked-with-january-move-to-birmingham-86908-22804415/

RANGERS captain David Weir has accused the club's bankers of unreasonable behaviour in placing fresh restrictions on manager Walter Smith ahead of the forthcoming transfer window. The veteran defender is bemused by the policy, confirmed again by Smith earlier this week, which currently means no funds will be available to spend in January for either permanent or loan signings. With Rangers still in limbo as they await the outcome of the latest takeover bid for the club from businessmen Craig Whyte and Andrew Ellis, Lloyds Banking Group continues to dictate the financial management at Ibrox. Weir believes Rangers' bid to win a third successive SPL title this season and qualify for next year's Champions League could be seriously compromised if they are not allowed to strengthen the squad next month. "It seems illogical that we can't sign any new players in January," said Weir. "Given how successful we have been in reaching a European final and playing in the Champions League, reducing the wage bill and the squad at the same time, you wonder how much further you can go down in terms of numbers and still be competitive. "I'm an amateur when it comes to finances, but you look at the debt and the money brought in since the manager took over. You'd like to think that you could have wiped out the debt in that time with the money we've brought in. I'm obviously missing something." Lloyds last night declined to comment on Weir's criticism. Rangers' debt in their most recent annual accounts stood at �£27.1 million, of which �£22.3 million is owed to Lloyds and incorporates their long-term loan agreement with the bank and overdraft facilities. A two-year transfer embargo was lifted by Lloyds last summer, allowing Smith to spend �£5.25 million in transfer fees on strikers Nikica Jelavic and James Beattie and secure the loan signings of Vladimir Weiss and Richard Foster. That investment was offset by the sales of Kevin Thomson and Danny Wilson for �£4 million, however, while four other senior players left the club at the end of their contracts. Rangers raked in almost �£14 million from their participation in the Champions League group stage last season, allowing them to record a profit of �£4.2 million, and will earn even more from the current European campaign which has seen them finish third in their Champions League group to progress to the knockout stages of the Europa League. Weir is also concerned that they may face that challenge with their existing squad further diminished as prize assets such as Scotland goalkeeper Allan McGregor are vulnerable to potential transfer bids. "That's what the manager and his staff are fighting," added Weir. "You cannot underestimate the job we've done with one hand tied behind our back. "It's not inconceivable there could be departures next month. It's the reality of where we are at (with the bank]. It's no secret that, if a right bid comes in, then the player will go. We'd prefer everyone to remain and keep our best players to be successful, but it's out of our hands. "The tightness of our squad has been the basis of the success we have had in recent seasons, but that can change as well." Weir was speaking at Hampden, where he promoted ESPN's live coverage of SPL football over the festive period which will begin with Rangers against Motherwell at Fir Park on Sunday. He was joined by Celtic captain Scott Brown, who made his return from injury as a substitute in his team's 1-1 draw at home to Kilmarnock on Tuesday night. The 25-year-old midfielder is likely to be restored to the starting line-up on Sunday when Celtic seek to put their recent stuttering form behind them for the visit of St Johnstone. But, while manager Neil Lennon is able to add to his squad next month, Brown insists Celtic already have the strength and quality required to overhaul Rangers and win the title for the first time in three years. "Our squad is probably the best in the league, to be perfectly honest," said Brown. "We've got around 25 or 30 player who can come into the first team at any time. We've pretty much got two good starting elevens. If we went through January without buying a player, we would still be fine. "We have a big game on Sunday and we need to keep close to Rangers before the Old Firm game at Ibrox on 2 January. "There is no real concern about our form. We are looking good in training and we are dominating teams in games. We are putting the ball in the box and we just need a bit of luck." http://sport.scotsman.com/football/Bank39s-tight-grip-on-spending.6670700.jp?articlepage=2

SCOTTISH football could change forever with plans for money-spinning play-offs in the SPL. Representatives of Hearts, Kilmarnock and Dundee United have secretly discussed ground-breaking proposals to bring the format to the top FOUR teams in Scotland. SunSport can reveal their sensational plans would mean the team who finished top of the league WOULDN'T automatically be crowned champions. Instead, there would be two-legged semi-finals between first and fourth and second and third, before a glittering winner-takes-all Hampden showdown. The men behind the plan - which they believe will be worth at LEAST �£4million per season - had hoped to table the sensational plans at today's SPL summit which was postponed due to the weather. Last night an SPL insider revealed the top-secret proposals United, Killie and Hearts believe will smash the Old Firm's football stranglehold. A source said: "This has only come to the fore in the last 48 hours but the implications are MASSIVE. "The league propose play-offs at the bottom but is that really going to float the boat of the broadcasters or fans? "If you do it at the bottom, why not the top? It's radical and people will initially assume it's madcap. The people involved say it's anything but." The minds behind the controversial system acknowledge the Old Firm are likely to be against it. They believe that's exactly why EVERY other club will back the move. They have calculated all five play-off games would attract a total of 200,000 fans, with gate receipts totalling �£4m. That's before any broadcasting deal to show the play-offs would be struck. Going by last season's final SPL table, Walter Smith's champs Rangers, Celtic, Dundee United and Hibs would all have been involved. A source said: "There isn't a reason why anyone outside the Old Firm SHOULDN'T vote for this. They've nothing to lose." Dundee United chief Stephen Thompson admitted he was in favour of play-offs at the top end of the table. He said: "The proposals that have been put to us contain a lot of decent ideas and a lot of good things have been tabled. "However, if there is to be a 10-team league - and I still do not think that is right from a purely footballing sense - why can't it be more radical? "I strongly believe that fans of teams outwith the Old Firm have become fed up of those two sharing the title between them. "It is incredible and extremely regrettable that the last non-Old Firm title win was 25 years ago. "I think we need to go further and make things more interesting at the top of the table as well as having promotion/ relegation play-offs." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/3309058/Play-off-for-SPL-title.html#ixzz18dMejHZU

Meanwhile, Smith revealed midfielder Maurice Edu and striker Kyle Lafferty should return this weekend to face Motherwell on Boxing Day. He said: ââ?¬Å?Maurice should be available again and hopefully it will be the same for Kyle. ââ?¬Å?He goes to a specialist on Friday and if he is given the all-clear heââ?¬â?¢ll go straight into the squad.He has still managed to train every day because it is a hand injury.ââ?¬Â http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/editor-s-picks/walter-smith-warns-spl-you-can-t-extend-season-1.1075590

http://leggoland2.blogspot.com/2010/12/smith-on-top-form.html

A couple of quotes from Walter "Surely if the season's not going to be extended for one team, they can't extend it for any," "There was only one team going to benefit from the season not being extended then and that was Celtic.So they refused to do it then, so they can't do it now. Is that not fairly straight-forward?" "I think that's probably all we can be(annoyed) isn't it, if they make the decision? But surely they can't make the decision after saying to us before that they can't extend the season," "Of course it would be of benefit to us, and that would have been a benefit we would have accepted two years ago and we tried to get it, but they said no," "Much as we would like them to extend the season, we would have liked them to extend the season a couple of years ago, we would like them to extend the season if it's necessary. But they can't."

SPL may consider extended season due to fixture pile-up Blair faces an arduous task to reschedule numerous SPL games Scottish Premier League secretary Iain Blair says continued disruption to fixtures may force the SPL to consider extending the season. Four of Saturday's SPL games were called off due to weather-related problems, adding to several postponements earlier in December. "It's not something we're looking at this point in time," said Blair. "But if there's severe congestion and no other alternatives then it's something we have done once before." Blair is hopeful of rescheduling the outstanding fixtures but admits further cancellations would put the league in difficulty. "It (extending the season) is not the first port of call in terms of resolving the problems," said Blair. "We would see to what extent we can actually get the fixtures played. "The unknown at this point is progress in terms of the Scottish Cup for all the Premier clubs, because they only come in in January, and obviously we've still got Rangers in Europe and hopefully they will continue to be in Europe for some time. "What actually happens is that the opportunity to slot games in reduces and there does come a point at which you think, 'well the only way we can do this is by extending the season'. "But before we get to that stage, we would consider things such as having four games in eight days, which we try and avoid doing. We had a situation where Dunfermline had to play four games in a week, I know it happened to Rangers in 2008 and it has happened on one or two other occasions. It's a difficult situation, only a fool would say that it wasn't Iain Blair "I certainly don't remember quite so much congestion by this stage in the season previously. "There is still some flexibility in the calendar in terms of getting matches played midweek. We can schedule matches up against the Champions League and the Europa League. It's not something we like to do but that is a possibility. "There is a real difficulty in terms of those matches that are scheduled in that way, we're simply not allowed by Uefa for those to be broadcast live so there are issues then about talking to the broadcasters about the best way to resolve the whole situation. "It's a difficult situation, only a fool would say that it wasn't but if we were to get the matches played reasonably regularly from now on then I think we can cope with it." One further complication to the rescheduling process concerns games that were due to be broadcast live on either Sky Sports or ESPN. "We certainly talk to the broadcasters when a televised game is postponed," said Blair. "Nine times out of 10, the broadcaster selected the game because it's a game they want to cover and they will follow the game. "Very occasionally, there is simply a situation which doesn't allow that to happen, perhaps because we need the game to be played on a particular date and the broadcaster simply cannot cover for whatever reason on that date. Hamilton's match with Celtic was called off on Saturday morning Two of Saturday's postponements, Rangers v St Mirren and Hamilton v Celtic, fell victim to problems relating to burst pipes. "It's very disappointing and obviously the clubs are working to ensure that they don't lose games," said Blair. "Believe me, neither Hamilton nor Rangers would in any way have wished for these games not to take place. "But we have had some very extreme weather over the last two or three weeks and that's what's caught folk out and presented the problem. "I certainly wouldn't like to have been the maintenance manager at Ibrox to tell Walter Smith that he wasn't going to be able to get his game on because I know that he has expressed concerns about fixture congestion relatively recently. "At Hamilton, my understanding is that there was a burst pipe of some description, which was in close proximity to some electrical installation and the electrical installation was part of the undersoil heating system. "So there seems to have been concerns about the electrical system because of a burst locally. I don't think the burst was actually in the undersoil heating. As we do in any of these cases where something unexpected happens relatively close to the game, we will investigate the situation."

World Exclusive: Qatar royal family plan Ã?£1.5bn takeover of Manchester United 18/12/10 By Paul Smith The most famous name in English football is the target for the next wave of Arab invaders. Across Manchester arch-rivals City are already owned by the Abu Dhabi United Group, led by billionaire Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Now Qatar Holdings, an *investment vehicle for the Qatari royal family, are pursuing the Ã?£1.5billion *takeover of Manchester United. The Gulf state of Qatar has already *landed the right to stage the 2022 World Cup finals in an audacious international coup. The Qataris have also accumulated a huge range of trophy assets in *England. These include the Harrods store and spectacular London properties such as One Hyde Park, the Shard of Glass and the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square. Last week the Qatar Foundation, the charity wing of the ruling *family, bought the sponsorship rights to the Barcelona shirt. It was a declaration of their *intention of getting Qatar accepted as a global football brand. Qatar Holdings is the third largest shareholder in car-maker VW and has a stake in Porsche. Its chairman, Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al-Thani (right), who is also Qatarââ?¬â?¢s prime minister, is keen to add to their portfolio of *investments and sees United as an iconic *acquisition. The arrival of the Qatar billions would pave the way for the end of the controversial Glazer family reign. The Arabs can satisfy any request for proof of funding from the Glazer family in the United States and are also willing to fund a massive *transfer fund for manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Unitedââ?¬â?¢s massive fan base around the globe are certain to welcome the change of ownership from the *controversial Glazer regime. The American family seized *control for Ã?£790million in 2005. But the *Americans have incensed United supporters by borrowing against the clubââ?¬â?¢s assets. They loaded Ã?£716m in debt against the club provoking outrage among United fans who believe too much of the clubââ?¬â?¢s income was being *directed to pay prohibitive interest payments. A few weeks ago the Glazers did reduce Unitedââ?¬â?¢s debt by paying back around Ã?£200m in PIK loans. These were payment in kind loans from three hedge funds that were charging 16.25 per cent in annual *interest. Many City observers *believed that reduction in debt could spark a Glazer sell-off. There were even rumours that the funding for the change had come from overseas investors keen to take a stake in United ââ?¬â?? but the Glazers denied this. A group of United fans *calling themselves the Red Knights did try to launch a takeover coup a few months ago but backed off when they *discovered the Glazers would not entertain a bid of around Ã?£1bn. However, the Qatar Holdings have set aside around Ã?£2.5bn in funds to purchase the club and provide Sir Alex Ferguson with unlimited spending power in the transfer *market. So far the Glazers have resisted attempts to drive them out of Old Trafford even though the fans have been so critical of their reign. Now the scene could be set for the Glazers to leave with a massive profit. Qatar Holdings have been linked with a host of European *giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid and Unitedââ?¬â?¢s Premier League rivals, Chelsea, Liverpool, *Tottenham and Newcastle. However, United have always been top of their wish list. The purchase of United would leave the club debt free and the most powerful club in the current transfer market. And even neighbours City, with all their wealth, may find it hard to compete with the potential red *revolution. http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/World-Exclusive-Qatar-royal-family-will-pay-1-5bn-to-buy-Manchester-United-article654051.html

RANGERS are unhappy with the Clydesdale Bank Premier League for scheduling an Old Firm game between the two ties in the last 32 of the Europa League. They were drawn against Sporting Lisbon yesterday and now face a pivotal eight days in February which will be hugely significant in their pursuit of four trophies. Rangers realised weeks ago that if they made it through to the Europa League their first ties in 2011 would come either side of the third league game against Celtic this season. Now they know exactly what is being demanded of them as they face Sporting at Ibrox on Thursday February 17, go to Parkhead at lunchtime on Sunday 20, and are then in Portugal for the second leg on February 24. Rangers have been unhappy with the scheduling since the SPL announced its league dates months ago, even before they knew it would definitely affect them. Privately the clubââ?¬â?¢s view is that the derby should have been scheduled away from the European dates. The UEFA draw in Nyon, Switzerland, also paired Rangers with either Lille or PSV Eindhoven in the last 16 if they were to make it past the Portuguese, who have former Rangers man Pedro Mendes in their squad. Currently, they are third in the league, 12 points behind leaders Porto. Rangers memorably defeated Sporting in the quarter-finals when they went on to reach the UEFA Cup final in 2008. Given that Rangers were unseeded and could have drawn the likes of Manchester City or Liverpool, being paired with Sporting and then Lille or PSV was a draw warmly welcomed by the Rangers management. The first leg against Lisbon is at Ibrox and, if they progress, they would have home advantage in the second leg in the last 16. Walter Smith, the Rangers manager, was pleased with the draw and reflected on the 2-0 away win which eliminated Sporting in 2008. ââ?¬Å?We know we will face two really tough games because they are playing well at the moment and we had to play well to win there last time out. ââ?¬Å?We played some good football against them across the two legs and we will have to repeat those kinds of levels to have success in the Europa League. Of course, Pedro Mendes is there so we know the quality of player that we will face. ââ?¬Å?Weââ?¬â?¢ve got good experience now in European competitions and weââ?¬â?¢ll need to use that to handle the situations. You can use every element to your advantage and we can try to do that with having the first leg at home. There is plenty of time between now and the games. We we will have them watched closely and will know what we are up against.ââ?¬Â Sporting werenââ?¬â?¢t at the draw as bad weather prevented Francisco Costa, their director of football, from arriving in time. http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/rangers/rangers-dissatisfied-after-euro-dates-sandwich-old-firm-game-1.1075234

For no particular reason I started this on Facebook - I know it's futile and he's made his mind up, but I just wanted to express an opinion. http://www.facebook.com/pages/I-wish-Walter-Smith-would-change-his-mind-about-leaving/147709755278312?ref=ts

St Mirren come to Ibrox on Saturday realising getting a win in this fixture is most likely a pipe dream.Even although the Rangers team have been looking slightly drained over the last few games St Mirren have also been a poor shower. Water Smith hoped that his team could mount enough pressure to flush out any leaks in the St Mirren cistern. Bar we play like a bunch of tubes we should be able to screw the bunch of ballcocks A pipe A. Leak A. mess A. Plumber N.O. Game

ALLY McCOIST couldn't be better prepared to become Rangers boss, according to assistant-in-waiting Kenny McDowall. The Ibrox first-team coach is convinced he and Super Ally are ready to step up when gaffer Walter Smith quits at the end of the season. McDowall - not taking anything for granted with the club still in takeover talks - said: "It has been well documented what might happen going forward and it has been spoken about a lot. "If it was to happen it would be absolutely fantastic. "I feel I'm ready for the next move forward and it's the same with Ally too. "We'll both be 48 next summer, so we're not young in terms of stepping up into new roles. "The players know Ally has a serious side to him already and it will not take him becoming the manager for them to realise that. "He is well ready for what he has got to do. He has, like the rest of us, had a good education over the last four years and it's something he's prepared for. "But if anyone has any doubts, there's no need. He's a serious, determined guy and, while it's a big job, he's someone who is well placed to take that on. "He has got the day-to-day personality people like, but he's so focused at the same time." It's almost four years since McDowall quit his job in charge of Celtic's reserves to join his boyhood club. He added: "There are a lot of young managers out there, but we are experienced enough that we're in a good position to kick on. "The biggest factor for me though is that there's still so much to take care of this season - and we can't lose sight of that. "What we might achieve over the next few months is massive in relation to what might happen. "We want to give the gaffer a good send-off. He deserves it and hopefully we can go and win the title for him. "It's hard to believe it's nearly four years since he brought me to Rangers. Being here has been a real eye-opener for me and I'll forever be grateful to him. "It's the best opportunity I've ever had in my career. "He's one of the best coaches we've been fortunate enough to have in this country. "Would it be Walter's best ever title if we got it this season? Yes, it would. That's a fair comment - and that's our aim." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3278596/Were-ready-to-boss-Gers.html#ixzz18GdTX8m8

I would agree that teams should be able to have teams in the lower divisions but i would hate to see a club have a monopoly of the top divisions. Apart from that it is good to see another youth player get some game time.