Rangers News!

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Forfar Athletic 0-4 Rangers

Updated: February 18, 2009, 10:20 PM UK

A Kenny Miller double against Irn-Bru Third Division side Forfar at Station Park eased Rangers through to the quarter-finals of the Homecoming Scottish Cup where they will meet Hamilton, after a 4-0 win.

Defender Sasa Papac gave the visitors the lead in the eighth minute after taking a pass from Miller who doubled the Ibrox side's lead nine minutes after the break.

Forfar defender Elliot Smith was red-carded with 20 minutes remaining for a horror tackle on Light Blues midfielder DaMarcus Beasley before his replacement Aaron Niguez grabbed the third, and Miller notched his second in the final minute.

The SPL side never really looked in trouble against the battling Loons although there will be concerns over Beasley who once again suffered an injury.

The visitors made six changes from the Old Firm derby line-up at the weekend but it was a seamless start to the match from Rangers.

In the third minute right-back Steven Whittaker won the first corner of the match and when Beasley's cross was cleared to the edge of the box, the former Hibernian defender slammed a left-footed shot a yard wide of the target.

The Govan defence had to contend with a series of high and hopeful balls but in the eighth minute they took the lead through the unlikely figure of Papac.

As the Forfar defence retreated, Miller burrowed towards the goal, feeding the Ibrox defender who quickly knocked the ball past Loons goalkeeper Ally Brown from 12 yards.

Minutes later Forfar defender Smith had to throw himself in front of Steven Naismith to block a goal-bound shot from the Ibrox midfielder, then, as the visitors pressed further, Miller scuffed an angled shot.

There was a slight power failure in the floodlights in the 15th minute but there was still plenty of energy in both sides as play swung from end to end although Kris Boyd's header from a Whittaker cross was easily saved by Brown.

The Ibrox side looked comfortable in their lead but there were occasional moments of unease in their defence which offered the Third Division side some hope.

On the half-hour mark, as Rangers broke with pace, Miller set up Beasley at the edge of the Forfar box and this time Brown pulled off a fine save from the American's powerful volley.

Whittaker did well to block a shot from Tod for a corner as the home side rallied and from the resultant corner, the ball fell again to the former Pars stopper who drove wide from just inside the penalty area.

In the 40th minute Brown pulled off a remarkable save from Miller's perfectly-executed overhead kick, after he had been set up by the head of Boyd 10 yards from goal.

Boyd drove wide from the same distance as the visitors finished the half strongly.

The Forfar fans among the crowd of 4,718 inside Station Park generously applauded their side off at the break but Rangers looked in no mood to offer any succour when the game restarted.

Boyd had the ball in the net in the 50th minute but was ruled offside, moments before he shrugged off the attentions of Tod to bear down on goal before Brown prevented him getting his shot away.

Brown again had to be at his best to smother an angled shot from Beasley but in the 54th minute Miller doubled the visitors' lead when Loons defender Stephen McNally failed to clear his lines properly from Beasley's cross.

The ball landed at the feet of the Rangers striker who lashed the ball high past Brown from 16 yards.

Kyle Lafferty replaced Boyd in the 65th minute, the Ibrox striker trooping off clearly unhappy.

In the 70th minute Forfar defender Smith was red-carded for a shocking tackle on Beasley who had to be replaced by Aaron.

It was a disappointing end to the night for Beasley who has been beset by injuries in his time at Ibrox.

Aaron capitalised on another mistake by McNally in the 83rd minute to slam in number three before being booked for taking his top off in celebration.

In the final minute Miller added a fourth when he nodded in from close range after Lafferty had set him up.

[BIGTOE3]

Forfar Athletic 0-4 Rangers

Aaron capitalised on another mistake by McNally in the 83rd minute to slam in number three before being booked for taking his top off in celebration.

Why do they still do that They know they will be booked and FINED by the club

BT

[Jockstar]

Rangers 3-1 Kilmarnock

Updated: February 21, 2009, 5:51 PM UK

Kenny Miller netted a double to send Rangers to the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League as they came from behind to defeat Kilmarnock 3-1.

It was the striker's second brace in three days after scoring twice against Forfar in the Homecoming Scottish Cup and allowed the Ibrox side to move a point ahead of Celtic prior to their visit to Motherwell on Sunday.

Rangers were left reeling when Killie took a shock lead through Jamie Hammill but Kris Boyd restored parity before Miller hit the target twice - with all three goals in a blistering six-minute spell.

There was a more familiar look to the Rangers side who faced Kilmarnock, with boss Walter Smith making no fewer than five changes from the clash at Forfar.

Skipper Barry Ferguson, Pedro Mendes, Steven Davis, John Fleck and Kirk Broadfoot were all back in the team.

Kilmarnock were boosted by the return of Kevin Kyle from suspension and Frazer Wright was also back after recovering from a knock.

Boyd - who had been a doubt with a heavy cold - looked dangerous from the outset and called goalkeeper Alan Combe into action in the opening minutes.

The striker raced onto a pass from Ferguson before trying his luck with an angled drive that the keeper managed to block.

Boyd was threatening again a few minutes later, this time from a Mendes ball, but, again, a full-stretch Combe was able to smother and prevent the shot from nestling in his bottom corner.

Instead, it was Kilmarnock who took a shock lead after 17 minutes.

Gavin Skelton played the ball to Garry Hay, who delivered a low cross to the feet of Hammill in front of goal, and all that was required was to stab home from close range.

Boyd picked up the first booking of the game for diving when he went to ground just outside the box following a challenge from Simon Ford.

But he was celebrating with 29 minutes gone when he grabbed the equaliser. A Mendes corner found Madjid Bougherra at the back post and he nodded into the path of Boyd to send a superb right-foot shot past Combe.

Miller then helped himself to a double in the space of two minutes to send Rangers surging into the lead.

Boyd set up the first after 33 minutes and Miller raced past Wright into the box and rifled a low shot into the box, before pouncing on a Mendes cross and squeezing between two Killie defenders to lash home his second of the day.

Kilmarnock tried to hit back after the break and Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor was called into action to block a well-struck effort from distance from Hammill.

He then had another go after Kyle teed up the shot but, this time, the effort was well wide of target.

At the other end, Combe prevented Rangers from adding to their tally with a decent save at the near post to deny Mendes.

Killie threw Mehdi Taouil into the action and he slipped a lovely pass out to Kyle on the left but the big striker was wasteful and saw his angled drive dip well over the crossbar.

Another substitute - Spanish youngster Aaron - could have added his name to the scoresheet for Rangers late on when he met a Mendes corner only to see his shot flash across goal and wide.

Miller was then denied his hat-trick by an impressive block from Combe, who did well to prevent the point-blank shot hitting the back of the net.

[rott]

Well let me qualify both stevie and my interest in the game - it was down to nothing more than lack of real football on the TV,

speak for yourself jamesy, i was cheering on my old mum's team against the dirty teddy bears.

Hmmm...... you wouldn't be one of these sectarian bigots we read about would you SH?

[Jockstar]

Rangers v Motherwell: Preview

Updated: April 10, 2009, 4:38 PM UK

Rangers manager Walter Smith has seven players missing through injury for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League game against Motherwell.

Kyle Lafferty (ligament damage), Kenny Miller (hamstring), Kirk Broadfoot (foot), Lee McCulloch (calf) and long-term casualty Kevin Thomson (knee) are all still out.

They have been joined on the casualty list by DaMarcus Beasley (ribs) and Sasa Papac (ankle), who were both injured against St Mirren on Wednesday night.

Rangers will also be without Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor, who continue to serve a two-week club suspension.

Meanwhile, Neil Alexander is determined to make the most of McGregor's downfall by staking a claim for his jersey at both club and international level.

Alexander has been thrust back into the first team at Rangers after first-choice goalkeeper McGregor - and deposed skipper Ferguson - were handed a two-week ban by the club as a result of their actions while on Scotland duty.

A question mark remains over their long-term futures at Ibrox, with club bosses refusing to confirm whether the duo will play for Rangers again once they have served their suspensions.

But Alexander is hoping to impress manager Walter Smith enough in the meantime to ensure he retains the gloves regardless whether McGregor returns.

"If I'm not doing the business, obviously the manager has to look at the situation,'' said Alexander, who has played in the last two games against Falkirk and St Mirren.

"Graeme Smith is also waiting in the wings and Allan will be back in a week or so.

"But hopefully I can do enough - and did enough last season - to prove to the manager and the fans that I'm good enough to be the Rangers number one.''

Motherwell skipper Stephen Craigan will miss the clash with a calf injury.

The Northern Ireland defender is also likely to miss the visit St Mirren the following weekend.

Motherwell otherwise have a full squad with Maros Klimpl available again after suspension.

Manager Mark McGhee does not expect Rangers to be significantly weakened by their injury woes when his side visit Ibrox.

But he admits a good start by his team could make it difficult for Smith to change the game given their lack of experience in reserve.

Rangers will be without nine first-team players after Sasa Papac and DaMarcus Beasley this week joined Kevin Thomson, Kyle Lafferty, Kenny Miller, Kirk Broadfoot and Lee McCulloch on the injury list.

With skipper Barry Ferguson and first-choice goalkeeper Allan McGregor suspended by Rangers, Motherwell fans will travel to Ibrox with more hope than usual of getting their first victory in Govan since 1997.

But McGhee warned that similar expectations fell flat in November during a 2-0 defeat against a Celtic side missing strikers Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Georgios Samaras.

"I think we have got to discount all of that,'' McGhee said of Rangers` selection problems.

"We went to Celtic Park earlier in the season when they had problems and they beat us.

"They were struggling to pick a team and they beat us. Celtic and Rangers have the strength in depth.''

But he added: "If you get a lead and they are forced to change it, with the problems they have, they maybe don`t have the ability to change it.

"So their best bet of beating you is probably in the team that starts.

"Therefore, if we can contain that team, then maybe we can give Rangers problems.

"But that team that will start still has the ability to beat us.''

[Jockstar]

Rangers 3-1 MotherwellScoring Summary

Updated: April 11, 2009, 5:10 PM UK

Andrius Velicka was an unlikely hero as he helped Rangers blow the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title race wide open again with a 3-1 win over Motherwell.

The striker took full advantage of only his third start of the season by opening the scoring at Ibrox but Kris Boyd refused to be outdone and helped himself to a double - bringing his tally for the season to 28 goals.

John Sutton provided Motherwell with a brief glimmer of hope but Rangers managed to secure the win which allowed them to move to within a single point of Celtic following the latter's draw against Hearts earlier in the day.

Velicka made the most of his surprise inclusion when he claimed his first goal since grabbing the winner against Falkirk on the opening day of the season.

With nine first-team regulars unavailable and Walter Smith's squad stretched to the limit, there was another surprise when Steven Smith made his first appearance of the campaign in place of the injured Sasa Papac, while Andy Webster earned a place on the bench.

Perhaps boosted by the result at Tynecastle, Rangers were out of the traps quickly and Velicka needed just two minutes to open the scoring.

Smith - who had not featured for the first team since last season's Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone - supplied the cross into the box which was flicked back towards goal by Boyd.

His header came off Steven Hammell, who failed to clear the danger and the ball fell to Velicka to bundle over the line from close range.

Boyd then claimed a goal of his own with 10 minutes gone.

He squeezed between two Motherwell defenders to collect a lovely long ball from Steven Whittaker before rifling into the back of the net from 35 yards.

Velicka could have added a second when he was released through on goal by Steven Davis but his lack of pace let him down and goalkeeper Graeme Smith was first to the ball to smother before the striker could unleash the shot.

Rangers could have all but killed this game off as a contest when Davis teed up the shot for Boyd in front of goal but he connected awkwardly on the volley and ballooned the effort into the stand.

Instead, Motherwell grasped a lifeline and had the net bulging after 37 minutes following a period of possession when they began to show signs of imposing themselves on the game.

The ball fell kindly for Sutton and, out of nowhere, he had a go with an opportunist shot which he lashed into the top corner, leaving Neil Alexander stunned in the Rangers goal.

Boyd could have restored the two-goal advantage but squandered another opportunity when his point-blank effort was blocked by Smith just before the interval.

Rangers' best chances were falling to Boyd but the striker was denied again in front of goal early in the second half.

This time, Christian Dailly lobbed a teasing ball into the box and Boyd connected on the turn to unleash a ferocious volley but Smith produced an equally-impressive save to prevent the effort from finding the net.

Velicka's lack of match practice began to take its toll and it was no surprise to see Nacho Novo thrown into the action in place of the Lithuanian hitman with just over half an hour to go.

Boyd then saw another chance wasted when he drove wide of the upright, with Maurice Edu bearing down on goal to support him.

But the striker finally found the back of the net again with 65 minutes on the clock when Pedro Mendes was tripped in the box by Brian McLean and Boyd stepped up to stroke home from the penalty spot.

Rangers continued to press for more goals and Whittaker was denied his moment of glory when his shot was touched onto the underside of the crossbar by Smith.

With an already lengthy injury list to contend with, there was concern for the Ibrox side when Mendes collapsed to the turf but he was able to return to the action after receiving treatment, much to the relief of the home crowd.

Rangers were then able to see out the remainder of the match with both their players and the points intact.

[Jockstar]

Boyd hits 100th goal for Rangers

Updated: April 25, 2009, 2:47 PM UK

Kris Boyd claimed his 100th goal for Rangers as he fired the holders into the final of the Homecoming Scottish Cup with a 3-0 win over St Mirren.

The striker picked the last-four clash with St Mirren at Hampden to rack up a century of goals for the club since his move from Kilmarnock to Ibrox in January 2006.

His milestone managed to overshadow the achievements of forgotten man Andrius Velicka, who netted his third goal in as many games after spending most of the season in cold storage, before Kenny Miller sealed the win.

The only sour point in what was an otherwise perfect day for Rangers was the sight of Pedro Mendes leaving the pitch on a stretcher late in the first half, with a question mark now hanging over his involvement in the run-in.

Rangers have had their fair share of injury worries of late and were again without Barry Ferguson, whose hopes of a comeback this season were shattered when he suffered a calf tear in a reserves game midweek.

However, Allan McGregor returned to the scene of the crime when he was named as a substitute for the first time since his antics - along with Ferguson - the last time he was on the bench at Hampden for Scotland.

Saints were boosted by the news that Billy Mehmet had passed a late fitness test but were without fellow striker Craig Dargo, who apparently suffered an injury in training midweek.

Rangers had been out of the traps quickly with early goals in their last two league outings and St Mirren were also caught cold when Velicka opened the scoring with less than two minutes on the clock.

Steven Davis embarked on a mazy run before teeing up the shot for Boyd. His effort cannoned off Will Haining but broke kindly for Velicka to stab high into the net from six yards.

The holders attempted to increase their advantage when Mendes drew a decent save from Mark Howard with a swerving drive from the edge of the area, which the Buddies goalkeeper did well to parry past his post.

Then it was the turn of Neil Alexander to be called into action when Steven Thomson tried his luck with a ferocious shot from distance that the Rangers goalkeeper just managed to tip over the crossbar.

Boyd threw himself in front of a Christian Dailly cross from the right only to direct his header too high and too wide.

Rangers were dealt a major blow shortly before half-time when Mendes left the field on a stretcher with what appeared to be a knee injury following a challenge from Haining. He was replaced by Nacho Novo.

Velicka could have lifted the mood again before the whistle when he raced onto a lovely ball from Davis but blasted wide under pressure from Mo Camara.

Andy Dorman - reportedly a summer target of both Rangers and Celtic - went to ground under pressure from Steven Whittaker shortly after the restart but the full-back appeared to take the ball rather than the man despite claims for a penalty from the Saints fans.

Velicka was withdrawn after an hour knowing he had already made a major contribution to the cause and was replaced by Miller.

Hopes of a Saints comeback looked unlikely when century-chasing Boyd added his name to the scoresheet after 66 minutes. Davis was the provider with a slick ball through the middle which the striker ran onto before calmly dispatching a left-foot shot past Howard.

There was no way back for the Paisley club when Miller put the tie beyond reach just four minutes later. Once again, Davis was the architect when he nodded back to Miller to drive low into the bottom corner.

Rangers were then able to hand Andrew Little his senior debut for the club knowing by then that they would be back at Hampden on May 30 to face Falkirk or Dunfermline.

[highchol]

In reply to the topic/ thread title, not so much interest at all according to the veiw stats, but having said that still more than celtic

[Jockstar]

In reply to the topic/ thread title, not so much interest at all according to the veiw stats, but having said that still more than celtic

Probably because there are less Scots on the board than English.

[Jockstar]

Hreidarsson interested in Rangers move - agent

May 1, 2009

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Hermann Hreidarsson would be interested in a summer switch to Rangers, according to his agent. The Portsmouth defender, 34, is out of contract next month and is currently mulling over his options.

Agent Olafur Gardarsson told the Scottish Sun: "I know Hermann is one of the options Rangers have looked at.

"He is out of contract in the summer and already a couple of clubs have said they want to get him on board. I'm not sure what will happen in terms of Hermann's future. Only time will tell.

"But Hermann likes the idea of playing in Scotland and he would do a good job there. He has played his club football in England for a long time and this would be something new.

"People will talk about his age but his physical condition is fantastic. He can play for another three or four years."

Hreidarsson can play at left-back or centre-back and has been capped 82 times by Iceland.

Meanwhile, Blackpool boss Tony Parkes has revealed he wants to make Charlie Adam's loan move permanent this summer.

Rangers midfielder Adam, 23, has been at Bloomfield Road since the start of February.

Parkes told the Daily Mail: "I have spoken to our club secretary and we will be in touch with Rangers to see if we can do a deal for Charlie.

"I know Charlie has not been involved at Rangers, but they are a top club. He was unable to get a starting place in their team for any length of time but he has been excellent for Blackpool and we would be delighted to get a deal done.

"We are trying to get it sorted as quickly as possible - if it is able to happen. I think Charlie would like to stay with us. He has enjoyed his time here and hopefully we can get an agreement.

"There was no fee struck when Charlie came on loan, so that has to be negotiated. It is a problem Charlie has set for us because he has played so well that we want to keep him.

"When you come on loan to any club, you put yourself in the shop window. We are aware there might be a bigger club lurking around the corner who might prove more attractive for him. That's the way football goes, but we are trying to get in first.

[Jockstar]

SCOTLAND NEWS

Rangers' Boyd tells Mendes to toughen up for SPL

May 1, 2009

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Kris Boyd has told Rangers team-mate Pedro Mendes to get used to the kind of tackle he suffered in the Homecoming Scottish Cup semi-final - because it happens all the time in Scotland.

Portuguese midfielder Mendes claims his leg could have been broken in a knee-high challenge from Saints defender Will Haining in Saturday's 3-0 win at Hampden.

The prognosis looked bad for summer signing Mendes after he was carried from the field before half-time but a scan later revealed the injury was not serious.

That did not stop Mendes, 30, branding the Scottish game rougher than even the Barclays Premier League, where he spent four years before moving to Ibrox.

But Boyd said: ''I don't think anybody sets out to hurt anybody and you'll get your tackles at least once or twice in a game in the Scottish league that you'll maybe not get elsewhere.

''It's maybe (more physical) from a foreign point of view, but from a Scottish point of view, it happens week in, week out.

''The tackles in Scotland are maybe a bit harder than in other leagues and that's maybe where Pedro's taken the action he's done after the game.''

Mendes should be fit for Sunday's Premier League clash with Hearts, the first of five post-split fixtures that will decide the destiny of the title.

Boyd will be hoping to have the playmaker supplying him with the type of service that last week allowed him to net his 100th goal for the club.

The striker celebrated reaching that landmark this week but was more interested in adding to his tally than dwelling on his favourite strikes from his three years at Ibrox.

He said: ''A tap-in from two yards is the same as putting it in from 30 yards.

''You don't get two goals for putting it in from 30 yards, so they're all special to me and they've helped the team in those matches I've scored in.

''So as long as the team's winning, I'm not really bothered.''

Rangers' Scottish Cup involvement means there will be no respite for them before the end of the season, while Celtic have returned refreshed from a sunshine break in La Manga.

But Boyd countered: ''I think if you were to ask them, they'd rather be playing in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup.

''We're exactly the same. We want to be playing in cup finals and semi-finals. We've done that and we'll be ready for Hearts on Sunday.''

[Jockstar]

Gers take pole position

Updated: May 9, 2009, 2:37 PM UK

Rangers took a massive step towards the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title when they clinched a 1-0 victory in the final Old Firm derby of the season.

Steven Davis proved to be the difference between the two teams when he grabbed the only goal at Ibrox.

The victory could prove pivotal in the title race as Rangers move two points ahead of Celtic into pole position with just three games remaining.

Andrius Velicka's four goals in the last four games were not enough to earn him a start and he was dropped to the substitutes' bench to accommodate the introduction of Kenny Miller, who started up front with Kris Boyd.

Madjid Bougherra returned from suspension to reclaim his usual spot at the heart of defence at the expense of Lee McCulloch, while Maurice Edu remained in the side to make his debut in the famous fixture.

There was a surprise in the Celtic line-up with Aiden McGeady dropped to the bench in favour of Shaun Maloney, whose last start for the Hoops was against Queen's Park in the Homecoming Scottish Cup.

A stomach muscle problem meant Lee Naylor was also named among the substitutes. He was replaced by Darren O'Dea at left-back, while Glenn Loovens filled in for injured skipper Stephen McManus at centre-back.

Davis attempted to give Rangers an early advantage with a shot from distance which flashed across the face of goal and wide without really troubling Artur Boruc in the Celtic goal.

Miller then connected with a Christian Dailly cross from the right but his overhead kick was also off-target.

At the other end, Celtic had the opportunity to put their hosts under pressure when they earned a free-kick just outside the box for a David Weir foul on Scott McDonald.

Shunsuke Nakamura presided over the set-piece and a well struck, curling effort was tipped just over the crossbar by Rangers goalkeeper Neil Alexander.

If that chance was close, Steven Whittaker then drew gasps from the Ibrox crowd with a cross intended for Davis which eluded everyone in the box before smacking off the far post.

Celtic were furious with 32 minutes gone when McDonald went to ground under pressure from Whittaker as he was about to unleash the shot and referee Craig Thomson ignored the pleas for a penalty.

Five minutes later, Rangers surged into the lead. Boyd slipped a pass through to Miller who whipped the ball into the goalmouth for Davis to slide into the back of the net from inside the six-yard box.

There was concern for the home side just before the break when Edu crumpled to the turf after apparently suffering a late challenge from Loovens but, despite initially looking like his game was over, he was able to return to the action.

Celtic then had a great chance to restore parity before the half-time whistle but Davis' contribution at the other end proved to be just as significant when he cleared a Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink header off the line.

The big Dutchman had a chance to make amends in the second half when he threw himself in front of an Andreas Hinkel cross only to see his header smothered by Alexander this time.

A major criticism of Boyd's game has been his lack of goals against Celtic - he had netted just once in 18 career appearances before this game - and he squandered another great opportunity.

The striker ran onto a lovely ball from Miller, raced into the box, and squeezed between two hooped jerseys only to fire straight at Boruc, who managed to block the point-blank shot.

McGeady was thrown into the action for Maloney with just over an hour gone and was not too far away with a blistering drive which was narrowly off-target as the champions desperately tried to haul themselves back into the game.

Boyd could have sealed the win with five minutes to go but nodded over after again being set up by Miller but Rangers managed to hold on for the win which puts them in the driving seat.

[Jockstar]

SPL FINAL DAY

McLeish confident old heads can secure the title

May 22, 2009

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Former Rangers manager Alex McLeish is convinced his old club have enough experience to clinch the Premier League title on Sunday.

The Light Blues need a victory at Dundee United - where they have won just once in nine games - to be assured of claiming their first championship in four years.

The only player who started Rangers' 2-1 win over Aberdeen last time out with an SPL-winner's medal is Kenny Miller - and he got that while at Celtic.

But McLeish, who won the trophy with Rangers on the final day in 2003 and 2005, believes the big-game know-how of players who have appeared in the English top flight can carry them through.

The Birmingham manager said: "There is massive experience in terms of quality and people who have played at the highest level, like Pedro Mendes, who played in the Premier League.

"Steven Davis played in the Premier League - he has greatly impressed me this season. And, of course, big Davie Weir. These guys are going to be so important for Rangers.''

One player who knows what it is like to lift the SPL trophy is Barry Ferguson, who made a surprise comeback from the bench against Aberdeen.

And McLeish is sure the midfielder's presence - on or off the field - can lift the inexperienced players through the pressure of a last-day decider.

"I don't know if Barry will be involved but I would like to think he's passing on all of his experience in the dressing room,'' McLeish said. "Celtic have the experience of having won the title - all these people are worthy champions - but I think it's Rangers' time.''

Whoever wins the title, the position of Gordon Strachan's will still be the subject of speculation.

The Celtic manager has had to work hard to win round some fans and he consistently refuses to discuss his future.

But McLeish believes his friend and former Aberdeen team-mate will not be short of suitors if he leaves Parkhead.

"Gordon's a tough character,'' McLeish said. "He has shown that through his football career as a player, coach and manager. I think Gordon is one of the guys who says the pressure you put on yourself is more than enough. He gets the blinkers on for the exterior criticism.

"Without a doubt, Gordon Strachan's name in England and football in general is extremely high. Gordon would not have any problem at all if he chose to leave Celtic in the summer.''

After studying his players in training over the last few days, Dundee United boss Craig Levein can sense a steely determination to get a result on Sunday.

United need a point to secure their place in the Europa League next season but Levein will be going for the jugular.

The Tangerines blew a chance to secure European football when they went down 3-0 to Hearts last weekend so they will face a nerve-shredding 90 minutes against the league leaders.

Levein called his players together earlier this week for an inspirational teamtalk and has been delighted with their response.

He said: "We had a long chat at the start of the week and, from what I've seen from the lads, there's a real determination to get the job done on Sunday.

"Knowing the players like I do, they're up for it because they want this European place and also they want to make amends for last week's defeat at Hearts.''

[TempleT]

Seems the news has dried up Jockstar but what's your thoughts on the title final day - a fellow bluenose

Have to agree i dont believe he is good enough. He is a good player. But no better than what we have .IMHO.

Miller in talks with Rangers over Ibrox return

Updated: June 3, 2008, 4:44 PM UK

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Kenny Miller's return to Rangers has moved closer with the news the Derby County striker is in talks with the Ibrox club.

Derby chairman Adam Pearson confirmed both clubs have had initial dialogue about a possible transfer.

'We've had early discussions with Rangers and talks are ongoing,' he told BBC Scotland. 'But there has been no asking price either set or met.'

However, PA Sport understands the transfer is further down the road than the Midlands club will publicly admit.

Derby will not stand in the way of the Scotland striker, who is trying to thrash out terms with the Govan club.

County expect the former Rangers striker, who also played for Celtic after moving from Ibrox to Wolves, to complete a controversial move back to Glasgow before the end of the week.

The prospect of Miller's possible return has split the Ibrox support.

The Scotland striker played for Rangers under Dick Advocaat in season 2000-01.

But he failed to pin down a regular first-team spot and, after a spell at Wolves, he signed for Celtic in 2006, where he again lasted only one season before moving to Derby.

In the closing weeks of the season, as the rumour about Miller returning to Ibrox picked up pace, Rangers fans voiced their displeasure about Miller in song, most vociferously during the Scottish Cup final win over Queen of the South at Hampden.

David Edgar, spokesman for the Rangers Supporters' Trust, told PA Sport recently Miller would be a 'deeply unpopular' signing but insisted the player's ability and not his time at Celtic was the sticking point among the majority of Ibrox supporters.

He said: 'Rangers fans in general would never tell any Rangers manager who to sign and certainly not Walter Smith.

'But the level of dissent shown by the supporters against a player who hasn't yet signed for us is unprecedented.

'I certainly haven't heard anything like it before.

'We were 2-0 up in a Scottish Cup final and the Rangers fans were singing against Miller - that is an indication of how strongly the fans feel about it.

'He is a deeply unpopular player and it is clear that the fans don't want him and I would say it is the vast majority rather than a minority who feel this way.

' It has nothing to do with him being an ex-Celtic player, they don't like him because he is not good enough.'

[Jockstar]

Only ours to lose now. I said the same about Celtic when they were ahead and looked what happened. My fingers are crossed. Come on the Gers.

[rott]

Yes, COME ON YOU GERS!!

[Jockstar]

West Brom keen on Gers outcast Ferguson

May 23, 2009

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West Bromwich Albion have confirmed their interest in deposed Rangers captain Barry Ferguson.

The 31-year-old, who recently made a surprise return from a calf injury that looked to have ruled him out for the rest of the season, has been linked with a number of clubs.

Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace said: "Ferguson's a Rangers player but if he becomes available, I'm sure we'll have a chat."

Ferguson's Rangers career looked to be over last month after he and team-mate Allan McGregor were suspended by the club for two weeks without pay for flicking V-signs at photographers while on Scotland duty.

That came days after an early-hours drinking session at the national team's hotel.

Ferguson - who was stripped of the Rangers captaincy - and McGregor were also handed lifetime international bans by the Scottish Football Association.

[BigSnake]

[Jimjim]

Banned from international team forever just for giving two fingers? Geez, that's a little overkill. I don't even see the point of the two weeks suspension. Who cares? Not as if we don't see that kind of thing all the time.

[Jimjim]

Champions now...

[SweatySock]

CHAMPIONEES, CHAMPIONEES, YA BEAUTY!!!!! W.A.T.P.

[Jockstar]

Rangers goals from this season

[rott]

Come on JS loosen up, lets hear it for the boys, what more do you want?

[Jockstar]

Come on JS loosen up, lets hear it for the boys, what more do you want?

[Jockstar]

Novo goal wins Cup

Updated: May 30, 2009, 5:22 PM UK

Fans' favourite Nacho Novo fired Rangers to a domestic double with the winner in a 1-0 victory over Falkirk in the Homecoming Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park.

The diminutive striker heaped more Hampden heartache on the Bairns months after his double sent them crashing out of the League Cup, netting his ninth goal of the season to help Rangers claim the trophy for the 33rd time.

The narrow defeat was a bitter pill for Falkirk to swallow after waiting 12 years for another crack at the silverware they last won back in 1957.

However, Novo proved to be the difference between the two teams and his sizzling strike ensured he even managed to steal the show from Barry Ferguson, who was handed his first start for Rangers since his involvement in the infamous 'Boozegate' affair.

The deposed skipper was drafted into the starting line-up along with Lee McCulloch after Pedro Mendes and Maurice Edu were ruled out through injury.

Those were the only two changes manager Walter Smith made from the side which clinched the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title at the weekend.

Falkirk boss John Hughes also made two changes from the team which retained their SPL status with a dramatic win over Inverness in the last game of the season.

Kevin McBride replaced the suspended Arnau Riera, while Neil McCann was given the nod ahead of Carl Finnigan. Steven Pressley had to settle for a place on the bench after returning from suspension.

McCulloch had an early opportunity to make an impression when he rose above everyone else in the box to connect cleanly with a Steven Davis corner, but his header lacked power and drifted across goal and wide of the upright.

Falkirk then had a decent chance of their own when the ball broke for Burton O'Brien on the edge of the box and he screwed his shot narrowly over the crossbar, although Neil Alexander looked to have it covered.

Steven Whittaker was not too far away with a drive which fell just past the post, with Kris Boyd just a yard too late to help the ball into the back of the net as he raced in from the left.

A Neil McCann shot then drew gasps from the Falkirk crowd as he surged into the box before seeing his effort clip the crossbar on the way over.

The former Rangers man then met a Darren Barr cross from the right flank only to stab agonisingly wide of the post from eight yards out as the underdogs pushed for the opener.

Whittaker picked up the first booking shortly before the break for a rash challenge on Thomas Scobbie, with referee Craig Thomson brandishing the yellow card without hesitation.

He was quickly followed into the book by Jackie McNamara for hauling down Kyle Lafferty, who won Rangers a free-kick near the corner flag.

Davis whipped a teasing ball into the box which was met by the head of David Weir but Steve Lovell came to the rescue by heading off the line on the stroke of half-time.

Rangers swapped Boyd for Novo at the break and the substitution proved to be inspired when the Spaniard opened the scoring just 29 seconds into the second half.

He collected a Sasa Papac throw before unleashing a ferocious 40-yard volley which left Dani Mallo with no chance in the Falkirk goal.

The Bairns could have equalised when Scobbie threw himself in front of a McCann corner only to nod wide of the target from the edge of the six-yard box.

Falkirk thought they had hauled themselves back into the game when substitute Finnigan had the ball in the back of the net within moments of being on the park, but the offside flag was already raised before he unleashed the shot.

Novo then had the chance to claim a double when Kenny Miller set up the shot but the cross smacked off the striker, catching him unawares, and, although he ended up in the net, the ball did not.

Falkirk refused to give up hope and this time it was Lovell holding his head in his hands when his diagonal shot skimmed off the outside of the far post as Rangers held on for the win.

end

[Jockstar]

SPL NEWS

Smith: Every single Ger is still up for sale

July 5, 2009

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Rangers manager Walter Smith admits every single player is still up for sale this summer.

The Ibrox club revealed back in January they could be forced to sell key personnel in a bid to balance the books, albeit no big names left at that time.

Fans had hoped winning the Scottish Premier League - and securing automatic entry into the lucrative group stages of the Champions League as a result - would mean holding on to their top stars.

But Smith says every player has a price regardless of a £10million boost for the coffers.

He told the Sunday Mail: "What happened in January is still there. Every player is susceptible to a bid.

"We told them circumstances meant we had to sell a player and we're still in that situation.

"I know there's a feelgood factor after winning the double but this doesn't go away.

"Yes, it's far less of a problem than in January. But the problem most teams out of the big leagues have is still at Rangers' door."

Smith has also revealed there will be no major signings ahead of the new campaign either.

He added: "We won't be spending a lot on players just because we're in the Champions League. We still have to be prudent."

[imola]

SPL NEWS

Smith: Every single Ger is still up for sale

July 5, 2009

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Rangers manager Walter Smith admits every single player is still up for sale this summer.

The Ibrox club revealed back in January they could be forced to sell key personnel in a bid to balance the books, albeit no big names left at that time.

Fans had hoped winning the Scottish Premier League - and securing automatic entry into the lucrative group stages of the Champions League as a result - would mean holding on to their top stars.

But Smith says every player has a price regardless of a £10million boost for the coffers.

He told the Sunday Mail: "What happened in January is still there. Every player is susceptible to a bid.

"We told them circumstances meant we had to sell a player and we're still in that situation.

"I know there's a feelgood factor after winning the double but this doesn't go away.

"Yes, it's far less of a problem than in January. But the problem most teams out of the big leagues have is still at Rangers' door."

Smith has also revealed there will be no major signings ahead of the new campaign either.

He added: "We won't be spending a lot on players just because we're in the Champions League. We still have to be prudent."

that is good news for teams such as hibs then

[suiging]

Good news for Wolves too, who it seems have sent a scouting team north to look for the odd bargin.......

[Jockstar]

TRANSFER TALK

Trezeguet knows nothing of Rangers move

By Soccernet Staff

July 10, 2009

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David Trezeguet's agent is unaware of any offer from Rangers to Juventus for the French striker.

GettyImages

David Trezeguet: Keen on Glasgow move?

The 31-year-old has been linked with a move away from Turin this summer, but his representative Antonio Caliendo knows nothing of a reported £8.5million bid from the Scottish champions.

He told Radio Milan: "For the time being I have not been called into this matter. Regarding Trezeguet, there are many rumours because he appeals to many clubs. If there is a team that the player likes and that club is strongly interested in him, it will be no surprise.

"But only certain offers can be evaluated.''

Caliendo insisted that Trezeguet, who joined Juve from Monaco in the summer of 2000, would not rule out a move away from Italy.

"He is aware that he doesn't need to prove anything to anyone,'' said Caliendo. "He has won a World Cup, a European Championship, three Serie A titles, the Capocannoniere title (as the top scorer in Serie A in 2001/02)...

"As long as the teams that want him play at a high level, there will be no problems.''

Injury limited Trezeguet, who is under contract with Juve until June 2011, to just eight league appearances last season.

[Jockstar]

TRANSFER NEWS

Rangers accept bid for Ferguson from Birmingham

July 15, 2009

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Barry Ferguson's Rangers career moved closer to an end when the Ibrox club accepted a bid from Birmingham City.

Ferguson, 31, will discuss terms with the Premier League club managed by his former Rangers and Scotland manager Alex McLeish.

It was reported that the bid is around £1m although that has not been confirmed.

If terms are agreed, Ferguson will return to the top flight in England four-and-half years after a spell at Blackburn Rovers.

And if the midfielder leaves Rangers, he will follow Brahim Hemdani, Christian Dailly and Graeme Smith out the Ibrox door this summer.

Ferguson's Ibrox career brought plenty of success but it was latterly shrouded in controversy.

He was fined and stripped of the Rangers captaincy last season following a breach of discipline while on Scotland duty in April following a World Cup qualifying defeat by Holland in Amsterdam.

The late night drinking incident at a Loch Lomond Hotel also led to an end to his international career.

Ferguson was dropped by Rangers manager Walter Smith but returned for their last three games of the season as they won back the Clydesdale Bank Premier League from Old Firm rivals Celtic for the first time in four years.

The former Ibrox youth player was also in the Rangers side that lifted the Homecoming Scottish Cup with a 1-0 win over Falkirk at Hampden.

Despite positive noises coming from Rangers assistant coach Ally McCoist, Ferguson's future has been in doubt all summer and it looks like it will be away from Govan.

Rangers midfielder Pedro Mendes is confident that Ferguson would be a success in his second spell down south.

''He is a very good player and I don't think he would have any problems,'' the former Portsmouth player said

''Quality players can adapt themselves pretty well and Barry is a quality player so I don't think he would have any problems adapting himself to the Premier League.''

Mendes, however, believes Ferguson's departure would be a blow for Rangers, adding: ''He is a fantastic player. He is a strong character in the team, there is no doubt about that.

''He has a strong presence in the dressing room and on the pitch and has been captain of Rangers for years and years.''