Rangers News!

[sanmiguellight]

Thats got to be a bad signing for Brum, he wasnt up to the job at Blackburn in his prime, now he's getting on a bit surely he'll be even worse.

With a central midfield of Bowyer and Ferguson Brum will struggle this year.

[Jockstar]

RANGERS STAR HEADS SOUTH

Ferguson completes Birmingham switch

July 17, 2009

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Birmingham City have signed Barry Ferguson from Rangers for an undisclosed fee in the region of £1.2m.

GettyImages

Scotland international heading south

The Scottish champions accepted a bid from the Premier League outfit on Wednesday as Blues boss Alex McLeish stepped up his long-standing interest in the former Scotland captain.

And the 31-year-old completed the move on Friday afternoon, signing a three-year contract to return to England for the first time since an injury-plagued spell at Blackburn Rovers.

Ferguson's time at Rangers soured last season when he was stripped of the captaincy following a breach of discipline while on international duty.

He returned for the final three games of the season but his future remained in doubt. He joins compatriots McLeish, Garry O'Connor and James McFadden at St Andrews.

McLeish managed Ferguson during his time with Scotland and Rangers and believes the midfielder still has much to offer.

"For me, Barry is a midfielder at his peak," he told the club's website. "I don't think 31 is too old for a central midfielder of great experience.

"Players like Gordon Strachan and Gary McAllister continued playing into their late 30s and these were guys who were not afraid of the ball.

"I think Barry can play on for a good few years yet.

"He's a guy that always turned up for work. By that I mean that his appearances over the years have always been fantastic.

"Barry has got the culture of the true-grit Brit, who will go through brick walls to play football. He has a winning mentality, and that is proven by all the winners' medals he has won."

[HarryHacker]

Looks like my struggling Charlton have snapped up Christian Dailly which gives us 1 class player at least.

[Jockstar]

Well a great start , lets hope it continues.

Rangers 4-1 Falkirk

Updated: August 15, 2009, 8:24 AM UK

Kenny Miller grabbed a double as Rangers began the defence of their Clydesdale Bank Premier League title with a 4-1 win over Falkirk at Ibrox.

Lee McCulloch opened the scoring with an impressive long range effort before Falkirk hauled themselves level through Carl Finnigan.

The visitors did manage to cause a few problems but two goals from Miller and a late strike from Steven Naismith ensured the Scottish champions began the new season the way they ended the last - at the top of the table.

Following the unfurling of the SPL flag and obligatory blast of Queen's 'We are the Champions' it was down to business, with Celtic's 3-1 thrashing of Aberdeen earlier in the day a stark reminder of the task Rangers face in retaining their crown.

Allan McGregor was handed the gloves for Rangers ahead of Neil Alexander, marking his first competitive start since his indiscretions with the Scotland national team left a huge question mark over his career for both club and country.

Falkirk did their best to spoil the party atmosphere and it was McGregor who was called into action first to smother a well-struck shot from distance from Ryan Flynn.

With 14 minutes on the clock, it was the Rangers fans who were celebrating when McCulloch opened the scoring in style, dispossessing Burton O'Brien before turning and lashing into the top corner of the net from all of 35 yards.

McGregor was left scooping the ball out of the back of the net when Falkirk restored parity with 24 minutes gone. Scott Arfield was the provider with a low cross from the left-flank and Finnigan did well to sidefoot past the helpless Rangers goalkeeper from six yards out.

Rangers should have restored their lead when Fleck bulldozed his way through the Falkirk defence before stabbing into the path of Miller who somehow missed the target when it looked easier to score.

However, the striker made amends within seconds when he met a cross from Steven Davis and sent a looping header past Robert Olejnik from close range after 34 minutes. Falkirk claimed for offside but the flag stayed down.

Miller then tried to turn provider when he set up Naismith but his shot was blocked by the goalkeeper, who also prevented a poor follow up effort from Kris Boyd from finding the back of the net.

The visitors were far from out of the match and passed up a decent chance when Alex MacDonald saw his header flash narrowly wide of the upright from a corner as they pressed for another equaliser.

Rangers should then have put any hope of a comeback beyond reach when Miller teed up the shot for Davis and all he had to do was pick his spot but the midfielder drove across the face of goal and wide when the net should have bulged.

Olejnik was called into action when Boyd threw himself in front of a Steven Whittaker cross from the right and his header looked to be heading for the top corner but the full-stretch Falkirk keeper managed to scrabble the effort to safety.

However, he could do nothing to prevent Miller from claiming his second of the day after 73 minutes when the striker embarked on a lovely solo run before dispatching a superb left-foot strike past Olejnik from 12 yards.

With just over 10 minutes to go and the three points now looking safe, Kevin Thomson made his first competitive appearance since suffering a serious knee injury nine months ago when he replaced Boyd.

Naismith then put the gloss on the win when he raced onto a Davis ball and produced a simple finish past Olejnik to wrap up the points seven minutes from time.

[Jockstar]

Whittaker and Boyd double

Steven Whittaker and Kris Boyd helped themselves to a double apiece as Rangers romped to a comfortable 4-1 win over Hamilton in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

• Smith: More to come

The pair both netted either side of half-time to ensure the Scottish champions remain at the summit with a 100% record.

Accies did manage to pull a goal back late on through Mark McLaughlin, however their dismal start to the season continues as they remain bottom of the SPL having already conceded 10 goals.

Boyd's last-gasp winner from the penalty spot against Hearts last week earned him a starting role along with Pedro Mendes, who made his first appearance of the season after recovering from a thigh strain.

Accies made three changes from the side who suffered a shock Co-operative Insurance Cup exit to Ross County in midweek. In came new signing Gary Mason, Derek Lyle and Kevin Welsh; out went Izzy Iriekpen, Grant Evans and Leon Knight as Hamilton searched for their first win of the season.

The visitors could have been forgiven for heading into this game with a sense of trepidation. As well as their poor start to the season, they also shipped an astonishing 18 goals in their five meetings with Rangers last term.

Rangers immediately piled on the pressure with Steven Davis racing onto a long ball from Mendes and surging into the box only for his first effort to be blocked by goalkeeper Tomas Cerny and his second attempt rippling the side-netting.

The Northern Ireland international then had another decent chance when he found himself clear on goal a few moments later only to sidefoot a weak shot into the arms of the Accies goalkeeper.

Hamilton found themselves trailing after 19 minutes and Davis was involved once again, setting up Whittaker to coolly slot past the helpless Cerny as Ibrox erupted.

Rangers doubled their advantage with 27 minutes gone when a Sasa Papac cross was inadvertently nodded back into the packed goalmouth by Simon Mensing and Boyd was waiting to send a looping header into the back of the net.

The match could have been over within seconds of the restart when Kenny Miller whipped an inviting ball across the face of goal to Madjid Bougherra at the far post but he hooked harmlessly over.

The defender was then fuming at the other end of the pitch when referee Stevie O'Reilly deemed he had fouled Luis Rubiales on the edge of the box and handed Accies the opportunity to apply some pressure of their own.

Allan McGregor managed to block from Lyle's free-kick but the goalkeeper was left flapping at a cross from James McArthur before his defence eventually cleared the danger.

Any hopes of an Accies comeback were dashed after 65 minutes when Davis found Steven Naismith out on the left and his cut-back was met by Boyd who lashed home from 10 yards.

Not to be outdone, Whittaker grabbed his second of the day in style just two minutes later. He played a one-two with Davis before dispatching a terrific curving shot past Cerny from 22 yards.

With the three points already in the bag, Rangers had the luxury of making a couple of changes in the latter stages.

Nacho Novo was given his first taste of action this season after missing the opening two matches with a dislocated shoulder, before youngster Gregg Wylde was handed his first-team debut when he replaced Miller for the final 10 minutes.

Hamilton did manage to pull a goal back with three minutes to go when McLaughlin nodded home from a Rubiales corner but it was scant consolation for a team still looking to put points on the board this season.

Smith: More to come

Walter Smith watched Rangers notch up their third win of the season to remain top of the Bank Premier League - then claimed the best is yet to come.

"We are pleased," said the Rangers boss. "We have had a good balance at the start with three weekend fixtures and no midweek matches to get us going this season. Once the international break finishes, we have a situation where we are a lot busier and I think we are needing that at this time.

"We need to be a little bit busier than we have been and we look forward to league matches, Champions League and League Cup games over the forthcoming months. We've had a decent start but I don't think we have reached our top level of play so far."

With 31 goals last season, Boyd was perhaps expected to be on the scoresheet against a side who had already conceded six goals in two SPL matches before their visit to Ibrox. But the striker was matched in his efforts by Whittaker and Smith had nothing but praise for the full-back.

He said: "He has scored a few goals for us over the last couple of years he has been here. He has a good shot and a good finish and he showed that today. His left-foot finish in the second half was terrific."

Rangers welcomed Pedro Mendes back from injury for the visit of Accies and there was also a substitute appearance from Nacho Novo, who recovered from a dislocated shoulder quicker than anticipated.

"We thought he was going to be out for a few months but the specialists have helped him a great deal and we are pleased to get him back," said Smith. "With the squad we've got, it's important that we keep them fit and it's important that we get Kirk Broadfoot and Maurice Edu back as quickly as we can. That will be an important factor for us."

Despite shipping another four goals, Hamilton boss Billy Reid claims there were positives to be taken from the defeat to Rangers - at least compared to their opening matches against Kilmarnock and Aberdeen.

He said: "It wasn't too bad. It was an improvement for us and you might find that hard to believe. The first two games of the season were really difficult for us and we didn't look like a team. I thought today we had a bit of shape about us and we passed the ball not too badly at times and got the goal at the end. Over the 90 minutes Rangers were the better side so I've no complaints."

Accies welcome Hibernian and Falkirk to New Douglas Park in their next two matches and Reid added: "We have two home games and we must target some points from those games. But there is no panic from Hamilton Accies - that I guarantee."

[Jockstar]

Big game tonight. The way we have been playing recently doesnt give me much hope. But then again. Maybe the calm before the storm. But in Old Firm matches, form goes out the window.

Come on the GERS!

[Jockstar]

Miller double downs Bhoys

Updated: October 4, 2009, 8:42 AM UK

Two goals from Kenny Miller slashed Celtic's lead at the summit of the Scottish Premier League to a single point as Rangers claimed victory in the first Old Firm derby of the season.

• SPL Gallery

• Smith proud after battling win

The striker returned to haunt his former club once again with two early goals to put the Scottish champions in the driving seat at Ibrox.

Aiden McGeady did manage to pull a goal back from the penalty spot but his strike was not enough to prevent Tony Mowbray's first derby as Celtic manager ending in defeat.

Rangers boss Walter Smith was forced to name an unfamiliar side when Madjid Bougherra and Lee McCulloch were both ruled out with a flu bug and Sasa Papac was asked to deputise in the heart of defence with David Weir, while youngster Andrew Little was given his first taste of the famous fixture at full back.

Kevin Thomson also missed out with a knee injury but Miller was able to start up front with Kris Boyd despite fears over a persistent hamstring problem, which will require the attention of a specialist in Germany this week.

Celtic also shuffled their pack. Danny Fox and Barry Robson both picked up knocks in training, meaning a first domestic appearance of the season for Lee Naylor and a debut for new signing Zheng Zhi.

Little looked uncomfortable from the outset and allowed Shaun Maloney an early chance on goal but Allan McGregor did well to block with his legs to keep the scoreline level in the opening minutes.

Instead, it was Rangers who surged into the lead with just eight minutes gone, taking advantage of shocking defending from Celtic. Boyd slipped a pass through for Miller, who forced his way past Stephen McManus and Glenn Loovens, before dispatching past Artur Boruc into the back of the net as Ibrox erupted.

Celtic then failed in their attempt to win a penalty when Maloney claimed he was fouled in the box by David Weir, before picking up a yellow card for diving after going to ground again moments later.

Little had been shifted to centre-forward - the position he plays for Northern Ireland - but his Old Firm debut was over with just 14 minutes on the clock and Nacho Novo was thrown into the action.

Miller found the back of the net again two minutes later. This time, a Steven Whittaker ball intended for Boyd was missed by the striker and broke for Miller who shrugged off Loovens before sending a low shot past the Hoops keeper.

The Scottish champions had enjoyed a dream start to the game but found themselves pegged back after 25 minutes when referee Craig Thomson eventually did point to the penalty spot.

It proved to be a memorable maiden outing for China captain Zhi as he was felled by Papac and McGeady stepped up to claim his first ever goal at Ibrox, despite the best efforts of McGregor, who managed to get a hand to the strike.

There was a further blow for Rangers just before half-time when Boyd was forced out of the action following a clash of heads with Landry N'Guemo, paving the way for Kyle Lafferty to make his first appearance for the club this season after a spell on the sidelines through suspension and injury.

Miller could have claimed his hat-trick shortly after the restart with a ferocious strike which flashed across the face of goal and past the post.

But Celtic also looked dangerous as they chased the equaliser and Scott McDonald tested McGregor with a point-blank shot, which was smothered by the Rangers goalkeeper.

Mark Wilson became the second Celtic player to be booked for simulation, before Maloney squandered a great opportunity to restore parity.

Substitute Pat McCourt's cross found Wilson out on the right and he teed up the shot for Maloney but he rifled inches past the post when he looked certain to score.

At the other end, Whittaker picked out Novo at the back post with a long ball but he nodded past the upright amid claims of being pushed, before seeing his attempt to lob Boruc swatted out of the danger area by the Celtic goalkeeper.

Smith proud after battling win

Walter Smith believes overcoming adversity to triumph in the first Old Firm derby of the season could be exactly what Rangers need to finally kick-start their season.

"I feel we have had a slow start to the season as I've mentioned on a number of occasions,'' said Smith. "We probably needed a game like that to, hopefully, kick-start our season. We've got Celtic back to a point now but it's no use unless we carry that on to the next lot of games we have.''

Reflecting on a 4-2 win at Celtic Park back in 1994, which prompted a furious response from the home fans, Smith added: "We've had that kind of situation on a couple of occasions before. I remember struggling to put a team together one day at Parkhead. There were pies and Mars Bars being thrown from the stand after a while.

"It was a similar situation today, some of the boys who were playing were playing with knocks. There was a good spirit and determination, although I was little bit disappointed we didn't control the second half better than we did.''

A win for Celtic would have allowed them to extend their lead to seven points, a scenario Smith was relieved to avoid.

"Considering all the aspects of the game, I was delighted with the win,'' he said. "It was important for us that the gap didn't increase any, I think that was the most important thing more than anything else. You are always delighted when you get a win and it was important to cut back the lead, even at this early stage of the season.

"We have had three draws but we haven't lost a league game yet and, from our own point of view, we were delighted to hold on to that aspect of it. We cut Celtic back from what could have been a seven-point lead to a one-point lead and that's a huge thing for us.''

A four-match touchline ban meant Smith was forced to watch the action from the Ibrox stand, with television pictures revealing the veteran boss to be more agitated and animated than usual, with coach Ian Durrant even earning himself a clip across the head at one stage.

"He gets that on a regular basis,'' said Smith. "I've been cuffing him over the back of the ear for 20 years. It was a wee bit frustrating today. In the second half especially we stayed back when we should have pushed forward.''

On Boyd's condition, Smith added: "He's got a concussion and he also has a nasty knock on the eye, which I hope will be all right once he gets checked out. He has to go to hospital but, with the concussion he has, he will be sidelined for a few days anyway.''

[Jockstar]

Terribel terrible terrible. We need some new faces.

Sorry Gers crash to home defeat

Updated: October 21, 2009, 8:02 AM UK

Rangers' Champions League aspirations are in tatters after an embarrassing defeat to Unirea Urziceni at Ibrox.

• Petrescu: We've still got another level

A second 4-1 home European defeat in succession leaves Rangers bottom of Group G with one point from three games and facing the return game in Romania in a fortnight knowing only a victory will do. On the evidence of this match, few would countenance that prospect.

Pedro Mendes' second-minute drive, which took a deflection off Unirea midfielder Ricardo Vilana before going in, gave the home side the perfect start. However, in a bizarre night of football in Govan, the Light Blues proceeded to concede four goals, two of them own goals, while missing a penalty at 1-1.

After Marius loan Bilasco equalised just after the half-hour mark, Steven Davis had a spot-kick saved by Unirea keeper Daniel Tudor. Half-time substitute Kyle Lafferty, on for Mendes, helped a Bruno Fernandes flick past Allan McGregor and into his own net before Lee McCulloch left his McGregor stranded with a header just before the hour mark. More woe followed when Pablo Brandan made it four to send the home fans heading to the exits with 25 minutes remaining.

More than 1,000 members of the Armed Forces had been given free tickets to the game and it was a night they are unlikely to forget either. Although Ibrox was short of capacity, the atmosphere was cranked up after Mendes collected a Jerome Rothen corner at the edge of the box and drove towards goal, happy to see the ball take a significant deflection off Vilana before looping over Tudor.

However, instead of inspiring Rangers, the fortuitous goal was followed by a nervy period in which the visitors were allowed to play their way into the game. With Unirea pressing high up the park, the Light Blues struggled to escape the confines of their own half.

There was the occasional flurry in the visiting box but in the 32nd minute Unirea deservedly drew level with a fine goal by striker Bilasco. Midfielder Iulian Apostol split the Ibrox defence to send Brandan into the box and his cut-back from the left was easily slid in to the empty net by Bilasco.

Five minutes later Rangers had the chance to retain their lead when Fernandes was adjudged by referee Eric Braamhaar to have handled a David Weir header, following a looping Rothen free-kick into a packed penalty area. Davis struck the penalty to Tudor's right and watched in dismay as the goalkeeper dived to push the ball behind for a corner.

Lafferty replaced Mendes at the break but the Irishman's first real involvement was five minutes later when he helped the visitors take the lead. When Apostol's low cross was delivered into the box, Fernandes flicked the ball on and it took the slightest of touches off the luckless Northern Ireland international before it sped past McGregor and in off the post.

It was all going horribly wrong for Walter Smith's men and more trouble soon followed. The boos rang out around Ibrox in the 59th minute when McCulloch headed a Brandan free-kick past McGregor to make it 3-1, and many Rangers supporters simply upped and left in disgust when Brandan fired in a 30-yard drive after taking a short free-kick from Apostol.

The rest of the game was played in a mixture of frustration and stunned silence until the final whistle, when the home fans revealed their unhappiness in no uncertain terms. Rangers now have to somehow regroup, first of all for the SPL game against Hibernian on Saturday before they think of trying to salvage a European campaign which is unravelling game by game.

Petrescu: We've still got another level

Unirea manager Dan Petrescu, the former Chelsea player, suggested his team had not performed well for much of the match.

"After we scored the third the game was over - but before that, I thought we could have done better," Petrescu said. "We must be very happy now.

"We conceded an early goal and had to change the system. I thought if they scored a second it would be difficult to come back. Now we have to think about the next game, because it's going to be a different game in Romania.''

Petrescu was pleased with the victory but said: "It's going to be big if we qualify. If we don't win it's not that big.''

Rangers captain David Weir is hoping Walter Smith's team can make amends in their next European match after slumping to a 4-1 defeat against Unirea Urziceni.

"We're obviously very disappointed with the way it's gone tonight," Weir told Sky Sports. "We've got to try to win the next game - it's as simple as that. We've got to win the next game and see where that takes us.''

Weir admits he was "very disappointed'' with the outcome at Ibrox, which prompted much booing of the home side - while many supporters left long before the final whistle.

"It's their prerogative; if they want to leave and boo that's their decision,'' Weir said.

[MSingh]

Would you Adam & Eve it..

A number of Rangers supporters wearing Stone Island and Burberry and speaking with Cockney accents were spotted before the match in Romania. (Daily Record)

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain has demanded a Uefa probe into violence inside Ghencea Stadium in Romania, claiming that poor stewarding sparked crowd trouble at Wednesday's Champions League game away to Unirea Urziceni. (Various)

Martin Bain says he feared trouble before Wednesday's game between Rangers and Unirea because of poor organisation from the Romanian authorities. (Daily Express)

Edited November 6, 2009 by MSingh

[rgs2001uk]

^, wonder if HH was one of them.

[MSingh]

^, wonder if HH was one of them.

Impossible, the Burbs i can see, Stone Island too, but i'm not having it that he has a Cockney Accent...

[EastSaxCol]

^, wonder if HH was one of them.

Sir, for one thing I don't have a cockney accent. But proudly a SE Essex one. Secondly, the only Rangers that I may be likely to support is The Rangers at Great Notley Country Park.

But I did find it slightly ironic following Gers1873 first post on this forum -- well using that name anyway I should hear of that behaviour. But unlike he and "another" who would like to tar all Celtic supporters with the same brush, I would be a hypocrite if I were to all Glasgow Rangers supporters as being the same as an idiot minority who further tarnish their reputation in Europe , as on Wednesday.

That's all

Afterword

It's also the case that the only Celtic supporters whose behaviour in Lisbon some years back was in anyway questionable, were also London Celtic.

Edited November 6, 2009 by Happy Hammer

[EastSaxCol]

Impossible, the Burbs i can see, Stone Island too ...

Seeing as I notice that you've viewed my profile and ,therefore, should have also seen my photograph. Then I can only conclude that you are as I have always thought, sonny boy

Edited November 6, 2009 by Happy Hammer

[MSingh]

Impossible, the Burbs i can see, Stone Island too ...

Seeing as I notice that you've viewed my profile and ,therefore, should have also seen my photograph. Then I can only conclude that you are as I have always thought, sonny boy

Sorry i can't hear you or see you, did you say something ??

Out of curiosity, what am i that you always thought ??

Not a Stalker i hope but if you did, at least give me a bit of credit that i wouldn't stalk a blithering fictional Serial Killer lookalike like you, Dr Lecter ..

[Jockstar]

Give it a rest lads.

[MSingh]

Probably a bunch of Germans with Cockney accents i reckon...

http://sport.stv.tv/football/135231-celtic...ner-in-hamburg/

[JAM1E]

1, No Miller

2, No Beasley

3, No Naismith

4, No Thomson

5, No Mendes

6, No Bougie

7, No Nova

8, No Surrender and a Happy new year we are 7 points clear........

I will be back in Bangkok and Pattaya soon can anybody list any good Blue nose bars or Supporters clubs to visit. I got the above by text this morning it brought a smile to my cold face......

Happy New year

Jam1e

[purplehaze]

If I was in the Scotland over the festive period I would be complaining about the T.V. program schedule I mean watching the Great Escape twice over the holidays is enough for anybody.

[SweatySock]

1, No Miller

2, No Beasley

3, No Naismith

4, No Thomson

5, No Mendes

6, No Bougie

7, No Nova

8, No Surrender and a Happy new year we are 7 points clear........

9. No Boyd

10. No Money

and we're now 9 points clear, just think how far we'd be ahead if we had a full team on the park for more than a couple of games.

[SweatySock]

Steven Davis claimed his first goal of the season as Rangers strengthened their grip on pole position in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League with a win over St Mirren.

• Smith refuses to get carried away

The midfielder netted in the opening two minutes before Nacho Novo marked his comeback from injury with a late strike to put the game beyond doubt.

The win - combined with Celtic's defeat to Hibernian - allowed Walter Smith's men to extend their lead at the summit to 10 points.

Rangers made two changes from the side which drew with Hearts at the weekend, Kenny Miller and Novo both returned from injury and were drafted straight back into the starting line-up for the clash in Paisley.

Steven Naismith - also back after a spell on the sidelines - was named among the substitutes, with Smith boasting a healthier-looking squad than in recent weeks.

Saints also made two changes after losing to Motherwell at the weekend, with Michael Higdon and David Barron both starting the SPL clash.

Rangers enjoyed the best possible start to the game when they surged into the lead with just two minutes on the clock.

Kyle Lafferty chipped the ball into the path of Davis, who cut inside from the right before lashing past Paul Gallacher to claim his first goal of the season.

To St Mirren's credit they could have been back on level terms minutes later when Kirk Broadfoot failed to close down Garry Brady and he was able to unleash a shot which was held by Allan McGregor at the near post.

Lafferty could have snatched a goal of his own after weaving his way past several Saints players, but the end product was poor and his weak effort was easily smothered by Gallacher, before Lee McCulloch smacked the underside of the crossbar with a thunderous shot.

Davis could have netted his second of the night as Rangers continued to press but Gallacher did well to parry his point-blank shot past his left-hand post.

Lafferty tried to turn provider again with a flick-on for Steven Whittaker but the Saints goalkeeper managed to intercept before he could connect just a few yards from goal.

Saints also looked capable of finding the back of the net and could have pulled a goal back shortly before the break when Andy Dorman's corner broke for Billy Mehmet but he blasted well over.

Rangers tried to emulate their impressive start in the first half after the restart and Whittaker was not too far away with a low effort from long range which flashed across the face of goal and past the upright.

Not to be outdone, the Buddies carved out a decent chance of their own when Brady drilled an angled drive into the side-netting but McGregor appeared to have the shot covered anyway.

Saints should have levelled on the hour mark through Mehmet but the forward's header from close range was horribly off-target when it looked certain to find the top corner.

Novo then produced a bad miss of his own when he also nodded wide of the target from just a few yards out and with the net at his mercy.

The Spaniard had the chance to make amends when Miller squared into the path of the striker and his shot was struck well enough but failed to make it past two St Mirren defenders and the chance was lost.

With just over 10 minutes to go, Miller was withdrawn to make way for Naismith as Rangers continued to search for the goal that would kill off any chance of a fightback from the home side.

The Scottish champions finally netted the elusive second goal with four minutes to go when Novo raced onto a Davis pass on the right flank and darted into the box before rifling a shot into the back of the net in off the post.

# Smith refuses to get carried away

Rangers manager Walter Smith played down his side's emphatic lead at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League after moving 10 points clear of Celtic tonight.

He said: "We have had a situation, over the last couple of seasons, where a seven-point gap has been overcome so you are never happy and there is a lot football to be played yet. We are happy to be at the top of the league but in no way does it mean anything other than we have to show a level of consistency and continue to get the results we have been getting.

"We always work hard enough in the games. We have always got a good attitude from the boys. They seem to have a winning attitude and they don't like losing. Even when they are not at their best they usually grind out a result. The win tonight was a good one. We have been stretched squad-wise since the new year but have still managed to gain results even when we've not been playing so well.''

Saints boss Gus MacPherson admitted he feared the worst after losing such an early goal and praised his players for keeping themselves in the game until Novo's strike late on. He said: "I'm disappointed to lose the game. Once again, we lost the early goal but credit to them for getting on with their jobs afterwards.

"In the second half we had many good opportunities and if we had got the equaliser, who knows? You always fear the worst after losing an early goal but we tried to play and it was better in the second half when we cut them open on a couple of occasions. But you have to take your chances at this level.''

[SweatySock]

Steven Davis grabbed a goal of his own and set up the other two as Rangers restored their 10-point lead at the summit of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League with victory over bottom side Falkirk.

• Smith: Davis is best in Scotland

The midfielder set the ball rolling at Ibrox with his second goal in four days, before teeing up strikes for both John Fleck and Steven Whittaker.

The pressure was on for the Scottish champions to secure maximum points following Celtic's victory at Hamilton earlier in the day, but they made no mistake and the result ensured Falkirk remain rooted to the foot of the SPL.

Rangers were without Kenny Miller after the striker limped out of the midweek clash at St Mirren with a hamstring strain.

Kirk Broadfoot was dropped to the bench, while Kevin Thomson and Fleck were both added to the starting line-up.

Falkirk drafted Brian McLean and Ryan Flynn into the side following their goalless draw with Motherwell on Wednesday night.

The opening spell failed to yield many real chances and it took a while for Rangers to put their visitors under any pressure.

Nacho Novo tried to unleash a shot from a tight angle which was blocked by Jackie McNamara. From the resultant corner, Danny Wilson forced goalkeeper Robert Olejnik into a decent save with a dangerous header.

The breakthrough came with 18 minutes gone when McLean fouled Kyle Lafferty just outside the box, earning himself a booking. Davis stepped up for the free-kick and deftly lofted the ball over the goalkeeper.

Falkirk tried to hit back when Vitor Lima raced through the middle before teeing up Scott Arfield, but his effort from the edge of the box was comfortably smothered by Allan McGregor.

The Bairns were threatening again when Marc Twaddle's header was blocked on the line, before Flynn's effort on the rebound was punched to safety by the Rangers goalkeeper.

Rangers started the second half strongly and should have been ahead within a minute of the restart. Davis flighted an inviting cross into the box for Lafferty in plenty of space but the big striker nodded over when it looked easier to find the back of the net.

There were more groans from the home crowd moments later when Novo spurned a great opportunity and blasted over with only the goalkeeper to beat.

But, with 57 minutes gone, Rangers were firmly in the driving seat. Lafferty played the ball out to Davis on the right flank and he whipped a lovely ball across the face of goal where Fleck was waiting to slot home at the back post.

Any hopes of a Falkirk comeback were dashed just five minutes later when Davis again turned provider for Whittaker to drill low into the net from just inside the box.

Lafferty had the chance to silence his doubters and put the gloss on the win but saw his effort drift wide of Olejnik's right-hand post.

Then it was Davis' turn to squander the chance to claim his second of the day, when he collected Steven Smith's cut-back from the by-line only to rifle well wide of target.

Smith then had a go himself, after exchanging a one-two with fellow substitute Steven Naismith, with a thunderous shot that was blocked by Olejnik and hit the crossbar on the way over.

# Smith: Davis is best in Scotland

Rangers manager Walter Smith hailed Steven Davis as the best player in Scotland after watching him mastermind a 3-0 win over Falkirk in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

He said: "Steven Davis has been playing exceptionally well recently and added a couple of goals for us which is great. If there is a better player going around in the country then we have yet to see him. He is doing exceptionally well for us at the present moment.

"He has played well for us since he came here, he is a very consistent performer and he has been a big part of our team since he came. He has shown in central midfield what he can do and he is a central midfield player more than anything else.

"But, because of our situation in having more central midfielders, he has been asked to go to the right-hand side and it's not affected him greatly. He still turns in decent performances and, recently, I think he has been a bit of an inspiration for the whole team.''

Pedro Mendes' move to Sporting Lisbon has been confirmed but Smith admitted his search for new personnel before the end of the transfer window has so far failed to yield any positive results. "We have lost both Pedro and Jerome Rothen and that would free up a little bit of money to get a player in on loan,'' he said.

"We are currently having a look around to see if we can find someone. We've had no success so far and, if we don't have any, we won't bring someone in just for the sake of it. We'll have to wait and see what transpires.''

The result leaves Falkirk rooted to the foot of the SPL and boss Eddie May admitted: "It's a difficult venue and we haven't got a result here [in the league] since 1924 so it's a big ask for any Falkirk team to come here when you look at the history books.

"It was a good free-kick from Steven Davis and he executed it well but we could definitely have done better at the other two goals. In terms of playing and moving the ball and trying to create things, it's the best we've done for a while. It's not nice coming away from here having been beat 3-0 but that's probably why they are so many points ahead. They are a good team.''

Keep this run going and we could have the league won shortly.

[SweatySock]

10 points clear and the other lot just blew their game in hand.

Apparently RK missed a couple of sitters.

Long may it continue, it's just a pity that Mendes has gone, I thought we could have done with some of his long range efforts to secure the title in the coming months.

[SweatySock]

Another Cup Final to look forward to.

Any idea of the date of the final against St. Mirren??????

The Treble could be on this year, it's probably the best chance we've had of picking up all 3 in a long time.

[SweatySock]

Sorry, meant to post this yesterday but the hangover from celebrating was soooo bad.

:D

Maurice Edu's last-gasp winner against Celtic at Ibrox took Rangers a giant step closer to the Scottish Premier League title, after Hoops skipper Scott Brown was shown a straight red card by referee Dougie McDonald in the 65th minute after wrestling with Kyle Lafferty.

• Drysdale: Celtic lacked conviction in Ibrox defeat

• Miller: Win a "huge step" towards title

• Mowbray: It's Rangers' title to lose now

But, in the dying seconds, Edu, on for Lee McCulloch, slammed the ball in from close range to take the Light Blues 10 points clear of Celtic with a game in hand.

Robbie Keane recovered from his knee injury to make his Old Firm debut while Rangers keeper Allan McGregor was fit enough to take his place between the sticks following an attack after a night out last weekend.

Further edge was added to proceedings following a leak from the Parkhead club during the week in which they aired grievances at some decisions they felt had gone against them this season - including in the two previous matches against Rangers.

Referee Dougie McDonald was under increased pressure and the game kicked off in a poisonous atmosphere after Celtic fans disrupted a minute's silence for former Rangers keeper Gerry Neef, who died earlier in the week.

Unsurprisingly, the game got off to a frantic start. McGregor was called upon to make a good save from Keane with around 30 seconds on the clock, after Hoops striker Marc-Antoine Fortune had escaped past Sasa Papac down the right.

Moments later at the other end, Kris Boyd took a Steven Davis pass, rounded Hoops goalkeeper Artur Boruc but ran the ball too wide and failed to hit the target. The tempo refused to subside as play swung mostly towards the Rangers goal. In the 17th minute, after Papac had fouled Diomansy Kamara 19 yards out with a wild swing, Keane chipped the free-kick over the bar - to the delight of the Rangers fans.

The home side suffered a blow when midfielder McCulloch caught his studs in the turf and limped off to be replaced by Edu. Moments later the American drove the ball into the net from the edge of the box with his first touch but referee McDonald ruled the goal out for an infringement inside the area.

Just before the half-hour mark, Boyd sent Kenny Miller racing clear on goal but Boruc blocked the former Celtic player's first shot then collected at the second attempt.

Celtic had to reshuffle moments later when Thomas Rogne pulled up and had to be replaced by Darren O'Dea. Then McGregor made a great save from Keane's volley after the ball broke to the Irishman on the edge of the box before Fortune drove wide after barging his way through the Ibrox defence.

Celtic had been the better side in the first half but Rangers displayed more purpose and power at the start of the second half. After Light Blues' right-back Steven Whittaker played the ball in to Boyd's feet inside a packed Hoops' penalty box, O'Dea had to make a saving tackle before the Rangers striker got his shot away.

Boruc then made a fine double save from Davis as the home side stepped up the pressure, although only a poor pass from Landry N'Guemo in a Celtic breakaway prevented Fortune going through on McGregor.

Celtic substitute Georgios Samaras then replaced Aiden McGeady on the hour mark but, in the 65th minute, Hoops skipper Brown was handed a straight red card by McDonald after an altercation with Lafferty on the halfway line.

Celtic changed again, with Ki Sung-Yueng replacing Fortune, while Nacho Novo came on for Lafferty. Rangers took advantage of the extra man to press for the winner but the Parkhead side still carried a threat on the break.

With eight minutes remaining, Edu flashed a Papac cross over the bar.

The tension and tetchiness increased in the closing stages but the moment of real drama came in injury time when Edu bundled the ball over from close range after a goalmouth scramble.

# Miller: Win a "huge step" towards title

Rangers striker Kenny Miller acknowledged today's defeat of Old Firm rivals Celtic represented "a huge step'' in their quest to defend their Scottish Premier League title.

The Light Blues lead their Old Firm rivals by 10 points, with a game in hand, after Maurice Edu's injury-time goal gave them a 1-0 victory.

"We've fought until the end and taken a huge step now to retaining the title," Miller said on Sky Sports. "With 10 men we thought we could get a winner but you've got to fight until the 93rd or 94th minute. It's a great time to score - it's always going to be hard to come back after that.''

As for the title race, Miller said: "It's in our hands and has been for long time. Today was an opportunity for them to beat us and pull the gap back to four points but we've increased the lead and we're delighted.''

And matchwinner Edu agreed that the victory represented a big step in the title race. He said: "We thought it would be hard and it was a big game for us but there are still lot of games to go. We're just taking one game at a time. It's been great to get some games under my belt and getting a goal will spur me on to find top form.''

# Mowbray: It's Rangers' title to lose now

Tony Mowbray admits the Scottish Premier League title can only be lost by Rangers following Celtic's 1-0 defeat at Ibrox.

"As I have been saying for a few weeks, we have to keep going and try and win every game,'' the Celtic boss said. "But it's fair to say it's there for Rangers to lose.

"However, strange things have happened in football and so we have to win all our games starting next weekend. But we are all sensible enough to know that we need Rangers to slip up along the way, so we will wait and see.

"I thought we would see the game out but it wasn't to be. We have been there before this season. A corner kick in the last minute of injury time, and the last opportunity and we lose a goal.

"Maybe that's the youthfulness of the defensive unit but a lot of credit to them, they stuck to their task in difficult circumstances after the sending off.''

Mowbray had not seen the Brown dismissal again on television before he came in for the post-match press conference but claimed plenty in the Celtic dressing room believed there are grounds for appeal.

"I haven't see the incident so it's difficult for me to comment,'' he said. "But there are people in the dressing room who have seen it plenty of times and they thought it was a very harsh decision.

"They are talking about definite grounds for appeal and if there are grounds of appeal then we will appeal it. I'm not there to change Scott Brown from the combative footballer he is, that's what makes him the player he is. He hasn't got a case to answer with me but we will wait and see. As I say I will judge when I see it.''

Mowbray tried hard to refrain from criticising referee McDonald, who had been under added pressure from the Parkhead camp who let it be known earlier in the week that they were aggrieved at decisions which they believed had gone against them this season - including in the two previous games against Rangers.

McDonald booked Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra and Hoops striker Marc-Antoine Fortune early in the game and then ruled out a goal by Edu for handball by his Ibrox team mate Kenny Miller.

However, asked if Bougherra was perhaps fortunate to escape further punishment after subsequently committing several more fouls, the Celtic boss said:

"I don't want to comment (on Bougherra), I will get into trouble but the referee gave himself a difficult job with early bookings.

"There was a sense early on that the game wasn't going to finish with 22 players on the field but maybe that was his tactic, to stamp his authority on the game but I think he gave himself a few problems. But there are probably one or two challenges worse than the one he got his booking for.

"There were silly things like a booking for Fortune for a handball in the first few minutes then he disallows a goal for a handball. Why isn't there a booking for both handballs? Is he trying to say that one was deliberate and one wasn't? If it isn't deliberate then it shouldn't be handball so there were a few inconsistencies.

"But I don't think that was the reason (for the defeat) unless I look at the sending off and it was the wrong decision.''

[spongeman]

With Scotland only having one Champions League representative after next year Celtic would need to be doing a whole lot better than this.

Otherwise Rangers have it in the bag.

[spongeman]

Very quiet on here.......Everybody must be out celebrating !!!!!!!!!

[Jockstar]

Edu sends Gers 13 points clear

April 3, 2010

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Maurice Edu grabbed the winner as Rangers beat Hamilton 1-0 to move 13 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League.

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Maurice Edu celebrates his winning goal

The United States international netted the only goal of the game early on as the Ibrox side secured their fourth win in five meetings with Billy Reid's men this season.

The victory was hardly a convincing one but allowed the Scottish champions to move another step closer to retaining their title ahead of Celtic's clash with Hibernian on Sunday.

At the other end of the table, 12th-placed Falkirk closed the gap on second-bottom Kilmarnock to one point thanks to a 1-0 victory at Motherwell.

Ryan Flynn finished off a slick move in the 27th minute and Falkirk comfortably held on for their first win in seven games.

Graham Carey and Marius Zaliukas scored in quick succession either side of half-time as St Mirren and Hearts drew 1-1 in Paisley.

[Jockstar]

Hibernian 0 - 1 Rangers

Updated: April 25, 2010, 8:37 AM UK

Kyle Lafferty was the unlikely hero as Rangers secured their 53rd Scottish title with victory over Hibernian on Sunday afternoon.

Celtic's win over Dundee United earlier in the day meant there would be no celebrations before kick-off at Easter Road with the defending champions under pressure to deliver the result that would seal the silverware.

And, despite what has been another lacklustre season from Lafferty, he grabbed his third goal in four games to ensure the trophy will remain at Ibrox.

The last time Rangers clinched the title at this venue was in May 2005 when Celtic's shock collapse against Motherwell saw their bitter rivals defy the odds to triumph on the final day.

This time around, there were three games to spare for Walter Smith's men.

There were a couple of surprises on the Rangers team-sheet. The visitors were without Madjid Bougherra for the clash, with Lee McCulloch moving back to central defence and Maurice Edu drafted into the side in midfield.

Top scorer Kris Boyd started on the bench, with Steven Naismith in the starting line-up and Kenny Miller and Lafferty the preferred front pairing.

Hibs made three changes from last week's defeat against Celtic. Graeme Smith replaced Graham Stack between the sticks and Chris Hogg and Patrick Cregg both returned from injury, with Sol Bamba suspended and Colin Nish on the bench.

Rangers tried to exert some early pressure in what was a scrappy opening spell when Steven Davis whipped a cross into the box from the right which was met by Edu in front of goal only for the American to nod wide.

At the other end, Hibs could have made more of a free-kick 30 yards out which John Rankin blazed well over, with Allan McGregor untroubled in the Rangers goal.

Miller then squandered the chance to open the scoring when he hooked over the crossbar from 10 yards but Rangers were celebrating with 17 minutes gone.

Miller lofted the ball into the path of Lafferty, who shrugged off Hogg, before nodding down and sending an angled drive into the back of the net.

The goal briefly sparked trouble in the crowd when Rangers fans dotted around the home sections of the stand celebrated the opener but the situation was quickly resolved by police and stewards.

Hibs tried to hit back quickly and McGregor was called into action to block a ferocious shot from distance from Derek Riordan.

Rangers could have added to their lead when Kevin Thomson picked out David Weir from a free-kick a couple of yards in front of the corner flag and he nodded on for Edu who directed his header onto the roof of the net.

The travelling fans were in fine voice by now but Hibs were keen to spoil the party and were not too far away when Paul Hanlon fizzed a header across goal from Rankin's corner.

Hogg appeared to have suffered a recurrence of his back problem and was replaced by Steven Thicot at the break as Hibs were forced to make their first change of the day.

The home side then squandered a great chance to haul themselves level when Rankin set up David Wotherspoon and the youngster unleashed a powerful effort that whistled just over as Rangers breathed a sigh of relief.

Hibs were determined to force themselves back into the match and Cregg was withdrawn for Nish, before home fans were unsuccessful in their demands for a penalty when Riordan went to ground under pressure from Steven Whittaker.

Rangers needed a second goal to help ease the tension but Smith did well to block a firm, low shot from Naismith.

With 15 minutes to go, Miller was withdrawn from the action and replaced by Nacho Novo, who netted the only goal of the game when Rangers last won the title at Easter Road five years ago.

Seconds later, McGregor was called into action to pull off an impressive save and push Riordan's volley past his left-hand post as the Ibrox side held onto their narrow lead.

Nish had the ball in the back of the net with six minutes to go but was penalised for a foul on McCulloch as Rangers held on for the win - and the title.

[MSingh]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/s...rem/8623845.stm

[Jockstar]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/s...rem/8623845.stm

Nice!