Rangers Monthly: Issue 2, Aug 2011

EXCLUSIVE – Lawrence Marlborough’s first interview in 30 years

The Official Monthly Maga zine AUGUST 2011

HEARTBEAT FANTASTIC

HOME KIT SUBSCRIPTION OFFER

August 2011 Issue 2 £3.75

Driving force Davis on his love of Gers and his dreams for the future

Doddie: The Trebles dynamo – New Fans Section – DORIN GOIAN

Ibrox Stadium, 150 Edmiston Drive, Glasgow, G51 2XD Tel: 0871 702 1972 Fax: 0141 580 8504

August 2011 Issue 2

Rangers Football Club chairman Craig Whyte CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Ali Russell DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL Gordon Smith non-executive directorS Phil Betts, John Greig MBE, Dave King, John McClelland CBE COMPANY SECRETARY Gary Withey manager Ally McCoist MBE assistant manager Kenny McDowall

first team coach Ian Durrant doctor Paul Jackson PHYSIOTHERAPISTS Pip Yeates, Steve Walker GOALKEEPING COACH Jim Stewart Head of SportS Science Adam Owen Masseur Davie Lavery KIT CONTROLLER Jimmy Bell VIDEO ANALYSIS Steve Harvey

Rangers worldwide ALLIANCE 0141 580 8670 EMAIL jhannah@rangers.co.uk

Rangers ASSEMBLY President Andy Kerr EMAIL assembly@thebluenose.co.uk ASSEMBLY WEB SITE www.thebluenose.co.uk

F

Media Team Editor in chief Lindsay Herron PUBLICATIONS EDITOR Andrew Dickson PROGRAMME EDITOR Neil Smith ONLINE EDITOR David Melvin Photography Kirk O’Rourke, Aileen Wilson MARKETING EXECUTIVE Natalie Houston ADVERTISING 0141 580 8665 SUBSCRIPTIONS 0871 702 1972 Option 7

Email editor@rangers.co.uk Tel 0141 580 8500

The views in this magazine are not necessarily the views of Rangers Football Club. All material is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with the written permission of Rangers Football Club. The appearance of an advert within this publication does not necessarily mean that the goods/ services advertised are associated with or endorsed by Rangers Football Club. All facts and information accurate at time of going to press.

Published by The Rangers Football Club plc DESIGN Gareth@GND E: info@weareGND.com

Printed by J. Thomson Colour Printers Tel: 0141 429 1094

OOTBALLERS can be a superstitious bunch and there are those who believe that their destiny is mapped out for them.

It is not entirely clear if Steven Davis is one of these players but it was surely fated that he would become a Rangers player – even if he rejected the chance to join as a young boy!

In the second issue of the new Rangers Monthly we have a revealing and extensive interview with the articulate, amiable Ulsterman who is the heartbeat of the Light Blues.

Andrew Dickson profiles the midfield driving force of Ally McCoist’s team who will surely take over as captain of the club having effectively pledged the rest of his career to Rangers.

It’s the cover feature in the August issue which is packed with exclusives and great features which take you to the heart of the Light Blues.

We’ve got the first interview in nearly 30 years with former Rangers

owner Lawrence Marlborough who ended a family dynasty by selling to David Murray in November 1988 but remains a committed supporter.

We also talk to the heartbeat of Rangers in the 1970s – Alex MacDonald – who makes the stunning revelation that he could have joined Celtic! Can you imagine Doddie in the Hoops? No, neither can we.

Sandy Jardine draws comparisons from Scotland’s victory over the Czechs in 1973 as the national team prepares for a do or die battle in their bid to reach Euro 2012.

We continue our fantastic new Prozone section where Adam Owen, Pip Yeates, Tommy Wilson and Murray Park chef Paul Lafferty give a fascinating insight to life as a player.

And this month we launch our new area dedicated to the supporters. The Enclosure is packed with great fans’ stories including Rangers nut Hernan Pacheco who follow follows from Argentina but has NEVER seen the team play live.

You can win a signed shirt from Juan Ortiz in our Goal of the Month competition and if you subscribe you could land a brand new home kit.

Enjoy your reading.

Lindsay Herron Editor in Chief, Rangers Media

HONOURS EUROPEAN CUP WINNERS’ CUP Winners 1972, Runners-up 1961, 1967 UEFA CUP Runners-up 2008 SCOTTISH LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

1891, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1918, 1920, 1921, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1937, 1939, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1961, 1963, 1964, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1987, 1989, 1990,

1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2011 SCOTTISH CUP WINNERS 1894, 1897, 1898, 1903, 1928, 1930, 1932, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1953, 1960,

1962, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1973, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2008, 2009 SCOTTISH LEAGUE CUP WINNERS 1946/47, 1948/49, 1960/61, 1961/62, 1963/64, 1964/65,

1970/71, 1975/76, 1977/78, 1978/79, 1981/82, 1983/84, 1984/85, 1986/87, 1987/88, 1988/89, 1990/91, 1992/93, 1993/94, 1996/97, 1998/99, 2001/02, 2002/03, 2004/05, 2007/08, 2009/10, 2010/11 3

Ibrox Stadium, 150 Edmiston Drive, Glasgow, G51 2XD Tel: 0871 702 1972 Fax: 0141 580 8504

August 2011 Issue 2

Rangers Football Club chairman Craig Whyte CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Ali Russell DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL Gordon Smith non-executive directorS Phil Betts, John Greig MBE, Dave King, John McClelland CBE COMPANY SECRETARY Gary Withey manager Ally McCoist MBE assistant manager Kenny McDowall

first team coach Ian Durrant doctor Paul Jackson PHYSIOTHERAPISTS Pip Yeates, Steve Walker GOALKEEPING COACH Jim Stewart Head of SportS Science Adam Owen Masseur Davie Lavery KIT CONTROLLER Jimmy Bell VIDEO ANALYSIS Steve Harvey

Rangers worldwide ALLIANCE 0141 580 8670 EMAIL jhannah@rangers.co.uk

Rangers ASSEMBLY President Andy Kerr EMAIL assembly@thebluenose.co.uk ASSEMBLY WEB SITE www.thebluenose.co.uk

F

Media Team Editor in chief Lindsay Herron PUBLICATIONS EDITOR Andrew Dickson PROGRAMME EDITOR Neil Smith ONLINE EDITOR David Melvin Photography Kirk O’Rourke, Aileen Wilson MARKETING EXECUTIVE Natalie Houston ADVERTISING 0141 580 8665 SUBSCRIPTIONS 0871 702 1972 Option 7

Email editor@rangers.co.uk Tel 0141 580 8500

The views in this magazine are not necessarily the views of Rangers Football Club. All material is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with the written permission of Rangers Football Club. The appearance of an advert within this publication does not necessarily mean that the goods/ services advertised are associated with or endorsed by Rangers Football Club. All facts and information accurate at time of going to press.

Published by The Rangers Football Club plc DESIGN Gareth@GND E: info@weareGND.com

Printed by J. Thomson Colour Printers Tel: 0141 429 1094

OOTBALLERS can be a superstitious bunch and there are those who believe that their destiny is mapped out for them.

It is not entirely clear if Steven Davis is one of these players but it was surely fated that he would become a Rangers player – even if he rejected the chance to join as a young boy!

In the second issue of the new Rangers Monthly we have a revealing and extensive interview with the articulate, amiable Ulsterman who is the heartbeat of the Light Blues.

Andrew Dickson profiles the midfield driving force of Ally McCoist’s team who will surely take over as captain of the club having effectively pledged the rest of his career to Rangers.

It’s the cover feature in the August issue which is packed with exclusives and great features which take you to the heart of the Light Blues.

We’ve got the first interview in nearly 30 years with former Rangers

owner Lawrence Marlborough who ended a family dynasty by selling to David Murray in November 1988 but remains a committed supporter.

We also talk to the heartbeat of Rangers in the 1970s – Alex MacDonald – who makes the stunning revelation that he could have joined Celtic! Can you imagine Doddie in the Hoops? No, neither can we.

Sandy Jardine draws comparisons from Scotland’s victory over the Czechs in 1973 as the national team prepares for a do or die battle in their bid to reach Euro 2012.

We continue our fantastic new Prozone section where Adam Owen, Pip Yeates, Tommy Wilson and Murray Park chef Paul Lafferty give a fascinating insight to life as a player.

And this month we launch our new area dedicated to the supporters. The Enclosure is packed with great fans’ stories including Rangers nut Hernan Pacheco who follow follows from Argentina but has NEVER seen the team play live.

You can win a signed shirt from Juan Ortiz in our Goal of the Month competition and if you subscribe you could land a brand new home kit.

Enjoy your reading.

Lindsay Herron Editor in Chief, Rangers Media

HONOURS EUROPEAN CUP WINNERS’ CUP Winners 1972, Runners-up 1961, 1967 UEFA CUP Runners-up 2008 SCOTTISH LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

1891, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1918, 1920, 1921, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1937, 1939, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1961, 1963, 1964, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1987, 1989, 1990,

1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2011 SCOTTISH CUP WINNERS 1894, 1897, 1898, 1903, 1928, 1930, 1932, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1953, 1960,

1962, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1973, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2008, 2009 SCOTTISH LEAGUE CUP WINNERS 1946/47, 1948/49, 1960/61, 1961/62, 1963/64, 1964/65,

1970/71, 1975/76, 1977/78, 1978/79, 1981/82, 1983/84, 1984/85, 1986/87, 1987/88, 1988/89, 1990/91, 1992/93, 1993/94, 1996/97, 1998/99, 2001/02, 2002/03, 2004/05, 2007/08, 2009/10, 2010/11 3

contents FEATURES 10 Steven Davis Rangers’ midfielder lynchpin on his reasons for signing a new five-year contract, being vice-captain to David Weir and why he doesn’t regret snubbing the club as a kid

20 Ally McCoist The manager looks ahead to the rest of August, when his team faces crucial SPL games with Inverness, Motherwell and Aberdeen and continues its European adventure

24 New signings Dorin Goian opens his heart on missing out on a UEFA Cup final spot five years ago and how he wants to make up for that at Gers, while Lee Wallace gets used to life in Glasgow

p24

34 Lawrence Marlborough The club’s former owner gives his first interview in nearly 30 years and reflects on his time at Ibrox, selling up to David Murray and why he thinks Craig Whyte will succeed in Govan

Regulars

38 Alex MacDonald

08 Newsdesk 30 RangersTV.tv 51 Blue Belles 61 Rangers Lotto 62 Pro Zone 70 Charity 84 FITC

Barcelona Bear Doddie sensationally explains how he could have ended up being a Celtic player long before he helped the Light Blues win the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1972

42 Gers in Germany We look back at the first team’s pre-season trip to Lower Saxony with youth star Kane Hemmings’ exclusive diary and meet the German politician who’s a Light Blues diehard

52 Youth season preview

Also

Billy Kirkwood previews the new under-19 season and we get the lowdown on the highlyrated Norwegian twins who are eyeing spots in the SPL champions’ first team

72 Sandy Jardine

p38

Hall of Fame member Jardine recalls Scotland’s win over the Czechs that took them to the 1974 World Cup ahead of the rematch between the teams in the Euro 2012 preliminaries

78 The Enclosure

Our new section dedicated to Rangers fans around the world kicks off with the tale of a Light Blues devotee from Argentina and all you need to know about the Lewis and Harris RSC

86 Lesley McMaster

As the club’s ladies players get back to action after a mid-season break, their captain calls for them to pull together to ensure their campaign finishes with a bang rather than a whimper

4

p10

18 Euro Preview 22 The Front Post 32 Goal of the Month 88 Match Action 92 Tickets 94 The Back Post

Rangers Follow With Pride campaign promotes sporting behaviour and friendship throughout football. It is important every fan believes they are an ambassador for the Club and protects and enhances Rangers reputation.

We’re all proud of Rangers and we Follow With Pride.

“Regulations introduced by the SFA and SPL for all domestic matches mean that ‘unacceptable conduct’ by supporters, including racism and sectarianism, will lead to clubs being penalised. Sanctions, including fines and points deductions, are now in place at all matches. If you witness any form of unacceptable behaviour, please advise a steward or police officer or call 0871 702 1972. Alternatively, text ‘RFC’ and then the match and date, details of the unacceptable behaviour you experienced, and location including stand, area, row and seat number where possible to 66099. The Club will not tolerate any form of unacceptable behaviour and will continue to take action including bans where necessary.”

5

contents FEATURES 10 Steven Davis Rangers’ midfielder lynchpin on his reasons for signing a new five-year contract, being vice-captain to David Weir and why he doesn’t regret snubbing the club as a kid

20 Ally McCoist The manager looks ahead to the rest of August, when his team faces crucial SPL games with Inverness, Motherwell and Aberdeen and continues its European adventure

24 New signings Dorin Goian opens his heart on missing out on a UEFA Cup final spot five years ago and how he wants to make up for that at Gers, while Lee Wallace gets used to life in Glasgow

p24

34 Lawrence Marlborough The club’s former owner gives his first interview in nearly 30 years and reflects on his time at Ibrox, selling up to David Murray and why he thinks Craig Whyte will succeed in Govan

Regulars

38 Alex MacDonald

08 Newsdesk 30 RangersTV.tv 51 Blue Belles 61 Rangers Lotto 62 Pro Zone 70 Charity 84 FITC

Barcelona Bear Doddie sensationally explains how he could have ended up being a Celtic player long before he helped the Light Blues win the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1972

42 Gers in Germany We look back at the first team’s pre-season trip to Lower Saxony with youth star Kane Hemmings’ exclusive diary and meet the German politician who’s a Light Blues diehard

52 Youth season preview

Also

Billy Kirkwood previews the new under-19 season and we get the lowdown on the highlyrated Norwegian twins who are eyeing spots in the SPL champions’ first team

72 Sandy Jardine

p38

Hall of Fame member Jardine recalls Scotland’s win over the Czechs that took them to the 1974 World Cup ahead of the rematch between the teams in the Euro 2012 preliminaries

78 The Enclosure

Our new section dedicated to Rangers fans around the world kicks off with the tale of a Light Blues devotee from Argentina and all you need to know about the Lewis and Harris RSC

86 Lesley McMaster

As the club’s ladies players get back to action after a mid-season break, their captain calls for them to pull together to ensure their campaign finishes with a bang rather than a whimper

4

p10

18 Euro Preview 22 The Front Post 32 Goal of the Month 88 Match Action 92 Tickets 94 The Back Post

Rangers Follow With Pride campaign promotes sporting behaviour and friendship throughout football. It is important every fan believes they are an ambassador for the Club and protects and enhances Rangers reputation.

We’re all proud of Rangers and we Follow With Pride.

“Regulations introduced by the SFA and SPL for all domestic matches mean that ‘unacceptable conduct’ by supporters, including racism and sectarianism, will lead to clubs being penalised. Sanctions, including fines and points deductions, are now in place at all matches. If you witness any form of unacceptable behaviour, please advise a steward or police officer or call 0871 702 1972. Alternatively, text ‘RFC’ and then the match and date, details of the unacceptable behaviour you experienced, and location including stand, area, row and seat number where possible to 66099. The Club will not tolerate any form of unacceptable behaviour and will continue to take action including bans where necessary.”

5

FREEZEFRAME

STRIP SHOW THE new season is now well underway after Rangers kicked off the defence of their SPL crown with a 1-1 draw in their match with Hearts at Ibrox on July 23. This image shows kit man Jimmy Bell laying out the team’s strips and kit in the home dressing room the night before the game and here you can see him hanging up Nikica Jelavic’s number nine shirt.

Photography: Kirk O’Rourke

6

7

FREEZEFRAME

STRIP SHOW THE new season is now well underway after Rangers kicked off the defence of their SPL crown with a 1-1 draw in their match with Hearts at Ibrox on July 23. This image shows kit man Jimmy Bell laying out the team’s strips and kit in the home dressing room the night before the game and here you can see him hanging up Nikica Jelavic’s number nine shirt.

Photography: Kirk O’Rourke

6

7

newsdesk RUSSELL EXPECTS FACEBOOK PAGE TO BE HUGE HIT OVER TIME

“THE CREATIVE USE OF DIGITAL MEDIA WILL INCREASE AND EXPAND OUR EXPOSURE IN THE UK AND WORLDWIDE.” 8

Follow Follow Gers on Facebook

New club page proving to be a massive hit with online fans as club reveals social networking strategy RANGERS fans are following the club’s new Facebook page in their thousands after it was launched by youngsters Jamie Ness and Andrew Little last month.

Live to the public since July 11, well over 30,000 supporters have now ‘liked’ it with hundreds more doing the same every day.

The club’s presence on Facebook is part of a wider strategy that enhances the Ibrox outfit’s existing media portfolio, which includes RangersTV.tv and rangers.co.uk.

With digital media leading the way in instant news, the Light Blues legions can now keep on top of what is happening at the SPL champions through social networking.

As well as the Facebook page – found at facebook.com/rangersfc.official - the Rangers Business Club LinkedIn group has been launched.

Its first communications breakfast took place at the stadium on August 2, with a focus on social media for sustained business growth through guest speaker Dr Jim Hamill.

In the long run, the group will benefit hospitality clients and businesses worldwide as it grows over time.

An official club Twitter feed will also be launched in the coming months as the club’s media platforms expand and develop.

Chief operating officer Ali Russell said: “The club has a well-established and

1st

Dr Jim Hamill speaks at the Rangers Business Club communications breakfast

successful media portfolio and the launch of the Official Rangers Facebook page further enhances that.

“Social media is leading the way in instant news and our supporters can now keep up to date with all the latest club news on Facebook wherever they are in the world.

“These are exciting times ahead for Rangers, on and off the field, and the creative use of digital media will undoubtedly increase and expand our exposure in the UK and worldwide.

“Our supporters have a real passion for the club and I am delighted they will be able to stay in touch with us 24 hours a day through our media channels.”

Young guns ready to go RANGERS’ reserve and youth players enjoyed mixed fortunes in their July friendlies as they prepared for the season ahead.

Amongst the second string’s highlights was a 1-0 win at Stirling Albion in Peter McKenzie’s testimonial on July 12.

Rhys McCabe scored the only goal from 30 yards as several of the players now too old for the under-19s got a good run out against experienced opponents.

Kane Hemmings made the difference a day after scoring his first senior goal in the 4-1 win at Linfield as he bagged a double during Shotts Bon Accord star John Boyack’s testimonial.

And the Murray Park kids were 3-2 victors, although it was actually John Fleck who grabbed the winner five minutes from

the end.

And there was to be another victory in the Garry Lynch Memorial Trophy game with Cambuslang Rangers as the Ibrox team won 4-1.

Kal Naismith notched a brace, with a Barry McKay strike and an own goal rounding off a successful afternoon.

The reserves also met Bulgaria’s under19s at Murray Park, drawing 1-1 as Callum Gallagher found the net.

He was on the scoresheet too when Billy Kirkwood’s under-19s lost 4-2 to Falkirk at Auchenhowie.

The team, largely containing trialists, trailed 4-0 at the break but Gallagher and one of the prospective players pulled back goals in the second half.

Two Rangers XIs went down 1-0 to

Wigan and 2-0 to Penicuik Athletic but the 19s recorded a 6-2 win against juniors Cumbernauld Athletic.

Jack Werndly struck twice, with Gallagher doing the same and Kim Skogsrud and Anthony Marenghi completing the scoring.

Although Gers compete mainly at under-19 and under-17 level, an under-18 team beat Queen’s Park 3-2, with Callum Wylie and Darren Ramsay on the mark.

It also beat Chavdar Football Academy from Bulgaria 4-0 thanks to Jamie Burrows, Fraser Aird and Glody Ntumba (2).

And the 19s fought back well against Sunderland, coming from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 through Adam Hunter and Marenghi.

Read an under-19 season preview with Kirkwood and twins Kim and Tom Skogsrud on pages 52-59.

3rd

2nd

3rd

3rd

Happy snappers!

Alexandro and Ian are our big winners as they claim £250 worth of Thomas Cook vouchers

L

AST month we asked you to send us your holiday snaps for a fantastic Thomas Cook competition – and now we can reveal our winners!

All you had to do was provide a picture of yourself in your Rangers shirt during a trip away to be in with a chance of winning a share of £500 of vouchers from Thomas Cook Sport.

We were inundated with entries from supporters who have been all over the globe sporting their Light Blues kits.

And after much careful consideration, we have narrowed them down to a shortlist of five who will now all receive well-earned prizes.

We loved Graham Lorimer’s photo of him

on the Kraken rollercoaster at Sea World in Orlando and John Conn’s snap from the Kennedy Space Center.

They both win £50 coupons, as does Scott Meek for his picture of him and his brother outside the Magic Kingdom in Florida from 2007.

The £100 prize goes to Neil Magill, who was captured on camera riding a camel in the Egyptian desert by his girlfriend Heather Rodger during a break in Sharm El Sheikh.

Our big winners, meanwhile, are young season ticket holders Alexandro and Ian Magill, who took part through their dad Alistair.

They wore their home and away full strips this summer when they went to Playa del

Carmen in Mexico.

The pair even managed to pose with two mariachi singers – and armed with a copy of their new favourite magazine too there was no way we could turn them down!

They will now receive a Thomas Cook voucher worth £250 which can be used towards any Thomas Cook product.

Don’t worry if you missed out because we’ll have plenty more competitions and promotions for you to take part in in Rangers Monthly during the course of the season.

You even have a chance of winning a home shirt signed by Juan Manuel Ortiz in this very issue – simply turn to pages 32-33 to find out more!

9

newsdesk RUSSELL EXPECTS FACEBOOK PAGE TO BE HUGE HIT OVER TIME

“THE CREATIVE USE OF DIGITAL MEDIA WILL INCREASE AND EXPAND OUR EXPOSURE IN THE UK AND WORLDWIDE.” 8

Follow Follow Gers on Facebook

New club page proving to be a massive hit with online fans as club reveals social networking strategy RANGERS fans are following the club’s new Facebook page in their thousands after it was launched by youngsters Jamie Ness and Andrew Little last month.

Live to the public since July 11, well over 30,000 supporters have now ‘liked’ it with hundreds more doing the same every day.

The club’s presence on Facebook is part of a wider strategy that enhances the Ibrox outfit’s existing media portfolio, which includes RangersTV.tv and rangers.co.uk.

With digital media leading the way in instant news, the Light Blues legions can now keep on top of what is happening at the SPL champions through social networking.

As well as the Facebook page – found at facebook.com/rangersfc.official - the Rangers Business Club LinkedIn group has been launched.

Its first communications breakfast took place at the stadium on August 2, with a focus on social media for sustained business growth through guest speaker Dr Jim Hamill.

In the long run, the group will benefit hospitality clients and businesses worldwide as it grows over time.

An official club Twitter feed will also be launched in the coming months as the club’s media platforms expand and develop.

Chief operating officer Ali Russell said: “The club has a well-established and

1st

Dr Jim Hamill speaks at the Rangers Business Club communications breakfast

successful media portfolio and the launch of the Official Rangers Facebook page further enhances that.

“Social media is leading the way in instant news and our supporters can now keep up to date with all the latest club news on Facebook wherever they are in the world.

“These are exciting times ahead for Rangers, on and off the field, and the creative use of digital media will undoubtedly increase and expand our exposure in the UK and worldwide.

“Our supporters have a real passion for the club and I am delighted they will be able to stay in touch with us 24 hours a day through our media channels.”

Young guns ready to go RANGERS’ reserve and youth players enjoyed mixed fortunes in their July friendlies as they prepared for the season ahead.

Amongst the second string’s highlights was a 1-0 win at Stirling Albion in Peter McKenzie’s testimonial on July 12.

Rhys McCabe scored the only goal from 30 yards as several of the players now too old for the under-19s got a good run out against experienced opponents.

Kane Hemmings made the difference a day after scoring his first senior goal in the 4-1 win at Linfield as he bagged a double during Shotts Bon Accord star John Boyack’s testimonial.

And the Murray Park kids were 3-2 victors, although it was actually John Fleck who grabbed the winner five minutes from

the end.

And there was to be another victory in the Garry Lynch Memorial Trophy game with Cambuslang Rangers as the Ibrox team won 4-1.

Kal Naismith notched a brace, with a Barry McKay strike and an own goal rounding off a successful afternoon.

The reserves also met Bulgaria’s under19s at Murray Park, drawing 1-1 as Callum Gallagher found the net.

He was on the scoresheet too when Billy Kirkwood’s under-19s lost 4-2 to Falkirk at Auchenhowie.

The team, largely containing trialists, trailed 4-0 at the break but Gallagher and one of the prospective players pulled back goals in the second half.

Two Rangers XIs went down 1-0 to

Wigan and 2-0 to Penicuik Athletic but the 19s recorded a 6-2 win against juniors Cumbernauld Athletic.

Jack Werndly struck twice, with Gallagher doing the same and Kim Skogsrud and Anthony Marenghi completing the scoring.

Although Gers compete mainly at under-19 and under-17 level, an under-18 team beat Queen’s Park 3-2, with Callum Wylie and Darren Ramsay on the mark.

It also beat Chavdar Football Academy from Bulgaria 4-0 thanks to Jamie Burrows, Fraser Aird and Glody Ntumba (2).

And the 19s fought back well against Sunderland, coming from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 through Adam Hunter and Marenghi.

Read an under-19 season preview with Kirkwood and twins Kim and Tom Skogsrud on pages 52-59.

3rd

2nd

3rd

3rd

Happy snappers!

Alexandro and Ian are our big winners as they claim £250 worth of Thomas Cook vouchers

L

AST month we asked you to send us your holiday snaps for a fantastic Thomas Cook competition – and now we can reveal our winners!

All you had to do was provide a picture of yourself in your Rangers shirt during a trip away to be in with a chance of winning a share of £500 of vouchers from Thomas Cook Sport.

We were inundated with entries from supporters who have been all over the globe sporting their Light Blues kits.

And after much careful consideration, we have narrowed them down to a shortlist of five who will now all receive well-earned prizes.

We loved Graham Lorimer’s photo of him

on the Kraken rollercoaster at Sea World in Orlando and John Conn’s snap from the Kennedy Space Center.

They both win £50 coupons, as does Scott Meek for his picture of him and his brother outside the Magic Kingdom in Florida from 2007.

The £100 prize goes to Neil Magill, who was captured on camera riding a camel in the Egyptian desert by his girlfriend Heather Rodger during a break in Sharm El Sheikh.

Our big winners, meanwhile, are young season ticket holders Alexandro and Ian Magill, who took part through their dad Alistair.

They wore their home and away full strips this summer when they went to Playa del

Carmen in Mexico.

The pair even managed to pose with two mariachi singers – and armed with a copy of their new favourite magazine too there was no way we could turn them down!

They will now receive a Thomas Cook voucher worth £250 which can be used towards any Thomas Cook product.

Don’t worry if you missed out because we’ll have plenty more competitions and promotions for you to take part in in Rangers Monthly during the course of the season.

You even have a chance of winning a home shirt signed by Juan Manuel Ortiz in this very issue – simply turn to pages 32-33 to find out more!

9

Better late than never

Exclusive Andrew Dickson Photography Kirk O’Rourke

Some 13 years after deciding his future lay away from Ibrox, Steven Davis is ready to give his best years to Rangers and sees no reason why he should ever leave

B

ACK in the summer of 1998, the most expensive transitional period of Rangers’ history was well underway as the Dick Advocaat era kicked off with unforgettable bluster.

Newly appointed as Nine in a Row legend Walter Smith’s replacement, the Dutchman was given free rein in the transfer market to bring in the men he felt he needed to win silverware.

No expense was spared as Arthur Numan, Gabriel Amato, Colin Hendry, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Andrei Kanchelskis were bought for more than £23million between them.

Another £10million would be shelled out on top of that over the few months that followed and the big spending paid

10

off as a treble was duly won by the following May. Given how freely he landed the men he wanted at first-team level, Advocaat didn’t always give youth a chance in the senior side.

And while it was he who masterminded the development of Murray Park as an academy training centre, he ultimately didn’t stay long enough to reap the benefits of what it produced.

Advocaat’s initial reliance on expensive imports over home-grown talent actually worked against him to an extent when it came to trying to lure notable prospects to Ibrox.

An example from that summer is the failure to secure the signing of a 13-year-

old midfielder from Northern Ireland called Steven Davis.

Given the choice of moving to Aston Villa or committing to Gers, the team he grew up supporting in Ballymena, it was a surprise when the youngster opted for the former.

His reason was simple: he felt he wouldn’t get the same chances to shine in Glasgow that he would south of the border because of how many big names would be standing in his way.

Fast forward a decade and having allowed him to slip through the net, Rangers brought Davis back to Scotland on a permanent deal following a successful loan spell from Fulham.

Three years on from that, he has just

Third aye: Sporting the club’s new change strip, Davis has said yes to Rangers once again after a loan spell then a transfer to Ibrox in 2008

11

Better late than never

Exclusive Andrew Dickson Photography Kirk O’Rourke

Some 13 years after deciding his future lay away from Ibrox, Steven Davis is ready to give his best years to Rangers and sees no reason why he should ever leave

B

ACK in the summer of 1998, the most expensive transitional period of Rangers’ history was well underway as the Dick Advocaat era kicked off with unforgettable bluster.

Newly appointed as Nine in a Row legend Walter Smith’s replacement, the Dutchman was given free rein in the transfer market to bring in the men he felt he needed to win silverware.

No expense was spared as Arthur Numan, Gabriel Amato, Colin Hendry, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Andrei Kanchelskis were bought for more than £23million between them.

Another £10million would be shelled out on top of that over the few months that followed and the big spending paid

10

off as a treble was duly won by the following May. Given how freely he landed the men he wanted at first-team level, Advocaat didn’t always give youth a chance in the senior side.

And while it was he who masterminded the development of Murray Park as an academy training centre, he ultimately didn’t stay long enough to reap the benefits of what it produced.

Advocaat’s initial reliance on expensive imports over home-grown talent actually worked against him to an extent when it came to trying to lure notable prospects to Ibrox.

An example from that summer is the failure to secure the signing of a 13-year-

old midfielder from Northern Ireland called Steven Davis.

Given the choice of moving to Aston Villa or committing to Gers, the team he grew up supporting in Ballymena, it was a surprise when the youngster opted for the former.

His reason was simple: he felt he wouldn’t get the same chances to shine in Glasgow that he would south of the border because of how many big names would be standing in his way.

Fast forward a decade and having allowed him to slip through the net, Rangers brought Davis back to Scotland on a permanent deal following a successful loan spell from Fulham.

Three years on from that, he has just

Third aye: Sporting the club’s new change strip, Davis has said yes to Rangers once again after a loan spell then a transfer to Ibrox in 2008

11

put pen to paper on a new contract which will keep him at the club well beyond his 31st birthday at the start of 2016.

Having chosen not to pursue a career with the Light Blues as a child, Davis now stands out as one of the most important and gifted players at the club.

The contrast between the two situations is great but the 26-year-old has no regrets about taking the path he has from one to the other.

Good things come to those who wait, it seems, and Davis is now ready to give

“I’ve not thought too much about what might have happened had I signed on here instead when I was young because you can never predict what happens in football.

“It could have been my career didn’t take off at Ibrox because of the number of foreigners who were here and I might never have got to play for Rangers.

“I was lucky enough that David O’Leary saw something in me he liked at Villa and he gave me my chance there so I’m happy with the path I’ve taken. I’ve no regrets at all.

“Whether I spend the rest of my days here or not remains to be seen.

You never know what could happen but I don’t see any reason why there would be a need to move on.” his best years to Gers – with the intention of seeing out his days with the SPL champions if he can.

“It’s funny how things turn out,” he said. “I don’t think I could have envisaged when I chose to go to England that I’d come back here and have the role in the team I’ve got today.

“I was actually offered a contract by Rangers when I was here on trial as a youngster but Villa were keen on me too and I felt at that point they were a better option for me.

“At that time, Rangers were signing a lot of foreigners and I thought Villa might give me more opportunities to progress through the ranks than I’d get at Ibrox.

“They had a lot of English-based players and were renowned for bringing youngsters through into their team but it was still a big decision for me to make.

“Deep down, I wanted to sign for Rangers and I spoke to my parents about it. They said to see how things went for six months and if I still felt that way I should do it.

“I ended up at Villa and in hindsight, the move turned out really well for me as they’ve got a great academy and they brought a lot of players through at the same time as me.

“I managed to break into the first team and stayed there at a relatively young age and I feel I did a good job for them.

“I’ve been lucky to get a chance to get back to the club I grew up supporting and it has been fantastic to have such good success since I first arrived here on loan.

his desire to stay put says much about how happy he is in Glasgow.

It was Davis’ club and international team-mate Kyle Lafferty who said during pre-season he couldn’t believe England’s leading lights had not moved to recruit his colleague.

The man himself admits he considered the fact he’d probably be sacrificing his chance to play amongst the elite there again if he agreed to a long-term extension with Gers.

But his family’s happiness is as important to him as anything and Davis feels as settled now as he has ever done in his career.

“I think I’ll need to employ Laff as my new agent,” he smiled.

“It was

“Now I’ve signed a new deal and I was really happy to commit. It should mean I’m here for the best spell of my career in terms of playing at my peak.

“This might be my last big contract, although I’d like to think I’ll still have a few years left in me once I turn 31 and the agreement expires.

“Whether I spend the rest of my days here or not remains to be seen. You never know what could happen but I don’t see any reason why there would be a need to move on.”

Davis, an integral part of the team which has secured the last three titles in a row, was clear from the outset that he wanted to stay at Rangers for the long run rather than go elsewhere.

When he could have easily made more money at a Premiership club and made an impact in one of the world’s best leagues, 13

put pen to paper on a new contract which will keep him at the club well beyond his 31st birthday at the start of 2016.

Having chosen not to pursue a career with the Light Blues as a child, Davis now stands out as one of the most important and gifted players at the club.

The contrast between the two situations is great but the 26-year-old has no regrets about taking the path he has from one to the other.

Good things come to those who wait, it seems, and Davis is now ready to give

“I’ve not thought too much about what might have happened had I signed on here instead when I was young because you can never predict what happens in football.

“It could have been my career didn’t take off at Ibrox because of the number of foreigners who were here and I might never have got to play for Rangers.

“I was lucky enough that David O’Leary saw something in me he liked at Villa and he gave me my chance there so I’m happy with the path I’ve taken. I’ve no regrets at all.

“Whether I spend the rest of my days here or not remains to be seen.

You never know what could happen but I don’t see any reason why there would be a need to move on.” his best years to Gers – with the intention of seeing out his days with the SPL champions if he can.

“It’s funny how things turn out,” he said. “I don’t think I could have envisaged when I chose to go to England that I’d come back here and have the role in the team I’ve got today.

“I was actually offered a contract by Rangers when I was here on trial as a youngster but Villa were keen on me too and I felt at that point they were a better option for me.

“At that time, Rangers were signing a lot of foreigners and I thought Villa might give me more opportunities to progress through the ranks than I’d get at Ibrox.

“They had a lot of English-based players and were renowned for bringing youngsters through into their team but it was still a big decision for me to make.

“Deep down, I wanted to sign for Rangers and I spoke to my parents about it. They said to see how things went for six months and if I still felt that way I should do it.

“I ended up at Villa and in hindsight, the move turned out really well for me as they’ve got a great academy and they brought a lot of players through at the same time as me.

“I managed to break into the first team and stayed there at a relatively young age and I feel I did a good job for them.

“I’ve been lucky to get a chance to get back to the club I grew up supporting and it has been fantastic to have such good success since I first arrived here on loan.

his desire to stay put says much about how happy he is in Glasgow.

It was Davis’ club and international team-mate Kyle Lafferty who said during pre-season he couldn’t believe England’s leading lights had not moved to recruit his colleague.

The man himself admits he considered the fact he’d probably be sacrificing his chance to play amongst the elite there again if he agreed to a long-term extension with Gers.

But his family’s happiness is as important to him as anything and Davis feels as settled now as he has ever done in his career.

“I think I’ll need to employ Laff as my new agent,” he smiled.

“It was

“Now I’ve signed a new deal and I was really happy to commit. It should mean I’m here for the best spell of my career in terms of playing at my peak.

“This might be my last big contract, although I’d like to think I’ll still have a few years left in me once I turn 31 and the agreement expires.

“Whether I spend the rest of my days here or not remains to be seen. You never know what could happen but I don’t see any reason why there would be a need to move on.”

Davis, an integral part of the team which has secured the last three titles in a row, was clear from the outset that he wanted to stay at Rangers for the long run rather than go elsewhere.

When he could have easily made more money at a Premiership club and made an impact in one of the world’s best leagues, 13

nice to hear him say what he said.

“I’ve always thought I’d fancy another bash at playing in England but with signing on until 2016, I know I’m devoting my better years to Rangers.

“For the foreseeable future and possibly beyond that, I see myself here and I knew that would be the case when we were doing the deal.

“I knew I was ruling out going elsewhere any time soon. It might have been different if it was a two or threeyear contract but that’s not the case.

“That came into my head but when you are enjoying yourself, I don’t see why there’s a need to move and the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

“If you ask any of the boys who have been involved in what we’ve done over the last three years, they will tell you they’ve enjoyed being here.

“It’s good to come in to work here every day and what we’ve achieved has done a lot to build unity within the group.

“It’s a small one but that has brought us closer together. We are all in the same situation and I don’t think you can underestimate how important the fact we have gelled as a squad is.

“At clubs I’ve been at in the past, there have been little cliques and you’ve seen

“The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.” certain players picking and choosing who they hang about with.

“At Rangers, we genuinely do get on well with each other. A lot of us have lived close to each other and we socialise in big numbers with our partners too so I’m really happy here.

“After having some good times at Villa, I was frozen out there under Martin O’Neill then things never worked out for me at Fulham so I wanted to get back to enjoying football.

“My loan move to Rangers really gave me my appetite back for the game and I began to love it again. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here from day one.

“After signing permanently, we went on to enjoy a good level of success in the domestic competitions so it has been a really good move for me on a personal level.

“I’d like to think I’ve contributed to the way things have worked out for us so, all in all, things have worked out well.”

Davis has signed his contract at a 14

time when he is looking to carry on the excellent form he showed at the end of last season.

If there is one performance which sums up how valuable he has been to the club since he signed, his virtuoso show

against Celtic during the League Cup final win in March is it.

The scorer of the opening goal that day in a 2-1 extra time victory at Hampden Park, Davis was outstanding as he dominated the midfield and dictated play.

That afternoon was the catalyst for a strong finish to the championship from him after a campaign he feels had been disappointing on a personal level to that point.

Davis would much rather play as he did latterly for the sake of driving Rangers to more glory and has been a standout in their first few games of the new term.

He said: “Last season was a bit frustrating for me to begin with and in the first six months I maybe didn’t perform the way I wanted to.

“Towards the end of the campaign, I felt I was doing much better and I felt stronger in that final phase of matches as we won the SPL and the League Cup. “It’s hard sometimes and I know I can be my own harshest critic. I can maybe even be too hard on myself which doesn’t do me any favours.

“I’m of the view though that as long as you keep putting in the work and giving 100 per cent, you’ll always come back around to the form you are capable of.

15

nice to hear him say what he said.

“I’ve always thought I’d fancy another bash at playing in England but with signing on until 2016, I know I’m devoting my better years to Rangers.

“For the foreseeable future and possibly beyond that, I see myself here and I knew that would be the case when we were doing the deal.

“I knew I was ruling out going elsewhere any time soon. It might have been different if it was a two or threeyear contract but that’s not the case.

“That came into my head but when you are enjoying yourself, I don’t see why there’s a need to move and the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

“If you ask any of the boys who have been involved in what we’ve done over the last three years, they will tell you they’ve enjoyed being here.

“It’s good to come in to work here every day and what we’ve achieved has done a lot to build unity within the group.

“It’s a small one but that has brought us closer together. We are all in the same situation and I don’t think you can underestimate how important the fact we have gelled as a squad is.

“At clubs I’ve been at in the past, there have been little cliques and you’ve seen

“The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.” certain players picking and choosing who they hang about with.

“At Rangers, we genuinely do get on well with each other. A lot of us have lived close to each other and we socialise in big numbers with our partners too so I’m really happy here.

“After having some good times at Villa, I was frozen out there under Martin O’Neill then things never worked out for me at Fulham so I wanted to get back to enjoying football.

“My loan move to Rangers really gave me my appetite back for the game and I began to love it again. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here from day one.

“After signing permanently, we went on to enjoy a good level of success in the domestic competitions so it has been a really good move for me on a personal level.

“I’d like to think I’ve contributed to the way things have worked out for us so, all in all, things have worked out well.”

Davis has signed his contract at a 14

time when he is looking to carry on the excellent form he showed at the end of last season.

If there is one performance which sums up how valuable he has been to the club since he signed, his virtuoso show

against Celtic during the League Cup final win in March is it.

The scorer of the opening goal that day in a 2-1 extra time victory at Hampden Park, Davis was outstanding as he dominated the midfield and dictated play.

That afternoon was the catalyst for a strong finish to the championship from him after a campaign he feels had been disappointing on a personal level to that point.

Davis would much rather play as he did latterly for the sake of driving Rangers to more glory and has been a standout in their first few games of the new term.

He said: “Last season was a bit frustrating for me to begin with and in the first six months I maybe didn’t perform the way I wanted to.

“Towards the end of the campaign, I felt I was doing much better and I felt stronger in that final phase of matches as we won the SPL and the League Cup. “It’s hard sometimes and I know I can be my own harshest critic. I can maybe even be too hard on myself which doesn’t do me any favours.

“I’m of the view though that as long as you keep putting in the work and giving 100 per cent, you’ll always come back around to the form you are capable of.

15

“Now I’m looking to take that kind of thing into the next few weeks as we’ve got an important run of matches ahead.

“We perhaps haven’t started the season totally the way we wanted to but we have the players here who can ensure we still go on to be successful in the next few months.

“We have taken a bit of time to get going – perhaps longer than we expected ourselves - but I’ve no doubt we can do well this season.

“I think we’re really at the point now where we should be up to speed and we should be hitting peak fitness. That’s the case both for me and the group as a whole.

“Hopefully our form matches that and in the weeks ahead we do well because at a club like Rangers, you need to win games.

“That’s something we have grown used to over the last couple of years and even when things have gone against us, we’ve been able to come out the other end with the right results.

“Things didn’t really start the way we wanted them to this year but there are a lot of things we could achieve this season and now it’s up to us to kick on.”

Key to just how much Rangers excel is how the players signed by new manager Ally McCoist over the summer settle into their new surroundings.

Juan Manuel Ortiz has shown some decent touches since arriving from Almeria while Dorin Goian is an imposing figure in defence with good feet for someone his size.

Lee Wallace, meanwhile, has been a hit and has shown he has the required attributes to become the regular firstteam left back for years to come.

Others will most likely arrive before the transfer window closes at the end of the month as McCoist slowly but surely shapes his squad in spite of the hurdles he has had to deal with.

Davis was heartened during his own contract talks that Steven Whittaker and Allan McGregor had been tied down so ruthlessly before him.

A sign the club is keen to retain its best players as well as bring in reinforcements, he is convinced things are moving in the right direction on that front.

Of course, having to integrate new faces always has the potential to upset the tight bond within the squad – but Davis does not foresee that being an issue.

He added: “For so long, we’ve been operating with a group which has been getting smaller and smaller with each passing year.

“But with the new chairman now in place, we have freshened things up and 16

new players are coming in to provide competition, which certainly isn’t a bad thing.

“The transfer window can be frustrating for supporters because they expect to see things happen quicker than they sometimes can.

“From a management point of view, there’s a need to bide your time there

one, we are trying to win the first one for the new manager.

“At the same time, the majority of us have been over the course before and have been together for a while now so that should stand us in good stead.”

Something many Rangers fans undoubtedly believe will help the team in its quest for success is the continued

rather than go in too early and risk overpaying or getting in the wrong type of people.

“By the end of August, our squad could look quite different to what it did at the start of pre-season and I would imagine it probably will.

“In the past, having a small group was probably a plus for us in a way because we were so tight knit and we got on so well that we worked that little bit harder for each other.

“But I don’t think there’s any doubt that we’ve needed new faces and now it is a case of striking the right balance.

“The club has moved to keep the likes of Steven and Allan as well as Steven Naismith here in the last few months and that has been an important part of our transfer business too.

“Seeing the likes of Whitts and Allan sign long-term deals just before I did was encouraging for me and the negotiations we had were quite straightforward.

“With the other guys who are here and those who have come in so far, we feel confident. Our first XI is strong, our squad as a whole is improving and we’ve good young players too.

“There is a clear appetite to go on and get more trophies this season and we will continue to try to do that over time.

“This season will be testing for us and every championship is different. In this

deployment of Davis in central midfield.

Used so many times previously on the right flank, he appears to play with more freedom and creativity when he moves inside and the shackles certainly seem to come off.

McCoist recognised as much in his first few games as boss, moving Davis to the heart of the engine room against Hearts and starting him there at St Johnstone.

The 46-times capped international is modest about the debate which rages on every time he is asked to perform in a wider area.

He maintains winning is more important than where he plays and is determined to help the team keep doing that without too much consideration for his own role.

Davis smiled: “I used to play on the right when I was younger and it is something I spoke about a lot when I first came to the club and I was out there again.

“I’ve got used to that position and I’m happy enough being in it for as long as the team is winning. That’s what counts most.

“In the first couple of games, I started on the right then came inside in the second half and I started in the middle for the first time up in Perth.

“The new gaffer will have his opinions on where to play me and what gives the

team the right balance so I’m happy to go with that.

“Being out on the right is maybe more about doing a job for the team whereas if you’re in a central role, things perhaps come a bit more naturally.

“Maybe that’s the reason why it looks as though I’m more involved when I come inside but I don’t feel being out wide limits what I can do.

“The gaffer is pleased for me to play my own game so I’m happy in either position to be honest as long as we keep doing well.”

Added to Davis’ multiplying list of roles these days is that of the vice-captain and it has been he who has worn the armband for most of the competitive campaign thus far.

Skipper for the SPL tie with the Jambos in David Weir’s absence, normal service resumed in the home Champions League qualifier against Malmo until the defender went off injured.

Davis has deputised for him ever since and looking beyond this season, it would appear he is line to inherit the responsibility from Weir permanently.

Just as he is consistent on the park, the former Villain is steady with his choice of words off it too and although he relishes the responsibility, he is focused only on the bid for success.

Davis said: “I had the armband for

a couple of games last season and thoroughly enjoyed it. To get it again on the first day of the season again when Davie was suspended was great.

“It has always been a very proud moment to be asked to be captain on the occasions I have and it has been great to take that on.

“I grew up supporting Rangers so just to play for the club is enough for me but

“He has done a great job as skipper over the last couple of years and he’ll be hoping to play as many games as possible over the course of the season.

“In that sense, I hope I don’t wear the armband too much this season. Davie is an important player for us and he’s a big influence in the dressing room.

“Hopefully he can stay around as long as possible and keep playing to the high

“It has always been a very proud moment to be asked to be captain on the occasions I have and it has been great to take that on.” it’s nice to be able to lead the team out at times as well.

“To be honest, I’ve not really given any thought to whether that means there might be a chance for me to do that in the long term as well.

“I don’t look too far ahead and I know things can change quite quickly. Davie is our captain, everyone looks up to him and rightly so.

levels he has reached in the past.

“He is an important player for us and we need all of our key performers to be fit this season as we have got a big job ahead of us.

“We are going for our fourth title in succession and along with the domestic trophies, we are concentrating on doing what we can to win as many of them as possible.”

17

“Now I’m looking to take that kind of thing into the next few weeks as we’ve got an important run of matches ahead.

“We perhaps haven’t started the season totally the way we wanted to but we have the players here who can ensure we still go on to be successful in the next few months.

“We have taken a bit of time to get going – perhaps longer than we expected ourselves - but I’ve no doubt we can do well this season.

“I think we’re really at the point now where we should be up to speed and we should be hitting peak fitness. That’s the case both for me and the group as a whole.

“Hopefully our form matches that and in the weeks ahead we do well because at a club like Rangers, you need to win games.

“That’s something we have grown used to over the last couple of years and even when things have gone against us, we’ve been able to come out the other end with the right results.

“Things didn’t really start the way we wanted them to this year but there are a lot of things we could achieve this season and now it’s up to us to kick on.”

Key to just how much Rangers excel is how the players signed by new manager Ally McCoist over the summer settle into their new surroundings.

Juan Manuel Ortiz has shown some decent touches since arriving from Almeria while Dorin Goian is an imposing figure in defence with good feet for someone his size.

Lee Wallace, meanwhile, has been a hit and has shown he has the required attributes to become the regular firstteam left back for years to come.

Others will most likely arrive before the transfer window closes at the end of the month as McCoist slowly but surely shapes his squad in spite of the hurdles he has had to deal with.

Davis was heartened during his own contract talks that Steven Whittaker and Allan McGregor had been tied down so ruthlessly before him.

A sign the club is keen to retain its best players as well as bring in reinforcements, he is convinced things are moving in the right direction on that front.

Of course, having to integrate new faces always has the potential to upset the tight bond within the squad – but Davis does not foresee that being an issue.

He added: “For so long, we’ve been operating with a group which has been getting smaller and smaller with each passing year.

“But with the new chairman now in place, we have freshened things up and 16

new players are coming in to provide competition, which certainly isn’t a bad thing.

“The transfer window can be frustrating for supporters because they expect to see things happen quicker than they sometimes can.

“From a management point of view, there’s a need to bide your time there

one, we are trying to win the first one for the new manager.

“At the same time, the majority of us have been over the course before and have been together for a while now so that should stand us in good stead.”

Something many Rangers fans undoubtedly believe will help the team in its quest for success is the continued

rather than go in too early and risk overpaying or getting in the wrong type of people.

“By the end of August, our squad could look quite different to what it did at the start of pre-season and I would imagine it probably will.

“In the past, having a small group was probably a plus for us in a way because we were so tight knit and we got on so well that we worked that little bit harder for each other.

“But I don’t think there’s any doubt that we’ve needed new faces and now it is a case of striking the right balance.

“The club has moved to keep the likes of Steven and Allan as well as Steven Naismith here in the last few months and that has been an important part of our transfer business too.

“Seeing the likes of Whitts and Allan sign long-term deals just before I did was encouraging for me and the negotiations we had were quite straightforward.

“With the other guys who are here and those who have come in so far, we feel confident. Our first XI is strong, our squad as a whole is improving and we’ve good young players too.

“There is a clear appetite to go on and get more trophies this season and we will continue to try to do that over time.

“This season will be testing for us and every championship is different. In this

deployment of Davis in central midfield.

Used so many times previously on the right flank, he appears to play with more freedom and creativity when he moves inside and the shackles certainly seem to come off.

McCoist recognised as much in his first few games as boss, moving Davis to the heart of the engine room against Hearts and starting him there at St Johnstone.

The 46-times capped international is modest about the debate which rages on every time he is asked to perform in a wider area.

He maintains winning is more important than where he plays and is determined to help the team keep doing that without too much consideration for his own role.

Davis smiled: “I used to play on the right when I was younger and it is something I spoke about a lot when I first came to the club and I was out there again.

“I’ve got used to that position and I’m happy enough being in it for as long as the team is winning. That’s what counts most.

“In the first couple of games, I started on the right then came inside in the second half and I started in the middle for the first time up in Perth.

“The new gaffer will have his opinions on where to play me and what gives the

team the right balance so I’m happy to go with that.

“Being out on the right is maybe more about doing a job for the team whereas if you’re in a central role, things perhaps come a bit more naturally.

“Maybe that’s the reason why it looks as though I’m more involved when I come inside but I don’t feel being out wide limits what I can do.

“The gaffer is pleased for me to play my own game so I’m happy in either position to be honest as long as we keep doing well.”

Added to Davis’ multiplying list of roles these days is that of the vice-captain and it has been he who has worn the armband for most of the competitive campaign thus far.

Skipper for the SPL tie with the Jambos in David Weir’s absence, normal service resumed in the home Champions League qualifier against Malmo until the defender went off injured.

Davis has deputised for him ever since and looking beyond this season, it would appear he is line to inherit the responsibility from Weir permanently.

Just as he is consistent on the park, the former Villain is steady with his choice of words off it too and although he relishes the responsibility, he is focused only on the bid for success.

Davis said: “I had the armband for

a couple of games last season and thoroughly enjoyed it. To get it again on the first day of the season again when Davie was suspended was great.

“It has always been a very proud moment to be asked to be captain on the occasions I have and it has been great to take that on.

“I grew up supporting Rangers so just to play for the club is enough for me but

“He has done a great job as skipper over the last couple of years and he’ll be hoping to play as many games as possible over the course of the season.

“In that sense, I hope I don’t wear the armband too much this season. Davie is an important player for us and he’s a big influence in the dressing room.

“Hopefully he can stay around as long as possible and keep playing to the high

“It has always been a very proud moment to be asked to be captain on the occasions I have and it has been great to take that on.” it’s nice to be able to lead the team out at times as well.

“To be honest, I’ve not really given any thought to whether that means there might be a chance for me to do that in the long term as well.

“I don’t look too far ahead and I know things can change quite quickly. Davie is our captain, everyone looks up to him and rightly so.

levels he has reached in the past.

“He is an important player for us and we need all of our key performers to be fit this season as we have got a big job ahead of us.

“We are going for our fourth title in succession and along with the domestic trophies, we are concentrating on doing what we can to win as many of them as possible.”

17

We can go the extra Kyle Words Andrew Dickson

Bartley targets Europa League slot at Maribor’s expense – as well as knockout rounds

K

YLE BARTLEY says there is plenty to get excited about as he prepares to help Rangers launch their bid for Europa League glory against NK Maribor.

The Light Blues will face the Slovenian champions in the final qualifying round over two legs later this month for a place in the group phase.

Those games are sure to be difficult against a side which has made a good start to the defence of its title.

And although Gers were 6-1 aggregate winners when the clubs last met a decade ago, the likelihood is there will be less between them this time.

For all that, loan signing Bartley doesn’t just think his team can get beyond the Violets – he insists they are capable of advancing to the latter stages of the competition too.

Understandably, Light Blues fans won’t have the same enthusiasm for the event they’d have displayed for the Champions League preliminaries had Ally McCoist’s men still be in them.

But while some other clubs might be dismissive of the secondary tournament, Bartley sees no reason why the SPL title holders shouldn’t be aiming to be successful in it.

The Arsenal youngster, 20, is eager to get down to action and thinks a place in the knockout rounds beyond Christmas is realistic.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed when I saw the team go out of the Champions League qualifiers,” Bartley said. “That’s the level every player wants to be at.

“At the same time, the result didn’t affect how much I wanted to be back at Rangers and there is still plenty for us to look forward to both domestically and abroad.

18

“We’ve got a qualifier for the Europa League coming up now against Maribor and it’s a massive tie for us.

“I don’t know much about them yet but we’ll look into them and I’d expect they will give us a hard couple of games.

“When you’re playing in European competitions, I don’t think you should ever expect any easy games and they will be very strong technically.

“We’ve got to go out there with the right mentality and a good attitude and if we can progress, who knows what it can lead to?

“Some people might look down on the Europa League but we’ve got to move on from what happened against Malmo and we’re really enthusiastic about what lies ahead.

“A few years ago, we saw the team reach the UEFA Cup final and that was a big thing for a lot of people here so hopefully we can get a really good run going again.”

Bartley’s belief Rangers can impress in the Europa League is based on a combination of past experience and a look at the players McCoist now has at his disposal.

Of course, the Mancunian was part of the team that saw off Sporting Clube de Portugal in last season’s version and which could easily have beaten PSV Eindhoven too.

From that, he has deduced a capability of advancing exists – and his opinion is only bolstered by the presence of the club’s summer recruits.

Bartley is still getting to know how Juan Manuel Ortiz, Lee Wallace and Dorin Goian play but his first impressions are lasting and he likes what he sees.

He added: “We’ve made four signings

now which I think are all going to be good additions to the squad and hopefully a few more will follow.

“I certainly think we’ve got a group of players that can compete well in the Europa League and although it will be tough, I believe we are capable of progressing quite far.

“We will probably have a stronger squad this season than the one we had before and if we apply ourselves the right way that will only stand us in good stead.

“You saw we could get results last season against Sporting and we were unlucky not to see off PSV too. On another day, I feel we would have done that.

“We’ve got something to build on in that respect and I am convinced we can do that if we can get past Maribor later in the month.”

Bartley was delighted to finally return to Rangers less than five months after having to cut his first temporary deal in Glasgow short in March because of a medial ligament injury.

The repeat move has been in the offing for some time and was delayed only because Gunners manager Arsene Wenger wanted to assess him in preseason first.

There was also the matter of penning a new two-year contract at the Emirates but having been through both processes now, Bartley is focused on being a hit once again at Ibrox.

“It’s fantastic to be back here,” he smiled. “I said when I left the club last season that I wanted to come back because I’ve got a bit of unfinished business here.

“I was only at Rangers for seven weeks last season but it felt like seven months. I settled very quickly and

everyone around me made me feel like I was a big part of things.

“I gave the manager my word that if I was going to go out on loan again, I would love to come back to Rangers.

It’s great that has happened as it has been in the pipeline for a while.

“I went back to Arsenal when I was injured and I knew I had to work hard to get myself fit again then keep training well to try to impress people there.

“I’m finally here though and it’s good for me that I’m able to concentrate on my football now with no distractions.

“When you come to a top club such as Rangers, you expect there will be competition for places and I’m prepared for that.

“I’ve been told Davie Weir might not play as many games this year but I’m not going to be saying that to him because I know he will want to play

Claudio Caniggia celebrates scoring against Maribor during a 3-1 win at Ibrox in 2001 with Fernando Ricksen and Stephen Hughes

“In my head, I always had it in mind to return here but I wouldn’t say it has been difficult waiting for the move to go through. If anything, it has been exciting.

“It was important for me to get the security of my new contract at Arsenal and I was happy about that when everything was done.

“What was disappointing was that I wasn’t able to get back to Rangers for the start of the season and the qualifying games with Malmo.

NK MARIBOR FACTFILE Founded: 1960 Stadium: Ljudski vrt Capacity: 12,994 Manager: Darko Milanic Last year: 1st Website: www.nkmaribor.com

every week.

“He’ll be looking for a starting slot as will the likes of Dorin Goian, Kirk Broadfoot and Sasa Papac so I know I’ll need to work hard to get games.

“I’m happy with that though and I look forward to that challenge. Davie is a great role model and he remains a fantastic player in my eyes.

“It will be good for me to keep learning from him and I really hope we manage to play together a lot this year.”

Maribor is the most successful club in Slovenia having won nine league titles including one last season, six national cups and one Supercup.

The club currently managed

by Darko Milanic is the only Slovenian side to have competed in Champions League group stages, doing so in the 1999/2000 campaign.

Before the break up of the former Yugoslavia, Maribor were the country’s champions away back in 1967.

Rangers played Maribor 10 years ago in the Champions League qualifiers, enjoying

a 6-1 aggregate win after a 3-0 victory in Slovenia was followed by a 3-1 win at Ibrox.

Russell Latapy, who turned 43 at the start of the month, made his competitive debut for the Light Blues against Maribor in the away leg of those 2001 ties along with Claudio Caniggia.

Christian Nerlinger, now general manager at Bayern Munich, was another who turned out for the club for the first time in Slovenia and he scored the opening goal in that 3-0 win.

19

We can go the extra Kyle Words Andrew Dickson

Bartley targets Europa League slot at Maribor’s expense – as well as knockout rounds

K

YLE BARTLEY says there is plenty to get excited about as he prepares to help Rangers launch their bid for Europa League glory against NK Maribor.

The Light Blues will face the Slovenian champions in the final qualifying round over two legs later this month for a place in the group phase.

Those games are sure to be difficult against a side which has made a good start to the defence of its title.

And although Gers were 6-1 aggregate winners when the clubs last met a decade ago, the likelihood is there will be less between them this time.

For all that, loan signing Bartley doesn’t just think his team can get beyond the Violets – he insists they are capable of advancing to the latter stages of the competition too.

Understandably, Light Blues fans won’t have the same enthusiasm for the event they’d have displayed for the Champions League preliminaries had Ally McCoist’s men still be in them.

But while some other clubs might be dismissive of the secondary tournament, Bartley sees no reason why the SPL title holders shouldn’t be aiming to be successful in it.

The Arsenal youngster, 20, is eager to get down to action and thinks a place in the knockout rounds beyond Christmas is realistic.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed when I saw the team go out of the Champions League qualifiers,” Bartley said. “That’s the level every player wants to be at.

“At the same time, the result didn’t affect how much I wanted to be back at Rangers and there is still plenty for us to look forward to both domestically and abroad.

18

“We’ve got a qualifier for the Europa League coming up now against Maribor and it’s a massive tie for us.

“I don’t know much about them yet but we’ll look into them and I’d expect they will give us a hard couple of games.

“When you’re playing in European competitions, I don’t think you should ever expect any easy games and they will be very strong technically.

“We’ve got to go out there with the right mentality and a good attitude and if we can progress, who knows what it can lead to?

“Some people might look down on the Europa League but we’ve got to move on from what happened against Malmo and we’re really enthusiastic about what lies ahead.

“A few years ago, we saw the team reach the UEFA Cup final and that was a big thing for a lot of people here so hopefully we can get a really good run going again.”

Bartley’s belief Rangers can impress in the Europa League is based on a combination of past experience and a look at the players McCoist now has at his disposal.

Of course, the Mancunian was part of the team that saw off Sporting Clube de Portugal in last season’s version and which could easily have beaten PSV Eindhoven too.

From that, he has deduced a capability of advancing exists – and his opinion is only bolstered by the presence of the club’s summer recruits.

Bartley is still getting to know how Juan Manuel Ortiz, Lee Wallace and Dorin Goian play but his first impressions are lasting and he likes what he sees.

He added: “We’ve made four signings

now which I think are all going to be good additions to the squad and hopefully a few more will follow.

“I certainly think we’ve got a group of players that can compete well in the Europa League and although it will be tough, I believe we are capable of progressing quite far.

“We will probably have a stronger squad this season than the one we had before and if we apply ourselves the right way that will only stand us in good stead.

“You saw we could get results last season against Sporting and we were unlucky not to see off PSV too. On another day, I feel we would have done that.

“We’ve got something to build on in that respect and I am convinced we can do that if we can get past Maribor later in the month.”

Bartley was delighted to finally return to Rangers less than five months after having to cut his first temporary deal in Glasgow short in March because of a medial ligament injury.

The repeat move has been in the offing for some time and was delayed only because Gunners manager Arsene Wenger wanted to assess him in preseason first.

There was also the matter of penning a new two-year contract at the Emirates but having been through both processes now, Bartley is focused on being a hit once again at Ibrox.

“It’s fantastic to be back here,” he smiled. “I said when I left the club last season that I wanted to come back because I’ve got a bit of unfinished business here.

“I was only at Rangers for seven weeks last season but it felt like seven months. I settled very quickly and

everyone around me made me feel like I was a big part of things.

“I gave the manager my word that if I was going to go out on loan again, I would love to come back to Rangers.

It’s great that has happened as it has been in the pipeline for a while.

“I went back to Arsenal when I was injured and I knew I had to work hard to get myself fit again then keep training well to try to impress people there.

“I’m finally here though and it’s good for me that I’m able to concentrate on my football now with no distractions.

“When you come to a top club such as Rangers, you expect there will be competition for places and I’m prepared for that.

“I’ve been told Davie Weir might not play as many games this year but I’m not going to be saying that to him because I know he will want to play

Claudio Caniggia celebrates scoring against Maribor during a 3-1 win at Ibrox in 2001 with Fernando Ricksen and Stephen Hughes

“In my head, I always had it in mind to return here but I wouldn’t say it has been difficult waiting for the move to go through. If anything, it has been exciting.

“It was important for me to get the security of my new contract at Arsenal and I was happy about that when everything was done.

“What was disappointing was that I wasn’t able to get back to Rangers for the start of the season and the qualifying games with Malmo.

NK MARIBOR FACTFILE Founded: 1960 Stadium: Ljudski vrt Capacity: 12,994 Manager: Darko Milanic Last year: 1st Website: www.nkmaribor.com

every week.

“He’ll be looking for a starting slot as will the likes of Dorin Goian, Kirk Broadfoot and Sasa Papac so I know I’ll need to work hard to get games.

“I’m happy with that though and I look forward to that challenge. Davie is a great role model and he remains a fantastic player in my eyes.

“It will be good for me to keep learning from him and I really hope we manage to play together a lot this year.”

Maribor is the most successful club in Slovenia having won nine league titles including one last season, six national cups and one Supercup.

The club currently managed

by Darko Milanic is the only Slovenian side to have competed in Champions League group stages, doing so in the 1999/2000 campaign.

Before the break up of the former Yugoslavia, Maribor were the country’s champions away back in 1967.

Rangers played Maribor 10 years ago in the Champions League qualifiers, enjoying

a 6-1 aggregate win after a 3-0 victory in Slovenia was followed by a 3-1 win at Ibrox.

Russell Latapy, who turned 43 at the start of the month, made his competitive debut for the Light Blues against Maribor in the away leg of those 2001 ties along with Claudio Caniggia.

Christian Nerlinger, now general manager at Bayern Munich, was another who turned out for the club for the first time in Slovenia and he scored the opening goal in that 3-0 win.

19

We’ll get it right Boss looks ahead to a big month for Rangers Words Lindsay Herron

20

I

F Ally McCoist had any illusions about the pressure that surrounds the Rangers manager’s job they were surely smashed to pieces in the early moments of his tenure.

And opening day draw with Hearts followed by elimination from the Champions League and some unsuccessful attempts in the transfer market sent internet forums, radio phone-ins and the tabloids into meltdown.

Of course McCoist is acutely aware of what he has let himself in for and he is hardly the type of character to hide under the bed when all in the garden is not quite so rosy.

And he has seen it all before in his days as a Rangers player when the club was never more than two games away from a ‘crisis’.

There is no getting away from the fact that the Champions League exit in Malmo was hurtful in more ways than one.

It denied Rangers the chance of getting into the group phase where as much as £15million can be accrued and it was a blow to the players and staff who want to compete at the highest level.

Sensibly, McCoist is looking forward and he knows Rangers have an important period coming up when they face difficult SPL away matches at Inverness and Motherwell with the Europa League Play-off tie against Maribor either side of the Fir Park clash and a home game with Aberdeen to complete the month of August.

The dream ticket is nine points from the league matches and qualification to the Europa League group phase and then Rangers can take a breather as international football kicks in for the next fortnight effectively.

The arrival of Kyle Bartley on loan and the signing of Dorin Goian boosts the defence with Madjid Bougherra now off to Qatar and there will be more new faces this month.

So, as ever, McCoist looks forward to the challenges ahead with optimism.

He said: “Of course going out of the Champions League was a massive disappointment for us. But we have to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves down and that’s what we do at this club.

“July was a tough month. I felt we started matches poorly but then improved in the second half and that was the biggest problem for us.

“We improved that in the St Johnstone match when we won 2-0 and then we played well in the return game with Malmo when the vast majority of the players were excellent but moments of indiscipline cost us.

“We will have Steven Whittaker and Sasa Papac suspended for the first leg with Maribor as a result of that match but we have Kyle Bartley with us now and we hope to

have more players in by the time that game comes around.

“We will certainly miss the two players. I thought Papac was absolutely outstanding in Sweden for somebody who had been under doctor’s supervision before the game because of a bug. I thought he was fabulous.

“The most important thing is we will have players to cover.

“We are hopeful that both Dorin and Davie Weir will be fit for the Inverness game on the 13th so that helps too.

“We have some tough games coming up this month but this is the club to be at and

League, McCoist knows it is crucial to make it into the group phase of the Europa League.

Slovenian champions Maribor stand in Rangers’ way and all things being equal the Light Blues must be favourites to prevail.

The Rangers manager, however, will make sure the preparations are made and all information is garnered before the first leg in Slovenia on August 18.

He said: “In terms of the location you have to say it’s a good draw because there were some other venues which would not have been so appealing.

“However, in terms of football it’s a tough one for us. They scored in each leg when they were narrowly knocked out of the Champions League by Maccabi Haifa.

“They are sitting top of the league at the moment but it’s a tie we are looking forward to.

“We will obviously have them checked out.

Neil Murray and John Brown will look after that side of things and at the same time we will obviously get footage of their games this season.

“It would be great if we could get into the Europa League group phase because we all want to be involved in European football.

“We want to make sure we get through.

It’s not the Champions League but it is still European football and I believe our lads

“Of course going out of the Champions League was a massive disappointment for us. But we have to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves down and that’s what we do at this club.” we wouldn’t have it any other way.

“You only have to look at the result three games before the end of last season to see how tough a place Inverness is to go.

“Big Terry and his team obviously did us a massive favour by beating Celtic and it shows what it’s like up there and we know that anyway from our own recent experiences.

“We know it will be a hard one but we have to be ready.

“Similarly we expect a difficult game at Motherwell on the 21st of August. Even although we had good results against them last season Stuart McCall’s team have proven to be very difficult on their own patch.

“I think we have to be encouraged by our performances in our last two competitive matches and we hope to build on that in the month of August.”

Having failed to progress in the Champions

deserve to be there and our fans deserve to see it.

“There is also a financial aspect to it. Of course it is not as lucrative as the Champions League but there is still income to be gained and we can’t lose sight of that.”

Of course, with the transfer window closing at the end of this month there may be some departures from Ibrox but the main thing for McCoist is to bolster.

He has, however, allowed back-up goalkeeper Grant Adam to join Forfar Athletic on loan to gain vital top team match practice.

He said: “We have decided to send him out on loan to get match experience. We did the same last season with Scott Gallacher and it was good for him.

“It’s good for Grant to go out and get first team action and an education and I’m sure he will benefit from it.”

21

We’ll get it right Boss looks ahead to a big month for Rangers Words Lindsay Herron

20

I

F Ally McCoist had any illusions about the pressure that surrounds the Rangers manager’s job they were surely smashed to pieces in the early moments of his tenure.

And opening day draw with Hearts followed by elimination from the Champions League and some unsuccessful attempts in the transfer market sent internet forums, radio phone-ins and the tabloids into meltdown.

Of course McCoist is acutely aware of what he has let himself in for and he is hardly the type of character to hide under the bed when all in the garden is not quite so rosy.

And he has seen it all before in his days as a Rangers player when the club was never more than two games away from a ‘crisis’.

There is no getting away from the fact that the Champions League exit in Malmo was hurtful in more ways than one.

It denied Rangers the chance of getting into the group phase where as much as £15million can be accrued and it was a blow to the players and staff who want to compete at the highest level.

Sensibly, McCoist is looking forward and he knows Rangers have an important period coming up when they face difficult SPL away matches at Inverness and Motherwell with the Europa League Play-off tie against Maribor either side of the Fir Park clash and a home game with Aberdeen to complete the month of August.

The dream ticket is nine points from the league matches and qualification to the Europa League group phase and then Rangers can take a breather as international football kicks in for the next fortnight effectively.

The arrival of Kyle Bartley on loan and the signing of Dorin Goian boosts the defence with Madjid Bougherra now off to Qatar and there will be more new faces this month.

So, as ever, McCoist looks forward to the challenges ahead with optimism.

He said: “Of course going out of the Champions League was a massive disappointment for us. But we have to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves down and that’s what we do at this club.

“July was a tough month. I felt we started matches poorly but then improved in the second half and that was the biggest problem for us.

“We improved that in the St Johnstone match when we won 2-0 and then we played well in the return game with Malmo when the vast majority of the players were excellent but moments of indiscipline cost us.

“We will have Steven Whittaker and Sasa Papac suspended for the first leg with Maribor as a result of that match but we have Kyle Bartley with us now and we hope to

have more players in by the time that game comes around.

“We will certainly miss the two players. I thought Papac was absolutely outstanding in Sweden for somebody who had been under doctor’s supervision before the game because of a bug. I thought he was fabulous.

“The most important thing is we will have players to cover.

“We are hopeful that both Dorin and Davie Weir will be fit for the Inverness game on the 13th so that helps too.

“We have some tough games coming up this month but this is the club to be at and

League, McCoist knows it is crucial to make it into the group phase of the Europa League.

Slovenian champions Maribor stand in Rangers’ way and all things being equal the Light Blues must be favourites to prevail.

The Rangers manager, however, will make sure the preparations are made and all information is garnered before the first leg in Slovenia on August 18.

He said: “In terms of the location you have to say it’s a good draw because there were some other venues which would not have been so appealing.

“However, in terms of football it’s a tough one for us. They scored in each leg when they were narrowly knocked out of the Champions League by Maccabi Haifa.

“They are sitting top of the league at the moment but it’s a tie we are looking forward to.

“We will obviously have them checked out.

Neil Murray and John Brown will look after that side of things and at the same time we will obviously get footage of their games this season.

“It would be great if we could get into the Europa League group phase because we all want to be involved in European football.

“We want to make sure we get through.

It’s not the Champions League but it is still European football and I believe our lads

“Of course going out of the Champions League was a massive disappointment for us. But we have to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves down and that’s what we do at this club.” we wouldn’t have it any other way.

“You only have to look at the result three games before the end of last season to see how tough a place Inverness is to go.

“Big Terry and his team obviously did us a massive favour by beating Celtic and it shows what it’s like up there and we know that anyway from our own recent experiences.

“We know it will be a hard one but we have to be ready.

“Similarly we expect a difficult game at Motherwell on the 21st of August. Even although we had good results against them last season Stuart McCall’s team have proven to be very difficult on their own patch.

“I think we have to be encouraged by our performances in our last two competitive matches and we hope to build on that in the month of August.”

Having failed to progress in the Champions

deserve to be there and our fans deserve to see it.

“There is also a financial aspect to it. Of course it is not as lucrative as the Champions League but there is still income to be gained and we can’t lose sight of that.”

Of course, with the transfer window closing at the end of this month there may be some departures from Ibrox but the main thing for McCoist is to bolster.

He has, however, allowed back-up goalkeeper Grant Adam to join Forfar Athletic on loan to gain vital top team match practice.

He said: “We have decided to send him out on loan to get match experience. We did the same last season with Scott Gallacher and it was good for him.

“It’s good for Grant to go out and get first team action and an education and I’m sure he will benefit from it.”

21

columnist

FRONT Post THE

S U B S C R I B E T O D AY THE FIRST 100 SUBSCRIBERS TO ISSUE 2 of THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE WILL WIN A RANGERS HOME TOP!*

Light Blues are going in right direction to overcome Malmo loss and shine again

ANDREW DICKSON

I

22

T doesn’t take a rocket scientist – or indeed someone who knows their football – to tell you Ally McCoist’s career as Rangers’ manager has not started the way he hoped it would.

Frustrated with transfer dealings and put out of the Champions League two rounds before the group phase, his first few weeks in the job have been a rougher ride than many expected.

The David Goodwillie saga, which dragged on longer than most had tolerance for, was taken in some quarters to be symbolic of how the Light Blues have ‘failed’ in the market.

With reports of seven separate bids going in for the forward from Ibrox, it is little wonder fans grew agitated as no deal was done.

But take suggestions of how many formal approaches Gers made for Goodwillie – including three on the day of the game with Hearts if you believed that - with a pinch of salt.

Those involved at this end of negotiations acted as you would during any potential transfer – they enquired about availability and a price before settling on and submitting their offer.

Dundee United themselves have admitted what Rangers proposed was suitable and beyond what they were seeking - and it came well before anything was concluded with Blackburn.

I’d hazard a guess that because they still didn’t accept, that means as soon as someone got close to their valuation – in this case Rovers – there was no chance of him coming to Ibrox.

The Lancashire team moved quickly with their initial rejected offer of £1.7million and from that point on, I suspect the champions’ chances of

landing their man were minimal at best.

It was United’s right, of course, to dismiss Rangers and I understand why they did. After all, they wouldn’t have wanted Goodwillie scoring goals against them further down the line.

I think Gers would have had to go to a price well in excess of what they were willing to pay and what they could budget for.

Doing that could have meant sacrificing one of the other new faces McCoist needs so in my view, it’s a battle he was never going to win and one he was right to let go.

Rather than dwell on what he hasn’t got, the new boss will be focusing on who he has brought in, how they’ll fit into his squad and how successful they can be.

We’ve not seen much of Dorin Goian yet but what we have witnessed suggests he’s a player of

intelligence who can make a big impression, quite literally, in the back line.

Kyle Bartley’s return to the club on loan from Arsenal is another positive step and one I expect to work well.

Lee Wallace has slotted seamlessly into the side and could arguably prove to be a better acquisition than Goodwillie in the long run.

Even Juan Ortiz – knocked by some pundits already in the short time he has been in Scotland – has shown enough grit, desire and ability to be considered a player who can succeed.

Add to that what I’ve heard about precontract capture Alejandro Bedoya and some others I’m told the club is chasing and I’d say things are ticking along just nicely on that front.

Falling into the Europa League gives Rangers a second chance in continental competition and this time I don’t see them slipping up against Maribor.

With more time under their belts, much better match fitness levels, an enhanced pool and the Scandinavian disappointment driving them on, I expect a group phase place to be claimed.

It’s worth bearing in mind that at the time of publication, there were still three weeks left to run before the transfer window closes.

A lot can happen before September and with chairman Craig Whyte only looking to import now, it seems Madjid Bougherra will be the only player lost.

Weighing up those who have arrived, others who will follow and how the squad is developing overall, there’s a clear opportunity to build momentum in the weeks ahead.

Those writing Rangers off at this stage are welcome to keep doing so. Nine months from now, there’s still every chance they’ll wish they had thought twice.

“Lee Wallace has slotted seamlessly

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into the side and could arguably

prove to be a better acquisition than Goodwillie in the long run.”

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columnist

FRONT Post THE

S U B S C R I B E T O D AY THE FIRST 100 SUBSCRIBERS TO ISSUE 2 of THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE WILL WIN A RANGERS HOME TOP!*

Light Blues are going in right direction to overcome Malmo loss and shine again

ANDREW DICKSON

I

22

T doesn’t take a rocket scientist – or indeed someone who knows their football – to tell you Ally McCoist’s career as Rangers’ manager has not started the way he hoped it would.

Frustrated with transfer dealings and put out of the Champions League two rounds before the group phase, his first few weeks in the job have been a rougher ride than many expected.

The David Goodwillie saga, which dragged on longer than most had tolerance for, was taken in some quarters to be symbolic of how the Light Blues have ‘failed’ in the market.

With reports of seven separate bids going in for the forward from Ibrox, it is little wonder fans grew agitated as no deal was done.

But take suggestions of how many formal approaches Gers made for Goodwillie – including three on the day of the game with Hearts if you believed that - with a pinch of salt.

Those involved at this end of negotiations acted as you would during any potential transfer – they enquired about availability and a price before settling on and submitting their offer.

Dundee United themselves have admitted what Rangers proposed was suitable and beyond what they were seeking - and it came well before anything was concluded with Blackburn.

I’d hazard a guess that because they still didn’t accept, that means as soon as someone got close to their valuation – in this case Rovers – there was no chance of him coming to Ibrox.

The Lancashire team moved quickly with their initial rejected offer of £1.7million and from that point on, I suspect the champions’ chances of

landing their man were minimal at best.

It was United’s right, of course, to dismiss Rangers and I understand why they did. After all, they wouldn’t have wanted Goodwillie scoring goals against them further down the line.

I think Gers would have had to go to a price well in excess of what they were willing to pay and what they could budget for.

Doing that could have meant sacrificing one of the other new faces McCoist needs so in my view, it’s a battle he was never going to win and one he was right to let go.

Rather than dwell on what he hasn’t got, the new boss will be focusing on who he has brought in, how they’ll fit into his squad and how successful they can be.

We’ve not seen much of Dorin Goian yet but what we have witnessed suggests he’s a player of

intelligence who can make a big impression, quite literally, in the back line.

Kyle Bartley’s return to the club on loan from Arsenal is another positive step and one I expect to work well.

Lee Wallace has slotted seamlessly into the side and could arguably prove to be a better acquisition than Goodwillie in the long run.

Even Juan Ortiz – knocked by some pundits already in the short time he has been in Scotland – has shown enough grit, desire and ability to be considered a player who can succeed.

Add to that what I’ve heard about precontract capture Alejandro Bedoya and some others I’m told the club is chasing and I’d say things are ticking along just nicely on that front.

Falling into the Europa League gives Rangers a second chance in continental competition and this time I don’t see them slipping up against Maribor.

With more time under their belts, much better match fitness levels, an enhanced pool and the Scandinavian disappointment driving them on, I expect a group phase place to be claimed.

It’s worth bearing in mind that at the time of publication, there were still three weeks left to run before the transfer window closes.

A lot can happen before September and with chairman Craig Whyte only looking to import now, it seems Madjid Bougherra will be the only player lost.

Weighing up those who have arrived, others who will follow and how the squad is developing overall, there’s a clear opportunity to build momentum in the weeks ahead.

Those writing Rangers off at this stage are welcome to keep doing so. Nine months from now, there’s still every chance they’ll wish they had thought twice.

“Lee Wallace has slotted seamlessly

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into the side and could arguably

prove to be a better acquisition than Goodwillie in the long run.”

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Exclusive Andrew Dickson

I’m Goian places at Gers Dorin hopes to put Mid-life crisis of five years ago behind him with Light Blues on his return to the European arena

D

ORIN GOIAN is desperate to make an impact with Rangers in the Europa League after finding himself just 60 seconds from a UEFA Cup final but not getting there in 2006.

The new Light Blues defender was a key part of the Steaua Bucharest team which reached the latter stages of that competition five years ago.

Having dropped into the event from the Champions League after a qualifying loss to Rosenborg, Goian’s side made the group phase with a 6-1 aggregate win over Valerenga.

At that stage, they topped their pool without conceding a goal as they beat Lens and Halmstad in Romania and drew 0-0 on their travels to Sampdoria and Hertha Berlin.

Once into the knockout stages, they edged past Heerenveen, Real Betis and their city rivals Rapid Bucharest to set up a last-four showdown with Middlesbrough.

The first leg went Steaua’s way, with a 1-0 win courtesy of Nicolae Dica’s first-half goal giving them a narrow advantage to take with them to the Riverside for the return game.

Even the most optimistic travelling fans couldn’t have anticipated how the opening phase of that match would turn out.

Incredibly, as Goian fired home after 24 minutes, his side took a 2-0 lead on Teeside after Dica’s opener to go three up overall and put one foot into a match for the trophy with Sevilla.

From there, however, his side collapsed

24

and while Massimo Maccarone’s goal before the break looked like it would only be a consolation, much worse was to come.

Mark Viduka levelled after the restart before Chris Riggott made it 3-2 on the night, with Boro still trailing on away goals.

The Romanians had 17 minutes to hold out for a spot in the Eindhoven final and almost did it – until disaster struck moments from full time as Maccarone headed in a dramatic winner.

It was a sickener for Goian and his colleagues who had put so much into the

tie and come away with nothing.

Now he’s desperate to shine when he finally gets to make his European debut for Rangers later this month as he looks to impress on the continental stage once more.

Goian has played several more times in continental competitions since that gut-wrenching loss to the current English Championship side.

He appeared in both the Champions League and the UEFA Cup the following campaign with Steaua and sampled Europa

25

Exclusive Andrew Dickson

I’m Goian places at Gers Dorin hopes to put Mid-life crisis of five years ago behind him with Light Blues on his return to the European arena

D

ORIN GOIAN is desperate to make an impact with Rangers in the Europa League after finding himself just 60 seconds from a UEFA Cup final but not getting there in 2006.

The new Light Blues defender was a key part of the Steaua Bucharest team which reached the latter stages of that competition five years ago.

Having dropped into the event from the Champions League after a qualifying loss to Rosenborg, Goian’s side made the group phase with a 6-1 aggregate win over Valerenga.

At that stage, they topped their pool without conceding a goal as they beat Lens and Halmstad in Romania and drew 0-0 on their travels to Sampdoria and Hertha Berlin.

Once into the knockout stages, they edged past Heerenveen, Real Betis and their city rivals Rapid Bucharest to set up a last-four showdown with Middlesbrough.

The first leg went Steaua’s way, with a 1-0 win courtesy of Nicolae Dica’s first-half goal giving them a narrow advantage to take with them to the Riverside for the return game.

Even the most optimistic travelling fans couldn’t have anticipated how the opening phase of that match would turn out.

Incredibly, as Goian fired home after 24 minutes, his side took a 2-0 lead on Teeside after Dica’s opener to go three up overall and put one foot into a match for the trophy with Sevilla.

From there, however, his side collapsed

24

and while Massimo Maccarone’s goal before the break looked like it would only be a consolation, much worse was to come.

Mark Viduka levelled after the restart before Chris Riggott made it 3-2 on the night, with Boro still trailing on away goals.

The Romanians had 17 minutes to hold out for a spot in the Eindhoven final and almost did it – until disaster struck moments from full time as Maccarone headed in a dramatic winner.

It was a sickener for Goian and his colleagues who had put so much into the

tie and come away with nothing.

Now he’s desperate to shine when he finally gets to make his European debut for Rangers later this month as he looks to impress on the continental stage once more.

Goian has played several more times in continental competitions since that gut-wrenching loss to the current English Championship side.

He appeared in both the Champions League and the UEFA Cup the following campaign with Steaua and sampled Europa

25

League action with old club Palermo last term.

But with a move to a new club in a different country comes a fresh start and experienced Goian is keen to make an impact at that level again with the Light Blues.

If fate had been kinder to him, of course, the softly-spoken 30-year-old would have already turned out against Malmo in the ill-fated Champions League qualifying campaign.

But after being cleared to play by UEFA following two appeals by the club, injury ruled him out and his focus is now on the secondary event.

Goian said: “The defeat to Middlesbrough with Steaua five years ago was a very difficult one to accept and it is not a happy memory.

“It is a big thing to reach the semifinals of the UEFA Cup and to be just one minute from reaching the last game of the competition.

“To then miss out the way we did was such a big disappointment and when Middlesbrough’s fourth goal went in, it felt like everything was over and that nothing mattered any more.

“It was painful and while I have always tried to learn something from every experience I have had, that was a very hard lesson.

“When you make mistakes such as we did that night, you must try not to repeat them and you have to try to improve.

“It is important for me that I don’t go through something like that again and I hope to enjoy only good times in Europe with Rangers now.

“When you play in either the Champions League or the Europa League, you have to treat every game you play very seriously.

“If you don’t do that, there can be surprises for you and they are not always good ones so you must be very careful.

“I am excited about playing in Europe with my new club. That is something exciting for our whole squad.

“We want to do well in European competition this season and we know we will have to play well against some good players if we are to do that.

“That is our aim and I am hopeful we can be successful both on that front and in our domestic games over the next few months.”

Rangers fans are yet to see everything Goian has to offer their team given he had to wait until the end of last month to make his long-awaited debut for the club.

While the Light Blues moved quickly enough to sign him, they had a twopart work permit application process to negotiate before he was cleared to work in the UK.

If his first outing against St Johnstone is anything to go by, it seems the towering Romania international is more likely to be a hit than a miss in the SPL. Calm and measured at the back, he wins more balls than he loses and has already shown an aptitude for being able to distribute passes better than your average 6ft 5in centre half.

Added to that, the early signs are he is integrating into Ally McCoist’s squad well and embracing his new surroundings.

It is to Goian’s credit – and probably just as well – he chose to find out what

Daniel Prodan

life at Rangers was like for himself first rather than seek guidance from a friend with links to the club.

Unsurprising given they both played for Steaua for four years, albeit at different times, is the fact the Light Blues’ new defender is on amiable terms with Daniel Prodan.

Signed by Dick Advocaat in 1998, Prodan spent two and half years in Glasgow without kicking a ball due to a knee injury sustained whilst he was at previous club Atletico Madrid.

Having cost £2.2million and been released in 2001, not putting him

through a stringent medical proved to be a costly mistake.

Perhaps Goian appreciates his contemporary’s disappointing experience in Glasgow means his views might be tainted a touch more than they should be.

And it is only now that he has made his decision to settle in Scotland without any outside influence that he will turn to Prodan for advice on what to expect over the next few months.

Goian added: “I did not speak to Daniel before I came to Rangers because I wanted to draw my own conclusions first.

“I felt it was important not to speak to other people and get their opinions because I wanted to form my own and I had a good feeling for the club when we started talking.

“Prodan was a great player though and he is my friend so now it is the time to speak with him about what it might be like for me here.

“I am going to give him a call and even though he had a hard time here because of his situation, I am sure he will only have good things to say.

“I hope to enjoy better luck than him because he was a very good defender and it was unfortunate Rangers fans did not get to see that in him.”

After Juan Manuel Ortiz became Ally McCoist’s first signing as Ibrox manager, Goian is one of four more players the new boss moved successfully to bring to the club thereafter.

Kyle Bartley has returned to Ibrox for the rest of the season on loan after a successful, if brief, temporary spell there last season which was cut short by a knee injury.

He will compete with Goian for a place in the back line and having shone for the Light Blues before, big things will be expected of him once again.

27

League action with old club Palermo last term.

But with a move to a new club in a different country comes a fresh start and experienced Goian is keen to make an impact at that level again with the Light Blues.

If fate had been kinder to him, of course, the softly-spoken 30-year-old would have already turned out against Malmo in the ill-fated Champions League qualifying campaign.

But after being cleared to play by UEFA following two appeals by the club, injury ruled him out and his focus is now on the secondary event.

Goian said: “The defeat to Middlesbrough with Steaua five years ago was a very difficult one to accept and it is not a happy memory.

“It is a big thing to reach the semifinals of the UEFA Cup and to be just one minute from reaching the last game of the competition.

“To then miss out the way we did was such a big disappointment and when Middlesbrough’s fourth goal went in, it felt like everything was over and that nothing mattered any more.

“It was painful and while I have always tried to learn something from every experience I have had, that was a very hard lesson.

“When you make mistakes such as we did that night, you must try not to repeat them and you have to try to improve.

“It is important for me that I don’t go through something like that again and I hope to enjoy only good times in Europe with Rangers now.

“When you play in either the Champions League or the Europa League, you have to treat every game you play very seriously.

“If you don’t do that, there can be surprises for you and they are not always good ones so you must be very careful.

“I am excited about playing in Europe with my new club. That is something exciting for our whole squad.

“We want to do well in European competition this season and we know we will have to play well against some good players if we are to do that.

“That is our aim and I am hopeful we can be successful both on that front and in our domestic games over the next few months.”

Rangers fans are yet to see everything Goian has to offer their team given he had to wait until the end of last month to make his long-awaited debut for the club.

While the Light Blues moved quickly enough to sign him, they had a twopart work permit application process to negotiate before he was cleared to work in the UK.

If his first outing against St Johnstone is anything to go by, it seems the towering Romania international is more likely to be a hit than a miss in the SPL. Calm and measured at the back, he wins more balls than he loses and has already shown an aptitude for being able to distribute passes better than your average 6ft 5in centre half.

Added to that, the early signs are he is integrating into Ally McCoist’s squad well and embracing his new surroundings.

It is to Goian’s credit – and probably just as well – he chose to find out what

Daniel Prodan

life at Rangers was like for himself first rather than seek guidance from a friend with links to the club.

Unsurprising given they both played for Steaua for four years, albeit at different times, is the fact the Light Blues’ new defender is on amiable terms with Daniel Prodan.

Signed by Dick Advocaat in 1998, Prodan spent two and half years in Glasgow without kicking a ball due to a knee injury sustained whilst he was at previous club Atletico Madrid.

Having cost £2.2million and been released in 2001, not putting him

through a stringent medical proved to be a costly mistake.

Perhaps Goian appreciates his contemporary’s disappointing experience in Glasgow means his views might be tainted a touch more than they should be.

And it is only now that he has made his decision to settle in Scotland without any outside influence that he will turn to Prodan for advice on what to expect over the next few months.

Goian added: “I did not speak to Daniel before I came to Rangers because I wanted to draw my own conclusions first.

“I felt it was important not to speak to other people and get their opinions because I wanted to form my own and I had a good feeling for the club when we started talking.

“Prodan was a great player though and he is my friend so now it is the time to speak with him about what it might be like for me here.

“I am going to give him a call and even though he had a hard time here because of his situation, I am sure he will only have good things to say.

“I hope to enjoy better luck than him because he was a very good defender and it was unfortunate Rangers fans did not get to see that in him.”

After Juan Manuel Ortiz became Ally McCoist’s first signing as Ibrox manager, Goian is one of four more players the new boss moved successfully to bring to the club thereafter.

Kyle Bartley has returned to Ibrox for the rest of the season on loan after a successful, if brief, temporary spell there last season which was cut short by a knee injury.

He will compete with Goian for a place in the back line and having shone for the Light Blues before, big things will be expected of him once again.

27

Another is American midfielder Alejandro Bedoya and he, as things stand, is due to arrive in Glasgow at the turn of the year.

Currently with Swedish side Orebro, the 24-year-old has penned a pre-contract with the SPL champions and will come to Scotland when his current deal expires at the end of December.

Gers have already tried to draft him into their pool before then and he could yet end up transferring this month.

For now, however, he is someone fans will have to wait to watch – with reports from across the Atlantic suggesting they will like what they see.

Described by one commentator as one of the finds of the recent Gold Cup tournament, Bedoya doesn’t have much international experience with the USA yet.

That looks sure to change over time though given the impression the exciting winger made as the States got to the final before losing 4-2 to Mexico.

Only in the squad because of an injury to New England Revolution’s Benny Feilhaber, it was anticipated Bedoya would make up numbers more than anything.

He went on to exceed expectations instead as his natural inclination to remain out on the flanks allowed him to create much for those in the centre to feed off.

Renowned for his high energy levels, team-mates queued up to praise him and they united as one to highlight his boxto-box nature and a clear ability to beat men then make openings.

In that sense, he is the type of player Rangers have been seeking for some time and it is little wonder McCoist has attempted to ship him in early.

As with Goian, Bedoya will require a work permit and Gers will be hopeful he is granted one and allowed to continue his career on these shores.

The last of the incoming quartet is Lee Wallace who, after signing for £1.5million from Hearts, is already attracting good reviews.

The left-back’s performance in the 1-0 home defeat to Malmo was one of the few positives from the night and he built on that by setting up Steven Naismith’s goal at St Johnstone.

Wallace has switched along the M8 after first making the breakthrough at Tynecastle as a 17-year-old back in early 2005.

And after the 54-time title winners failed to land the Scotland international with their first two bids, he was thrilled when they made it third time lucky.

Wallace said: “I was just happy when the move finally came about. There had

Lee Wallace

been a bit of speculation but it was good to hear that because Rangers are such a big club.

“I’ve always had ambitions to play at a high level and with what happened last month, I realised them so I was delighted

Kyle Bartley

the move finally went through.

“I can see the manager is a winner and that’s what I want to become. I know I need to work hard to get the chance to play but that’s what I want to do because

I want to succeed.

“I have gone into a dressing room that is full of champions and that can only benefit me. A winning mentality is inbuilt in the club and that’s something I want to develop.

“Working with the players so far has been great, despite a couple of disappointments along the way.

“Coming in every day to train with boys that have won titles and reached the UEFA Cup final is fantastic.

“It’s great to be learning off them and I hope they allow me to kick on a little. The fact I know four or five of them already from the Scotland squad definitely helped me to settle.

“When I arrived on my first day, Steven Naismith said to me that the team spirit is great and I’ve noticed that right away.

“The facilities at Murray Park are top class and it is great to come in every morning and sharpen your tools in a place like that.

“I hope I’ll improve as a player at Rangers. That’s exactly what I want to happen and working with the manager and the coaches here can only help me in that respect.”

29

Another is American midfielder Alejandro Bedoya and he, as things stand, is due to arrive in Glasgow at the turn of the year.

Currently with Swedish side Orebro, the 24-year-old has penned a pre-contract with the SPL champions and will come to Scotland when his current deal expires at the end of December.

Gers have already tried to draft him into their pool before then and he could yet end up transferring this month.

For now, however, he is someone fans will have to wait to watch – with reports from across the Atlantic suggesting they will like what they see.

Described by one commentator as one of the finds of the recent Gold Cup tournament, Bedoya doesn’t have much international experience with the USA yet.

That looks sure to change over time though given the impression the exciting winger made as the States got to the final before losing 4-2 to Mexico.

Only in the squad because of an injury to New England Revolution’s Benny Feilhaber, it was anticipated Bedoya would make up numbers more than anything.

He went on to exceed expectations instead as his natural inclination to remain out on the flanks allowed him to create much for those in the centre to feed off.

Renowned for his high energy levels, team-mates queued up to praise him and they united as one to highlight his boxto-box nature and a clear ability to beat men then make openings.

In that sense, he is the type of player Rangers have been seeking for some time and it is little wonder McCoist has attempted to ship him in early.

As with Goian, Bedoya will require a work permit and Gers will be hopeful he is granted one and allowed to continue his career on these shores.

The last of the incoming quartet is Lee Wallace who, after signing for £1.5million from Hearts, is already attracting good reviews.

The left-back’s performance in the 1-0 home defeat to Malmo was one of the few positives from the night and he built on that by setting up Steven Naismith’s goal at St Johnstone.

Wallace has switched along the M8 after first making the breakthrough at Tynecastle as a 17-year-old back in early 2005.

And after the 54-time title winners failed to land the Scotland international with their first two bids, he was thrilled when they made it third time lucky.

Wallace said: “I was just happy when the move finally came about. There had

Lee Wallace

been a bit of speculation but it was good to hear that because Rangers are such a big club.

“I’ve always had ambitions to play at a high level and with what happened last month, I realised them so I was delighted

Kyle Bartley

the move finally went through.

“I can see the manager is a winner and that’s what I want to become. I know I need to work hard to get the chance to play but that’s what I want to do because

I want to succeed.

“I have gone into a dressing room that is full of champions and that can only benefit me. A winning mentality is inbuilt in the club and that’s something I want to develop.

“Working with the players so far has been great, despite a couple of disappointments along the way.

“Coming in every day to train with boys that have won titles and reached the UEFA Cup final is fantastic.

“It’s great to be learning off them and I hope they allow me to kick on a little. The fact I know four or five of them already from the Scotland squad definitely helped me to settle.

“When I arrived on my first day, Steven Naismith said to me that the team spirit is great and I’ve noticed that right away.

“The facilities at Murray Park are top class and it is great to come in every morning and sharpen your tools in a place like that.

“I hope I’ll improve as a player at Rangers. That’s exactly what I want to happen and working with the manager and the coaches here can only help me in that respect.”

29

Breaking new ground RANGERS are leading the way in football with the club’s ground-breaking internet TV channel.

For the first time in British football we were able to screen a league match live online in the UK when we broadcast the opening game of the season on July 23.

The curtain-raiser with Hearts which included the unfurling of the Championship flag was available to viewers in the British Isles for the first time as well as all over the globe and it was an overwhelming success.

Fans loved the studio show when captain Davie Weir and youngster Andy Little were the special guests of Alison Walker.

And they lapped up the commentary from Tom Miller who was ably assisted by Rangers legend Derek Johnstone.

Normally British fans are only able to watch games on demand but a special deal with the SPL and broadcasters Sky meant Rangers could create another first.

Stay in the picture with RangersTV

SUBSCRIBE NOW! RangersTV Standard This package allows you to access all of our channels and view any programme twice.

Subscribe Monthly (£5) Subscribe Annually (£49)

RangersTV Plus This package allows you to view any programme as often as you like. It will be your very own Rangers library. It does not include Live.

THE month of August is set to be a huge one for the Light Blues and you get to the heart of your favourite club every day with RangersTV. Regular presenter Lindsay Herron brings you the breaking stories and interviews on Blues News every day.

And Alison Walker is your host for our Match Live shows when we bring you a full pre-match show with a guest, half-time analysis and a full-time verdict.

We’ve got a tough schedule coming up with away matches at Inverness and Motherwell before Aberdeen come to Ibrox on August 27 – as well as European action.

You can watch every Rangers game live if you live outside of the UK and on demand thereafter.

Look out for a special programme on Alex MacDonald when the midfield dynamo talks exclusively and expansively about his tremendous Rangers career.

Subscribe Monthly (£12) Subscribe Annually (£96)

RangersTV Unlimited This package is for overseas fans only.

As well as all the features of RangersTVPlus it also includes all our Live games (where we have access to an OB and rights).

Subscribe Monthly ($28.50) Subscribe Annually ($299)

Go to www.rangerstv.tv YOU CAN ALSO WATCH ON RANGERSTV LITE Check out Blues News every night on RangersTV Lite as well as match highlights of every Rangers game PLUS the chance to hear live audio commentary of every Rangers game.

Go to www.rangers.co.uk for details

30

31

Breaking new ground RANGERS are leading the way in football with the club’s ground-breaking internet TV channel.

For the first time in British football we were able to screen a league match live online in the UK when we broadcast the opening game of the season on July 23.

The curtain-raiser with Hearts which included the unfurling of the Championship flag was available to viewers in the British Isles for the first time as well as all over the globe and it was an overwhelming success.

Fans loved the studio show when captain Davie Weir and youngster Andy Little were the special guests of Alison Walker.

And they lapped up the commentary from Tom Miller who was ably assisted by Rangers legend Derek Johnstone.

Normally British fans are only able to watch games on demand but a special deal with the SPL and broadcasters Sky meant Rangers could create another first.

Stay in the picture with RangersTV

SUBSCRIBE NOW! RangersTV Standard This package allows you to access all of our channels and view any programme twice.

Subscribe Monthly (£5) Subscribe Annually (£49)

RangersTV Plus This package allows you to view any programme as often as you like. It will be your very own Rangers library. It does not include Live.

THE month of August is set to be a huge one for the Light Blues and you get to the heart of your favourite club every day with RangersTV. Regular presenter Lindsay Herron brings you the breaking stories and interviews on Blues News every day.

And Alison Walker is your host for our Match Live shows when we bring you a full pre-match show with a guest, half-time analysis and a full-time verdict.

We’ve got a tough schedule coming up with away matches at Inverness and Motherwell before Aberdeen come to Ibrox on August 27 – as well as European action.

You can watch every Rangers game live if you live outside of the UK and on demand thereafter.

Look out for a special programme on Alex MacDonald when the midfield dynamo talks exclusively and expansively about his tremendous Rangers career.

Subscribe Monthly (£12) Subscribe Annually (£96)

RangersTV Unlimited This package is for overseas fans only.

As well as all the features of RangersTVPlus it also includes all our Live games (where we have access to an OB and rights).

Subscribe Monthly ($28.50) Subscribe Annually ($299)

Go to www.rangerstv.tv YOU CAN ALSO WATCH ON RANGERSTV LITE Check out Blues News every night on RangersTV Lite as well as match highlights of every Rangers game PLUS the chance to hear live audio commentary of every Rangers game.

Go to www.rangers.co.uk for details

30

31

Goal of the Month

IT’S competition time and your chance to win a brand new Rangers home jersey signed by Spanish star Juan Manuel Ortiz.

All you have to do to be in with a shout of claiming it is look at our selection of goals from July and pick your favourite one.

If your selection matches the one chosen

GOAL A

GOAL D

Juan Manuel Ortiz v Linfield, July 16

Steven Naismith v

St Johnstone, July 30

With Rangers still seeking their first goal of pre-season, Ortiz gave them it in the friendly win at Linfield in some style. Latching on to a flick from Steven Naismith, he took a great first touch to control in the left channel then stepped back inside his marker before rolling a composed right-footed shot under Alan Blayney.

GOAL E

David Healy had just missed a good chance to put Rangers 2-1 up at Windsor Park but made up for it with a terrific defence-splitting pass for Naismith to run on to and he did the rest, taking a touch to steady himself before drilling an unstoppable shot past the keeper from just inside the penalty area.

Davis and Naismith were both key players again as they teamed up on the break, with the former playing inside and the ball then being passed first time on to Jelavic. He showed good upper body strength to wrestle free from his marker and despite being forced wide, he slotted in a powerful strike from 18 yards to seal a 2-0 victory.

Nikica Jelavic v St Johnstone, July 30

GOAL C

Steven Davis v Blackpool, July 19 Gers were already a goal to the good through Davis, who signed a five-year contract earlier in the day, when he added this superb second at Bloomfield Road. The Ulsterman won possession in midfield and played out wide to Nikica Jelavic before receiving the ball again and jinking past two men then shooting low past Matt Gilks.

32

Locked at 0-0 with Saints in Perth, Naismith put the visitors in front with a fantastic leaping header. Lee Wallace’s delivery from a deep free kick after Jelavic was fouled by Murray Davidson was inch perfect and Naismith’s effort on the turn at the penalty spot gave Peter Enckelman no chance of saving.

GOAL B

Steven Naismith v Linfield, July 16

by our panel of experts, you could be receiving the shirt autographed by Ally McCoist’s first signing as boss.

The Light Blues scored nine times in preseason and competitive fixtures during July and we’ve got a shortlist of five strikes for you to consider:

Once you have made your choice, all you have to do is text RANGERS then a space and either A, B, C, D or E to 88442.

Texts cost £1.50 plus your usual charge and if you match the choice of our panel of experts, you could be

a big winner!

The competition will run until noon on Monday, August 22 and terms and conditions can be found online at the club’s official website,www.rangers.co.uk.

The Editor’s decision is final.

YOU CAN WATCH ALL THE GOALS ON RANGERSTV.TV – SUBSCRIBE NOW!

33

Goal of the Month

IT’S competition time and your chance to win a brand new Rangers home jersey signed by Spanish star Juan Manuel Ortiz.

All you have to do to be in with a shout of claiming it is look at our selection of goals from July and pick your favourite one.

If your selection matches the one chosen

GOAL A

GOAL D

Juan Manuel Ortiz v Linfield, July 16

Steven Naismith v

St Johnstone, July 30

With Rangers still seeking their first goal of pre-season, Ortiz gave them it in the friendly win at Linfield in some style. Latching on to a flick from Steven Naismith, he took a great first touch to control in the left channel then stepped back inside his marker before rolling a composed right-footed shot under Alan Blayney.

GOAL E

David Healy had just missed a good chance to put Rangers 2-1 up at Windsor Park but made up for it with a terrific defence-splitting pass for Naismith to run on to and he did the rest, taking a touch to steady himself before drilling an unstoppable shot past the keeper from just inside the penalty area.

Davis and Naismith were both key players again as they teamed up on the break, with the former playing inside and the ball then being passed first time on to Jelavic. He showed good upper body strength to wrestle free from his marker and despite being forced wide, he slotted in a powerful strike from 18 yards to seal a 2-0 victory.

Nikica Jelavic v St Johnstone, July 30

GOAL C

Steven Davis v Blackpool, July 19 Gers were already a goal to the good through Davis, who signed a five-year contract earlier in the day, when he added this superb second at Bloomfield Road. The Ulsterman won possession in midfield and played out wide to Nikica Jelavic before receiving the ball again and jinking past two men then shooting low past Matt Gilks.

32

Locked at 0-0 with Saints in Perth, Naismith put the visitors in front with a fantastic leaping header. Lee Wallace’s delivery from a deep free kick after Jelavic was fouled by Murray Davidson was inch perfect and Naismith’s effort on the turn at the penalty spot gave Peter Enckelman no chance of saving.

GOAL B

Steven Naismith v Linfield, July 16

by our panel of experts, you could be receiving the shirt autographed by Ally McCoist’s first signing as boss.

The Light Blues scored nine times in preseason and competitive fixtures during July and we’ve got a shortlist of five strikes for you to consider:

Once you have made your choice, all you have to do is text RANGERS then a space and either A, B, C, D or E to 88442.

Texts cost £1.50 plus your usual charge and if you match the choice of our panel of experts, you could be

a big winner!

The competition will run until noon on Monday, August 22 and terms and conditions can be found online at the club’s official website,www.rangers.co.uk.

The Editor’s decision is final.

YOU CAN WATCH ALL THE GOALS ON RANGERSTV.TV – SUBSCRIBE NOW!

33

Marlborough He rebuilt Ibrox, he rebuilt Rangers and now he talks for the first time in nearly 30 years

A

S Craig Whyte unfurled the League Championship flag on July 23 a very special guest looked on approvingly from the Directors Box. He was pleased to be there on such an occasion of pomp and ceremony and his mind was cast back to similar if less spectacular events from a different era.

After all it was he who set about creating the magnificent arena that is Ibrox Stadium and it was he who funded the revival of Rangers’ fortunes to drag them out of the doldrums.

This special guest might just have had a tip or two for Mr Whyte when they chatted in the Blue Room because he is a former owner – he is Lawrence Marlborough.

Notoriously private, the man who sold Rangers to David Murray in 1988 was convivial, articulate and insightful when he spoke to Rangers Monthly, giving his first media interview in nearly 30 years.

The man who has been based in Nevada since the 1980s revealed why he sold Rangers and ended the Lawrence dynasty which had stretched back to the 1940s; he insisted David Murray stayed on too long and he predicts that Craig Whyte will lead Rangers to new glories.

Marlborough, now 69, is the grandson of the late John Lawrence, of the famous Glasgow house-building company name, who was involved with Rangers from 1948 and became chairman in 1963.

It was Lawrence who immersed Marlborough in Rangers taking him to Ibrox in some considerable style from a young age.

When the building tycoon – his famous slogan was “A home of your own by John Lawrence” – stepped down as Chairman in 1973 the young Marlborough became the company’s representative on the Board.

And when Lawrence passed away at the age of 82 in 1977, Marlborough assumed control of the Lawrence Group company and two years later he was Rangers vice-chairman.

34

Marlborough actually quit the Ibrox board in 1983, bringing a temporary end to an already long association between the Lawrence family and Rangers.

But two years later the dynasty took outright control of the club when John Lawrence (Glasgow) Ltd increased its shareholding in Rangers to 52%, following a deal with club vice-chairman Jack Gillespie.

and he has scarcely been seen or heard of again – until now.

Visiting Ibrox for the first time in over five years, Malrborough was virtually under the radar as he watched the Whyte era begin in earnest.

He told the Monthly: “It was nice to be back at Ibrox at the Hearts game. I remember my grandfather took me there when I was nine years old so I have been

“I followed the team in my younger days then I became a director, then I became an owner and now I’m just a fan! It’s nice being just a fan.”

John Lawrence

That allowed Marlborough to have two directors on the Ibrox board, John Paton and David Holmes, then chief executive of the John Lawrence Group, and within a year a revolution took place with the appointment of Graeme Souness as manager.

With the Souness era in full swing he sold Rangers to David Murray in November 1988 for a number of reasons

a fan for 60 years.

“I followed the team in my younger days then I became a director, then I became an owner and now I’m just a fan! It’s nice being just a fan.

“Ibrox has not changed that much and the name of the game has not changed either – it’s still hard to win games and the fans are the same passionate lot.

“My grandfather got involved in 1948 or 1949 I think and it was soon after that that he took me to my first game.

“He used to meet up with other directors in the St Enoch’s Hotel and then he would travel to the match in what you call a limo these days.

“So I was packed into this limo and sitting opposite me was Alan Morton.

You might think this was a good thing but it scared the hell out of me!”

Marlborough’s main involvement began when John Lawrence stepped down in 1973. Rangers had won the European Cup Winners’ Cup the year before in Barcelona and they won the Scottish Cup that year in an epic final with Celtic.

However, they were living in the

Exclusive Lindsay Herron Photography Aileen Wilson

35

Marlborough He rebuilt Ibrox, he rebuilt Rangers and now he talks for the first time in nearly 30 years

A

S Craig Whyte unfurled the League Championship flag on July 23 a very special guest looked on approvingly from the Directors Box. He was pleased to be there on such an occasion of pomp and ceremony and his mind was cast back to similar if less spectacular events from a different era.

After all it was he who set about creating the magnificent arena that is Ibrox Stadium and it was he who funded the revival of Rangers’ fortunes to drag them out of the doldrums.

This special guest might just have had a tip or two for Mr Whyte when they chatted in the Blue Room because he is a former owner – he is Lawrence Marlborough.

Notoriously private, the man who sold Rangers to David Murray in 1988 was convivial, articulate and insightful when he spoke to Rangers Monthly, giving his first media interview in nearly 30 years.

The man who has been based in Nevada since the 1980s revealed why he sold Rangers and ended the Lawrence dynasty which had stretched back to the 1940s; he insisted David Murray stayed on too long and he predicts that Craig Whyte will lead Rangers to new glories.

Marlborough, now 69, is the grandson of the late John Lawrence, of the famous Glasgow house-building company name, who was involved with Rangers from 1948 and became chairman in 1963.

It was Lawrence who immersed Marlborough in Rangers taking him to Ibrox in some considerable style from a young age.

When the building tycoon – his famous slogan was “A home of your own by John Lawrence” – stepped down as Chairman in 1973 the young Marlborough became the company’s representative on the Board.

And when Lawrence passed away at the age of 82 in 1977, Marlborough assumed control of the Lawrence Group company and two years later he was Rangers vice-chairman.

34

Marlborough actually quit the Ibrox board in 1983, bringing a temporary end to an already long association between the Lawrence family and Rangers.

But two years later the dynasty took outright control of the club when John Lawrence (Glasgow) Ltd increased its shareholding in Rangers to 52%, following a deal with club vice-chairman Jack Gillespie.

and he has scarcely been seen or heard of again – until now.

Visiting Ibrox for the first time in over five years, Malrborough was virtually under the radar as he watched the Whyte era begin in earnest.

He told the Monthly: “It was nice to be back at Ibrox at the Hearts game. I remember my grandfather took me there when I was nine years old so I have been

“I followed the team in my younger days then I became a director, then I became an owner and now I’m just a fan! It’s nice being just a fan.”

John Lawrence

That allowed Marlborough to have two directors on the Ibrox board, John Paton and David Holmes, then chief executive of the John Lawrence Group, and within a year a revolution took place with the appointment of Graeme Souness as manager.

With the Souness era in full swing he sold Rangers to David Murray in November 1988 for a number of reasons

a fan for 60 years.

“I followed the team in my younger days then I became a director, then I became an owner and now I’m just a fan! It’s nice being just a fan.

“Ibrox has not changed that much and the name of the game has not changed either – it’s still hard to win games and the fans are the same passionate lot.

“My grandfather got involved in 1948 or 1949 I think and it was soon after that that he took me to my first game.

“He used to meet up with other directors in the St Enoch’s Hotel and then he would travel to the match in what you call a limo these days.

“So I was packed into this limo and sitting opposite me was Alan Morton.

You might think this was a good thing but it scared the hell out of me!”

Marlborough’s main involvement began when John Lawrence stepped down in 1973. Rangers had won the European Cup Winners’ Cup the year before in Barcelona and they won the Scottish Cup that year in an epic final with Celtic.

However, they were living in the

Exclusive Lindsay Herron Photography Aileen Wilson

35

shadow of their great rivals in terms of the Championship as Celtic had won every title since the 1965/66 season.

Things had to change on the field, but equally importantly was the renovation of the stadium to make it safer following the horrific events of the Ibrox Disaster when 66 people died in a nightmarish crushing accident at the back of the Copland Road end following the Old Firm derby on January 2, 1971.

Rangers were successful on both fronts and the third major achievement of Marlborough was to sanction the funding to enable Holmes to make the Souness revolution happen.

He said: “I became a director in 1973 and it was at a time when Celtic were on their run of Championships.

“We were determined to stop them from getting to 10 in a row and thankfully we did that in 1975 and we went on to enjoy a very good period after that by winning two Trebles.

“At the same time we were involved in a major project to rebuild the stands as a result of the Stairway 13 Disaster.

“We had a great bunch of players in that period and it was great to see so many of them still around the club today.

“It was great to meet up and chat with so many of them when I was at the Hearts match.

“We had a great spell in the 1970s and then a not so good spell in the early 1980s – although I try not to remember the difficult times!

“The thing is you also have ups and downs in football. In between the 1976 and 1978 Trebles we didn’t win any of the major trophies which may seem strange but that’s just the way football is at times.

“Things were pretty down in the mid1980s and fans of today probably can’t imagine what it’s like to have crowds of only 18,000 or 20,000.

“We built the stands and we had a great looking stadium but we had to then gee up the team and that’s when we brought in Graeme Souness.

“It was a rebirth of the club and Graeme was able to bring in players like Terry Butcher and it was a very exciting time.

“It was down to David Holmes and Graeme what happened at that time but I was obviously watching what was going on.

“I had moved to America by this point and they kept in touch with me to tell me what 36

Holmes, Souness and Butcher watch the unfurling of the championship flag in 1987

was happening.

“The thing was they always called when they had bad news and the first bad news was the first game of the 1986/87 season when Graeme was sent off against Hibs.

“So that led to a little conversation!

“They were good times for Rangers and they were great times for me because I was delighted that the club had come good again and I was basically letting David and Graeme do what they wanted to do and they did a great job.”

It may seem strange, therefore, that at a time when Rangers were in the ascendancy he chose to sell off his major shareholding and hand over the reins to David Murray who then presided over arguably the greatest period in Rangers’ history.

He explained: “Our organisation was not in the best of shape at the time, that’s fair to say, and I was also 6000

miles away from Ibrox so I couldn’t run the club in a hands-on way.

“I also believe there is a certain length of time where you can be a football club owner. I think that period is 10 years.

That’s enough for anybody. If you haven’t done what you hoped to do in 10 years it’s time to move on.

“Any person who owns a club comes in and says they never want to leave but once the novelty wears off, it becomes very hard work – a grind even.

“David did very well in the beginning but then after a period you could tell that it wasn’t working. The magic wears off.

“So I was really happy to see the deal done this year that allowed Craig Whyte to come in.

“He obviously has a flair for doing what he is doing and I hope he does very well.

I met him at the Hearts match and I was very impressed with him.

“He is a charming man but I think he is determined to do the job and he knows what he is letting himself in for.”

Marlborough may have been officially disassociated with the club for 23 years but he is still a keen supporter. Indeed he watches Rangers whenever he can the club’s internet TV channel.

He said: “I watch the games live on RangersTV. I pay my nine dollars and 99 cents to tune in so I keep up pretty well on that score and I can follow what’s going on every day on the internet.

“Once you’re a fan – no matter where you are in the world – you always want to find out the latest score or the latest information.

“I actually tried to go and watch other teams with some people but it just didn’t work. Once a Ranger, always a Ranger. In fact once a fan of any club, you remain with that club.

“I have met people from all over the world and they never lose their affinity for their first love and I’m the same.”

37

shadow of their great rivals in terms of the Championship as Celtic had won every title since the 1965/66 season.

Things had to change on the field, but equally importantly was the renovation of the stadium to make it safer following the horrific events of the Ibrox Disaster when 66 people died in a nightmarish crushing accident at the back of the Copland Road end following the Old Firm derby on January 2, 1971.

Rangers were successful on both fronts and the third major achievement of Marlborough was to sanction the funding to enable Holmes to make the Souness revolution happen.

He said: “I became a director in 1973 and it was at a time when Celtic were on their run of Championships.

“We were determined to stop them from getting to 10 in a row and thankfully we did that in 1975 and we went on to enjoy a very good period after that by winning two Trebles.

“At the same time we were involved in a major project to rebuild the stands as a result of the Stairway 13 Disaster.

“We had a great bunch of players in that period and it was great to see so many of them still around the club today.

“It was great to meet up and chat with so many of them when I was at the Hearts match.

“We had a great spell in the 1970s and then a not so good spell in the early 1980s – although I try not to remember the difficult times!

“The thing is you also have ups and downs in football. In between the 1976 and 1978 Trebles we didn’t win any of the major trophies which may seem strange but that’s just the way football is at times.

“Things were pretty down in the mid1980s and fans of today probably can’t imagine what it’s like to have crowds of only 18,000 or 20,000.

“We built the stands and we had a great looking stadium but we had to then gee up the team and that’s when we brought in Graeme Souness.

“It was a rebirth of the club and Graeme was able to bring in players like Terry Butcher and it was a very exciting time.

“It was down to David Holmes and Graeme what happened at that time but I was obviously watching what was going on.

“I had moved to America by this point and they kept in touch with me to tell me what 36

Holmes, Souness and Butcher watch the unfurling of the championship flag in 1987

was happening.

“The thing was they always called when they had bad news and the first bad news was the first game of the 1986/87 season when Graeme was sent off against Hibs.

“So that led to a little conversation!

“They were good times for Rangers and they were great times for me because I was delighted that the club had come good again and I was basically letting David and Graeme do what they wanted to do and they did a great job.”

It may seem strange, therefore, that at a time when Rangers were in the ascendancy he chose to sell off his major shareholding and hand over the reins to David Murray who then presided over arguably the greatest period in Rangers’ history.

He explained: “Our organisation was not in the best of shape at the time, that’s fair to say, and I was also 6000

miles away from Ibrox so I couldn’t run the club in a hands-on way.

“I also believe there is a certain length of time where you can be a football club owner. I think that period is 10 years.

That’s enough for anybody. If you haven’t done what you hoped to do in 10 years it’s time to move on.

“Any person who owns a club comes in and says they never want to leave but once the novelty wears off, it becomes very hard work – a grind even.

“David did very well in the beginning but then after a period you could tell that it wasn’t working. The magic wears off.

“So I was really happy to see the deal done this year that allowed Craig Whyte to come in.

“He obviously has a flair for doing what he is doing and I hope he does very well.

I met him at the Hearts match and I was very impressed with him.

“He is a charming man but I think he is determined to do the job and he knows what he is letting himself in for.”

Marlborough may have been officially disassociated with the club for 23 years but he is still a keen supporter. Indeed he watches Rangers whenever he can the club’s internet TV channel.

He said: “I watch the games live on RangersTV. I pay my nine dollars and 99 cents to tune in so I keep up pretty well on that score and I can follow what’s going on every day on the internet.

“Once you’re a fan – no matter where you are in the world – you always want to find out the latest score or the latest information.

“I actually tried to go and watch other teams with some people but it just didn’t work. Once a Ranger, always a Ranger. In fact once a fan of any club, you remain with that club.

“I have met people from all over the world and they never lose their affinity for their first love and I’m the same.”

37

The Right Choice Exclusive! Alex MacDonald snubbed the Lisbon Lions to become a Barcelona Bear

O

NCE a Ranger, always a Ranger. It’s a phrase heard often from the mouths of former Light Blues players and for Alex MacDonald it is so evidently true.

Thirty years after the left the club to move to Edinburgh and pick up his career with Hearts he retains a deep affection for his time at Ibrox and the team he has supported since his youth.

He reflects frequently on the history of the club and its tradition of success, though he remains too humble to dwell on his own significant part in that litany of silverware.

A huge part of the team that delivered Rangers’ only European trophy to date, MacDonald still wears his medal from the Cup Winners Cup final of 1972 round his neck.

But as he gets set to celebrate his Rangers days at a tribute dinner early next month Doddie has made the stunning revelation that his career almost took a very different path.

Just days before Davie White made his move to take MacDonald from St Johnstone to Ibrox he was approached by a certain Jock Stein.

38

The Celtic manager was eager to make MacDonald an addition to a squad that had just completed the third of nine successive titles and had won the European Cup the year before.

Aged just 20, MacDonald had a major decision to make: a switch to what was at the time the country’s top side, or hold out for his boyhood heroes.

In the end, all he needed was a little patience and the call from Ibrox came.

From then on there was, in Doddie’s mind, no decision to be made.

He said: “Jock Stein spoke to me about going to Parkhead, but luckily Davie White came in soon after, which was great for me.

“It was right around the same time, and it would have been a hard decision for me to go to Parkhead.

“Jock Stein was the man at that time, but it’s the way of the world.

One door closes and another opens but I think it was the right decision for me.

“It was funny how it happened. I came off a train from Perth and I was waiting on a bus and Mr Stein stopped

in his car and asked where I was going.

“I told him I was heading to my granny’s and he gave me a lift and we spoke about a move, but within a week Rangers had made their move.

“Everyone at St Johnstone was wondering why I was wearing a collar and tie to training for three weeks, but it worked out ok for me.

“It wasn’t really a decision then and there was a story in the press saying I wanted to join Rangers and from that point everything else was out.

“Celtic were an ageing team and Rangers were bringing in younger players and we went on to have success with those lads later on.”

But while success came for MacDonald, it was by no means instant. Celtic continued to dominate and Alex struggled to settle at Ibrox under White.

He made only nine appearances in that first season after signing in November of 1968, and by his own admission didn’t really click as a Rangers player until Willie Waddell took charge a little over 12 months later.

Words David Melvin Photography Aileen Wilson

39

The Right Choice Exclusive! Alex MacDonald snubbed the Lisbon Lions to become a Barcelona Bear

O

NCE a Ranger, always a Ranger. It’s a phrase heard often from the mouths of former Light Blues players and for Alex MacDonald it is so evidently true.

Thirty years after the left the club to move to Edinburgh and pick up his career with Hearts he retains a deep affection for his time at Ibrox and the team he has supported since his youth.

He reflects frequently on the history of the club and its tradition of success, though he remains too humble to dwell on his own significant part in that litany of silverware.

A huge part of the team that delivered Rangers’ only European trophy to date, MacDonald still wears his medal from the Cup Winners Cup final of 1972 round his neck.

But as he gets set to celebrate his Rangers days at a tribute dinner early next month Doddie has made the stunning revelation that his career almost took a very different path.

Just days before Davie White made his move to take MacDonald from St Johnstone to Ibrox he was approached by a certain Jock Stein.

38

The Celtic manager was eager to make MacDonald an addition to a squad that had just completed the third of nine successive titles and had won the European Cup the year before.

Aged just 20, MacDonald had a major decision to make: a switch to what was at the time the country’s top side, or hold out for his boyhood heroes.

In the end, all he needed was a little patience and the call from Ibrox came.

From then on there was, in Doddie’s mind, no decision to be made.

He said: “Jock Stein spoke to me about going to Parkhead, but luckily Davie White came in soon after, which was great for me.

“It was right around the same time, and it would have been a hard decision for me to go to Parkhead.

“Jock Stein was the man at that time, but it’s the way of the world.

One door closes and another opens but I think it was the right decision for me.

“It was funny how it happened. I came off a train from Perth and I was waiting on a bus and Mr Stein stopped

in his car and asked where I was going.

“I told him I was heading to my granny’s and he gave me a lift and we spoke about a move, but within a week Rangers had made their move.

“Everyone at St Johnstone was wondering why I was wearing a collar and tie to training for three weeks, but it worked out ok for me.

“It wasn’t really a decision then and there was a story in the press saying I wanted to join Rangers and from that point everything else was out.

“Celtic were an ageing team and Rangers were bringing in younger players and we went on to have success with those lads later on.”

But while success came for MacDonald, it was by no means instant. Celtic continued to dominate and Alex struggled to settle at Ibrox under White.

He made only nine appearances in that first season after signing in November of 1968, and by his own admission didn’t really click as a Rangers player until Willie Waddell took charge a little over 12 months later.

Words David Melvin Photography Aileen Wilson

39

push style.

“For three weeks he was on my back at training and I really felt the pressure, but it worked and I can’t thank him enough for that.

“I don’t know what would have happened to me if Willie Waddell hadn’t come to the club when he did.

“The first few years were very difficult because I felt like I knew each of the supporters individually.

“I had grown up just along the road from Ibrox in Tradeston so I felt there was a lot of pressure on me to perform.

“During training I was always at the front of the pack but come a game day my legs seemed to go with the nerves.

“It took me a while to be able to put those nerves to the back of my mind and just play the game like I trained.”

Eventually that paid off for MacDonald as he went on to earn 12 major honours in 12 years at Ibrox, including that Cup Winners Cup medal he wears so proudly.

Yet still he reflects on that first day at Ibrox as one of the proudest moments of a footballing career that saw him hit the heights in Europe.

He said: “I was a fan, so just coming through the door was a great experience for me.

“At one point my wife and her friend managed to burn down our flat in Tradeston so we moved in with her uncle right across the road from Ibrox.

“Every morning after I left school I was leaving the house and walking past the front door to get a train to Perth to train with St Johnstone.

“Then all of a sudden I’m walking through the front door at Ibrox so I found myself standing and wondering to myself if I was dreaming. I’m still glad to this day that I wasn’t.”

While MacDonald may well be best remembered as a key component of that side that won in Barcelona in 1972 he enjoyed a spell that saw one of the most successful times in Rangers’ history.

After a barren spell of four years he played his part in returning silverware to Ibrox in 1970 when he started the move that led to Derek Johnstone’s winning League Cup final goal, releasing Willie Johnston to set up DJ. “That was absolutely brilliant,” recalled Doddie. “I gave the ball to wee Bud and he did the damage before big Derek put it away and that took a lot of pressure off us.

“Celtic were the team at that time, but we started a wee bit of history that day and I don’t think we looked back from

“Willie Waddell certainly made me the player I was.”

that point on.”

Look back they did not and 18 months later, Rangers would emerge triumphant from Barcelona and MacDonald played all nine matches in that European winning campaign.

He scored crucial goals against Rennes and Torino en route to the final and aged just 24 was an important part of the side that ended as winners over Moscow Dynamo in the Nou Camp.

“That final was a great experience and it was a great team to be part of. It’s

something you never forget as a player and it is way up there at the top of my achievements.

“It didn’t really sink in at the time and I’m not sure it has even now. It was such a huge occasion but we went out and we did the business.

“When we came back to Ibrox I saw Bobby Shearer among the fans and he was standing where I would have stood watching him as a player. That was pretty amazing for me.”

It would be another three years before Rangers would finally reclaim the league title from Celtic and MacDonald was a key figure in the team that wrestled the championship back in 1975.

That, it seemed, was the real kick start for a spell of domination for the Light Blues as MacDonald and his team mates came of age.

Having clinched the league the previous season expectations were high in the 1975/76 campaign.

Things got off to the perfect start in October 1975 with MacDonald providing the only goal of an Old Firm League Cup final at Hampden, a moment he still treasures.

“As a boy you want to score a winning goal,” he said. “And in that League Cup it happened for me and I was just hoping it would end that way. I didn’t want anyone else to get a goal!”

The title duly followed, before MacDonald added another goal to his tally as the treble was clinched with a 3-1 Scottish Cup final win over Hearts.

Two seasons later it was a domestic clean sweep again, with Celtic reprising their role as losers in the League Cup and MacDonald again hitting the net at Hampden in the Scottish Cup. It was a remarkable period, but for MacDonald it was what he had come to expect: “I don’t mean it in a bad way, because it was a great experience, but it was all expected.

“That’s what happens at Rangers, you’re either successful or you’re not in the team and we were all fortunate enough to be in a team that enjoyed success.

“We had a great team spirit at the time and when you list all the trophies and the two trebles it can sound really straightforward and maybe even a bit boring!

“But it certainly wasn’t for us. We had a good team. It doesn’t quite roll off the tongue like Millar, Brand and Wilson but we had good players.”

The Alex MacDonald tribute dinner takes place at Glasgow’s Thistle Hotel on Friday, September 2. Call 0141 420 2025 or visit www.alex-macdonald.co.uk for details.

41

push style.

“For three weeks he was on my back at training and I really felt the pressure, but it worked and I can’t thank him enough for that.

“I don’t know what would have happened to me if Willie Waddell hadn’t come to the club when he did.

“The first few years were very difficult because I felt like I knew each of the supporters individually.

“I had grown up just along the road from Ibrox in Tradeston so I felt there was a lot of pressure on me to perform.

“During training I was always at the front of the pack but come a game day my legs seemed to go with the nerves.

“It took me a while to be able to put those nerves to the back of my mind and just play the game like I trained.”

Eventually that paid off for MacDonald as he went on to earn 12 major honours in 12 years at Ibrox, including that Cup Winners Cup medal he wears so proudly.

Yet still he reflects on that first day at Ibrox as one of the proudest moments of a footballing career that saw him hit the heights in Europe.

He said: “I was a fan, so just coming through the door was a great experience for me.

“At one point my wife and her friend managed to burn down our flat in Tradeston so we moved in with her uncle right across the road from Ibrox.

“Every morning after I left school I was leaving the house and walking past the front door to get a train to Perth to train with St Johnstone.

“Then all of a sudden I’m walking through the front door at Ibrox so I found myself standing and wondering to myself if I was dreaming. I’m still glad to this day that I wasn’t.”

While MacDonald may well be best remembered as a key component of that side that won in Barcelona in 1972 he enjoyed a spell that saw one of the most successful times in Rangers’ history.

After a barren spell of four years he played his part in returning silverware to Ibrox in 1970 when he started the move that led to Derek Johnstone’s winning League Cup final goal, releasing Willie Johnston to set up DJ. “That was absolutely brilliant,” recalled Doddie. “I gave the ball to wee Bud and he did the damage before big Derek put it away and that took a lot of pressure off us.

“Celtic were the team at that time, but we started a wee bit of history that day and I don’t think we looked back from

“Willie Waddell certainly made me the player I was.”

that point on.”

Look back they did not and 18 months later, Rangers would emerge triumphant from Barcelona and MacDonald played all nine matches in that European winning campaign.

He scored crucial goals against Rennes and Torino en route to the final and aged just 24 was an important part of the side that ended as winners over Moscow Dynamo in the Nou Camp.

“That final was a great experience and it was a great team to be part of. It’s

something you never forget as a player and it is way up there at the top of my achievements.

“It didn’t really sink in at the time and I’m not sure it has even now. It was such a huge occasion but we went out and we did the business.

“When we came back to Ibrox I saw Bobby Shearer among the fans and he was standing where I would have stood watching him as a player. That was pretty amazing for me.”

It would be another three years before Rangers would finally reclaim the league title from Celtic and MacDonald was a key figure in the team that wrestled the championship back in 1975.

That, it seemed, was the real kick start for a spell of domination for the Light Blues as MacDonald and his team mates came of age.

Having clinched the league the previous season expectations were high in the 1975/76 campaign.

Things got off to the perfect start in October 1975 with MacDonald providing the only goal of an Old Firm League Cup final at Hampden, a moment he still treasures.

“As a boy you want to score a winning goal,” he said. “And in that League Cup it happened for me and I was just hoping it would end that way. I didn’t want anyone else to get a goal!”

The title duly followed, before MacDonald added another goal to his tally as the treble was clinched with a 3-1 Scottish Cup final win over Hearts.

Two seasons later it was a domestic clean sweep again, with Celtic reprising their role as losers in the League Cup and MacDonald again hitting the net at Hampden in the Scottish Cup. It was a remarkable period, but for MacDonald it was what he had come to expect: “I don’t mean it in a bad way, because it was a great experience, but it was all expected.

“That’s what happens at Rangers, you’re either successful or you’re not in the team and we were all fortunate enough to be in a team that enjoyed success.

“We had a great team spirit at the time and when you list all the trophies and the two trebles it can sound really straightforward and maybe even a bit boring!

“But it certainly wasn’t for us. We had a good team. It doesn’t quite roll off the tongue like Millar, Brand and Wilson but we had good players.”

The Alex MacDonald tribute dinner takes place at Glasgow’s Thistle Hotel on Friday, September 2. Call 0141 420 2025 or visit www.alex-macdonald.co.uk for details.

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Rangers uber alles!

in s r ermany G Ge

Powerful German politician David loves the Light Blues

T

“It was a great pleasure to meet Ally McCoist and his players. I remember I had a Panini sticker of Ally around the time of the 1990 World Cup – although he had longer hair then!”

42

HERE is something rather remarkable about the fact that the Berlin-born son of a Scottish soldier could be on course to become the next President of Germany.

Oh, and he just happens to be a lifelong Rangers supporter!

David McAllister is the man in question and he was a special visitor to Rangers’ pre-season training headquarters on the outskirts of the sleepy German hamlet of Herzlake.

McAllister is the Prime Minster of the state of Lower Saxony and presides over eight million people. The very nature of his family name means that he can never escape his Scottish roots.

However, he is virtually 100 per cent German and has had such a steady rise in the political scene that he is being heavily tipped to become the future Federal president.

It was therefore akin to a ‘state visit’ when the 40-year-old lawyer visited the Romantik Hotel Asalager Mühle last month.

He pulled into the car park in a blacked out people carrier and armed security guards quietly positioned themselves in the grounds of the hotel.

There was clearly no imminent danger to the Prime Minister but it indicates the power of the office he carries.

He was the ultimate politician as he addressed the players and then met them individually before chatting to manager Ally McCoist and Director of Football Gordon Smith over some coffee.

McAllister’s story is an indication of how the world changes and moves on.

His father actually fought against the Germans in the Second World War and was then part of the peace-keeping force during the Cold War. However, here he is as a hugely influential and powerful politician.

Speaking in perfect England with a Scottish twang he told Rangers Monthly: “My father was born in Glasgow in 1919 – near Hampden Park actually – and he came to Germany for the first time during

the Second World War as a soldier with the 51st Highlanders.

“He came back in the 1950s to work for the British Military Government and like so many others he met a German lassie and got married.

“I was born in 1971 and when he retired in 1982 we moved from West Berlin to Northern Germany.

“It was later there that I got involved in local politics and I became mayor of

my home town. Then last year I became Prime Minister of Lower Saxony when my predecessor Mr Christian Wulff became German Federal President.

“Even although I am 99 per cent German I still have Scottish roots and if you have a surname like McAllister then you are always reminded of Scottish origin.

“I have childhood memories of Irn Bru and at Christmas I always used to get The Broons annuals!

“My father was a keen Rangers supporter and I remember when I was growing up we used to listen out for the score every Saturday night on British Forces Broadcasting Services when James Alexander Gordon read out the classified results.

“My family in Scotland used to send

Words Lindsay Herron

me Rangers shirts when I was a teenager and I regularly check out to see how they are doing.

“I am obviously delighted to see they have been doing well in the last few years and I hope they go on to have a very good season.

“It would also be great if they were drawn against a German team in Europe and then I might have a chance of seeing them in Germany.”

The Prime Minister is the equivalent of Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond and was thrilled to take time out of his busy schedule to travel from Hannover to meet and chat with the squad.

The Rangers manager handed over a signed shirt and other club memorabilia and formally invited Mr McAllister to visit Ibrox and Murray Park.

The Prime Minister said: “It was a great moment for me to meet Ally McCoist and the players.

“I was very pleased that Rangers spent a week in Lower Saxony and when I heard they were there and was invited to come and visit I was more than delighted.

“It was a great pleasure to meet Ally McCoist and his players. I remember I had a Panini sticker of Ally around the time of the 1990 World Cup – although he had longer hair then!

“Ally and Gordon Smith have kindly invited me to come to Ibrox and I would love to do that at some point in the future.

“The First Minister has invited me and I will probably go in either March, April or May and perhaps we can tie the two things in.

“I have been told that Alex Salmond is a Hearts fan so it would be ideal if we could go to a Rangers-Hearts match.”

McCoist said: “It was tremendous to meet David. It’s a great honour for us that he took time out from his busy schedule to come and visit us.

“We would love him to come across to Ibrox for a game in the future and he said he would love to come.”

43

Rangers uber alles!

in s r ermany G Ge

Powerful German politician David loves the Light Blues

T

“It was a great pleasure to meet Ally McCoist and his players. I remember I had a Panini sticker of Ally around the time of the 1990 World Cup – although he had longer hair then!”

42

HERE is something rather remarkable about the fact that the Berlin-born son of a Scottish soldier could be on course to become the next President of Germany.

Oh, and he just happens to be a lifelong Rangers supporter!

David McAllister is the man in question and he was a special visitor to Rangers’ pre-season training headquarters on the outskirts of the sleepy German hamlet of Herzlake.

McAllister is the Prime Minster of the state of Lower Saxony and presides over eight million people. The very nature of his family name means that he can never escape his Scottish roots.

However, he is virtually 100 per cent German and has had such a steady rise in the political scene that he is being heavily tipped to become the future Federal president.

It was therefore akin to a ‘state visit’ when the 40-year-old lawyer visited the Romantik Hotel Asalager Mühle last month.

He pulled into the car park in a blacked out people carrier and armed security guards quietly positioned themselves in the grounds of the hotel.

There was clearly no imminent danger to the Prime Minister but it indicates the power of the office he carries.

He was the ultimate politician as he addressed the players and then met them individually before chatting to manager Ally McCoist and Director of Football Gordon Smith over some coffee.

McAllister’s story is an indication of how the world changes and moves on.

His father actually fought against the Germans in the Second World War and was then part of the peace-keeping force during the Cold War. However, here he is as a hugely influential and powerful politician.

Speaking in perfect England with a Scottish twang he told Rangers Monthly: “My father was born in Glasgow in 1919 – near Hampden Park actually – and he came to Germany for the first time during

the Second World War as a soldier with the 51st Highlanders.

“He came back in the 1950s to work for the British Military Government and like so many others he met a German lassie and got married.

“I was born in 1971 and when he retired in 1982 we moved from West Berlin to Northern Germany.

“It was later there that I got involved in local politics and I became mayor of

my home town. Then last year I became Prime Minister of Lower Saxony when my predecessor Mr Christian Wulff became German Federal President.

“Even although I am 99 per cent German I still have Scottish roots and if you have a surname like McAllister then you are always reminded of Scottish origin.

“I have childhood memories of Irn Bru and at Christmas I always used to get The Broons annuals!

“My father was a keen Rangers supporter and I remember when I was growing up we used to listen out for the score every Saturday night on British Forces Broadcasting Services when James Alexander Gordon read out the classified results.

“My family in Scotland used to send

Words Lindsay Herron

me Rangers shirts when I was a teenager and I regularly check out to see how they are doing.

“I am obviously delighted to see they have been doing well in the last few years and I hope they go on to have a very good season.

“It would also be great if they were drawn against a German team in Europe and then I might have a chance of seeing them in Germany.”

The Prime Minister is the equivalent of Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond and was thrilled to take time out of his busy schedule to travel from Hannover to meet and chat with the squad.

The Rangers manager handed over a signed shirt and other club memorabilia and formally invited Mr McAllister to visit Ibrox and Murray Park.

The Prime Minister said: “It was a great moment for me to meet Ally McCoist and the players.

“I was very pleased that Rangers spent a week in Lower Saxony and when I heard they were there and was invited to come and visit I was more than delighted.

“It was a great pleasure to meet Ally McCoist and his players. I remember I had a Panini sticker of Ally around the time of the 1990 World Cup – although he had longer hair then!

“Ally and Gordon Smith have kindly invited me to come to Ibrox and I would love to do that at some point in the future.

“The First Minister has invited me and I will probably go in either March, April or May and perhaps we can tie the two things in.

“I have been told that Alex Salmond is a Hearts fan so it would be ideal if we could go to a Rangers-Hearts match.”

McCoist said: “It was tremendous to meet David. It’s a great honour for us that he took time out from his busy schedule to come and visit us.

“We would love him to come across to Ibrox for a game in the future and he said he would love to come.”

43

in s r ermany G Ge

Kane’s Pre-Season Diary

Tuesday, July 5 Tommy Wilson told me this morning at Murray Park that I would be travelling with the firstteam to Germany so I’m absolutely buzzing.

Never been there before so should be a great experience and a lot of hard work as well. Just looked out my Gers tracksuit, toiletries and picked a few DVDs so I’m ready to go!

Rising star Kane Hemmings was thrilled to take part in his first preseason with the first team and he kept a special diary for Rangers Monthly of his memorable summer.

Friday, July 8 Training is starting to pick up now and all the boys are working really hard to build up their fitness levels. It’s hot out here which is nice so we are doing a lot of stretching as well as a lot of ball work and possession drills. Being the youngest I am usually first in to the possession boxes but it’s all good fun and the banter in the squad is excellent. I also got the chance to speak to my mum and my granddad about my debut and they were really pleased. Later on I popped in to Wyldey’s room for quick game of FIFA 11.

Saturday, July 9 It’s been another big day as we faced Bochum in our second pre-season game. I have been really impressed with the stadiums in Lotte and Bochum and it’s great to see so many Rangers fans travelling supporting the team. Unfortunately we lost 3-0 but I replaced our new signing Juan Manuel Ortiz after 70 minutes and again it was great to get a run-out.

I feel I’m getting sharper and stronger every day and hopefully my first senior goal will not be far away.

Wednesday, July 6 Flew out from Glasgow to Munster Airport in a small propeller plane which had a few of the boys fearing for their lives! It was a bit bumpy after take-off but we got there safely in the end. I sat next to our physio Stevie Walker during the flight having been punted down the front of the plane so the card games could begin at the back. Our hotel is in the middle of nowhere but the location and facilities are perfect for preseason.

Sunday, July 10 Thursday, July 7 Somehow managed to get a good night’s sleep on our first night in Herzlake. Rooming with Thomas Kind Bendiksen who is a great lad but his snoring is terrible! Didn’t do a lot of training today with the game against Sportfreunde Lotte kicking off at 6pm. Disappointed to lose 1-0 but I played in the second half and it was my first team debut as well. I thought I did ok and maybe should have scored but it was a very proud moment.

44

We watched clips of the Bochum game on a big screen set up in our eating area by Steve Harvey and the third goal was actually my fault which was disappointing. I didn’t realise that until I saw the footage back. But we now have a three-day break from games so it will be training all the way prior to our third match against Bayer Leverkusen. In between sessions it’s important to rest but we have also had the chance to play tennis in the indoor hall which was a good laugh. I didn’t really take part because of my recent knee injury but I had a couple of shots and that was enough!

45

in s r ermany G Ge

Kane’s Pre-Season Diary

Tuesday, July 5 Tommy Wilson told me this morning at Murray Park that I would be travelling with the firstteam to Germany so I’m absolutely buzzing.

Never been there before so should be a great experience and a lot of hard work as well. Just looked out my Gers tracksuit, toiletries and picked a few DVDs so I’m ready to go!

Rising star Kane Hemmings was thrilled to take part in his first preseason with the first team and he kept a special diary for Rangers Monthly of his memorable summer.

Friday, July 8 Training is starting to pick up now and all the boys are working really hard to build up their fitness levels. It’s hot out here which is nice so we are doing a lot of stretching as well as a lot of ball work and possession drills. Being the youngest I am usually first in to the possession boxes but it’s all good fun and the banter in the squad is excellent. I also got the chance to speak to my mum and my granddad about my debut and they were really pleased. Later on I popped in to Wyldey’s room for quick game of FIFA 11.

Saturday, July 9 It’s been another big day as we faced Bochum in our second pre-season game. I have been really impressed with the stadiums in Lotte and Bochum and it’s great to see so many Rangers fans travelling supporting the team. Unfortunately we lost 3-0 but I replaced our new signing Juan Manuel Ortiz after 70 minutes and again it was great to get a run-out.

I feel I’m getting sharper and stronger every day and hopefully my first senior goal will not be far away.

Wednesday, July 6 Flew out from Glasgow to Munster Airport in a small propeller plane which had a few of the boys fearing for their lives! It was a bit bumpy after take-off but we got there safely in the end. I sat next to our physio Stevie Walker during the flight having been punted down the front of the plane so the card games could begin at the back. Our hotel is in the middle of nowhere but the location and facilities are perfect for preseason.

Sunday, July 10 Thursday, July 7 Somehow managed to get a good night’s sleep on our first night in Herzlake. Rooming with Thomas Kind Bendiksen who is a great lad but his snoring is terrible! Didn’t do a lot of training today with the game against Sportfreunde Lotte kicking off at 6pm. Disappointed to lose 1-0 but I played in the second half and it was my first team debut as well. I thought I did ok and maybe should have scored but it was a very proud moment.

44

We watched clips of the Bochum game on a big screen set up in our eating area by Steve Harvey and the third goal was actually my fault which was disappointing. I didn’t realise that until I saw the footage back. But we now have a three-day break from games so it will be training all the way prior to our third match against Bayer Leverkusen. In between sessions it’s important to rest but we have also had the chance to play tennis in the indoor hall which was a good laugh. I didn’t really take part because of my recent knee injury but I had a couple of shots and that was enough!

45

in s r ermany G Ge

Thursday, July 14 I managed to go for a quick swim in the pool before we left the Romantik Hotel for Munster Airport which must be the quietest airport I have ever been to in my life. There was literally no one in apart from security staff! Again the flight home was a bit hairy at times but it was good to get back to Glasgow, hopefully I will be involved in our next match against Linfield on Saturday.

Monday, July 11

Feeling pretty tired but fitness is definitely improving. Away from training I’ve just been chilling out and keeping in touch with people back home on my laptop. I’ve also watched a couple of films today, The Blind Side with Sandra Bullock which was sad but decent and also From Paris With Love which stars John Travolta which was also pretty good. They’re Steven Naismith’s DVDs so must remember to give them back!

Friday, July 15 Took it easy today after the trip to Germany and tried to relax as much as possible ahead of another big weekend.

Saturday, July 16 Today turned out to be the biggest of my career so far as I managed to net my first senior goal for Rangers and I was over the moon. It was a great to get on for David Healy, a Northern Ireland legend, but to then score our fourth goal in the 4-1 win was a dream come true.

Team played really well on the day and it was also nice to see Rhys McCabe in our squad for the game.

Tuesday, July 12 Training was again hard but I’m really enjoying it and feeling the benefit. After missing a lot of football through injury last season it’s great to be fit again. Tonight the coaches also organised a quiz which was good fun and I now know we have a squad full of cheats and bad singers!

Greegsy, Davie Weir, Jig, Flecky and Juan eventually won although it was difficult for Juan to understand what was going on! I was in with Hutts, Grant Adam, Thomas and Wyldey and we came second last with Jelavic, Sasa and Salim behind us. Like Juan they were baffled by the questions so we effectively finished bottom of the pile which was pretty embarrassing really.

Wednesday, July 13 Spirits were high going in to our final game against Bayer Leverkusen although we knew it would be a difficult match against a side that finished second in the Bundesliga last season. This proved to be spot on and it was another great workout for the boys that played. I was disappointed not to get on but being part of the squad for that match was a good experience and although the game was at a relatively small ground called the Takko Stadion I was amazed at the number of fans that turned out to support both teams.

46

Sunday, July 17

Monday, July 18

Still on a high after scoring in Belfast and was told to play in a testimonial match against Shotts Bon Accord at Hannah Park along with Kyle Hutton, John Fleck and Gregg Wylde. It was another good opportunity for me to get some match action and I managed to score two early on which boosted my confidence further.

Game finished 3-2 with Flecky getting the winner.

It’s been a busy few days but scoring three goals over the weekend was great and I’m feeling sharp. Today I again met up with the first-team squad and we travelled down to Blackpool for our final friendly of the summer against Ian Holloway’s Blackpool.

Tuesday, July 19 Chilled out at the hotel before kick-off and the manager ran through the team and what he expected on the night. In the first half Steven Davis put us two goals ahead and at half-time I replaced Nikica Jelavic. To face a side that last season played in the Premiership was fantastic although I had a great chance to score when I was one-on-one with their keeper. Gutted about that but overall it’s been a great three weeks for me and hopefully I can now stay injury-free and make my SPL debut this season.

47

in s r ermany G Ge

Thursday, July 14 I managed to go for a quick swim in the pool before we left the Romantik Hotel for Munster Airport which must be the quietest airport I have ever been to in my life. There was literally no one in apart from security staff! Again the flight home was a bit hairy at times but it was good to get back to Glasgow, hopefully I will be involved in our next match against Linfield on Saturday.

Monday, July 11

Feeling pretty tired but fitness is definitely improving. Away from training I’ve just been chilling out and keeping in touch with people back home on my laptop. I’ve also watched a couple of films today, The Blind Side with Sandra Bullock which was sad but decent and also From Paris With Love which stars John Travolta which was also pretty good. They’re Steven Naismith’s DVDs so must remember to give them back!

Friday, July 15 Took it easy today after the trip to Germany and tried to relax as much as possible ahead of another big weekend.

Saturday, July 16 Today turned out to be the biggest of my career so far as I managed to net my first senior goal for Rangers and I was over the moon. It was a great to get on for David Healy, a Northern Ireland legend, but to then score our fourth goal in the 4-1 win was a dream come true.

Team played really well on the day and it was also nice to see Rhys McCabe in our squad for the game.

Tuesday, July 12 Training was again hard but I’m really enjoying it and feeling the benefit. After missing a lot of football through injury last season it’s great to be fit again. Tonight the coaches also organised a quiz which was good fun and I now know we have a squad full of cheats and bad singers!

Greegsy, Davie Weir, Jig, Flecky and Juan eventually won although it was difficult for Juan to understand what was going on! I was in with Hutts, Grant Adam, Thomas and Wyldey and we came second last with Jelavic, Sasa and Salim behind us. Like Juan they were baffled by the questions so we effectively finished bottom of the pile which was pretty embarrassing really.

Wednesday, July 13 Spirits were high going in to our final game against Bayer Leverkusen although we knew it would be a difficult match against a side that finished second in the Bundesliga last season. This proved to be spot on and it was another great workout for the boys that played. I was disappointed not to get on but being part of the squad for that match was a good experience and although the game was at a relatively small ground called the Takko Stadion I was amazed at the number of fans that turned out to support both teams.

46

Sunday, July 17

Monday, July 18

Still on a high after scoring in Belfast and was told to play in a testimonial match against Shotts Bon Accord at Hannah Park along with Kyle Hutton, John Fleck and Gregg Wylde. It was another good opportunity for me to get some match action and I managed to score two early on which boosted my confidence further.

Game finished 3-2 with Flecky getting the winner.

It’s been a busy few days but scoring three goals over the weekend was great and I’m feeling sharp. Today I again met up with the first-team squad and we travelled down to Blackpool for our final friendly of the summer against Ian Holloway’s Blackpool.

Tuesday, July 19 Chilled out at the hotel before kick-off and the manager ran through the team and what he expected on the night. In the first half Steven Davis put us two goals ahead and at half-time I replaced Nikica Jelavic. To face a side that last season played in the Premiership was fantastic although I had a great chance to score when I was one-on-one with their keeper. Gutted about that but overall it’s been a great three weeks for me and hopefully I can now stay injury-free and make my SPL debut this season.

47

in s r ermany G Ge

RANGERS geared up for the new campaign as they based themselves at a quiet country hotel near the village of Herzlake – and Rangers Monthly was there to get behind the scenes!

There were some special guests at the training HQ when members of 1 Medical Regiment based in Munster were invited along to meet Ally McCoist and his squad, watch training and be presented with strips by kit man Jimmy Bell.

Lower Saxony Prime Minister David McAllister also visited the team and was able to converse with Director of Football Gordon Smith in either English or German! Gordon learned to speak German when he played in Austria and Switzerland.

There were a number of bikes on site which allowed the group to explore the surrounding area and that’s exactly what Kenny McDowall and Ian Durrant did when they had a bit of free time.

Manager Ally McCoist and keeper Allan McGregor also showed their prowess on the tennis court, taking advantage of great indoor facilities which kept the players going.

Exclusive photography by Kirk O’Rourke

48

49

in s r ermany G Ge

RANGERS geared up for the new campaign as they based themselves at a quiet country hotel near the village of Herzlake – and Rangers Monthly was there to get behind the scenes!

There were some special guests at the training HQ when members of 1 Medical Regiment based in Munster were invited along to meet Ally McCoist and his squad, watch training and be presented with strips by kit man Jimmy Bell.

Lower Saxony Prime Minister David McAllister also visited the team and was able to converse with Director of Football Gordon Smith in either English or German! Gordon learned to speak German when he played in Austria and Switzerland.

There were a number of bikes on site which allowed the group to explore the surrounding area and that’s exactly what Kenny McDowall and Ian Durrant did when they had a bit of free time.

Manager Ally McCoist and keeper Allan McGregor also showed their prowess on the tennis court, taking advantage of great indoor facilities which kept the players going.

Exclusive photography by Kirk O’Rourke

48

49

Blue

Belles

L

INDSAY BRICKNELL is the latest Rangers fanatic bidding to become our Blue Belle of the Year in our competition for female followers of the SPL champions.

Between July and next April, we are featuring 10 different supporters modelling the club’s kits on our various media platforms.

We’ll then give you the chance to vote for your favourite before we announce our winner next June.

After Nikola Bonova got the ball rolling last month in issue one of Rangers Monthly, Lindsay joined our snapper Kirk O’Rourke for an exclusive photo shoot.

The 21-year-old, who comes from Bathgate and works for the club’s official travel partner Thomas Cook, was blown away by the experience as she’s a huge Light Blues fan.

Lindsay said: “Getting my pictures taken in the home dressing room was great. It’s such a fantastic place and I’d love to be voted as the club’s Blue Belle of the Year.”

If you would like to take part, please send three recent photos of yourself and contact details to us at editor@rangers. co.uk. Previous applicants are welcome to enter again.

You can also post your entry to: Blue Belles, Rangers Media, Rangers Football Club, Ibrox Stadium, 150 Edmiston Drive, Glasgow, G51 2XD. You must be 18 or over.

51

Blue

Belles

L

INDSAY BRICKNELL is the latest Rangers fanatic bidding to become our Blue Belle of the Year in our competition for female followers of the SPL champions.

Between July and next April, we are featuring 10 different supporters modelling the club’s kits on our various media platforms.

We’ll then give you the chance to vote for your favourite before we announce our winner next June.

After Nikola Bonova got the ball rolling last month in issue one of Rangers Monthly, Lindsay joined our snapper Kirk O’Rourke for an exclusive photo shoot.

The 21-year-old, who comes from Bathgate and works for the club’s official travel partner Thomas Cook, was blown away by the experience as she’s a huge Light Blues fan.

Lindsay said: “Getting my pictures taken in the home dressing room was great. It’s such a fantastic place and I’d love to be voted as the club’s Blue Belle of the Year.”

If you would like to take part, please send three recent photos of yourself and contact details to us at editor@rangers. co.uk. Previous applicants are welcome to enter again.

You can also post your entry to: Blue Belles, Rangers Media, Rangers Football Club, Ibrox Stadium, 150 Edmiston Drive, Glasgow, G51 2XD. You must be 18 or over.

51

Words David Melvin Photography Kirk O’Rourke

Laying

foundations Billy Kirkwood has another new side to build for the season ahead as he looks to continue the process of moving youngsters from youth team to first team

W

HILE Ally McCoist is aiming to build his first team as Rangers manager there is a group of coaches trying to provide him with talent from Murray Park’s youth ranks.

Jim Sinclair and his staff have done an admirable job in the past few season of augmenting a first team squad that was being steadily trimmed.

The likes of Gregg Wylde and Kyle Hutton made the step up last year to win League Cup medals under Walter Smith, while Jamie Ness won the club’s Goal of the Season award for a blistering strike against Celtic.

So while the youth department experienced another painful Hampden defeat in the SFA Youth Cup final last year and finished behind rivals Celtic and Hearts in the under-19 league, it was still deemed a successful campaign.

They had continued to provide the first team with options and maintained a challenge at youth level until the very end of the season.

The targets remain the same this season, but under-19 coach Billy

52

Kirkwood will be aiming to take an entirely different group of youngsters on the next step of their careers.

He has lost a host of his more senior under-19s, who are now ineligible at that level and will instead operate under the stewardship of Tommy Wilson as part of

and he seems to relish the challenge of polishing the gems in the group and trying to help each and every player make their own individual progress.

He speaks glowingly of the players that have already made the grade, attributing the credit for their successes to the

“A lot of the lads have moved up to the reserve squad and we’re hoping for big things from them as they look to progress in to the first team.” a reserve set up.

Kirkwood welcomes a fresh batch who will take up the challenge of first impressing their under-19 coach and ultimately following in the footsteps of the likes of Wylde and Hutton.

Taking a new group under his wing is not something that is new to Kirky

players and not his own contribution.

He describes last season as a success, despite his obvious frustrations back in April as a promising campaign failed to deliver silverware.

And, after a summer restructuring his squad, he seems enthused about the campaign ahead and the bid for more

53

Words David Melvin Photography Kirk O’Rourke

Laying

foundations Billy Kirkwood has another new side to build for the season ahead as he looks to continue the process of moving youngsters from youth team to first team

W

HILE Ally McCoist is aiming to build his first team as Rangers manager there is a group of coaches trying to provide him with talent from Murray Park’s youth ranks.

Jim Sinclair and his staff have done an admirable job in the past few season of augmenting a first team squad that was being steadily trimmed.

The likes of Gregg Wylde and Kyle Hutton made the step up last year to win League Cup medals under Walter Smith, while Jamie Ness won the club’s Goal of the Season award for a blistering strike against Celtic.

So while the youth department experienced another painful Hampden defeat in the SFA Youth Cup final last year and finished behind rivals Celtic and Hearts in the under-19 league, it was still deemed a successful campaign.

They had continued to provide the first team with options and maintained a challenge at youth level until the very end of the season.

The targets remain the same this season, but under-19 coach Billy

52

Kirkwood will be aiming to take an entirely different group of youngsters on the next step of their careers.

He has lost a host of his more senior under-19s, who are now ineligible at that level and will instead operate under the stewardship of Tommy Wilson as part of

and he seems to relish the challenge of polishing the gems in the group and trying to help each and every player make their own individual progress.

He speaks glowingly of the players that have already made the grade, attributing the credit for their successes to the

“A lot of the lads have moved up to the reserve squad and we’re hoping for big things from them as they look to progress in to the first team.” a reserve set up.

Kirkwood welcomes a fresh batch who will take up the challenge of first impressing their under-19 coach and ultimately following in the footsteps of the likes of Wylde and Hutton.

Taking a new group under his wing is not something that is new to Kirky

players and not his own contribution.

He describes last season as a success, despite his obvious frustrations back in April as a promising campaign failed to deliver silverware.

And, after a summer restructuring his squad, he seems enthused about the campaign ahead and the bid for more

53

success at youth and senior level.

“We’re used to the changeover now because it’s always there, sometimes on a yearly basis and sometimes in a two year cycle,” explains Kirkwood.

“A lot of the lads have moved up to the reserve squad and we’re hoping for big things from them as they look to progress in to the first team.

“Also at under-19 level there were a number of lads who left and a new influx of players as well. And at the under-16 and under-17 level there are a number who have come on full time.

“It keeps the job interesting and it keeps it fresh. It’s something that we have to do all the time, assessing what’s coming through and how the boys are progressing.

“We look at the guys at 15s and 16s level to see if they are worthy of a full time contract and then we look and see if they can step up to 19s.

“And at 19s we’re looking for the boys who can make the grade at first team level like so may have done in the past few seasons.”

Not all of Kirkwood’s senior 19s from last season will be ready to slot straight in to McCoist’s plans for the new campaign, but he loses several nonetheless.

So he’ll turn to those who were just emerging last season to be the mainstay of his new-look under-19 side.

Kirkwood said: “You look to the guys who were first year 19s last season to step up and become the cornerstone of the team and hopefully continue to progress.

“We say to them all at the start of the

season that their challenge is to reach cup finals and challenge for the title and to try to win both competitions.

“But individually their goal is to win contracts with the reserves and there have been a number of lads who have achieved that from last year.

“We’re looking for those boys to augment the first team or, if the gaffer prefers, to go out on loan and to gain experience.

“It’s been great for the youth department over the past few years to

see so many players make the step up to the first team level, and we want more of that again.”

Kirkwood refers repeatedly to that group of reserves, those players not yet deemed first-team squad members, but without a recognised level at which to compete.

The likes of Chris Hegarty, Darren Cole, Rhys McCabe and Kane Hemmings find themselves in that group in a position of limbo until they are regarded as competitors for a first team start.

“It’s been great for the youth department over the past few years to see so many players make the step up to the first team level, and we want more of that again.”

Rhys McCabe

McCabe and Hemmings have both had their opportunities in pre-season with the first team and have been impressive in flashes.

But Kirkwood would love to see them have a level at which to compete regularly and to prove that they are worthy of the chance to have an impact at senior level.

Without an official reserve league, that competition simply isn’t there and Kirkwood insists that Rangers will provide games for those players in the absence of a reserve competition.

And he admits that the risk of losing some young players who don’t develop as quickly as others is something that both Rangers and Scottish football as a whole should be concerned about.

He said: “I think it’s a big concern for a lot of clubs and we’re looking at one or two things to aid the progress of these lads.

“Some clubs will cut their staff numbers to reduce the wage bill so it maybe suits them not to have a reserve team, but I think for the benefit of Scottish football it’s something that needs to be looked at.

“Whether that means reducing the age group to under-18 and then having a reserve league or you have a reserve league alongside the under-19s, it’s something that needs looked at.

“There are a lot of young players that are moved out of the door early at a lot of clubs around Scotland and are

55

success at youth and senior level.

“We’re used to the changeover now because it’s always there, sometimes on a yearly basis and sometimes in a two year cycle,” explains Kirkwood.

“A lot of the lads have moved up to the reserve squad and we’re hoping for big things from them as they look to progress in to the first team.

“Also at under-19 level there were a number of lads who left and a new influx of players as well. And at the under-16 and under-17 level there are a number who have come on full time.

“It keeps the job interesting and it keeps it fresh. It’s something that we have to do all the time, assessing what’s coming through and how the boys are progressing.

“We look at the guys at 15s and 16s level to see if they are worthy of a full time contract and then we look and see if they can step up to 19s.

“And at 19s we’re looking for the boys who can make the grade at first team level like so may have done in the past few seasons.”

Not all of Kirkwood’s senior 19s from last season will be ready to slot straight in to McCoist’s plans for the new campaign, but he loses several nonetheless.

So he’ll turn to those who were just emerging last season to be the mainstay of his new-look under-19 side.

Kirkwood said: “You look to the guys who were first year 19s last season to step up and become the cornerstone of the team and hopefully continue to progress.

“We say to them all at the start of the

season that their challenge is to reach cup finals and challenge for the title and to try to win both competitions.

“But individually their goal is to win contracts with the reserves and there have been a number of lads who have achieved that from last year.

“We’re looking for those boys to augment the first team or, if the gaffer prefers, to go out on loan and to gain experience.

“It’s been great for the youth department over the past few years to

see so many players make the step up to the first team level, and we want more of that again.”

Kirkwood refers repeatedly to that group of reserves, those players not yet deemed first-team squad members, but without a recognised level at which to compete.

The likes of Chris Hegarty, Darren Cole, Rhys McCabe and Kane Hemmings find themselves in that group in a position of limbo until they are regarded as competitors for a first team start.

“It’s been great for the youth department over the past few years to see so many players make the step up to the first team level, and we want more of that again.”

Rhys McCabe

McCabe and Hemmings have both had their opportunities in pre-season with the first team and have been impressive in flashes.

But Kirkwood would love to see them have a level at which to compete regularly and to prove that they are worthy of the chance to have an impact at senior level.

Without an official reserve league, that competition simply isn’t there and Kirkwood insists that Rangers will provide games for those players in the absence of a reserve competition.

And he admits that the risk of losing some young players who don’t develop as quickly as others is something that both Rangers and Scottish football as a whole should be concerned about.

He said: “I think it’s a big concern for a lot of clubs and we’re looking at one or two things to aid the progress of these lads.

“Some clubs will cut their staff numbers to reduce the wage bill so it maybe suits them not to have a reserve team, but I think for the benefit of Scottish football it’s something that needs to be looked at.

“Whether that means reducing the age group to under-18 and then having a reserve league or you have a reserve league alongside the under-19s, it’s something that needs looked at.

“There are a lot of young players that are moved out of the door early at a lot of clubs around Scotland and are

55

Under-19 SPL Fixtures 2011/12 August Sat 13 Kilmarnock | Home SPL Sat 20 St Johnstone | Away SPL Sat 27 Hearts | Home SPL

September Billy Kirkwood has a new group to work with for the 2011/12 season but the goals are still the same

effectively on the scrapheap.

“That’s a bit unfair on them because they need somewhere to play, a platform on which to perform because they don’t always come through and flourish so early in the manner of some of the players we’ve had in the past few seasons.

“Sometimes it takes a bit longer so it’s something that not just us, but the whole of Scottish football, needs to look at in a bit more detail.”

It may be that with McCoist given the opportunity to add to his first team group in a way that Walter Smith couldn’t in recent seasons there is scope for some of those players caught between the two sides to leave Murray Park on loan.

That’s something that Kirkwood would welcome, as he cites Allan McGregor as the perfect example of how loan experience can be a real advantage.

“I think it can be important for players to go and see the other side of things in terms of training facilities and the way other clubs prepare for games,” said Kirkwood.

“They also have to learn to stand on their own two feet and to be picked or not picked on the strength of their performances.

“That’s something the lads have to learn, that when they become a fullyfledged professional they are playing for appearance money and bonuses but most importantly for three points for whichever club they’re turning out for.

“But if the players are not out on loan they’ll get enough from the reserves to be ready. We’re going to organise a lot of reserve games and be self-sufficient in that regard.”

Self-sufficiency is the ultimate aim for any football club, and while there will always be a need for transfers, the goal of Murray Park is to generate as many

first team players as possible.

And that begins with attracting the best young talent available to sign on at youth level, something Kirkwood reckons gets easier with every player who makes the transition from under-19s to first team at Rangers.

He said: “When you have a training complex like the one we have at Rangers that houses the first team and the youth department you hope that entices lads to come along and sign.

“But more than that it’s about getting these lads through to the first team and that shows players that there is a path there to progress.

“It’s never easy though. Sometimes you will get a good batch coming through and other times you’ll have fallow years, but you’re looking for lads to progress all the time.

“It’s up to them though. We can give them the nuts and bolts but they have to put everything together to build the kind of special player that goes and plays in the Rangers first team.

“That process starts from the under-15 level when you are assessing them and whether they are good enough for the next step.

“Then you have to test them as first year pros and then as under-19 players and that’s when you start looking at the first team.

“Sometimes you’re looking at someone at the age of 14 or 15 and trying to assess if they can go on to play in the Rangers first team.

“That’s something that is on-going all the time, but we get greedy because we want both. We want them to progress, but we want them to be winning leagues and cups along the way.”

The under-19s season kicks off on August 13 against Kilmarnock at Murray Park.

Sat 03 Inverness | Away SPL Sat 10 Dunfermline | Away SPL Sat 17 Hibs | Home SPL

October Sat 01 Motherwell | Away SPL Sat 08 Celtic | Home SPL Sat 15 Aberdeen | Home SPL Sat 22 Dundee Utd | Away SPL Sat 29 St Mirren | Home SPL

November Sat 05 Hearts | Away SPL Sun 13 | Youth Cup R3 Sat 19 Inverness | Home SPL Sat 26 Hibs | Away SPL

December Sat 03 St Johnstone | Home SPL Sun 11 | Youth Cup R4

February Sat 04 Kilmarnock | Away SPL Sun 12 | Youth Cup QF Sat 18 Dunfermline | Home SPL Sat 25 Aberdeen | Away SPL

March Sat 03 Dundee Utd | Home SPL Sat 10 St Mirren | Away SPL Sat 17 Celtic | Away SPL Sun 25 | Youth Cup semi Sat 31 Motherwell | Home SPL

April Wed 25 | Youth Cup final All fixtures subject to change.

See www.rangers.co.uk for kick-off times.

57

Under-19 SPL Fixtures 2011/12 August Sat 13 Kilmarnock | Home SPL Sat 20 St Johnstone | Away SPL Sat 27 Hearts | Home SPL

September Billy Kirkwood has a new group to work with for the 2011/12 season but the goals are still the same

effectively on the scrapheap.

“That’s a bit unfair on them because they need somewhere to play, a platform on which to perform because they don’t always come through and flourish so early in the manner of some of the players we’ve had in the past few seasons.

“Sometimes it takes a bit longer so it’s something that not just us, but the whole of Scottish football, needs to look at in a bit more detail.”

It may be that with McCoist given the opportunity to add to his first team group in a way that Walter Smith couldn’t in recent seasons there is scope for some of those players caught between the two sides to leave Murray Park on loan.

That’s something that Kirkwood would welcome, as he cites Allan McGregor as the perfect example of how loan experience can be a real advantage.

“I think it can be important for players to go and see the other side of things in terms of training facilities and the way other clubs prepare for games,” said Kirkwood.

“They also have to learn to stand on their own two feet and to be picked or not picked on the strength of their performances.

“That’s something the lads have to learn, that when they become a fullyfledged professional they are playing for appearance money and bonuses but most importantly for three points for whichever club they’re turning out for.

“But if the players are not out on loan they’ll get enough from the reserves to be ready. We’re going to organise a lot of reserve games and be self-sufficient in that regard.”

Self-sufficiency is the ultimate aim for any football club, and while there will always be a need for transfers, the goal of Murray Park is to generate as many

first team players as possible.

And that begins with attracting the best young talent available to sign on at youth level, something Kirkwood reckons gets easier with every player who makes the transition from under-19s to first team at Rangers.

He said: “When you have a training complex like the one we have at Rangers that houses the first team and the youth department you hope that entices lads to come along and sign.

“But more than that it’s about getting these lads through to the first team and that shows players that there is a path there to progress.

“It’s never easy though. Sometimes you will get a good batch coming through and other times you’ll have fallow years, but you’re looking for lads to progress all the time.

“It’s up to them though. We can give them the nuts and bolts but they have to put everything together to build the kind of special player that goes and plays in the Rangers first team.

“That process starts from the under-15 level when you are assessing them and whether they are good enough for the next step.

“Then you have to test them as first year pros and then as under-19 players and that’s when you start looking at the first team.

“Sometimes you’re looking at someone at the age of 14 or 15 and trying to assess if they can go on to play in the Rangers first team.

“That’s something that is on-going all the time, but we get greedy because we want both. We want them to progress, but we want them to be winning leagues and cups along the way.”

The under-19s season kicks off on August 13 against Kilmarnock at Murray Park.

Sat 03 Inverness | Away SPL Sat 10 Dunfermline | Away SPL Sat 17 Hibs | Home SPL

October Sat 01 Motherwell | Away SPL Sat 08 Celtic | Home SPL Sat 15 Aberdeen | Home SPL Sat 22 Dundee Utd | Away SPL Sat 29 St Mirren | Home SPL

November Sat 05 Hearts | Away SPL Sun 13 | Youth Cup R3 Sat 19 Inverness | Home SPL Sat 26 Hibs | Away SPL

December Sat 03 St Johnstone | Home SPL Sun 11 | Youth Cup R4

February Sat 04 Kilmarnock | Away SPL Sun 12 | Youth Cup QF Sat 18 Dunfermline | Home SPL Sat 25 Aberdeen | Away SPL

March Sat 03 Dundee Utd | Home SPL Sat 10 St Mirren | Away SPL Sat 17 Celtic | Away SPL Sun 25 | Youth Cup semi Sat 31 Motherwell | Home SPL

April Wed 25 | Youth Cup final All fixtures subject to change.

See www.rangers.co.uk for kick-off times.

57

Words David Melvin Photography Kirk O’Rourke

Double Vision New boys Tom and Kim Skogsrud both have eyes on first team spot

58

T

HERE will be plenty of new faces for fans following Billy Kirkwood’s under-19s side to get used to this season.

The youth team has had a huge influx of new players so it will be an unfamiliar line up that takes to the field in the side’s first few games.

But to add confusion to the matter, two of those new faces are identical.

Tom and Kim Skogsrud are 18-yearold twins from Norway who signed on at Murray Park in the summer from Manchester City.

The two defenders are hoping to make an instant impact at their new club and both admit that their long term targets are to reach Ally McCoist’s first team.

The prospect of progress from the youth ranks to the top team was one of the main attractions for the brothers when moving from Eastlands.

As they sit down for their first interview since arriving at the club the only distinguishing features are the shirt numbers they wear on their training tops.

And as they answer questions it becomes clear the similarities are there in character and according to Tom, on the pitch too.

He said: “We’re quite similar on the pitch too, although I play mostly at left back and Kim plays as a centre back.

“It’s hard to say what I’m better at than him because we are very similar players really, both strong and quite good with our feet.”

Those attributes are what Kim says will help them in their bid to make steady progress up the ranks after coming to Glasgow from City’s under-18 side.

Kim said: “It’s a great opportunity for us both and I’m really looking forward to it.

I think it’s going to be a really good move for us and I can’t wait until the season starts.

“We chose to come to Rangers because we see there is a better opportunity for us to get through to the first team here than there was at Manchester City.

“That’s our target now. First of all we know we have to do well at the under-19 level and hopefully after that we can do well, improve and maybe get involved with the first team.

“Obviously the goal is to do that as quickly as possible but I know we need to

have patience and train hard to achieve that.

“But I’m 18 now so I think I need to be looking towards the first team. I have one year at under-19 level but with the way training works here sometimes the first team coaches will watch the under-19 training so you always have to try to impress.”

Tom knows the first target in terms of McCoist’s top team is to be part of a match day squad.

He added: “I want to impress the coaches here at under-19 level and hopefully I can then impress the first team coaches, and maybe make it on to the bench for the first team this season.

“I have played for two seasons at under-18 level with Manchester City so I have some experience at that age and now I can take that to the under-19 level here.”

Kim says he has been impressed by the standard of the facilities, coaches and players at Murray Park over the course of training in the summer.

But he says that comes as no surprise, because he had expected to find a high standard at a club with Rangers’ history.

He added: “The coaches here are really

“Most of the players we had at Manchester City were internationals and working with them every day makes you a better player.”

Both players seem to have settled quickly in to their new environment and there is little question that while their command of the language helps, it is the fact they travel as a pair that has eased their integration in to a welcoming group.

Kim said: “Having my brother here also helps me to settle and he’s there for support.

“I feel quite settled already. I lived in Manchester for two years so obviously my English is improving and I feel it hasn’t been hard to get to know the people here.

“There is a nice group of lads here and socially it is a very good club to be with.

Everybody has been welcoming and that has been a big help.

“It’s a great club to be part of and we know there are some fans in Norway who have been wishing us well and telling us about the history of the club and its successes.”

Tom echoed that feeling and says it was a straightforward choice to move north when the opportunity arose.

He said: “Rangers has a great history and I knew it was a big club so it wasn’t a difficult decision to make to come here from Manchester.

“I had a look around with my family and friends so I knew what to expect when I came here. It’s a big club of course with a big history.

“It makes things a lot easier to have my brother around. We have had our family over too and that helps us to settle in.”

“Rangers has a great history and I knew it was a big club so it wasn’t a difficult decision to make to come here from Manchester.” good and already I feel I’ve learned so much. Hopefully that continues and I can keep getting better every day.

“The players here are really good as well and that should help to make me better as a footballer.

“I haven’t been surprised by the quality of player. You would expect that at a club like Rangers and I am pleased because I’m used to that level from Man City.

“I feel like the two years I had at Manchester City have helped me a lot.

We had some good coaches there too and I learned a lot at an important time.

“Hopefully now I can bring that to Rangers and continue to improve and develop under the coaches that are working here too.

And while Tom admits he hasn’t had a chance to quiz Vladimir Weiss in person, he has heard plenty of positive reports from the City star of his time on loan at Ibrox last season.

He added: “I haven’t spoken to Vlad too much but he came through the Man City youth set up so people will make the comparison of course.

“He is a great player and it was nice to see him here last year. He did very well and he’s said many times how much he enjoyed being at the club.

“That was nice to hear before we came here. He made a great impression on the Rangers fans and I hope we have the chance to do something like that in the future.”

59

Words David Melvin Photography Kirk O’Rourke

Double Vision New boys Tom and Kim Skogsrud both have eyes on first team spot

58

T

HERE will be plenty of new faces for fans following Billy Kirkwood’s under-19s side to get used to this season.

The youth team has had a huge influx of new players so it will be an unfamiliar line up that takes to the field in the side’s first few games.

But to add confusion to the matter, two of those new faces are identical.

Tom and Kim Skogsrud are 18-yearold twins from Norway who signed on at Murray Park in the summer from Manchester City.

The two defenders are hoping to make an instant impact at their new club and both admit that their long term targets are to reach Ally McCoist’s first team.

The prospect of progress from the youth ranks to the top team was one of the main attractions for the brothers when moving from Eastlands.

As they sit down for their first interview since arriving at the club the only distinguishing features are the shirt numbers they wear on their training tops.

And as they answer questions it becomes clear the similarities are there in character and according to Tom, on the pitch too.

He said: “We’re quite similar on the pitch too, although I play mostly at left back and Kim plays as a centre back.

“It’s hard to say what I’m better at than him because we are very similar players really, both strong and quite good with our feet.”

Those attributes are what Kim says will help them in their bid to make steady progress up the ranks after coming to Glasgow from City’s under-18 side.

Kim said: “It’s a great opportunity for us both and I’m really looking forward to it.

I think it’s going to be a really good move for us and I can’t wait until the season starts.

“We chose to come to Rangers because we see there is a better opportunity for us to get through to the first team here than there was at Manchester City.

“That’s our target now. First of all we know we have to do well at the under-19 level and hopefully after that we can do well, improve and maybe get involved with the first team.

“Obviously the goal is to do that as quickly as possible but I know we need to

have patience and train hard to achieve that.

“But I’m 18 now so I think I need to be looking towards the first team. I have one year at under-19 level but with the way training works here sometimes the first team coaches will watch the under-19 training so you always have to try to impress.”

Tom knows the first target in terms of McCoist’s top team is to be part of a match day squad.

He added: “I want to impress the coaches here at under-19 level and hopefully I can then impress the first team coaches, and maybe make it on to the bench for the first team this season.

“I have played for two seasons at under-18 level with Manchester City so I have some experience at that age and now I can take that to the under-19 level here.”

Kim says he has been impressed by the standard of the facilities, coaches and players at Murray Park over the course of training in the summer.

But he says that comes as no surprise, because he had expected to find a high standard at a club with Rangers’ history.

He added: “The coaches here are really

“Most of the players we had at Manchester City were internationals and working with them every day makes you a better player.”

Both players seem to have settled quickly in to their new environment and there is little question that while their command of the language helps, it is the fact they travel as a pair that has eased their integration in to a welcoming group.

Kim said: “Having my brother here also helps me to settle and he’s there for support.

“I feel quite settled already. I lived in Manchester for two years so obviously my English is improving and I feel it hasn’t been hard to get to know the people here.

“There is a nice group of lads here and socially it is a very good club to be with.

Everybody has been welcoming and that has been a big help.

“It’s a great club to be part of and we know there are some fans in Norway who have been wishing us well and telling us about the history of the club and its successes.”

Tom echoed that feeling and says it was a straightforward choice to move north when the opportunity arose.

He said: “Rangers has a great history and I knew it was a big club so it wasn’t a difficult decision to make to come here from Manchester.

“I had a look around with my family and friends so I knew what to expect when I came here. It’s a big club of course with a big history.

“It makes things a lot easier to have my brother around. We have had our family over too and that helps us to settle in.”

“Rangers has a great history and I knew it was a big club so it wasn’t a difficult decision to make to come here from Manchester.” good and already I feel I’ve learned so much. Hopefully that continues and I can keep getting better every day.

“The players here are really good as well and that should help to make me better as a footballer.

“I haven’t been surprised by the quality of player. You would expect that at a club like Rangers and I am pleased because I’m used to that level from Man City.

“I feel like the two years I had at Manchester City have helped me a lot.

We had some good coaches there too and I learned a lot at an important time.

“Hopefully now I can bring that to Rangers and continue to improve and develop under the coaches that are working here too.

And while Tom admits he hasn’t had a chance to quiz Vladimir Weiss in person, he has heard plenty of positive reports from the City star of his time on loan at Ibrox last season.

He added: “I haven’t spoken to Vlad too much but he came through the Man City youth set up so people will make the comparison of course.

“He is a great player and it was nice to see him here last year. He did very well and he’s said many times how much he enjoyed being at the club.

“That was nice to hear before we came here. He made a great impression on the Rangers fans and I hope we have the chance to do something like that in the future.”

59

Rangers Development Fund Business Members We would like to thank our Business Members for their continued support of Rangers Lotto.

Draw the Line Custom Tattoos 5 Whitevale Street, Glasgow 0141 573 7187

Oor Wull’s Second Hand Furniture 141 High Street, Irvine

Bellrock Bar 4-6 Cornwall Street, Glasgow 0141 427 7712

Crimson Star Bar 577 London Road, Glasgow 0141 572 0278

The Dominion Bar 46 Dalmarnock Road, Glasgow 0141 554 1914

Clydesdale Bar 10-14 Wellgate Street, Larkhall 01698 887745

The New Lea-Rig Ashgillhead Road, Ashgill 01698 883445

Xpress Dry Cleaners 386 Duke Street, Glasgow 0141 554 8400

Harry’s Ink 139 Union Street, Larkhall 01698 303023 Old Cross MOT Station 25 Drygate Street, Larkhall Thistle Snooker Club 101-105 Union Street, Larkhall 01698 885060 Market Bar 35 Howgate, Kilwinning 01294 556752

If you have a business and would like to help support Rangers Lotto, please contact the hotline on 0141 427 4914.

For only £5 per week, your business will feature fortnightly in the Rangers Lotto bulletin and you will have the opportunity to feature in every third edition of Rangers Monthly.

You will also have five entries in the Rangers Lotto each week so you will be in with a chance to win some money too!

Two thousand reasons to say thanks!

C

AMBUSLANG Rangers hosted their second annual Garry Lynch Memorial Tournament in July and have very generously donated £2,000 from their proceeds to the Rangers Development Fund.

The event pays tribute to Garry Lynch, who will be fondly remembered by many as an avid Rangers supporter who had a passion for the club’s youth development programmes.

Last month’s competition saw Cambuslang Rangers take on a Murray Park reserve side which included the likes of Kane Hemmings, John Fleck and Kyle Hutton.

Gers were pleased to support the tournament and Colin Stewart, director of the Rangers Development Fund, was delighted

when he was told a donation would be coming his way.

He is pictured accepting the cheque from Alan Wardlaw, manager of Cambuslang Rangers, along with Angela and Garry Lynch Junior, who were heavily involved in organising the event.

All donations and profits raised within the Development Fund go straight towards Rangers’ youth teams so every contribution is valuable.

If you would like to help support the club’s youth programmes, look online at www.rangerslotto. co.uk where there are many ways for you to get involved and in turn help support the players of our future.

Alternatively check us out on Facebook under Rangers Development Fund Ltd.

61

Rangers Development Fund Business Members We would like to thank our Business Members for their continued support of Rangers Lotto.

Draw the Line Custom Tattoos 5 Whitevale Street, Glasgow 0141 573 7187

Oor Wull’s Second Hand Furniture 141 High Street, Irvine

Bellrock Bar 4-6 Cornwall Street, Glasgow 0141 427 7712

Crimson Star Bar 577 London Road, Glasgow 0141 572 0278

The Dominion Bar 46 Dalmarnock Road, Glasgow 0141 554 1914

Clydesdale Bar 10-14 Wellgate Street, Larkhall 01698 887745

The New Lea-Rig Ashgillhead Road, Ashgill 01698 883445

Xpress Dry Cleaners 386 Duke Street, Glasgow 0141 554 8400

Harry’s Ink 139 Union Street, Larkhall 01698 303023 Old Cross MOT Station 25 Drygate Street, Larkhall Thistle Snooker Club 101-105 Union Street, Larkhall 01698 885060 Market Bar 35 Howgate, Kilwinning 01294 556752

If you have a business and would like to help support Rangers Lotto, please contact the hotline on 0141 427 4914.

For only £5 per week, your business will feature fortnightly in the Rangers Lotto bulletin and you will have the opportunity to feature in every third edition of Rangers Monthly.

You will also have five entries in the Rangers Lotto each week so you will be in with a chance to win some money too!

Two thousand reasons to say thanks!

C

AMBUSLANG Rangers hosted their second annual Garry Lynch Memorial Tournament in July and have very generously donated £2,000 from their proceeds to the Rangers Development Fund.

The event pays tribute to Garry Lynch, who will be fondly remembered by many as an avid Rangers supporter who had a passion for the club’s youth development programmes.

Last month’s competition saw Cambuslang Rangers take on a Murray Park reserve side which included the likes of Kane Hemmings, John Fleck and Kyle Hutton.

Gers were pleased to support the tournament and Colin Stewart, director of the Rangers Development Fund, was delighted

when he was told a donation would be coming his way.

He is pictured accepting the cheque from Alan Wardlaw, manager of Cambuslang Rangers, along with Angela and Garry Lynch Junior, who were heavily involved in organising the event.

All donations and profits raised within the Development Fund go straight towards Rangers’ youth teams so every contribution is valuable.

If you would like to help support the club’s youth programmes, look online at www.rangerslotto. co.uk where there are many ways for you to get involved and in turn help support the players of our future.

Alternatively check us out on Facebook under Rangers Development Fund Ltd.

61

WELCOME to Pro Zone, your indispensible guide to staying on track if you want to train, eat and play the Rangers way.

Every month, we’ll speak to some of the men who have been responsible for keeping the Light Blues ahead of their SPL rivals for the past three seasons.

They’ll give us training tips and nutritional advice whilst sharing

their tactical knowledge to provide you with information that gives you your best chance of reaching your peak.

Gers have been champions of Scotland with good reason every year since 2009 and in Pro Zone,

Pro

Zon e

the club’s backroom staff will share the methods they used to secure the silverware.

Train like a

player

ALLY McCOIST, Kenny McDowall and Ian Durrant are credited most with keeping the Rangers first team in shape but Head of Sports Science Adam Owen plays a key role too.

A UEFA Pro Licence holder and a former player himself, his training programmes are essential as they keep the first team in peak condition.

into our training programmes until later on in the pre-season period so that the players aren’t going all out too soon.

“That sort of scenario within a game is slightly different because the players will feel their way into things there.”

In Rangers Monthly, the Welshman will talk through various exercises which are played out by the Light Blues on the pitches of Murray Park and beyond.

In part two, Adam discusses exercises he puts the players through to help them with pre-season and early-season conditioning.

Summary

Small sided games

some others.

“In the bigger games, we want players to be above or around 85 per cent of their maximum heart rate.

“But in these smaller exercises the aim is to get them operating at above 90 per cent and we play those situations off each other so that everyone continues to develop.”

Speed endurance “This is the first session we’ll do, where the players will work for 15 seconds at a time with a 15-second rest.

“We’ll start with two sets of six sprints, moving up to two sets of seven, two sets of eight, two sets of nine and so on.

“The aim here, as with everything else, is to build up a player’s capacity so that they’re ready to handle a match situation to the best of their abilities once it comes.

“In short, the purpose of speed endurance is to prolong the amount of time where a near maximum speed can be maintained.

“By the time competitive games begin, the players are at a point where they will be showing significant improvement on the start of pre-season.

“Once we have been doing these drills for three or four weeks, we are able to go back and repeat the tests we outlined last month.

“We know from experience of doing these tests over a number of years now that following this schedule will allow the players to make considerable progress between tests one and two.

“Their aerobic capacities will develop and their ability to recover both within games and afterwards will get better.

“The same applies to their ability to cover good distances at a high intensity. That will be maintained and become better through these types of games and sprints.

“Along with strength sessions, what’s talked about here makes up the main section of our pre-season and early-season training routine.

“Moving forward, it then becomes about topping up fitness once the games start and keeping each player ready to compete when they need to.”

Repeated sprints Adam says…

“When you are going through a pre-season schedule, there are football-specific exercises we will do with the players to build up their fitness.

“There is obviously development to be done on that front in the weeks leading up to the start of the competitive campaign as we look to get everybody in their prime again.

“Once the season is underway, there is the conditioning aspect to consider as well for the sake of making sure the players stay as fit as possible.

“As such, we build up the number of games we play and the amount of time we play for in training over the summer and in the first weeks of the season to maximise that.

“We’ll play what we class as extensive games such as 11 v 11 matches and 8 v 8, depending on player numbers.

“We’ll also play 3 v 3 games and 4 v 4 and what we try to do is alternate from big games to small-sided ones.

“In turn, that gives the squad an extensive endurance base which helps to develop their

62

ability to play at a good level for 90 minutes and allows them to cope with the longevity of a match.

“The smaller games are more about intensive endurance and are played at a higher intensity, which gets the players operating at a greater tempo.

“By going between the two, we get them to a point where they can maintain a good level of performance for the course of a match and have the ability to step things up if necessary.

“As well as those games, we also get the players looking at three specific aspects: speed endurance, repeated sprints and short sprint capacity.

“We cycle through the three of those and the combination of exercises gets everyone to a very good level once the season starts and in the first week few weeks of the campaign.”

Large-sided games “We’ll do these in 10-minute blocks, starting with two at a time and working our way up until we are doing five back to back.

“The reason for doing that is to increase

capability and we’ll do that over a two to threeweek period.

“Normally we’ll get a two-week base period before we go away for pre-season and it is then in that time, along with actual matches, that we’ll start building things up with large games.

“We’ll increase the workload in that respect every four or five days and when matches kick in, we try to keep that level of training going.

“That means the players are constantly developing and once pre-season games are underway, we use them as part of the programme too.”

Small-sided games “As with the large-sided matches, we’ll start off with less games then build up and we’ll go from six three-minute games up to 10.

“Once again, the aim is to build up the amount of game time so that the players reach a high level of fitness over the course of two or three weeks.

“We use the 3 v 3 games more as top up sessions during the season for the players who maybe aren’t playing as much in matches as

“We follow the same framework with this as we do with our speed endurance exercises, starting with two sets of six sprints then moving up to two sets of seven and eight again.

“In this instance, players will work over no more than a 40-metre distance or five seconds and will then take a 25-second recovery period.

“Over time, they number of repetitions is once more built up and should become easier as the weeks go on.

“In keeping with the speed endurance drills, repeated sprints work much the same way and allow a player to make those bursting runs you see from the likes of Steven Naismith.”

Short sprint capacity “This exercise takes on a more football-specific look, where we can set up a situation which sees a player sprint then take a shot at goal.

“They’ll do that over up to 20 metres then get a 10-second recovery period before doing it again.

“We try not to put short sprint capacity drills

Repeated sprints

A A view view from from the dressing room the dressing room This Broadfoot This month: month: Kirk Lee McCulloch

IB

T might Y myhave reckoning, been the this home is my ground 19th preof a season German- fourth and I’mdivision pleased team to report but Sportfreunde they’re getting Lotte’s less SolarTechnics stressful with Arena each was my passing field of year. dreams last month.

When After another I cast my eight mind months back out to my of football, first summer it was a thrill with to Motherwell be in the team whenagain I washaving 15 in recovered 1993, it’s from nota hard foot injury. to see why that’s the case.

In the time since, I’ve got enough minutes under Backmy then, beltTommy that I feel McLean I’m back would up have to us speed doing and30-minute ready to play roadregular runs with first-team tyres around football our oncenecks. more.He was cast in the Jock Wallace Pre-season mould is aand time it showed. to iron out mistakes and There any were rustiness grown and men I feel with that tears hasin been their eyes done being on both sick a personal in busheslevel andand it left byme all of us wondering as a squad.what I’d let myself in for.

Even The sessions just a few Adam years maps ago out when over I was these at Wigan, two pages Paul have Jewell played would a huge takepart us to in do that. sprints They have up the given sand us adunes base and at Southport got us all in a Beach positionand to be that able wastotortuous play competitive too. games asHe well. was another old school manager but nowadays, We’ve been thankfully, working away thingsatare ourmuch more scientific conditioning andand I’vealso no doubt the shorter, that’s more definitely for intensive the better. stuff to get our sharpness up and I think During you’ll thesee close thatseason, comingplayers through. will take a Pre-season complete break is such foran 10important days to two time weeks as but that’s then when they you getlay themselves the foundations up to speed for thefor the nextstart few months. of full training.

When By the we same return token, to Murray the firstPark, few weeks we get our of the urine, campaign saliva,are blood, vitalfat toolevels as you’re and lung still capacities pretty freshtested at thattopoint determine and you’re exactly in awhat we better need position to do to reach sustainour high peak energy again. levels and Thesucceed. longest runs we do are now four minutes What we’ve long and beenpeople doing have in training comehas around to given theus theory our best you chance don’t need of doing to keep thatgoing and until we’reyou in good sweat shape bloodfortothe getchallenges fit. ahead.

Our I’m certainly holidays ready between for them seasons andare contrary shorter than to popular they used belief,toI’m be committed so there’s not to doing the same need everything to work I can players for the into club. the ground.

Adam It was has reported us doing recently the right I’ll bethings. lookingThere to go are on loan less ifinjuries I don’tpicked get playing up inregular pre-season games now than and that there was were a nice when story I was for first people starting to write. out But and it isthat’s natural thanks any player to a more wants sensible to be approach. involved and what was said then shouldn’t be taken The end as a result desirethere to be isgoing that elsewhere. in turn, players can I’mprobably desperate hope to play to enjoy my part longer herecareers and than thanks they to the used work to have. we’ve done in the last few weeks, And asI feel a guy I’mwho nowhopes in thegobest wellcondition beyond to his do that 20thagain. pre-season I’m as 12 sharp months as I’ve from been now, for a that’s long time. got to be good news as far as I’m concerned.

63

WELCOME to Pro Zone, your indispensible guide to staying on track if you want to train, eat and play the Rangers way.

Every month, we’ll speak to some of the men who have been responsible for keeping the Light Blues ahead of their SPL rivals for the past three seasons.

They’ll give us training tips and nutritional advice whilst sharing

their tactical knowledge to provide you with information that gives you your best chance of reaching your peak.

Gers have been champions of Scotland with good reason every year since 2009 and in Pro Zone,

Pro

Zon e

the club’s backroom staff will share the methods they used to secure the silverware.

Train like a

player

ALLY McCOIST, Kenny McDowall and Ian Durrant are credited most with keeping the Rangers first team in shape but Head of Sports Science Adam Owen plays a key role too.

A UEFA Pro Licence holder and a former player himself, his training programmes are essential as they keep the first team in peak condition.

into our training programmes until later on in the pre-season period so that the players aren’t going all out too soon.

“That sort of scenario within a game is slightly different because the players will feel their way into things there.”

In Rangers Monthly, the Welshman will talk through various exercises which are played out by the Light Blues on the pitches of Murray Park and beyond.

In part two, Adam discusses exercises he puts the players through to help them with pre-season and early-season conditioning.

Summary

Small sided games

some others.

“In the bigger games, we want players to be above or around 85 per cent of their maximum heart rate.

“But in these smaller exercises the aim is to get them operating at above 90 per cent and we play those situations off each other so that everyone continues to develop.”

Speed endurance “This is the first session we’ll do, where the players will work for 15 seconds at a time with a 15-second rest.

“We’ll start with two sets of six sprints, moving up to two sets of seven, two sets of eight, two sets of nine and so on.

“The aim here, as with everything else, is to build up a player’s capacity so that they’re ready to handle a match situation to the best of their abilities once it comes.

“In short, the purpose of speed endurance is to prolong the amount of time where a near maximum speed can be maintained.

“By the time competitive games begin, the players are at a point where they will be showing significant improvement on the start of pre-season.

“Once we have been doing these drills for three or four weeks, we are able to go back and repeat the tests we outlined last month.

“We know from experience of doing these tests over a number of years now that following this schedule will allow the players to make considerable progress between tests one and two.

“Their aerobic capacities will develop and their ability to recover both within games and afterwards will get better.

“The same applies to their ability to cover good distances at a high intensity. That will be maintained and become better through these types of games and sprints.

“Along with strength sessions, what’s talked about here makes up the main section of our pre-season and early-season training routine.

“Moving forward, it then becomes about topping up fitness once the games start and keeping each player ready to compete when they need to.”

Repeated sprints Adam says…

“When you are going through a pre-season schedule, there are football-specific exercises we will do with the players to build up their fitness.

“There is obviously development to be done on that front in the weeks leading up to the start of the competitive campaign as we look to get everybody in their prime again.

“Once the season is underway, there is the conditioning aspect to consider as well for the sake of making sure the players stay as fit as possible.

“As such, we build up the number of games we play and the amount of time we play for in training over the summer and in the first weeks of the season to maximise that.

“We’ll play what we class as extensive games such as 11 v 11 matches and 8 v 8, depending on player numbers.

“We’ll also play 3 v 3 games and 4 v 4 and what we try to do is alternate from big games to small-sided ones.

“In turn, that gives the squad an extensive endurance base which helps to develop their

62

ability to play at a good level for 90 minutes and allows them to cope with the longevity of a match.

“The smaller games are more about intensive endurance and are played at a higher intensity, which gets the players operating at a greater tempo.

“By going between the two, we get them to a point where they can maintain a good level of performance for the course of a match and have the ability to step things up if necessary.

“As well as those games, we also get the players looking at three specific aspects: speed endurance, repeated sprints and short sprint capacity.

“We cycle through the three of those and the combination of exercises gets everyone to a very good level once the season starts and in the first week few weeks of the campaign.”

Large-sided games “We’ll do these in 10-minute blocks, starting with two at a time and working our way up until we are doing five back to back.

“The reason for doing that is to increase

capability and we’ll do that over a two to threeweek period.

“Normally we’ll get a two-week base period before we go away for pre-season and it is then in that time, along with actual matches, that we’ll start building things up with large games.

“We’ll increase the workload in that respect every four or five days and when matches kick in, we try to keep that level of training going.

“That means the players are constantly developing and once pre-season games are underway, we use them as part of the programme too.”

Small-sided games “As with the large-sided matches, we’ll start off with less games then build up and we’ll go from six three-minute games up to 10.

“Once again, the aim is to build up the amount of game time so that the players reach a high level of fitness over the course of two or three weeks.

“We use the 3 v 3 games more as top up sessions during the season for the players who maybe aren’t playing as much in matches as

“We follow the same framework with this as we do with our speed endurance exercises, starting with two sets of six sprints then moving up to two sets of seven and eight again.

“In this instance, players will work over no more than a 40-metre distance or five seconds and will then take a 25-second recovery period.

“Over time, they number of repetitions is once more built up and should become easier as the weeks go on.

“In keeping with the speed endurance drills, repeated sprints work much the same way and allow a player to make those bursting runs you see from the likes of Steven Naismith.”

Short sprint capacity “This exercise takes on a more football-specific look, where we can set up a situation which sees a player sprint then take a shot at goal.

“They’ll do that over up to 20 metres then get a 10-second recovery period before doing it again.

“We try not to put short sprint capacity drills

Repeated sprints

A A view view from from the dressing room the dressing room This Broadfoot This month: month: Kirk Lee McCulloch

IB

T might Y myhave reckoning, been the this home is my ground 19th preof a season German- fourth and I’mdivision pleased team to report but Sportfreunde they’re getting Lotte’s less SolarTechnics stressful with Arena each was my passing field of year. dreams last month.

When After another I cast my eight mind months back out to my of football, first summer it was a thrill with to Motherwell be in the team whenagain I washaving 15 in recovered 1993, it’s from nota hard foot injury. to see why that’s the case.

In the time since, I’ve got enough minutes under Backmy then, beltTommy that I feel McLean I’m back would up have to us speed doing and30-minute ready to play roadregular runs with first-team tyres around football our oncenecks. more.He was cast in the Jock Wallace Pre-season mould is aand time it showed. to iron out mistakes and There any were rustiness grown and men I feel with that tears hasin been their eyes done being on both sick a personal in busheslevel andand it left byme all of us wondering as a squad.what I’d let myself in for.

Even The sessions just a few Adam years maps ago out when over I was these at Wigan, two pages Paul have Jewell played would a huge takepart us to in do that. sprints They have up the given sand us adunes base and at Southport got us all in a Beach positionand to be that able wastotortuous play competitive too. games asHe well. was another old school manager but nowadays, We’ve been thankfully, working away thingsatare ourmuch more scientific conditioning andand I’vealso no doubt the shorter, that’s more definitely for intensive the better. stuff to get our sharpness up and I think During you’ll thesee close thatseason, comingplayers through. will take a Pre-season complete break is such foran 10important days to two time weeks as but that’s then when they you getlay themselves the foundations up to speed for thefor the nextstart few months. of full training.

When By the we same return token, to Murray the firstPark, few weeks we get our of the urine, campaign saliva,are blood, vitalfat toolevels as you’re and lung still capacities pretty freshtested at thattopoint determine and you’re exactly in awhat we better need position to do to reach sustainour high peak energy again. levels and Thesucceed. longest runs we do are now four minutes What we’ve long and beenpeople doing have in training comehas around to given theus theory our best you chance don’t need of doing to keep thatgoing and until we’reyou in good sweat shape bloodfortothe getchallenges fit. ahead.

Our I’m certainly holidays ready between for them seasons andare contrary shorter than to popular they used belief,toI’m be committed so there’s not to doing the same need everything to work I can players for the into club. the ground.

Adam It was has reported us doing recently the right I’ll bethings. lookingThere to go are on loan less ifinjuries I don’tpicked get playing up inregular pre-season games now than and that there was were a nice when story I was for first people starting to write. out But and it isthat’s natural thanks any player to a more wants sensible to be approach. involved and what was said then shouldn’t be taken The end as a result desirethere to be isgoing that elsewhere. in turn, players can I’mprobably desperate hope to play to enjoy my part longer herecareers and than thanks they to the used work to have. we’ve done in the last few weeks, And asI feel a guy I’mwho nowhopes in thegobest wellcondition beyond to his do that 20thagain. pre-season I’m as 12 sharp months as I’ve from been now, for a that’s long time. got to be good news as far as I’m concerned.

63

Pro

The injury clinic With Pip Yeates

DESPITE wonderful advances in medicine and science, injuries are still commonplace in football and Rangers have suffered more than their share of them in recent years.

The men tasked with getting Light Blues players fit again when they are hurt are club doctor Paul Jackson and the four-strong physiotherapy team at Murray Park.

Hamstring strains Pip says...

“In football, due to the stop-start nature of the game and the need to sprint frequently over short distances and decelerate, hamstring injuries are common.

“The reasons for such problems can include having weak glute muscles, putting strain on the hamstrings when they are functioning, relative inflexibility of that part of the body and a muscle imbalance between the hamstring and quadriceps.

“You find the hamstring muscle group at the back of your thigh and it consists of three different muscles.

“Their contraction results in movement at both the knee and the hip, which in turn

Strengthening exercises Bridging Lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet on the floor, squeeze your buttocks together and lift your bottom then return to starting position. Again, this is dictated by symptoms and you should repeat 10 times, building up to set three sets of 10.

Step ups Simply step up on to a high step with your hip starting at 90 degrees.

Build up to 20 repetitions, repeating five times.

Hamstring flexion Lie face down on your stomach and try to bring your heel to your bottom against resistance from your physio with your leg still. Develop the exercise by introducing movement then flex your heel to your bottom using a Theraband. You should aim to eventually reach five sets of 20 repetitions.

Zon e

Head physio Pip Yeates has almost 30 years of experience in the business, having worked previously for Dunfermline Athletic and the Scottish national side.

He has been with Gers since 2007 and each month he looks at different problems frequently encountered by players, explaining how to deal with and recover from them.

makes them particularly vulnerable.

“As with many injuries, damage to the hamstring is gauged on a three-grade scale, with the least significant meaning just a few fibre tears and causing a little discomfort.

“Things get more serious with a grade two injury, where more fibres are torn causing pain when walking but the muscle is still intact.

“Grade three, needless to say, is the most serious type where there is a total rupture of the muscle and a player will most likely require support on crutches.

“Any injury causes inflammation and over the first 72 hours, it is important to do RICE: rest, ice, compression and elevation.

“How soon and how much you stretch again afterwards is dependent on how major the injury is and only if it’s very serious, it may be

Diagram shows back of thigh and the hamstring muscles buttock muscle

hamstring muscles

that you could pull healing tissue apart again.

“In the majority of cases, however, it would be appropriate after the initial stage of RICE to gently stretch up to the point where discomfort is felt.

“You shouldn’t go beyond that point and you certainly shouldn’t bounce when doing the stretch.

“As time progresses, you will hopefully find it becomes easier to stretch normally without feeling pain and gradually increase your level of exercise.

“That will range from walking pain-free at first to being able to go on a bike then jogging, all the time being dictated by symptoms.

“You should only progress once you can do an exercise properly, with the maximum number of repetitions and with complete control.”

Stretching exercises Sitting hamstring stretch Sat on a chair, extend your leg until you can feel the hamstring stretching. Hold for 20 seconds then repeat with your other leg, doing the exercise with each five times.

When stretching, you should do the same exercises with uninjured legs as well to maintain similar flexibility levels.

Lying hamstring stretch Laid flat on your back, keep your leg straight and raise your leg until you feel the stretch. Hold for 20 seconds and do five times with both legs.

Supported hamstring stretch Lie on your back underneath a doorway with your hips just in front of the frame.

Slide each leg in turn up the frame until you feel a stretch and repeat the exercise five times on each side.

65

Pro

The injury clinic With Pip Yeates

DESPITE wonderful advances in medicine and science, injuries are still commonplace in football and Rangers have suffered more than their share of them in recent years.

The men tasked with getting Light Blues players fit again when they are hurt are club doctor Paul Jackson and the four-strong physiotherapy team at Murray Park.

Hamstring strains Pip says...

“In football, due to the stop-start nature of the game and the need to sprint frequently over short distances and decelerate, hamstring injuries are common.

“The reasons for such problems can include having weak glute muscles, putting strain on the hamstrings when they are functioning, relative inflexibility of that part of the body and a muscle imbalance between the hamstring and quadriceps.

“You find the hamstring muscle group at the back of your thigh and it consists of three different muscles.

“Their contraction results in movement at both the knee and the hip, which in turn

Strengthening exercises Bridging Lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet on the floor, squeeze your buttocks together and lift your bottom then return to starting position. Again, this is dictated by symptoms and you should repeat 10 times, building up to set three sets of 10.

Step ups Simply step up on to a high step with your hip starting at 90 degrees.

Build up to 20 repetitions, repeating five times.

Hamstring flexion Lie face down on your stomach and try to bring your heel to your bottom against resistance from your physio with your leg still. Develop the exercise by introducing movement then flex your heel to your bottom using a Theraband. You should aim to eventually reach five sets of 20 repetitions.

Zon e

Head physio Pip Yeates has almost 30 years of experience in the business, having worked previously for Dunfermline Athletic and the Scottish national side.

He has been with Gers since 2007 and each month he looks at different problems frequently encountered by players, explaining how to deal with and recover from them.

makes them particularly vulnerable.

“As with many injuries, damage to the hamstring is gauged on a three-grade scale, with the least significant meaning just a few fibre tears and causing a little discomfort.

“Things get more serious with a grade two injury, where more fibres are torn causing pain when walking but the muscle is still intact.

“Grade three, needless to say, is the most serious type where there is a total rupture of the muscle and a player will most likely require support on crutches.

“Any injury causes inflammation and over the first 72 hours, it is important to do RICE: rest, ice, compression and elevation.

“How soon and how much you stretch again afterwards is dependent on how major the injury is and only if it’s very serious, it may be

Diagram shows back of thigh and the hamstring muscles buttock muscle

hamstring muscles

that you could pull healing tissue apart again.

“In the majority of cases, however, it would be appropriate after the initial stage of RICE to gently stretch up to the point where discomfort is felt.

“You shouldn’t go beyond that point and you certainly shouldn’t bounce when doing the stretch.

“As time progresses, you will hopefully find it becomes easier to stretch normally without feeling pain and gradually increase your level of exercise.

“That will range from walking pain-free at first to being able to go on a bike then jogging, all the time being dictated by symptoms.

“You should only progress once you can do an exercise properly, with the maximum number of repetitions and with complete control.”

Stretching exercises Sitting hamstring stretch Sat on a chair, extend your leg until you can feel the hamstring stretching. Hold for 20 seconds then repeat with your other leg, doing the exercise with each five times.

When stretching, you should do the same exercises with uninjured legs as well to maintain similar flexibility levels.

Lying hamstring stretch Laid flat on your back, keep your leg straight and raise your leg until you feel the stretch. Hold for 20 seconds and do five times with both legs.

Supported hamstring stretch Lie on your back underneath a doorway with your hips just in front of the frame.

Slide each leg in turn up the frame until you feel a stretch and repeat the exercise five times on each side.

65

Eat like a

Pro

Zon e

player PAUL LAFFERTY first plied his trade at Rangers as a YTS trainee in the Ibrox kitchen in 1990 and has worked with the Light Blues for almost 20 years since then over two spells.

In his role nowadays as the club’s head chef at Murray Park, he works closely with Gers doctor Paul Jackson in order to provide healthy meals each day for Ally McCoist’s players.

Every month in Pro Zone, former British Trainee Chef of the Year Paul will tell us how to make some of the food he prepares for the champions at their training base.

He said: “Eating the right thing at the right time is essential for any professional athlete and that is certainly the case here at Rangers.

“When I first started out at the club, we made more homely dishes and it wasn’t uncommon for a player to have a sirloin steak, chips and a couple of fried eggs for lunch.

“Now things are a bit more scientific and it’s up to me and the staff in my kitchen to make sure we’ve got the squad putting the right things in their bodies to keep them on top.”

In part two of the series, Paul describes how to make oven roasted breast of Cajun chicken with tomato salsa.

Oven roasted breast of Cajun chicken with tomato salsa Serves 4 | Preparation/cooking time: 35 minutes Ingredients

Preparation method

4 chicken breasts, 6-8oz each

1. Pre-heat your oven at 180 degrees and prepare the salsa, finely dicing the peppers, red onions, cucumber and tomatoes in a bowl.

Season with salt and pepper then chop the coriander and add that, four tablespoons of olive oil and the juice from the lemon. Mix gently.

4 tomatoes 2 red onions ¼ red pepper ¼ yellow pepper ¼ orange pepper ¼ green pepper ½ lemon 4 tsp Cajun spice 1 cucumber 2 handfuls of coriander Olive oil Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

66

2. Brush your chicken breasts with a little olive oil then seal them over a medium to high heat in a frying pan. Once

the chicken no longer appears raw on the outside, remove from the hob.

This process should only take a minute or two.

3. Combine a little olive oil with the Cajun spice and brush the mixture over the chicken breasts.

Once the oven is up to the correct temperature, bake the chicken for between 18 and 22 minutes.

4. Remove the chicken from the oven and serve with the salsa and an optional salad.

Cajun spice: ‘gives the players a bit of a kick’

Why is this dish good for you?

When should you eat it?

“Chicken is low in fat and high in protein.

You can cook it with the skin on and that certainly helps with flavouring but I would suggest removing it before eating because it reduces the amount of fat in the dish by a third. Cooking the chicken in a nice olive oil and sealing it before you put it into the oven keeps it nice and tender and makes it taste much better. There are high levels of calcium in the dish as well as vitamins A, C and D, which are all essential nutrients for differing reasons. In the salsa, we’ve got all the mixed colours which, as we talked about last month, is important because of the nutrition and minerals they offer.

Creating a rainbow effect when you are cooking with as many different coloured vegetables as possible on your plate gives you a balance of everything you need and the lemon juice helps because its high acid levels ensure it cuts through fat when it’s in your body and therefore allows you to digest food quicker. It’s not just on there for garnish and colour – it’s there for much more than that. If you want to take things a step further, you could add a potato wedge to give you additional variety.”

“With the amount of protein that’s in the chicken, this is a good dish to have if you are trying to build muscle and improve strength. With that said, it’s one which could really be had at any time and if you prefer not to have salsa, you could replace that with some pasta and a nice tomato sauce or even just a side salad. It’s one you could eat a couple of hours before you do heavy exercise as white meat is always better to have in such instances rather than dark meats such as steak because it digests much quicker. The dish is an all rounder to be honest and it’s a good one to have if you are trying to lose a bit of weight too – as long as you don’t have too much of it!”

What do the players think of it?

“Along with last month’s chorizo pasta recipe, this is up amongst the more popular dishes we serve up to the players.

To be honest, anything with Cajun spice in it – whether it is chicken, potato wedges or salmon – always goes down pretty well. It gives the players a little bit of a kick to what they’re eating without going the whole hog the way you perhaps would with an Indian curry.”

67

Eat like a

Pro

Zon e

player PAUL LAFFERTY first plied his trade at Rangers as a YTS trainee in the Ibrox kitchen in 1990 and has worked with the Light Blues for almost 20 years since then over two spells.

In his role nowadays as the club’s head chef at Murray Park, he works closely with Gers doctor Paul Jackson in order to provide healthy meals each day for Ally McCoist’s players.

Every month in Pro Zone, former British Trainee Chef of the Year Paul will tell us how to make some of the food he prepares for the champions at their training base.

He said: “Eating the right thing at the right time is essential for any professional athlete and that is certainly the case here at Rangers.

“When I first started out at the club, we made more homely dishes and it wasn’t uncommon for a player to have a sirloin steak, chips and a couple of fried eggs for lunch.

“Now things are a bit more scientific and it’s up to me and the staff in my kitchen to make sure we’ve got the squad putting the right things in their bodies to keep them on top.”

In part two of the series, Paul describes how to make oven roasted breast of Cajun chicken with tomato salsa.

Oven roasted breast of Cajun chicken with tomato salsa Serves 4 | Preparation/cooking time: 35 minutes Ingredients

Preparation method

4 chicken breasts, 6-8oz each

1. Pre-heat your oven at 180 degrees and prepare the salsa, finely dicing the peppers, red onions, cucumber and tomatoes in a bowl.

Season with salt and pepper then chop the coriander and add that, four tablespoons of olive oil and the juice from the lemon. Mix gently.

4 tomatoes 2 red onions ¼ red pepper ¼ yellow pepper ¼ orange pepper ¼ green pepper ½ lemon 4 tsp Cajun spice 1 cucumber 2 handfuls of coriander Olive oil Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

66

2. Brush your chicken breasts with a little olive oil then seal them over a medium to high heat in a frying pan. Once

the chicken no longer appears raw on the outside, remove from the hob.

This process should only take a minute or two.

3. Combine a little olive oil with the Cajun spice and brush the mixture over the chicken breasts.

Once the oven is up to the correct temperature, bake the chicken for between 18 and 22 minutes.

4. Remove the chicken from the oven and serve with the salsa and an optional salad.

Cajun spice: ‘gives the players a bit of a kick’

Why is this dish good for you?

When should you eat it?

“Chicken is low in fat and high in protein.

You can cook it with the skin on and that certainly helps with flavouring but I would suggest removing it before eating because it reduces the amount of fat in the dish by a third. Cooking the chicken in a nice olive oil and sealing it before you put it into the oven keeps it nice and tender and makes it taste much better. There are high levels of calcium in the dish as well as vitamins A, C and D, which are all essential nutrients for differing reasons. In the salsa, we’ve got all the mixed colours which, as we talked about last month, is important because of the nutrition and minerals they offer.

Creating a rainbow effect when you are cooking with as many different coloured vegetables as possible on your plate gives you a balance of everything you need and the lemon juice helps because its high acid levels ensure it cuts through fat when it’s in your body and therefore allows you to digest food quicker. It’s not just on there for garnish and colour – it’s there for much more than that. If you want to take things a step further, you could add a potato wedge to give you additional variety.”

“With the amount of protein that’s in the chicken, this is a good dish to have if you are trying to build muscle and improve strength. With that said, it’s one which could really be had at any time and if you prefer not to have salsa, you could replace that with some pasta and a nice tomato sauce or even just a side salad. It’s one you could eat a couple of hours before you do heavy exercise as white meat is always better to have in such instances rather than dark meats such as steak because it digests much quicker. The dish is an all rounder to be honest and it’s a good one to have if you are trying to lose a bit of weight too – as long as you don’t have too much of it!”

What do the players think of it?

“Along with last month’s chorizo pasta recipe, this is up amongst the more popular dishes we serve up to the players.

To be honest, anything with Cajun spice in it – whether it is chicken, potato wedges or salmon – always goes down pretty well. It gives the players a little bit of a kick to what they’re eating without going the whole hog the way you perhaps would with an Indian curry.”

67

Tommy’s tactics board TO stay ahead of their rivals, Rangers work hard at Murray Park on tactical scenarios which can then be applied in matches to help them get the results they need.

In Pro Zone, reserve coach Tommy Wilson will look at some of those they focus on most and talk through why

they can be so effective.

He’ll also describe training drills which are relevant to particular game situations, meaning you can try them out yourself and have your best chance of playing just like the champions.

Pro

Zon e

Drill 1 – Two-zone game A four-man flat line of neutral ‘midfield’ mannequins is set out in the area between an 18-yard line and the halfway line. On either side of the mannequins – which operate against whichever team is in possession - you start with a 3 v 2 situation, with one player from the attacking team promoting into the attacking half between the mannequins when his team has the ball and is attacking. That player recovers slowly to allow counter attack overload and the aim of the drill is to hone the timing of runs through the mannequins and provide good support play.

2

4

Tactic #2: Passing through Tommy says…

“Nowadays teams are very compact when they are defending and that makes them difficult to get past when you’re looking to create a shooting opportunity.

“But just as we discussed using the switch of play tactic to go around them last month, it is possible to go through them too and gaps do exist between the lines of a team.

“If you picture a side set up in a traditional 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 shape, it narrows a bit more the closer you get to their goal.

“Even so, there are still spaces to play into and if your passing is accurate and firm enough, you can get balls through to teammates who are running into those areas.

“The big thing is to break through the lines effectively and to ensure you find your man to give yourself the best chance of executing the tactic successfully.

“It used to be that the top sides would try more to attack their opponents down the flanks using wingers.

“Now, more often than not, a lot of wide players are playing on the opposite side from where you’d expect to see them and they are cutting in on their strong foot.

“They then slide passes through gaps between the opposing midfield or defence and that can work very well.

“In the July issue I talked about Barcelona as a team which used switch of play very well and we all know there aren’t many things they can’t do to a high standard.

“You could highlight almost every aspect of their play and they’re a side I’d once again use as an example of one which can exploit the gaps in the teams they face with through passing.

“In Britain, Arsenal are probably the best at doing that and that’s one of the things which makes them so attractive to watch.

“The key is for midfield players to get their heads up and to have the awareness

68

3

D

D

D

1

D

A

B

Drill 2 – Passing through square

A D A

D A

and such a good first touch that they can penetrate their opponents in the final third of the park.

“There are a number of exercises we do at Murray Park to hone passing so that you can put that into practice in a game situation.

“We start by using mannequins as a mock offside line so that you can watch for players running through and gauge the timing of their run.

“The aim is to make the situation as realistic as you can so that you can then step things up and introduce it to a training match.

“Doing that works for both teams – it allows defences to try to work at stopping through passing and it gives attackers the chance to apply the tactic.

“If you look at Barcelona’s receiving

D A

D A

players in a passing through situation – Lionel Messi, David Villa and Pedro – they’re like Olympic sprinters waiting for the ball to come to them.

“A lot of the time, we teach our kids to receive the ball with their backs to play and there is nothing wrong with that.

“The likes of Messi take things on again though and don’t look to do that – they look to run on to the pass instead and attack the goal quicker with a more fluid movement.

“Top goalkeepers are aware of that and are coming off their line sooner to combat it while top defences play really flat to try to work the offside rule to their advantage.

“Even so, Barcelona are able to use passing through so well and once you’ve mastered finding the gaps, the aim is to expose them as ruthlessly as the Catalans can.”

Mannequins are placed as shown to encourage players to force the ball through gaps in between them, with balls at stations A and B. The players pass in straight lines along the path of the dotted lines from positions 1 to 4 in order, finishing at position 1 again. Players on each corner then swap positions using the path of the solid lines so that they experience both passing down the line and through the gaps, with emphasis on being able to find space between two men. You should have two players on each corner of the square taking turns.

5

David Villa is good at exploiting the passing through tactic

6

4 2

1

3

Drill 3 – Passing through with shot A total of 12 mannequins are placed in the formation shown, with 10 outfield attacking players set up to ‘play’ against them. The ball starts at position 1, with the centre back playing to the side of his mannequin then across to the player at position 2. He passes back to the other centre half at position 3, who in turn plays out to the wide player at position 4. His first touch takes him back inside before he

releases to the player at position 5 and he then plays the player starting at position 6 in on goal, with the striker taking a shot before he reaches the penalty spot and the keeper only allowed to come out that far. The exercise encourages precision passing and linking up with team-mates and can be reversed so that the ball goes down the right side.

69

Tommy’s tactics board TO stay ahead of their rivals, Rangers work hard at Murray Park on tactical scenarios which can then be applied in matches to help them get the results they need.

In Pro Zone, reserve coach Tommy Wilson will look at some of those they focus on most and talk through why

they can be so effective.

He’ll also describe training drills which are relevant to particular game situations, meaning you can try them out yourself and have your best chance of playing just like the champions.

Pro

Zon e

Drill 1 – Two-zone game A four-man flat line of neutral ‘midfield’ mannequins is set out in the area between an 18-yard line and the halfway line. On either side of the mannequins – which operate against whichever team is in possession - you start with a 3 v 2 situation, with one player from the attacking team promoting into the attacking half between the mannequins when his team has the ball and is attacking. That player recovers slowly to allow counter attack overload and the aim of the drill is to hone the timing of runs through the mannequins and provide good support play.

2

4

Tactic #2: Passing through Tommy says…

“Nowadays teams are very compact when they are defending and that makes them difficult to get past when you’re looking to create a shooting opportunity.

“But just as we discussed using the switch of play tactic to go around them last month, it is possible to go through them too and gaps do exist between the lines of a team.

“If you picture a side set up in a traditional 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 shape, it narrows a bit more the closer you get to their goal.

“Even so, there are still spaces to play into and if your passing is accurate and firm enough, you can get balls through to teammates who are running into those areas.

“The big thing is to break through the lines effectively and to ensure you find your man to give yourself the best chance of executing the tactic successfully.

“It used to be that the top sides would try more to attack their opponents down the flanks using wingers.

“Now, more often than not, a lot of wide players are playing on the opposite side from where you’d expect to see them and they are cutting in on their strong foot.

“They then slide passes through gaps between the opposing midfield or defence and that can work very well.

“In the July issue I talked about Barcelona as a team which used switch of play very well and we all know there aren’t many things they can’t do to a high standard.

“You could highlight almost every aspect of their play and they’re a side I’d once again use as an example of one which can exploit the gaps in the teams they face with through passing.

“In Britain, Arsenal are probably the best at doing that and that’s one of the things which makes them so attractive to watch.

“The key is for midfield players to get their heads up and to have the awareness

68

3

D

D

D

1

D

A

B

Drill 2 – Passing through square

A D A

D A

and such a good first touch that they can penetrate their opponents in the final third of the park.

“There are a number of exercises we do at Murray Park to hone passing so that you can put that into practice in a game situation.

“We start by using mannequins as a mock offside line so that you can watch for players running through and gauge the timing of their run.

“The aim is to make the situation as realistic as you can so that you can then step things up and introduce it to a training match.

“Doing that works for both teams – it allows defences to try to work at stopping through passing and it gives attackers the chance to apply the tactic.

“If you look at Barcelona’s receiving

D A

D A

players in a passing through situation – Lionel Messi, David Villa and Pedro – they’re like Olympic sprinters waiting for the ball to come to them.

“A lot of the time, we teach our kids to receive the ball with their backs to play and there is nothing wrong with that.

“The likes of Messi take things on again though and don’t look to do that – they look to run on to the pass instead and attack the goal quicker with a more fluid movement.

“Top goalkeepers are aware of that and are coming off their line sooner to combat it while top defences play really flat to try to work the offside rule to their advantage.

“Even so, Barcelona are able to use passing through so well and once you’ve mastered finding the gaps, the aim is to expose them as ruthlessly as the Catalans can.”

Mannequins are placed as shown to encourage players to force the ball through gaps in between them, with balls at stations A and B. The players pass in straight lines along the path of the dotted lines from positions 1 to 4 in order, finishing at position 1 again. Players on each corner then swap positions using the path of the solid lines so that they experience both passing down the line and through the gaps, with emphasis on being able to find space between two men. You should have two players on each corner of the square taking turns.

5

David Villa is good at exploiting the passing through tactic

6

4 2

1

3

Drill 3 – Passing through with shot A total of 12 mannequins are placed in the formation shown, with 10 outfield attacking players set up to ‘play’ against them. The ball starts at position 1, with the centre back playing to the side of his mannequin then across to the player at position 2. He passes back to the other centre half at position 3, who in turn plays out to the wide player at position 4. His first touch takes him back inside before he

releases to the player at position 5 and he then plays the player starting at position 6 in on goal, with the striker taking a shot before he reaches the penalty spot and the keeper only allowed to come out that far. The exercise encourages precision passing and linking up with team-mates and can be reversed so that the ball goes down the right side.

69

charity

Foundation announces season 2011/12 partners Erskine and The Prostate Cancer Charity to benefit from Rangers alliance

V

ETERANS’ organisation Erskine and The Prostate Cancer Charity have been unveiled as the Rangers Charity Foundation’s Community and National Charity Partners for season 2011/12.

70

The Foundation’s relationship with National Partner The Prostate Cancer Charity has been extended thanks to the significant impact the Foundation has been able to make on the charity’s aim to reach more men across Scotland with its vital message.

Rangers fans have really engaged with the cause and the Foundation and the charity believe building the partnership further for another season can make a real difference in the ongoing battle against prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men in Scotland with 2,700 new diagnoses every year.

refitting of The Royal Scots Shop within the Bishopton home – a vital resource for residents and their guests.

Erskine Chairman Andrew Robertson said: “We are immensely grateful to the Rangers Charity Foundation for selecting Erskine as a Community Partner.

“Every year we care for veterans of all ages and this is only possible because of the generosity of organisations such as them.

“Their support will make a real difference to the lives of the ex-service men and women in our care. I cannot thank them enough.”

Ann Ferguson, Head of Operations at The Prostate Cancer Charity Scotland, added: “We are so grateful to Rangers, Rangers fans and the Rangers Charity Foundation for their hard work, support and generosity over the course of last season where a

develop our partnership further.

“We believe we can make a significant impact on the work of this hugely deserving charity and reach even more men across Scotland.”

The Foundation will also continue to work with International Partner UNICEF as part of an initial three-year partnership agreement.

Rangers Football Club is the only Scottish football partner of UNICEF, the world’s leading children’s organisation and only the sixth partner club in world football alongside the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and AC Milan.

The Rangers Charity Foundation is supporting UNICEF in Togo where work is currently underway reconstructing and equipping seven vital healthcare centres.

The project is improving the lives of thousands of children and their families by providing better access to basic medical

The Foundation’s fundraising for The Prostate Cancer Charity will support the distribution of information for older men with prostate cancer and the expansion of the charity’s support group network, including providing key resources for the groups.

It will also help to advance vital research work in Scotland – the first time the Foundation has funded this type of activity.

In total, it is hoped £20,000 can be raised to go towards these projects.

The Foundation will work with Community Partner Erskine on projects centred around their Glasgow and Bishopton homes.

It aims to raise around £20,000 towards two key projects: the Glasgow home’s replacement bed programme, which will provide residents with new ‘electric profiling’ beds to help improve their independence, comfort and general health, and the

magnificent £25,000 was raised for the fight against prostate cancer.

“The Prostate Cancer Charity is delighted that this partnership has been extended for another year and have no doubt it will play a significant role in the ongoing battle for a world where lives are no longer limited by the disease.”

Connal Cochrane, Manager of the Rangers Charity Foundation, said: “Erskine has a proud history of caring for ex-service men and women and serving military communities and is a cause close to the hearts of many Rangers supporters.

“I am delighted we will be working with Erskine over the coming year and also continuing to support The Prostate Cancer Charity, with whom we have worked extremely well over the last 12 months.

“We have seen what has been possible over the last year and this has inspired us to

care, water and sanitation facilities and lifesaving nutrition for malnourished children.

Julie Weston, UNICEF UK Director of Fundraising, said: “In developing countries such as Togo, poor families often have to make difficult choices – should they pay for food for the whole family or use the money to send a sick child to the doctor.

“Nobody should have to make this choice and UNICEF thanks Rangers for their incredible work to make sure that fewer families have to make these choices and sacrifices.

“Thanks to Rangers, more families will get the lifesaving healthcare that we often take for granted.”

For further information on The Rangers Charity Foundation visit our website at www.rangerscharity.org.uk, call 0141 580 8775 or email rangerscharity@rangers. co.uk.

Steven Davis with Erskine’s Alexander Johnstone and Peter McAlear from The Prostate Cancer Charity

“Erskine has a proud history of caring for ex-service men and women and serving military communities and is a cause close to the hearts of many Rangers supporters.”

71

charity

Foundation announces season 2011/12 partners Erskine and The Prostate Cancer Charity to benefit from Rangers alliance

V

ETERANS’ organisation Erskine and The Prostate Cancer Charity have been unveiled as the Rangers Charity Foundation’s Community and National Charity Partners for season 2011/12.

70

The Foundation’s relationship with National Partner The Prostate Cancer Charity has been extended thanks to the significant impact the Foundation has been able to make on the charity’s aim to reach more men across Scotland with its vital message.

Rangers fans have really engaged with the cause and the Foundation and the charity believe building the partnership further for another season can make a real difference in the ongoing battle against prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men in Scotland with 2,700 new diagnoses every year.

refitting of The Royal Scots Shop within the Bishopton home – a vital resource for residents and their guests.

Erskine Chairman Andrew Robertson said: “We are immensely grateful to the Rangers Charity Foundation for selecting Erskine as a Community Partner.

“Every year we care for veterans of all ages and this is only possible because of the generosity of organisations such as them.

“Their support will make a real difference to the lives of the ex-service men and women in our care. I cannot thank them enough.”

Ann Ferguson, Head of Operations at The Prostate Cancer Charity Scotland, added: “We are so grateful to Rangers, Rangers fans and the Rangers Charity Foundation for their hard work, support and generosity over the course of last season where a

develop our partnership further.

“We believe we can make a significant impact on the work of this hugely deserving charity and reach even more men across Scotland.”

The Foundation will also continue to work with International Partner UNICEF as part of an initial three-year partnership agreement.

Rangers Football Club is the only Scottish football partner of UNICEF, the world’s leading children’s organisation and only the sixth partner club in world football alongside the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and AC Milan.

The Rangers Charity Foundation is supporting UNICEF in Togo where work is currently underway reconstructing and equipping seven vital healthcare centres.

The project is improving the lives of thousands of children and their families by providing better access to basic medical

The Foundation’s fundraising for The Prostate Cancer Charity will support the distribution of information for older men with prostate cancer and the expansion of the charity’s support group network, including providing key resources for the groups.

It will also help to advance vital research work in Scotland – the first time the Foundation has funded this type of activity.

In total, it is hoped £20,000 can be raised to go towards these projects.

The Foundation will work with Community Partner Erskine on projects centred around their Glasgow and Bishopton homes.

It aims to raise around £20,000 towards two key projects: the Glasgow home’s replacement bed programme, which will provide residents with new ‘electric profiling’ beds to help improve their independence, comfort and general health, and the

magnificent £25,000 was raised for the fight against prostate cancer.

“The Prostate Cancer Charity is delighted that this partnership has been extended for another year and have no doubt it will play a significant role in the ongoing battle for a world where lives are no longer limited by the disease.”

Connal Cochrane, Manager of the Rangers Charity Foundation, said: “Erskine has a proud history of caring for ex-service men and women and serving military communities and is a cause close to the hearts of many Rangers supporters.

“I am delighted we will be working with Erskine over the coming year and also continuing to support The Prostate Cancer Charity, with whom we have worked extremely well over the last 12 months.

“We have seen what has been possible over the last year and this has inspired us to

care, water and sanitation facilities and lifesaving nutrition for malnourished children.

Julie Weston, UNICEF UK Director of Fundraising, said: “In developing countries such as Togo, poor families often have to make difficult choices – should they pay for food for the whole family or use the money to send a sick child to the doctor.

“Nobody should have to make this choice and UNICEF thanks Rangers for their incredible work to make sure that fewer families have to make these choices and sacrifices.

“Thanks to Rangers, more families will get the lifesaving healthcare that we often take for granted.”

For further information on The Rangers Charity Foundation visit our website at www.rangerscharity.org.uk, call 0141 580 8775 or email rangerscharity@rangers. co.uk.

Steven Davis with Erskine’s Alexander Johnstone and Peter McAlear from The Prostate Cancer Charity

“Erskine has a proud history of caring for ex-service men and women and serving military communities and is a cause close to the hearts of many Rangers supporters.”

71

Words David Melvin

International Bright Young Things Sandy Jardine sees positive signs for Scotland as they aim to reach major championships for first time in 14 years.

S

ANDY Jardine was just 24 when he played in the game that took Scotland to the 1974 World Cup finals in Germany.

He helped Willie Ormond’s team overcome Czechoslovakia at Hampden in September 1973 to clinch a place at a first major championship for the Scots in 16 years.

The 38 times capped defender remembers fondly the scenes of jubilation in Glasgow and beyond as headers from Jim Holton and Joe Jordan secured victory for an inexperienced side.

Jardine was winning only his eighth cap that night in a team that took to the field with a total of only 149 appearances for the national side.

Two thirds of those caps belonged to Denis Law and Billy Bremner, but it was a sign of things to come with the likes of Danny McGrain and Kenny Dalglish in the fledgling stages of their own illustrious international careers.

It was a fantastic night for all those involved and for Scotland fans everywhere and now Jardine is hoping a similar international setup can see a repeat when the current national side faces the Czech

72

Republic at Hampden on September 3.

He sees similarities in the youthful and energetic side that Craig Levein is piecing together and believes qualification for the European Championships is achievable with victory against the Czechs acting as a catalyst.

“There’s a similarity in that sense and Craig Levein is starting to put together a reasonably good squad of players,”

from that one then they will be in a good position to go on and qualify.”

While Jardine feels that the calibre of player he was fortunate to play with is no longer available to Levein, he has been impressed by the manner in which the current group of players have gelled to counteract any lack of star names.

He said: “I think the squad now doesn’t have the same quality of player that the

“Scotland has gone through quite a poor spell but if you look at the last run of games I think you have to be quite optimistic about how the team has performed.” explains Jardine.

“Scotland has gone through quite a poor spell but if you look at the last run of games I think you have to be quite optimistic about how the team has performed.

“It’s a big game against the Czech Republic and if they can take three points

national team had in my time, but what Craig has done is foster a good team spirit, much like a club side.

“They all play for each other and don’t think one player is better than the other.

They know if they approach it in the right manner as a team unit then they can do well.

73

Words David Melvin

International Bright Young Things Sandy Jardine sees positive signs for Scotland as they aim to reach major championships for first time in 14 years.

S

ANDY Jardine was just 24 when he played in the game that took Scotland to the 1974 World Cup finals in Germany.

He helped Willie Ormond’s team overcome Czechoslovakia at Hampden in September 1973 to clinch a place at a first major championship for the Scots in 16 years.

The 38 times capped defender remembers fondly the scenes of jubilation in Glasgow and beyond as headers from Jim Holton and Joe Jordan secured victory for an inexperienced side.

Jardine was winning only his eighth cap that night in a team that took to the field with a total of only 149 appearances for the national side.

Two thirds of those caps belonged to Denis Law and Billy Bremner, but it was a sign of things to come with the likes of Danny McGrain and Kenny Dalglish in the fledgling stages of their own illustrious international careers.

It was a fantastic night for all those involved and for Scotland fans everywhere and now Jardine is hoping a similar international setup can see a repeat when the current national side faces the Czech

72

Republic at Hampden on September 3.

He sees similarities in the youthful and energetic side that Craig Levein is piecing together and believes qualification for the European Championships is achievable with victory against the Czechs acting as a catalyst.

“There’s a similarity in that sense and Craig Levein is starting to put together a reasonably good squad of players,”

from that one then they will be in a good position to go on and qualify.”

While Jardine feels that the calibre of player he was fortunate to play with is no longer available to Levein, he has been impressed by the manner in which the current group of players have gelled to counteract any lack of star names.

He said: “I think the squad now doesn’t have the same quality of player that the

“Scotland has gone through quite a poor spell but if you look at the last run of games I think you have to be quite optimistic about how the team has performed.” explains Jardine.

“Scotland has gone through quite a poor spell but if you look at the last run of games I think you have to be quite optimistic about how the team has performed.

“It’s a big game against the Czech Republic and if they can take three points

national team had in my time, but what Craig has done is foster a good team spirit, much like a club side.

“They all play for each other and don’t think one player is better than the other.

They know if they approach it in the right manner as a team unit then they can do well.

73

Joe Jordan scores the crucial goal that defeated Czechoslovakia and sent Scotland to the 1974 Wold Cup finals

“They don’t have the stars but they’ve managed to overcome that by being a good team and if they go out and play to their maximum they’ll get a good result more often than not.”

For Rangers fans of course it is encouraging to see their own players involved in Scotland’s bid to join the best on the continent in Poland and Ukraine next summer.

Allan McGregor has made the No.1 shirt his and Steven Naismith at 24 has the potential to feature at a number of major tournaments in the dark blue of Scotland.

Steven Whittaker is hitting his peak at 27, while recent international absentees Lee McCulloch and Kirk Broadfoot offer both experience and versatility to Levein.

Of course their chase for silverware and their regular game time together benefits the national setup, but their involvement with Scotland has benefits for the Light Blues too.

“The club gets a spin off from that as well because I think if you’re playing well at that level I believe you come back as a better player,” insists Jardine.

“I found that after playing in a World Cup I was a better player, it gives everyone a lift to be involved.

“And that’s not just the players who play. The media get a lift, fans get a lift, sponsors do, but most importantly so do kids watching the game in Scotland.

“They all see the players at these tournaments and they want to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Steven Naismith.”

Naismith has already experienced the highs and lows of international football with a goal against World Champions Spain at Hampden a highlight.

A similar strike against the Czechs could give him another memorable Hampden moment, and Jardine admits he still has fond recollections of that night in 1973.

He said: “It was a huge occasion. When

I look back at my international career the highlight was going to the World Cup in 1974, but that game against Czechoslovakia was one of the best atmospheres I’ve ever played in.

“That was the game that qualified us for the World Cup and it was played in front of a huge crowd.

“These days, people associate Hampden with 52,000 crowds but it was around double that when we played the Czechs.

“They were a very strong side at the time and we had to play them back to back after getting two wins against

Denmark.

“We knew if we could get two points for the win at Hampden we would be clear of them before we went to Bratislava.

“But we lost a poor goal at the start of the game when Ally Hunter let one slip in to the net and we were 1-0 down.

“Jim Holton got one back before halftime though with a great header from a corner and that set us up for the second half.

“In that second period we put them under a huge amount of pressure but we just couldn’t get a goal.

“Willie Ormond then made a substitution and he brought Joe on for Kenny Dalglish and of course he scored

with just over 15 minutes to go.

“We played some great football that night and we thoroughly deserved the win. Like now, we had a lot of young players starting to come in to the team like myself, Danny McGrain and Davie Hay and of course Kenny and Joe. “That became the nucleus of the team for the next six or seven years because a lot of them were really very good players and good players for Scotland.

“It was a great victory for us and got us to the World Cup finals which Scotland hadn’t done since 1958, so that gave everybody a huge lift and it was a fantastic experience to know you would go and play in a tournament like that.

“To be honest I didn’t remember too much about the World Cup in 1958 but to be part of the team that made the next one and to go and play in a World Cup was a great experience.

“To go and play at that level is something different and especially when we got there and we had Brazil, the World Champions at the time, in our group.

“Unfortunately in Germany it was a glorious failure, a phrase that was used a few times while I was playing for Scotland. We got there but didn’t get that little bit extra to take us through.

“But you want to test yourself against the best. You want to play in major finals.

The Champions League is a tremendous competition but internationally you want to play in the World Cup and the European Championships.

“If you look at a player’s senior career you might be in the first team for just over 10 years but your international career tends to be shorter than that.

“Not many people get the chance to go to multiple international tournaments because the span between them is so much greater.

“The chance doesn’t come along too

75

Joe Jordan scores the crucial goal that defeated Czechoslovakia and sent Scotland to the 1974 Wold Cup finals

“They don’t have the stars but they’ve managed to overcome that by being a good team and if they go out and play to their maximum they’ll get a good result more often than not.”

For Rangers fans of course it is encouraging to see their own players involved in Scotland’s bid to join the best on the continent in Poland and Ukraine next summer.

Allan McGregor has made the No.1 shirt his and Steven Naismith at 24 has the potential to feature at a number of major tournaments in the dark blue of Scotland.

Steven Whittaker is hitting his peak at 27, while recent international absentees Lee McCulloch and Kirk Broadfoot offer both experience and versatility to Levein.

Of course their chase for silverware and their regular game time together benefits the national setup, but their involvement with Scotland has benefits for the Light Blues too.

“The club gets a spin off from that as well because I think if you’re playing well at that level I believe you come back as a better player,” insists Jardine.

“I found that after playing in a World Cup I was a better player, it gives everyone a lift to be involved.

“And that’s not just the players who play. The media get a lift, fans get a lift, sponsors do, but most importantly so do kids watching the game in Scotland.

“They all see the players at these tournaments and they want to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Steven Naismith.”

Naismith has already experienced the highs and lows of international football with a goal against World Champions Spain at Hampden a highlight.

A similar strike against the Czechs could give him another memorable Hampden moment, and Jardine admits he still has fond recollections of that night in 1973.

He said: “It was a huge occasion. When

I look back at my international career the highlight was going to the World Cup in 1974, but that game against Czechoslovakia was one of the best atmospheres I’ve ever played in.

“That was the game that qualified us for the World Cup and it was played in front of a huge crowd.

“These days, people associate Hampden with 52,000 crowds but it was around double that when we played the Czechs.

“They were a very strong side at the time and we had to play them back to back after getting two wins against

Denmark.

“We knew if we could get two points for the win at Hampden we would be clear of them before we went to Bratislava.

“But we lost a poor goal at the start of the game when Ally Hunter let one slip in to the net and we were 1-0 down.

“Jim Holton got one back before halftime though with a great header from a corner and that set us up for the second half.

“In that second period we put them under a huge amount of pressure but we just couldn’t get a goal.

“Willie Ormond then made a substitution and he brought Joe on for Kenny Dalglish and of course he scored

with just over 15 minutes to go.

“We played some great football that night and we thoroughly deserved the win. Like now, we had a lot of young players starting to come in to the team like myself, Danny McGrain and Davie Hay and of course Kenny and Joe. “That became the nucleus of the team for the next six or seven years because a lot of them were really very good players and good players for Scotland.

“It was a great victory for us and got us to the World Cup finals which Scotland hadn’t done since 1958, so that gave everybody a huge lift and it was a fantastic experience to know you would go and play in a tournament like that.

“To be honest I didn’t remember too much about the World Cup in 1958 but to be part of the team that made the next one and to go and play in a World Cup was a great experience.

“To go and play at that level is something different and especially when we got there and we had Brazil, the World Champions at the time, in our group.

“Unfortunately in Germany it was a glorious failure, a phrase that was used a few times while I was playing for Scotland. We got there but didn’t get that little bit extra to take us through.

“But you want to test yourself against the best. You want to play in major finals.

The Champions League is a tremendous competition but internationally you want to play in the World Cup and the European Championships.

“If you look at a player’s senior career you might be in the first team for just over 10 years but your international career tends to be shorter than that.

“Not many people get the chance to go to multiple international tournaments because the span between them is so much greater.

“The chance doesn’t come along too

75

often so you want to take it when it does. It’s very important that you try to maximise your abilities to try to achieve that.”

Jardine’s memories of that double header against Czechoslovakia aren’t all fond however, with Scotland’s ability to mix things up in evidence over the two ties.

With players like Bremner in the team the Scots weren’t afraid to get physical, but neither were their opponents, who didn’t take kindly to the home side’s approach.

“After the game the euphoria was fantastic, and the match was actually replayed on TV on the Saturday night,” recalls Jardine.

“I remember sitting in the house and watching it and when the first goal went in Arthur Montford gave his famous ‘disaster for Scotland’ line.

“Arthur got quite involved with his commentaries and I remember a ‘watch your back Denis’ directed at Denis Law. “That was because it had been a very physical game. We made it very competitive and they weren’t too pleased after the game with the manner in which

we had won.

“They were threatening all sorts of vengeance when we went to Czechoslovakia two weeks later.

“When the pool was announced for the second match there were a few high profile call offs because we’d already qualified.

“Some of the bigger players didn’t go and there were a few debuts that night.

Tam Forsyth played his second game for Scotland too so it was left to the less experienced players to go there.

“We lost 1-0 and they kicked lumps out of us that day, but I do remember after playing in the afternoon we went back to the hotel to watch England’s match against Poland that night at Wembley.

“It was the game that’s now famous for the Polish goalkeeper Jan Tomaszewski saving all England’s efforts and stopping them getting to Germany in 1974.

“We had a beer after our game to relax and we might have been cheering on Poland while we were watching on the TV!”

Duty bound Gers’ international stars will see action next month

W

HILE Scotland’s squad will almost certainly feature a host of Light Blues stars when Craig Levein announces it they won’t be the only Rangers players on duty in September.

Around half a dozen of Ally McCoist’s group will feature over the course of international week at the beginning of next month.

Northern Ireland follow August’s qualifier against Faroe Islands with a double header of competitive action at home to Serbia and away to Estonia.

Steven Davis and David Healy are likely to feature, while Kyle Lafferty should be well on the comeback trail, though a lack of action may see him short of match fitness.

In comparison to three tough qualifiers for Northern Ireland, the USA play three friendlies across the same period.

Mo Edu and Alejandro Bedoya will both hope to be involved as the Americans follow a friendly with Mexico in August with back to back exhibitions

against Costa Rica and Belgium.

Romania’s qualification prospects for Euro 2012 are still reasonable, but recent signing Dorin Goian’s national team find themselves in a tough group and also face a double header of qualifiers after this month’s friendly meeting with Argentina.

They play bottom side Luxembourg away, four days before hosting group leaders France in a spell which could go a long way to determining their competitiveness in the final two qualifying matches.

Nikica Jelavic’s Croatia find themselves in a similar position, in a tight group and facing an away trip to bottom side Malta before hosting Israel who currently sit level on points with Croatia, with those ties following a friendly for Jelavic in Dublin.

Of course Jelavic is set to face some of his Rangers team mates next season after the qualifying draw for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil landed Croatia and Scotland in a group which also includes Serbia, Belgium, Macedonia and Wales.

77

often so you want to take it when it does. It’s very important that you try to maximise your abilities to try to achieve that.”

Jardine’s memories of that double header against Czechoslovakia aren’t all fond however, with Scotland’s ability to mix things up in evidence over the two ties.

With players like Bremner in the team the Scots weren’t afraid to get physical, but neither were their opponents, who didn’t take kindly to the home side’s approach.

“After the game the euphoria was fantastic, and the match was actually replayed on TV on the Saturday night,” recalls Jardine.

“I remember sitting in the house and watching it and when the first goal went in Arthur Montford gave his famous ‘disaster for Scotland’ line.

“Arthur got quite involved with his commentaries and I remember a ‘watch your back Denis’ directed at Denis Law. “That was because it had been a very physical game. We made it very competitive and they weren’t too pleased after the game with the manner in which

we had won.

“They were threatening all sorts of vengeance when we went to Czechoslovakia two weeks later.

“When the pool was announced for the second match there were a few high profile call offs because we’d already qualified.

“Some of the bigger players didn’t go and there were a few debuts that night.

Tam Forsyth played his second game for Scotland too so it was left to the less experienced players to go there.

“We lost 1-0 and they kicked lumps out of us that day, but I do remember after playing in the afternoon we went back to the hotel to watch England’s match against Poland that night at Wembley.

“It was the game that’s now famous for the Polish goalkeeper Jan Tomaszewski saving all England’s efforts and stopping them getting to Germany in 1974.

“We had a beer after our game to relax and we might have been cheering on Poland while we were watching on the TV!”

Duty bound Gers’ international stars will see action next month

W

HILE Scotland’s squad will almost certainly feature a host of Light Blues stars when Craig Levein announces it they won’t be the only Rangers players on duty in September.

Around half a dozen of Ally McCoist’s group will feature over the course of international week at the beginning of next month.

Northern Ireland follow August’s qualifier against Faroe Islands with a double header of competitive action at home to Serbia and away to Estonia.

Steven Davis and David Healy are likely to feature, while Kyle Lafferty should be well on the comeback trail, though a lack of action may see him short of match fitness.

In comparison to three tough qualifiers for Northern Ireland, the USA play three friendlies across the same period.

Mo Edu and Alejandro Bedoya will both hope to be involved as the Americans follow a friendly with Mexico in August with back to back exhibitions

against Costa Rica and Belgium.

Romania’s qualification prospects for Euro 2012 are still reasonable, but recent signing Dorin Goian’s national team find themselves in a tough group and also face a double header of qualifiers after this month’s friendly meeting with Argentina.

They play bottom side Luxembourg away, four days before hosting group leaders France in a spell which could go a long way to determining their competitiveness in the final two qualifying matches.

Nikica Jelavic’s Croatia find themselves in a similar position, in a tight group and facing an away trip to bottom side Malta before hosting Israel who currently sit level on points with Croatia, with those ties following a friendly for Jelavic in Dublin.

Of course Jelavic is set to face some of his Rangers team mates next season after the qualifying draw for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil landed Croatia and Scotland in a group which also includes Serbia, Belgium, Macedonia and Wales.

77

the enclosure THIS is The Enclosure, our brand new section dedicated to the hundreds of thousands of Rangers supporters around the world.

Every month, we’ll be bringing you tales of fans from every corner of the globe and telling you about the lengths they go to as the follow their favourite team.

A

RGENTINA has a proud history of producing some of football’s finest ever talents, from the likes of Mario Kempes and Diego Maradona to Lionel Messi and Claudio Caniggia.

Yet ask one of the locals in the city of La Plata who his favourite players are and he’ll reel off names such as Davie Cooper, Ally McCoist, Mark Hateley and Alexei Mikhailichenko.

Hernán Federico Pacheco is 34, works for an energy company 7,000 miles from Glasgow and, settled at home with his partner Carla, is a born and bred South American.

More than that, he has never been anywhere near Ibrox before - though you’d never know it if you spoke to him about his biggest passion in life.

A Rangers diehard since 1989 for no other reason than because he saw them on a video one day, he talks with unwavering enthusiasm about the 54-time Scottish champions.

Hernán’s tales of crying with joy at some of the club’s finest moments in the past two decades and more makes you think he was actually there to see them happen in the flesh.

He has even taught his eight-year-old daughter Micaela the words to Follow Follow and she sings it in perfect English, partly because he has the tune as his ringtone on his mobile phone.

In short, he is a true reflection – if a far removed one - of the very best fans Rangers have, his love for them fuelled by a deep desire to fulfil his dream of seeing them in person one day.

“My interest comes from being able to watch highlights and goals from Rangers

If you think you’ve got a story to share with us, you could feature in a future edition of Rangers Monthly if you contact us.

Simply get in touch with us now by calling 0141 580 8500 or sending us an email to editor@rangers.co.uk, marked ‘The Enclosure’ in the subject field.

games on old VHS cassettes when I was a boy,” Hernán said.

“I was young but it was love at first sight. Seeing Ibrox packed full of fans and watching their rivalry with Celtic unfold was very special.

“Back then, you couldn’t see Rangers matches on television in Argentina and of course there was no internet so there wasn’t the immediacy of information we cherish today.

“I had to look at international newspapers and magazines to get all my information about the club but they would always arrive well after games had taken place.

“Whenever my mother went to Buenos Aires, she would go to newsstands and buy editions of Guerin Sportivo, Don Balon and France Football for me to read.

“I would cut out articles and photos and treasured them and I remember my first posters were of Chris Woods, Ray Wilkins and Terry Butcher.

“Thankfully I can see the team playing nowadays on the web and on satellite channels, although it is not always easy.

“It is one of my dreams to come to see a game at Ibrox, to sing Follow Follow with the fans and to encourage the team during a game

with them.

“Two years from now, I plan to do that and I’m perfecting my spoken English and saving money to travel with a friend.”

He may never have come close to witnessing Rangers play first hand but that doesn’t mean Hernán doesn’t have the same great memories as other Light Blues fans of his generation.

His first recollections come from the magnificent Champions League run in the 1992/93 season, with many more following since then.

Hernán added: “I remember the Battle of Britain, Rangers in their blue shirts with white Adidas stripes and Ally McCoist’s header at Elland Road.

“Ian Durrant’s goal at the Velodrome in Marseille and the way Scott Nisbet’s cross bounced in against Bruges stand out too.

“There are many other good memories of good players. McCoist scored a great goal in the 1993 League Cup final against Hibernian and I lost count of how many he got against Celtic.

“He should have a place amongst the greatest scorers of all time in my eyes because how many players can say they scored 355 goals for one club in their professional careers?

“I remember I cried a lot at the free kick Barry Ferguson scored in the 2002 Scottish Cup final against Celtic. He was a

great character.

“I have to have Paul Gascoigne on my list of favourites too. He was a fantastic player who had to play at Ibrox and I’ll never forget his title-winning hat-trick against Aberdeen.

“Then there are players such as Cooper.

I have seen the famous Old Firm goal he scored and he was an amazing talent. I was very saddened by his death and he was a great loss.

“We have been lucky to have lots of good times as Rangers fans. From beating Celtic 5-1 in 2000 to the League Cup final win last season, every Old Firm victory is a triumph.

“My favourite moment is the same one so many others will say, the game when Nacho Novo scored the penalty in Florence which took Rangers to the UEFA Cup final.

“I have kept the white shirt the team wore that night with great affection and looking back, winning against Zenit would have been the finest moment in Walter Smith’s great career.

“He will forever remain in the hearts of the fans for what he gave them. Seeing his Ibrox farewell with the rain on his back, it brought tears to us all.

The crying game Barry and Walter reduced diehard Hernán to tears in Argentina 78

Words Andrew Dickson

“Walter is a legend and it was wonderful to see him go out with the title in May after five goals at Kilmarnock.

“The League Cup win before then was special and how Nikica Jelavic’s shot curled in a semi-circle and into the back of the net is a mystery.

“I watched that match on the internet and I lost my connection just as Vladimir Weiss played the pass to him.

“I was happy to find out when I got it back that Rangers had scored but you do not know how many languages I swore in because I had missed the goal.”

Although restricted to watching McCoist’s men playing on the internet for now, it’s through that very same medium that Hernán brings himself closer to his fellow fans of the club.

His blog at www.gersglasgow.blogspot. com has proved to be massively popular with other Light Blues followers around the world and it allows him to connect with them too.

Through his Twitter feed at @hernanfpacheco, he has gathered a following of several hundred people and

he constantly shares his opinions on the champions with other supporters.

“The blog is born from a personal need,” Hernán admitted. “My initial idea was to write about the club as another way to represent myself as a fan of Rangers.

“I also wanted to write it so that I could improve my English and some time ago, someone told me it reflects my personality and my tastes quite well.

“Rangers have been part of my life for more than two decades now and I wanted to express that but the response I got from other fans was spectacular.

“Seeing that 11,000 people have read it was not what I expected at all. I understand technology offers increased communication between distant regions but it was still a surprise.

“The feedback I have had from fans in Scotland has been great and it is a joy for my soul to read comments from people who share my sense of passion for the club.

“Some of my friends in Argentina think I

Hernan with partner Carla

am a little crazy but they look at my blog, they ask questions and they understand my feelings for the club.

“One of my targets with the blog is to spread word of how wonderful it is to be a fan of Rangers and I feel it does that.”

“It is one of my dreams to come to see a game at Ibrox, to sing Follow Follow with the fans.”

Daugher Micaela is a fan too

79

the enclosure THIS is The Enclosure, our brand new section dedicated to the hundreds of thousands of Rangers supporters around the world.

Every month, we’ll be bringing you tales of fans from every corner of the globe and telling you about the lengths they go to as the follow their favourite team.

A

RGENTINA has a proud history of producing some of football’s finest ever talents, from the likes of Mario Kempes and Diego Maradona to Lionel Messi and Claudio Caniggia.

Yet ask one of the locals in the city of La Plata who his favourite players are and he’ll reel off names such as Davie Cooper, Ally McCoist, Mark Hateley and Alexei Mikhailichenko.

Hernán Federico Pacheco is 34, works for an energy company 7,000 miles from Glasgow and, settled at home with his partner Carla, is a born and bred South American.

More than that, he has never been anywhere near Ibrox before - though you’d never know it if you spoke to him about his biggest passion in life.

A Rangers diehard since 1989 for no other reason than because he saw them on a video one day, he talks with unwavering enthusiasm about the 54-time Scottish champions.

Hernán’s tales of crying with joy at some of the club’s finest moments in the past two decades and more makes you think he was actually there to see them happen in the flesh.

He has even taught his eight-year-old daughter Micaela the words to Follow Follow and she sings it in perfect English, partly because he has the tune as his ringtone on his mobile phone.

In short, he is a true reflection – if a far removed one - of the very best fans Rangers have, his love for them fuelled by a deep desire to fulfil his dream of seeing them in person one day.

“My interest comes from being able to watch highlights and goals from Rangers

If you think you’ve got a story to share with us, you could feature in a future edition of Rangers Monthly if you contact us.

Simply get in touch with us now by calling 0141 580 8500 or sending us an email to editor@rangers.co.uk, marked ‘The Enclosure’ in the subject field.

games on old VHS cassettes when I was a boy,” Hernán said.

“I was young but it was love at first sight. Seeing Ibrox packed full of fans and watching their rivalry with Celtic unfold was very special.

“Back then, you couldn’t see Rangers matches on television in Argentina and of course there was no internet so there wasn’t the immediacy of information we cherish today.

“I had to look at international newspapers and magazines to get all my information about the club but they would always arrive well after games had taken place.

“Whenever my mother went to Buenos Aires, she would go to newsstands and buy editions of Guerin Sportivo, Don Balon and France Football for me to read.

“I would cut out articles and photos and treasured them and I remember my first posters were of Chris Woods, Ray Wilkins and Terry Butcher.

“Thankfully I can see the team playing nowadays on the web and on satellite channels, although it is not always easy.

“It is one of my dreams to come to see a game at Ibrox, to sing Follow Follow with the fans and to encourage the team during a game

with them.

“Two years from now, I plan to do that and I’m perfecting my spoken English and saving money to travel with a friend.”

He may never have come close to witnessing Rangers play first hand but that doesn’t mean Hernán doesn’t have the same great memories as other Light Blues fans of his generation.

His first recollections come from the magnificent Champions League run in the 1992/93 season, with many more following since then.

Hernán added: “I remember the Battle of Britain, Rangers in their blue shirts with white Adidas stripes and Ally McCoist’s header at Elland Road.

“Ian Durrant’s goal at the Velodrome in Marseille and the way Scott Nisbet’s cross bounced in against Bruges stand out too.

“There are many other good memories of good players. McCoist scored a great goal in the 1993 League Cup final against Hibernian and I lost count of how many he got against Celtic.

“He should have a place amongst the greatest scorers of all time in my eyes because how many players can say they scored 355 goals for one club in their professional careers?

“I remember I cried a lot at the free kick Barry Ferguson scored in the 2002 Scottish Cup final against Celtic. He was a

great character.

“I have to have Paul Gascoigne on my list of favourites too. He was a fantastic player who had to play at Ibrox and I’ll never forget his title-winning hat-trick against Aberdeen.

“Then there are players such as Cooper.

I have seen the famous Old Firm goal he scored and he was an amazing talent. I was very saddened by his death and he was a great loss.

“We have been lucky to have lots of good times as Rangers fans. From beating Celtic 5-1 in 2000 to the League Cup final win last season, every Old Firm victory is a triumph.

“My favourite moment is the same one so many others will say, the game when Nacho Novo scored the penalty in Florence which took Rangers to the UEFA Cup final.

“I have kept the white shirt the team wore that night with great affection and looking back, winning against Zenit would have been the finest moment in Walter Smith’s great career.

“He will forever remain in the hearts of the fans for what he gave them. Seeing his Ibrox farewell with the rain on his back, it brought tears to us all.

The crying game Barry and Walter reduced diehard Hernán to tears in Argentina 78

Words Andrew Dickson

“Walter is a legend and it was wonderful to see him go out with the title in May after five goals at Kilmarnock.

“The League Cup win before then was special and how Nikica Jelavic’s shot curled in a semi-circle and into the back of the net is a mystery.

“I watched that match on the internet and I lost my connection just as Vladimir Weiss played the pass to him.

“I was happy to find out when I got it back that Rangers had scored but you do not know how many languages I swore in because I had missed the goal.”

Although restricted to watching McCoist’s men playing on the internet for now, it’s through that very same medium that Hernán brings himself closer to his fellow fans of the club.

His blog at www.gersglasgow.blogspot. com has proved to be massively popular with other Light Blues followers around the world and it allows him to connect with them too.

Through his Twitter feed at @hernanfpacheco, he has gathered a following of several hundred people and

he constantly shares his opinions on the champions with other supporters.

“The blog is born from a personal need,” Hernán admitted. “My initial idea was to write about the club as another way to represent myself as a fan of Rangers.

“I also wanted to write it so that I could improve my English and some time ago, someone told me it reflects my personality and my tastes quite well.

“Rangers have been part of my life for more than two decades now and I wanted to express that but the response I got from other fans was spectacular.

“Seeing that 11,000 people have read it was not what I expected at all. I understand technology offers increased communication between distant regions but it was still a surprise.

“The feedback I have had from fans in Scotland has been great and it is a joy for my soul to read comments from people who share my sense of passion for the club.

“Some of my friends in Argentina think I

Hernan with partner Carla

am a little crazy but they look at my blog, they ask questions and they understand my feelings for the club.

“One of my targets with the blog is to spread word of how wonderful it is to be a fan of Rangers and I feel it does that.”

“It is one of my dreams to come to see a game at Ibrox, to sing Follow Follow with the fans.”

Daugher Micaela is a fan too

79

the enclosure WITH almost 500 registered supporters clubs around the world, Rangers followers can be found in every corner of the globe.

Renowned for their passion and their commitment to following their team, they travel in great numbers to Ibrox and beyond to back the Light Blues at home and abroad.

Each month we’ll take a look at a particular group of fans who devote so much of their lives to cheering on the SPL champions.

This month we get the lowdown on the Stornoway-based Lewis and Harris RSC from their manager John Macinnes.

Club name: Lewis and Harris RSC Location: 19 Inaclete Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis Manager: John Macinnes Tel: 01851 702028 Email: lhrsc@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.facebook.com/ lewis&harrisrangerssupporters club Number of members: 423 Year of formation: 1975

CLUB FOCUS How was your club formed?

Some guys came together in 1975 to start the club and ran buses to all the big games.

They would get together to watch matches that were on TV when they weren’t able to get to Ibrox too and we opened our own premises in 1984. We had a fire there in 2004 but were able to save the place and it has gone on to be very successful. Rangers confirmed in April that we’re the largest affiliated supporters club going.

How often do you meet?

Each year we have a big trip where as many of our members as possible go to an Ibrox game. Last season it was the match against St Johnstone at the end of February and next March we’re all heading to the game with Hearts. Back at home, our club is open every day of the year and it’s a great meeting place for fans to come together. It’s a real shrine to the club with signed shirts, pictures and pennants all over the place and for a big game, we’ll have around 150 people there watching.

Are any of your members regulars at Ibrox?

A group of us tries to get down once a month.

Nowadays, it is cheaper for us to go by plane to Glasgow because the flight leaves at 9.30am on a Saturday morning and it means the trip just takes one day rather than three.

If we’re going down to Ibrox by bus, we have to leave at 7am on a Friday morning for a Saturday game because of the ferry times.

Do you go on European trips?

We’ve not done many but we are hoping to get one in this season. Our last one abroad was at Villarreal in 2006 but we never ran a bus. Instead, people made their own way and

Members of the Lewis and Harris RSC with Steven Naismith at Ibrox

we all met up there. It was the same again for the UEFA Cup final – about 100 of us went to Manchester by plane, bus, car and train, many without match tickets, and despite the result we still had a ball.

What has your best trip been?

While other clubs might talk about foreign trips, that St Johnstone game was one of our best. We got to present Steven Naismith with our player of the year prize and the team won 4-0 so it was a fantastic day. I think we appreciate going to Ibrox a bit more than a lot of folk because it’s so far away.

Who are the club’s big characters?

Our members do a lot to support the club and when it was built, a few locals who support Rangers did work on it for nothing. We’ve got guys like Roddy Afrin, who puts up players in his B&B when they visit, pensioners Calum and Murdo who went away to watch Rangers against Hearts at the end last season and stayed right through to the title party, Colin and Dondy who cook the burgers and ribs at our summer barbeques and Ian and Ian O’Donnell, a father and son team who don’t miss a European game.

Have any past or present players visited your club?

We’ve not had a ‘current’ player come up for a while but Jock Wallace opened our club in 1984 and since then Andy Goram, Alex Rae, Chris Burke, Colin Stein and Mark Hateley have been to see us. We’ve also got a Barcelona Bears tribute night coming up next month, when Colin, Peter McCloy, Willie Johnston and Dave Smith will be along with the trophy.

SHOULD WE FEATURE YOUR CLUB? EMAIL US NOW AT EDITOR@RANGERS.CO.UK WITH DETAILS 81

the enclosure WITH almost 500 registered supporters clubs around the world, Rangers followers can be found in every corner of the globe.

Renowned for their passion and their commitment to following their team, they travel in great numbers to Ibrox and beyond to back the Light Blues at home and abroad.

Each month we’ll take a look at a particular group of fans who devote so much of their lives to cheering on the SPL champions.

This month we get the lowdown on the Stornoway-based Lewis and Harris RSC from their manager John Macinnes.

Club name: Lewis and Harris RSC Location: 19 Inaclete Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis Manager: John Macinnes Tel: 01851 702028 Email: lhrsc@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.facebook.com/ lewis&harrisrangerssupporters club Number of members: 423 Year of formation: 1975

CLUB FOCUS How was your club formed?

Some guys came together in 1975 to start the club and ran buses to all the big games.

They would get together to watch matches that were on TV when they weren’t able to get to Ibrox too and we opened our own premises in 1984. We had a fire there in 2004 but were able to save the place and it has gone on to be very successful. Rangers confirmed in April that we’re the largest affiliated supporters club going.

How often do you meet?

Each year we have a big trip where as many of our members as possible go to an Ibrox game. Last season it was the match against St Johnstone at the end of February and next March we’re all heading to the game with Hearts. Back at home, our club is open every day of the year and it’s a great meeting place for fans to come together. It’s a real shrine to the club with signed shirts, pictures and pennants all over the place and for a big game, we’ll have around 150 people there watching.

Are any of your members regulars at Ibrox?

A group of us tries to get down once a month.

Nowadays, it is cheaper for us to go by plane to Glasgow because the flight leaves at 9.30am on a Saturday morning and it means the trip just takes one day rather than three.

If we’re going down to Ibrox by bus, we have to leave at 7am on a Friday morning for a Saturday game because of the ferry times.

Do you go on European trips?

We’ve not done many but we are hoping to get one in this season. Our last one abroad was at Villarreal in 2006 but we never ran a bus. Instead, people made their own way and

Members of the Lewis and Harris RSC with Steven Naismith at Ibrox

we all met up there. It was the same again for the UEFA Cup final – about 100 of us went to Manchester by plane, bus, car and train, many without match tickets, and despite the result we still had a ball.

What has your best trip been?

While other clubs might talk about foreign trips, that St Johnstone game was one of our best. We got to present Steven Naismith with our player of the year prize and the team won 4-0 so it was a fantastic day. I think we appreciate going to Ibrox a bit more than a lot of folk because it’s so far away.

Who are the club’s big characters?

Our members do a lot to support the club and when it was built, a few locals who support Rangers did work on it for nothing. We’ve got guys like Roddy Afrin, who puts up players in his B&B when they visit, pensioners Calum and Murdo who went away to watch Rangers against Hearts at the end last season and stayed right through to the title party, Colin and Dondy who cook the burgers and ribs at our summer barbeques and Ian and Ian O’Donnell, a father and son team who don’t miss a European game.

Have any past or present players visited your club?

We’ve not had a ‘current’ player come up for a while but Jock Wallace opened our club in 1984 and since then Andy Goram, Alex Rae, Chris Burke, Colin Stein and Mark Hateley have been to see us. We’ve also got a Barcelona Bears tribute night coming up next month, when Colin, Peter McCloy, Willie Johnston and Dave Smith will be along with the trophy.

SHOULD WE FEATURE YOUR CLUB? EMAIL US NOW AT EDITOR@RANGERS.CO.UK WITH DETAILS 81

the enclosure Hungary for more Light Blues fans to continue bid for victory in Zalaegerszeg tournament

E

IGHT Rangers fans were in Hungary recently to take part in a 12-team fivea-side fans competition, progressing through their group before crashing out in the semi-finals.

They were participating in the annual Zalaegerszeg Football Tournament for the sixth consecutive year and will return for the event’s 10th anniversary next summer.

Light Blues fan Brian Johnston is based in Hungary and he was joined by seven of his friends from back home as they made up a squad along with one of his local colleagues.

Len, Colin, Cliff and Scott Anthony, John McGowan, Chris Rocks and Gordon Redpath all made their way from Glasgow via London and Graz to be there.

And after a draw in their opening fixture, they won their other four group ties including one with the hosts to reach the last four.

It was at that stage they dropped out as they were beaten 2-1 by Hungarian team Papa but while they were disappointed to lose, they were by no means disheartened.

Brian said: “We were unlucky in our semi and the team we lost to went on to win the tournament so we can’t complain too much about how we played.

“If I’m honest, there were a few dodgy

82

Strips appeal for Ghana Help support James and New Larteh Rangers with kit donations

A

decisions which went the Hungarians’ way from one of the local referees but we expected that!

“It was a really good competition with sides from Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Poland and Austria all taking part as well as ourselves and the Hungarian teams.

“We made some good friends and alliances with other supporters clubs and we’ll be back next year with the intention of winning.”

The Gers supporters first entered in 2006

and their side was initially made up with an even mix of locals and players from Scotland.

Their connection with Zalaegerszeg comes from when Len was a plant manager for Electronic Manufacturing Services Company, which has a site in the city.

Brian used to play with Kilwinning Rangers and was drafted into the visiting Scots team after he moved to Hungary on a three-year ex-pat contract with Philips in 2009.

Hateley opens memorial garden K IND-hearted Rangers fans have helped fund the construction of a memorial wall and garden in Viewpark near Uddingston which was opened by Mark Hateley last month.

Ian Brown, a Light Blues fan and the PR manager at junior football club Thorniewood United, co-ordinated the project at Robertson Park.

He did so to create a lasting tribute to his father John after he died from leukaemia and was able to gather £19,000 of donations from key sponsors to fund it.

Included amongst those who gave so generously were Caledonian Plywood, AMEY, G & H Builders, Rembrand Timber, Harte Construction, Coatbridge Engineering and

news

Mark Hateley, Ian Brown and North Lanarkshire civic head Provost Tom Curley

Andersons.

Hateley attended the official opening on Monday, July 25 and declared the garden

open along with North Lanarkshire civic head Provost Tom Curley.

Now people will be able to buy bricks on the wall with their money going to leukaemia charities, with plenty selling already.

Ian said: “A lot of the people who helped are Rangers fans and I’m extremely grateful to them for what they have done.

“I’m really touched by how they have all pulled together. Things are difficult for people just now but they dug deep to make sure we got the job done.

“Now we’ve got a place for people to go and sit and take in the surroundings and we’ve got lots of people buying bricks for charity. We’ve had a fantastic response all round.”

RANGERS fan is appealing to fellow Ibrox followers for old sets of strips in the SPL champions’ colours to donate to a youth team in Ghana.

James Wilson, a member of the New Livingston RSC, travelled to the African country in June with his wife and visited the village of Larteh.

Whilst there, he became friendly with Joe Garrey, the head coach of the local football team, and promised to do his best to source equipment for the players to use.

In return, it was agreed the club would change its name to New Larteh Rangers and they played their first game under their revised moniker against a team from the capital Accra.

Whilst they won 1-0, it was clear their shabby old Liverpool kits needed replaced and James has pledged to find some for them.

He said: “I’m trying to get a set of strips for the team, who are aged 14 to 17, in Rangers colours if possible.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who is involved with a club that plays in such kits and who are shortly going to obtain new outfits and get rid of their old ones.

“When I was in Ghana, I was surprised by how good some of the players taking part were but they didn’t look the part.

“The kids are really keen on football and they’ve got great enthusiasm for the game. It’s a chance for us to let our hair down but for them, it’s more than that.

“It could offer them the opportunity to better themselves and lead them and their families to a much better lifestyle so I am eager to do what I can to support them.”

If you can help James, he can be contacted by phone on 07801 735087 or by email at jamesrfcwilson@aol.com.

We’re giving fans the chance to write their very own column for us and this month, we hear from Rangers Supporters Assembly vice president Ross Blyth. If you want to get involved, send us an email at editor@rangers. co.uk with your idea and ‘Fans with laptops’ in the subject field. Rangers Football Club reserves the right to edit where necessary.

Fans with laptops W

HEN is a rival not a rival? When it’s Aberdeen.

In what felt like the shortest close season ever, it seemed only a few days had passed from our celebrations of ‘54’ at Rugby Park when the fixtures for the new term were released.

I’m easily pleased and like the majority of you, I look for the Old Firm dates before anything else.

Some favourite places to visit stand out too, as well as the grounds I hate on a wet Tuesday in December when it’s minus five and I’ve three pairs of socks on.

Take Aberdeen supporters and it appears there are just two teams on the fixture list they see. Theirs and ours.

I don’t get their excitement. After all, they’ve not been a big rival of ours for the best part of two decades and it’s that long since they last won at Ibrox.

Nevertheless, their supporters have been obsessed for years with trying to beat us rather than actually trying to win silverware.

To some, beating Rangers is as good as winning the league itself so they’ll no doubt come to Glasgow on August 27 with more of a spring in their step than normal once again.

It’s hard to see where their fascination comes from, whether it’s because of the Dons’ league wins in the early 80s, that horrible tackle on Ian Durrant or something else.

Whatever the reason, the Northern Lights started dimming when Fergie left and they’ve been out completely since Aberdeen’s last trophy 15 years ago in the League Cup. Their fans ensure the team lifts its game enough any time Gers come to town but I’m sure some Pittodrie regulars would even prefer a more rounded approach.

In truth, the Dons are only rivals to us as much as the likes of Dunfermline and St Johnstone are and that won’t change until they’re back up competing at the top end of the SPL. 83

the enclosure Hungary for more Light Blues fans to continue bid for victory in Zalaegerszeg tournament

E

IGHT Rangers fans were in Hungary recently to take part in a 12-team fivea-side fans competition, progressing through their group before crashing out in the semi-finals.

They were participating in the annual Zalaegerszeg Football Tournament for the sixth consecutive year and will return for the event’s 10th anniversary next summer.

Light Blues fan Brian Johnston is based in Hungary and he was joined by seven of his friends from back home as they made up a squad along with one of his local colleagues.

Len, Colin, Cliff and Scott Anthony, John McGowan, Chris Rocks and Gordon Redpath all made their way from Glasgow via London and Graz to be there.

And after a draw in their opening fixture, they won their other four group ties including one with the hosts to reach the last four.

It was at that stage they dropped out as they were beaten 2-1 by Hungarian team Papa but while they were disappointed to lose, they were by no means disheartened.

Brian said: “We were unlucky in our semi and the team we lost to went on to win the tournament so we can’t complain too much about how we played.

“If I’m honest, there were a few dodgy

82

Strips appeal for Ghana Help support James and New Larteh Rangers with kit donations

A

decisions which went the Hungarians’ way from one of the local referees but we expected that!

“It was a really good competition with sides from Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Poland and Austria all taking part as well as ourselves and the Hungarian teams.

“We made some good friends and alliances with other supporters clubs and we’ll be back next year with the intention of winning.”

The Gers supporters first entered in 2006

and their side was initially made up with an even mix of locals and players from Scotland.

Their connection with Zalaegerszeg comes from when Len was a plant manager for Electronic Manufacturing Services Company, which has a site in the city.

Brian used to play with Kilwinning Rangers and was drafted into the visiting Scots team after he moved to Hungary on a three-year ex-pat contract with Philips in 2009.

Hateley opens memorial garden K IND-hearted Rangers fans have helped fund the construction of a memorial wall and garden in Viewpark near Uddingston which was opened by Mark Hateley last month.

Ian Brown, a Light Blues fan and the PR manager at junior football club Thorniewood United, co-ordinated the project at Robertson Park.

He did so to create a lasting tribute to his father John after he died from leukaemia and was able to gather £19,000 of donations from key sponsors to fund it.

Included amongst those who gave so generously were Caledonian Plywood, AMEY, G & H Builders, Rembrand Timber, Harte Construction, Coatbridge Engineering and

news

Mark Hateley, Ian Brown and North Lanarkshire civic head Provost Tom Curley

Andersons.

Hateley attended the official opening on Monday, July 25 and declared the garden

open along with North Lanarkshire civic head Provost Tom Curley.

Now people will be able to buy bricks on the wall with their money going to leukaemia charities, with plenty selling already.

Ian said: “A lot of the people who helped are Rangers fans and I’m extremely grateful to them for what they have done.

“I’m really touched by how they have all pulled together. Things are difficult for people just now but they dug deep to make sure we got the job done.

“Now we’ve got a place for people to go and sit and take in the surroundings and we’ve got lots of people buying bricks for charity. We’ve had a fantastic response all round.”

RANGERS fan is appealing to fellow Ibrox followers for old sets of strips in the SPL champions’ colours to donate to a youth team in Ghana.

James Wilson, a member of the New Livingston RSC, travelled to the African country in June with his wife and visited the village of Larteh.

Whilst there, he became friendly with Joe Garrey, the head coach of the local football team, and promised to do his best to source equipment for the players to use.

In return, it was agreed the club would change its name to New Larteh Rangers and they played their first game under their revised moniker against a team from the capital Accra.

Whilst they won 1-0, it was clear their shabby old Liverpool kits needed replaced and James has pledged to find some for them.

He said: “I’m trying to get a set of strips for the team, who are aged 14 to 17, in Rangers colours if possible.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who is involved with a club that plays in such kits and who are shortly going to obtain new outfits and get rid of their old ones.

“When I was in Ghana, I was surprised by how good some of the players taking part were but they didn’t look the part.

“The kids are really keen on football and they’ve got great enthusiasm for the game. It’s a chance for us to let our hair down but for them, it’s more than that.

“It could offer them the opportunity to better themselves and lead them and their families to a much better lifestyle so I am eager to do what I can to support them.”

If you can help James, he can be contacted by phone on 07801 735087 or by email at jamesrfcwilson@aol.com.

We’re giving fans the chance to write their very own column for us and this month, we hear from Rangers Supporters Assembly vice president Ross Blyth. If you want to get involved, send us an email at editor@rangers. co.uk with your idea and ‘Fans with laptops’ in the subject field. Rangers Football Club reserves the right to edit where necessary.

Fans with laptops W

HEN is a rival not a rival? When it’s Aberdeen.

In what felt like the shortest close season ever, it seemed only a few days had passed from our celebrations of ‘54’ at Rugby Park when the fixtures for the new term were released.

I’m easily pleased and like the majority of you, I look for the Old Firm dates before anything else.

Some favourite places to visit stand out too, as well as the grounds I hate on a wet Tuesday in December when it’s minus five and I’ve three pairs of socks on.

Take Aberdeen supporters and it appears there are just two teams on the fixture list they see. Theirs and ours.

I don’t get their excitement. After all, they’ve not been a big rival of ours for the best part of two decades and it’s that long since they last won at Ibrox.

Nevertheless, their supporters have been obsessed for years with trying to beat us rather than actually trying to win silverware.

To some, beating Rangers is as good as winning the league itself so they’ll no doubt come to Glasgow on August 27 with more of a spring in their step than normal once again.

It’s hard to see where their fascination comes from, whether it’s because of the Dons’ league wins in the early 80s, that horrible tackle on Ian Durrant or something else.

Whatever the reason, the Northern Lights started dimming when Fergie left and they’ve been out completely since Aberdeen’s last trophy 15 years ago in the League Cup. Their fans ensure the team lifts its game enough any time Gers come to town but I’m sure some Pittodrie regulars would even prefer a more rounded approach.

In truth, the Dons are only rivals to us as much as the likes of Dunfermline and St Johnstone are and that won’t change until they’re back up competing at the top end of the SPL. 83

Quintet of kids progress to elite centres after making mark at soccer schools

F

IVE youngsters have been invited into Rangers’ elite training centre after they shone at the club’s summer soccer schools.

Dean Picken, 12, nine-year old Mackenzie Stewart, Jordan Hood, eight, and seven-year-olds Makenzie Stuart and Callum Jennings have been selected.

They all attended camps during the school holidays and did enough to be asked to spend two months training with the champions at Murray Park.

Each player will now be assessed by the club’s coaching staff with a view to being moved into the Light Blues’ youth department over time if they show enough potential.

Senior community coach Alan Boyd said: “Our coaches at the football centres and holiday camps we run are always seeking new talent.

“They’ll look out for players who have maybe got a wee change of pace, a good touch or good technical ability that we can work on.

“Ideally we’ll invite them in to train with us in our elite centres and that’s what has happened with these five boys.

“One of them in particular is very good and is really comfortable on the ball.

He’s a good size too and he’s quick off the mark.

“These are all attributes we look for in a youngster and which make us decide they are worth working with over a lengthier timeframe.

“The other four are pretty similar and they are kids who we’ve looked at and been impressed by.”

Rangers’ elite centre is a middle ground between soccer schools and being signed by the club at youth level.

The objective at that stage is to work with players on specific areas of their game to improve them overall and harness their abilities in the right manner.

Boyd added: “The boys will come in for our first block of sessions which lasts nine weeks and that will give us a chance to assess them and take more time to look at them.

“Doing that will give us an opportunity to see how they will compare to the other talented kids we have coming along and we’ll continue working with them over a period of time.

“They’ll work with us every Sunday

Bringing down barriers Y

Callum Jennings is one of the young players to be invited to Rangers’ elite centre

night for an hour and a half, which is a wee bit longer than a normal soccer school course session.

“Everything we will do with them is specific to what they need and the hope is that means they keep improving at the rate we’d like.

“If they prove to be good enough in the long run, we will eventually look to move them on to our youth department.

“If they’re not, they might go on to other Premier League teams or stay

have to develop them the way you want to and to make sure they are getting into good habits.

“At that stage, they can become more capable of using their left and right feet as they are still learning and their flexibility is better.

“Everything you’d like to work on with kids, you can do it if you get them in early enough and it means they have a better chance of fulfilling their potential.

“With eight-year-old kids you see and

OUTHS from Clydebank and Drumchapel came together for a training session at Murray Park recently as they took part in a pilot antiterritorialism initiative.

In conjunction with The Pulse and West Dunbartonshire Council, almost 50 boys from the two areas attended the four-hour event.

Police have identified those parts of the city as problem areas for gang violence and are working on ways of eradicating it.

Community coach Gary Gibson believes the session served its purpose well and

hopes it has put those involved on the right track.

He said: “There have been major issues and problems between young people in Drumchapel and Clydebank and a number of meetings have taken place to try to resolve them.

“We run an Old Firm Alliance street programme at Drumchapel Goals from 7pm until 9pm on a Saturday night, based on when the police believe anti-social behaviour is at a high level.

“Likewise, The Pulse work with West Dunbartonshire Council doing something

Winning the battle Old Firm Alliance carrying on the fight and overcoming hurdles

“The younger you get players in, of course, the more time you have to develop them the way you want to and to make sure they are getting into good habits.” in our system and go to development classes, where they’d maybe play for the Rangers community team.”

While the quintet of new recruits aren’t as young as Gers’ coaches would have liked them to be, there is still plenty of hope they can be led in the right direction.

Ideally, the club will start working with a player from the age of five and spend up to three years developing them before moving them on to the next level.

And Boyd said: “The younger you get players in, of course, the more time you

want to get in, there is maybe more work to be done there because you’ve lost a lot of valuable years training them.

“With that said, we are hopeful and optimistic the latest batch of boys we have chosen can come in and do very well.”

Don’t miss your chance to progress through Rangers’ soccer schools into the elite centre and possibly into the youth department.

To find out pricing information for the next sessions, call 0871 702 1972 or email soccerschools@rangers.co.uk now.

T

HE latest round of Old Firm Alliance coaching sessions kicks off early next month as Rangers and Celtic continue their fight together against sectarianism.

Launched in 2005, the project aims to

build and develop stronger communities through football in poorer areas of Glasgow.

It educates young people on the benefits of a healthier lifestyle, provides them with positive role models and challenges racist

Picture courtesy of Kieran Chambers Photography

football in the community 84

Five alive!

similar and we brought the two groups together to try to help them integrate.

“They took part in coaching sessions and small-sided games then got a tour of the whole facility.

“We are trying to bring down the territorial barriers which separate them and hopefully getting them in one big group working together will go some way towards doing that.

“The feedback we have had has been really good and the partners who were involved are delighted with how the session went so it’s something we’ll probably look to do again.” and sectarian attitudes.

Football coaches from both clubs will visit 26 primary schools in the city over an eight-week period from September 5 whilst running a total of four after-school clubs.

The programme has already reached 25,000 children in the last six years, with 94% of participants showing a significant increase in knowledge of sectarianism/ territorialism issues.

Overall, 97% of teachers also felt the presence of Old Firm coaches was crucial in instigating lifestyle changes in children.

Rangers senior community coach Alan Boyd said: “The aim is to get into deprived areas and to get kids out playing football for free and encouraging them to choose a healthy lifestyle.

“Through working with Rangers and Celtic, we hope that puts them on the right path in that sense whilst also teaching them about why sectarianism is a negative thing.

“The Old Firm Alliance has been a fantastic initiative since it started. We’ve had so many kids go through the system and they have taken a lot from it.

“Slowly but surely, we are knocking down barriers and are chipping away at the obstacles which stand in our way. The aim is to continue doing that.”

85

Quintet of kids progress to elite centres after making mark at soccer schools

F

IVE youngsters have been invited into Rangers’ elite training centre after they shone at the club’s summer soccer schools.

Dean Picken, 12, nine-year old Mackenzie Stewart, Jordan Hood, eight, and seven-year-olds Makenzie Stuart and Callum Jennings have been selected.

They all attended camps during the school holidays and did enough to be asked to spend two months training with the champions at Murray Park.

Each player will now be assessed by the club’s coaching staff with a view to being moved into the Light Blues’ youth department over time if they show enough potential.

Senior community coach Alan Boyd said: “Our coaches at the football centres and holiday camps we run are always seeking new talent.

“They’ll look out for players who have maybe got a wee change of pace, a good touch or good technical ability that we can work on.

“Ideally we’ll invite them in to train with us in our elite centres and that’s what has happened with these five boys.

“One of them in particular is very good and is really comfortable on the ball.

He’s a good size too and he’s quick off the mark.

“These are all attributes we look for in a youngster and which make us decide they are worth working with over a lengthier timeframe.

“The other four are pretty similar and they are kids who we’ve looked at and been impressed by.”

Rangers’ elite centre is a middle ground between soccer schools and being signed by the club at youth level.

The objective at that stage is to work with players on specific areas of their game to improve them overall and harness their abilities in the right manner.

Boyd added: “The boys will come in for our first block of sessions which lasts nine weeks and that will give us a chance to assess them and take more time to look at them.

“Doing that will give us an opportunity to see how they will compare to the other talented kids we have coming along and we’ll continue working with them over a period of time.

“They’ll work with us every Sunday

Bringing down barriers Y

Callum Jennings is one of the young players to be invited to Rangers’ elite centre

night for an hour and a half, which is a wee bit longer than a normal soccer school course session.

“Everything we will do with them is specific to what they need and the hope is that means they keep improving at the rate we’d like.

“If they prove to be good enough in the long run, we will eventually look to move them on to our youth department.

“If they’re not, they might go on to other Premier League teams or stay

have to develop them the way you want to and to make sure they are getting into good habits.

“At that stage, they can become more capable of using their left and right feet as they are still learning and their flexibility is better.

“Everything you’d like to work on with kids, you can do it if you get them in early enough and it means they have a better chance of fulfilling their potential.

“With eight-year-old kids you see and

OUTHS from Clydebank and Drumchapel came together for a training session at Murray Park recently as they took part in a pilot antiterritorialism initiative.

In conjunction with The Pulse and West Dunbartonshire Council, almost 50 boys from the two areas attended the four-hour event.

Police have identified those parts of the city as problem areas for gang violence and are working on ways of eradicating it.

Community coach Gary Gibson believes the session served its purpose well and

hopes it has put those involved on the right track.

He said: “There have been major issues and problems between young people in Drumchapel and Clydebank and a number of meetings have taken place to try to resolve them.

“We run an Old Firm Alliance street programme at Drumchapel Goals from 7pm until 9pm on a Saturday night, based on when the police believe anti-social behaviour is at a high level.

“Likewise, The Pulse work with West Dunbartonshire Council doing something

Winning the battle Old Firm Alliance carrying on the fight and overcoming hurdles

“The younger you get players in, of course, the more time you have to develop them the way you want to and to make sure they are getting into good habits.” in our system and go to development classes, where they’d maybe play for the Rangers community team.”

While the quintet of new recruits aren’t as young as Gers’ coaches would have liked them to be, there is still plenty of hope they can be led in the right direction.

Ideally, the club will start working with a player from the age of five and spend up to three years developing them before moving them on to the next level.

And Boyd said: “The younger you get players in, of course, the more time you

want to get in, there is maybe more work to be done there because you’ve lost a lot of valuable years training them.

“With that said, we are hopeful and optimistic the latest batch of boys we have chosen can come in and do very well.”

Don’t miss your chance to progress through Rangers’ soccer schools into the elite centre and possibly into the youth department.

To find out pricing information for the next sessions, call 0871 702 1972 or email soccerschools@rangers.co.uk now.

T

HE latest round of Old Firm Alliance coaching sessions kicks off early next month as Rangers and Celtic continue their fight together against sectarianism.

Launched in 2005, the project aims to

build and develop stronger communities through football in poorer areas of Glasgow.

It educates young people on the benefits of a healthier lifestyle, provides them with positive role models and challenges racist

Picture courtesy of Kieran Chambers Photography

football in the community 84

Five alive!

similar and we brought the two groups together to try to help them integrate.

“They took part in coaching sessions and small-sided games then got a tour of the whole facility.

“We are trying to bring down the territorial barriers which separate them and hopefully getting them in one big group working together will go some way towards doing that.

“The feedback we have had has been really good and the partners who were involved are delighted with how the session went so it’s something we’ll probably look to do again.” and sectarian attitudes.

Football coaches from both clubs will visit 26 primary schools in the city over an eight-week period from September 5 whilst running a total of four after-school clubs.

The programme has already reached 25,000 children in the last six years, with 94% of participants showing a significant increase in knowledge of sectarianism/ territorialism issues.

Overall, 97% of teachers also felt the presence of Old Firm coaches was crucial in instigating lifestyle changes in children.

Rangers senior community coach Alan Boyd said: “The aim is to get into deprived areas and to get kids out playing football for free and encouraging them to choose a healthy lifestyle.

“Through working with Rangers and Celtic, we hope that puts them on the right path in that sense whilst also teaching them about why sectarianism is a negative thing.

“The Old Firm Alliance has been a fantastic initiative since it started. We’ve had so many kids go through the system and they have taken a lot from it.

“Slowly but surely, we are knocking down barriers and are chipping away at the obstacles which stand in our way. The aim is to continue doing that.”

85

ladies

Let’s be Belles of the ball We must restore our pride, says skipper Lesley

L

ESLEY McMASTER has called on Rangers Ladies to use the spirit which led them to so much success to pull them through the most soul-searching period of their existence to date.

The Blue Belles captain, 19, has been mystified by a slump that saw her side drop to the bottom half of the Premier League table in the first half of the season.

Having been formed in 2008, the club’s senior ladies team had enjoyed an almost constant rise in prominence up to the tail end of last year.

Winners of the First Division in their first full season as a group with a 100 per cent record, they also became the first non-SWPL outfit to reach the Scottish Cup final two years ago.

And while they lost that game to Glasgow City, they bounced back well as

they established themselves in the top flight.

Once again they reached the concluding match in the Cup last November, with McMaster’s goal keeping them in front for most of the game with Hibs before they eventually lost 2-1.

This term, instead of building further, they’ve stalled and a promising start in the championship soon became a distant memory.

Stuck at the lower end of the table, things went from bad to worse when manager Scott Allison announced he is to leave due to work commitments.

Having just resumed their campaign following the summer break with a good 4-0 win over bottom side Falkirk, there is no danger of Gers dropping back into Division One. While it’s not mathematically

Words Andrew Dickson

impossible for them to be relegated, results before the pause in play suggest it’s a tall order for the Ibrox team to be caught by those near the foot.

Even so, defender McMaster still wants the side to finish the campaign strongly after she and her team-mates asked tough questions of themselves when they came off the rails.

The former Scotland under-19 player said: “We actually started the season really well and everything was great in the first few weeks as we got a couple of good results.

“All of a sudden, we started going downhill and we began losing to teams we should have been competing better with and beating.

“We hit a bad run and our heads certainly went down. I don’t think there’s any doubt the situation affected our confidence.

Smiles better: McMaster has seen Gers do well after the league restart and wants that to continue

86

“I’ve no idea why that happened. I just know that when results kept going against us, things kept getting worse rather than better.

“I think if we’re honest about it, a lot of us in the squad were blaming each other for what was going wrong and it shouldn’t have been like that.

“We all needed to look at ourselves and ask what we could do better. Hopefully the way we have started the second half of the league is a reflection of the fact we’ve done that.

“I think we’ve needed to pull together then stick together. With the manager leaving, it is difficult but there is still a job to be done.

“At the moment, we’re just trying to pick ourselves back up again and we’ve gone a little way towards that since the league got underway again.

“We have been through good times before, winning leagues and getting to cup finals, and it’s the spirit that got us to those levels that can get us through this too.

“There were occasions when we had to dig deep to pull ourselves over the line and we’ve got a responsibility to do that again now.”

McMaster was a helpless spectator latterly as she looked on from the sidelines with an ankle ligament injury which stopped her from doing anything to halt the slide.

While her absence was a blow to the team, she knows her colleagues had enough to cope without her and insists their poor form was uncharacteristic.

McMaster, now fit again, added: “It has been a strange situation to have been in because it’s the first time since we were formed that we’ve really had a negative situation to deal with.

“I’ve been with Rangers from under-17 level and up until fairly recently, we’ve more or less always been on an upward curve.

“It is unfortunate things have gone a little sour lately because we’ve got so many good players in our squad who should be winning games every week.

“We are Rangers and that should always be the aim at our club. It has been tough trying to pinpoint where we’ve been going wrong but hopefully we can turn things around for good.”

After also playing Kilmarnock – a side they beat 7-0 on day one of the campaign with McMaster scoring a hat-trick – the Blue Belles have plenty more action coming up.

They face fourth-top Spartans on August 14 at Petershill Park (kick off 2pm) and will be optimistic of another win having drawn 2-2 with them back in March.

A trip to play resurgent Forfar Farmington at the end of the month might be more testing, as will the tie which comes in between those two games.

When they lost their first Scottish Cup final in 2009, Rangers were beaten 5-0 by Glasgow City and that same team thrashed

them 8-1 earlier this term.

With another Cup meeting coming on August 28, there is a chance to make up for those results in the third round.

City are Scotland’s leading side and have Champions League experience so McMaster knows they will be tough to overcome but is hopeful of a shock.

Taking the bigger picture into account, however, she accepts that match might not be her team’s main objective.

McMaster said: “First of all, we just want to get ourselves back up the table a bit.

We don’t want to finish in the bottom half as we had a bit of a slump last season and that happened.

“There is still a lot to play for and while we won’t win the league, we want to make sure we are getting results that get us on the right track again in the long run.

“With playing City in the cup, we realise how difficult it is going to be but we will go into the game with them feeling confident.

“I believe we can win and although they will be favourites, they’ve not won the competition in the last two seasons so we know they are beatable.

“In one sense, that’s our biggest game of the campaign now but we know we’ve got to get a bit of respect back from people in the league too so that’s arguably a bigger priority.

“We need to get our profile up because I know a lot of Rangers fans look out for our scores and we don’t want them to be disappointed in us.

“They have high expectations as they do of every team that wears the club’s strip and it is up to us to deliver results.

“We aren’t one of the biggest ladies clubs yet but we still want to live up to Rangers’ reputation. That hasn’t always happened lately but hopefully it will going forward.”

For up-to-date fixture information, visit www.scottishfa.co.uk/swf. All match dates and times are subject to change.

87

ladies

Let’s be Belles of the ball We must restore our pride, says skipper Lesley

L

ESLEY McMASTER has called on Rangers Ladies to use the spirit which led them to so much success to pull them through the most soul-searching period of their existence to date.

The Blue Belles captain, 19, has been mystified by a slump that saw her side drop to the bottom half of the Premier League table in the first half of the season.

Having been formed in 2008, the club’s senior ladies team had enjoyed an almost constant rise in prominence up to the tail end of last year.

Winners of the First Division in their first full season as a group with a 100 per cent record, they also became the first non-SWPL outfit to reach the Scottish Cup final two years ago.

And while they lost that game to Glasgow City, they bounced back well as

they established themselves in the top flight.

Once again they reached the concluding match in the Cup last November, with McMaster’s goal keeping them in front for most of the game with Hibs before they eventually lost 2-1.

This term, instead of building further, they’ve stalled and a promising start in the championship soon became a distant memory.

Stuck at the lower end of the table, things went from bad to worse when manager Scott Allison announced he is to leave due to work commitments.

Having just resumed their campaign following the summer break with a good 4-0 win over bottom side Falkirk, there is no danger of Gers dropping back into Division One. While it’s not mathematically

Words Andrew Dickson

impossible for them to be relegated, results before the pause in play suggest it’s a tall order for the Ibrox team to be caught by those near the foot.

Even so, defender McMaster still wants the side to finish the campaign strongly after she and her team-mates asked tough questions of themselves when they came off the rails.

The former Scotland under-19 player said: “We actually started the season really well and everything was great in the first few weeks as we got a couple of good results.

“All of a sudden, we started going downhill and we began losing to teams we should have been competing better with and beating.

“We hit a bad run and our heads certainly went down. I don’t think there’s any doubt the situation affected our confidence.

Smiles better: McMaster has seen Gers do well after the league restart and wants that to continue

86

“I’ve no idea why that happened. I just know that when results kept going against us, things kept getting worse rather than better.

“I think if we’re honest about it, a lot of us in the squad were blaming each other for what was going wrong and it shouldn’t have been like that.

“We all needed to look at ourselves and ask what we could do better. Hopefully the way we have started the second half of the league is a reflection of the fact we’ve done that.

“I think we’ve needed to pull together then stick together. With the manager leaving, it is difficult but there is still a job to be done.

“At the moment, we’re just trying to pick ourselves back up again and we’ve gone a little way towards that since the league got underway again.

“We have been through good times before, winning leagues and getting to cup finals, and it’s the spirit that got us to those levels that can get us through this too.

“There were occasions when we had to dig deep to pull ourselves over the line and we’ve got a responsibility to do that again now.”

McMaster was a helpless spectator latterly as she looked on from the sidelines with an ankle ligament injury which stopped her from doing anything to halt the slide.

While her absence was a blow to the team, she knows her colleagues had enough to cope without her and insists their poor form was uncharacteristic.

McMaster, now fit again, added: “It has been a strange situation to have been in because it’s the first time since we were formed that we’ve really had a negative situation to deal with.

“I’ve been with Rangers from under-17 level and up until fairly recently, we’ve more or less always been on an upward curve.

“It is unfortunate things have gone a little sour lately because we’ve got so many good players in our squad who should be winning games every week.

“We are Rangers and that should always be the aim at our club. It has been tough trying to pinpoint where we’ve been going wrong but hopefully we can turn things around for good.”

After also playing Kilmarnock – a side they beat 7-0 on day one of the campaign with McMaster scoring a hat-trick – the Blue Belles have plenty more action coming up.

They face fourth-top Spartans on August 14 at Petershill Park (kick off 2pm) and will be optimistic of another win having drawn 2-2 with them back in March.

A trip to play resurgent Forfar Farmington at the end of the month might be more testing, as will the tie which comes in between those two games.

When they lost their first Scottish Cup final in 2009, Rangers were beaten 5-0 by Glasgow City and that same team thrashed

them 8-1 earlier this term.

With another Cup meeting coming on August 28, there is a chance to make up for those results in the third round.

City are Scotland’s leading side and have Champions League experience so McMaster knows they will be tough to overcome but is hopeful of a shock.

Taking the bigger picture into account, however, she accepts that match might not be her team’s main objective.

McMaster said: “First of all, we just want to get ourselves back up the table a bit.

We don’t want to finish in the bottom half as we had a bit of a slump last season and that happened.

“There is still a lot to play for and while we won’t win the league, we want to make sure we are getting results that get us on the right track again in the long run.

“With playing City in the cup, we realise how difficult it is going to be but we will go into the game with them feeling confident.

“I believe we can win and although they will be favourites, they’ve not won the competition in the last two seasons so we know they are beatable.

“In one sense, that’s our biggest game of the campaign now but we know we’ve got to get a bit of respect back from people in the league too so that’s arguably a bigger priority.

“We need to get our profile up because I know a lot of Rangers fans look out for our scores and we don’t want them to be disappointed in us.

“They have high expectations as they do of every team that wears the club’s strip and it is up to us to deliver results.

“We aren’t one of the biggest ladies clubs yet but we still want to live up to Rangers’ reputation. That hasn’t always happened lately but hopefully it will going forward.”

For up-to-date fixture information, visit www.scottishfa.co.uk/swf. All match dates and times are subject to change.

87

Ready for action Pre-season brought mixed results but served purpose well for Gers

Words Andrew Dickson

R

ANGERS will look back on this year’s pre-season campaign with mixed emotions but there’s no doubt it helped prepare them for their latest bid for silverware.

While results weren’t always positive, the Light Blues’ warm-up games served their purpose and were good exercises for them as they got ready to defend their SPL crown.

As has been the case a few times recently, they first eased back into action after their summer break in north west Germany.

On the face of it, three defeats in their trio of fixtures there with no goals scored will have caused mild concern amongst travelling supporters.

Yet there was method to the madness, even if it wasn’t wholly clear at first as Gers crashed to Sportfreunde Lotte, VFL Bochum and Bayer Leverkusen.

Because of a shorter pre-season period than normal, it was essential to get the Ibrox team playing to a high standard quicker.

And in taking on sides which play at a good level and who were further on with their own preparations than the Scots, they were able to do that over the space of just a couple of weeks.

The clash with Lotte at their compact SolarTechnics Arena near Osnabruck was typical of an opening warm-up game.

Coming off the back of a week of tough double sessions at Murray Park, Rangers struggled to get out of first gear against their lower-league opponents.

Even so, with a strong team deployed in the first half, it was still the visitors who had the best of the action.

In his first game as manager, Ally McCoist made seven changes at the midway point as he swapped experience for youth and Lotte soon went 1-0 up through Simon Engelmann.

But the kids shone thereafter and were unlucky not to force a draw, with David Healy having their best chance to level but steering away from goal rather than towards it.

First-team coach Ian Durrant said: “The boys are still bedding in and they’ve still to get to the fitness levels they want to reach.

“We’ve taken this game on early and I think you can see there is still a bit of rustiness there that needs ironed out.

88

“But we will get the opportunity to work on the training ground now and we can’t look too much in to this result.”

Two days later, Rangers travelled to the Rewirpowerstadion in Bochum, the venue for their 1992 Champions League away meeting with Russian side CSKA Moscow.

Their hosts had warmed up for the friendly with a 2-1 win over Aberdeen the night

before that game in Lotte.

And Bochum proved to be hard opponents as they ran out worthy 3-0 winners through goals from Daniel Ginczek, Mirkan Aydin and Anthar Yahia.

For an hour, Gers were level and they had a great chance to open the scoring through Nikica Jelavic but keeper Andreas Luthe saved from the Croatian when he broke clear.

That proved to be a turning point and seconds later, Bochum went ahead as the Light Blues’ lesser fitness levels then got the better of them.

McCoist said: “In terms of the overall game, we were fine for 60 minutes or so.

We had a chance to go one up through Nikica but the keeper saved then we lost a goal straight away.

“You could see Bochum taking a lot of confidence from that and they pressed us again but the disappointing aspect was the way we lost the goals.

“It’s another 90 minutes for the boys and we are only 12 days into our pre-season.

It was disappointing to lose but we are certainly not too downbeat.”

The final tour game against Champions League-bound Bayer Leverkusen took place in the unfamiliar surroundings of the Takko

Stadion in Telgte near Munster.

It was clearly a big occasion for locals in the small Lower Saxony town, who turned out in force to take in the game.

They saw Bayer dominate the first half and they took an early lead through Swiss star Tranquillo Barnetta.

Rangers rallied after the break and might have drawn level as they created opportunities to hit back.

But former Chelsea star Michael Ballack ensured Leverkusen would come out on top as he slotted home a penalty in the closing moments to round off a 2-0 win.

McCoist said: “As long as there is improvement in terms of our preparation and being ready for the start of the season, that’s the most important thing.

“Maybe results mean a lot to people right now but not me. Obviously we want to win, score goals and play well and the boys were a wee bit down after the game.

“The result disappoints us, that goes without saying, but a number of factors really pleased us and I thought we acquitted ourselves well.”

“I was delighted with young Hemmings when he went on as he was strong and got his goal so I’m pleased for him.”

On returning from Germany, Gers were immediately on their travels again as they made the short trip across the Irish Sea to Belfast for a meeting with Linfield.

The match was staged to celebrate the Windsor Park side’s 125th anniversary and with it came McCoist’s first win as boss.

Juan Manuel Ortiz got his first goal in Rangers colours since his move from Almeria but it was soon cancelled out by Michael Carvill.

The visitors lifted their tempo after the break, however, and won 4-1 through further strikes by Steven Naismith, Jelavic and youngster Kane Hemmings.

McCoist said: “I was very pleased for Juan to get the first goal because he did well, particularly against Leverkusen, and he holds his position well.

“His finish was very cool and calm under a little bit of pressure so it was nice for him to get the first goal and I think he enjoyed it too.

“The timing of Naismith’s run for his goal was perfect and he might have scored at least another one in the second half.

“It was good for Nikica to get one. I was delighted with young Hemmings when he went on as well as he was strong and got his goal so I’m pleased for him.”

With four days to go until the start of the season, Rangers went to Bloomfield Road to round off their preparations for the new campaign with a game at Blackpool.

And having lacked fitness a couple of weeks earlier, their better conditioning showed as they saw off the relegated Premiership team in what was their own

first game of the summer.

Steven Davis provided a pre-match boost when he signed a new five-year contract and he celebrated that with both goals in a 2-0 victory.

Ortiz set up the first before the Northern Ireland star made the second himself as he jinked past two men then drilled home.

McCoist said: “There were stages of the game in which we played really, really well and I don’t think there’s any doubt it was our best pre-season performance.

“We played some good stuff in the first half and I was particularly pleased with the contribution from some of the younger boys in the second half.

“I was delighted with the workout and I think we have shown we are ready to play competitive games now.”

89

Ready for action Pre-season brought mixed results but served purpose well for Gers

Words Andrew Dickson

R

ANGERS will look back on this year’s pre-season campaign with mixed emotions but there’s no doubt it helped prepare them for their latest bid for silverware.

While results weren’t always positive, the Light Blues’ warm-up games served their purpose and were good exercises for them as they got ready to defend their SPL crown.

As has been the case a few times recently, they first eased back into action after their summer break in north west Germany.

On the face of it, three defeats in their trio of fixtures there with no goals scored will have caused mild concern amongst travelling supporters.

Yet there was method to the madness, even if it wasn’t wholly clear at first as Gers crashed to Sportfreunde Lotte, VFL Bochum and Bayer Leverkusen.

Because of a shorter pre-season period than normal, it was essential to get the Ibrox team playing to a high standard quicker.

And in taking on sides which play at a good level and who were further on with their own preparations than the Scots, they were able to do that over the space of just a couple of weeks.

The clash with Lotte at their compact SolarTechnics Arena near Osnabruck was typical of an opening warm-up game.

Coming off the back of a week of tough double sessions at Murray Park, Rangers struggled to get out of first gear against their lower-league opponents.

Even so, with a strong team deployed in the first half, it was still the visitors who had the best of the action.

In his first game as manager, Ally McCoist made seven changes at the midway point as he swapped experience for youth and Lotte soon went 1-0 up through Simon Engelmann.

But the kids shone thereafter and were unlucky not to force a draw, with David Healy having their best chance to level but steering away from goal rather than towards it.

First-team coach Ian Durrant said: “The boys are still bedding in and they’ve still to get to the fitness levels they want to reach.

“We’ve taken this game on early and I think you can see there is still a bit of rustiness there that needs ironed out.

88

“But we will get the opportunity to work on the training ground now and we can’t look too much in to this result.”

Two days later, Rangers travelled to the Rewirpowerstadion in Bochum, the venue for their 1992 Champions League away meeting with Russian side CSKA Moscow.

Their hosts had warmed up for the friendly with a 2-1 win over Aberdeen the night

before that game in Lotte.

And Bochum proved to be hard opponents as they ran out worthy 3-0 winners through goals from Daniel Ginczek, Mirkan Aydin and Anthar Yahia.

For an hour, Gers were level and they had a great chance to open the scoring through Nikica Jelavic but keeper Andreas Luthe saved from the Croatian when he broke clear.

That proved to be a turning point and seconds later, Bochum went ahead as the Light Blues’ lesser fitness levels then got the better of them.

McCoist said: “In terms of the overall game, we were fine for 60 minutes or so.

We had a chance to go one up through Nikica but the keeper saved then we lost a goal straight away.

“You could see Bochum taking a lot of confidence from that and they pressed us again but the disappointing aspect was the way we lost the goals.

“It’s another 90 minutes for the boys and we are only 12 days into our pre-season.

It was disappointing to lose but we are certainly not too downbeat.”

The final tour game against Champions League-bound Bayer Leverkusen took place in the unfamiliar surroundings of the Takko

Stadion in Telgte near Munster.

It was clearly a big occasion for locals in the small Lower Saxony town, who turned out in force to take in the game.

They saw Bayer dominate the first half and they took an early lead through Swiss star Tranquillo Barnetta.

Rangers rallied after the break and might have drawn level as they created opportunities to hit back.

But former Chelsea star Michael Ballack ensured Leverkusen would come out on top as he slotted home a penalty in the closing moments to round off a 2-0 win.

McCoist said: “As long as there is improvement in terms of our preparation and being ready for the start of the season, that’s the most important thing.

“Maybe results mean a lot to people right now but not me. Obviously we want to win, score goals and play well and the boys were a wee bit down after the game.

“The result disappoints us, that goes without saying, but a number of factors really pleased us and I thought we acquitted ourselves well.”

“I was delighted with young Hemmings when he went on as he was strong and got his goal so I’m pleased for him.”

On returning from Germany, Gers were immediately on their travels again as they made the short trip across the Irish Sea to Belfast for a meeting with Linfield.

The match was staged to celebrate the Windsor Park side’s 125th anniversary and with it came McCoist’s first win as boss.

Juan Manuel Ortiz got his first goal in Rangers colours since his move from Almeria but it was soon cancelled out by Michael Carvill.

The visitors lifted their tempo after the break, however, and won 4-1 through further strikes by Steven Naismith, Jelavic and youngster Kane Hemmings.

McCoist said: “I was very pleased for Juan to get the first goal because he did well, particularly against Leverkusen, and he holds his position well.

“His finish was very cool and calm under a little bit of pressure so it was nice for him to get the first goal and I think he enjoyed it too.

“The timing of Naismith’s run for his goal was perfect and he might have scored at least another one in the second half.

“It was good for Nikica to get one. I was delighted with young Hemmings when he went on as well as he was strong and got his goal so I’m pleased for him.”

With four days to go until the start of the season, Rangers went to Bloomfield Road to round off their preparations for the new campaign with a game at Blackpool.

And having lacked fitness a couple of weeks earlier, their better conditioning showed as they saw off the relegated Premiership team in what was their own

first game of the summer.

Steven Davis provided a pre-match boost when he signed a new five-year contract and he celebrated that with both goals in a 2-0 victory.

Ortiz set up the first before the Northern Ireland star made the second himself as he jinked past two men then drilled home.

McCoist said: “There were stages of the game in which we played really, really well and I don’t think there’s any doubt it was our best pre-season performance.

“We played some good stuff in the first half and I was particularly pleased with the contribution from some of the younger boys in the second half.

“I was delighted with the workout and I think we have shown we are ready to play competitive games now.”

89

match action

WITH MARK HATELEY

Saturday, July 23, SPL, Ibrox

Ref: Calum Murray Att: 49,083

(0) 1

McGregor, Whittaker, Bougherra, Broadfoot, Papac, Davis, Edu, McCulloch , Ortiz (Wylde 75), Naismith, Jelavic

St Johnstone

(0) 0

McGregor, Whittaker, Bougherra, Goian, Wallace, Edu (Wylde 83), Davis, McCulloch (Ortiz 75), Papac , Naismith, Jelavic

Hearts

(1) 1

Kello, McGowan, Zaliukas , Webster (Mrowiec 8), Grainger, Black (Stevenson 81), Jonsson, Templeton (Elliott 51), Obua, Taouil, Sutton

Rangers

(1) 2

Enckelman, C Davidson, Wright, MacKay, Anderson, Morris, Robertson (Millar 60), M Davidson , Moon, Sheridan (Finnigan 60), Haber.

Obua 16

Mark’s verdict:

STATS 57% Possession

43%

4

Shots on target

8

3

Shots off target

2

4

Corners

4

9

Fouls

13

“The championship flag was unfurled as Rangers got the SPL season underway but Hearts nearly spoiled the party as they threatened to leave Ibrox with all three points.

“You’d never have known Jim Jefferies’ job was on the line as his team played the better football in the first half and took an early lead through David Obua.

“The Jambos looked far sharper and much hungrier while Gers just never got going and looked uncharacteristically slack at the back.

“Ally McCoist changed things at half-time though and moving Steven Davis into central midfield worked as his men played much better after the restart.

“Steven Naismith’s leveller just before the hour mark was deserved and on reflection, 1-1 was probably

Tuesday, July 26, Champions League Q3, first leg, Ibrox

“Ally McCoist enjoyed his first competitive win as Rangers boss as he watched his side stroll to a comfortable victory in Perth.

“The Light Blues still weren’t at their best but after going into a 2-0 lead early in the second half, they opened up much more and grew in confidence as play progressed.

“Naismith reacted really well to his midweek disappointment against Malmo as he scored a terrific header with his first chance on the half-hour mark from Lee Wallace’s free kick.

“Nikica Jelavic then made the points safe shortly after half-time when Davis and Naismith linked up to play him in on goal and he finished ruthlessly.

“Dorin Goian made his debut at the back and settled into the team well as he gave a good performance in defence.

“Also encouraging for McCoist was the way his men looked sharper than they had done in their previous outings and this was a good afternoon’s work for them.”

Steven Davis – Filling in for suspended captain David Weir, the midfielder led by example as he helped bring his team back from the brink to draw.

a fair final score.

“Each side had chances to win though, with Allan McGregor saving superbly at one end from Obua and Naismith wasting a couple of chances to add to his tally at the other.”

Wednesday, August 3, Champions League Q3, second leg, Swedbank Stadion

Steven Naismith – After struggling to hit the target against Hearts and Malmo, the midfielder responded ever so well as he scored one goal and set up the other.

STATS 51%

Possession

49%

4

Shots on target

10

6

Shots off target

2

2

Corners

6

9

Fouls

15

Ref: Vladislav Bezborodov (Russia) Att: 19,084

McGregor, Whittaker, Bougherra, Weir (Ortiz 29), Papac , Wallace , Davis, Edu, McCulloch, Naismith, Jelavic.

Malmo

(0) 1

Melicharek, Andersson, Ricardinho , Jansson , Mutavdzic (Rexhepi 46) (Aubynn 68), Figueiredo, Hamad, Pekalski, Durmaz, Larsson, Mehmeti (Stenstrom 33)

Malmo

(1) 1

Melicharek, Andersson, Halsti, Jansson, Hamad, Pekalski, Durmaz, Figueiredo (Rexhepi 69), Mutavdzic, Larsson (Fernandez 81), Mehmeti (Nazari 54)

Rangers

(1) 1

McGregor, Whittaker , Bougherra , Papac , Wallace, Edu , Davis, McCulloch , Ortiz (Hemmings 84), Naismith , Jelavic

49% Possession

90

STAR MAN

(0) 0

STATS

11

Mark’s verdict:

STAR MAN

Ref: Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz (Spain) Att: 28,828

Mark’s verdict:

Naismith 30, Jelavic 49

Rangers Larsson 17

8

Ref: Alan Muir Att: 6,459

Rangers Naismith 58

Saturday, July 30, SPL, McDiarmid Park

Shots on target Shots off target

51% 7 6

6

Corners

4

7

Fouls

7

“Rangers went into this game with home fans expecting big things but the Swedes got a win which might even have surprised them in terms of how straightforward it was to claim.

“The home side actually started well but took on a more disjointed look as the first half wore on and they only had themselves to blame when Malmo took the lead.

“Steven Whittaker did really well to win possession but lost it again straight away and that allowed Wilton Figueiredo to set up Daniel Larsson.

“He did the rest with an explosive finish and try as they did to equalise, McCoist’s team couldn’t find the goal it needed.

“As was the case against Hearts, Naismith was the biggest sinner in front of goal as he missed two

STAR MAN

Allan McGregor – The keeper made four excellent saves in the second half and if it wasn’t for him, Gers would have travelled for the second leg already out of the tie.

golden chances to make it 1-1.

“At the other end, McGregor had to be on top form as he made a string of stops to ensure there was only one goal between the teams at the final whistle.”

Hamad 80

Jelavic 23

Mark’s verdict: “Rangers really took the game to Malmo from the off but ultimately crashed out because of their first-leg performance and poor discipline in Sweden.

“They started well but Steven Whittaker’s red card for violent conduct was crazy and so preventable.

“To be fair to the players, they reacted ever so well and scored a great goal through Jelavic to level the tie overall.

“There were even chances to go in front on aggregate but the Croatian in particular was wasteful in front of goal.

“Madjid Bougherra’s dismissal was clumsy and it left Ally’s team up against the ropes as nine men tried to force extra time.

“But with 10 minutes to go, Jiloan Hamad scored a screamer to kill the game and on reflection, Gers only have themselves to blame over the two games.

“They will now try to qualify for the Europa League but could and should have had so much more to aim for.”

STAR MAN

Steven Davis – Easily Rangers’ best player in the opening phase of fixtures, he didn’t deserve to slip out of the competition after a tireless performance.

STATS 51%

Possession

49%

5

Shots on target

5

7

Shots off target

2

9

Corners

5

7

Fouls

13 91

match action

WITH MARK HATELEY

Saturday, July 23, SPL, Ibrox

Ref: Calum Murray Att: 49,083

(0) 1

McGregor, Whittaker, Bougherra, Broadfoot, Papac, Davis, Edu, McCulloch , Ortiz (Wylde 75), Naismith, Jelavic

St Johnstone

(0) 0

McGregor, Whittaker, Bougherra, Goian, Wallace, Edu (Wylde 83), Davis, McCulloch (Ortiz 75), Papac , Naismith, Jelavic

Hearts

(1) 1

Kello, McGowan, Zaliukas , Webster (Mrowiec 8), Grainger, Black (Stevenson 81), Jonsson, Templeton (Elliott 51), Obua, Taouil, Sutton

Rangers

(1) 2

Enckelman, C Davidson, Wright, MacKay, Anderson, Morris, Robertson (Millar 60), M Davidson , Moon, Sheridan (Finnigan 60), Haber.

Obua 16

Mark’s verdict:

STATS 57% Possession

43%

4

Shots on target

8

3

Shots off target

2

4

Corners

4

9

Fouls

13

“The championship flag was unfurled as Rangers got the SPL season underway but Hearts nearly spoiled the party as they threatened to leave Ibrox with all three points.

“You’d never have known Jim Jefferies’ job was on the line as his team played the better football in the first half and took an early lead through David Obua.

“The Jambos looked far sharper and much hungrier while Gers just never got going and looked uncharacteristically slack at the back.

“Ally McCoist changed things at half-time though and moving Steven Davis into central midfield worked as his men played much better after the restart.

“Steven Naismith’s leveller just before the hour mark was deserved and on reflection, 1-1 was probably

Tuesday, July 26, Champions League Q3, first leg, Ibrox

“Ally McCoist enjoyed his first competitive win as Rangers boss as he watched his side stroll to a comfortable victory in Perth.

“The Light Blues still weren’t at their best but after going into a 2-0 lead early in the second half, they opened up much more and grew in confidence as play progressed.

“Naismith reacted really well to his midweek disappointment against Malmo as he scored a terrific header with his first chance on the half-hour mark from Lee Wallace’s free kick.

“Nikica Jelavic then made the points safe shortly after half-time when Davis and Naismith linked up to play him in on goal and he finished ruthlessly.

“Dorin Goian made his debut at the back and settled into the team well as he gave a good performance in defence.

“Also encouraging for McCoist was the way his men looked sharper than they had done in their previous outings and this was a good afternoon’s work for them.”

Steven Davis – Filling in for suspended captain David Weir, the midfielder led by example as he helped bring his team back from the brink to draw.

a fair final score.

“Each side had chances to win though, with Allan McGregor saving superbly at one end from Obua and Naismith wasting a couple of chances to add to his tally at the other.”

Wednesday, August 3, Champions League Q3, second leg, Swedbank Stadion

Steven Naismith – After struggling to hit the target against Hearts and Malmo, the midfielder responded ever so well as he scored one goal and set up the other.

STATS 51%

Possession

49%

4

Shots on target

10

6

Shots off target

2

2

Corners

6

9

Fouls

15

Ref: Vladislav Bezborodov (Russia) Att: 19,084

McGregor, Whittaker, Bougherra, Weir (Ortiz 29), Papac , Wallace , Davis, Edu, McCulloch, Naismith, Jelavic.

Malmo

(0) 1

Melicharek, Andersson, Ricardinho , Jansson , Mutavdzic (Rexhepi 46) (Aubynn 68), Figueiredo, Hamad, Pekalski, Durmaz, Larsson, Mehmeti (Stenstrom 33)

Malmo

(1) 1

Melicharek, Andersson, Halsti, Jansson, Hamad, Pekalski, Durmaz, Figueiredo (Rexhepi 69), Mutavdzic, Larsson (Fernandez 81), Mehmeti (Nazari 54)

Rangers

(1) 1

McGregor, Whittaker , Bougherra , Papac , Wallace, Edu , Davis, McCulloch , Ortiz (Hemmings 84), Naismith , Jelavic

49% Possession

90

STAR MAN

(0) 0

STATS

11

Mark’s verdict:

STAR MAN

Ref: Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz (Spain) Att: 28,828

Mark’s verdict:

Naismith 30, Jelavic 49

Rangers Larsson 17

8

Ref: Alan Muir Att: 6,459

Rangers Naismith 58

Saturday, July 30, SPL, McDiarmid Park

Shots on target Shots off target

51% 7 6

6

Corners

4

7

Fouls

7

“Rangers went into this game with home fans expecting big things but the Swedes got a win which might even have surprised them in terms of how straightforward it was to claim.

“The home side actually started well but took on a more disjointed look as the first half wore on and they only had themselves to blame when Malmo took the lead.

“Steven Whittaker did really well to win possession but lost it again straight away and that allowed Wilton Figueiredo to set up Daniel Larsson.

“He did the rest with an explosive finish and try as they did to equalise, McCoist’s team couldn’t find the goal it needed.

“As was the case against Hearts, Naismith was the biggest sinner in front of goal as he missed two

STAR MAN

Allan McGregor – The keeper made four excellent saves in the second half and if it wasn’t for him, Gers would have travelled for the second leg already out of the tie.

golden chances to make it 1-1.

“At the other end, McGregor had to be on top form as he made a string of stops to ensure there was only one goal between the teams at the final whistle.”

Hamad 80

Jelavic 23

Mark’s verdict: “Rangers really took the game to Malmo from the off but ultimately crashed out because of their first-leg performance and poor discipline in Sweden.

“They started well but Steven Whittaker’s red card for violent conduct was crazy and so preventable.

“To be fair to the players, they reacted ever so well and scored a great goal through Jelavic to level the tie overall.

“There were even chances to go in front on aggregate but the Croatian in particular was wasteful in front of goal.

“Madjid Bougherra’s dismissal was clumsy and it left Ally’s team up against the ropes as nine men tried to force extra time.

“But with 10 minutes to go, Jiloan Hamad scored a screamer to kill the game and on reflection, Gers only have themselves to blame over the two games.

“They will now try to qualify for the Europa League but could and should have had so much more to aim for.”

STAR MAN

Steven Davis – Easily Rangers’ best player in the opening phase of fixtures, he didn’t deserve to slip out of the competition after a tireless performance.

STATS 51%

Possession

49%

5

Shots on target

5

7

Shots off target

2

9

Corners

5

7

Fouls

13 91

tickets

UEFA

EUROPA LEAGUE PLAY-OFFS

Rangers v NK Maribor Thurs 25 Aug | Ibrox Stadium | kick-off TBC

Tickets ON SALE NOW! PRICES Season Holders

Adults £23, Concessions £13, Juveniles go FREE!

Public Sale

Adults £25, Concessions £15, Kids just £5

ADULT SEASON TICKETS FROM JUST £45 PER MONTH Spread your payments over 7 months – offer ends Thurs 15 Sept

• Adult season tickets from £304 for adults and £211 for concessions in the Family Section

• Kids from just £98 in the Family Section • Season tickets which include Celtic from just £417 for adults in the Main Stand Rear RANGERS v ABERDEEN TICKETS Sunday 28 August | Ibrox Stadium | kick-off 3pm Tickets are on sale now priced at Adults £28, Concessions £15 & Kids £13 FAMILY SECTION FUN IN THE BROOMLOAN REAR • DJ, disco, games and signed prizes to be won from 1.30pm until kick-off • Meet Broxi Bear TICKETS ON SALE FROM: • rangers.co.uk • Ticket hotline 0871 702 1972 • Rangers Ticket Centre • JJB Stores Sauchiehall St and Argyle Street

CONTINUOUS CREDIT SCHEME SPL Away games Please note confirmation has now been sent to all supporters regarding their SPL away ticket allocation for Season 2011/12, with the exception of Dunfermline Athletic who, at time of press, have still to confirm.

SUPPORTERS CLUBS Inverness CT v Rangers Saturday 13 August | Kick-off 12.45pm 92

Season holders on Euro CCC scheme adults save £5 on public sale price and concessions save £7!

NB season holders who have not purchased a ticket but would like to do so are no longer guaranteed their own seat.

TICKETS ON SALE FROM: • rangers.co.uk • Ticket hotline 0871 702 1972 • Rangers Ticket Centre

Based on an Adult season ticket in the Family Section priced at £304, you can spread the cost of your season ticket throughout the season in 7 monthly instalments of £45.61 with Zebra Finance.

An Adult season ticket in the Main Stand Rear, which includes Celtic, is priced at £417, and with Zebra Finance you can spread the cost of your season ticket in 7 monthly instalments of £62.56.

Rate of interest 1.2408% per month fixed. Representative APR 15.9%. Subject to status. See rangers.co.uk for full details.

Alternatively, you can pay for your season ticket by spreading your payments over 4 months with Rangers Direct Debit scheme or you can pay in full by debit or credit card.

8 month option also available until 15 August.

Purchase your season ticket online at rangers.co.uk, call 0871 702 1972 or visit the Ticket Centre.

Payment has been taken and tickets are now available for uplift from the Ticket Centre.

Motherwell v Rangers Sunday 21 August | Kick-off 2.15pm Payment has been taken and tickets are now available for uplift from the Ticket Centre.

TRAVEL CLUB Membership is now closed. For information on how to join Rangers Travel Club waiting list, please email travelclub@rangers. co.uk or call 0871 702 1972.

TICKET CENTRE AND HOTLINE OPENING HOURS Rangers Ticket Hotline is open Monday to Friday from 8am-11pm and on Saturday & Sunday from 9am-9pm.

Rangers Ticket Centre is open Monday to Friday from 10am-4pm, Saturday from 10am until midday and closed on Sundays.

Coming up...

W

E’LL be back in the shops on September 2 with issue 3 of Rangers Monthly and we’ve got plenty more fantastic features from Ibrox and Murray Park for you to enjoy.

Following the launch of The Enclosure in this edition, we are extending it further as we begin our Cult Heroes series.

There have been many Light Blues players over the years who, whilst perhaps not being the most decorated, have had a real affinity with the Gers support.

Some have had great charisma, others have played big parts in iconic games and a few have simply given their all for the club despite knowing they weren’t as gifted as their team-mates.

We’ll be catching up with a number of them and we want to know who you’d like us to talk to in the months ahead.

Just email your suggestions and reasoning to editor@rangers.co.uk, writing ‘Cult Heroes’ in the subject field.

Don’t forget we want to hear your stories about supporting Rangers and what makes you an extra special fan of the SPL champions.

Do you clock up more air miles than most other Follow Followers

to see your team? Have you got your own Blue Room at home?

Are your kids named after the Nine in a Row stalwarts?

Whatever it is that makes you think you’re a cut above the rest, we’d love to know about it and feature you.

Again, send us an email to editor@rangers.co.uk, this time with the words ‘The Enclosure’ in the subject field, or call Rangers Media on 0141 580 8500.

We had to put ‘Ask Ian’ on hold in our captivating Pro Zone section this month but we’re now ready to go with it.

If you’re a player who wants tips on how to improve your performance, there’s nobody better to give you advice than the 44-year-old so get in touch with us with your questions for him.

In the season leading up to the 40th anniversary of the club’s European Cup Winners’ Cup win against Dynamo Moscow, we’re set to look back at that fantastic triumph.

And September sees the start of our series of articles profiling the Barcelona Bears and their wonderful achievements of the 1971/72 season.

All of this and so much more is in the next Rangers Monthly from September 2, priced just £3.75 and available via subscription by calling 0871 702 1972 (option 7).

JULY

07 THURS LOTTE FRIENDLY 09 SAT VFL BOCHUM FRIENDLY 13 WED BAYER LEVERKUSEN FRIENDLY 16 SAT LINFIELD FRIENDLY 19 TUES BLACKPOOL FRIENDLY 23 SAT HEARTS SPL 26 TUES MALMO UCL 30 SAT ST JOHNSTONE SPL

0-1 0-3 0-2 4-1 2-0 1-1 0-1 2-0

AUGUST

03 WED MALMO UCL 6 SAT KILMARNOCK SPL 6 SAT CHELSEA FRIENDLY 13 SAT INVERNESS CT SPL 18 THURS MARIBOR EL 21 SUN MOTHERWELL SPL 25 THURS MARIBOR EL 28 SUN ABERDEEN SPL

1-1 P-P 3.00 12.45 TBC 2.15 TBC 3.00

SEPTEMBER 10 SAT 18 SUN 24 SAT

SPL SPL SPL

12.30 12.30 12.45

OCTOBER 1 SAT HIBERNIAN 15 SAT ST MIRREN 23 SUN HEARTS 29 SAT ABERDEEN

SPL SPL SPL SPL

3.00 3.00 12.30 12.00

NOVEMBER 5 SAT 19 SAT 26 SAT

DUNDEE UTD ST JOHNSTONE KILMARNOCK

SPL SPL SPL

3.00 3.00 3.00

DECEMBER 3 SAT DUNFERMLINE 10 SAT HIBERNIAN 17 SAT INVERNESS CT 24 SAT ST MIRREN 28 WED CELTIC

SPL SPL SPL SPL SPL

3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 7.45

JANUARY 2 MON 14 SAT 21 SAT 28 SAT

MOTHERWELL ST JOHNSTONE ABERDEEN HIBERNIAN

SPL SPL SPL SPL

3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

FEBRUARY 11 SAT DUNFERMLINE 18 SAT KILMARNOCK 25 SAT INVERNESS CT

SPL SPL SPL

3.00 3.00 3.00

MARCH 03 SAT 17 SAT 24 SAT 31 SAT

HEARTS DUNDEE UTD CELTIC MOTHERWELL

SPL SPL SPL SPL

3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

APRIL 7 SAT 21 SAT 28 SAT

ST MIRREN TBC TBC

SPL

3.00 SPL (post-split) TBC SPL (post-split) TBC

MAY 2 WED 5 SAT 12 SAT/13 SUN

TBC TBC TBC

SPL (post-split) TBC SPL (post-split) TBC SPL (post-split) TBC

DUNDEE UTD CELTIC DUNFERMLINE

1,100 5,400 2,000 8,500 7,000 49,083 28,828 6,459 19,084

• FIXTURES SUBJECT TO CHANGE • HOME FIXTURES IN BOLD

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST TICKET INFORMATION ON RANGERS.CO.UK Subject to availability. Conditions and booking fees apply. Calls cost 10ppm from a BT landline, mobile and other providers’ charges may vary.Ticket information correct at time of press.

Fixtures

T h e O f f i c i a l M o n t h ly M ag a z i n e

YOUR NEXT RANGERS MONTHLY IS ON SALE FROM SEPTEMBER 2 93

tickets

UEFA

EUROPA LEAGUE PLAY-OFFS

Rangers v NK Maribor Thurs 25 Aug | Ibrox Stadium | kick-off TBC

Tickets ON SALE NOW! PRICES Season Holders

Adults £23, Concessions £13, Juveniles go FREE!

Public Sale

Adults £25, Concessions £15, Kids just £5

ADULT SEASON TICKETS FROM JUST £45 PER MONTH Spread your payments over 7 months – offer ends Thurs 15 Sept

• Adult season tickets from £304 for adults and £211 for concessions in the Family Section

• Kids from just £98 in the Family Section • Season tickets which include Celtic from just £417 for adults in the Main Stand Rear RANGERS v ABERDEEN TICKETS Sunday 28 August | Ibrox Stadium | kick-off 3pm Tickets are on sale now priced at Adults £28, Concessions £15 & Kids £13 FAMILY SECTION FUN IN THE BROOMLOAN REAR • DJ, disco, games and signed prizes to be won from 1.30pm until kick-off • Meet Broxi Bear TICKETS ON SALE FROM: • rangers.co.uk • Ticket hotline 0871 702 1972 • Rangers Ticket Centre • JJB Stores Sauchiehall St and Argyle Street

CONTINUOUS CREDIT SCHEME SPL Away games Please note confirmation has now been sent to all supporters regarding their SPL away ticket allocation for Season 2011/12, with the exception of Dunfermline Athletic who, at time of press, have still to confirm.

SUPPORTERS CLUBS Inverness CT v Rangers Saturday 13 August | Kick-off 12.45pm 92

Season holders on Euro CCC scheme adults save £5 on public sale price and concessions save £7!

NB season holders who have not purchased a ticket but would like to do so are no longer guaranteed their own seat.

TICKETS ON SALE FROM: • rangers.co.uk • Ticket hotline 0871 702 1972 • Rangers Ticket Centre

Based on an Adult season ticket in the Family Section priced at £304, you can spread the cost of your season ticket throughout the season in 7 monthly instalments of £45.61 with Zebra Finance.

An Adult season ticket in the Main Stand Rear, which includes Celtic, is priced at £417, and with Zebra Finance you can spread the cost of your season ticket in 7 monthly instalments of £62.56.

Rate of interest 1.2408% per month fixed. Representative APR 15.9%. Subject to status. See rangers.co.uk for full details.

Alternatively, you can pay for your season ticket by spreading your payments over 4 months with Rangers Direct Debit scheme or you can pay in full by debit or credit card.

8 month option also available until 15 August.

Purchase your season ticket online at rangers.co.uk, call 0871 702 1972 or visit the Ticket Centre.

Payment has been taken and tickets are now available for uplift from the Ticket Centre.

Motherwell v Rangers Sunday 21 August | Kick-off 2.15pm Payment has been taken and tickets are now available for uplift from the Ticket Centre.

TRAVEL CLUB Membership is now closed. For information on how to join Rangers Travel Club waiting list, please email travelclub@rangers. co.uk or call 0871 702 1972.

TICKET CENTRE AND HOTLINE OPENING HOURS Rangers Ticket Hotline is open Monday to Friday from 8am-11pm and on Saturday & Sunday from 9am-9pm.

Rangers Ticket Centre is open Monday to Friday from 10am-4pm, Saturday from 10am until midday and closed on Sundays.

Coming up...

W

E’LL be back in the shops on September 2 with issue 3 of Rangers Monthly and we’ve got plenty more fantastic features from Ibrox and Murray Park for you to enjoy.

Following the launch of The Enclosure in this edition, we are extending it further as we begin our Cult Heroes series.

There have been many Light Blues players over the years who, whilst perhaps not being the most decorated, have had a real affinity with the Gers support.

Some have had great charisma, others have played big parts in iconic games and a few have simply given their all for the club despite knowing they weren’t as gifted as their team-mates.

We’ll be catching up with a number of them and we want to know who you’d like us to talk to in the months ahead.

Just email your suggestions and reasoning to editor@rangers.co.uk, writing ‘Cult Heroes’ in the subject field.

Don’t forget we want to hear your stories about supporting Rangers and what makes you an extra special fan of the SPL champions.

Do you clock up more air miles than most other Follow Followers

to see your team? Have you got your own Blue Room at home?

Are your kids named after the Nine in a Row stalwarts?

Whatever it is that makes you think you’re a cut above the rest, we’d love to know about it and feature you.

Again, send us an email to editor@rangers.co.uk, this time with the words ‘The Enclosure’ in the subject field, or call Rangers Media on 0141 580 8500.

We had to put ‘Ask Ian’ on hold in our captivating Pro Zone section this month but we’re now ready to go with it.

If you’re a player who wants tips on how to improve your performance, there’s nobody better to give you advice than the 44-year-old so get in touch with us with your questions for him.

In the season leading up to the 40th anniversary of the club’s European Cup Winners’ Cup win against Dynamo Moscow, we’re set to look back at that fantastic triumph.

And September sees the start of our series of articles profiling the Barcelona Bears and their wonderful achievements of the 1971/72 season.

All of this and so much more is in the next Rangers Monthly from September 2, priced just £3.75 and available via subscription by calling 0871 702 1972 (option 7).

JULY

07 THURS LOTTE FRIENDLY 09 SAT VFL BOCHUM FRIENDLY 13 WED BAYER LEVERKUSEN FRIENDLY 16 SAT LINFIELD FRIENDLY 19 TUES BLACKPOOL FRIENDLY 23 SAT HEARTS SPL 26 TUES MALMO UCL 30 SAT ST JOHNSTONE SPL

0-1 0-3 0-2 4-1 2-0 1-1 0-1 2-0

AUGUST

03 WED MALMO UCL 6 SAT KILMARNOCK SPL 6 SAT CHELSEA FRIENDLY 13 SAT INVERNESS CT SPL 18 THURS MARIBOR EL 21 SUN MOTHERWELL SPL 25 THURS MARIBOR EL 28 SUN ABERDEEN SPL

1-1 P-P 3.00 12.45 TBC 2.15 TBC 3.00

SEPTEMBER 10 SAT 18 SUN 24 SAT

SPL SPL SPL

12.30 12.30 12.45

OCTOBER 1 SAT HIBERNIAN 15 SAT ST MIRREN 23 SUN HEARTS 29 SAT ABERDEEN

SPL SPL SPL SPL

3.00 3.00 12.30 12.00

NOVEMBER 5 SAT 19 SAT 26 SAT

DUNDEE UTD ST JOHNSTONE KILMARNOCK

SPL SPL SPL

3.00 3.00 3.00

DECEMBER 3 SAT DUNFERMLINE 10 SAT HIBERNIAN 17 SAT INVERNESS CT 24 SAT ST MIRREN 28 WED CELTIC

SPL SPL SPL SPL SPL

3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 7.45

JANUARY 2 MON 14 SAT 21 SAT 28 SAT

MOTHERWELL ST JOHNSTONE ABERDEEN HIBERNIAN

SPL SPL SPL SPL

3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

FEBRUARY 11 SAT DUNFERMLINE 18 SAT KILMARNOCK 25 SAT INVERNESS CT

SPL SPL SPL

3.00 3.00 3.00

MARCH 03 SAT 17 SAT 24 SAT 31 SAT

HEARTS DUNDEE UTD CELTIC MOTHERWELL

SPL SPL SPL SPL

3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

APRIL 7 SAT 21 SAT 28 SAT

ST MIRREN TBC TBC

SPL

3.00 SPL (post-split) TBC SPL (post-split) TBC

MAY 2 WED 5 SAT 12 SAT/13 SUN

TBC TBC TBC

SPL (post-split) TBC SPL (post-split) TBC SPL (post-split) TBC

DUNDEE UTD CELTIC DUNFERMLINE

1,100 5,400 2,000 8,500 7,000 49,083 28,828 6,459 19,084

• FIXTURES SUBJECT TO CHANGE • HOME FIXTURES IN BOLD

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST TICKET INFORMATION ON RANGERS.CO.UK Subject to availability. Conditions and booking fees apply. Calls cost 10ppm from a BT landline, mobile and other providers’ charges may vary.Ticket information correct at time of press.

Fixtures

T h e O f f i c i a l M o n t h ly M ag a z i n e

YOUR NEXT RANGERS MONTHLY IS ON SALE FROM SEPTEMBER 2 93

columnist

club sponsors

BACK Post THE

Time was right for Madjid to Boughie on out

LINDSAY HERRON

T

94

HE end was a sad one for Madjid Bougherra. He stupidly raised his arm and thumped Dardan Rexhepi on the head to make his final act for Rangers a red card which undoubtedly contributed to an exit from the Champions League.

It really was an act of madness in Malmo and there were those supporters who wondered if the Algerian defender really cared about what he had done.

It was hardly a secret that the match in Sweden was to be his last I think everyone and their granny knew that Bougherra was heading to Qatar for the money.

He is a professional footballer and it is his right to seek the best deal he can.

However, he should have acted like a professional too.

A little comparison, coincidentally in the Scandinavian area, comes to mind. Rangers went to Copenhagen in August 2003 having to win to reach the Champions League group phase.

Barry Ferguson knew it would be his last game for the club because he was bound for Blackburn Rovers but he led the side with purpose, drive and desire as if it was first match.

He was hugely responsible for what turned out to be one of great away nights in Europe as Rangers won 2-1 and gave Alex McLeish group phase football for the first time as boss.

Of course, there is an inherent love of Rangers within Ferguson while Bougherra was merely passing through.

That’s not to get ludicrously romantic.

The modern game is such that players are merely recruited to do a job. They have no emotional attachment to a club, although some do genuinely develop one.

Overall Bougherra was a terrific player for Rangers and a very astute signing

by Walter Smith when most fans were extremely worried about how the void would be filled when Carlos Cuellar invoked a clause in his contract and

Bougherra showed a lack of professionalism in Malmo but was a key man in 3 in a row

moved to Aston Villa in the summer on 2008.

The Algerian had injury problems in 2009/10, but he was at the heart of three consecutive SPL titles and has undoubtedly been one of Rangers’ best players over this period.

There are few better defenders in the SPL – if any – and he was a crucial player

at crucial times.

However, there were always hints that he was never really all that excited to be in Scotland and he was always seeking to work his ticket somewhere else.

It was fairly clear that he wanted to move to one of the more illustrious sides in the English Premier League but none of them came for him.

I remember watching him at close quarters during the pre-season trip to Australia last year and he was a solitary figure for most of it, glued to his mobile phone no doubt imploring his agent to find him something better.

Nothing materialised and in fairness to Bougherra he played particularly well last season as Rangers finished the season superbly to clinch the crown on the final day.

That said, it’s the best for all parties that he has now gone to a league where he will barely have to break sweat – even in the searing heat.

95

columnist

club sponsors

BACK Post THE

Time was right for Madjid to Boughie on out

LINDSAY HERRON

T

94

HE end was a sad one for Madjid Bougherra. He stupidly raised his arm and thumped Dardan Rexhepi on the head to make his final act for Rangers a red card which undoubtedly contributed to an exit from the Champions League.

It really was an act of madness in Malmo and there were those supporters who wondered if the Algerian defender really cared about what he had done.

It was hardly a secret that the match in Sweden was to be his last I think everyone and their granny knew that Bougherra was heading to Qatar for the money.

He is a professional footballer and it is his right to seek the best deal he can.

However, he should have acted like a professional too.

A little comparison, coincidentally in the Scandinavian area, comes to mind. Rangers went to Copenhagen in August 2003 having to win to reach the Champions League group phase.

Barry Ferguson knew it would be his last game for the club because he was bound for Blackburn Rovers but he led the side with purpose, drive and desire as if it was first match.

He was hugely responsible for what turned out to be one of great away nights in Europe as Rangers won 2-1 and gave Alex McLeish group phase football for the first time as boss.

Of course, there is an inherent love of Rangers within Ferguson while Bougherra was merely passing through.

That’s not to get ludicrously romantic.

The modern game is such that players are merely recruited to do a job. They have no emotional attachment to a club, although some do genuinely develop one.

Overall Bougherra was a terrific player for Rangers and a very astute signing

by Walter Smith when most fans were extremely worried about how the void would be filled when Carlos Cuellar invoked a clause in his contract and

Bougherra showed a lack of professionalism in Malmo but was a key man in 3 in a row

moved to Aston Villa in the summer on 2008.

The Algerian had injury problems in 2009/10, but he was at the heart of three consecutive SPL titles and has undoubtedly been one of Rangers’ best players over this period.

There are few better defenders in the SPL – if any – and he was a crucial player

at crucial times.

However, there were always hints that he was never really all that excited to be in Scotland and he was always seeking to work his ticket somewhere else.

It was fairly clear that he wanted to move to one of the more illustrious sides in the English Premier League but none of them came for him.

I remember watching him at close quarters during the pre-season trip to Australia last year and he was a solitary figure for most of it, glued to his mobile phone no doubt imploring his agent to find him something better.

Nothing materialised and in fairness to Bougherra he played particularly well last season as Rangers finished the season superbly to clinch the crown on the final day.

That said, it’s the best for all parties that he has now gone to a league where he will barely have to break sweat – even in the searing heat.

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