Search the Community

26k a week, wow. I thought �£25k would be our limit but if true its great to have him tied up.

ALI RUSSELL took the fast track to success under F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone at QPR. Now Russell wants to put the REAL Rangers in pole position for global expansion. New Gers owner Craig Whyte has made the ex-Hearts whizzkid his Chief Operating Officer at Ibrox. He'll chase off-field success while Ally McCoist goes for glory on the park. Russell, 39, says the lessons learned under billionaire Bernie will be crucial in moving the SPL champions into top gear. The man who will replace outgoing chief executive Martin Bain said: "I very much learned the Formula 1 model on football, working with people like Bernie Ecclestone, Flavio Briatore and the Mittals. "That's been very useful for me to see a parallel commercial environment being used in football and I think they had a huge amount of success in those sort of areas. "I've had a fair degree of involvement with football. "I've been part of two new management teams that have come into football and been very, very successful. "This is a fantastic club and it has got a fantastic fan base. "What we want to do is to take this club forward and today is the start of that. I'm looking forward to helping develop the brand of this club, not just in Scotland but internationally. "I think we've got some huge opportunities. "The club has been under some challenging financial circumstances over the last couple of years. I think, moving forward, we've got to challenge ourselves. "How do we generate more interest in Scottish football? "How do we become central to that? "It's very early days but we're looking at how we move Rangers forward considerably and I'm thrilled to be part of this new management team." Russell has a wide-ranging remit in the new regime. He plans to take Gers to every corner of the globe on a massive marketing drive. Celtic have already targeted the Asian and American markets and Russell sees no reason why Gers can't do the same. For too long, he argues, Rangers have been a selling club. Now he hopes to sell Rangers to the world. Russell stressed: "It's about looking at all avenues. "It's about looking at the real estate here. "How do we maximise that? Is it just a football ground used for football or does it have more uses? "Obviously, football is the core focus, but can we use the rooms on non-match days more effectively? "What do we do to grow the brand, where do we play as a football team? "How do we integrate international players so that we're building the brand? "Where do we go with our own broadcast rights? "There are numerous areas we are looking to investigate. "What are the core markets that we're going to be focusing on - and really focus and be strategic about that, so that we reinforce it every time we do a tour? "So we don't just go where the biggest cheque is - we look at growing a fan base in different areas of the world which strategically fit back very well into the club itself." Russell knows Rangers and Scottish football must rebuild its image after the shame of last season. He said: "There's a sense that Scottish football's reputation bottomed out last season. "I think if you look at the Championship, that hit rock bottom some time ago. "I think the league reconstruction that they had there had a lot of innovation at the time. "There's a huge amount of interest in that play-off game at the end of the season. "We've met with Neil Doncaster and I think the SPL are looking at a lot of innovative aspects to move Scottish football forward and we want to be part of that." Russell will now look to maximise income at every opportunity. He's determined to prove the Champions League gravy train is not the only one Rangers can hop aboard and he's hinted at a cross-border cup competition which Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are thought to be keen on. Russell revealed: "There's been a lot of talk about cross-border cup competitions. "Also the Old Firm game is a fantastic game. It's about making it the biggest rivalry in world football. "How do we ensure that without some of the negativity that maybe came to the surface last season? "Looking at a cross-border cup I think the League Cup over the last couple of years is one that's had some issues in terms of teams like Arsenal and Manchester United playing their first teams in the early stages of that competition. "A cross-border aspect to that tournament would most certainly generate a lot more interest. "It's not something that's necessarily been discussed at this point in time but should we be involved in those sort of discussions? Absolutely." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3653319/The-Ali-shuffle.html#ixzz1Q40HqBds

http://www.gersnetonline.co.uk/2010/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=416:gersnet-investigation-into-sectarianism-bill-sham&catid=1:articles&Itemid=67 As we’ve covered on our @GersnetOnline Twitter account over the last few weeks the SNP’s new ‘Sectarianism’ Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament yesterday (Friday). I’ve not used its full name (you can find that below) as I wanted to use the one word you won’t actually find anywhere in the draft legislation as no-one (5 years and millions of pounds of public money down the line) can define what this is or what terms are actually covered by it – the real secret shame indeed. Onto the Bill1 itself and while any reasonable person would agree further debate and discussion is certainly required to rid our national game (and society) of this scourge; any reasonable person would also agree the rushed and flawed way this Bill has been progressed is not the way to go about doing so. Indeed, everyone from the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, to the Catholic Church, to the Law Society and even the Justice committee charged with ensuring the draft Bill is suitable to be passed (in the next two weeks incredibly) have said as much. Let’s look at the initial comments from the Justice Committee:

I don't know if I am going to be shocked with the level of debt we have when announced but Whyte does seem to be getting things going.

RANGERS boss Craig Whyte has revealed his sensational masterplan to transform Ibrox stadium into a stunning retail and leisure development. In an exclusive interview with the News of The World, the new chairman spoke about his plans for a complex to rival top clubs in Europe. His vision includes a luxury hotel, shopping centre, restaurant, sports centre, and upmarket apartments. Whyte revealed he has already had talks with Glasgow City Council chiefs and wants to get work started ahead of the Commonwealth Games in 2014. Last night Motherwell-born Whyte, 40, told us: "We see a mix of retail, hotels, leisure and residential. Man with the plan...Craig Whyte "This area needs to be revitalised and we hope to make some progress before the Games." Under the plans, the 40-acre site around the Govan stadium would be turned into an Ibrox village. Whyte (left) is also adding state-of-the-art stadium screens and opening fast food outlets. He said: "Refurbishment has already started. We are working on the fast food outlets now and expect to sign a contract to have new mega screens installed shortly." The life-long Gers fan wants to keep 50,000-capacity Ibrox's reputation as one of the best stadiums in Europe. The red-brick facade, designed by Archibald Leitch, is one of the most iconic in football. But Whyte envisions a future development to rival that of European Champions Barcelona's prestigious Nou Camp sports and retail complex. He added: "There will be an ongoing process of upgrading Ibrox to ensure it retains its status as one of the best stadia in Europe." It's all part of a series of changes being implemented by Whyte, who this week appointed ex-Gers star Gordon Smith as Director of Football. News Of The World

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/9471db52-97bb-11e0-9c37-00144feab49a.html#

Another 48 hours!

HOME is where the heart is. And right now for Mancunian Kyle Bartley that feels like Ibrox. Arsenal star Bartley took to Rangers from day one after arriving on a short-term loan close to the shutting of the January transfer window. The calm and collected centre-half made an immediate impression for the champions on and off the pitch. So much so that the popular Bartley is now being treated like part of the Rangers family. His Gers pals are desperate to see the ex-England youth ace return to the club for the 2011-12 campaign. Bartley knows that because they are forever texting him to see what's going on - and if Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will grant Ally McCoist's wish to again borrow a player of real potential. The 20-year-old - with one game for the Gunners in the Champions League against Olympiakos in 2009 - doesn't hide the fact he'd jump at the chance to sign for the Gers again. Bartley, to be fair, also stresses he still sees his long-term future at the Emirates. But Rangers made a huge impression on him. And he'd love to return to win medals - having suffered the agony of injury robbing him of Co-op Cup and title glory. Bartley opened his heart to Scotland's No1 paper and said: "I was only at Rangers for a short while. But I've got so many good memories. I couldn't have been treated any better by the people there, from Walter Smith and the coaching staff to the players and everyone behind the scenes. "I loved it at Rangers and if I was to get another opportunity to play there it would be fantastic. "I'm a professional and Arsenal are my club. I'm under contract and it will be Arsene Wenger who decides what's best for me. "But it's no secret that the idea of another loan spell with Rangers would be very attractive. "The only negative for me was the knee injury I suffered which cut short my season. But I'm recovering well and I hope to get the all-clear from the specialist to step up my rehab work. "The target was always to be ready for the start of pre-season training - and I feel I'm on course for that. "Whether it's at Arsenal or Rangers, I'm determined to be 100 per cent fit. "But even when I was sidelined for Rangers I was made to feel a part of everything. "The scenes after the League Cup Final victory and the championship success were AMAZING. "I can't thank the Rangers fans enough for their best wishes and comments. They played such a big part in my experience in Scotland being so good. "I've made a lot of friends among the other players and they will remain so even if I've to stay at Arsenal. Vladimir Weiss, Maurice Edu, Kyle Lafferty, David Healy, Allan McGregor - they have all been texting me to see how things are and if I'll be coming back to Rangers. "Even Davie Weir's kept in touch. I learned plenty from him. He's a great guy. It's like I'm part of the Rangers family and it means a lot to me." New Rangers chief scout Neil Murray is understood to have handed manager McCoist a detailed list of five potential transfer targets for every position. Of special interest is defenders - and Bartley is top choice among them. Intriguingly, as SunSport revealed, Liverpool and Scotland teenager Danny Wilson is also a candidate for an Ibrox return less than a year after leaving But Bartley is a key name McCoist has been willing to go public on - underlining his desire to persuade Wenger to commit to another deal. The rookie gaffer appreciates that man-management will be a critical aspect if he's to successfully follow in the footsteps of legend Walter Smith. Bartley added: "Ally made a point of talking about me and I appreciated that. "That he's so keen to get me back to Rangers has given me a great boost. "But I also don't think it's a case of Ally just trying to sweet-talk me. "I honestly feel he's the kind of guy who would've done it anyway. "Ally was brilliant for me at Rangers after I arrived and I'm certain he's going to prove a great manager. "Only time will tell if I'm going to play for him. We'll see. "The bottom line is I'm an Arsenal player and it's also a special club with a top manager. Whether or not I head back to Rangers is out of my hands." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3629093/Im-one-of-the-family.html#ixzz1OqnseUAu

Will be very interesting to see how this works for them.

http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish_fa_news.cfm?page=1335&newsCategoryID=3&newsID=7920

In 1999 club assets including future season ticket revenue were used as security for bank funding. On 26 May last Companies House was formally told that revenue from some of our season tickets ( numbers range from 23,000 and 27,000 dependant on the season) had been removed from that undertaking. Periods involved are season 2011 - 2012 thru' season 2014 - 2015. http://rangerstaxcase.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/mg05s-june2011.pdf

Motion in Parliament by Gregory Campbell MP - http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2010-11/1823 :spl::spl::spl::spl::spl::spl::spl::spl::spl::spl:

After some much needed R&R in the Lake District (minimal mobile reception and no wireless internet was bliss after a season like no other before), I was hoping to come back from holiday to good news. Yet, instead of answers to the simple questions we asked of our new owner last month, instead the club's ongoing situation appears more like an episode of 'Lost' than the beginning of a bright, transparent future. First, I find out of the few remaining board directors we do have, two have been suspended - Martin Bain and Donald McIntyre for alleged 'irregularities'. Next, we're told two others have been 'removed' despite one of them suggesting he'd be stepping down anyway. Finally, The Rangers FC Group Limited (formerly Wavetower) have announced a delay in a legally required shareholder 'circular' which we should have received a couple of weeks back. Add in a raft of other club changes - new corporate advisers among them, then if you weren't puzzled pre-takeover, you will be now! It is the afore-mentioned circular (due our next Monday) that should alleviate some of the pressure on the new owner. He should take this opportunity to reveal what his plans for the club are and how he intends to finance them. As it stands he seems to be the only executive director on the board of the club (Bain and McIntyre currently don't count for obvious reasons) so who else will be joining his team? After all - it won't be long until the new season starts; 3IAR or not, we can ill-afford to delay investment into the team given we only have 18 senior players (including Ness, Hutton and Wylde)! Indeed, until Whyte removes the mystery and uncertainty from his take-over, the negative rumours we all have heard of late will persist. Transfer policy confusion, managerial uncertainty and fiscal challenges are among them so it's disappointing that these have prevailed from pre to post-sale. What key players will be kept, what is our buying budget, is McCoist happy and how are we planning for tax outcomes? Perhaps another surprising aspect of the above is that no-one seems to be asking these valid questions on our behalf. Former chairman Alistair Johnston has rightly been criticised for his contribution to the confusion and hearsay of the last few months but we surely ignore his request of 'vigilance' at our peril? Yes, it's a pity he wasn't very vigilant during his spell as a director but I doubt sour grapes is his reason for his continued cynicism. What say our fan groups? The Assembly etc do seem very quiet - have they even met with Whyte yet? If not, why not? Unfortunately, as ever, there are more questions than answers for us ordinary supporters. It is extremely frustrating that we know little of our new owner's intentions for our club. Nevertheless, I think the support have been positive and accommodating while he makes himself comfortable in the custodian's chair. It's now beyond time for Mr Whyte to reciprocate this welcome by making us comfortable also. Our patience isn't limitless. No more waffle - definitive answers and clear strategy please. Seven days and counting.

From STV He would be a good bit of business

http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/Aidan-Smith-Dashed-dreams-at.6776167.jp When Rangers opened Murray Park I think fans of other clubs must have feared the worst. While their teams were having to make do with bibs and cones and dog poo and grumpy parkies and desultory minibus journeys in search of wet-weather alternatives, some very un-Scottish phrases like "state-of-the-art" and "high-tech" were being applied to a training complex set to propel the Ibrox club over the hill and far away. Oor fitba is no longer a level playing field. This was the moan from fields rutted and bumpy. The spirit-level wasn't exactly bubble-set before, but Murray Park would give Rangers an outrageous advantage. All the best young talent would want to be th ADVERTISEMENTere. They would be hothoused in optimum conditions and come out the other end all bearing the most chillingly effective of the classic Rangers characteristics - Brian Laudrup's winged ankles, Der Hammer's dynamite shooting, John Greig's vast backside, Willie Johnston's bandy-legged swagger, DJ's towering headers (perm optional) and Big Lorenzo's supreme self-confidence, even after once again overhitting a simple dink so it winded a ballboy 70 yards away. Lots of Greig-sized bottoms squatting on us, squashing the life out of us - that was the Orwellian future. But, as usual in the SPL, the reality has been somewhat different. The Rangers team which has just won the title was not entirely made up of pure Murray Park product. I don't know about you but I half-thought by now it might have been. I guess that's our consolation: Rangers haven't quite been able to grow their own. Their big players in 2010-11 have included Steven Naismith, Steven Whittaker (already SPL-established when they were signed), David Weir (older than some parkies), Steven Davis (could be playing in a better league), Kenny Miller (already gone) and Nikica Jelavic (won't be long now). In other words, a typical, non-indigenous Rangers line-up from any recent season. Almost ten years ago, BBC Scotland screened the series Blue Heaven about a bunch of kids aged 14-16 who were already playing the game with cockiness and, in some, cases, devilment. They seemed like prime Ibrox material. Murray Park would nurture and develop them and make dreams of Copland Road End adulation come true. In the reality style of these programmes we got to meet mums and dads and, where they had them, girlfriends. In the case of David Ford, we got to meet all of his uncles who would pile into his dad's caravan parked at the bottom of the garden and bedecked in the red, white and blue. There were lots of images on the walls of a figure on horseback, probably historical, 17th century, and I thought the uncles might be equestrian fans - but no, they were Rangers aficionados. And because he was wee and carrot-haired and played on the wing we all wanted Fordy to make it. Last week's Blue Heaven - Where Are They Now? caught up with the intake

STEVEN DAVIS has pledged his future to Ally McCoist's new-look Rangers. Several players could be following old gaffer Walter Smith out of the door at Ibrox - but Davis doesn't want to be one of them. While Anthony Stokes moaned about being too tired to play for his country, Northern Ireland star Davis played his 58th game of an incredible season in the 5-0 hammering by the Republic of Ireland. Davis is every inch a model pro and the good news for McCoist is his heart is firmly with the Three in a Row champions. Now entering the final year of his Ibrox deal, the key midfielder said: "In the end it was a fantastic season, but at times things were a bit doom and gloom. "Rangers had a lot of bad press, but on the pitch we kept it together and then went on to win the title. "I don't know why I kicked on nearer the end of the season, I seemed to get fresher as the league wore on. "Maybe European football had taken its toll on me and when that stopped it helped me get a new lease of life. "Obviously, the League Cup Final gave me and everyone at Rangers a huge boost. "We seemed to take it on from there and won the title too. We played some good stuff towards the end of the season and scored a lot of good goals. "Overall it was probably the sweetest title to win. Everyone enjoys their football at the end of a season when you are playing well and winning things. "That's the time when you have to enjoy your football. "I'm happy at Rangers and hopefully something can get sorted. "There are a number of players with contractual issues to be looked at, but hopefully all of then can extend their stay. "I've said all along I'd like to stay at Rangers. But right now it's out of my hands until they offer me something. "Ally McCoist coming in offers a new challenge for everyone although losing Walter Smith is a big blow. "Everyone wanted Walter to stay, but Coisty is coming in with our full respect. "Hopefully we can bring in a few new faces and can start afresh again in July. "Things are going well at Rangers and when that's the case you definitely enjoy it." Davis saw pal Kenny Miller quit Ibrox for incredible wages with Turkish outfit Bursaspor, but still fail to settle. Davis added: "I've played for a couple of Premiership clubs in Aston Villa and Fulham and the grass isn't always greener on the other side. If you are happy somewhere and enjoying your football what is the reason to leave?" Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3601045/Im-with-you-Ally.html#ixzz1NQGG2K1k

GIOVANNI Trapattoni is infuriated by Celtic striker Anthony Stokes' decision to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad because of tiredness. The Italian expressed bemusement yesterday when asked why Stokes had made himself unavailable for all four forthcoming international fixtures, including Sunday's match against Scotland in the Carling Nations Cup. The Republic also play Northern Ireland tonight in Dublin in the same competition, before a Euro 2012 qualifying match against Macedonia and a friendly with Italy. Stokes, 22, played 22 minutes of the Scottish Cup final on Saturday as a substitute. Prior to that, his most recent first-team appearance was 17 days earlier, playing 58 minutes of the 3-2 defeat at Inverness. But after the final at Hampden, he informed the Football Association of Ireland he would not be reporting for international duty. Trapattoni said yesterday: "I spoke with our doctor this morning about this. "Young players have a fun job. It is not a job like the working man's. It is not a difficult job. For me it is an 11-month holiday. I played 70 games every season -national, championship, Europe. "It is unbelievable, so we must educate our players. We are lucky and we have to enjoy playing football. It is a fine life. "It is a new generation. Sometimes there is more pressure now but players should understand how beautiful our job is. Injuries are injuries, but they should visit our doctor. That is the rule. If they are asked by the national team they must go. If they are in hospital or they are dead, that is okay, but if there is an injury they should see our doctor." Trapattoni insisted, however, that he would still consider former Sunderland and Hibs player Stokes for selection in future. "I don't forget any players, ever," he said. Meanwhhile, Stokes' club-mate Mark Wilson turned down a place in the Scotland squad - also because of fatigue. He had explained his decision to an "understanding" Levein. "He was good enough to call me and ask if I thought I needed a rest," said the defender, who has played 34 games this season. "As much as I would love to play for Scotland and play in every game, it just wasn't possible. "It was maybe two games too far and another four or five training sessions cuts your rest down in the summer to three weeks. "He was fairly understanding of that and I'm grateful that he does understand and hopefully he will keep me in his mind for future internationals." http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/Anthony-Stokes-savaged-by-Trapattoni.6773335.jp

KRIS COMMONS last night stood by his claim that Celtic are younger and fitter than Rangers - despite his words driving on the Ibrox men to the SPL title. The Scotland star's comments were used as motivation in the Gers dressing room in the vital final weeks of the campaign. But after yesterday's Scottish Cup triumph, Commons claimed again the Hoops are younger and fitter - and insisted they are now older and wiser too. Commons reckons the bitter experience of a last-day defeat in the title race by their city rivals has been a valuable lesson for Celts and will drive them on when the league kicks off again. The former Derby County man played a key role in Celtic's 3-0 Hampden win against Motherwell to secure the club's first silverware since March 2009. The scenes of jubilation by the Hoops players and fans were a stark contrast with their emotions last week when Rangers clinched the SPL crown on the final day. Kris' first taunt came on the eve of a crucial Old Firm clash at Parkhead - and canny Gers boss Walter Smith pinned his words on the Ibrox dressing-room wall. The rest is history. And the claims were thrown back in the midfielder's face by some Gers stars last week as they celebrated their three-in-a-row titles. Commons stuck to his guns and said yesterday: "It's my opinion and I stand by my words. Celtic are the younger, fitter, better side. "Rangers beat us by one point - and credit to them, they have quality throughout their team. "But they didn't beat us because they were fitter. "We can improve. Next year we won't be concentrating on matters outside of football, we'll be concentrating on Celtic and our own performances. "We are a good side that can score good goals. "Guys like Beram Kayal, Ki Sung-Yueng, Gary Hooper and Emilio Izaguirre are all in their early 20s and are still to peak. "They are outstanding prospects. I think we're going to be a force. "In the space of a week we have experienced losing and have now enjoyed winning. "The heartache and loss we felt last weekend will make us more determined next time. "You can't buy experience - look at Rangers skipper Davie Weir. "He's an outstanding leader and it was a pleasure to play with him when I was with Scotland. "Yes, Rangers winning the league was a great achievement. "But from the disappointment we'll get experience. "And you get experience from winning as well. Walking around the pitch with the trophy at the end, with the fans saluting you and throwing scarves and stuff, was magic and I want to sample that on a regular basis. "It's our driving force next year - we don't want to lose anything. We want to win big. "We're on a high after winning the cup and it has given us a hunger to kick on now." Commons admits he never had any self-doubt after Celtic stumbled in the closing stages of the league race to let their Old Firm rivals squeeze past. He said: "I wouldn't say there were question marks about our ability to get over the finish line. "Going into the last four or five games we felt like favourites - but in football nothing is certain. "So it felt great to win yesterday at Hampden to repay the fans for their constant support. "We've believed all season we've a good enough squad to win some silverware - and now we've shown that we can. "Hopefully next year we'll win a few more. If the team stick together we can achieve a lot. "We have a really good squad and when everyone's fit and fighting for places it's a healthy position to be in. Beram will be back after his injury and I hope we get off to a good start and carry on from where we left off." Commons - who had a hand in Celtic's first two goals - celebrated success on a big scale for the first time since winning promotion with Nottingham Forest He said: "I was promoted with Forest but we finished second - so there was no trophy. "This is a similar feeling - the champagne's out, the boys are buzzing." Commons praised gaffer Neil Lennon and said the players would be delighted if his future could be sorted out as soon as possible. The midfielder said: "If we can tie down Neil for another couple of years the lads would be delighted. "This has been a good way to end a long, hard season. "There's not much of a break in the summer before we're back in the swing of things. "I hope everyone comes back from their break for pre-season feeling fit and healthy." Commons is now due to team up with Scotland for the Carling Nations Cup double header in Dublin but said: "I'll be speaking to Craig Levein and seeing what the situation is." http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2011/05/22/celtic-have-the-edge-over-rangers-despite-spl-title-loss-says-kris-commons-86908-23148440/

Celtic's young team need to end a turbulent campaign with final victory over Motherwell this afternoon. Neil Lennon can finish his tumultuous first season as Celtic manager with a moment of triumph and hope. His team play Motherwell this afternoon in the final of the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park and victory would frame the season's story as the success of a young team and coach under unfamiliar pressures. Looking forward, though, the crucial first trophy for Celtic's young squad would open the possibility of more rewarding future seasons. At the end of Celtic's league campaign Lennon said that "this isn't the end, this is just the beginning". This reflects a sense that this Celtic team will improve and mature into the coming seasons better than Rangers. Celtic, needing to regenerate, bought young and gifted last summer. The embedding of the new generation produced some thrilling football at Celtic Park. Emilio Izaguirre, Gary Hooper, Beram Kayal and Joe Ledley, all born between 1986 and 1988, have excelled. But Celtic have not quite had the maturity at decisive moments to win a trophy yet. They lost the CIS Cup final in extra-time to Rangers in March. And, when the title was theirs to lose, they did exactly that by losing 3-2 at Inverness on 4 May to gift Rangers the league. Experience teaches the importance of a team winning its trophy; it instils belief for future battles. A victory and a cup this afternoon may equip Celtic with those qualities necessary to beat Rangers to the title next year. It is impossible, though, to consider the meaning of a trophy entirely within the frame of football. This season has displayed the most toxic excesses of sectarianism in the Scottish game. Lennon has been the locus of a campaign of hate unprecedented in British sport. In January Lennon was sent bullets in the post. In March two bombs, one a hoax, the other not, were posted to him. Earlier this month he was attacked on the touchline at Tynecastle by a Hearts supporter. Lennon is known for his combative nature. At times he is antagonistic, although his squabble with Ally McCoist and his hands-cupped-to-ears gesture at Ibrox were reminders of what makes Glasgow's football so compelling. But his conduct in the face of both threatened and actual physical violence has been impressively calm. Walter Smith said this week that similar threats would have driven him out of the Rangers job. "It would have been the end for me," he said. "I would not have been in the job any longer." Lennon is a marathon away from matching Smith's achievements in Scottish football but victory today would reward faultless nerve under unimaginable circumstances. It may also inspire his young Celtic team to greater successes in brighter times. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/scottish/cup-win-can-make-lennon-smile-after-painful-season-2287068.html

HE'S Craig Levein's bit of bling... the 24 carat jewel in Scotland's crown. Allan McGregor has certainly come a long way since Bevvygate. On Sunday night he was named the Scottish Football Writers' International Player of the Year. And Scotland boss Levein hailed the Rangers keeper as his DIAMOND geezer. Levein insists Gregs, 29, is now a model pro who sets an example to the rest of the Scotland squad. He said: "You form an impression of people when you don't know them. Everybody does that. "I'd never worked with Alan before and you form an impression of what you see and from what people's perceptions are. "From the moment I met Allan - I went down to Murray Park to speak to him about this Bevvygate stuff and all the rest of it - he was desperate to get back involved with the squad. "We were toiling when I'd left a lot of the Rangers lads out of the Faroes game and Craig Gordon had a little problem with his thigh and we were struggling for keepers. "Allan was desperate to come up. He drove up that night when I phoned him. He has been a delight to deal with. His training has been fantastic, his attitude has been great around the rest of the players. "You have to remember as well that he's maturing. "He's now at an age where I think he understands that football is everything for him, because he's at this stage in his development where he should be concentrating on making his career. "He has reached a certain level and he should now be concentrating on maintaining or improving on that for as long as he can. "I think he has got a new-found maturity. "I'm trying to explain that, when I looked at Allan from outside, I didn't understand him because I didn't know him. "But since I've been involved he's been an absolute diamond. "Allan deserves all of the recognition for his performances this year and him getting back into the international squad has been good for him and Rangers. "Allan is improving and is at a level where people will talk about him. "When you are playing at the same level every week, and Allan is an eight out of ten every game, that is the level I look for. "He is achieving that and somebody at some point will make an offer for him. "I'm sure Craig Gordon will be determined to oust Allan and it's brilliant for me. "I just wish I had two players in every position who are of that quality. Everything Allan does, he does with such enthusiasm. "In training and anything we want to do within the group, he is always at the forefront, setting an example to younger players." Levein has named his 24-man squad for next week's Carling Nations Cup clashes with both Wales and the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. Celtic's James Forrest has been picked for the first time along with Norwich City right-back Russell Martin. Levein added: "If you look back at the squads recently I've tried to bring in players who will be international players in time. "What I don't want to do on the eve of an important competitive match is get a couple of injuries and have to call on a younger player to come in who hasn't experienced the whole situation. "So that's one of the reasons I've got Grant Hanley and Danny Wilson in this squad, because I feel they will both play international football. It might even be in this tournament. "It's about getting young players used to international gatherings and training with the senior players. "For me, we don't have an awful lot of players like Forrest. He's direct, he has real pace and is a goal threat. "In games you need people to be able to create things and to be able to do things in one-on-one situations. "Forrest is one of those who can do that and he's one I'm thinking about for the future. "Russell Martin is one we've been keeping tabs on. He's technically very good and he's a good age, 25. "And he's now getting a move into the Premiership with Norwich so that is another major plus." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/3586278/Gregg-isnt-a-bad-boy-now-hes-a-model-pro.html#ixzz1MesVxXDL

SASA PAPAC insists there's NO chance of Nikica Jelavic quitting Rangers this summer. The Bosnian defender kicked off Ally McCoist's first week in charge of Gers by signing a new one-year deal yesterday. Then he revealed close pal Jelavic plans to be with him when the new season begins. Croat striker Jelavic has been the target of interest from top clubs down south. But Papac said: "Nikica is happy here. He said to me that this has been the best thing that's happened in his career. "He doesn't want to leave - he wants to stay for another couple of years. It's very important he stays because he's a special player for us." Papac signed under Paul le Guen in 2006 and had been chased by clubs across Europe but insists he never wanted to leave. The deal he's penned is the same as the one he was offered in January. But the Bosnian reckons the future of the club has changed dramatically after Craig Whyte's takeover. He said: "I always believed this would happen. I said all the time my priority was Rangers. "For me Rangers is the best club in the world. I have everything here. I will be a Rangers supporter for the rest of my life. "A new situation is here, a new owner is here and I'm so happy I will be staying for another year." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3586370/Im-staying-at-Gersand-so-will-Jela.html#ixzz1Meuh0y4L

BAD boy Anthony Stokes was booted out of the Celtic squad for their vital SPL clash with Motherwell - after a hotel bust-up with Neil Lennon. Boss Lennon was furious at the striker for breaking club rules on the eve of his side's must-win Parkhead clash. Stokes is now sweating on his place in the squad for the Scottish Cup Final and also his future at the club and he is facing severe disciplinary action with boss Lennon set to throw the book at him. An insider told SunSport: "Neil is not a manager to be messed with in situations like these. He acted swiftly and decisively to deal with the matter with the player in a severe breach of club rules." Celtic were staying in one of Glasgow's plush five-star hotels on Saturday night as they prepared for their clash with Well. Hoops insiders last night refused to divulge details of the disciplinary breach. After the behind-the-scenes bust-up Stokes, who has been struggling with a hamstring injury, was told he would not feature in the 18-man squad for Sunday's game. This is the latest blow to hit Stokes in a roller- coaster season. He was an unsued sub for the Co-op Cup Final against Rangers in March and he has been dropped for most of the Old Firm games. Stokes' Dad John slammed the cup final snub with the hitman forced to distance himself from father's comments and he insisted that he wanted to stay at Celtic. Although the 19-goal Irishman has scored some vital goals throughout the Hoops' ill-fated league campaign, he has not started a game since the crucial defeat to Caley Thistle two weeks ago. That 3-2 loss left Rangers in pole position in the title race. Now it looks as though former Hibs, Sunderland and Falkirk hitman Stokes could be on the move again in the summer. Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3584457/Stokes-binned-after-hotel-bust-up.html#ixzz1MaWXnGzY

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, stated he wanted only meaningful International matches in the future and no friendly games anymore. I agree 100% with him as I hate these stupid no point international friendlies.

DAVIE WEIR insists Rangers won't suffer hell on Helicopter Sunday. Six years after Celtic came a chopper at Fir Park, Gers head to Rugby Park with their title destiny in their own hands. Beat Kilmarnock and secure the championship. It's as straightforward as that. With the engine purring and the rotors spinning in anticipation of more nerve-shredding last-day drama, Weir is taking nothing for granted. The Gers skipper said: "It has happened in the past where teams have slipped up when they thought it was all wrapped up and they ended up with egg on their face. "It is important we don't allow that to happen to us. "We have the opportunity in our own hands now and that is all you can ask for, but there is still one game to go. "We just have to concentrate on the job, prepare properly and give Kilmarnock the respect they deserve. "We just have to go out and try to play as well as we can play. "You have to put yourself under pressure, that is the nature of the game. "I don't think there are any written rules for this situation. There are no guarantees. "There is nothing that can prepare you for it. Everyone is different. "The thing is when people don't expect something there is always a chance of a shock. "It is important we don't allow that to happen at the weekend." Weir could potentially be skipper of Rangers for the final time tomorrow. The veteran Gers captain turned 41 in midweek and is out of contract next month. He insists he has made NO decision on his future. Weir added: "I don't know if it will be my last game. I don't think about it like that. "If it is then so be it. I am not going to spend any time worrying about it. "I am sure the result will have an impact on my decision. "If you are successful then you will want to carry on. "If you aren't you will question yourself. I will just have to wait and see." What is for certain is Gers can secure three-in-a-row in gaffer Walter Smith's last game in charge. A win over Killie will bag the title and bring a historic campaign for Gers to a glorious end. Weir knows exactly what's at stake at Rugby Park and he insists the players are desperate to ensure their boss bows out on a high. Weir stressed: "I don't think you can put into words what Walter has done. "We have all been speaking about it for long enough now. "I think that there has been so much significance on this game that things won't actually hit home until after he has left Rangers. "Then people can take into context what Walter has done over various periods of time and during different circumstances at the club. During the nine-in-a-row era he was bringing in top players, winning trophies and battling on the European front. "He came back for a second time when Rangers were in a certain amount of disarray, had hardly won trophies and had to fight it out to finish second. "He turned Rangers around very quickly and got them winning trophies again, competing in Europe, reaching a European final and winning the league. "When you sit down and look at what he has done you can put his record up against anyone." Indeed, Weir reckons Smith is up there with the true managerial greats. He added: "Walter will go down as one of the all-time Rangers greats. There is no doubt about that. "The manager plays down his own influence on things. That is the nature of the man. "It is no coincidence what he has done in his time here and the part he has played. "He is the driving force behind the whole club and the team. "I am sure he has the same influence over other aspects of the club. "If you asked any player or member of staff they would admit he is the man who dictates what happens. Through the course of the season Walter is very straightforward and tells you like it is. "He tells you what he expects from you and the demands of the club and the support. "He has seen it all before and the players hang on his every word. "We trust what he says and we try to follow it as best we can. "He is a really great presence to have at the club and he is somebody we have been lucky to have as manager." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3580191/Rhythm-n-blues.html#ixzz1MHMr2wr4

Just thought I'd give all our significant squad members a brief review and score out of 10 for the season, feel free to add your own. Allan McGregor: 10 The fact he wasn't nominated for ANY POTY awards beggars belief. Pulled out some immaculate stops, time and time again, and with that wondrous save from Samaras' penalty at Ibrox, may just have won us the league. Neil Alexander: 6 Barely featured this year but when called upon was acceptable enough. Whittaker: 8 Good season from him, improved as it went on. Was solid in defence (some of his tackling last night was very good) and got forward every chance. Foster: 8 Apart from a dismal debut, he's done extremely well when called upon, particularly in the big matches. For a squad member, has maybe punched above his weight with some of his displays. Papac: 7 The usual season from him - steady, decent, reliable, but still fails to close down crosses. Guess this is his natural CB instincts in play. Bougherra: 6 patchy. His mind's been elsewhere and it's shown at times. Concentration has lacked and careless on occasion. Weir: 7 Apart from the occasionally awful display (his capitulation at Parkhead was embarrassing) he's actually been pretty good. Led by example in most cases. Still would like to see new blood next season though. Bartley: 8 Did very well for the few months he was here - strong, sensible, classy defender with versatility to play in midfield. One to maybe try and get permanently. Edu: 4 A very, very disappointing season from someone capable of better. Admits he's had a bad year, and while his displays in the last few games have seen improvement, it's been overall extremely poor from the American international. Davis: 6 By his own standards not a great season - was too anonymous for large spells this season and didn't control midfield like he can. His displays have been radically improved in the last month but it doesn't make up for a largely average season. Weiss: 7 His debut against Hibs made him look like the ghost of Laudrup, and while he suffered inconsistency after that, when he was good he was really good. Naismith: 9 Blistering start earned him a POTY nomination and looked every inch what his reputation suggested. Admittedly fell away between January and March but the last 2 months have seen a return to form. Been one of our best performers. Wylde: 6 After a stunning debut against PSV he seems to have struggled to maintain form. Crosses when he's running are often off target, and he doesn't beat men very easily. His defensive duties are a struggle too. But he's still young and can learn. El Hadji Diouf: 6 After a flying start to life at Ibrox he's gone backwards in recent months and is little more than a bit part player these days. Might be worth holding onto as a squad member but isn't playing like his reputation suggests he can. Lafferty: 7 Been actually a good season from him - isn't the most popular player at the club but works hard and has scored some crucial goals in big games. Struggles on the left wing but as a striker is at his best. Never found wanting. Ness: 7 Amazing goal V Celtic but hasn't featured too much otherwise - looks very promising though and is one for the future. Healy: 7 I like him. Has barely played but scored a good goal V Motherwell and seems just delighted to be at Ibrox. Beattie: 1 An absolute dud and most were thrilled when he was farmed out to Blackpool, where he has been equally awful. Miller: 10 Can't deny the guy was terrific for us. Still the top scorer in the SPL despite being gone for 5 months, his contribution was absolutely massive. His one failing was he was poor in the CL except when it no longer mattered. Jelavic: 10 What a signing. Has fully replaced Miller and then some. Is scoring for fun and looks technically excellent with strength, decent pace, and skill on the ball. His hold up play and one touch thinking is a class apart and has been a complete bargain. This league would have been sowed up ages ago had Ian Black not had his way.