Conference trucks::football;1

       is trevor steven worth 5.5 million or not ????   on saturday's
       performance he most "DEFINETLEY" is !!!!!! he ran the show and
       was well backed up by a few others, hateley,johnston,huistra.
       
    

    Since no one is contributing I'll start the ball rolling by saying if
    it's Lira you're talking about you're probably right.
    
    From the highlights I saw from Saturday's game the towel was well
    thrown in after 3 goals so it's early days.
    
    Paul

    I'll continue the theme of talking bull Paul.......It's also very early
    days as far as Cham....pain in the a** Nicholas is concerned......however
    it is refreshing to see the tims coming back to life after their dismal
    session in the wilderness, it's amazing what 2 pure gallus, cavalier
    type shows against Dundee Utd reserves and below par pars can do for
    the soul.........by the way you'll get the treble this year Paul.....
    3 years in a row with sod all in the trophy cabinet.
    
    By the way....has the wind-up season really begun ?
    
    
                                                             Brian. 

    
    Brian,
          It's good to see that you have kept the usual drivel in the
    correct note.As for people coming back to life,let me cast your
    mind back to the John Greig era when season tickets for the new Ibrox
    couldn't be given away.Still,i suppose you were one of the 3,000 or 
    so loyal supporters that were prepared to watch their team through
    thick and thin.
    
    
    Jim.(sqf csc)

    
    Trevor Steven has signed for Marseille for #5 000 000 , the move took
    place a few hours before the European signing deadline. 
    
    Stuart McCall has signed for Rangers for #1 200 000.
    
    I'm stunned.
    
    GORDON...

    Has the wind up season really begun????
    
    You better believe it!!! Another 10 months of trench warfare
    interspersed with football talk.
    
    Great stuff Brian. You've started well, can you keep it going!!!
    
    
    Paul

    Re 4......Yes your quite right Jim, but I think 3,000 was a wee bitty
    off the mark.........maybe 2,000 would have been nearer the mark, and
    yes I was indeed one of the loyal band who suffered in the bygone days
    of yore.
    
    I'm now glad that we have a reasonable team in a modern stadium, which
    is pretty well filled every week......now I know that most of the bhoys
    are not envious of this, after all they do love to stand, they are very
    happy with their current financial situation, they are more than
    delighted with Terry "memo man" Cassidy, they are just bursting with
    enthusiasm about the crowd limit being cut to 30k+ and losing dosh,
    they are ecstatic over the departure of the forward thinking Brian
    Dempsey........and last but not least, that golden goal machine Charlie
    "ma darlin" Nicholars has erased all the above problems from the minds
    of the jungle with his vintage performances.........Jacko Mcginn
    could'nt have planned it better...........by the way, you should also
    cast your mind back to the days when "Hail" Caeser (1988) turned to 
    "Kill" Caeser, and this from those oh so loyal bhoys in the jungle.....
    they were even bigger backstabbers than Cassidy.
    
    Yes we did'nt have to seek trouble at Ibrox not so long ago.....but it
    would appear that the mighty Celts troubles are just beginning, despite
    performances on the field, they are being left behind by most other
    clubs in the premier division who have either started or planned ground
    improvements.........and this from a club with the so called stature of
    Celtic.
    
    
    By the way, the above memo is to be taken with a pinch of salt.......just as
    big Terry's is taken over at Paradise -) -)
    
    
    On the subject of Rangers, Trevor Steven will be sadly missed, but the
    cash was to much to refuse, howver why buy Stuart McCall when they
    already have an abundance of "strong running" midfield players, surely
    Sandy Robertson could play in midfield until Durrant and Mikhailichenko
    return to the side, the midfield will contain 3 similar players if
    McCall plays......McCall, Spackman and Ferguson.........i don't know
    about Stuart's club football performances but he looks no better than
    anything we already had, based on international form......any
    Evertonians who can enlighten us ?
    
    
    
    
                                                    Brian. 

    
    re.last
    
    As you do not frequent the jungle at Parkhead,or anywhere else in the
    stadium (I use the term stadium loosely 8*))for that matter ,you therefor 
    cannot comment on whether or not the `Loyal bhoys' of the jungle partcipated
    in any back stabbing of Caeser.
    
    Therefor,please refrain from speculative journalism in future :-)
    
             
    

    Nice to see you back JJ, but don't ever compare me to Gerry " I say the
    first thing that comes intae ma heid" Mcnee -)..........by the way that
    was some tim mates of mine who passed comment on the loyal bhoys
    (imagine having tims for mates) at the time of the trials of Caeser.
    
    Back to reality after Saturday's defeat at Hearts, I think a draw would
    have been fair considering the pressure of the second half, however, we
    won there last season (Hately goal) when the game should also have
    ended even, so all's fair in love and war.
    
    It's very early to give any real assessment of Stuart McCall, I thought
    the guy did ok on Saturday considering the haste with which he ended
    up in the team.
    
    The fortunate thing is that we still have Durrant and Mikhailichenko to
    add to the team, that should give us more creative options from the
    midfield............I'd better not mention Oleg in case the clatter of
    the keyboard causes a leg break....or a muscle spasm.
    
    
                                                                Brian.
    
     

    The sale of Trevor Steven to Marseilles for 5.5m was certainly very
    shrewd business as far as Rangers are concerned but all I can say is
    that the French crowd must have more money than sense. When he was at 
    Everton, I never really rated him as a player. Certainly, one could not 
    compare him to a player like Ronnie Whelan and when I read of players
    like Steven, Platt and the fat Gazza going for crazy prices, I can only
    hazard a guess at what Ronnie must be worth. Surely it must be in the
    region of 10 million and I'm not joking either.
    
    Martin

!!I never really rated him as a player.
    
    Sounds like a perfect advert from him then, given your evaluation of
    certain other players!
    
    P

    Re 10> Sorry to disagree with you Martin, but Trevor Steven is an
    exceptional player, whether he's ACTUALLY worth 5.5m is another
    question, this can only be excused by the fact that crazy money is
    being quoted EVERYWHERE in football at the moment.
    
    Trevor Steven would be in ANY England line-up if it were not for the
    bias shown against players who don't ply their trade in the English
    football league......Waddle for one instance.
    
    I personally think Paul Gascoigne is a brilliant player, maybe not as a
    team player, but as a man who can turn games with individual
    brilliance, as far as Ronnie Whelan is concerned I can't comment on how
    good or bad he is since I have never seen him playing for Liverpool,
    however, it must also be noted that he played in a very good Liverpool
    team including Souness, Dalglish, Rush etc......had Trevor Steven been
    playing with the likes of these guys at their peak, then you can only
    imagine the force they would have been.
    
    I'm afraid it's now at the crazy money stage for everybody.....look at
    Walters going for 1.25m to Liverpool......I've seen him struggle in
    more than a few games up here, not to mention his temperament.
    
    P.S. Your own personal estimations of the talent of John Aldridge also
    appear to leave a few people dumbfounded......especially the Irish who
    had seen him failing to score for several years in internationals
    (don't know exact number).
    
    
                                                      Brian.

    re .12
    
    You're dead right about Aldridge. He has caused me personally a lot of
    distress in the last year and a half.
    
    The money is daft anyway. Platt for example is you average English
    grafting midfielder. Going for 5 million makes me think some Italians
    have pasta for brains.
    
    Martin, would Aldridge score in Central Park????
    
    
      Paul

     i suppose the money is "DAFT" but david platt, is as near to brian
    robson, as you'll get, he is a good goal scorer, he builds attacks, and
    he also defends, well, in the other hand, trevor, isn't as good defensivly
    but is a "classier" player. Gascoine, is an exceptional talent but his
    temprement is a bit suspect and this alone, i think, makes steven, and
    platt, better players.
    
      as for "some italians having pasta for brains" their record in europe
      speaks for itself, don't you think ??
    
       b.t.w.  will "CEASER" be writing the big match report on sunday
    september 1st, in the sunday mail ??  or will he be given the RED CARD
     by then -:) -:)
    

Is the 2nd October game against Sparta Prague in Glasgow or Prague ?

Gordon.

    Rangers go out of this years European Cup at home to Sparta on October
    2nd.
    
    

    
    I see Ian Ferguson has been watching the `How to tackle fairly' video
    by Graeme Souness again.
    His inch perfect abdomen high tackle on a Sparta midfielder had Souness
    stamped all over it (and Fergie's studs too).
    He really showed how classy & silky a footballer he is last night & I
    believe the Beast actually phoned the Gypo at his hotel room to
    congratulate him on taking his own title away,as the `Dirtiest
    midfielder in Britain'.
    
    Apart from that.....
    
    Yeez got gubbed as well 8*))
    
    
    

    
    Latest from Love Street:
    
    St.Mirren......1 Rangers......0
    
    15 minutes played.
    
    

    
    Re .19
          To be fair (and I don't do this very often) to the Huns,the 
    tackle on McCoist from behind was horrendous!!! Could this be why
    he didn't play against St.Mirren. Possibly an Italian (detest tackles
    from behind) Referee might have at least booked the Sparta player??
    
    

    
    
    	We already have a Rangers topic.  please don't create topics
    without doing a directory.
    
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Note 96.0                    Glasgow Rangers TV....                    2 replies
AYOV27::DSMITH                                       19 lines  25-SEP-1991 14:48
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        Matches involving Glasgow Rangers have been shown every weekend
    this season on either BBC or STV. Now, I know they are the biggest club
    in Scotland but surely the TV stations should be covering more games
    involving the so-called smaller clubs. Virtually the only time these
    teams get any cover is when they are playing Rangers or to a lesser
    extent Celtic. A couple of seasons ago, the BBC (i think) covered ALL
    the premier league games and also games from the other 2 divisions.
    This gave the viewer a broader look at Scottish football. I'm sure I'm
    not the only person getting a bit p'd off with Rangers being shown
    every week. Last weekend was a perfect example when the St. Mirren v
    Rangers game was covered by STV. I would have thought that the Aberdeen
    v Hibs game was the game of the day in the premier league. Why then did
    the TV companies not cover this one??
    
       Danny...
    

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SCOAYR::BCOUGHTRIE                                   38 lines  25-SEP-1991 15:55
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    You're quite right Danny, I would ban them from all future television
    coverage -) -), anyway, have you any constructive points as to what
    could be considered a fair system of coverage, i.e. what would it be
    based on ?
    
    I am of the opinion that the coverage is entirely due to what the TV
    companies consider to be the biggest interest level......allied to
    the cash drawn in from the event televised.
    
    Personally speaking I try to attend most games therefore I'm not too
    bothered about TV coverage, however, I think the game is being geared
    more and more to the armchair viewer, who in most cases are not regular
    supporters of any team anyway, unless they are of course disabled etc
    and can't manage the game.
    
    Rangers were never televised by STV for 1.5 years during the wrangle
    with Graeme "cream puff" Souness, but still there were the moaners
    complaining about their coverage on BBC at the time.
    
    Some people would rather they were never televised at all, then again
    others take more pride out of seeing the old firm getting gubbed than
    they do in seeing their own team winning, thus they are prepared to
    accept TV coverage......as long as they don't win, that is, this always
    has been the Scottish attitude, shoot them down cos their winning.
    
    Maybe we're just a nation of underdog lovers -) -) -)
    
    Anyway, I can't believe that this subject bothers you enough to dedicate
    a whole topic to it -) -) -)
    
    Don't watch the telly tonight, there may be Skol cup highlights on,
    the viewing figures will reach record proportions if Rangers get beat,
    that's maybe one of the excuses to warrant coverage -) -) -)
    
    
                                                         Brian.
    
    

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Note 96.2                    Glasgow Rangers TV....                       2 of 2
BAHTAT::BLYTHE "Ee bah gum th's trouble at t'mill"    5 lines  25-SEP-1991 18:10
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    Mr Mod :-
    
    Shouldn't this be in note 47 ?
    
    jb. (worried that there might be an outbreak of McNoterism ;-) )

    Rangers 0 Hibs 1   @:^(

    In short.................Hibs deserved to win, Rangers deserved nothing
    and got nothing, Mickey Weir (nice name) ran the midfield with
    comparitive ease against a severely lacklustre Rangers, Keith Wright
    took his goal well.
    
    The end of an era of Skol cup successes, Hibs were the last team to
    beat Rangers at this stage of the cup in season 1985, that was a two-leg
    semi with Hibs winning 2-0 at Easter Road and Rangers only winning 1-0
    at Ibrox in the return game............at least we had an excuse then,
    we were REALLY cr*p.
    
    I think it's time the fans knew the real reason behind Gough's fitness
    level, if he's unfit he should be left out until 100% fit and not keep
    appearing in sporadic games, forcing continual chopping and changing of
    the team.......his elimination from last night's game was kept pretty
    hush hush.
    
    The players have no time to feel sorry for themselves with Aberdeen
    looming in the league at Ibrox on Saturday.
    
    P.S. Is Davie Syme refereeing the final ?    -) -)
    
    
                                                       Brian.
                                                        

    
    I'd just like to say that the Hibs goal was taken well, but was one of
    the worst pieces of goalkeeping I have seen for a long time. It's
    rather worrying that this is the Scotland goalkeeper.
    

    If i were a hun i would be more concerned about the two defenders(one a
    so called international,the other a clown)deciding to wander aimlessly
    onto the goal line instead of picking up the only Hibs player in sight.
    After the goal i expected Johnston to be stretchered from the park with
    suspected kidney failure only to make a miraculous comeback after half
    time.Still the huns are out the cup and come final day Hampden will
    still be full of tims.
                                                         
    Jim (SQF CSC).                                    

    
    Jim,
    	It seems to me that the only pleasure you tims get from football
    	nowadays is when Rangers get beaten, which unfortunately for
        yous,is not that often. 
    	

    re -2
    What a lack of tactics you Celt supporters have ! {Well its
    understandable}
    
    Gary Steven reacted correctly, as the full back he covered the line to
    stop Goram being lobbed. The responsibility to stop Keith Wright was
    for Nisbet / Brown neither of whom had enough brains to twig this.
    
    From the telly it looked to me that HIBs turned up to fight for a win,
    Rangers to pass by 90 minutes on their inevitable trip to the final.
    The result serves us right.
    
    Still only leaves the European Cup and Scottish Cup to worry about.
    
    The leagues a foregone conclusion.

    Could'nt agree more with the last note........it's the first time since
    their rapid exit from the cup semi at the hands of Motherwell that
    they've had the chance to shout anything.........it's really ironic
    that their shouting about something that they had nothing to do with.
    
    By the way, you should re-load your mouth with bitter pills in
    preparation for another gubbing on Saturday, will it be the turn of
    the Easter Road tims to be described as "scum" during and after
    the game ?
    
    
                                                      Brian.

    
    Re .28, one point behind in September and you think you have the league
    won.
    
    Re worrying about the Scottish Cup and European Cup, no need to bother,
    come Christmas you'll only have the cup to worry about and come Easter 
    all your worries will be over.
    
    Rangers might be the top club in Scotland but they don't have a divine
    right to win trophies.  They are out of their depth in Europe and while
    I accept you'll probably win the league it may be the only trophy you'll
    get this season.
    
    Gary.

    Rangers didn't look particulary good vs Hibs in the Skol Cup the other
    night - too many passes went astray, and there didn't look to be a will
    to win. They looked an average (compared to) English 1st Division side.
    
    jb.

    Re last.....Yes, you're right, they did look pretty ordinary the other
    night, they had an off-night, but credit should also be given to Hibs,
    who played very well and looked sound in nearly every department.
    
    Incidentally, I'm led to believe that the English 1st division is not
    exactly laced with free-flowing brilliance, other than a VERY few
    exceptions........this is not designed to instigate an argument -) -).
    
    Coventry City were taken apart by Ayr Utd in a pre-season game (Ayr are
    in the Scottish 1st Div) Coventry then beat the champions Arsenal on
    their own ground, this either tells you that everything is not always
    as it seems, OR that English football is not a bowl of cherry pips.
    
    For what it's worth, I think Arsenal are a very impressive team, as are
    Man Utd, based on early season form, I also think that Liverpool are a
    shadow of their former selves.
    
    With the exception of Leeds, the heather is not exactly being set on
    fire.
    
    
                                                          Brian.

    I'll now be able to see more Scottish football (I just bought
    Satellite TV), so more comparsons can be made. If there was a British
    premier Div of 20 clubs, who would be in it ? (or is this a new note?).
    No doubt 'Gers will be on the box again soon ...
    
    jb.

    Well you might be subjected to cancellations of live matches which have
    been scheduled for BSkyB, there are still wrangles going on with other
    country's football associations (Ireland,Wales namely) which often
    result in the blacking-out of TV, due to complaints that a live game
    will affect attendances at their fixtures, which coincide with the live
    game.
    
    As usual, cash demands from clubs for compensation are the norm, and are
    apparently sky high compared to what the TV companies are prepared to
    pay to compensate for alleged crowd loss.
    
    
                                                       Brian.

    As a supporter of Celtic Football? Club, it annoys me to see more
    emphasis placed on a Rangers loss than any Celtic achievement - which
    are few and far between at the moment - by some quarters of our support.
    
    By the way, the ongoing debate regarding Tv coverage of the old firm,
    the answer is quite simple..... the rest of the teams in Scotland are
    pish. -).... and believe it or not Scottish football would not survive
    without the old firm. It is a well known fact that the lesser clubs have
    lived off the back of the old firm for decades, none more so than the
    Dons, who only produce a capacity crowd against the old firm.
    
    And what's more, the likes of Airdrie, Falkirk etc. are the cause for
    the stagnation in our game.......what have these teams ever done for
    Scottish football, but kick the heids off the players we rely on for
    internationals. Please do not reply stating the 'hard men' the old firm
    have employed in past, as these were only introduced to negate the
    nutjobs! playing for other clubs. IMHO the Scottish football league is
    in its current state due to the likes previously mentioned, and is
    never likely to improve until the old firm and the Edinburgh pair are
    allowed to join a British league, along with Dundee Utd and
    Aberdeen, based, however, on performances and not attendances.
    
    And Furthermore don't start spouting this rubbish about not following
    your local team resulting in poor attendances...... the facts are that
    it is human (tims human !!) nature to follow success, after all who
    wants to spectate over the dross of the "smaller" sides, who are
    capable of winning nothing, unless Davie Syme is the referee.......it
    is common practice to follow success, look at the English teams, the
    Liverpool and Man Utd notes appear to be dominated by anything but
    Mancs and Scousers, claiming to be lifetime fans of their club.
    
    
    p.s Guess who the most arrogant supporters in the world are; YES you've
    got it, those Liverpool heeders who only jumped on the bandwagon 20
    years ago when they started to become something of a force.......let's
    face it, what were they up to that without Scottish players.......a
    bunch of nobody's.
     
    
                                                  Regards,
                                                  Mark (an Ayrshire tim). 
    

    
    Okay guys,just exactly where is the crisis ?
    
    Pittodrie ?????......Celtic Park ?????....or perhaps Love street ????
    
    I think not ! You only have to look to Govan for THE crisis. 1 point
    from your last four(in a league you were gonna win hands down),out of
    the Skol `Rangers' Cup,& going out of Europe at the 1st hurdle AGAIN !
    
    Tut-tut,everything in the garden suddenly ain't rosy anymore !!
    
    JJ of the Wind_em_up_&_drag_em_in SQFCSC 
    
    

    I watched the Rangers vs Dons game and was amazed (or was I?) to see
    that after the second goal was scored,that the stadium became was
    deserted.Perhaps the 'Loyal' part of the word 'Loyalist' is not very
    appropriate when it comes to Rangers fans.Of course this was
    demonstrated for many years prior to the 're-birth of the blue-nose'
    Souness era.Mind you Rangers aggregate score over the past 5 games
    (three league,one league cup and the European cup) is 6-3 against so
    maybe the "fans" had been doing their sums during the game.
    
    		Yours Sincerely		Eddie (Larkhall CSC)

    Another short.....................Aberdeen severely gubbed us on
    Saturday, we were well short in every department...AGAIN, much as I
    hate to admit it the Dons wers simply too good on the day and a goal
    from them was always on the cards.
    
    We keep hearing that the Ruskies are not up to the demands of Scottish
    football, I don't understand how that conclusion can be reached,
    considering they've both never featured in the same team and have only
    played approx 3 full games between them................how Walter Smith
    can play John Clown in place of Kuznetsov and expect to get some
    decent football out of defence defies imagination.
    
    Aberdeen played well on Saturday and are already talking in terms of
    the league, they should know better than to mouth off at this stage of
    the season, there's only 35 games left for Rangers to recover 3 points,
    and even I think that's possible -) -).
    
    As far as Mr Love's comments are concerned, it's easily summed up by
    saying that once again Rangers result is foremost in the mind.....
    you've got a short memory when talking about empty stadiums, the midden
    was 3/4 empty 10 mins before the end of the old firm game.....as it has
    been on more than one occasion over the last few seasons......of course
    you'll probably not have been at the games anyway -) -) -).
    
    On a lighter note, I am delighted to see the king of the wind-up men
    (and I use the term "men" looosely), namely JJ back to his old
    form..........
    
    
                                                           Brian. 

    re last
    
    Agreed Brian. Why oh why was Brown in the team instead of Kutznetsov.
    It's time he was in to partner Nisbet until Gough is fit and Nisbet
    gets dropped. The other russian should be played in the heart of
    midfield instead of out on the left touchline somewhere. On the rare
    occasion when he got the ball to feet i thought he looked quite good.
    I'm sure we'd see much more of him if he was running the show from the
    centre of midfield. McCall and Spackman, who's having a CRAP season btw,
    have been falling over each other for weeks now.
    
    I'm none too confident for wednesday's game unless changes are made. I
    think we can score a couple, but i can't see us preventing them from
    scoring with the defence we're using at the moment.
    
    Prediction : Rangers 2, Sparta 1.
    
    Colin.
    
    P.S. I don't blame anyone for leaving early from a game when the team
    are playing absolutely pish. There is no way you'll ever get rangers
    fans staying right till the end of a game singing away in some pathetic
    show of 'loyalty'. If the team aren't showing the form we all know they are
    capable of, then people will leave and/or they'll get booed off the
    park.....simple. I reckon it all stems from a fear of slipping back to
    the bad old pre-souness days.
     

    Yes, you're quite right about Mikhailichenko Colin, he IS, and always
    has been, a central midfielder, yet they persisted with him in a wide
    role........it looks pretty obvious to me that the team SHOULD pick
    itself, i.e. Mikhailichenko and Spackman in central midfield with
    Durrant and McCall left and right midfield respectively, and Kuznetsov
    definitely in the defence........but maybe that's why I am not a
    manager -) -) -).
    
    Spackman is off form at the moment, but he's streets above
    Ferguson, even on a bad day, Durrant needs a few good games below his
    belt to give him confidence, but he might get the time and space to
    play some football on Wednesday, as might Mikhailichenko.
    
    The central defence of Brown and Nizzy will leak goals on Wednesday,
    they play too square, with neither one remotely resembling a sweeper,
    we all knew that Nizzy would be tested when there were no decent players
    there to cover for his errors, that was mighty evident on
    Saturday....cos Brown has no idea of how to play football out of
    defence, neither is he able to cover for a ball played past Nizzy.
    
    It is Walter Smith's prerogative to pick the team and play the style he
    choses, however, playing players out of position, and dropping decent
    footballers is only asking for trouble..........most of the fans in the
    ground on Saturday knew what to expect when they heard the team being
    announced, they were'nt disappointed.
    
    He'll succeed or fail by his team decision on Wednesday, if Brown and Nizzy
    play it'll be (iron) curtains again, their midfielders and fast front
    players will thrive on a slow, square defence.......one goal is all
    that is needed.
    
    I don't think pessimism has anything to do with the current feelings
    among the supporters, I think it is reality, Alex Smith reckoned
    Aberdeen's recent failings were due to lack of confidence, but he never
    cut his own throat by fielding donkeys (Irvine excluded -) -)), the
    supporters current lack of confidence is exactly because of Walter
    Smith's choices in certain positions. 
    
    I still don't think the Czechs are anything brilliant, but maybe they
    won't need to be -) -) -).
    
    
    
                                                          Brian.  

    
    Bye bye Rangers		RANGERS win 2-1 but go out on away goals.

    Quiz:-  Is there anything stupider than sitting up till 2 in the
    morning watching this crap on french telly when it was obvious after 10
    minutes we wre our usual clueless selves in Europe !
            q2 Did Miichaeliwhatihisname ever pass a ball, or take a corner
    that went to a rangers player ?
    
             2-1 flattered us.
           

    
    
    No, I shouldn't smirk (      ), and I couldn't give a hoot how Rangers
    perfrom in Europe  - or anywhere else for that matter (      ).
    
    What does concern me however, is that our first (only?) choice national
    goalkeeper can make an error of such monumental proportions.
    And it is by no means his first this season.
    
    I fear for our chances in Romania.
    
    *IF* I was a Rangers' sympathiser, I would be craving for Chris Woods.
    Yes, and of course Trevor Steven.
    
    
    (       ),
    Michael
    
    

    But your still craving for the return of the good ol team of 67 Mikey,
    which will NEVER happen again, also, can you please explain what point
    there is in looking backwards for comfort, considering Woods and Steven
    both had their chances at that level for several seasons......... and
    done nothing better than the players of last night, and WOULD have done
    nothing better than the players of last night, if playing.
    
    Rangers beat Inter Milan 3-1 at Ibrox a few years ago, their team
    included Rumenigge, Altobelli, BRADY and another host of international
    stars, the aggregate score was 3-4, now the Rangers team of the time
    included such greats as Mcloy, Dawson, Fraser, Ferguson (Ian),
    Paterson, Mitchell (you won't remember him as he was'nt on tv a lot),
    etc etc etc...................do you suggest we crave for the return of
    all these guys, after all it was a magnificent victory, albeit to no
    avail................certainly anything as good as there's been in
    recent years.
    
    Rangers are at least trying to build a stadium and a team worthy of
    playing in it, it won't be easy to succeed, but I'd rather they tried
    than just talked about trying, as certain other clubs are doing.
    
    So do give us a break...........or I'm gonny start greetin in yur wee
    face -) -) -).
    
    
                                                              Brian. 
    
    Your memory is also short concerning Goram, please accept that he has
    saved the mighty national side on numerous occasions in the past, and
    will probably do so again in Romania.

    re .45
    
    What a sad note. The fact is you should care about how Rangers do in
    Europe indeed how all Scottish clubs do, just as I should re Celtic.
    BUT it just ain't the way we were dragged up eh ?
    
    re Goram - He is still better than Woods, and we had to reduce the
    number of non Scots anyway.  You omitted to mention his earlier save
    which kept the tie going which is way better than any other Scottish
    keeper I've seen recently. 
    
    re -.46  I'm happy to give us time to built world class facilities and
    world class team. I just want some signs that we are progressing.
    Loosing to teams like Bayern and Red Star and maybe even  Steau can be
    tolerable, but Prague were no more than a very average European side !
             Maybe I'vve watched too many games like last nights. However
    the basics are not there.  When a Prague player hit the ball he
    immediately moved into space, when a Rangers player hit the ball he
    did't. This is basic.
             I watched Russia v someone a couple of weeks ago and Michalie
    was awesome, he played deep and sprayed passes about, did't tackle much
    or run about much but what the hell.  Where do we play him ? almost as
    a winger ****  
             We have players at Ibrox that very few teams in Europe would
    turn down, so it got to be management and tactical awareness thats the
    problem. Don't tell me its the Premier league thats to blame, thats
    bullshit. It the premier {imagine the arrogance to describe it as
    premier} is so difficult howcome European teams find it so easy against
    Scottish teams ?
              It is not unreasonable to expect us to be reaching the
    quarter final stage after the investments that have been made.
              The real worry is that what will amke us different in next
    years European Cup ?  [oh yes the league will still be ours thats says
    volumes for the rest of the dross]
             Anyone got anything positive to input ?  

                       
    	re .46
    
        Brian,
    
    	From a completely non-biased sassanac (ie me!) I would point out
    	that Mike's comment was about his fears for Scotland's chances of
    	progress with those sort of keeper mistakes, which out to concern
    	you too... 8-)
    
    	There may be a lot of wind-up written in this and Celtic's note - 
    	you just carry on - but I don't think it was intended like that.
    
    				8-)
    
    	Was a bit of a "Jim Leighton", wasn't it!
    
    	Andy.

    Yes, and I too am worried about Scotland.......but it's not the keeper
    that worries me, he has proved his worth in the past, he was an
    outstanding keeper at Hibs and STILL is with Rangers and Scotland.
    
    As Mick (nice name) knows fine, Scotland have more to worry about than
    their keeper, the keeper is always an easy target for abuse, lest we
    forget the cr*p played in front of him from all areas of the pitch.
    
    He also knows fine I am aware of old firm wind-ups, life would NEVER be
    the same without them, but I'm entering a note to let other people see
    the real attempts being made to improve all aspects of the
    club.........by the way Andy, it intrigues me to ask why you're
    defending the wee man ?.. -) -) -)
    
    Well Denis I agree that you should expect success due to expenditure,
    I am quite sure we'll get success eventually, but time must be given
    considering the same team has rarely been fielded twice in successive
    games this season, Gough's on-and-off fitness levels are also a major
    cause of this because he commands a place automatically when fit, but
    might never manage the next game, thus the whole system has to change
    again.........this appears to be ongoing.
    
    Most of the people at Ibrox on Saturday, against Aberdeen, made the same
    point about Mikhailichenko being played out of position, the management
    have to accept responsibility for that, that is also part of the
    problems we give ourselves, but to compare his exploits with Russia to
    that of Rangers is nonsense, for a start he has another 9 CLASS 
    players around him to help make it easier to play when playing in
    internationals..........we're lucky if we have 3 players in the whole
    team capable of reading a few moves ahead, and one of them is his
    international mate Kuznetsov, we've also succeeded in making a mince
    player out of Johnston, he has, and always will be, a penalty box
    player, yet their asking him to come deep and accept the
    ball......there's no direct comparison, but what if Gerd Muller had
    been asked to do that ?
    
    We are contributing to our own downfall, but Souness was also VERY
    guilty of the same type of team choices, so who do you suggest we get
    after we've sacked Walter Smith for a few bad performances ?
    
    I dread to think what might have happened to Man Utd if Fergie had got
    the bullet after a bad season or two (might interest you Andy), he
    has led them to success after a bad start, and looks very capable of
    winning the league title this season, despite predictions of "bubble
    bursting" etc.
    
    Anyway, the fans of any club can argue over everything after a few
    defeats, it still does'nt appear to me to alter the tactics of managers
    who are watching the same game, and who must see the same faults.
    
    
    
                                                   Brian.

    
    
    	Re -1
    		Brian, I agree with you that the least of Rangers
    	and Scotlands worries is the goalkeeping situation (unless
    	Goram gets injured) but the sad truth is Scottish teams
    	are just no good enough for the European stage. You do not
    	get teams like Liverpool, Arsenal, Man Utd, etc having to
    	rely on players like John Brown, Scott Nisbet (however well
    	he is playing at the moment) Mike Galloway, etc.
    
    		Rangers, at the start of this season, I thought
    	had a chance of progressing quite far in the champions
    	cup, but the sale of Trevor Steven and Mark Walters ended
    	that. Neither of them should have been allowed to leave,
    	let alone both, simalarly Paul Elliot at Celtic. If 
    	Scottish teams continue to sell their best players they
    	will never win anything.
    
    		Scott.

    
    
    Which sad note was that Dennis?   I can assure you I wasn't sad when 
    I was typing it :-)
    
    And yes Brian (whose name doesn't give away his old school), you're
    right of course about Scotland having more to worry about than their
    'keeper, but we could certainly do without the additional worry of
    knowing that our 'keeper is capable of such basic blunders.  As Andy
    rightly detected, *that part* of the note was not a wind up.
    
    Your analagy about craving for the Rangers of old is a red herring.
    We're talking about a straight swap between Woods and Goram here. 
    As a keen Rangers man, are you happy with the swap - given Goram's
    recent performances?
    
    But anyway, altogether now, after three.....
    
    "One team in Europe,
     There's only one team in Europe"
    
    I'm sure you can imagine the tune.
    
    
    Michael
    

    Re .50 > Your absolutely right in everything you've just said Scott, I
    can hardly believe I'm agreeing with someone -) -)......there are still
    people who attend Rangers matches that consider both Russians (Or
    Ukranians) to be cr*p, and are already gunning for them to be released
    by Rangers, the same people failed to pass comment on the total lack of
    football currently being exercised by the likes of John Brown, it
    appears that they just can't see good footballers when they are staring
    them in the face.
    
    With supporters "following" the team, who either can't or won't identify
    real talent when they have it.......and booing at the very first
    opportunity, it begs the question, do we really deserve a good team ?
    
    Your never going to believe that some people ACTUALLY blamed the
    scoring of Sparta's goal on Brown being substituted well before
    it happened........to me that just about says it all.
    
    I've followed Rangers for years, and I know how restless the fans get
    when things are'nt going their way (rightly so on some occasions), the
    famous cry of old (apart from the dot-dash) -) -) used to be that we
    needed a far better quality of player in the side (that was a point
    everyone agreed on, but then everyone going in the bad times were REAL
    supporters), I think we've tried very hard to do just that.........but
    still the flak flies as bad as before.....the management will NEVER win
    at Ibrox.
    
    Trevor Steven was also regarded as "rubbish" immediately after last
    year's Euro knock-out, but as usual the short memories prevail and he
    is probably now thought to be a better player than he was when he was
    actually at the club.
    
    Rangers have also been unfortunate with respect to the
    injuries/ilnesses to Gough and Brian Reid, they would have been
    automatic choices in defence alongside Kuznetsov on Wednesday..thus
    eliminating Nizzy and Brown from the team.......we're still well off
    the mark of quality needed in Europe, that's obvious...but we'll be
    further behind if we sell class players to other clubs on the strength
    of a few results going the wrong way.
    
    
                                                                  
                                                            Brian.

    I would like to thank Mr Coughtrie for having the decency to reply
    (47.39) to my comments about all the Huns leaving The Zoo in their droves
    after Jess' goal last Saturday.I take exception to the point about not
    having been at the games specified;I have not missed a Celtic v rangers
    game at Parkhead in the past 5 years,I have been at about half the
    games at the Zoo (including the 5-1 and 4-1 games) and have never left
    before the final whistle.I also attend as many matches as possible
    through the season and so far this season have not missed a home
    game!!!
    As for the original point about you lot of so called "fans",I have
    friends who are die-hard rangers fans (being from Larkhall it is 
    unavoidable) and who remember the 8000 crowds of the lean years.
    The problem,if anything,with Celtic fans is that they are far too loyal
    as has been seen over the last 3 miserable seasons.
    Anyway I would just like to congratulate Celtic on qualifying for
    the next round of the UEFA cup and hope that everyone in Scotland
    gets behind them;of course we can only expect you lot to get behind us 
    as much as Goram got behind the ball on Wednesday night.
    
    SONG: (to the tune of "WHERE'S YOUR TREBLE GONE")
    
    		"WHERE'S YOUR SEASON GONE"
    
    			BYE	EDDIE	(LARKHALL CSC)
    are too loyal

    You really are a hero Eddie, should I bow down now.......are we never
    to hear the end of this "best supporters in the land" crap, mostly
    whipped up by that closet tim of of commentators, Archie McCeltic....get
    it right, there are thousands of followers of EVERY team who could
    claim that they are at least, if not more loyal than the tims, and that
    includes bluenoses, in fact I would suggest that the diehard followers
    of any teams outwith the old firm and Aberdeen have more of a claim as
    the "best supporters in the land" title, considering they follow thick
    and thin irrespective of the trophy room being crammed, or knowing that
    they have'nt got the potential to cram it. 
    
    You have'nt missed an Old Firm game in 5 years, I could safely treble
    that figure, and there were a barrowload of lean times in the duration
    of 15 years, especially at that well known east end refuse tip.
    
    You've got a brass neck wanting the whole of Scotland to back you in
    Europe, considering the chances of seeing a St Andrews cross in the
    Parkhead crowd is as likely as Chas Nick signing for Rangers.......
    and considering that tims were celebrating in their livingrooms after
    Sparta's goal on Wednesday, you know what you can expect from the
    bluenoses.......and you won't be disappointed.
    
    
                                                           Brian.

    Thanks again,Mr Coughtrie for replying to my last note;you certainly
    gave the impression that it upset you somewhat so at least it achieved
    something.
    How you can ever think that Archie McBluenose is a Celtic fan is beyond
    me;you'll be saying that the Daily Rangers is a spin off of the Glasgow
    Observer next;15 years or more watching the Huns at the zoo has
    obviously affected your brain(?).
    As for Celtic fans being the best in the world,the truth hurts-end of
    story!!!
    You don't actually think that I was being serious when I asked for all
    of Scotland to be behind Celtic in Europe; after all I'm sure you lot
    were right behind us in '67 as the papers often say-and I don't think.
    And yes I was holding my ribs when I saw the ball trickle over the line
    on Wednesday night; after all I find it hard to understand how ANYONE
    can follow a side who's tradition is based on discrimination and who
    would not have signed me simply because of where I go on a Sunday
    morning (remember Danny McGrain).
    Anyway I'm looking forward to Hibs giving the huns the runaround AGAIN
    on Tuesday night;hope you are there to see it.
    
    		Eddie.

    re last few
    
    Keep it up lads,excellent entertainment 8*)
    
    On a more serious note however. Has David Murray bought over STV ?
    Judging by the amount of coverage you lot get,I think he must have.
    Scotland's match of the day on Saturday was at Celtic Park,but yet the
    BBC (Bluenose Bears Corporation) & STV (Canni think of anything for
    that one) both ignored it and headed off to Easter Road & Broomfield
    respectively to watch an improved Hibees against a lacklustre Pars &
    an average 1st division type team against another average 1st division
    type team 8*)
    I guess it's because they ain't gonna get a chance to cover another
    European match..snigger snigger.....involving the bears,that they
    intend to make up for it by covering every glamorous league tie Rangers
    play (i.e. v falkirk,St.Mirren & Airdrie).
    
    Q: What have Rangers & Australia got in common ?
       
    
    A: None of them are in Europe !!  8*)))
                                                    
    

	RE .54,.55. How about starting a "Religious Bigotry" note in this 
	conference, and then maybe we could get back to discussing 
	football ?

	Oh, wait a minute - I get it. It's not bigotry if you say it 
	with a smile ? 

	It's all pretty pathetic really.
	
	John.
                                         

    
    Can you guys please calm down and stick to discussing football.
    
    Gary.

    Re last > Paul, Stuart McCall appears to be a very good signing, he is,
    as you say, a tireless worker in midfield, he also has good vision and
    passing ability, which came as a pleasant surprise to me, he is still a
    bit impetuous in the challenge and this has led to 4 bookings thus far
    in the season.......the refs are not so lenient as in England, as he
    has learned to his cost, but his overall play suggests he has been a
    significant signing.
    
    As far as Durrant is concerned, he does not appear to have the same
    vigour for the game as he had prior to his injury, this may be due to
    his selection for the first team being inconsistent, therefore not
    allowing him the required games to really fit in.
    
    He does not appear to want to (or can't) make the forward runs that was
    his hallmark prior to his injury (lack of confidence maybe ?), I would
    give him plenty time yet though, as he has youth on his side, however,
    after early signs of promise on his immediate return, he seems to have 
    faded from the levels required/expected of him, albeit there is the
    possibility that the expectations may have been set too high.
    
    
    
                                                                Brian.

    Mr Moderator (Gary), I can't understand why the last note was set
    hidden, I think we got your message on the earlier note (.58),
    things do tend to get over-exuberant at times when referencing
    old firm issues, but they are USUALLY meant to be taken with a pinch of
    salt (I hope).
    
    Anyway, on to the real subject of the conference :-
    
    Rangers 4 Hibs 2
    
    Terrible first half, with very few chances created from both sides,
    Rangers lost 2 players (if you can call Brown a player) in the first
    half through injuries, which certainly upset the balance of the team
    and caused a lot of re-shuffling, personally I think Hamilton should
    have been booked for his "tackle" on Sandy Robertson, which eventually
    led to him limping off.
    
    Hibs scored in 44mins when Weir broke through a square defence and slid
    the ball under the advancing Goram, the second half was a flurry of
    virtually continual activity, Mcoist equalised with a low shot in
    54mins, then Rangers went 2-1 ahead when Tortolano scored an own goal
    when under pressure from Mcoist (61mins), Hibs equalised (deservedly) when
    McGinlay scrambled the ball over the line in 79mins, Rangers then
    proceeded to score a further 2 great goals from free-kicks from about
    20-25yds out, the third goal, from Mcoist, was scored after 83mins and
    Huistra scored the fourth in 89mins.....overall Rangers deserved the
    win, but yet again they have severe injury problems for the game at
    Mcdiarmid on Saturday.
    
    Best players, in my opinion, were Mcoist, Spackman and McCall for
    Rangers and Weir and Mcginlay (very much under-estimated) for Hibs.
                                                                    
    
    
    
                                                              Brian.

    WELL BRIAN,it seems we agree on one thing;that old firm issues should
    not be taken seriously.
    
    		Cheers	Eddie

    I'm not too sure if your last reply was a wind-up Eddie, I'm beginning
    to worry cos your starting to agree with me, is there something going
    on that I don't know about, also, why was your previous note set hidden ?,
    considering it was one of the more reserved replies, it surprises me.
    
    Do I detect the calm before a series of stormy wind-ups ?
    
    
    
                                                                  Brian. 

    
    The note was set hidden because I considered it to be an attempt
    at starting this sectarian tit for tat aguments again.  There
    wasn't any foul or abusive language in it.
    
    Gary.

    Re Saturdays game..theres a lot of media mention of the incident
    between Smith and Totten....what actually happened ?? as Im sure there
    is more info in the press at home, rather than a mere mention of it in
    the National/English press.
    Paul

    Apparently it was a storm in Aggie's teacup, however, they have both
    been charged with breach of the peace, it seems they were making more
    noise than the home crowd -) -), according to yesterday's papers they
    are still the "best of friends" and now regret the incident ever
    happened, they are to appear in court this week, maybe Smith will also
    be charged with insanity for stating that things will be alright again
    when Ian Ferguson's fit -) -).
    
    Rangers played a lot of very good football on Saturday, especially
    Morrow, they should have been more than 2 goals ahead at half-time
    and should not have finished up trying to hold on for a win, still, it
    was a good result considering the injury crisis.
    
    
    
                                                            Brian.

    RANGERS 2  :: HEARTS O   (any match report)
    

    THE WAY RANGERS PLAYED ON SATURDAY I CANT SEE ANY TEAM IN SCOTLAND
    BEING ABLE TO COPE WITH THE FAST FLOWING FOOTBALL THAT WE PLAYED
    THE DEFENCE LOOKED VERY SOLID WITH RICHARD GOUGH BACK, THE 
    FORWARD LINE ALL WORKED WELL FOR EACH OTHER (BRING ON THE SCUM)
      
    
    

    
    
    	re .69...
    
    	sshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh........we're *trying* to sleep in here.
    
    	ie. take off the CAP LOCK....please?
    
    	Andy.

    
    
    re .66,.67
    
    I have heard from a very reliable source(naming no names),
    that after some very heated words, exchanged between
    Mr Totten and Mr Smith,that Totten not liking what had
    been said nutted Smith, who upon getting back off the
    ground hooked Totten in the Kisser. 
    
    I also hasten to add that the fracas was SFA to with
    our very own Auntie Aggie.
    
    
    Perth Man.

    
    Scottish Premier League 29-10-91
    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    
    Dundee United.........3   Rangers............2
    
            
                      

    
    Dundee Utd 3	Rangers 2
    McKinnon	        The Superstar 2 (1 pen)
    Jackson (pen)
    That big lanky b***
    
    	CULPRITS
    	--------
    	1.-  Walter Smith.For fielding Ferguson and Brown before Kuznetsov
    	     and Michaelichenko.
    
    	2.-  Fergie. Darren Jackson was going nowhere, Stevens and Spackman 
    	     were covering, so Fergie decides to boot Jackson and give away
    	     our first penalty this season.
    
    	3.-  Nizzy and Brown for not cutting out the keepers long kick that
    	     Jackson crossed over for the 3rd goal.
    
    	4.-  Handless Goram, that man needs his arse kicked round Govan.
    	     He had Jackson's cross/shot well covered but didn't hold it.
    
    	5.-  Mo Johnston, in the last seconds of the game he had the
             simplest of chances but roled the ball back to Van der Clump.
    
    
    	Don't listen to JJ about us being gubbed, the game was won when
        we went 2-1 up and Utd never looked like scoring until Fergie
        decided to try one of his Ninja Turtle moves in the box. Smith
        should go and get Ally Maxwell to put a bit of pressure on Goram
    	who has cost us more in 20 games than Woods did in 4 years, I'm
        sure Maxwell would rather collect a wage at Ibrox than sit on the
        dole.
    
    	As for Saturday, we play Europe's whipping boys and need to put
        some class on the park. The Ukrainians and Gough should all be fit
    	and I would like to see them play. I would put the following team
        out.
    
        			Goram (because we've no one else)
    
    	Stevens		Nizzy		   Gough          Robertson
           |                                                    |
    	   |			Kuznetsov                       |
           V                                                    V
    		McCall		Spackman	Michaelichenko
    
    			McCoist		Hately
    
    	Sub. Huistra,Spencer (cause Mo's crap).
    	
    
        GORDON...
    	

    re -1
    
    	It seems that the gap between the so called "whipping boys of
        Europe" and the Euoropean lynch pins ,Rangers , isn't that
    	wide after all.
    	I fail to see the reason for such a smug attitude towards
    	Scotlands ONLY remaining representitives when your own team
    	have allready been eliminated.
    	I do agree that Rangers are at the moment,ahead of us in terms
    	of class players ,their stadium and business set up but we will
    	get there.Mind you,we will have to find the cash first.
    	Rangers are not so far out in front that they should become 
    	complacent and write off every other Scottish team.
    	The league is going to be close and any one from 3-4 teams could
    	capture the flag.
    	
    		rgds Andrew.

    
    RANGERS  1      CELTIC 1
    The superstar   The cart-horse
    
	Definitely dropped a point on Saturday. We totally played them off
    the park in the first half and should have been 2 up at least with Ally
    and Huistra both missing in front of goal. Celtic played well at the
    start of the second half with some good passing but didn't have any
    finishing ability. Ally score against the run of play after some great
    work by Hately and Stevens, Hately played a tremendous cross field
    pass that Stevens crossed to the near post where Ally threw himself at
    the ball and knocked it past Bonner. After that we threatened to
    humiliate Celtic but a needless passback by Spackman was cut off by
    Tony Carthorse who only had to knock the ball in, if he had to play
    football the ball would have been in the upper deck of the Broomloan.
    Watching the replay, Gough should have got Spackman's pass and should
    shoulder some of the blame. 
    
    	Any way, in reply to the last note I still believe we are streets
    ahead of Celtic and their fans must think the same. If you look at the
    reaction at the final whistle you would have thought they had won the
    league and not just managed to get a draw at Ibrox. If that's the
    bright side of a Celtic fan's life then long may it continue.
    
    Gordon... 

    I see we have signed Dale Gordon from Norwich any info on him,i have
    
    
    
    
    
    
    I see we have signed Dale Gordon from Norwich any info on him,i also
    heard this morning that Paul Merson has signed,does anyone know if
    there is any  truth in this.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

    There was no mention of any transfers being completed on the 1 o'clock
    sports news on Radio 5.

    
    The Dale Gordon story was on teletext last night and at lunchtime - it
    said he'd agreed terms and was due to sign this week - nothing about
    Merson though.
    
    Paul

                     <<< Note 47.78 by SCOAYR::SPC_JOHN >>>


Re . 78


   Have Rangers signed the now legendary Dale Gordon twins?



   Stuart    
    
    

    
    Gordon,
    
    		It never ceases to amaze me the one sided view of a hun.
    To say that Celtic were played off the park surely speaks volumes
    for the bluenose thought process yet again.I must admit that I only
    watched the match on Sky(a full 40 minutes though) so therefore cannot
    say I saw all of the match but surely its logical to assume (even for
    you lot) that the tv companies are not going to miss out some of the 
    action for the dross.
    	On the basis of chances created it works out about 50/50 without
    any evidence from what I saw,of the "we threatened to humiliate Celtic"
    after you scored.  Where?
    	In reply to your thinking of the Merrick 11 being streets ahead
    of Celtic, THINK AGAIN!!  The only real department that you can say
    that is,in defence,but we all know that.
    	Look at your midfield and compare it Celtics' and then tell me in
    all honesty who your playmaker is! All you seem to have are 3 or 4
    blood and guts ball winners with nobody wanting to slow the play down
    and THINK what he is going to do with it. Evidence of this came after
    the restart when Liam obviously thought we could win the game.
    Result ; midfield "no contest",  men against laddies (or should that
    be ladies).
    	The forward line speaks for itself.So when we finally shore up 
    defence I think that even you lot will have to think again.
    
    Re; the Celtic celebration at the end.You lot have a very short
    memory indeed.Not too long ago a 3-0 gubbing at Parkhead was considered
    a good result for you  -)-)-)
    
    Kevin
    out celebrating.

    Could someone please tell me when the new stand is supposed to open,the
    last i heard was mid-Nov. and game Vs Marseille was arranged.
    

    I find the hysteria about the Celtic defence this season to be blown
    out of proportion when you consider that compared to Rangers in the
    league,Celtic have only lost 4 more goals and scored one more;also
    with the same number of draws,Rangers have only won one more game.
    Maybe hard facts should be considered when making statements about a
    team's performance and capabilities rather than gut feeling.
    Also when you look at the Rangers' team,particularly the midfield,there
    is a distinct lack of class in preference to "typical premier league
    players"; are they returning to the days of Grieg etc when brute force
    was used to win games rather than style (and we all remember the team
    who dominated with style in those days).
    
    			Eddie Love (Larkhall CSC)
                                            

    Re -1
    
    be honest with yourself Eddie.  celtic have never concentrated on
    defence, and at times have fielded defences that teams like Arbroath
    (no offence to them) would not be proud of.  Celtic have aways adopted
    (even in the Lisbon Lions days) the policy of 'as long as we score more
    goals than the opposition, why worry about defence ?'.  While that may
    have worked 10-20 years ago, things have changed now. One of the most
    important things is to have a solid defence and then work from
    there..just ask sucessful teams like Bayern Munich (who probably
    started all this viz their domination of Europe), Liverpool, Arsenal
    and the Italian clubs.   Not attractive Ill admit, but it gets the
    results ie More 1-0 wins than 2-3 defeats.  Any team losing 5 goals in
    a European tie should be considering rebuilding/renewing their defence.
    As an example when is the last time Rangers let in 5 goals, in a
    competitive match ??. The hysteria about Celtics defence is justified,
    and the sooner celtic realide this, the sooner they can buid on their
    strengths elsewhere, and become a force in football again.
    
    Apologies to Rangers fans for discussing their oppostion (or not as the
    case may be) in their notes topic.
    
    paul

    re.77
    
    See 48.98 for an accurate assessment of Saturday's match.
    
    

    48.98 - very clear JJ.  Any other numbers you wanna reference ?
    

    re- .86 You need to start with a solid defence like Bayern Munichs
    
    Is that the same solid defence that lost six goals to Copenhagen
    in the last round of their Euro tie.
    
    Graham.

    Re -1
    
    Quoted out of context, so let me expand......  When bayern dominated 
    Europe in the 70's they had an extremely watertight defence, they would 
    soak up all the oppositions pressure, then sneak up field and snatch a 
    winner usually via Gerd Muller. It was probably the most boring type of 
    football to watch, but it was succesful.
    
    
    Of course now they appear to have slipped, and as you rightly say lost
    6 goals recently ..so no doubt Celtic will be trying to sign a few of
    the Bayern defence....:-)
    
    Paul

    HI PAUL,
    		While I agree with you about Celtic's policy of 'lets score
    more than the opposition' policy,I was merely trying to point out that
    in terms of raw league data so far this season Celtic have not done too
    badly by comparison with Rangers;however if someone not interested in
    football was to read the newspapers every week they would get the
    impression that Celtic were floundering at the bottom of the league.
    As far as the 5-1 drubbing is concerned,it is probably the worst defeat
    in living memory but only slightly worse than Rangers'3-0 drubbing
    by Red Star last season.You could argue that Red Star went on to win
    the trophy but so what,on the night Rangers played very similarly to
    Celtic........abissmally!.Anyway the point I am trying to make is that
    apart from that game the defence has been reasonable; I don't remember
    hysteria last season when Aberdeen (one of the most defensive teams in
    Britain) were drubbed 5-1 by St Johnston.
    As far as the Celtic style is concerned,they dominated Scottish
    football for almost 20 years playing attacking,entertaining football        
    and if they started playing like the Aberdeen or Dundee Utd's of this
    world,the fans would desert them.
    
    		Eddie                                                          
    

    
    Has this became the Celtic note or have my 'blue tinted glasses'
    (couldn't be more apt ;*) ) turned green.
    
    In the last 5 years Rangers have let in less goals and scored more 
    than any other team in Scotland. We also held the record for not
    conceding a goal for a good couple of seasons until some Spanish side
    took it earlier this year.  So if you want to see attacking football with
    a solid defence come to Ibrox. 
    
    The goals we have been losing recently have come from a series of 
    blunders caused mainly by the fact we havn't had a settled pair of
    central defenders. Once we have that established again we'll return to
    the "ducks a*se" defence we had at the start of the season.
    
    ...and if you want to talk history...41 championships and climbing...
    
    Gordon...
    
     

    
    The reason you've conceded daft goals lately is because Rab C's a
    haddy,Gough's not fit & Robertson's over-rated.
    Your midfield consists of a Gypo,an excellent back-passer 8*)).....and
    Dutchman who's badly needing a haircut.
    Hately & McCoist are missing too many chances & Mo-Jo's spending too
    much time at Ingilston selling tracksuits.
    
    All this,and a very intelligent manager who insists on leaving out
    3 million quid of Russian talent !!
    
    

    
    I protest , HOW DARE YOU slag the run away leader of the Sunday
    Mail Star Poll. I don't see any of the Brady Bunch back 4 anywhere
    near him.
    
    McCoist 10 goals in 7 games, Hately just back from injury
     "missing too many chances" ?????
    
    
    
     

    As a Killie fan Gordon i was interested to see that Rangers had won the
    League 41 times.I was wondering how many of the 20,000 diehard Rangers
    supporters who never went to Ibrox before Mr Souness arrived actually
    knew this,or even better how many of them actually knew the road to
    Ibrox before Mr Souness arrived ?

    Come along guys, its awfie quiet in here.   Whats the gossip re
    tomorrows game, will the new boy play ?
    
    Interesting how Spatak have now put out two of the top European sides,
    maybe they will win the damn thing.
    
    Any idea how we can remove that prat SPC_JOHN before we die of
    embarrassment ?
    

    
    LATEST...........Rangers 5	Dunfermline 0

    
    Dunfernline 0   RANGERS 5
    		    Gough
    		    Hately
    		    The superstar
    		    Flash Gordon (2)
    
    
    The result flatters Dunfermline, they are worse than they look and will
    definately go down at the end of the season. 
    
    	Rangers played very well and exploited the space that the Pars gave
    them. Dale GORDON put over a perfect cross on 5 minutes for Gough to
    nod past Roades. McCoist and Huistra both missed great chances before,
    McCoist redeemed himself by putting GORDON through for the second which
    he clipped by the keeper who got a hand to it but couldn't stop.In the
    second half GORDON was in the action again and pin pointed a cross for
    Hately but the big man just missed. Two minutes later McCall sent
    GORDON through and he cut the ball into Hately's path this time burying
    it in the back of the net. Huistra was next to play a perfect ball
    through and the Superstar himself latched onto it , drew Roades out and
    rounded him with ease. GORDON then cut out a pass back gave the ball 
    to Hately who switched to Stevens who crossed for GORDON who was back
    in the middle but who's goal was chopped off for offside. The last goal
    was by far the best and showed jow the passing game should be played.
    Goram rolled the ball to McCall, one touch to Huistra, one touch back
    to McCall, one touch through to Hately, one touch to the back post and
    one touch by that man GORDON into the back of the net.
    
    	Rangers displayed on Saturday how football should be played. The
    team played together and knocked the ball about with confidence. No one
    was, or had to be carried. Gough looks like he is fit again, Spackman
    ran his heart out to try and make up for last week and the front men
    and wide players were the feature of the game.
    
    	Dale Gordon has the potential to be Rangers best buy yet and looks
    like a bargain. His all round play is the best I've seen in a Rangers 
    jersey this year. I wouldn't call him an out and out winger, could
    you ever imagine Davie Cooper or Mark Walters going in for a 50-50 ball
    just outside their own penalty box winning it and carrying on up the
    park beating two men on the way. He created space for himself and Gary
    Stevens (who will be glad to have someone who can play football on
    the right with him). His crossing was a very high standard and his
    finishing was deadly. Also his rate of work was equal to that of any
    of the others including Stevens,Spackman and McCall. Is their any
    Norwich supporters out their who know why they let him go or why no-one
    else has come in for him sooner ?? As I already said he looks like a 
    bargain and is definately the player we have been missing. 
    
    GORDON...
    

I take it GORDON had a good game !! -:)

    
    Had to get .100 before JJ staked his claim to yet another one in his
    favourite note.
    Rangers have four players(Goram,Gough,McCall & McCoist),in Scotland's
    team for the match with San Marino.(Here's hoping they all score as we
    need a barraload).
    Can anyone tell me if Gary Stevens has had a fall out with Graham
    Taylor,as i cannot believe he hasn't been included in the England
    squad.(If there's a better Right-Back in Britain at this moment in
    time,then i'll eat a Gardner Merchant dinner.)
    
    
    
    

    Gary Stevens is, without question the best fullback in Britain at the
    moment, he is not getting a chance at International level due to the
    fact that Taylor is heavily biased on behalf of players who play
    in English league football, how can he even consider leaving Trevor
    Steven and Waddle out of the team, based on capabilities they should
    be automatic choices, as should Stevens......it's England's loss.
    
    Incidentally, do give us a break from all this religious innuendo
    and "my team's better than your team" rubbish, it's a bit like Cunno's
    continual harping about the great Aldo.........monotonous.
    
    It really only succeeds in giving the REAL bluenoses a bad name.
    
    
    
                                                        Jacko.

    
    Walter Smith and Alex Totten have both pleaded not guilty to the charge
    of breach of the peace. They will now have to face trial in February.
    
    Bad news: Ian Durrant has had his ankle put in plaster after the
    reserve game against Dunfermline on Saturady. Smith says it's only a
    precaution and will be removed on Friday. According to the (real)
    Rangers news he has been playing well in the reserves and is pushing
    for a first team place again.
    
    GORDON...
     

    Has anybody got a match report on Saturdays game ?
    
    Has Mo gone to Everton ?

    Was'nt at the game on Sat.,has anyone got a report.
                   Rangers have sold Mo Johnstone to Everton for a fee
    of 1.6Million.He said that Rangers and himself had parted on good
    terms,there was no fight with anyone as was reported,he just felt
    he was to good a player to sit on the bench for any team.

    Any reports about signing a replacement ?  Rumour has it that we are
    still after Durie and that he would be happy to leave Spurs.
    
    I for one am sorry to see Mo go. I liked the signing and all its
    implications, also he never gave less than 100% even when not on form.
    However no one is guarenteed a place and McCoist and Hately are playing
    too well for him at present.
    
    Did anyone see Saturday's match ?  how about even a brief report.

    
    
    RANGERS 4    DUNFERMLINE 0
    Robertson
    Hately (2)
    The Superstar
    
    
    	Airdrie came to try and stuff things up for Rangers (as Falkirk did
    a couple of weeks back) but were caught cold by a great goal by David
    Robertson from a tight angle. They re grouped well and were solid at
    the back until Sandison was carried off after an off the ball incident
    involving him and McCoist (Ally was lucky not to have been spotted by
    the officials). Not long after that Gough got in a header from a corner
    that looked like a carbon copy of his Scotland goal during the week but
    bounced too high and came back off the crossbar.
      . Straight after the break a Gordon cross was superbly 
    caught by Hately diving full length and powerfully headed by Martin.
    Hately(I think) provided the third for Ally who finished well (as
    usual). The last goal was by far the best (even though all thre were
    crackers) Hately drove into the box with his usual commitment, just as
    it looked like he was going too far he rocketed a shot past Martin
    which cracked BOTH posts and settled in the back of the net. Gordon 
    should have got a fifth but took the ball too close to the keeper who
    got down well to cover. With 5 minutes left Lawrence went in for a
    50-50 with Stuart McCall and as both players went down the Airdrie
    player flung a fist at McCall and was sent off despite McCall trying to
    play the situation down.
    	This wasn't our best performance but didn't need to be. After
    Airdrie lost their captain there defence looked lost. Hately and
    McCoist once again showed why they have been the preferred striking
    partnership. Gordon was quiet but that was due to some good marking
    which was perhaps too much as Airdrie never covered the other players
    as well as they should have. David Robertson has been the most improved
    player over the recent weeks and looks a lot more comfortable now that
    Gough has returned. Once again there are no bad points to reflect on
    and we should carry the same consistency to Easter Road tonight.
    Hopefully we will see Mikhailichenko at some point.
    
    	On the Johnston transfer. Walter Smith said that Gordon IS the
    replacement his exact words being "I didn't set out to lose Mo. In fact
    I didn't want him to go. However, I did have his replacement, Dale
    Gordon, before Mo moved." 
    
    	My view is that we got the best out of Mo in the first 1.5 seasons
    but he has went stale (in this league) and has not showed his potential
    for a long time. I am not sad to see him go but am greatful for the
    goals he scored especially against the Tims. Btw he is set to play
    in Sharps testimonial against Celtic once again in a blue jersey,
    hope he knocks a couple past them.
    
    GORDON...

    
    re: -1
    
    
    Right bad day for Dunfermline obviously. Hibs beat them on Saturday as
    well. Sure you saw the right game Gordon ?
    
    Brian.

    
    Very good Brian, we all make mistakes. Anyway doesn't matter who we
    play these days, they're still gonna get gubbed.
    
    GORDON...
     

    >                         -< Rangers V Anybody >-
    
    Surely it should be  -< Rangers V Anybody (as long as they're Scottish)>-
    because to think otherwise would be foolish, as you have learned over the
    past few years in Europe......
    
    	- Robin

    Last night's result:
    
    Hibs 0  Rangers 3
    	    (Hately, McCoist 2)
    
    Superb. Easily the best away performance i've seen this season. Totally
    dominated the match from start to finish. A combination of bad luck and
    poor finishing kept the score down to 3, could easily have been 5 or 6.
    
    In the first half, despite ALL the pressure (were Hibs ever in our
    half??) we failed to find the back of the net. The build up play was
    excellent, but our final pass just wasn't quite there. The bears were
    patient though (really unusual), we knew it was only a matter of time
    before the goals would come.
    
    The goal we had been waiting for came early in the second half. Good build
    up by Huistra and McCall left Hately with a fairly easy chance which he
    slotted in. Hibs replied with their best effort of the game. Goram pulled 
    of a great save from a Wright shot from just inside the penaly box.That 
    ended the Hibs challenge.
    
    The second goal came from McCoist. Set up by initially Huistra and then
    by a cute back heel in the box by Hately. Ally's well hit shot took a 
    deflection of a Hibs defender on the way into the net.
    
    The third was a tap for McCoist laid on superbly by Huistra(again). We
    should have had more goals - McCoist,Hately,Gordon,Huistra all missed
    good chances, but i guess 3-0 is a good enough result at Easter Road.
    Lets face it it's not a ground where we usually play well.
    
    All in all a most satisfactory nights entertainment. The whole team
    played well, but there were a few outstanding performances from
    Rangers players :- 
    
    Gough : without doubt the best defender i've ever seen at Ibrox. We just 
    	    ain't the same team without him.
    Hately: the hardest working player at Ibrox was brilliant in the air,
            on the ground, in attack, in defence- superb all round performance.
    Huistra:an average first half, but excellent in the second. Involved in
            all the goals and deserves credit for sticking to his game and 
            putting up with SOOOOO much crap from the fans.
    
    Others who deserve a mention are Goram(one shot, one excellent
    save),Kutsnetsov(getting better with each game, ALWAYS looks for the
    pass),McCall and McCoist(lazy,greedy b*stard but as usual got the
    goals).
    
    ..Colin 
    
    

Good report. They are always much appreciated.

Gordon.

    Saturday's result:-
    
    		RANGERS 0 SAINT MIRREN 1 

    Tell me it was a typo !

    
    Rangers 0   St Mirren 1
    		McGowan (sp?)
    
     St Mirren had 2 shots at goal, the first came off th bar in the first
    minute, the second was a 35 yarder from McGowan which swerved into the
    top corner, Goram looked like he had it covered but the swerve just
    took it away from him. 
       The St Mirren defence played very well and Roddy Manly had Hately in
    his back pocket (the big man never won a ball all game). McCoist was
    no-where near as sharp as the past few games. Jump For Joy Aitken
    booted the ball out the park any time he could and loved every minute
    of it. 
       Rangers had 95% of the play but could not finish. Gordon shot over
    from close range and Gough was unlucky with Money pulling of a great
    save. The defence and midfield played as normal, our downfall was up
    front with both wide men (Huistra and Gordon) not putting in enough
    crosses and Hately and McCoist having an off day.
      	One thing I have to comment on was the behavior of Chic Charnley
    he had a go at virtually every Rangers player and on at least 3
    occasions tried to influence the referee into cautioning our players,
    he then threw a punch at Kuznetsov for taking the ball off him (booked)
    and had to be subbed by Hay before he was sent off.  
    	We will have to "learn" how to play against teams which shut up
    shop at Ibrox, that has been our downfall, our home record this year 
    has been bad with 3 draws and 2 defeats already. The next two games 
    are away and we have to win both to keep up with Hearts who have still
    to be beaten at home in the league. Motherwell on Saturday then away to
    Pittodrie on the Wednesday.
    
     
    GORDON...

    
    Motherwell 0  Rangers 2
    		  Gordon
    		  Gough
    
    	This was a great game to watch, with good attacking football played
    by both teams. Rangers however deserved to win due to the added class
    involved in their one touch play. Goram pulled off a couple of great 
    saves one from a Cooper free kick in the first half which was curled
    over the wall which he blocked then saved and one early in the second
    which was a powerful close range drive.
        Rangers had several chances in the first half with at least 3 just
    going past. In the second half Gordon came out looking more like the
    player we saw at Dunfermline. At about 48min he gathered the ball wide
    on the right, took it past one player knocked it through two defenders
    and fired a shot past Thompson into the corner. Two minutes later
    Gordon sent in a corner which was played straight back to him with
    a pinpoint pass from McCall he then had all the time needed to land the
    ball right on Gough's head for the second.
        This was another good away win for us and there could have been
    more goals, Hately put one inches over from good header and Ally just
    missing at the far post. Both Ukrainians played and looked great
    together, Nizzy must be more and more worried about not getting his 
    place back. Brown replaced Stevens with 15min left but I think that
    was just to save him for tonights game in Sheepland. McCall was once
    again outstanding and I hope Gordon came produce that form in every 
    game.
    	Ian Durrant is added to the squad and with Huistra off on
    international duty he should be on the bench to provide wide cover
    for Mikhailichenko this will be his first return to Pittodrie since
    his injury.There's no reason why we can't win tonight but these games
    are always very close.  I'll put in a report tomorrow.
    
    GORDON...   

     Result :
    
             Aberdeen 2   Rangers 3 (Hatley 2 ,Ally 1 )
    
       Don`t know who scored for Aberdeen, anybody got
       a match report?                

All I can tell you is what I saw on the telly.
If I remember right the first goal started with Hateley 
dummying the ball, Gordon flicked the ball back and McCoist 
just managed to head the ball into the 18yd area in front of
Gordon who then shot at goal. Snelders could only manage to
block the shot and the rebound came out to Hateley who from
about 12yds volleyed into the top left hand of goal.
Aberdeen equalised through when they were awared a penalty
when Stevens made a rash tackle on Gilhaus (I think). Gilhaus
took the penalty sent Goram the wrong way only to see the ball
hit the left goal post. The ball then rebounded out diagonally
across and while everyone else checked the weather Theo Ten Caat
fired the ball home.
The second Rangers goal was brill. McCall had the ball inside the
Rangers half when he split the Aberdeen defence open with a finely
judged low pass into the Aberdeen half. Hateley is either super
fit or Winnie is very slow as Hateley flew passed Winnie to get
the ball ran to the edge of the box and with Snelders fast aproaching
fired the ball into the back of the net.
Hateley was involved in the third goal as well when from a pass
from Roberson he flicked the ball to McCoist who under pressure
from McLeish managed to control athe ball well then pass McLeish
and lob Snelders.
With the game seemingly beyond Aberdeen up pops Santa alias
Mark Hateley who with a touch of Durieism made a very slack
pass back which Gilhaus collected, ran into the box, tried to
round Goram who did well to get a touch to the ball forcing
Gilhaus almost to the byline. Gilhaus then pushed the ball in
front of Irvine who shot from about 6 feet straight at Gough.
The ball rebounded both Goram and Irvine went for the ball,
Irvine won and sent the ball passed Gough.
So ended the game 2-3 to Rangers.
Goram could be blamed for the first goal in that Theo Ten Caat
managed to put the ball passed Goram from a tight angle and that
Goram basically just seemed to watch it. However he did make some
very good saves after. Two that I can remmeber were from a shot from
Bett that Goram managed to push over the bar and he made a great save
when Theo Ten Caat shot across goal and Goram climbed to parry the ball
away. 

    
    Most of what Graham has said is correct appart from the fact that
    Gillhaus dived for the penalty. If there's one person in Scottish
    football who wont make a rash tackle in that position then it's 
    Gary Stevens. I couldn't believe it when (in the second half) we didn't
    get a penalty, surely if a player stops the ball with his hand and it
    drops at his feet there can only be one decision (McLiesh).
    
    The game was never as close as 3-2 with Rangers having the majority
    of play Aberdeen could only score from a soft penalty and a silly pass
    back. Mark Hately was outstanding and yes he is that fast. Good to
    see Ally getting back on the goal charts after a couple of poor games.
    
    GORDON...
    
    
    

    
    
    re Last
    
     As a neutral, I thought it was a penalty. Stevens didn't even need to
    make a challenge as Gilhaus was going nowhere. Also think that Rangers 
    should have had a penalty in the second half. McLeish did handle, maybe
    the ref was unsighted.
    
      Danny...
    

    
     After listening to EVERY body saying it was a penalty I may back down
    but at the time it did look as if Gillhaus had thrown himself.
    
    GORDON...
    

    
    
    Yes, he did make a meal of it, but can you name me one player who, when
    challenged like that from behind in the box, would not do likewise to
    get a penalty?
    
    Stevens must take the blame for giving him the opportunity.  Even if it
    wasn't illegal, it was rash and *not* what you'd expect from such an
    experienced full back.
    
    
    Michael

    
    RANGERS 3       St JOHNSTONE 1
    Mikhailichenko  Arkins
    Brown
    Hately
    
    	Another poor showing from Rangers who were lucky to get away with
    both points. If it hadn't been for the fact that Vinnie Arkins is a
    donkey straight from the Cascarino mould then St J. could have had
    three before half time. Rangers were once again finding it difficult 
    to find the net, and a few mistakes in the middle and from Davie Robertson 
    in particular didn't make things any easier.We don't seem to be able to 
    find the form at home that we show elsewhwere.
    	Early on Arkins got in behind Kuznetsov but his control was so bad
    that the ball was heading for the corner before he realised he had a
    chance. St Johnstone continued to attack and were unlucky when a shot 
    beat Goram but came crashing off the bar. The first goal came right on
    half time when the ball came bouncing through the St J. box and
    Mikhailichenko knocked an overhead kick past Hamilton into the top
    corner. About ten minutes after the break St J. were pressuring again
    and this time Arkins managed to force the ball past Goram, you would
    have thought he had won the World Cup for Ireland. Brown then replaced
    Mikhailichenko to the disgust of the Rangers crowd who were almost
    proved right when he shot over from 3 feet (miss of the year?) but the
    big man proved everybody wrong 2 minutes later when he fire in a 20
    yard right foot volley from the corner of the box (goal of the year?).
    This was the what Rangers needed and they then seemed to play a lot
    calmer. Hately tied things up with seconds to go when McCoist robbed
    the defender and sent him through.
    
    GORDON...( still unhappy about these home games. )
    
    

    How is Pieter Huistra doing at Rangers. We don't here to much of him
    aldo he is selected for the national team.
    
    Rob

    
    Pieter is doing fairly well so far,although he does tend to drift in
    and out of games,thus leading to being substituted quite a lot,or more
    recently(with the signing of Dale Gordon),starting there.
    
    	He's scored some crackin' goals tho'. 

 <<< Note 47.124 by BONNET::ZIJL "I think I can, I think I can,.....,I did" >>>
                            -< Huistra???????????? >-

>    How is Pieter Huistra doing at Rangers. We don't here to much of him
>    aldo he is selected for the national team.
    ^^^^
>    Rob
    
    Are you trying some subtle, sub-conscious cunnoism brainwashing here,
    or was it just a spelling mistake? ;-)
    
    Paul

    Maybe because I read so much about the 'Great Aldo' in this conference
    I'm starting to mix up Aldo and Although
    
    Rob

    
    
    re .123
    
    I must say Gordon I was beginning to wonder why you were giving this 
    guy Arkins (unknown name to me) such a hard time in the first paragraph 
    of your match report.
    
    
    Until I reached the part...
    
     "you would have thought he had won the World Cup for Ireland"
    
    
     ...and that got me thinking....
    
    
    Michael
    

    
    Re .128
    
    The exact same thing occured to me.

    
    re.-1
    
    I don't know what you are trying to say Michael but if you are
    insinuating that I was biased against him because he is Irish then
    you could not be further from the truth. I happen to have many Irish
    friends North and especially South of the border whom I used to visit
    regularly so I am quite unhappy about what I believe you are saying.
    I merely wrote this because the player is an absolute donkey and it
    struck me that (as a striker) he was not used to scoring.
    
    GORDON...
     

    
    BTW Arkins is a complete donkey.  I think St. Johnstone were conned.
    
    Gary.

    re.-130
    
    Maybe he just isn't used to scoring against Rangers!!!!
    
    
    Paul

    Maybe I'm the only one who understood Gordon but I thought it was
    fairly obvious.Recently we have had two bampots at Ibrox and their
    celebrations would have been O.T.T. in a major final (no not the
    Scottish).These two were Arkins and Charnley,two of the biggest
    self-confessed Tims in the game.It seems to matter little to these two
    who they are playing for,rather who they are playing against.That's up
    to them but it gets a little tiresome when anytime a Bluenose
    criticises anyone else it's bigotry but when the shoe is on the other
    foot it is justified criticism.(God I,m even starting to sound like a
    paranoid Eastender.
    
    P.S.Ihappen to think Arkins is a big awkward customer who will cause a
    lot of teams problems.I think Charnley is a 1st division player who
    thankfully will soon be back where he belongs.
    				
    
    					bye.
    						Gordon too.

    
    As there doesn't seem to be a hun around to contribute,here's a quick
    match report from Saturday's match courtesy of the Rangers private TV
    company...Scottish television !
    
    Wee Huns.....1  Big Huns......3
    
    Dunno           Sally
                    Mark (the Catholic) Hateley
                    McCall McCall ye'll never fall !!
    
    Judging by the report in the Sunday Mail & from Archie Blue nose
    McPherson,Rangers totally outplayed Falkirk from start to finish !!
    Going by the highlights,you could have fooled me !
    
    Sally missed a penalty & then managed to redeem himself by scoring a
    jammy goal which Westwater should have had covered at his near post.
    Mark `Midnight Mass' Hateley then scored a tremendous second goal from
    around 10 inches !
    McCall scored the best goal of the match after brilliant work (and I
    must admit that),by Dale Gordon.
    I wonder if Gordon will have as good a match come the 2nd of January,or
    will the mere sight of a, probably hungover, Mike Galloway be enough to
    make him take a leaf out of the Mark Walters book,`How to hide for 90
    minutes during an Old Firm match without anyone noticing'.
    

    Best wishes to Rangers supporters for Christmas.
    
    Paul

    
    Results from games over the holiday period :-
    
    Rangers 2 (0) 		Dunfermline 1 (0)
    (Stevens,Gordon)         	(O'Boyle)
    
    Absolute crap the first half. Dunfermline should have been 2 up at half
    time !! Big improvement in the second and we really should have scored
    more. The first came from a short corner by Miko, Stevens first shot
    was saved on the line, but he made no mistake with his second attempt.
    The second was cracker from Dale Gordon from about 25 yards. 2 nil up 
    with ten minutes to go, coasting to victory until Brown hit a passback 
    straight to O'Boyle who scored with a rebound after his initial shot was 
    saved by Goram.
    
    
    
    Celtic 1 (0)	Rangers 3 (1)
    (Mowbray)		(McCoist,Hately,Brown)
    
    Well deserved victory for Rangers. We created the better chances by
    far. Celtic had a lot of the ball but didn't create many clear cut
    chances. The first was McCoist doing what he does best. A 2 yard tap in 
    from a Hately 'shot' just before half time. Celtic scored just after
    half time from a good Mowbray header from a corner. Slack defending
    though from Rangers - why was Hately picking him up anyway? Our second
    came from penalty given away by Marshall after a clumsy challenge on
    McCoist. Hately scored with the kick. As expected Celtic came charging
    at us, but forced Goram to make only one good save when McStay let fly
    from the edge of the box. Brown hit the third in the dying minutes from
    just outside the box. 
    So, good result. Could have been more, but for a few bad misses from
    McCoist,Hately and Huistra. Still can't complain.
    
    IMO Celtic badly need a good goalscorer, someone with a bit of pace to
    trouble defences. There was never really any threat from Cascarino or
    Coyne on Wednesday. The BIG worry for them though is how they manage to
    hold onto McStay. He proved again that he is easily the best player in
    Scotland - if he has any sense he'll leave them ASAP.
       
    Colin.
    

    Saturday's result :-
    
    Airdrie	0	Rangers	0
    
    Bad point to drop, especially with Hearts winning at Parkhead. They are
    now back to 2 points ahead of us. Didn't go to the game but, going by
    TV highlights, we played reasonable well. Not too many chances created
    though. It again proved how much we rely on Hateley. (And i don't just mean
    for his ability on the air, he's just as deadly on the ground these
    days.) I'll say yet again - we should have kept Johnston - 1) because
    there is no way McCoist and Hatelely will stay fit, 2) because McCoist
    NEEDS the pressure of someone threatening his place or he gets lazy and
    3) because Spencer/McSwegan have still to prove themselves in the first
    team.
    
    Anyway, 2 points behind Hearts - plenty of time to catch up. We play
    them at Tynecastle on Feb 1st, should be a cracker.
    
    In the Scottish Cup we again managed to get the nightmare draw.
    Aberdeen at Pittodrie. At least it's on live on Sky Sports for the many 
    who won't be able to get tickets.
    
    ..Colin
    

	Apologies in advance if this has been in before....


	Can any of you Rangers aficionados create a team of past & present
	Rangers players, all of different nationalities, excluding Scots, and
	all playing in their natural positions?


	David.


	PS  Denis Breadie will no doubt remember some of the more mature players
	    who will be mentioned!

    
    Here's one.(Although no doubt you can get one without any Englishmen).
    
    				Neef
    Johanssen		Butcher		Kuznetsov	Bartram
    
    		Steven		Prytz		Michailachenko
    
    Walters			Hateley			Huistra

    
    Re -1,
    
    What about Don Kitchenbrand (South Africa) or Avi Cohen (Israel).
    Davie Mitchell was Australian.  You could also put Bobby Ginsberg in
    goal.
    
    Don't forget numerous Northern Ireland internationals - Nicholl,
    McClelland etc.  I think there was also a Welsh international and
    Stevenson (Republic of Ireland) was also capped but only at Everton.
    
    Come to think of it Richard Gough was born in South Africa too.

    
    Thanks for your contribution Gary,there is also Eric Sorrensen and
    Orjan Persson,as my team was picked rather hurriedly i included the
    Englishmen just to fill these positions.
    
    This leads to the question,can a team be picked using only non-British
    national players,(i'm sure it can),and can any other British team do
    likewise?
    

    Re last 3
    
    It's FAR too easy if you include more than 1 of each nationality.
    
    All the players should be of DIFFERENT nationalities!
    
    D.G.

    By the way - since Richard Gough plays for Scotland, that makes him
    a Scot for the purposes of this exercise.

    
    RANGERS 2  HIBERNIAN 0
    Gordon (17)
    McCoist(87)
    
    	This was by far Rangers best home performance for a long time
    (probably the Hearts game). If it wasn't for Ally having a really bad 
    game and Chris Reid playing well Hibs would have been gubbed by at
    least 6. 
    	The first goal came from a good build up. Spackman had the chance
    at a shot but laid it off for McCall(my man of the match) to pick out
    Gough who waltzed round the defence and played a perfect cross for
    Gordon to sweep in at the far post. Paul Wright was unlucky when his
    chipped shot could have made it 1 all but came back off the post.
      Then it was time for McCoist to miss several great chances, the first
    came when he stole the ball off a hesitant Farrell and headed in on goal
    9 out of 10 he would have scored but Reid stopped the ball and tee'd it up
    for Rideout who missed an open net. Ally then put two shots wide of target
    when he really should have scored. Paul Rideout went close but Reid saved
    well at the bottom corner. Ally tied things up however with 3 minutes
    left when his shot was deflected by Tortolano.
    	Hibs could have made things harder for Rangers with Wright and Weir
    both going close but Farrell ruined it for them by getting sent off for
    2 bad tackles on Gordon.
    
    Gordon...

    
    Anyone know how much you paid for Paul (Don) Rideout? I trust it was at
    least a quarter of a million so that U'Pies have recouped their money.
    
    Rob
    
    PS. Do you want Tony Agana as well - only three quarters of a million,
    and cheap at a tenth of the price.

    
    re.-1 500k 
    
    we've got loads'a'money !!!
    
    Gordon...

    
    RE.142
    Here is my attempt at your wee poser.(Although i've included two Britain's)
    
    				Neef.(Germany)
    Nicholl.(N.I.)	Cohen(Israel)	Kuznetsov(USSR)	Bartram(Denmark)
    
    	Steven(England)		Prytz(Sweden)		Miller(Canada)
    
    	Kitchenbrand(S.Africa)	Mitchell(Australia)	Huistra(Holland)	
    

    re.147
    Great attempt my man !   Who the hell is, was , Miller ?
    

	Very good, Mr Sutherland!

	Almost identical to my solution, except I had McClelland instead of
	Nichol, with Cohen as the full back.

	The one I thought would stump people also stumped Denis (I haven't a
	clue who he was either, but apparently he did play in the dim & distant
	past).  I think his name was Colin Miller (but I could be wrong....).

	I'm sure there are many other possibilities as well.

    
    RE last two.
    		It is Colin Miller,who played for us during the Wallace
    years(2nd time round).I think he is now player/coach at Hamilton.

    Could someone please tell me if the Aberdeen v Rangers is on or off ?
    
                                                   Michael................

    >>Re last.
    
              I was meaning the game on SKY tv.
    
                                                Michael............

    It was going to be on BskyB but isnt.

    
    Result......Rangers 1  Aberdeen 0
            
              
                

    
    No time to be complacent though,it`ll probably be Montrose
    in the next round.....8*)
    

    
    ABERDEEN 0  RANGERS 1
    		McCoist
    
    
    	As far as football goes there wasn't much played last night.
    Rangers started well and could have had a penalty when Mikhailichenko
    raced into the box but was pulled down, I think the ref would have
    given it if it hadn't been so early in the game. The game was very 
    scrappy with a lot of free kicks being given away by both sides and
    several players (mostly Rangers) were booked.The goal came from a short
    corner which Gordon crossed to Gough(acres of space) Winnie(I think)
    knocked it back to Spackman(with even more space) who found McCoist
    in the middle of the box who had enough time to control and turn the
    ball in, Snelders was un-sighted so had no time to get across and stop
    the ball from trundling in. 
    	As I said there wasn't much more to talk about apart from a last
    minute save by Goram from Irvine who had done everything right apart
    from his prayers.
    	With Kuznetsov and Hately replaced by Brown and Ferguson this was
    a fine result. Aberdeen could have made things harder but they don't
    seem to have the will to win that pushed us to the last game of the
    season last year. 
    
    Gordon...
    
    

    
    Rangers will play the winner of Motherwell V Ayr United in the next
    round of the cup at Ibrox. Celtic play Dundee Utd at the piggery.
    
    

    
       I hope we get Ayr for a change.It would be good to see Ayr at
       Ibrox.
    
    

    only got 1 thing to say after Saturdays game ???
    
     how does it feel to support a team of "dirty cheats"

    What was the score ?  re-1 makes me hopeful
    
    Denis
    

                          TO THE BAD LOSER

    " GREAT "
             REGARDS
    

       
    
                St Mirren 1  Rangers 2
    

    
    The Scumbags have announced a 15 million pound kit deal with Adidas.
    Everyone knew it was coming, but the launch of the new strip yesterday
    came as a bit of a suprise since they won't be switching from Admiral
    until the end of this season.
    I must admit, the new strip is actually quite smart (except for the
    colours of course).
    No doubt it will be in the shops in time for all the big beer bellied,
    sweaty huns to buy just in time for the hols in Majorca
    
    Can anyone tell me if the RFC badge will be on the back of this one ?
    I mean, if it isn't....how will Scott C Nesbitt know he's passing the
    ball to a team-mate when they've got their backs to him ??  8*))
    
    

    John,
          We all know your green..
    
         With envy that is @:^)))
    
                                           SCott

    re .165   Class answer JJ liked it.
    
    Whats the facts then guys, how many years is the deal over ?
    
    Do Rangers still own or are they linked to Admiral ? Or was that pre
    Murray ?  
    
    Very quiet on the playing front, complacent are we ?
    
    

    Could someone give a match report of the Rangers v Motherwell ?

    I know the score was 2-1, but it sounded a really good game on the 
    radio.

    Anyone got the draw for the next round ?
    

                                                              
    Here's how they came out...
    
    HEARTS       V  FALKIRK or DUNDEE
    
    CELTIC       V  MORTON or MEADOWBANK
    
    HIBS         V  AIRDRIE
    
    CALEY or     V  RANGERS
    ST JOHNSTONE
    
    	The good news is that the Rangers game will be shown live on T.V.
    either on Sunday 8th March on BBC 1 or on Tuesday 3rd March on BSkyB.
    Both companies want the game and are negotiating. BSkyB say they have a 
    promise from the Irish that they won't black the game out.

    A live match from Inverness in March ?  That would make interesting
    viewing.  Hope Caley get through.
    
    

    
    
    I think if Caley do get through (unlikely now?) they would surely
    request to switch the game to Ibrox?    Could a club of their size
    afford to turn their back on that kind of purse?
    
    
    Michael
    
    

    What are the cjances of getting in to the Rangers / Aberdeen game
    tonight / is it all ticket / do ypu have to be a member / is it safe
    ;-),
    I'm presently in Ayr on a RdbExpers Seminar, and I'll be going back to
    Leeds tomorrow - any McNoters going to the game ?
    
    jb.

    
    I am told it's on sky live.
    
                               SCott

    
    jb,
    
    	The game was sold out for Saturday but you may be able to get a 
    ticket outside the game due to people having to work tonight. It's 
    worth a try (I would if I didn't have my season) but it would be
    safer to watch it on T.V. You could try calling the Vulcan (pub) 
    or the Carson Star (orange club) as they may have spare tickets
    on there buses.
    
    Gordon...
    

    Ta,
    
    But the hotel hasn't got Sky :-(
    
    jb.

    
             RANGERS 0 ABERDEEN 0
    
              YOU GAVE US HELL SNEL: REF WALTER SMITH [SUN]
    
                                            BILLY

    Either it was the red wine or blue tinted glasses but -
    
    
    
    Aberdeen are a disgrace to football. Constant dissent, by God it's
    obvious Willie Miller is the manager. Regularly, lets fall down and get
    a man booked / sent off. Why kick the ball when you can kick an
    opponent.
    One day we'll get a ref that ain't scared off them.
    
    Q. When was the last season prior to this rangers did not have a man
    carried off against Aberdeen.
    
    
    The match was pretty poor. Rangers have workmen only in the midfield.
    However the chances were there to win the game, I got the distinct
    impression they felt a draw was enough. The're probably right, Hearts
    will drop more points than Rangers in the run in.  Not a championship
    show.  Ferguson gets no better, he was lucky he was only booked for his
    retaliation foul.  Gough is sheer class, even made John Brown seem
    solid in defence ! 
    
    Should have watched the video of any of the three Skol Cup Finals !

    
    
     Re last
    
      Come on, let's try and be fair here. Iain Ferguson obviously hasn't
    forgotten what he learned from Souness, his "tackle/assault" on the 
    Aberdeen defender merited a red card. He was 2 or 3 feet high and 10 
    seconds late. What about Mark Hately? I suppose that was a friendly
    touch he gave Irvine's face after the ball was away.
    
      Aberdeen may not be saints but Rangers are hardly choir-boy stuff
    themselves.
    
     Danny...

    re last
    Danny, I agreed about Ferguson, I said so in my note. I also don't
    think Rangers are angels BUT  Aberdeen cheat !
    
    The Hately incident is exactly what I was referring to. If and I mean 
    if hately connected it was the slightest of blows, yet the guy went
    down as if hit by a truck and Aberdeen players were immediately at  the
    Ref trying to get hately booked / sent off - that I find sickening in
    any team.

    
    re last
    
    
     Sadly, there are players in all teams who will try and get opponents
    into trouble with the ref. However, in the incident on Tuesday night,
    even if Hatley hadn't connected, the INTENT was there. Some referees
    would hand out a red card for that and rightly so. Hately was guilty
    of taking a swipe at Irvine. That isn't allowed in football and
    normally results in a red card.
    
     Danny...

    re. sheepy irvine,perhaps god told him to do it?
    

    
    
    
                RANGERS 5 AIRDRIE 0
    
          I dont have a report on the match.
    
                                        Billy.
    

    
    RANGERS 5	AIRDRIE 0
    
    Brown 
    Hateley 3
    Rideout
    
    	Rangers set out to embarass Airdrie on Saturday and could have won
    by a much higher margin. Brown opened the scoring on 12 minutes with a 
    right foot shot when Airdrie failed to clear. Just before half time an
    Ian Ferguson cross/shot was "handled" inside the box and Hateley scored
    his first from the spot (the ref had given a corner but the linesman
    gave the penalty). His second came shortly after the break when he
    turned in a cross at the keepers left hand post. He completed his
    hat-trick with another penalty about five minutes later, Brown had got
    himself into a scoring position when Airdrie's striker Andy Smith
    pulled him down and was sent off. Hately was then replaced by Rideout 
    who completed the scoring with ten minutes to go. Ian Durrant replaced
    Spackman for the last 20 minutes and showed a lot of promise with some
    nice touches and a tremendous turn of pace.
    	Super Ally was given a friendly roasting by the crowd for failing
    to score after two good chances, the first was right in front of goal
    when he had time to control the ball but decided to try an overhead
    kick (miss of the week) the second was a well timed header that came
    back of the post.
    	Player of the week must go to Ian Ferguson for his performances
    against Aberdeen and Airdrie (apart from the tackle),he was full of
    confidence and (especially against Airdrie) dominated the midfield.
    He and John Brown are doing a great job at silencing their critics.
    Both will play again on Tuesday night as will Huistra (for Miko)
    in the cup match against St Johnstone (Live on Sky Sports).
    
    GORDON...

    
    
    Well after tonight Rangers can stop worrying about the
    cup and concentrate on the league.
    
    Prediction.......Saints 1   Rangers 0
    
    
    Perth Man.

    	Good heavens! It's Mr. Perth Man. I thought you'd left the 
    	planet !! 8-)
    
    	..serves you right for taking the p*ss out of *me* once ;-)
    
    	Andy (with his head firmly in the daylight...)

    
    
    What's wrong Mr sant(iry) towel can you not handle the concept
    of someone else having a different opinion from you.
    
    
    Peter.

    
    	Ha Ha Ha Ha ......
    	I rest my case 8-) 8-) 8-)
    
       	Andy.

    
    
    We are due a win at home against Rangers although they have
    been the stronger side at Ibrox.....I think we can just pip
    them at Perth and no more............
    
    
    
    Perth Man.........
    
    
    Should Be a good game whatever the result.

    Is Andy having an argument?
    i think we should be told.
    
    Ian.
    'and i thought his only vice was supporting united'
    

    
        Score with 15 mins to go St.J 0  Rangers 2

    FINAL SCORE
     
                 ST.JOHNSTONE 0  RANGERS 3
                                
                      

    
    
        AIRDRIE V HEARTS       BOG-RATS V RANGERS
    
         The Rangers game may be played on  TUES 31st March.

    
    
    
             HIBS 1 RANGERS 3
                    McCOIST X 1
                    HATELY  X 2
      No match report.
    
                                             Billy
    

    I heard something on German TV last night about Lothar Matheus and
    Rangers. Is he supposed to be moving there ?
    
    	- Robin

    
    Rangers have had talks with Inter Millan and would pay somewhere in
    the region of 3 million pounds for the player. The player's own terms
    are reputed to be 500 000 signing on fee plus 500 000 a year. It's 
    very possible/probable that Murray has agreed terms with Inter if they
    have to let the player go (they seem to want to keep him) but I think
    the player himself would have doubts about coming to play in Scotland.
    Let's face it if you were voted Footballer of the World would you 
    consider playing possibly 50+ games per season (44 league + cups)
    against the likes of Airdrie,St Mirren,Dunfermline...etc after playing
    against Juventus,AC Milan,Napoli....etc
    It would be nice to have him in the team but I think it is very
    unlikely.
    
    Mikhailichenko   McCall  Matthaus  T.Steven
    
    Now that's what I call a midfield
    
    GORDON...
                              

    
    
    
                      DUNF'LINE 1 RANGERS 3
                                  Mikhailichenko 2
                                  Nisbit         1
    
          By all reports Mikailichenko's second goal was a great one.
    
                                                      BILLY

                   RANGERS......0 CELTIC......2
                                  
                                 

    
    I read in one of Sunday's "reliable" and "accurate" papers that Celtic
    fans allegedly ripped up seats and damaged the toilets in the Broomloan
    (?) road stand. Do you think Celtic Football Club should be billed for 
    the damage?
    
    I can't see any reason for the hooliganism. Surely it's not a case of
    stadium jealously?
    
    Do Rangers fans indulge in this sort of nonsense at Parkhead? Mind you,
    don't suppose there are any seats to rip up there :-)
    
                                          

    Celtic fans should be charged  fifty pounds a head for Ibrox then
    hopefully none of them would come at all. Cause they are animals.

    re -1
    
    I see the McNoters are at it again (must have been a Glasgow derby)
    
    jb.

    re -2
    
    Then more huns could watch their team being humiliated at home by a far
    superior side :-)
    

    
    I'm aware of the Catholic/Protestant thing between Rangers and
    Celtic but which one is which ?? Is it......
    
    Rangers = Catholic
    
    Celtic = Protestant
    
    In my opinion I think Rangers made a mistake getting rid of Mo
    Jo as I believe he was the best player Rangers ever signed. 
    
    Is it not possible for the Huns and the Tims to live together ?
    
    JN.

    RE 47.201
    
    If you Can't say anything that makes even a little sense......
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Don't bother.

    
    RE .204
    
    It's the other way round. But don't believe the hype surrounding it
    all. Most of us are quite sane. Very few people are actually thuggish
    about it. 
    
    For example I support Celtic and my dad supports Rangers. There is no
    animosity between us and we will sit together and watch the Cup-tie on
    tuesady at my place. On numerous occasions I have watched these games
    in mixed company i.e. Catholic and Protestant / Celtic and Rangers. 
    
    For the average fan, it means that you slag or get slagged a bit more
    depending on the result.
    
    Mark
    

    RE -1
    
    I agree ..
    There is only a bit of freindly banter between rival fans.I am a celtic
    fan also and my family are all rangers fans.I certainly do not wish
    any type of harm to any football supporters , no matter which team they
    may follow....follow.Still,its nice to be on the winning side for a 
    wee while at least.
    
    rgds Andrew

    
    Fellow true blues
    
    I hate to admit it but, we were well & truly stuffed by a far superior
    side on Saturday.
    The result only goes to prove what I've been saying to my fellow Gers
    fans, that Celtic are turning the corner & it's only a matter of time
    before they overtake us on the palying front.
    They are playing some excellent football (even better than us when we
    play well), and if there wasn't such a gap between us & them as far as
    points go, I'd be a worried man.
    Still, I can only hope that we can turn the corner next Tuesday, and
    try to get back some of our pride.
    I'm not too confident however, and must say I fancy Celtic to win by
    the same margin (2-0 or 3-1)
    

    Re -1
    
    Sure Brady seems to have turned a corner, and got Celtic out of the
    doldrums, but isnt it too early to be so negative ??
    
    Each Old Firm game is different, and the next one could go back to a
    4-1, 5-1 margin, so lighten up.
    
    What was nice to read was that a true blue actually admitted that
    Celtic deserved the win...most papers down here seemed to say the sam e
    thing. The suggestion down here was that Mowbray and Whyte snuffed out
    the Gers attack...Hateley in particular...and this was a key aspect..is
    this correct ??
    
    Cheers
    Paul

    
     I dont get to Ibrox much now but I still consider myself a Rangers
     supporter in many ways ,and I HATE getting beat by the TIC.And
     I defy any true Rangers supporter to say it doesn't bother them.
     What the HELL if celtic were the better team,we will win the league
     and we are not out the cup in any way.
    
                                            Billy.

    
    You're only as good as your last game, and you were crap !!!
    
    Wouldn't it be ironic if Rangers were to lose the League that they
    
    appear to think is in the bag ???
    
    I also think that any true Blue should be worried about the fact that
    
    a low-budget Celtic team gave a footballing display to a bunch of
    
    over-rated, over-paid "superstars".
    
    Regards.
    
    hm
    

    
    > Ironic ? 
    
    
     Try hilarious
    
     Mark

    
     REF: 47.211
    
          MR H MILLER .......
                      I CARE ABOUT RANGERS.
                        That is why this is the rangers notes file,if
    you look at the top of the page when you log in you will see RANGERS
    FC NOT Man City try putting your comments in it there is plenty
    of room.
                                           BILLY
    
    
                                                     

    
         Gough is back and fit,according to reports he will play
         on Sat and will be ok for the cup game on Tuesday.
    
           I hope the reports are true. Rangers missed him last week.
    
                                                Billy

    Hateley is out. He twisted his back against St.Johnstone on Saturday.
    
    Will rideout do the business or will he end up in Whyte's back pocket
    as well ?
    
    

Rangers beat Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final match at Hampden park last 
night.

Rangers were down to 10 men after about 10 minutes of play when Robertson was 
sent off.

Ally McCoist scored the only goal of the game in the 45th minute.

That makes 30 goals this season for McCoist - currently Europe's top scorer, 
3 ahead of JP Papin. McCoist's goal also maintains his "record" of never having 
played twice in a row against Celtic without scoring.

Rangers meet either Airdrie or Hearts in the final, which is scheduled for May 9.

    
    RE .217
    
    Could you please clarify your point about Mcoist being Europe's top
    scorer ?? I may be missing something but John Aldridge at Tranmere
    Rovers has scored something like 36 goals this season in total.
    
    I think even Gary Lineker has hit 30 this season.
    
    JN.

    Are these League goals? Only League goals are taken into consideration
    for Euro top scorer awards. Mr. Ian Wright is the leading League goal
    scorer in Division 1 with 22 (17 Arsenal, 5 Palace).

    Sorry about that last intrusion in here, I didn't look at the topic to
    see where I was. Of course, given the topic, for League read English League.

They'll BODY CHECK ya in here!!!! :-))))))

    Re - ? 
    
    Before last nights games, Bamber of Blackpool was top league scorer
    with 24, with Shearer of Blackburn 23 and Wright 22.                
    
    John Aldridge's total was 36 which comprised 18 league plus 3 FA cup, 8
    Rumbelows Cup and 7 others.
        
    
    Ken
    - with a copy of France Football

    JUST HAD TO GET THIS CONF. BACK TO WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT.THE MIGHTY
    GERS.ANYONE WHO WASN'T AT THE 'BROX LAST NIGHT MISSED A TRULY GREAT
    PERFORMANCE FROM WEE DURRANTIE.HE LOOKED TO BE MORE THAN BACK TO HIS
    BEST EVEN WITH YOGI "IM NO BEAR" HUGHES KICKING HIM ALL OVER THE
    PLACE.ANYONE BOTHERED ABOUT NOT GETTING CLEVER TREVOR BACK CAN
    STOP WORRYING.DURRANT WILL MORE THAN MAKE UP FOR HIM AND WE STILL GET
    2.5MILLION IN DOSH.MIND YOU I'D LOVE TO SEE THEM PLAY TOGETHER.
    			TA TA 
           		SEE YOU ALL AT HAMPDEN(NO NOT YOU BEGGARS)
    					
    
    					GORDON.
    
    
    P.S. NOT ONE SEAT WAS BROKEN LAST NIGHT BY DELIGHTED RANGERS SUPPORTERS
    OR UNHAPPY BAIRNS FANS.
    
    P.P.S. T-SHIRT OF THE EVENING "WHO NEEDS ELEVEN MEN WHEN TEN BLUENOSES
    WILL DO "

    em hate to be picky but:
    
    who was playing and what was the score ?

    
    	re .223.....Ouch!
    
    	Gordon, please please PLEASE keep the caps-lock off. It is very
    	hard on the eyes trying to read what you have to say...
          
    	Andy.

    Must have been using the LK401 Scottish caps-lock free keyboard.
    
    :^)

    Sorry guys.Didn't mean to shout.Anyway the game on Tuesday was Rangers
    V Falkirk.SCore was 4 - 1 to the Bears.Scorers were Sloane for the
    Bairns and for the Gers it was a hat trick for Sally and one for
    Miko.Isee there were 6000 of the greatest seat-breakers in the world at
    Love Street last night.Loyalty or what.Then again,maybe they were at
    the 'Brox watching oor laddies absolutely stuff their laddies 4-0.
    				ta   ta   
    					
    				     Gordon.		

     
       DUNDEE UTD 1  RANGERS 2
        McInally 59  Mikhalichenko 50
                     Brown 67 

                      
                                         REGARDS 
                                                BILLY
    

    The time : Sunday 5.45pm        The place : Scotsport STV
    
    The match : Rangers tea ladies   vs'   Celtic tea ladies
    
    The score :      The Bears 6  -  The other lot 1
    
                                   Ho Ho Ho    :-)  
    
    
    .............................................................
    

    
    Aye...but the Celtic one's were the good lookin one's.

    We ARE the Champions @:^))))))))))))))))
    
    
                                            SCott

    
    
                   MOTHERWELL 1  RANGERS 2
                    ARNOTT        MAKHAILITCHENKO 2
    
           The big Ukrainian show's his class.Rangers put out some of
           the younger Ibrox talent last night, Sandy Robertson,
           Steve Pressley and Lee Robertson,good to see the lads getting
           a run out.Rangers only need two more goals to reach the record
           100 premier league goals.
       

    
    
                RANGERS 1 HEARTS 1
                 ALLY      ROBERTSON[PEN]
    
      

    
     Anyone count how mant times Dav( I need a hair cut) passed the ball
    forward.Hearts never looked like a team fighting for a place in europe
    well I suppose they are the nearly men of Scottish football..now they
    nearly got in Europe.
    
                               Scott

    
    	I did Scott.Yes,that "Billy the Fish lookalike type person" will be
        totally F***** if FIFA introduce this no backpassing rule next
        season.

    
    re -1,-2
    
    Jimmy "ah'm no in the final" Sandybum and Big Bird McPherson would
    make a great partnership.
    
    

I was walking round Keswick (Lake District) wearing a Rangers shirt last week
when a Scotsman stopped me and something that sounded like `Willow Wil'.
he walked off in disgust when I said I was a Geordie and didn't know what 
it meant't. Does anyone know what it means please?
Rich

    
    C'mon boys,why so silent? WAKE UP!!!
    I'd have thought after such a record breaking season,coupled with a Cup
    Final appearance to look forward to,(and the Yahoos not qualifying for
    Europe,to gloat),that this conference would've been more active. 

    But it was all so predictable !
    
    Looks like Scottish football is in serious shit. Whilest I love to see
    the current shambles at parkhead, in reality if there is to be only one
    serious team in Scotland then that is not a good thing. Crowds will
    fall, {bet ya Rangers attendance goes down with success not up} and 
    interest will wane. We need genuine competition. The only logical
    challenge unfortuneately can come from Celtic. How with attendances,
    until recently, more or less the same as Ibrox and with no rebuilding
    bills they are broke defies logic.
    
    Anyone seriously doubt who will win the league next year after we
    strngthen our squad ?

    you are right gav.........

    
    
    Big Huns...........2  Small Huns..........1
    
    Some catholic guy     Some guy wae huge ears
    & Sally
    
    

    Rangers have signed Ally Maxwell for a fee of 300,000,he will be 
    No.2  to Andy Goram.
    

     Ally McCoist won his 6th trophy this season by winning the BQ Super
    skills award.(ok he still has to win the golden boot but Ricky somthin
    is 5 goals behind with 1 game to play). 
    
    
    
                                                       SCott

    Make that 7, he won the Golden boot with four goals to spare.
    

    NICE TO SEE THERE WILL BE A FOOTBALL TEAM WHO PLAY WITH A BIT OF 
    CLASS AND STYLE REPRESENTING SCOTLAND IN EUROPE NEXT SEASON INSTEAD
    OF THE BORING "PUNT-IT-UP-THE-PARK" MENATALLITY FROM THE REST OF THE
    "REPRESENTATIVES".
    
        BYEE
    	

    re -1 correct me if I am wrong, but isn't a "TIC" an annoying little
    parasite that makes you want to scratch ?
    

    re.47
    
      Most Celtic fans would be embarrased about how they got into Europe
    but you obviously clean your neck with Brasso,and at least we won
    the double to get in,what did you win???
    
                                            SCott

    
    Eddie,
    	If we score another 100-odd goals next season by adopting your so
    	called "Punt it up the park" fitba',then i'll be more than happy.

    	I thought I'd get a response, and bhoy was I not wrong.
    
    		Cheerio 	Eddie

    I am led to believe that the name of this amateur team,is Glasgow
    Celtic,and they have rehired their former speech therapist,
    
    
                        yes,youve guessed it,   Danny McGrain.

    
    R.E. LAST.
    
    The number of both league and cup medals,not to mention Scotland caps,
    that Danny gained throughout his long and distinguished career speaks
    very much for itself.
    
    
    
    Jim.

    Why should any Celtic fan be embarrassed with the way Celtic gained
    entry into European competition next season. Due to troubles that 
    have nothing to do with football openings for places were made 
    available to certain countries. If any other team , rather than Celtic
    had gained entry, would you still belittle the clubs efforts so much.
    Scotland was entitled to an extra team due to its standing within 
    European football. It just so happened that this year Celtic were 
    fortunate enough to be awarded the place. It could have easily happened
    on a year when ANY other Scottish team would have been in Celtics
    place. Although I am biased I am still glad to see Celtic in Europe
    as I beleive that they are one of the strongest teams in Scotland and
    that they deserve a chance. Hopefully they will prove all the synics 
    wrong and have a strong campaign in Europe next season.
    
    	rgds.

    As far as the debate over "back door entry into Europe" is concerned,
    there are only two teams who actually qualified by winning something 
    this season i.e. the Teds and the Hibees. Airdrie only qualified
    for the Cup Winner's Cup as beaten finalists (as did Rangers when 
    they "qualified" in 1972); even Hearts qualified as runners up.
    
    		Bye	Eddie

    Eddie,thanks for your inputs ???
    
     they are about as much use as an ash tray on a motor bike.
    
     SQF Jambo.
    
     P.S.
     at least we finished as runners up. (albeit again)

    What about the report yesterday,linking Paul Elliot with Rangers,does
    anyone know if there is any truth in this.
                				If its true i think it
    would be a good signing,as he is a very good centre-half.
    
                         What are your views?
    

I thought Paul Elliot left Celtic because he wanted to go back down South. I 
doubt then whether he would come back to Scotland.....

    Lieutenant Worf left Celtic 'cause they owed him money and it took him
    more than a year to get it out of them. 
    
    Personally I rate him as a very good defender but don't think Rangers
    are looking for another centre half at the moment. Brown and Gough make
    a good partnership and there is plenty cover with Nizzy,Kuznetsov and
    young Elvis Pressley. 
    
    As far as transfers go, Smith said he would make 2 close season
    signings, one star signing and one backup player.I think
    the backup player will be Scottish and I would like to see either
    Duncan Ferguson or Alan McClaren sign but doubt if either Utd or
    Hearts would let either player go or whether the players would come 
    without being guaranteed first team games.I have absolutely no idea who
    the star signing could be but think it will definately be a midfielder
    as our defence is the best in the country and nobody in Britain can touch
    the partnership of McCoist and Hately up front.
    
    Gordon...
    

    If Rangers are going to sign a STAR mid-fielder as last reply suggests
    then I would think that Walter Smith and Murray are at this moment
    puting a package together to get Paul McStay to Ibrox.
    It would make sense to sign McStay
                                       
                              1) He is Scottish
    
                              2) He would be fairly cheap as European
                                 standards go.
    
                              3) No language problems (well except for
                                 Latin).
    
    But honestly, it would make a lot of sense to sign this player, what do
    you guys think.
    

    
    Jim,
    
    	 	After 10+ years playing against Rangers I doubt if he would 
    move to them, the point is there is more than just football at stake and 
    McStay has more brains than the likes of Mo Johnston, he knows that his 
    wife's and his life would be made hell by the grieving Tims. I do think 
    however the Rangers fans would accept him quicker and far easier than
    Mo for several reasons, 1 Johnston broke the ice,2 He is a better
    player than Johnston,3 He is a better person than Johnston,4 The Tims
    would go berzerk. Seriously though I think this is all hypothetical
    and will never happen.
    
    GORDON...
    
     

    
    What about the fact that McStay is a REAL Catholic & Mo-Jo was just a
    half breed kid oan one ?
    
    SQFCSC
    
    

    
    Dave McPherson has signed for Rangers from Hearts for a fee of around
    1.3 million. A smart piece of business on Hearts behalf, considering
    he went in the other direction for around 0.5 million.
    
    This surely puts an end to the Paul Elliot gossip.
                                                                         
    Has this been a clever move by Rangers ?

    
    < Has this been a clever move by Rangers ? >
    
    read .234, 235 & 236 and you'll see !!
    
    ha-ha...& I thought we were bad when we signed Tony Cascafudbox !
    
    

    
    Colin,
    	I still think he's a big turd.Wattie must've still been punch drunk
    	fi' wee Tottie's left hook.
    	It's a bad bit of business as far as Rangers are concerned,
        especially since FIFA have introduced this no back pass rule.(I
        hope Andy Goram can play sweeper!).
    						Disgusted SQF.

    
    Can't say I'm very happy about this one, after spending the last decade
    slagging the big dis-jointed giraffe we have to go and re-sign him. Look's
    like one straight out of the McNeil book of management.           
    
     
                                                                            

    What they said.
    
                   SCott

    
    Well well well,big Davie the Rangers reject going back to his roots.
    
    That was me thinking Hearts were only good enough to sign all Rangers
    cast offs.
    
    Thats the second time in two seasons the Jambo's have done in the old
    firm.
    Last season we unloaded Galloway to the Celtic for 600 000 a wee profit
    of just 540 000.
    This season it's Rangers turn only this time stung even more.
    Four times the price the Jambo's paid for McPherson a cool 1.1 million
    profit.
    Might not be able to win any silver ware but when it comes down to
    money the Jambo's are way out in front so far.
    
    
    Another SQF Jambo.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
                   

    
    It wasn't so long ago that Rangers had to sell for the same reasons
    that Hearts are , only I suspose when it's on the other foot

    
    That wouldn't be the left foot by any chance Gordon ?
    
    

    
    Rangers must be on the same drugs as Celtic if they pay 3 million
    for that humpty.
    
    
    
    It's me again.
    
    
    

    
    According to this morning's Sun, Rangers have offered 2 million for 
    McStay. The decision will be up to the player himself as his contract
    with Celtic runs out at midnight tonight. I said before that I didn't
    think he would sign but with him being a free agent Rangers will be
    able to offer him a massive signing on fee. 
    
    Gordon...

    
       I don't think McStay will come to Rangers,his family are all
       linked with Celtic.The emotional hassle for him and his family
       would be tremendous.

    
     I think a million quid,a house,a car and a ticket to Disney land would
    help him over come any troubles he might have.
    
                                                  SCott

    
    As I thought another fairy story from a Mickey Mouse english newspaper.
    
    So if Rangers were to sign Paul McStay they wound also be signing
    Rab C Nesbit.
    
    What a midfield?
    
    Quoted by a certain Mr Murray in the Daily Record 01/07/92.
    
    
    
    Another SQF Jambo.
     
                                                                

    
    Re:Last.
    		It's no fairy story.McStay was approached, but declined,
    		(his loss).Murray and the Daily Rebel are just peeved
    		because the story was supposed to be a well kept secret.

    
    R.e last.
    
              Ian,
                  Play the white man,every man and his dug knows that
              there is no way the maestro would ever sign for the huns.
              I know your reliable source(the wife's uncles next door
              neighbours cousin) works in the Ibrox pie shop but surely
              you agree the thought of signing Mcstay has never entered 
              either Walter Smith or David Murray's head.
                                         

    re.l
    
    Eh ????? I think you missed the turn off...!!!
    
    

    
    
    Okay so I picked a bad day to give up drinking/smoking/glue-sniffing.
    
    Humble apologies for cluttering up this note with football.... :-)
    
    Paul

    
    That's right were usually too busy celebrating the original Premier League 
    Championships and the odd cup now and again to be bothered by anything 
    else 8-)  8-)  8-)  8-).
    

    
    RE:284
    	Dearest Jim,
    		   I'll bet that you were saying the same thing about
    		   3 years ago about a certain Maurice Johnston and we
    		   all know what happened there.Anyway,McStay wouldn't
    		   have been guaranteed a first team place at Ibrox next
    		   season,especially after we sign Matteus.;>)

    
    
        McSay has decided to go down with his ship and stay at Celtic.
    
         The latest from parkhead is ,thay want the fan who has McStay's
         shirt to return it as they need it for next season.
    
                                    All the best on the 12th lads.
                                                BILLY

    
    Would that be the 12th of July or August Billy ?
    
    Grouse shooting season...Hun shooting season...it's all the same !
    
    

    
    Rangers have been drawn against Danish Champs Lyndby(sp),at home first
    leg.
    Anybody know anything about them? I.E. If any of the Euro '92 winning
    side play with them etc.....
    
    It probably means we're going to be humped out in the first round by
    another bunch of unknown,but extremely talented footballers.;>(

    
    
            Q.O.S  1  Rangers .7
    
    
      Anyone know who scored?.
    
    SCott

    re-1
    
    does anybody care  :-)
    
     SQF Jambo

    How does anyone score .7 of a goal? ;-)

    
    re .296
    
    The England team could probably manage it ;-)
    
    Tim

    
     RE .295
    
    YES! us winner do.@:^))  
    
    Colin,what do you think Hearts will nearly win this season??.
    
    SCott
        

    
    re-1...
    
    Scott I dont care what we nearly win.....
    
     I'll still hate Rangers...
    
    
     SQF Jambo

    
     You all must do....you gave us Big bird McPherson back,But there again
    we win you don't,so who's laughing now.
    
                               SCott

    
    Scott,
    
    	The scorers were Hately (3),Ally,Davie Robertson,Iain Durrant
    and A.N Other.
    
    We now play Hamilton on Saturday and Marseille next Tuesday I think
    there's also a Morton game sometime this week.
    
    
    				Gordon...

    Ian,
    
    Lyngby played Galway United in the Cup Winners Cup ( I think) in 1985.
    
    Lyngby won 1-0 in Denmark and 4-2 in the second leg where they played
    some stunning football.
    
    They were part timers then and I would guess are still.
    
    When we were in Germany at Euro '88 we met a bunch of Danish one of whom
    played in Galway in '85. He looked a bit of a piss artist then but I
    suppose he fitted in.
    
    cheers,
    
    Paul

    Re.302,
    
    I have a feeling that well known Man. United noter ESSB::BLONG actually
    played in that Euro tie against Lyngby F.C. at left full.
    
    Brian, can you confirm??
    
    Paul

    
    Lynby only won 3-2 in Galway and 4-2 on aggregate.  They have improved
    since - Galway have got a lot worse.
    
    Gary.

    
    Forgot to mention this pass back rule, there's going to be some
    cracking f**k ups this season. Watch out for Beadle with his
    camcorder.
    

    
    Rangers 1		Marseille 2
    Hately (pen)	Voeller
                        Deschamps
    
    	If this was to give an indication on how we are to perform in the
    champions cup then we can say goodbye to it already. The French side
    outclassed a battling but unskilful Rangers side who's main problem
    was being able to cope with the speed and ball control of Marseille.
    Rangers had several good chances but failed to find any sharpness up 
    front at all. The game was good to watch mainly due to the
    entertainment of Pele who eventually had to take a bribe from Nizzy to
    stop making an a**e of him.Trevor Steven had an indifferent return
    saving Rangers a few times but also giving out a few bad passes, he was
    replaced by Durrant(why didn't they play together??) when it looked
    like he pulled a muscle and had to limp off.
     Rangers stuck to the task in the first half but it always looked
    like Marseille could score but the woodwork and Andy Goram kept 
    us in the game. Finally a scramble in the box caused by this idiotic 
    backpass rule fell to Voeller on the six yard line. The second goal
    came from an amazing build up by Pele, he had the ball on the ground,
    chipped Nizzy ran by him to volley over Gough(I think) and laid the ball
    on for Didier Deschamps to knock past Goram. Rangers few chances fell
    to Brown who took nosebleeds each time, and McCoist who was unlucky
    to hit the side netting. The penalty came when Hately got clear and
    knocked the ball past the keeper who brought(the already diving) Hately
    down.
    	I don't know if Marseille have the fight to win the European cup
    but on skill an passing ability the must be a good bet. Rangers however
    will wipe the floor with the Premier opposition but must again have
    doubts about playing with the big boys (especially with Gary Stevens
    out till Xmas).
    
    The side was Goram,Nizzy,Gough,McPherson,Robertson,Brown,McCall,Steven,
    Huistra,McCoist and Hately.
    
    Gordon...
    
    
            	

    Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!
    
    Still can't believe that the likes of Nisbet,Brown and Ferguson are
    hanging around the first team. If we don't replace players like these,
    we'll never do anything in Europe.
    
    Colin.

    
    You forgot to mention Billy the Fish McPherson Colin 8*)))
    
    

    
    Glasgow Herald this morning.
    
    
    	Trevor Steven may have to miss a few games because Rangers played
    him before all the appropriate papers had been received by the SFA.
    
    Farry and Co. and taking "a very serious" view of this because they
    feel that Rangers should know better.
    
    	It's not exactly a dream return to Ibrox for Steven is it ?
    
    How my heart bleeds for the poor soul (ha-ha)
    
    Mark

       Rangers 1   St.Johnstone 0
       McCoist 80

       Big Bird was carried off.....Tackle from behind by the entire
    Rangers team.

    SCott

        Rangers 2   Airdrie 0
        Gordon 9
        Hately 73

    Hately also missed a penalty.On a brighter note Big birds still out@:^)
   I'd love to know why Walter Smith isn't playing Durrant.Dump nizzie get
   Brown at the back and get Durrant in that mid-field.

    SQF Blue nose

    
    
      Hibs 0   Rangers  0
    
     
     Poor game game with Hibs defending with 11 men most of the game.A super
    league isn't going to stop games like this but 3 points for a win will.
    Durrant and Miko on the bench with Nizzie still getting a game...Oh!
    and that donkey Gordon.How those two &^%$ wits are keeping Durrant
    and Miko out is beyond me.
    
    SQF Blue nose. 

    
    DIFFUSION BOYS.
    
    IS ALAN CUNNINGHAM THE ONLY PERSON WHO WORKS IN YOUR SECTION WHILE
    THE REST OF YOU WRITE INFANTILE NOTES.

     Rich,

           SSSSSHHHHHHHH!!!!!! You'll wake the rest of the boys up. @:^)
    
    
    SQF Blue nose

    
    Rich,
    
           Big Al isn't the only one who works in Diffusion------they quite
          often bring a Celtic supporter in from C shift to do their work!
    
    
    			Eck.
    
    

    
    Dear Bigot Brothers or is it Big Goat Brothers,
    
      I only come out to help my pal Brian who is unlucky enough 
     to get landed with a couple of work shy DOBS.
    
                              Eck.
    
    

    
    
     What's a DOB ya DFF??   @:^))
    
    SQF Blue nose

    
    This is a football conference.  Please stick to discussing football and
    not insulting fellow employees or commenting on their work practices.
    
    Gary.

    
    Tonight's result.
    
    Rangers   5   Dumbarton   0
    Durrant
    Gordon
    Hateley
    McCoist
    Miko

    
    
    Ranger's are away to Stranraer in the next round of the Cup.
    
    Hope you get humped...!!
    
    Arnie
    

    
    	As with your previous prediction Arnie, you are way out 
    	of line.
    
    	We ALL know that the BILLY BOYS will lift the cup this 
    	year, with probably only Aberdeen standing in the way.
    
    	So once we get past the difficult rounds of Stranraer 
    	away and Dundee Utd away, on will follow the rest, to
    	try and knock us off the peak of Scottish football.
    
    	Tam.....
    
    
    	

    Tam you seem to be forgetting the Hibs (remember them the team who
    hold the Skol Cup after dismissing the Gers in the semi last year).
    If you have the misfortune of meeting us again at Hampden you will
    be unable to defend in numbers as you did at Easter Road just a week
    ago.
    
    But you are right in saying that Aberdeen will be our hardest task.
    
    The Mad Hibby.

    
    Word from the Ibrox Ticket office,the game IS being played at Stranaer.
    Ticket info in the press tomorrow....that should be fun.
    
    
    SQF blue nose

    
    Dundee.....4  Rangers....3
    
    Altogether now, to the tune of Hello Hello, we are the Billy boys.
    
    
    Ha-Ha
    
    Ha-Ha
    
    Ha ha ha ha ha ha
    
    8*))
    
    

    	
    	JJ,
    
    	You can have your laughs just now, but wait until this
    	time next week, cause I`m sure you won`t be smiling then.
    
    	Tam.....8-)
    
    

    
    Today;s victory has got to be the result of pre-season planning.  While
    Rangers were playing some Mickey Mouse French side Dundee embarked on
    an arduous pre-season tour of Ireland.  They held Limerick to a 1-1
    draw and even beat mighty Ballinasloe Town.
    
    Does this make Limerick better than Rangers?  The mind boggles.
    
    Gary.

Well, having spent last season camped in the notes of Ayr and Kilmarnock,
I now have the chance to park in '47'  :^)...

Best wishes from Germany's only Dundee supporter.....

Gary, nice to see your reply, especially after 246.18 where....
    
   " Furthermore Rangers are already way ahead of the rest of the so called
    super league clubs.  How long before Rangers jump ship and join a
    European Super league? "

So by your own logic that makes Dundee.......

Magpie...


	

    
    Great to see Dundee win but my tongue was stuck firmly in my cheek when
    I wrote the previous note.  Still maybe the next meeting between our 2
    clubs will be in the European Super League.  :-)
    
    It would be good to have a close finish to the league this season.
    
    Gary.

    I would love to see the Mighty Rangers in a European Super League,it
    would be great to see them getting well and trully F****D EVERY WEEK.

    Brian,
         You may well like to see RANGERS getting f****d every week in the
    European super league but if there is going to a super league you can
    be sure that RANGERS will be there.
    
                                                       Michael.

    
    RE.334
          Well Micheal i don,t know where Killie will be but i do know that
    no matter where they are or how badly they are playing i will always be
    there to watch them home or away,after all we haven,t got 30 million to
    spend on players.Unlike the 20,000 so called Rangers fans who suddenly
    went out and bought Rangers scarfs and a map and compass to get to
    Ibrox as soon as Mr Murray and Souness arrived i can actually call
    myself a Killie Fan.How many of the LOYAL Rangers fans would stop going
    if their beloved team suddenly started to get beating on a regular
    basis in the Super League,you know just like PRE Souness and Murray
    when the Gers were getting beating quite reguarly and their gate was
    less than half what it is now.Where would Rangers be if it wasn,t for
    Mr Murray and Souness and their true supporters not just the ones who
    jumped on the wagon when Rangers started winning ?

     RE The Celtic game.

     Well you'll have all seen it on the T.V by now so I'll not go into to
    much detail.

     We were denied a good goal but to be fair to the lineman it was a very
    close thing,Even people in line with Stevens in the main stand couldn't
    tell so I'll let it go @:^).

     We played some excellent football for about 15mins after the goal,Now if
    we could play like that for 90mins every week walk the league.Other
    good points,Fergie had a good game(Man of the match on our bus)the 4
    points he got in the Sunday Mail star check was a joke,I'm now
    convinced who every does that gets there match reports from someone who
    talked to someone who listened to a radio for 5mins.Stevens didn't have
    that good a game,not really his sort of game.Big bird had a night mair,
    he would get him self into good positions at the edge of the box,then
    would pass it back rather then lob in a cross.He ran from our 18 yard
    line right up to there's then he passed out..well it's the only reason
    I can think of why he didn't pass or shoot he just fell over the ball.

     I would say we had the better chances,possession but it was one of the 
    best and cleanest games I've seen for a long time. 
    
    
    SQF Blue nose.
    

     RE The Celtic game.

     Well you'll have all seen it on the T.V by now so I'll not go into to
    much detail.

     We were denied a good goal but to be fair to the lineman it was a very
    close thing,Even people in line with Stevens in the main stand couldn't
    tell so I'll let it go @:^).

     We played some excellent football for about 15mins after the goal,Now if
    we could play like that for 90mins every week walk the league.Other
    good points,Fergie had a good game(Man of the match on our bus)the 4
    points he got in the Sunday Mail star check was a joke,I'm now
    convinced who every does that gets there match reports from someone who
    talked to someone who listened to a radio for 5mins.Stevens didn't have
    that good a game,not really his sort of game.Big bird had a night mair,
    he would get him self into good positions at the edge of the box,then
    would pass it back rather then lob in a cross.He ran from our 18 yard
    line right up to there's then he passed out..well it's the only reason
    I can think of why he didn't pass or shoot he just fell over the ball.
    McCoist should have had an award...for the best miss of the season,with
    about 10 mins to go he missed an open goal,all he had to do was hit the
    target and it would have been a goal.Robertson had a good game,he had
    Joe Miller in his pocket.
    
     I would say we had the better chances,possession but it was one of the 
    best and cleanest games I've seen for a long time. 
    
    
    SQF Blue nose.
    
    BTW If Durrant doesn't start against United there's somthing really
    wrong with Watty Smiths head.

    What happened to the Skol match with Dundee Utd last night ? Was it
    postponed or what.
    
    thanks
    Denis

    Denis,
         The Rangers v Dundee Utd game is tonight.The only game played
         last night was Kilmarnock 1 St.Johnstone 3,all other ties are
         tonight.
    
         cheers
         Graham.

    
    
    	The draw for the Skol Cup Semi-Finals were drawn today
    	at Hampden.
    
        => 	Rangers  V  St.Johnstone
    
    	=>	Celtic   V  Aberdeen
    
    	How come we got the hard draw ?  ;-)
    	
    	I  suppose cuffing the Tims in the Final will be more
    	pleasing. ( IF they get there )
    
        Tam..... 8-)
    
                         

    The linesman who flagged off-side for Trevor Stevens goal?? is very
    well known in the Ayrshire Junior soccer ranks.
    He is a grade 3 Ref. and was re-instated after being punted out of the
    Junior scene.
    Alan Seton is his name and he hails from Hurlford (Nr kilmarnock).
    He is one of the consistently worse refs I have seen and has almost
    caused a few riots with his decisions at very important games.
    Auchinleck ASKED the S.J.F.A. not to consider Mr Seton for games
    involving Auchinleck and thankfully we have not seen him for a while.
    Somehow I have a feeling we won't see him again as a linesman at a
    Premier League game.
    This point raises a very important question. What the hell is a grade
    three official doing at a Premier league game?.
    However, who would be a linesman!.
    
    

    Jim,
    
         I think he's going to be very well known by Rangers fans from now
    on as well.
    
    SQF Blue nose

    
    
    
     <<< Note 47.342 by KIRKTN::SNEIL "It's blacker than black" >>>
    
      Is your personal name from a song? If so can you tell me who sung it
      because I have it on tape but have no listing.
    
    
     Stuart
    

    
    Could be the tasty spanish (I think) twosome that were 
    called Baccara. One hit wonders.
    
    Del.

    
    wasnt that 'black is black'???
    
    ooops!
    
    Ian.
    :-0
    
    

    
    Re-1
    
    Yeah your right, but as he hasn't got a listing I thought it
    might be one in the same.
    
    Del.
    
    

    With the benefit of TV we all saw Stevens was on-side, shame. 
    
    Without the benfit of TV we could all see Hatley was offside last week
    against Dundee, where was the stewards inquiry over that one ?
    
    Also, Stewartons no.1 Hun, Jim "The Ref" McCluskey was only five yards
    from the move which caused the goal, he was nearside of both Celtic
    players who played Stevens onside but was not in line, again, shame. If
    my memory serves me right wasnt he the ref that did not send Huistra off
    in the first Old Firm game last season after Coyne "sped" by him with
    only Goram to beat...
                                                                 
     				....now that was a shame.

    
    Steven's goal was definately onside. But for those of you who have the
    match on video...watch Rangers equaliser !!
    McCoist is two yards off-side when Durrant shoots for goal. I suppose
    these things have a way of evening themselves out throughout the
    seasons (ala Collins being upended in the box during last years Cup
    semi final, only for the ref to turn a blind eye).
    There are those who'll say that McCoist wasn't interfering with
    play/seeking to gain an advantage, but rules are rules & he was
    off-side as I've already said.
    
    

    re.343
    
           Stuart,The song is Called Blacker than black by Goodbye
    MrMacKenzie...it's on the Hammer and Tongs album.
    
    SQF Blue nose

    
    JJ,
    
         Durrant is only going along for the trip,just to get him back on 
      the seen.I'd like to see Creaney get a game as well,I think him and
      the Super star would be a good partnership.
    
    SQF Blue nose

          <<< Note 47.351 by KURMA::SNEIL "It's blacker than black" >>>

>    re.343
    
>           Stuart,The song is Called Blacker than black by Goodbye
>    MrMacKenzie...it's on the Hammer and Tongs album.
    
>    SQF Blue nose


     Thanks,

     Stuart

    Any chance of some details from the Aberdeen game ?
    
    If the Scotland squad is out can someone post it ?
    
    thanks
    Denis

    
    
    Squad as follows :
    
     Goram, Smith, Marshall
    
     McKimmie, McLaren, Malpas, Gough, McPherson, Boyd, Whyte
    
     McAllister, McCall, McInally, McStay, Durrant
    
     McClair, McCoist, Nevin, Durie, Ferguson, Gallacher.
    
    Only change from Sweden is Durrant replacing the injured Dave Bowman.
    
    Saturday's game saw Aberdeen dominate the first half and score with a
    blockbuster from Roy Aitken. Rangers dominated the second half and
    scored 3 great goals through Durrant, McCoist and Miko (can't spell his
    name). Duncan Shearer of Aberdeen was sent off for 2 bookable offences,
    another 6 or 7 players were also booked.
    
     Danny

    REPLY 350, What about Gordon Marshall last season he played 20 games
    for Celtic and strolled inti the squad.

    
    
    Motherwell 1  Rangers 4
    
                  Brown
                  McCoist 3
    
    
    
                           

    Where's the best place to leave my car if I was going to Ibrox from
    Ayr? Is it worth parking at an underground and then getting it to
    Ibrox?
    
    Dave
    

    
    Dave,
    
          Your best bet is.....get a supporters bus.Phone the vulcan pub on
     Sat morning..they should have a few spare seats.It should cost you
     about four quid tops(plus silver for the driver @:^))
    
    SQF Blue nose

    
     Partick Th  1     Rangers   4
     shaw              Big bird
                       McCall
                       Gough
                       Hately
    
     What a weekend....we won,Celtic didn't and my coupon was up.
    
    SQF Blue nose

         Rangers to have their best run in Europe for quite some time
        --------------------------------------------------------------
    Where are all these Rangers fans they should be celebrating there win
    last considering the defeats in the past they should relish the Result
    while its in there favour..
    
    From what i heard it was tough for Rangers trying to break down the
    opposition but that they definetly deserved there two nil win(or at
    least that was the score i last heard) and are well set for the return
    leg..

    
    Rangers 2  Lyngby BK 0
    Hately
    Huistra
    
    	Rangers allowed Lyngby too much time on the ball mainly due to the
    fact that there was no McCall(or Spackman) chasing the ball in
    midfield. This made Rangers more open to attack than usual but the Danish
    team could not capitalize on this. Their individual skills on the ball 
    were good but they did not link up well as a team. Defensively Lyngby
    had a good set up and Hately only got away from his marker once when 
    Brown broke down the left and Hately dived full length to meet the
    cross. Huistra scored when McCoist had a shot saved by the keeper who
    could not recover in time to stop Huistra knocking the ball passed him.
    Durrant was unlucky not to score when he spotted the keeper off his
    line and fire in a shot from way out on the left this time the keeper
    recovered to make a great save. 
    	With McCall back for the second leg Rangers should easily make 
    the next round, even without him our only problem could be caused
    by the "unfairly criticised"(phone in quote) Big Bird who once again
    looked the player we sold 5 years ago.
    
    Gordon...
     

    
    
    re last
    
     I take it you were watching a different game from the rest of us?
    Huistra scored after working a good 1-2 with Hatley, McCoist wasn't
    even involved in the move. Lack of memory perhaps, or maybe excess
    amounts of froth??
    
     Danny.

    
    
     Sorry thought I was a Sunday Mail reporter for a minute.
    

    
    Rangers 2  Hearts 0
    McCall
    McCoist
    
    	Good game,Good game !!! This is what we want,good football plenty
    action and a bit of aggro. Isn't this what Scottish football's about ?
    	Hearts started well and for about half an hour were the better
    team. Rangers then started to knock the ball about and scored after
    a shot was blocked by a Hearts player and fell nicely for McCall who
    only had to knock it passed Smith. That's when the silly stuff started
    and the ref(McVicar) started to lose the place and dished out several
    bookings. Ally Mauchin was mixing it with Huistra and was lucky to 
    stay on the park,Jordan replaced him at half time for his own good.
    McCoist could have been sent off for his tackle on Hogg.
    	The second half calmed things down and Hearts should have equalised
    but Foster(I think) hit the bar from about 5 yards out. Rangers then 
    took control of the game and the second goal was a great move with Fergie
    and Durrant skinning the Hearts defence and leaving Ally with a tap in.
    Hearts couldn't get back into it and the Jambo's started leaving in
    droves with at least 10 minutes to go.
    	
    	The East enclosure have got a  new chant BOMBER FOR SCOTLAND
    and with his recent performances compared to McPherson's then why not?
    
    
    GORDON...
    	

    ALTOGETHER
    
    THERE'LL BE NAE RUDI VATA IN THE CUP.
    

    RANGERS 4  DUNDEE UTD 0
    Steven
    Huistra (2)
    McCoist

    		Great result considering the changes that had to be made.
    McCall played right back and it's the safest we've looked in that
    department this season. There was a couple of scares early on with
    Nizzy and Brown being a bit sloppy but they soon got to grips with
    the game. Rangers had 90% of the first half play and if it hadn't 
    been for a couple of excellent saves from Main the game would have
    been over at half time.Dale Gordon played in place of Durrant and made 
    the first goal by crossing for Steven to glance a header passed Main,
    apart from that you could only say he was satisfactory and Durrant should
    automatically get his place back. Huistra ,who had an outstanding game,
    latched on to a Hately knock down for the second goal.
    		United looked a better team after the break and started
    to knock the ball about a bit but with our midfield ,especially Fergie,
    chasing every ball they soon started loosing it again. Captain McCoist
    scored the third by burying a rebound from his own shot into the corner
    of the net(possible deflection). With 20 minutes left Huistra tied
    things up when his shot was deflected off Van Der Hoorn into the goal.
    Fergie was taken off with 10 minutes to go,hopefully nothing too
    serious as he has been on top form since the Celtic game .
    Best performances of the day came from McCoist,Fergie and Huistra,plus
    marks to everybody else.
    		This was the best game by a Rangers team that I have
    seen at Tannadice and underlines the fact that there are no serious
    challengers for the title this season. If we continue this form the
    league will by over by Xmas. 2 points at Parkhead,Pittodrie and
    Tyncastle will see to this leaving the home teams at these grounds to
    fight for 2nd place.
    
    GORDON...
    
    OH AYE...
    
		THERE'S ONLY ONE GEORDIE SHAW.....!!!!!!!     

    Here's some statistics for the season so far.
    
    We've scores 42 goals this season in 15 games,24 in the league,16 in
    the Skol cup and 2 in europe.McCoist has scored 17 Goals with 3 hat-tricks.
    Andy Gorham has had 8 shut outs.
    
    SQF Blue nose

    
    It seems that if you happen to play a couple of good games for
    Rangers,no matter how average you are,a Scotland call up is
    imminent.In particular i am referring to the recent hype about 
    John "headcase" Brown.I don't know if the likes of Gerry Mcrangers 
    and Alex "bluenose"Cameron are doing it to win bets or if there is a
    more sinister reason for this.Looking back into the not too distant 
    past other names come rushing to my head,espcially for the left back
    position i.e,Ally Dawson,Stuart Munro and that other class defender,
    yes you've guessed it,Scott Nisbet.Although in saying that if John
    Brown is selected he can join other average players in the Scotland
    squad,namely,Andy Goram,Dave Mcpherson,Stuart Mcall,Ian Durrant and
    god help us Ian "stiff"Ferguson who is a certainty to be picked.
                                                                       

    
    Jim,
    
    	Gordon Marshall,Derek Whyte,Alan McInally,John Collins,Roy Aitken
        Paul McStay to name but a few....
    
    	It seems to me that Harry Ramsden couldnae keep the Celtic
    	supporters in chips for their shoulders.
    
    Gordon....
    

    JIM,
    	To be fair, Goram, McPherson and McCall were all in the Scotland 
    	squad before becoming Cream Buns (I'm sure Mr sprinkler himself
    	is in the same position). In fact I think Sally and The Scottish    	
	Cup lookalike are the only true-blues in the squad.
    
    		Eddie the Larkhall Tim.
    

    
    
                  Lyngby 0 Rangers 1 [agg 0-3]
    
                           Durrant

    
     Look out, look out the Bairns are about!!! 
    
     I predict a very close game with Rangers only camped in the Falkirk
    penaly area for 84 minutes and 32 seconds. The rest of the time will be
    spent taking centres. 8^)
    
     Seriously, I hope it is a good attacking game.
    
              Jonno
    

    
    Rangers have either Stuttgard or Leed Utd in the next round of the 
    European Cup.
    
    Arnie
    
    

What are the dates?

Also, does the winner of this round go into the league-style part of the
competition, or is there another knockout round before that?

cheers, Gordon.

    Round three is the league format and big money.
    
    barry.
    

    Its almost certain that the draw will have to be done again due to the 
    incompetence of EUFA. If Stuttgart were to be disqualified then it
    should have happened before the draw was made.
    EUFA state that no more than three foriegn players are allowed in a
    player pool. Stuttgart thought that they were not allowed to field
    more than three foriegn players at one time, hence they subbed a
    foriegner for a foriener still leaving three on the park. So you can
    understand the confusion. If Stuttgart do get thrown out then the draw
    will have to be made again as they were a seeded team and Leeds, like
    Rangers, are not.
    EUFA meet to-day, so we should know something by to-night.
    

     ..and If we get drawn away from home first leg....Will they change
    Celtics game again or change ours??????????

    SQF Blue nose 

    
    RANGERS 4  FALKIRK 0
    McCoist
    
    The goal machine does it again 21 goals in 17 games
    
    SQF Blue nose

    
    Looks like we'll be playing the Germans after all, Leeds-Stuttgart have
    been ordered to replay on a neutral ground and we all know Leeds can't
    play football away from Elland Rd. Yesterday's game at Ipswich proves
    this as the "Champions" were given the run around by a 36 year old.
    
    Personally I'd rather play Leeds as our record against German teams 
    is not to good.
    
    Gordon...
    

    
    I wonder if Ally Machoist would ever have the bottle to come
    down and play in the English League ? I doubt it as he'd be
    an average goal score like Steve Bruce who nets a couple a
    season.
    
    Still, good luck to him. If Scottish Premier football makes
    him look good then thats fine by me. I've heard that Falkirk
    didn't turn up for the game ? 
    
    It will be good to see Leeds play Rangers. The Gers need to be
    tested.
    
    JN. )

     Bottle's got nothing to do with it,there isn't a club that could match
  his wages.
    
    SQF Blue nose

    re-.381
              I wasn't there I'm sorry to say. I saw the goals on TV and it
    must be said that only one team were on the park. Also I thought that
    Hately's header was good enough to count although Falkirk should have had
     a consolation penalty. 
    
      BTW I've been backing up the Gers in the Leeds note so less of the
    abuse, thank you!! 8-)
    
       Jonno.
    
      
    
      

    
     Jonno,
    
           Just sticking by all the Scottish teams in europe?.
    
           A Falkirk player was off side before that other cheat dived @:^)
    
     SQF Blue nose

    
    re.383
    
    	With the soccer giants of Blackburn and Norwich at the top of the
    "Premier" league, I hardly think there's anyone on this island who can
    "test" the REAL Premier Champions.
    	As for McCoist's ability in England, we'll never know because he'll
    never lower himself.
    
    

    
>>    	As for McCoist's ability in England, we'll never know because he'll
>>    never lower himself.
    
    
    Wasn't there an Ally McCoist who Sunderland signed from St Johnstone a
    few years ago - he was sh*t and eventually went to some minor team, he's
    obviously not the 'goalscoring sensation' who plays for Rangers.
    
    Was Maurice Johnston really any good in Scotland - he's cr*p at
    Everton, he can't shoot, head or even control the ball.
    
    Paul :-)

    
    Apparently all Scottish teams are under contract to allow
    Ally to score at least one goal each game. Any team that
    doesn't allow this is fined heavily and that money is given
    to Ally. If it is judged that Ally didn't score because it
    was his own inability that stopped him from doing do so, ie 
    he is crap, then no action is taken against the other team.
    
    Just what I heard.
    
    JN. )

    Well I believe Ally McCoist is a class player and is always superb
    at every level.  
    
    I also believe Crystal Palace will win the league:-)

      Now now ladies,How can you say that he's crap,was he not europes top
    goal scorer last season.

     Re Mojo,

               He is a great goal snatcher but you'll never see him take on
       a defender
    
       SQF Blue nose

    
    The natives are restless this morning. Isn't it funny how
    the Englanders always delve into the past when trying to put 
    down others. McCoist was a youngster away from home for the first
    time when he was at Sunderland.  
    
    	Accept it, he is the BEST striker in Britain and is playing
    for the BEST team in Britain.
    
    	

    
    Ally couldn't cross the road let alone the ball. Have you
    seen him pass the ball ? I've seen him make a better job
    of passing wind.
    
    Scoring, well at that level anyone score goals. Ally playing
    premier Scottish football is like putting Alan Shearer in the
    English fourth division, only Shearer would score more goals.
    Under normal circumstances Ally couldn't score in a brothel
    along with the whole Rangers team who, I believe, have tried
    but failed.
    
    JN. )

    RE 393
    
    >> Accept it, he is the BEST striker in Britain and is playing 
       for the BEST team in Britain.
    
    
    I've never laughed so much.

    
    Facts,
    
    	Highest scorers/scorer in the country. ( in the top divisions )
    	Richest club in the country.
    	Best stadium in the country.
    	Biggest supported club in the country.
    	Highest season ticket sales.
    	Best selling strip.
    	
    	Having watched the above Rangers every week and having Sky to watch
    the Heavily Scottish influenced Premier League I fail to see the funny
    side of my previous note.
    
    	As for Ally, watch the video,read the book and sit back and enjoy
    it when we gubs Leeds (if we play them).

    
    	..couldn't pass a plate of sandwiches....   ;-)

    
    RE:Last.
    
    Why pass,when you know you can shoot,and score,as often as Ally can.

    
    And another thing..........
    
    Shearer has had an exceptional season,(so far),but Ally has hit 20
    goals a season consistently.(Even in a p!$$ poor Rangers team),so
    until Shearer does likewise there just isn't any comparison.The only
    guy that you can compare him to is Ian Rush,and how many times do you
    see Rushie passing the ball when he's got a snifter at the goal?

    How about a match report, or even just the scorers from last night ?
    
    How does the league table look now ?
    
    thanks
    D

    
    
          St Johnstone 1  Rangers 5
    
          Arkins 37       Hateley 10,60
                          McCoist 15,57[pen]
                          Ferguson
    
        Can't give you a match report
        Rangers are now five points clear at the top of the league.
    
                                                 Billy

    
    ST JOHNSTONE 1  RANGERS 5
    
    
    	5 points clear and cruising. Rangers continued with the form that
    has seen them gub most teams they have played since the Celtic game.
    Yet again the team was changed with Brown being dropped to cover
    against a suspension that would see him miss the Skol Cup Final.		
    	Hateley's first came early on,Huistra was fouled by Traynor(sp?)
    at the edge of the box,dusted himself down and sent over the perfect
    cross for the big man to head in. Minutes later Hately was in the
    box again this time to knock down a cross for Ally who turned and 
    fired his shot past Rhodes for the second. Rangers now relaxed a bit
    and some loose passes allowed St Johnstone back into the game and
    Arkins pulled one back with about 5 minutes to half time.
    	Rangers returned to full speed in the second half and when Arkins
    pulled down McCoist in the box the contest was finished. Hately scored
    with another header on the hour mark and the goal of the game came
    about 10 minutes later. Huistra fired a free kick off the wall and
    Fergie followed up with a powerful drive from about 22 yards. Game
    Over.
    
    	No game today due to Scotland playing Portugal but next week should
    be a good one. Hibs next Saturday and we owe them a gubbing for holding
    us at Easter Road surely they'll try and come forward this time. This
    will be followed by Leeds on Wednesday 21st in the first leg of the
    European Cup, I watched last nights game and was not impressed, the 
    only players deserving any praise were Strachan for his all round play
    and Shutt for his goal. After this we play Aberdeen in the Final of the
    Skol Cup, I can't see this being as good as the 3 previous finals with
    Aberdeen but they may prove me wrong.
    
    

    
    Rangers and Leeds officials will meet tomorrow (Tuesday) to discuss
    the banning of away fans from both legs of the tie. The police say
    this may cause problems as there would be a high probability of fans
    travelling without tickets anyway. If there is to be a public sale
    Leeds can expect to get 3000 (the bottom of the Broomloan) I 
    don't know how many Rangers would get for Elland Road. The SFA have
    ruled out the games being shown live in Scotland so hopefully Rangers
    will bring in the big screens and show the away leg at Ibrox. 
    Anyway I've got my ticket and can't wait for next Wednesday, once again
    the English arrogance may be their downfall, how they can say Leeds
    play against "quality opposition" each week is beyond me, I would like
    to see them turn on the style at the likes of Broomfield on a cold
    Saturday.

    Apparently, the Elland Rd leg will be shown live throughout the UK. The 
    debate seems to be over the Ibrox leg being shown in Scotland. It will be 
    live in England.
    The problem would appear to be that Hearts are playing in the UEFA cup
    on the same night. Seems crazy to me - how many Hearts fans would miss their
    team playing in a big European tie to watch Rangers on the TV ?? 

    
    Yawn. Leeds will sort out the Huns.
    
    JN.

    ANOTHER BEGGAR WITH NOTHING TO SHOUT ABOUT WITH HIS OWN TEAM

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    RE :- 47.409 by NIBLIK::BROADLEY
    
    
    Its only a bit of banter. No harm intended. Just a bit of winding
    up on a game that I am sure will prove to be the European tie of
    recent years.
    
    This notes file has only recently had some friendly rivalry on
    a non-personal level and I say it was about time.
    
    So, don't shout at me and BTW, I can assure you I'm not at all sad.
    
    JN.

    
    
        Yesterday was the funeral of Wully Waddell,a man that gave 56 years
        to Glasgow Rangers.I hope their are more like him.
    
                                               Billy

    
    
    		Do you mean Dead? :-)
    

    
    
    Prediction tonight.........
    
    	Rangers  2   Leeds  0
    
    	And I think that Rangers will qualify..
    
    	Andrew.

      
    
           For tonight's game............
    
              Rangers 1   Leeds 0.

    I notice no-one is predicting McCoist to score, no-one is willing to
    stick their neck out cause they know their head will be chopped off.
    McCoist himself will really feel the pressure to score tonight because
    he knows what's being said about him scoring against weaker opposition
    only. We will see tonight if he is a pressure man and if he is a good
    goalscorer..... I think the good Leeds defence *not* will put the
    shackles on him and the Rangers fans know this aswell, so lets face it
    ye're doomed cause there is no-one is that is going to score.
    
    Colm.

     I don't think McCoist will score because he will be marked out the
    game,But don't think he's the only goal scorer we've got.Marking
    McCoist man to man will leave gaps which the rest of the team can
    exploit...Rangers have 10 men that score goals.Beware though,Give
    McCoist an inch and you'll be a goal down.

    SQF Blue nose

    
    
    My prediction for tonight's match
    
    RANGERS	2	LEEDS	1
    
    

    
    Rangers will discover tonight what playing against real
    opposition actually means.
    
    Leeds won't need to mark Mchoist out of the game as the
    service that normally provides him with his goal scoring
    chances will not be there to begin with.
    
    Glasgow = Big pish in little pond.
    
    Gary Speed will show you how its done.
    
    Leeds 3  Rangers 0
    
    JN.

    
>       Leeds won't need to mark Mchoist out of the game as the
>       service that normally provides him with his goal scoring
>       chances will not be there to begin with.
    
    Despite flaws in McCoist's game, he is still a very good finisher and
    will need to be watched in and around the box.
    
    Tim

Anybody know what channel(s) the game will be on tonight ??

Heard a rumour this morning that it would be on Sky Sports, but I thought they only
had rights to Premier League (English) and Internationals. If it is on Sky, that
will be perfect.

Can anyone confirm / deny ??

Otherwise any other satellite/cable channels carrying it e.g. Eurosport ??

malcolm

p.s. anyone impressed with Murdo McLeod's attempt at German on Sat1 last night

				:^)...

    The game is NOT on Sky.  In England it is onlive on all ITV regions. 
    Don't know about Cable, Welsh TV, UTV.
    
    		Brian.
    

    
    Lets face it, Scottish football is of a very low standard compared
    to that of English football, this match will be like Leeds playing
    a third division club in the F.A Cup, Rangers will be fired up and
    a shock is possible as in all cup competitions, however Leeds will 
    win tonight 0-2 and then in two weeks time at Elland road they will
    finish the humiliation of the Jocks with a 3-0 win.
    All this talk of Ally Mcoist being the best striker in Europe...don't
    make me laugh, if thats the case then our Sunday league striker should
    get a mention, considering he scored 60 goals last season against
    defences that are far better than those in the Scottish Premier League.
    
    Andy...B

    re.425       
    
     What colour is the sky in your world??.
    
    SQF Blue nose

    
    IMHO,
    	The tie will be won by whoever gets the upperhand in the
    mid-field.
    
    As for the result tonight.I'll be quite happy if we don't lose a goal.

    the game is being transmitted on Border and Ulster TV.
    
    

Re .-1

That's all very well, but I can't quite get Border or Ulster here in Munich :^)...

Malcolm

    re.427
    
     Ian,
         don't you think you're being just a bit too sensible about all
    this (certainly compared to our Southern employees). Where's the
    abuse?!?
    
      Good luck to Rangers tonite.
    
         Jonno
    

    
    Malcolm,
    
    	Murdo is indeed a brilliant example of a scotsman attempting to 
    	speak a foreign language.  We cannot get rid of our strong
    	accents...
    
    	Surely saying that the tie tonight is like Leeds playing a 3rd 
    	division team is way of the mark. I hope that Rangers prove that
    	they are indeed a big club and in doing so silence all the critics.
    
    	English footbal is in no fine state at the moment and in my opinion
    	several of the big teams up here would easily match top English
    	clubs.
    
    	
    
    	Bring on the Dorttmund !!!!

    	Well done Rangers, great comeback after a dreadful start. Ye seemed
        to be happy with 2-1 in the second half, this could be your
        downfall because of the away goal. Looking at the way ye played
        tonight, ye will be very dangerous on the counter attack. Can't
        wait for the next match
    
    Stephen

    
    Andy...B  and the rest of you Leeds fans.
    
     Not bad for a 3rd division team with a non league strike force,Now
    you'll have to come at us at Elland road and that will play right into
    our hands.
    
    WE R A PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    SQF Blue nose
    
   P.S John Lukic has just signed up for the next Commerical Union advert
   P.P.S (It'll be alright on the night)  

     As it was said in my last note, you always get cup upsets.
     Leeds will be delighted with the result, now all they have
     to do is score one goal and then bye bye jocks for another year
    
     Andy..B
    

    
     With a defence like yours do you think we wont score again!.You'll
    be lucky to get a draw at Elland road.Face it....your out.
    
    SQF Blue nose
    

    
    Good result for Rangers last night - Leeds looked well in control until
    Lukic did his impression of a Scottish goalie.
    
    One question - why the signs saying 'No smoking in the main stand' - is
    this Rangers catering for the anti-smoking lobby, or is 'the greatest
    stadium in Britain' another potential Bradford ?
                                                     
    Paul

    Rangers just about deserved their 2-1 victory last night.  Both teams
    though I think will be happy with the result. Leeds must fancy their
    chances of coming back from any defecit at Elland Road, while the Huns
    must be confident of getting at least one in the next leg.  I wouldn't
    be surprised to see extra time and maybe penalties.
    
    I thought Batty and Durrant were the best players on the park, while
    Hately did his job well.  I was disappointed with Rangers 2nd half
    performance - they had Leeds on the rack up to half time and just one
    more goal in the second half could have sealed the tie for them. 
    Instead they were happy to sit back and protect their lead.  Lucky for
    them that Leeds strikers and service up to them was not impressive.
    
    All to play for in the 2nd leg.  As for best of British - both teams
    are a long way from that on last nights performance.
    
    		Brian.
    
    ps. McCoist was sh*te last night, but then again he scored the winner
        with a mishit and I suppose you can't argue with that.  His all
        round contribution though was not much above zero.  He is a long
        way from being the best striker in Britain.
        

    
     
        Well done Rangers not a bad result at all .Mind you as the
    opposition had spent the most part of the last 10 years in the minor
    leagues the dizzy heights they were competing at might have scared
    them. 
                         SQF HM.

    
    I don't know about the rest of you Berz out there,but i felt that
    Rangers didn't play as well as i know they can,although they did
    fight back well after a horrendous first 20mins.(Thanx Mr.Lukic).
    
    Leeds were good in midfield,(far better than us on the night),but
    p!$$ poor everywhere else.I don't recall Goram having to make a save,
    so for all Leeds' midfield domination,they hardly created a chance for
    their front two.(Say OOH Cantona's crap,say OOH Cantona's crap.)
    Lee Chapman doesn't half put some work in though,although Gough
    had him in his pocket,so much so that Chapman gave up jumping for
    the ball half way through the game.
    
    I was very Impressed with Batty,who proved to me there is more to his
    game than being a dirty little B*****D,and Strachan,who still seems to
    have limitless energy,although Rangers did give him enough room to more
    or less do as he pleased.
    
    Did anyone else notice Leeds' strange tactics?
    They seemed to have all their players on the same side of the field
    as the ball,leaving the opposite side completely empty.(A la BB style).
    I thought Rangers should've exploited this,but didn't/couldn't.They
    also employed this style at some of Lukic's kick-outs.Is this a common
    tactic for them?
    
    Best for Rangers were Gough,Brown,(neither gave Leeds' front two a
    snifter at the goals),Robertson,(who over-lapped well and forced Lukic
    into making amends for his earlier blunder),Ferguson,(who battled well,
    but his shooting was woeful),and MOTM Ian Durrant,(Who is this Gazza
    geezer anyway?).
    
    All in all,a good result from a bad performance,which to me seperates
    good teams from bad ones,and we go into the 2nd leg knowing that we
    can't possibly play as badly as that again!!!
    
    Looking forward to the return, 1-1 will do.
    						Iain.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    PS. Will you kindly English people send up one of your good teams next
    	time? We know you've got some.
    
    You tell us about them often enough.
    
    PPS.Anychance of a ticket for the return.;>)

I have no complaints about last nights result. Leeds were lucky to get out with
only a one goal loss. Leeds away form this year has been abysmal and last night
was no different. Leeds look very brittle after they concede a goal. I don't
understand why? Let's *hope* Leeds can do the business on the second leg.

Well done again Rangers. It proves the Scottish league isn't as bad as some of us
thought yesterday.

                              James.

    
    Well its humble pie all round then ? I'd say that a draw would
    have been a fair result if Lukic hadn't made his grave error.
    
    I still feel that "Super Ally" has not proved himself and I reckon
    he found the going tough and he wasn't man marked. His goal was
    a mis-hit and everything else was spooned all over the place. Maybe
    he is used to too much time on the ball during Saturday games. It 
    looked like he was uncomfortable being rushed.
    
    Hately looked good and Durrant showed some nice touches. What about
    David Whytes "apparent" shove on Machoist ? Was it a penalty ? That
    depends on the camera angle. On reflection it looked as if Ally might
    have made more out of it due to the fact that he was in the penalty
    box.
    
    Was it big bird that shoved Chapman ? That was also a close call.
    
    I'm looking forward to the return at Elland road. The pressure is on
    Leeds to stop Rangers scoring and to score themselves. I reckon we'll
    see another Studgart (Spelling).
    
    It was great when Leeds scored. Ibrox isn't as quiet when its empty.
    
    JN.

    
    My apologies Brian. Please substitute David for Chris. I trust
    that I have spelt his surname correctly ??
    
    JN.

    
    
    	Well lads, not a bad result considering the Gers played to about
        50% of there capabilities.If that was the English champions best
        shot we don't have anything to worry about when we travel south,
        except playing in a 3rd rate stadium.
    
                         Scott.
    
        ps. Super Ally still has to be tested against " real " opposition!!
     

    
    
    Super Ally was tested against a superb defence firing on
    only three cylinders and still he played badly. 
    
    We now know his true capabilities. Roll on the second leg.
    
    JN.

    This from the man who gave Lukic a 9 out of 10 rating, while stating
    that he was good at handling crosses.......
    
    Paul

    
    Paul.
    
    Where's that note then ? I certainly cannot place entering a note
    where I was rating Lukic and his ability on crosses.
    
    I take it you are pointing your digit at me ?
    
    JN.

    
    
    Re .448
    
    I think he's confusing you with my brilliant and throughly unbiased
    note.......
    
    Paul

    Yep,
    
    Apologies for pointing a wrong digit at you JN, and thanks to Paul W
    for digging me out of a hole.  If Im not mistaken Paul W is a Pool fan
    and knows all about keepers who are comfortable with crosses.....
    
    Paul

>    for digging me out of a hole.  If Im not mistaken Paul W is a Pool fan
                                                       ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

    Arf arf. Seen the light have you Paul? How long before Messrs Fletcher,
    Dawson, Pratley etc cross the park?

    Andy

    
>>>>If Im not mistaken Paul W is a Pool fan
                                   
    Very mistaken, I'm an Evertonian, but seeing as I'm (I think) the only
    Merseyside based noter, I tend to waffle in the Liverpool notes from
    time to time as well.
    
    Anyway, I'll stop cluttering up this note and go back to sleep.
    
    Paul
        

 <<< Note 47.452 by WOTVAX::SHAW27::WATTERSONP "Everton Everton rah rah rah" >>>

    
>    Merseyside based noter, I tend to waffle in the Liverpool notes from
                                       ^^^^^^
    
   Freudian slip???

   Stuart        

>>    for digging me out of a hole.  If Im not mistaken Paul W is a Pool fan
                                                       ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

>    Arf arf. Seen the light have you Paul? How long before Messrs Fletcher,
>    Dawson, Pratley etc cross the park?
             ^^^^^^^


	The only time I'll be going across 'the park' is once a season
	for the derby match. So there !

	Regards

	Ian.


	P.S.  Well O.K. there might be some cup games as well.

    
               Egg Cup Final result from Hampden Park
               ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    
    John Merrick Kebab throwing lookalikes...............2
    A-Baaaah-kidney poking-bottle it everytime-Deen......1
    
    

    How about a match report guys ?    Only saw the goals on Sky News,
    the Rangers ones looke somewhat unusual !
    
    Bet extra time was a surprise .

    
    The (unofficial) British Champs.....................2
    
    The Sheep molesting & Refereeing Training School....1
    
    
    Match report.
    ============
    
    The game started of pretty slowly with both teams sizing each other up.
    After 10 mins it suddenly burst into life,when Goram had to be alert to
    stop Jess from opening the scoring.
    This seemed to make Rangers move up a gear,and within a couple of
    minutes,they were very unfortunate not to take the lead,after a 
    Ferguson thunderbolt came crashing back of the post,with Snelders
    rooted to the spot.After that,it was constant Rangers pressure,
    and this was duly rewarded after 16mins after a neat 1-2 between
    Winnie and Snelders was side-footed into a gaping goal by that
    prolific goalscorer, Stuart McCall,(from a distance Messr.McCoist
    would have been proud of),who had somehow managed to stray
    into an opponents goalmouth for only about the second time in his
    career.
    For the rest of the half Aberdeen, somewhat strangely, were prepared to
    sit back and let Rangers dominate,(and i think this is why big Shirley
    went off pig-sick,in the huff,feigning an injury,cos he realised he was
    playing with yet another bunch of LOSERS,and Fergie wasn't giving him
    a kick of the ball,(or him),anyway).
    The 2nd half started just as the first had ended,with Rangers
    completely dominating,until just after the hour mark when a couple
    of sheep escaped from their pen and Shearer turned an injured Richard
    Gough inside out,to score a good,but undeserving,equaliser.
    Gough then went off,and surely now i thought,the Sheep would put us
    under some pressure,but no.They were more than content to play out
    the remainder of the game praying for extra-time and hopefully,
    penalties.Their prayers were answered,courtesy of Snelders,who had
    a couple of outstanding saves and the inadaquecies of the Rangers
    forwards.
    Extra-time,extraordinally enough,followed the same pattern and
    penalties were looming,much to the delight of the Gypo's 11,until
    young Gary Smith connected beautifully with a Davie Robertson cross,
    to send a glorious diving header beyond his despairing goalkeeper,to
    give Super Ally his SEVENTH winners medal in this competition in 10 years.
    Thus equalling Davie Coopers record.
    
    
    
    PS.RE:-2
    	JJ,
    	  I can't seem to remember the sheep EVER bottling it against yous.
    	  Which suggests that it's probably only against the big teams that
    	  this happens. ;>).
    

    
    For anyone who is interested.
    
    Gary Stevens is back in training and should be playing in 2-3 weeks.
    (Good news,as long as it's Bambi who's dropped for him and not Bomber).
    

    
    
      Prediction for to night.................
    
                         LEEDS 1  RANGERS 1
                           ?      Ferguson

    
    RANGERS 4  MOTHERWELL 2
    McCoist(3) Angus
    Brown 1    Martin
    
        Complacency and/or lack of concentration was evident during the
    first half hour of the game and Motherwell could/should have been 
    at least 2 up with Goram and his right hand post saving face.
    Motherwell scored when a cross (corner???) was headed out and Ian Angus
    was on the edge of the box to fire a low,unstoppable shot past Goram.It
    was a similar goal to McCallister's(sp) 2 weeks ago i.e. no one picking
    up the loose player. This was the kick in the backside Rangers needed
    and five minutes later they were given another boost from the ref when
    he gave a penalty when it was obvious to everyone else that Huistra was
    not even in the box when he was fouled.Anyway McCoist promptly made it
    1-1. Huistra was involved in the second goal when he got away from his
    marker and set McCoist up, Coisty's shot came back off the post but
    yet again he was quickest to the ball and knocked it in from about 3
    inches. 
    	Rangers started the second half as they had finished the first and
    after about 10 minutes Gordon nodded the ball down for Brown to volley
    home from about 20 yards. Rangers last goal came with about 20 minutes
    left and was a candidate for goal of the season, McCall(I think) rolled
    the ball to Miko who backheeled to Gordon who knocked it straight back
    to Miko who then sent McCoist clear to curl the ball past the
    advancing keeper into the bottom corner. McCoist should have had a
    fourth when Miko ran through the Motherwell defence as if they were
    traffic cones on a training session and crossed to the back post only
    to see Ally hitting the post from 2 yards out (heading isn't his best 
    point). That earned McCoist a substitution 8*). Gordon was then unlucky
    to see a header come off the base of the post. The game was rounded
    off with Motherwell's 2nd when Martin found acre's of room to nod past
    Goram,by that time no one was caring anyway.
    
    	As for tonights game, Rangers have a selection problem. Should they
    pick Miko who was outstanding and in that sort of form could walk into
    ANY team or do they pick the more consistent Huistra who is more likely
    to chase back and defend than the big Ukrainian. If Steven is still
    unfit both should be named in the squad. Hately being the third
    foreigner.
    
    	Probable team.
    
    				Goram
    		McPherson  Gough      Brown  Robertson
    		
    		Huistra    McCall     Fergie Durrant
    			   
    			Hately     McCoist
    
 	subs.  Miko/Steven ,Maxwell,S.Robertson,Nizzy,An Other
    
    

    
    
    	LEEDS LEEDS LEEDS
    
    	I can't wait to watch 'gers being prepared like the christmas
    TURKEY.
    
    SteveP 

    
    
    	well done 
    
    	Leeds 1	Rangers 2
    	
    	oo ahh  hately & ally.

    
    
       walter smith has told his players, to have two days rest, after
       rangers victory over the english champions. he said they MUST 
       report back for TRAINING on saturday afternoon at 3 oclock. -:)

    Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
    
    Come on guys match report. What was the team, was that Dale Gordon I
    saw ?   Great goals.  Now how about Marseille and AC Milan in our
    group, both within driving range of Valbonne.
    
    Saturday could be the icing on the cake. What a fortnight Skol Cup
    winners, through in Europe, 8 points clear in the league.
    
    Wonder who Walter will buy with the millions of gate money from the
    euro league ?

    
     What a Team.....MOTM.....Andy Goram.Two great goals.Now If the leeds
    fans had to eat there words...we'd be here for a week.I'd really like
    to see them slag the super star now.And you just KNOW what song we'll
    be singing at Parkhead..."no tims in Europe".
     I'll give full marks to Strachan when he was asking the referee to let
    Gough stay on the pitch when his eye was cut.
    
    
   SQF Blue nose

Great great great result! 

How about some details of the play for those of us who saw nothing ?

Gordon.

PS. When do we find out who is in our group?

    
    Re .467  Friday
    
    I'll let G.McKee do the match round up @:^))
    
    

    
    YYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
    
    
    Black Puds 1    SIMPLY THE BEST 2
    ooo aaahhh      Attilla
    		    can you guess ????
    
    	Leeds were first to attack when Rocastle released Cantona,the
    frenchman (different player than the Ibrox game) was clear but pressure
    from Brown and a good stop by Goram saved us from another first minute
    goal. About sixty seconds later Goram sent the ball upfield and McCoist
    beat some six footer (White or Fairclough??) to knock the ball forward,
    this sent Hately through and with one touch he leathered the ball
    passed Lukic (Englands No.1 as the LU fans were singing later).Leeds
     were inspired by this but could not do anything to beat Goram
    (a typical Scottish keeper) who was determined to make up for last
    years mistake. Rangers soaked up all the pressure and were relieved
    to go in 1 up at half time,a goal from Leeds then would have changed
    the game completely. 
    	The second half was a bit more even and McCoist could have made
    it 2 but hit a good shot too close to the keeper (if he had miss hit
    the ball would have been buried. He was not to be denied, on 58 minutes 
    Rangers surged forward, Durrant(I think) sent Hately clear and with the 
    big man fully fit he left Dorigo in his wake, McCoist was making a run  
    to the far post and Hately sent over a good cross for THE SUPERSTAR
    to score his best diving header I've seen, not only did he contact
    the ball he also had to place it past Lukic as the keeper could have
    saved if it had went to his near post. Now Leeds started to look tired
    but still had a bit of fight left in them. With 5 minutes left and
    the game tied up Cantona got a consolation goal for Leeds,if any of
    their players were going to score it would have been him even though 
    it was a deflection as I think Goram had it covered.
    
    	All I can say is if Leeds were unbeaten at home for 19 months (31
    games??) then I doubt if they have come up against any quality
    opposition
    
     until last night 
    
    
    GORDON...
    

    
    Well done you scotch types.
    
    This humble pie Tastes like haggis!
    
    SteveP
    

>                      <<< Note 47.363 by VAXVLS::CCASEY >>>
>                    -< Rangers best run is just begun...^^ >-
>
>         Rangers to have their best run in Europe for quite some time
>        --------------------------------------------------------------
>    Where are all these Rangers fans they should be celebrating there win
>    last considering the defeats in the past they should relish the Result
>    while its in there favour..
>    
>    From what i heard it was tough for Rangers trying to break down the
>    opposition but that they definetly deserved there two nil win(or at
>    least that was the score i last heard) and are well set for the return
>    leg..
>
>
    
    What can i say only that i had faith in them from the start and i
    believe that Rangers are going to suprise a few more people before this
    European Cup is over....
    
    Colin...
    ^^^^^^^^^

    RE: surprising people - don't know - they remind me too much of
    a certain Marseille team that did well in Europe a few seasons
    ago - skillful and positive - but you just never knew when they
    were going to commit suicide by their lack of professionalism on
    the big occasion .. (eg losing a goal at home in the second minute).
    
    They were certainly better than Leeds, but what does that really say ??
    
    Ray

    
    HOW THEY PLAYED
    ---------------
    
    ANDY GORAM 	(*10*)	His best performance yet for Rangers, made up for
    			all the early mistakes in his career at Ibrox.
    
    DAVE MCPHERSON (8)  Un-flappable, Slim is beginning to win over the
    			supporters and his forward runs are starting to
    			pay off.
    
    RICHARD GOUGH (8)   Solid performance from King Richard could have
    			done better at Cantona's goal but the game was
    			already won. 
    
    JOHN BROWN (7)	Several slips marred a good game for JB,still
    			pushing forward even when we were well in front.
    			As with Gough could have done better at the goal
    			but also saved us earlier in the game.
    
    DAVID ROBERTSON (7) Coped well but was not allowed to make his
    			forward runs as often as he would have liked.
    
    DALE GORDON  (8)    I was shocked with his selection but did the
     (subbed)		job well. Tired himself out by controlling
    			the right hand side of the game, didn't put
    			a foot wrong defensively or going forward.
    
    STUART MCCALL (7)   Would have been a six or less if he hadn't given
    			himself a shake in the 2nd half. His distribution
    			was poor but defencively as strong as ever.
    			Possibly trying to do too much against his home
    			team. Stopped a certain goal on the line.
    
    IAN FERGUSON (8)	Took a couple of knocks but managed to control
    			the midfield attacks of Leeds. Fergie is going
    			from strength to strength and is the most
    			consistent player in the squad.
    
    ALLY McCOIST (8)    Brilliant goal and had a couple of good chances
    			blocked, held the ball up well and made Newsome
    		        work for his money.
    
    MARK HATELY (9)     That'll show his critics just how good he is.
    			Never gave White a look in. His goal was one
    			of the best. Flew past Dorigo to set up Ally
    			with the 2nd. Also did a lot of defending at
    			set pieces. 
    
    IAN DURRANT (8)     You can't fault him, Leeds pressure took a lot
    			of the game away from him but he never stopped
    			trying to push up.
    
    ALEXEI MICHAILITCHEKO (5) Made up the numbers when Gordon went off
    	 		didn't get much of the ball.
          

    
    Is the next round seeded or not?
    
    I feel that if we can avoid Milan or to a lesser extent Marseille,
    we could possibly be meeting one of them in the Final next May.

    Well done the Teddy Bears.  Its certainly shut up a few noters who tend
    to look down their noses at Scottish football.
    While everyone will point out how well Goram played, lets not forget
    Lukic has a couple of match winning saves also.  Both Rangers goals
    were superb, and I could see the 2nd goal coming..McCoist had so much
    space out on the right that Hateley just had to cross to him...and what
    a great cross it was !!
    
    And Liverpool stuffed at home too...what a night !!
    Paul

    
    
     Anyone here at SQF fancy a swap,I've got a ticket for London Road but
    would prefer one for Janefield Street,If so Mail me please.
    
    

     On the news today.

     Rangers fan were praised for staying away from last nights game and
    those who went were praised for there good behavior.

     Anyone have any idea how many fans actually got into see the game.

    

    
    Congratulations go out to Rangers on a historic victory....
    
    Greg...

    re.479
    
     According to press reports today, arround 1200 Rangers fans were in
    Elland Road. Seemingly there were no arrests.
    
     Just out of interest where have all the McCoist critics went. Reading
    the notes you would of thought that he wouldn't get a game with
    Aberforth Rangers(I.Sutherland's Sunday Amateurs) never mind the
    Glasgow team. I hope now perhaps they'll see that he can score at any
    level.
    
     Well done Rangers you did Scotland proud....not to mention the clubs
    bank balance!!!
    
          Jonno
    

    According to Today on R4, the final league stages are worth 2 Million
    pounds for winning games plus each club keeps the home gates - about
    another 2 Million.
    
    Ray

    
    Could someone please keep me informed about today's draw.
    (I think it's made around lunchtime) Also if the dates and venues
    have been arranged.
    			Thanx in advance.
    					Iain.

    
    
    Here's the Draw
    Group A
    
    Marseille
    Rangers
    Club Brugges
    CSKA Moscow
    
    Don't know dates as yet.
    
    
    
      

    
    	Good chance here for Rangers, missing both Milan & PSV. What are
    	the other two sides - my mind is a blank (;-))
    
    	Andy.                

    Goteborg and Porto.   Yes missing Milan AC and PSV was good news.
    Gordon - at least you'll get to see Rangers twice now ..
    
    Ray

    Here's a quote from the man with the golden boot when he was signing
    his book at a shop in Glasgow.

     " I've had more attention here than I got from the Leeds defense"

    
    
 

 As I Tim I was surprised to find myself cheering for Rangers,well 
pleased to see them win.I always had a feeling that the bears attack 
would to be too mobile for a slow paced leeds defence. I thought Durrant 
looked a particularly good player and gough was outstanding in defence.
 Looking at the draw for the next stages I would say that Rangers have an 
evens chance of getting through,Marseille are not the team they were in 
the heady Papin days. Even though Goram had an excellent game I do feel 
that he is a minor weakness in a strong team as he doesn't command the 
box like I'd like to see a keeper do,and he cannot always be protected by 
Gough and McPherson in the air. Time will tell.

 Anyway,all the best lads....yur boyz did uz proud !!

 Cheers,McBill

    McBill - those were good days for Marseille - did you see Papin for
    AC Milan last week on C4 ??
    
    Just wait till Thistle get to Ibrox - we'll do the same then as we
    did at Celtic Park (I was there) ...
    
    McRay

    
     Our first games against Marseille at Ibrox,STV will cover all 6 games
    live.
     Wonder if we can buy Pele by then?????
    
    
    

    Fixture List for Rangers European Mini-League Ties:
    
    
         25th Nov. Marseilles (H)
          9th Dec. Moscow  (A)
          3rd Mar. Brugges (A)
         17th Mar. Brugges (H)
          7th Apr. Marseilles (A)
         21st Apr. Moscow (H)
    
     Slight doubt about whether it's home or away first versus Moscow.
    
    
          Jonno
    

    
    Jonno,
    	your dates and fixtures are spot on.

    
    
     There's talk of the away game against Moscow being held in Germany as
    the temperature in Moscow in December is usually around -20 therefore
    it would be like playing on concrete. UEFA will make a decision next
    week.
    
      Danny.

    
    Has a venue for the final been picked yet ??? I would reckon the
    Olympic Stadium in Munich or The Nou Camp in Barcelona are possible.
    
    

	Re -1.

	Is there just a hint of 'English cockiness' creeping into this Note?!

g

    
    No cockiness just asking a question ???
    
    Ibrox was quoted as a possibility (If we had went out,which we didn't)
    and I just wanted to know where else could hold the game,after all
    there are no Germans or Spaniards in the final stages.
    
    Personally I'm over the moon at getting into the last 8 but realise
    that we'll have to produce amazing form and carry a bit of luck to
    take enough points to get through. Marseille looked good in the
    friendly against us and will be the biggest threat, the Russians will
    play a similar style to our own and we could take points from them
    at home (remember Kiev). As for Brugges, I don't know enough about them
    but if they are anything like Anderlecht or Standard Liege we should
    do well against them. I would have liked to visit the San Siro but missing
    AC now gives us a chance. 
                                                
    Rangers set out make it to the last 8, we're now in the money so
    anything from now on will be a major bonus.

    
    
    re last few
    
     Ibrox was not in the frame for the European Cup Final this season.
    Last seasons final was at Wembley which means this seasons will be on
    mainland europe. I think UEFA are going to wait until the 2 finalists
    have been decided before announcing a venue. They will then pick a
    ground as close as possible to the teams involved, thus cutting down
    any un-necessary travel by supporters.
    
     Ibrox will host a major Euro final within the next 2 seasons.
    
    Danny.

    
    
            Rangers  3      Dundee 1
            McCoist 30,48   Den Biemen 43
            Heteley 88
    
                           Att 33,497.
     Good to hear Gary Stevens is back,how did he play ?
     The Tims drop another point.
    
    
            
    

    
    CELTIC 0  RANGERS 1
    	      Durrant
    
    	Rangers had there backs to the wall for the majority of the game
    and must be relieved ( I was ) to walk away with both points. Celtic
    put us under more pressure in this game than any other Old Firm match
    I've been to. Their only failing was up front and it's only goals
    that count. Early on Gough cleared a shot off the line and Goram made
    a good save from the polish guy duff-check. McCoist managed to break 
    clear but could only half hit a shot at Bonnar. The only goal of the
    game came with about 10 minutes left to half time, Gordon picked the
    ball up and crossed to McCoist at the edge of the six yard box,the
    Superstar nodded the ball down to Durrant and he swept it past Bonnar.
    	In the second half Slater had 3 good chances and Goram made a few
    good saves (not excellent saves 'cause he would have been slated if he
    had lost any of them).
    	The difference between the two side was this, Celtic had 3 central
    defenders who left McCoist and Durrant the room to work the goal,
    Rangers started with two, both went off injured ended up with a striker
    playing at the back and still never lost a goal to a team that played
    the majority of the game in our half.
    	Apart from the goal, the highlight of the game was the Rangers
    support. It's a pity the crowd at half time was not shown on TV or
    in the papers I have never seen so many HUGE flags at the same time
    before.
    
    GORDON...
    
     
       

    
    RANGERS 3  DUNDEE 1
    McCoist(2) Den Bieman
    Hately
    
        A tired looking Rangers team completed the full set of scalps for
    the season by beating the only team that had taken both points from
    them this season. Gary Stevens returned to right back and will need a
    few more games to get back to full fitness, with Dundee playing on the
    break he was not challenged often enough to really test him.
    	After a lot of loose play and missed chances Ally added to his
    quota when he knocked in a wild shot at the back post (did he play it 
    or did it bounce off him ??) to make it 1-0. Dundee fought back and
    Den Biemen evened the match with a free header (similar to Motherwells
    second 2 weeks ago).
    	Three minutes after the break Ally controlled a through ball
    and knocked it past Mathers to take his account to 29(31 including
    Euro). Play then slowed down again and Dundee resorted to some heavy
    tackling to try and get back into the game. Drainrod made an appearance
    with about 15 min left and looked as though he had been in HEAVY
    training, he must have put on 2 stone since playing at Falkirk.
    In the 85min Duffy took his studs down Hateley's leg and the big man
    could have been sent off for firstly pushing the folically challenged
    old chappy (baldy auld B*****D) then arguing the point with Motram. 
    He then went to the back post to wait for the free kick and when Durrant
    sent it over he forced it over the line.
    
    Stuart McCall and Ian Ferguson both picked up injuries and have
    withdrawn from the Scotland squad. With no game on Saturday the squad
    now has time to recover from one of the best four weeks they have had.
    2 wins against Leeds, the Skol Cup, beating Celtic and 8 more league
    points, what more could we ask for...
    
    GORDON...
    	

    What are the arrangements, costs etc for the Marseille game ?
    
    Also can someone do a league table update.
    
    thanks
    Denis

    
    FAO JNAGLE.
    
    On Wednesday i had the pleasure of watching a young player by the name
    of Alan McClaren mark one of the world's best players,(reputedly),namely
    Roberto Baggio,out of the game.
    Yesterday at Tynecastle Park,the same player,(McClaren),was given the
    same role,on the Great One himself.
    What was the outcome i here you ask.Well if you don't know already,
    the Great one scored his 200th Premier League(original and undoubtedly best)
    goal.Not only that,by doing this he also became the 1st player to win
    the coveted "Daily Record Golden Shot" award (given to the 1st player
    to score 30 domestic goals in a season),twice.He is also the quickest
    ever winner of the aforementioned prize.He has now scored 22 league
    goals this season,and barring injury,should score a few more to retain
    his title of Europe's top scorer.Would i be correct in saying that if
    he does this then he'd be the first player ever to retain this honour?
    
    No' bad for a numpty eh Mr Nagle?
      

    The "Coveted Daily Record Golden Shot".....
    
    .....I havent laughed so much since the St.Patricks Day massacre.
    
    Whats next..."The Sunday Post save of the Month", "The Sun best pins in
    the Game", "The Sport's Davi Dodds lookalike"
    
    SAlly's mantlepiece surely is now complete

    
    re.-1  -< Who needs a European Cup Winners medal anyway >-
    
    Your as bad as the engerlish about 1966, 
    
    BTW
    
    Who needs a medal of any type ???????
    

    Whats happening ?    Said on teletex last night that Gough, McCall and
    McCoist are out injured and that Fergusson is suspended so Rangers are
    short of Scots !  Some 17 year old ready to make his debut.
    
    Is this all games by Smith or is it as bad as that ?
    
    Denis
    
    Mind you it's not as bad as me having a ticket and no way of getting to
    the match.

    I'll be in England(Reading) on wednesday. Is the match being shown
    on TV there ? It's live on RTL for anyone that's interested.
    
    	- Robin

    Re:TV. I think its only being shown live in certain ITV regions. The
    others will probably have another showing of Beverley Hill Cop II. I
    think the farther south of the border you are , the less chance of it
    being live.
    
    Nigel

    You may like to have some news on Marseille before the game. After all,
    not only Rangers are playing :-)
    
    L'OM as it is known over here drew 2:2 away at Strasbourg before a record
    attendance of 38,000. They were 2:0 up in the first half with goals by
    Bokcis and Sauzee but yielded to pressure in the second half. 
    
    They just changed managers. Jean Fernandez (no relation - at all - to
    Luis Fernandez) was given a "month's rest' and old-timer Raymond "The
    Science" Goethals is back to a bench he has occupied twice before.
    
    No injuries reported I believe. Bokcis and Voeller will be upfront,
    with Pele supplying them. Keeper Olmeta is in disgrace for shady
    reasons but his replacement, Fabien Barthez is the new star. He is
    famous for his "sweeper" style of goalkeeping. Allen Bokcis is a Croat
    whom Marseille purchased 2 years ago when he was 18 so that Milan would
    not buy him. He did not play last year and then was injured but is now
    a regular. Good in the air, powerful, superior technical skills. Voeller
    is not doing too well but you should never count him out, especially
    for a big game. When Pele is good, he is really good. Midfield is
    solid, with Sauzee and Deschamps, both internationals.
    
    The problem is the defence, they concede far too many goals. With
    intelligent pressure (wings and high balls) they could lose their
    heads. You all know about Boli, although the "Pearce massacre" was
    probably over-emphasized on your side of your channel (after all, you
    Scots were probably delighted!) but if he keeps to himself he is
    unbeatable.
    
    I would go for a 2:2 draw.
    
    JF
               

    Robin,
    
    The game is live on Central which I think you can pick up in some of
    the higher parts of Reading.  If not just go North over the Chilterns
    and you'll pick it up no trouble.......
    
    I don't know if it is on TVS.
    
    		Brian.

    
    Well tomorrow at last, Rangers face a `Half decent' European side for
    the 1st time this season in the shape of Olympic Marseille.
    After disposing of that famous Danish household name `Thingy', they
    then deposed of that middle of the Premier, used to be in the 2nd,
    division side `Weeds United'.
    The Huns I fancy may actually win this tie, but as far as the
    mini-league goes, I think they'll finish either last or second last.
    
    P.S. Ally's injury is apparently not as bad as 1st thought. He'll still
         be out however, as his blue rinse & shaggy perm has came out green
         with gold tips !!
    
    P.P.S.  I look forward with great interest to see how that truly classy
            defender, Big Bird `Billy the Fish' McPherson plays against
            Pele & Voller (hee-hee, what a match).
            Never mind, I'm sure if the Marseille strikers get past him
            that John `Bomber' Brown will intercept them from the waist up
    
    

    
    JJ,
    
    There wouldn`t by any chance be a wee touch of sarcasm in
    -1. Or is it just pure JEALOUSY !! 8-)))))
    
    Tam.....
    
    
    
    
    P.S. Who are your mob playing tomorrow ?

    Could JJ tape Pole to Pole for me as I'm going to watch my team play in
    European Competition tonight.

    
    RE.513
    
   <<P.S. Who are your mob playing tomorrow ?>>
    
    Tam,
    No-one unfortunately, as we were defeated by a truly classy German side
    in the previous round, whilst you lot were playing against Arthur
    Daley's Building Society XI.
    
   RE.514
    
    Would that be Wdowczyk to Dziekanowski you want me to tape ?

    
    good luck(you bunch of mostly scotch gits..)
    
    SteveP

    
    Anybody got a spare seat on their sofa for tonights game. I have
    come up to Scotland today and have not got anywhere to watch the
    match. I have a four pack to bring round so i have none to share.
    So mail me if you have... Andy Barefield @wlc
    
    

    
    Andy,
    
    I fear you'd be as welcome as a Govan Scumbag John Merrick lookalike at
    a Knights of St.Columba Annual Shin-dig  8*)))
    
    P.S. I'd invite you around to my place, but fortunately I'll be
         watching something more interesting by Michael Palin.
    

    
    
        Rangers 2 Marseille 2
       McSwegan 78 Boksic 31
        Hateley 82 Voeller56
    
                               41,624

    
    Congratulation to both teams who gave us an entertaining game and
    good suspens to the end.
    Pitty that it was so humid.
    

    What a start by young McSwegan, his first touch and his first goal for
    Rangers and he'll hardly score a more important one or a better one.
    Brilliant comeback after being played off the park for most of the
    game, even though Marseille's two came from some poor defending.
    
    For a big club Rangers don't seem to have a huge squad of players.
    There was a few players missing lastnight and there was youngsters
    brought in for them. Durrant had to be pushed up which meant they had no
    replacement for the front 2 so I thought until supersub.
    Having said that I thought that the players that came in played very well.
    
    Colm.

    Rangers showed the true meaning of fighting spirit in what I must say
    for most of the game was a very one sided affair, but with youngsters 
    of the calibre that we saw last night, I say without fear of
    contradiction  I do'nt think  that we have anything to fear in bringing
    any of them in, even in such important a game as this was, well done
    lad's.
         

    Could somebody post a full match report as I did not get a chance to
    watch the game? Sounds like l'OM were controlling the game but again
    yielded to pressure in the end, a habit of theirs recently.
    
    Thanks in advance.
    
    JF
    
    PS/So quiet in here!

    
    Match Report
    
       I don't know anything about the which players might have been
    missing from wither team, but for 75 minutes Rangers attempted to hoof
    the ball as hard and as high as possible, aiming for Hateley who had a
    good games.  In doing so they were completely outplayed by a Marseilles
    side who proved that good football, on the ground, one touch, is
    possible in just about any conditions.  For Marseilles Boli played
    about as well as usual (pretty good), but, as usual, deserved to be
    booked!  Until last night I thought Rudi Voeller was a World class
    player, but last night he proved he did not have a right foot, if he
    had had, he would have had two MORE goals last night, and Rangers would
    have been sunk! (apt comment huh?).
    
    A good game, very entertaining, Rangers did well to hang on in there,
    and their first goal came from an excellent header.
    
    Ian

    
    
      Rangers were very lucky to get a draw last night. Marseille are a
    good side but were made to look very good by a poor performance from
    Rangers who missed McCoist up-front. Steven, Gough and McCall were not
    100% fit and the midfield in general did not function at all. Why Smith
    decided to play Durrant up front is a mystery. He only began to play
    when McSwegan came on and Durrant moved back into midfield for the last
    15 minutes. Rangers two goals came when they finally played a bit of
    football instead up pumping the ball upfield, two great goals at that.
    Both Marseille goals were down to poor defending by the 'Gers.
    
     Walter Smith admitted after the match that it could have been 3 or 4
    nil to the French, so he'll be very pleased with the draw.
    
     Danny.

    
    I thought I was watching Everton playing Marseille for the first 75
    minutes. Rangers' first goal was a cracker, but I thought Hateley
    looked off-side when the ball was played out wide for the second goal.
    
    What's happened to Trevor Steven, he was cr*p ?
    
    Paul

    
    
    Rather than saying "Marseille were made to look good by a poor
    Rangers performance" why don't you be honest and say that when
    ever Rangers come up against a decent team they are played off
    the park. If that means saying that Leeds were crap in the previous
    round then so be it.
    
    Last nights game reminded me of the Scotland v Italy last week
    where Scotland were made to look ordinary by a talented team.
    
    I must admit though that I was pleased with the come back from
    2-0 down.
    
    JN.

    
    I have always been a big fan of Walter Smith but I reckon he must take
    most of the blame for last night's very poor performance. His team
    selection was a bit of a mystery. Why start such an important match
    with 3 unfit players in McCall,Gough and Steven? I could see the point
    in taking a risk playing Gough and McCall but to play Steven before
    Dale Gordon was a bit of a surprise. Steven is not yet back to his best
    and Dale Gordon would have provided that bit of dig in the middle of
    the park that was so visibly missing with the absence of Ian Fergusson.
     To take your best player, Ian Durrant, out of midfield and push him up
    along side Hately was also a mistake. Marseille ran the show in
    midfield and it was only the introduction of McSwegan for Steven that
    allowed Durrant to drop back into his regular position. This change
    should have happened much earlier in the game, with Durrant back in the
    middle Rangers started to play. 
    
    Marseille are not the team they once were, but for 80 mins they made 
    Rangers look 3rd rate. Having the biggest squad in Scotland means very
    little in European terms. It was clear on lasts night's performance
    that if Rangers are serious about mounting a challenge in Europe they 
    must get the cheque book out and sign players like Mclaren of Hearts
    and Fergusson of Dundee Utd. 
    
       Del.

re .526
    
>                                               but I thought Hateley 
>   looked off-side when the ball was played out wide for the second goal.  
    
    The ball was deflected off a Marseille defender - so no offside.
    
    Tim

    re.527
    
      Last night's game reminded me of Scotland v Italy last week where
      scotland were made to look ordinary by a talented team.
    
                         RETURN TO MARS.  

    You tell him Rab....!!!!!

    JF - I think the previous reports pretty much some up the match -
    Marseille dominant until the substitution of Steven by McSwegan.
    However as I predicted earlier on, Marseille weren't a patch on
    the heady days of Papin/Cantona/Waddle.   Nevertheless, they
    must be favourite to qualify.   The next round will give us
    more clues ..
    
    Ray

    
    JF
    
    Take a bow..you predicted a 2-2 draw.
    
    paul

    Re. last: For the first time in my life, I got one score right!.
    
    Re couple previous: "heady days of Papin/Cantona/Waddle"... Cantona
    only played a few games for Marseille and I am not even sure he was
    there the year Waddle came to l'OM. Anyway, you are referring to the
    "Papin/Pele/Waddle" days.
    
    Marseille continued their recovery by beating Caen 2:1 last Saturday. I
    have no details but I predict that Bokcis got one again.
    
    Don't write off les Marseillais yet.
    JF

    
    RANGERS 3  PARTICK THISTLE 0
    Steven
    McSwegan
    McPherson
    
    	After playing with the big boys midweek it was back to the one
    way stuff again. Rangers had plenty possesion in the first half but
    couldn't turn it into goals with Steven,McSwegan and Huistra missing
    good chances.
    	Steven finaly scored on on 57 mins with an acrobatic effort,didn't
    connect too well with the ball but got the desired result. McSwegan
    made it 2 with a header shortly after when Gordon found him with a
    free kick. Partick started a kicking match and Ray Farningham should
    have been sent off for elbowing Huistra but the ref didn't have the
    bottle. Partick had several others booked notably McWalter for
    persistant fouling, he was then sent off for a late tackle on Hen
    Broon. The big man finished things off in the last couple of minutes
    with a carbon copy of McSwegan's goal,Gordon again supplying the
    cross. 
    
    Team was:-
    Goram,Stevens,Brown,McPherson,Robertson,McCall,Steven,Huistra,
    Ferguson,Gordon,McSwegan subs Durrant,Miko.

Tomorrow's game is OFF because the pitch is wet . . .

g

    GASH,
    
    I thought it was supposed to rain in Scotland?
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    I suppose they could all put there trunks on and scuba gear...!!


    Stav.   

    
    Well, at last the inevitable has happened. The Huns bottle has finally
    gone & they've sunk to an all time low & managed to sabotage their own
    ground, so as to get out of playing a game they were a snip to lose.
    
    Think about it. Four days before their match against CSKA Moscow,
    they're scheduled to face Dundee United. McCoist & Gough out, Celtic &
    Aberdeen have relatively easy matches & suddenly the thought of
    dropping two points at Ibrox before a crucial European Cup tie is
    & handing their Premier league challengers a boost is unbearable !
    "I know !" ,says some Hun big boy. "Let's make up some excuse about the
    pitch being unplayable & not run the risk of losing & giving our
    opposition a morale boost".
    The SFA won't say a thing, coz we'll noa let them play at Ibrox, with
    its excellent playing surface...eh....sometimes excellent playing
    surface.
    We'll wait to the SFA re-schedule the match for some week when all our 
    players are fit & are all free of suspension, then we'll play it !
    
    Shiesters !!
    

    
    JJ,
    
    Don`t tell me that IF Celtic were in the same position
    ( I know it`s a virtual impossibility that Celtic will
    ever be in that position, BUT, just IMAGINE ) they 
    would not do the same thing. 
    It`s great having the SFA on your side, you can get
    whatever you want !
    
    Tam.....
    

    
    Tam,
    
    We don'tneed an excuse........
    
    To get beat !!
    
    8*))
    

    
    I thought Rod's joke in the Sports section of todays Daily Ranger
    said it all.
    
    Two Rangers officials looking up at a switch over which hangs a sign
    saying `Ibrox Water'
    The switch has three settings.......On,Off & Burst !
    
    Just guess which one of the three it was set to !!!!!!
    
    
    

      Here we go again with the paranoid tim act,You just can't handle the
    fact that a bit of good fortune fell Rangers way.

     It just so happens that the last few weeks have been the some most 
    demanding that the Rangers players have had.It's just sheer lucky that 
    the pipe burst 6 days before an important European tie(remember them)
    giving the players a much earned rest.
    
    SQF Blue nose.           
    
    
    @:^)

    Bet it was sheer luck that Marseille had there game cancelled too !
                       not to mention PSV 
                       not to mention the Russians
                       is Gothenburg league closed for winter ?
    
                       did any of the teams in the Euro League play ?
    
     Lets face it the superior teams should be allowed a week off from
    meaningless matches before significant ones !>*

    Going by the attendances of the greatest seat breakers in the world
    Iwould say ity's a lot less than half the population.

Any team news for tonight? Is McCoist fit? Will McSwegan play?

Gordon.

    
    McCoist is fit and will play. Gary Stevens has had a knock and
    withdrawn. Gough is out. McPherson is dodgy so Pressley is in the
    squad. Likely team is
    
    			Goram
    McCall	McPherson	Brown	Robertson
    
    Steven	Fergie	     Durrant	Mikhailitchenko
    
    		McCoist	     Hateley
    
    Subs. Pressley,McSwegan,Maxwell,Murray,An other 
    
    
    GORDON...

    
    
    Rangers 1    CSKA 0
    
      Ferguson 13mins

    
       Rangers 2  St Johnstone 0
    
        Gough 56
     Robertson 88
    
                       Att : 35,369
    
        PLUS THE JAM TARTS 1 TIC 0

    Can anyone tell me if there is a midweek game sceduled for the 12/13th
    January ?  {and no don't bother well fans there won't be a replay}
    
    thanks
    Denis

    
    Rangers are due to play Falkirk at Ibrox on Tuesday 12th Jan.

    
    Sorry Denis,
    		
    It's possible that Saturday's game at Dundee will be cancelled and 
    played that week but tickets were sold out 2 weeks ago.
    
    The next two months games will be.
    
    Dundee      Sat 26th Dec(a)
    Scumbags    Sun 2nd  Jan(h)
    Dundee Utd  Tue 5th   " (h)
    Motherwell  Sat 9th   " (a)Cup
    Motherwell  Sat 16th  " (a)
    Aberdeen    Sat 23rd  " (h)
    Falkirk     Tue 26th  " (h)
    Hibs        Sat 30th  " (a)
    Aberdeen    Tue 2nd or Wed 3rd Feb (a)
    Scot Cup    Sat 6th Feb (?)
    Airdrie     Sat 13th "  (h)
    Dundee Utd  Sat 20th "  (a)
    Hearts      Sat 27th "  (h)
    
                                                          

    
    How can you be playing yourselves on the 2nd ?
    
    

    re -2/3   Thanks guys looks like i'll get to a game.
    
    Denis
    
    re -1 good try JJ remember the match report after Saturday !

    
    Sorry Denis but i'm afraid i got my dates mixed,and Gordon is right.
    (we don't play Falkirk 'til the 26th Jan.). It was earlier this month
    we played them on the 12th.So it looks as if you will not be able to
    attend any game that week,unless of course,the cup game goes to a
    replay.
    		Sorry for the confusion,
    					Iain. 

    
    Denis,
    	 RE:my last note,
    The plot thickens.According to my local paper,The Falkirk Herald,the
    game v Falkirk is definately on the 12th of Jan.,(this is probably
    where i got my original info from).So unless they have ballsed up,
    and providing there is no cup replay,then i assume the game will go
    ahead on this date.I will try and find out for definate by Thursday,
    when i'm back in.
    
    Well this seems a good time to reflect on the past year.And what a year
    it was......
    We won every domestic trophy,
    were only beaten TWICE in the whole year,
    scored a record 101 Premier League goals,
    qualified for the Champions League,
    ended our Scottish Cup hoodoo,
    had an astonishing 18 game WINNING sequence,
    
    
    and to cap it all,the Yahoos just seem to get worser and worser....
    
    Lets hope it all continues in '93.
    
    I wish you all a guid New Year,and wish Liam Brady continued success
    in the transfer market....
    

    
    
     HAPPY NEW YEAR,HAPPY NEWYEAR,HELLO HELLO
    
     Rangers 1    Celtic 0
     Stevens
    
    

    
    Some fan you are, Stevens wasn't even playing!!!

    How about a match report then ?   Not to impressed with the one in the
    Celtic note.
    
    JJ your awful quiet !

    
    
    Dick Turpin MIM Govan Merrick-lookalike XI........1
    Unlucky Genuine classy footballing side...........0
    
    I'm afraid the one in the Celtic note is probably the only honest one 
    you'll read !
    I wouldn't imagine there are too many Huns out there desperate to
    enter one after seeing their team given a lesson in how to play
    football, albeit ending in a defeat for the better footballing side
    once more !
                                                       
    

    
    
             Putting the ball in the net is the object of the game JJ.

    Some football team when the manager chucks in the towel on the 2nd of
    January.There were a couple of mentions in the Yahoo match report about
    Fergie not getting booked for fouling Ferguson but no mention of:
    
    1.Creaney elbowing McCall in the face in an off the ball incident.
    
    2.Scumbag Galloway trying to get Hateley sent off by lying down more
    than once.
    
    3.Inspirational skipper Casper McStay taking yet another last minute
    dive at the box.Not getting the penalty he then ran about the park
    chasing the referee and whacking one of the Gers players in the
    process.
    
    Then again perhaps our Yahoo reporter wasn't at the game,or he was
    wearing green tinted specs,or one of his boulders slipped.
    
    
    Finally,as Brother Robert Burns would say "A Guid New Year."

    Getting all excited.I meant Fergie for a foul on Joan Collins
    

    Re: Hun attempt at match report.....
    
    Like Rangers on Sat. he didn't mention the ball.
    
    That's most probably because they spent the vast majority of the game 
    chasing Celtic attempting to get a touch.
 
    Now before I receive the usual remark of "Ha-Ha ye ollnie need tae get
    it wance", please think if you are a genuine Rangers fan and admit that
    you must be seriously concerned by the fact that any time Rangers play a
    good side Rangers they are totally outclassed in footballing terms ???
     
    Rangers effort and athleticism is beyond doubt (the entire team come
    into this category), however as an old footballing adage say's 
    "Horses can run, but can they play fitba"...........add to the last
    statement "at the highest level" and you'll all have to agree......when 
    the bubble bursts !!
    
    Steph.
    
    
    
    
    
    

    
	Having watched the notes drivel over Saturday, I have checked with
        authentic sources - me mates at Ibrox.

	The TRUE story is that Rangers were indeed rubbish on Saturday.
        that ON THE DAY Celtic were better.

    
    
    
    
        However as we all know {well those of us with abalanced outlook}
        it is who is better over the whole league program that decides
        the BEST team in the country.


                           but...



	Now, there is no point in us denying that Rangers do have a problem
        in certain games against certain types of teams. It's called
        complacency !   It must be difficult to raise your game in a
        meaningless league fixture against a team that is no threat
        whatsoever to your championship hopes. Saturday was Celtic's
        Cup Final, their last game at a major stadium this season.
        Winning was vital to them. {not that they managed it}

        Now as to the accusation about Rangers v the Big teams, I 
	presume young Stephen was referring to Europe where Rangers
        performance has not been as good as hoped in recent years.
        {not that I notice any wonder results at Parkhead !}

        However, what sane balanced person could claim that any team
        reaching this stage in the European Cup unbeaten, having won
        every game played away from home was anything but impressive.
    
        Yes think about it - we beat the Champions of Denmark, England
        and Russia away from home.

        Now if only we can beat Brugges home and away what a birthday
        treat I will have in Marseille.

 
        So you better believe Steph - that until the bubbles bursts you
        bet we're enjoying it.

       



			 We flaming waited long enough.

        
            

    After a miserable year of old firm matches where we outlclassed MIM
    in every part of the park except the 6 yard box it has to be said...
    
    
    ... if Walter Smith fell in a snake pit he'd come out wearing
    snake-skin shoes.
    
    
    ... in the same vein 
    
    ... Andy Payton still couldnt score in a house of ill-repute

    
    	Dundee Utd	2 ( Welsh, Perry )	  
    
    	Rangers		3 ( Hateley, McCall, McCoist )
    
    	seven points clear !!!!!!
    
    	Tam.....   8-))))))))))))))

    Thanks - I'll be there.
    
    Denis

    
    RANGERS 3 DUNDEE UTD 2
    Hately    Welsh
    McCall    Perry(or was it Ferry)
    McCoist
    
    	Rangers first half performance was as good as I've seen this
    season and they looked like repeating the gubbing they dished out
    at Tannadice. It took just 7 minutes for  the first goal which involved
    McCall,McCoist and Robertson ripping through Utd for the full back to
    send a perfect cross to the Hit Man. The football played then was
    similar to the last 20 minutes of the first half of the Celtic game
    which nobody seems to remember but involved some brilliant possesion
    and one touch passing. The second goal came when McCoist was released
    in the box, his first effort was blocked but he managed to scoop the 
    ball up in the air ,it came back off the crossbar dropped between 2
    defenders but McCall got in between them to nod into the goal. 
    	Gough had taken a couple of knocks in the first half and did not
    come back out (he was rushed to hospital with internal bleeding in 
    the thigh and will be out for the next 3 weeks) this proved to be more
    serious as Utd took full advantage of the reshuffle and big McPherson
    and Bomber lost the place a bit. Ten minutes into the second half Utd 
    took a quick free kick and Welsh got to the ball first and sent it
    beyond Goram into the opposite corner. Four minutes later we were all
    over the place and the ball was knocked back and forward in front of
    Andy before Jim McLean's latest youngster Perry headed the ball in.
    At this point it looked like we could easily lose the game after
    dominating the whole first half (apart from the odd Ferguson break
    away) and Smith changed the tactics. McCall was sent to right back to
    bail out the struggling Steven and almost immediately we regained 
    some shape.With about 20 minutes left McCoist found himself clear in
    the box and side stepped Main to knock in his 35th of the season.
    The Superstar should have been given the chance to make it 4 when Welsh
    took him from the knees and should have been sent off (clearly shown on
    TV) but the linesman and the ref HopeLESS both failed to make the
    decision.
    	All in all a very good game to watch but disappointing in the
    fact that both Gough and Ferguson(broken finger) will be out for
    a few games. Rangers first half performance was good enough to win
    the game but Utd deserve some praise for making a game of it.
    
    Re The Game against the most entertaining,magnificent,unlucky,can't
    believe it,best footballing,NON GOAL SCORING.....give us McVities...
    team in Scotland. As I said above everybody seems to have missed the
    fact that Rangers played some excellent football in the first half
    and the goal was sheer class, a lesson on how to score even. When teams
    miss chances they lose games,cups,leagues etc and over the past 5 years
    Celtic have been doing just that MISSING chances. How many times are
    we going to here "we were unlucky","Celtic were the better team","we
    played magnificently" blah blah blah, it gets a bit boring don't you
    think. Until they can score goals,win consistently and get a few
    honours they will NEVER be as good as us (or as they ONCE were). 
    
    GORDON...  

    
    Scottish Cup 3rd rd result.
    
    Motherwell 0 Super Ally 2.
    
    Away to Ayr Utd in the 4th rd.
    		 

    
    
    
         ......or the mighty AC.Milan........
    
    wasn't that long ago Hamilton gave you'se a BIG fright at ibrox.....
    were you only worth 13 bob then ??
    
    isn't that what the cups all about, the wee teams giving the bigger
    teams a fright, must be boring knowing Rangers are going to
    WIN all the time 
    
    This note doesn't even deserve to be signed....so I won't.
    

    re 47.577
    
    Hamilton didn't just give Rangers a fright they actually knocked them
    out.But remember Hamilton were a premier club who were totally played
    off the park but came away with a victory .

    
    Colin,
    	 RE:.577,
    		Personally i don't believe that result was as major a shock as
    		the Daily Rebel would lead you to believe,(i think they
                compared it to the Berwick defeat),because as the guy in the
    		last note said,Hamilton were a Premier League club at the
                time.Hardly giant killing stuff.....
    		Still,i hope that Clyde can do to the vagabonds what Bolton
    		did to Liverpool on Wednesday.

    
    OK....I'll make this the final say, before this turns into a
    rathole....
    
    Don't tell me that Rangers fans accepted a defeat from Hamilton,
    Premier league or not, in the Scottish cup. I bet they all had them to
    win on the coupon, at Ibrox too. Just the same as we won't accept
    defeat from Clyde, Hibs, Hearts or any other club.
    Personally I think it would have been the best thing that could have
    happened to Celtic, was to get beat, and I hope Clyde give them a good
    game at Parkhead and Celtic just manage to win 1-0. This would be a
    great embarassment anyway as Clyde don't deserve any more of a defeat,
    but who's saying they might not win anyway. The young lads will be full
    of confidence and have nothing to lose. 
    
    ps. see my note in the Celtic topic about the SSL, as I know you don't
    read it as a norm Iain. 8*)

    
    David Murray confirmed yesterday that he (and Watty) had called Dundee
    Utd and tabled of bid of 2.5 million pound for Duncan Ferguson. This
    was after Gerry McNee's comments on friday night had been rubbished
    by Jim McClean. Murray said he didn't want to upset McClean but felt
    that the Rangers supporters had a right to know the truth. He also
    stated that the offer still stood. Apparently he made the offer BEFORE
    the European deadline but McClean (as in the past) refused to deal
    with Rangers.
    
    Hopefully the auld git will see sense and take the money,there's not
    many clubs (and Utd aren't one of them) who can afford to turn it down.
    Ferguson's antics recently seem to point to him wanting away from Utd,
    i.e fighting the club imposed fine, and his comments about McClean
    in the paper. Jim McClean is so stubborn that he would ruin the young
    players career rather than let him go (Ferguson is contracted to Utd
    until 1988), you only need to look at what he did to Krivokapic to
    see how the man works.
    
    I would love to see Ferguson at Ibrox he is a natural replacement
    for Hately and has the potential to be a GREAT player. Even if we
    can't tempt him a move from Dundee Utd seems to be what the player
    needs.           

    
    Is this the same Jim McClean or is it Jim McLean that you were selling
    your grannies for a couple of years ago to get him to be your 
    manager.
    
    For a minute I thought you were describing Sourpuss.
    
   
    colin
    

    
    Funny, but I don't remember Souness ever stopping a player's wages
    leaving the player with no money to support his family, hanging
    onto a work permit and contract even tough it was nearly impossible
    for the player to go home due to his country being torn apart by
    civil war. Souness wasn't the most cheerful but at least he let
    (or forced players to) leave the club and earn a wage else where.
    
    There is no doubting McLean's (is that better) football knowledge
    or past knowledge (they've been in a transition period for as long as
    Celtic) but he is still a torn faced old B******. 

     
     RE .581
    
     >Ferguson's antics recently seem to point to him wanting away from Utd   
                        ^^^^^^^^
    
     Having heard about Ferguson lying guttered a few times in Stirling,
     picking fights with anyone who so much as looks in his general
     direction I would suggest that these antics are not exactly recent.   
     They also have nothing to do with him wanting away from Utd, They do
     have something to do with him being some what lacking in the brains   
     department.
    
     To sum up, Rangers are welcome to Ferguson. Giving him four times as
     much money as Utd to spend on drink should just about finish him off.
     
                           Martin.....SQFCSC...  
                                               

     
    How many young players DON'T get pissed up at the weekends (or
    midweek)?? Give anybody that age the money and you'll soon see
    them lying guttered somewhere. 
    
    As I said his RECENT antics point to him wanting away. Everybody
    knows he's a daft big boy,but you can't say he's not a good player.
    
    He's still better than any of the Tim strikers.
    
    

    
    Of course I can't say Ferguson is a bad player. After all I watch
    Celtic so therefore appreciate good football and good players.
    
    As I said before Rangers are welcome to Ferguson. Anyone who trys to
    set fire to Super Ally can't be all bad.
    
                                          Martin....SQFCSC..