The Gers Forum - Since 2003 - Blogs http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/blog.php en Sat, 19 May 2012 20:35:52 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/images/misc/rss.jpg The Gers Forum - Since 2003 - Blogs http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/blog.php Our true feelings about David Murray http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?21-Our-true-feelings-about-David-Murray Fri, 08 Apr 2011 09:19:42 GMT It’s clear that David Murray isn’t the most popular person at Ibrox at the moment but how do we really feel overall? He has given the club some... It’s clear that David Murray isn’t the most popular person at Ibrox at the moment but how do we really feel overall?

He has given the club some wonderful times and without his backing (and overspending) we wouldn’t have been half as successful. We also wouldn’t have seen the likes of Brian Laudrup, Paul Gascoigne, and Ronald de Boer etc at Ibrox.

It’s easy for people to look back negatively with hindsight but would we really swap all that success for a debt free club?

We chased the European dream, unfortunately it didn’t work out but we had a hell of a time trying. I was brought up in the 90s so for a big part of my life all I knew was Rangers winning and I suppose I took that for granted at the time. It’s only now that I can really appreciate how wonderful those times were for our great club.

Through these hard times it’s very easy to blame David Murray for our financial problems but we weren’t complaining at the time. I’m sure we all knew that the level of spending wasn’t sustainable but did we complain then?

The real question here is – are we willing to forgive David Murray for his recent faults and failings because of all the success he had given the club in his first half tenure?

Fond memories last the longest and he’s given us plenty of them…. ]]> TibbsyBear http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?21-Our-true-feelings-about-David-Murray Is Craig Whyte buying Rangers at exactly the right time? http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?20-Is-Craig-Whyte-buying-Rangers-at-exactly-the-right-time Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:42:40 GMT Is Whyte buying Rangers at exactly the right time? I think world football will see some major re-construction in the not so distant future and... Is Whyte buying Rangers at exactly the right time?

I think world football will see some major re-construction in the not so distant future and I’ve came to the conclusion that Mr Whyte has foreseen this and decided that now is exactly the right time to make his move for the club.

We have looked upon the English Premier League with envious eyes over the past 10 years or so. Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want seemingly endless amounts of money to spend on players? But that’s just it; the spending WILL come to an end as 90% of the clubs down there don’t have the turnover or the fan base to support their annual outgoings.

There WILL be a crash down there, sooner rather than later if you ask me. We’re already seeing the aftermath of reckless spending at some of the lower end teams like Portsmouth. Added to that, all the highly documented financial problems at bigger clubs like Man Utd, Leeds Utd and Liverpool. Destruction leads to change and when this league falls I think it will have a domino effect on some of the other leagues in Europe.

Michel Platini has already passed the law that states that “clubs can¬not spend more money than they make” and this will come into effect next season. Surely this will put the football clubs of Europe on a far more even playing field. What will the so-called bigger teams like Chelsea do now without their billionaire owner? They certainly wouldn’t be where they are now if Roman Abramavich hadn’t sanctioned the multi-million pound deals that he has over the past 5 years.

If these new laws work the way they should then the future is certainly looking bright for Rangers. At the moment we cannot compete with lower end premiership teams, championship teams and other mediocre teams in Europe. Hopefully with the new laws in effect, this will change.

I think Craig Whyte has realised that these changes are immiment and has decided Rangers are actually a terrific investment from a business point of view. ]]> TibbsyBear http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?20-Is-Craig-Whyte-buying-Rangers-at-exactly-the-right-time Rangers v Sporting Lisbon Part VII - 1 Day to K/O http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?19-Rangers-v-Sporting-Lisbon-Part-VII-1-Day-to-K-O Wed, 16 Feb 2011 16:52:45 GMT One more day to go! As we make our return to European football tomorrow I’m sure there will be a few envious eyes cast towards Ibrox from across the... One more day to go! As we make our return to European football tomorrow I’m sure there will be a few envious eyes cast towards Ibrox from across the city, although no one will admit it. They might have a slight advantage now in terms of fewer games but we all know they’d love to be in our position.

Anyway, forgot about them. Thursday is almost upon us and we can now look towards our return to the Europa League, the remodelled competition that brought so much joy and so much pain back in 2008.
Its great being involved in the Champion’s League from the financial and glamour game aspect but I enjoy the Europa League just as much as I always feel that with the luck of the draw we have just as much chance as anyone else in this competition.

According to reports Steven Naismith is a “slight doubt” for the match so I think Walter will give him every chance to prove his fitness ahead of the clash. Other absentees include Nika Jelavic (ineligible), Kirk Broadfoot and Lee McCulloch. Apparently Lee’s operation was a success yesterday so that’s great news for the big man and the club. Hopefully he can make a return to the team in some form before the end of the season.

It’s difficult to predict Walter’s team and formation for tomorrow and his final decision will depend on whether or not Stevie can prove his fitness. As said before, I’d like to see a strong attacking setup from the start. We have good attacking players in the side who are more than capable of punishing Sporting Lisbon if the opportunity arises. Give them a chance to do this Walter! Let’s get the job done at home this time!

Rangers (from): McGregor, Whittaker, Papac, Weir, Bougherra, Bartley, Edu, Davis, Weiss, Naismith, Fleck, Diouf, Healy, Lafferty, Ness, Wylde, Foster, Kerkar, Alexander.

Sporting Lisbon (from): Rui Patricio, Tiago, Hildebrand, Torsiglieri, Daniel Carrico, Polga, Evaldo, Nuno Andre Coelho, Joao Pereira, Pedro Mendes, Maniche, Matias Fernandez, Zapater, Andre Santos, Cristiano, Diogo Salomao, Simon Vukcevic, Postiga, Saleiro, Yannick Djalo.


WATP! ]]> TibbsyBear http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?19-Rangers-v-Sporting-Lisbon-Part-VII-1-Day-to-K-O Rangers v Sporting Lisbon Part VI - 2 Days to K/O http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?18-Rangers-v-Sporting-Lisbon-Part-VI-2-Days-to-K-O Tue, 15 Feb 2011 16:22:06 GMT Things have been fairly quiet today, the calm before the storm maybe. I suspect Walter will keeps his cards close to his chest until Thursday... Things have been fairly quiet today, the calm before the storm maybe. I suspect Walter will keeps his cards close to his chest until Thursday evening.

The tabloids have been filled with the usual battle cries, ex players urging us on and the occasional interview with a Sporting Lisbon player. I tend not to take much notice of these anymore as they have become the norm when approaching big matches.

The players know what they have to do and that’s all that matters.

Hopefully some more team news from both clubs tomorrow.

WATP! ]]> TibbsyBear http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?18-Rangers-v-Sporting-Lisbon-Part-VI-2-Days-to-K-O Rangers v Sporting Lisbon Part V - 3 Days to K/O http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?17-Rangers-v-Sporting-Lisbon-Part-V-3-Days-to-K-O Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:09:45 GMT With Nikica Jelavic ineligible to play in the Europa League Walter has a lot to think about in terms of team selection for Thursday and this will all... With Nikica Jelavic ineligible to play in the Europa League Walter has a lot to think about in terms of team selection for Thursday and this will all depend on the system he deploys on the night.

A good few staked their claim on Saturday and it gives The Gaffer a welcomed headache when it comes to selection. Vladimir Weiss has improved his game no end and his final product is getting better as the weeks go by, he’s certainly got a great chance of start against Sporting Lisbon.

I think most fans would like to see Walter adopt a 4-4-2 system at home but in all likeliness he’ll favour his tried and tested 4-5-1 European formation. Walter will know that he has the personnel capable of going out and attacking from the off but he’ll probably prefer to play it safe and attack on the counter. (If it gets results I’m not opposed to this)

See my preferred selection below:

McGregor

Whittaker Bougherra Weir Papac

Bartley

Naismith (if fit) Davis Weiss

Healy Lafferty

Sporting Lisbon are very much a club in crisis at the moment; they’ve sold arguably their best player, the Director of Football has been sacked, the President is on his way out and the fans seem to be driving out Manager Paulo Sergio, who many didn’t want in the position in the first place.

It remains to be seen whether or not this can work in Rangers’ favour. Sometimes situations like this can have the opposite effect and bring the players closer together. In recent times the club has been famed for producing some of premier players of World; Figo, Ronaldo, Moutinho and Veloso to name a few but their Youth Academy hasn’t been so fruitful of late therefore leaving them in trouble financially due to the lack of funds coming in through player sales.

There’s no secret that Rangers have experienced their fair share of finacial difficulty over the past few years so I sure we can sympathise with our Portuguese rivals.

All in all things are looking good heading into the match, we have an almost full squad to choose from and after Saturday’s display they should be bursting with confidence.

Roll on Thursday!

WATP! ]]> TibbsyBear http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?17-Rangers-v-Sporting-Lisbon-Part-V-3-Days-to-K-O Rangers v Sporting Lisbon Part IV - 4 Days to K/O http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?16-Rangers-v-Sporting-Lisbon-Part-IV-4-Days-to-K-O Sun, 13 Feb 2011 20:38:12 GMT Yesterday’s win gave the club a big lift ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash. Exactly what was needed. It would have been the icing on the... Yesterday’s win gave the club a big lift ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash. Exactly what was needed.

It would have been the icing on the cake if Celtic had dropped points at Tannadice but it wasn’t to be, we’ll just need to make sure we take full advantage a week from now.

Sporting failed to secure the win they had hoped would set the tone for their return to Ibrox. After a disappointing few weeks a win was a must at the weekend and things were looking positive but they couldn’t hold on to their lead.

The Lisbon club looked to have the match wrapped up after a brace from Helder Postiga but it finished a draw after 2 goals in 3 minutes for Olhanense, including an own goal from Sporting’s David Carrico. Porto also drew away from home to Braga so Sporting technically can still win the title but it would take a tremendous effort to catch their rivals at this stage.

The countdown is on…

WATP! ]]> TibbsyBear http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?16-Rangers-v-Sporting-Lisbon-Part-IV-4-Days-to-K-O Rangers v Sporting Lisbon Part III - 5 Days to K/O http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?15-Rangers-v-Sporting-Lisbon-Part-III-5-Days-to-K-O Sat, 12 Feb 2011 17:23:43 GMT Three words come to mind. Welcome back Rangers! This was without a doubt the finest performance of the year. Walter sent an attacking out team out... Three words come to mind. Welcome back Rangers!

This was without a doubt the finest performance of the year. Walter sent an attacking out team out from the first whistle and they couldn’t wait for the traps to open. Jelavic was undoubtedly man of the match today and every week he seems to justify his transfer fee a bit more. The Big Man wasn’t the only one though, there were certainly a few contenders out there.

Today’s clash saw debuts for Kyle Bartley and David Healy and both can be extremely proud of their performances, especially the young defender on loan from Arsenal. Deployed in the defensive midfield role, he looked in his element in this position, never looking at all troubled.

David Healy came on around the 65 minute mark and what a reception the former Sunderland striker received. Scoring on his debut has become something of the norm to him and he continued this at Ibrox with a fine finish. Let’s hope he can get a few more under his belt. He couldn’t hide his smile when waiting to come on. It’s always great to see another fan appreciating their opportunity at Rangers.

Rangers looked a far different team today from the side that faced Celtic last week. We were far more comfortable on the ball and looked like we would score anytime we made our way into Motherwell’s half. We need to play a similar team next week. Celtic’s “best defence in the league” is a myth. They are poor at the back and we need to exploit this.

All in all a great day for Rangers and a wonderful performance to set us up for the rest of the week. One down, two to go.

Sporting play later on this evening so more on them to follow tomorrow.

WATP! ]]> TibbsyBear http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?15-Rangers-v-Sporting-Lisbon-Part-III-5-Days-to-K-O Rangers v Sporting Lisbon Part II – 6 Days to K/O http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?14-Rangers-v-Sporting-Lisbon-Part-II-–-6-Days-to-K-O Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:30:13 GMT Motherwell make the trip to Ibrox this week as Rangers return to SPL action. The Steelmen have lost two of their previous three matches so they’ll be... Motherwell make the trip to Ibrox this week as Rangers return to SPL action. The Steelmen have lost two of their previous three matches so they’ll be looking for a quick return to form. This will serve as the ideal test for a huge week ahead with matches against Sporting Lisbon and Celtic. A win against Motherwell will take us to within 2 points of Lennon & Co so it’s a welcome bit of pressure ahead of their Sunday clash at Tannadice.

A familiar face could possibly make his Well debut at Ibrox so keep an eye out for “The Fox in The Box”

Rangers can choose from an almost full squad this week with Lee McCulloch and Kirk Broadfoot the only exclusions. According to recent reports Lee may be back sooner than first thought but still faces a lengthy twelve week lay off. Kirk should make some sort of appearance in the next couple of weeks but it will be a while before he regains full match fitness.

In the Portuguese Primeira Liga this week Sporting make the trip to the Algarve to face 7th placed Olhanense. The Lisbon club are already 21 points behind leaders Porto so a slip up here will almost certainly bring an end to any already unlikely title hopes they still have. Their last match was a shock defeat at the hands of 2nd Division Estoril in the Portuguese League Cup so they’ll be looking for a vastly improved performance in preparation for their trip to Ibrox.

This is a big week for the club and we need 3 wins from 3. Let’s do it!

WATP! ]]> TibbsyBear http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?14-Rangers-v-Sporting-Lisbon-Part-II-–-6-Days-to-K-O Rangers v Sporting Lisbon http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?13-Rangers-v-Sporting-Lisbon Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:19:08 GMT Rangers host Sporting Lisbon a week from today and I think most fans are confident that we can put one foot in the next round. The Portuguese... Rangers host Sporting Lisbon a week from today and I think most fans are confident that we can put one foot in the next round.

The Portuguese fans have been up in arms recently after star striker Liedson was sold on the final day of the transfer window and it’s just came to light that Director of Football Costinha has been sacked after openly criticising the club for their lack of ambition.

This will come as a major boost for Rangers.

Liedson scored over 170 goals for the Verde e Brancos in a glittering career spanning 8 years so it’s safe to say Sporting will be a weaker team without him.

It will also to nice to see a certain Mr Mendes back at Ibrox and I’m sure he’ll receive a very warm welcome.

The Road to the Quad – Part 1 ]]> TibbsyBear http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?13-Rangers-v-Sporting-Lisbon Celtic Won the Battle, Rangers Will Win the War http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?12-Celtic-Won-the-Battle-Rangers-Will-Win-the-War Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:21:30 GMT For a few short minutes on Sunday 6 February Scott Brown must have felt on top of the World. Having just scored his 10th goal for Celtic in 4 years... For a few short minutes on Sunday 6 February Scott Brown must have felt on top of the World. Having just scored his 10th goal for Celtic in 4 years (a remarkable feat for an attacking midfielder) things were looking rosy. NOBODY could deny that. NOBODY.

Brown had obviously had his orders from the off and goading Diouf would have been at the very top of that list. Let’s make no mistake here, the Celtic Captain is learning from the best. His manager had a knack for replacing a lack of talent with an un-matched ability to wind up other players.

You can’t take anything away from Brown though, it was a great finish. I was particularly impressed with the fact that he managed to eye out the goal from Diouf’s back pocket.

Diouf, a far superior player than Brown could ever hope to be will be comforted by the fact that revenge is only two short weeks away and if the Gods of Karma shine down on Celtic Park that day, a simple run to the fans will suffice. ]]> TibbsyBear http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?12-Celtic-Won-the-Battle-Rangers-Will-Win-the-War McCoist Will be a Fine Rangers Manager http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?9-McCoist-Will-be-a-Fine-Rangers-Manager Fri, 24 Dec 2010 20:18:35 GMT ---Quote (Originally by shorerdbear)--- People draw comparisons with Greig and TLB, but as previously mentioned, Greig went straight into management...
Quote Originally Posted by shorerdbear View Post
People draw comparisons with Greig and TLB, but as previously mentioned, Greig went straight into management from being a player. Both of those players lack people skills. Not that I've met them but many on here and other Rangers forums have said that Greig isn't the most easy going guy in the world. TLB, well we've all seen what type of man he is.

McCoist has had the privilege of working for Smith for around 7/8 years. This has given him an insight into what it takes to manage Rangers, where cautious tactics will take you and also what you can achieve for being patient. Ally is also 100 times smarter than TLB is and ever will be. Lennon has no wit (a quality required to manage all the expectations that comes with Rangers) or decorum. I have no qualms with Ally dealing with the media, fans and club, he'll come across fine and no doubt inject his own brand of humour from time to time.

Success isn't guaranteed, not by any manager. SAF could takeover and get it wrong - the same applies to McCoist. The one quality we're not sure about right now is his ability to spot talented players. Then there's the ability to forge a squad of players into one starting 11 that gets results. We've been giving a taster of what's to come in that respect from the domestic cups he's won. however, we can't fully judge him from that because he was using Walter's players. The real test is Ally doing it with his own players.

Kinda clutching at straws time, but Ally has always carried an element of luck about him and hopefully that'll continue. In fact, to succeed in any industry you need a little bit of luck to go your way. His positive attitude will rub off on the players like it already has done since returning as assistant manager.

Personally I am really looking forward to Ally taking over. It'll be interesting to see what he can bring to the club and whatever happens, I will always look upon him as a Rangers legend.
]]> shorerdbear http://www.gersforum.co.uk/board/entry.php?9-McCoist-Will-be-a-Fine-Rangers-Manager