Rangers 2 vs. Molde 0 - Sept. 28/2006

OUT WITH THE MOLDE


A bit of relief after a hard week saw Gers move into the group stages of the Eufa cup for the second time in three years. A couple of goals, from two under fire players, is sure to up our confidence levels and gives us, as fans, a little breathing space.
It was by no means a perfect display and lets not kid ourselves, there is work to do, but it was a BIG result in terms of timing and finance. PLG is bound to be a relieved man as he has quelled, for now, the murmurings that were beginning to be heard from a section of the support.
Add to the result a couple of good performances by important players and all of a sudden the horizon looks that little brighter. Lets hope that this was “Out with the old and in with the new!”


Today’s team: -

McGregor: Sponsors MOTM and little wonder if you consider the importance of away goals. Some terrific saves and has put forward an extremely strong defence against being dropped.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Bardsley: - Struggled a bit against the height of his opposite number but overall had a good game at RB and played his part in the attacking football, especially in the first half.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Hemdani: - Great performance as CB in the CIS cup game but didn’t quite have the same impact tonight. Got caught in possession a couple of times and seemed fazed by the powerful Molde attack.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

J Rod: - Best performance this season, not that that says too much. Looked strong and commanding and dealt uncompromisingly with anything that came his way.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Smith: - Good attacking performance and great contribution to the goals. Works the left side like he’s done it for years.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Sionko: - Worked tirelessly all night to ensure that they could not settle on the ball even in their own half. Good wing play and an ideal replacement for Burkey. Now has a chance to prove his worth.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Bazza: - Showing very good signs of regaining his match fitness and form. Battled from one end of the park to the other and controlled our midfield. Finished off his display with an excellently worked Gers move. There was no more fitting scorer tonight.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Adam: - Very comfortable on the ball given space and time. He can make some great passes and has an excellent left foot for a shot. Struggles a wee bit when under pressure but we’ll allow him that tonight.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Prso: - For a thirty odd year old he can sure show the young boys a thing or two about work rate, desire and quality. Stood head and shoulders above the opposition in terms of ability and gave his all, once more, for the Rangers cause.
Rmed Verdict: - 9 (MOTM There’s only one Dado Prso, one Dado Prso…)

Buffel: - Another of the current squad who has suffered some fair criticism. He has so much to offer in terms of creative ability that you would wonder why he gets dropped. More suited to the more technical European games than the rough and tumble of the SPL. Terrific performance and a goal.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Boyd: - Anonymous for long spells of the game but was cute enough to back heel into the path of his captain for the goal of the night. There are better Euro nights in store for the young striker.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

G. Rae (On for Boyd): - A baton down the hatches and finish off the night move by PLG
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Sebo (On for Prso): - There’s a fight in the boy that needs to be unleashed, I can just see it.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

N’Diaye (On for Sionko): - Had to go check how to spell his name it’s been that long. Good to see he’s still with us.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

PLG: - New that the result was of extreme importance tonight and delivered a very attacking line up. So glad that it has come off for him.
Rmed Verdict: - 8



More European football is so important to us, the fans, and all the watching nations. It is where we are and where we belong to be. Bring on anybody now as I reckon we’ve just turned a corner!!

WATP

Baz.

Celtic 2 vs. Rangers 0 - Sept. 23/2006

TOLERANCE AND SANITY


I know full well how bear and bearettes are feeling right across the globe as I write this. It is one of the most horrible feelings of anger, despair, emptiness finished off with the drowned in drunkenness.
The battle was lost today, but the war still rages on and is still very much there for the taking. In patches today we took Celtic on, on their own turf, and had great success but it was only patches. They are more clinical, more the finished article than we are, but only at this moment in time and I do stress that it is only at this moment in time. The Mighty Glasgow Rangers WILL become a force in Scottish football under PLG, we’re just going to have to wait a little longer than we want, to see it!!


Today’s team: -

McGregor: From recent displays, you wander whether PLG is having second thoughts about his No1. Nearly pulled of the best save ever to deny Mcgeady and had no chance at all with the second.
Rmed Verdict: - 8 (MOTM for that one save. Pity the defence didn’t react a bit quicker!)

Hutton: - Found Mcgeady too hot to handle for most of the game. Gains an extra point though for flooring Lennon with a rash challenge
Rmed Verdict: - 6

JRod: - Defended well against Miller and didn’t get dragged about too much. Thought this was one of his better games, despite the score line.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Papac: - Made some terrific, no holds barred, challenges, which I liked even more when he got up grinning out of them. Expected him to have an extremely hard game against Janven….aye him, but kept him very quiet.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Smith: - Another solid display by Stevie. Was asked to push on a bit too as Adam tucked in to help the midfield. Never stops running and never appears to get tired
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Burke: - Struggled to get into the attacking game at times as he had to track back and cover for Hutton. When he did get forward though he looked very threatening and our main source of attack.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Hemdani: - After his MOTM in midweek he let me down a bagful and was posted missing for a lot of the game. He’s a good enough possession player but when it comes to a meaty challenge nine times out of ten he’ll bottle it. This from a defensive midfielder!
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Bazza: -Looked sharper and more up for it than last weekend, but that should be expected of our captain. I thought he had a decent game and played some very telling passes and got ahead of the ball several times to support the attack. Still not back to full fitness but he ‘s getting there.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Adam: - Asked by PLG to tuck in and make a three man central midfield and, for me, had a decent game. The only one of our boys who isn’t scared to have a crack at goal.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Prso: -Took his time to find the pace or the ball, in fact, it was the second half before he really came alive. When he did though it inspired the rest of the team. Showed passion desire and drive and you know that he wouldn’t back out of a challenge!
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Boyd: - Couldn’t get into the game as he was shackled by Mcmanus and Caldwell. Had a couple of shots at goal and a decent claim for a penalty. Wasn’t his day though.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Sionko (On for Hutton): - On to up the ante as we went three at the back. Showed a couple of good runs and a bit more desire.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Martin (On for Burke): - Again showed good urgency, just too late
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Rae (On for JRod): - Came into the midfield but couldn’t make an impact.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

PLG: - The team had a more solid look to it and tactically I think he was spot on, it was the player ability within those tactics that let us down
Rmed Verdict: - 6


I am going to leave you with the words of a man far more intelligent than myself, and I must admit that they did give me a lift…
“Never fear, inevitably we will have our years of failure, and when they arrive, we must reveal tolerance and sanity. No matter the days of anxiety that come our way, we shall emerge stronger because of the trials to be overcome. That has been the philosophy of the Rangers since the days of the gallant pioneers.”
Mr Bill Struth

WATP

Baz.

Dunfermline 0 vs. Rangers 2 - Sept. 20/2006

CHANGE IS GOOD, FOR A WIN


Eight changes to the weekend side saw Rangers with a weakened side that, in the end, showed enough to give PLG a few headaches for Saturday. The game started like the Hibs game finished with possession being squandered all too easily. In the end though it was the second half that brought about the most significant changes, not only to the match, but maybe to our season as a whole.
From somewhere, we got a confidence boost, a shot in the arm as we dominated the ball, the game, and the goals, which saw us progress into the next round. More importantly, it gives us a big lift before the trip across the city.

Today’s team: -

McGregor: Another solid display in the No1 Jersey. Did everything asked of him, which wasn’t much, with a touch of confidence.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Hutton: - Not so much a shock recall as Bardsley is suspended for the next game. Took his chance really well and looked to be playing hard for his place. Good and solid at the back and drove forward to help Burke.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Hemdani: - The first big surprise of the night but what a game he had. Read every attack extremely well, talked solidly and organised this new back line with great authority. May well be the missing link we’ve been striving for.
Rmed Verdict: - 9 (MOTM Superb assured defensive display)

Papac: - First full debut and first clean sheet, let’s hope there are many more where they came from. Looked strong in the air and pacey on the deck, an ideal compliment to Hemdani
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Smith: - The only regular in the back four tonight. Looked very threatening going forward especially in the second half.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Sionko: - Looks like a player short on confidence but tried hard to get into the game. His biggest problem is that he gave us such a great showing in his first game that he can’t live up to expectations.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Rae: - Next of the big changes. Sat back in the holding roll and played the ball around ok. He is never going to jump the pecking order of the Ibrox midfield but did a job tonight.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Adam: -Was asked to play the orchestrater in midfield and supply the ammunition for the attack. Coped well with the challenge but I liked him better out wide as he played in the first game.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Burke: - Don’t think I saw him in the first half But he exploded into life in the second. His running, when he switched to his natural right side, inspired the whole team.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Novo: -The biggest surprise of the night. The sighting of the lesser spotted Novo. I admit to having a soft spot for him as, like normal, he runs his heart out for the team. His expression at being subbed, very unhappy chappy, makes you know that he was fighting for his future.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Boyd: - I’m running out of ways to say how good he is. He missed his usual two or three chances but as always, when we needed him there he was to have a good hand in the first goal and, my god, was he inspirational in the second. What a screamer!!
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Martin (On for Sionko): - Carried a great deal more threat than the man he replaced.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Buffel (On for Novo): - Came on and two minutes later the game was wrapped up. Not much for him to do after that
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Sebo (On for Burke)- The game was won and he was just playing out time
Rmed Verdict: - 4

PLG: - Some very brave and bold decisions in his line up but it paid dividends as our name goes into the hat for the quarterfinals
Rmed Verdict: - 8


A sharper, crisper and more confident Gers side left the pitch than the one that entered it and hopefully that confidence is taken to Celtic park at the weekend. The main problem now is team line-up as tonight has left PLG with more questions than answers

WATP

Baz.

Easter “Rail” Roaded

Hibs 2 vs. Rangers 1 - Sept. 17/2006




Easter “Rail” Roaded

The wheels of the Le Geun revolution took a severe shake at Easter Road as Hibs steamed over us in a manner that must have left them wondering why they didn’t win by more. From the first whistle our boys were second to everything as we were out passed, out tackled and out gunned by the hungrier side.
The rotation system, which Le Geun seems to favour, saw three changes to the midweek game as out went Sionko, Hemdani and Boyd for Burke, Clement and Sebo and before kick-off I was really looking forward to seeing Sebo’s first start, unfortunately he was to see very little of the action, which was all at the other end of the park.
I must admit to being shocked at the way we capitulated to an average Hibs team but am hoping that this was just a bump in the tracks and that a smoother journey lays ahead.


Today’s team: -

McGregor: Looked reasonably assured and had a couple of good saves to make. Questionable positioning at the first goal, though deflections didn’t help, and faultless for the second.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Bardsley: - The right hand side of our defence was the strongest as Bardsley demonstrated his defensive skills. Has to offer more going forward and brush up on his passing.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Svensson: - Was going to be my man of the match until the second goal which caught him way under the ball. That apart though he was by far our best defender and covered a lot of J Rod’s mistakes.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

JRod: - Followed a bad game in midweek with another today. Conceded the free kick that led to the first goal and followed it up by losing his man, who duly scored! Looked uncomfortable and could find his place, and not Svenssons, being the one in jeopardy.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Smith: - Given a torrid time by the electric pace of Sproule. Was booked then hooked as Le Geun took no chances and put on Papac for his debut.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Burke: - The one attacking outlet that paid any dividends for us. Always looked dangerous and laid the ball on a plate for Sebo’s goal
Rmed Verdict: - 7 (MOTM for that one moment. As there were no others of note)

Bazza: - Struggled with the pace of the game as he was a couple of yards short in every tackle. Needs the games though to sharpen him up.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Clement: - Also struggled, like Bazza, as we were basically over run in the centre by their three midfielders. No one could put their foot on the ball and control things. Wouldn’t be used to that constant pace in the French Leagues.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Martin: - Saw nothing of his skills out on the wing. His first touch let him down on too many occasions giving away needless possession that we were very short of.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Buffel: - We needed strength in that attacking whole today, not guile. Buffel was bullied out of the game with contributing very little.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Sebo: - Felt bad for him. Covered a lot of ground just to try and remember what the ball looked like. With the one decent cross that came into the box he managed to tuck it away for his first Gers goal. One of many we hope.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Papac (On for Smith): - Great time for a debut, a goal down, the oppositions tails up and a speed merchant against you. Coped reasonably well with everything considered.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Boyd (On for Buffel): - Added a different dimension. Too late to make any real impact
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Sionko (On for Martin)- Didn’t manage to change the game
Rmed Verdict: - 4

PLG: - A bad day at the office which showed up weaknesses that we thought were being put to rights. Has a tough few games ahead but I’m sure he’ll be up for the challenge
Rmed Verdict: - 5


The road was never going to be as smooth as we all wanted and after today’s performance it shows just how many potholes have to be filled but remember my friends the road is a long one of which we have just taken a little detour. We will be back!

WATP

Baz.

NO AWAY'S IN NORWAY

Going away in Europe, no matter what anyone says, is never easy. The five and six nil predictions were never going to happen even with Molde being an average side, at best. The smaller teams always up their games and performances when the big boys come to town and can acquire decent results.
In saying all that, I still expected us to win over there and am very disappointed, more with the performance, than the result.
PLG started with a line up, which excluded Clement, Prso and Burke, and meant a first start of the season for Bazza. From the outset of the game though you could see it was going to be a tough night. Passes weren’t finding there targets, tackles were being missed and generally the best you could say about our game was “Sloppy”.
The night was a bad one but I still fully expect us to go through when we bring them to Ibrox in a fortnights time.


Today’s team: -

McGregor: Was excellent tonight and saved our blushes on more than one occasion. Will be hoping that PLG took notice.
Rmed Verdict: - 8 (MOTM and unfortunately this just shows how good we were!!)

Bardsley: - Showed a lot of aggression but little else. Like the rest of the team, he was poor in distribution.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Svensson: - One of his best performances to date for the Gers. Showed strength and pace but most of all, his best attribute which has to be, his timing in a tackle. Saved J Rod’s blushes on more than one occasion. Had one small lapse of concentration near the end.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

JRod: - Nightmare for the big fellow as he played us into trouble more than once. Had one or two decent moments but overall it was a bad night
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Smith: - Not seen as an attacking force tonight and was left badly exposed on the left. Again passing wasn’t up to scratch
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Sionko: - Didn’t seem up for the game and didn’t see much of him. Any decent attacks came down the other side of the pitch.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hemdani: - Surprise choice ahead of Clement. Couldn’t get his foot on the ball and was bullied out of the game.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Bazza: - Started well with some nice touches and good vision. Faded badly though as we lost control of the middle of the park. Still needs time and games.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Martin: - The lad has terrific skill and was our biggest threat in the first half. I did find myself screaming at him to pass or cross as he sometimes just takes that one touch too many.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Buffel: - I like him and think he’s a very good player but he was lost tonight and didn’t seem to know his place. Clumsy with the ball and woeful passing added up to a bad evening
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Boyd: - This is what he is most criticised for, not being able to hold the ball up and bring others into play. Hardly got a sniff at goal and can’t be happy with his night.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Prso (On for Buffel): - Surprisingly on the bench as I think the game needed his power but even then, he was ineffectual when he came on.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Burke (On for Martin): - Tried to take the Norwegians on but again had little impact.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Clement (On for Bazza)- Like for like as Bazza tired dramatically
Rmed Verdict: - 5

PLG: - Won’t be happy with what he saw. Likes to zip the ball about with good passing…………….Something went wrong in the translation, I think!
Rmed Verdict: - 6


Frustrating night in Norway as I don’t know anyone who didn’t expect win tonight. Our team though is relatively inexperienced in Europe and I’m sure will develop into a force WHEN we reach the group stages in two weeks time!!


WATP

Baz.

Men against Bairns

An eventful day saw the Main Stand re-named, our captain making his comeback and a route of Falkirk that could have been even bigger!
There is a new, old, name overlooking Ibrox Park now as the legendary, in the true sense of the word, Bill Struth took his rightful place in front of the thousands of fans who should remember his remarkable achievements.
It was also a great sight to see Bazza standing on the touchline at half time, waiting to stake his place in the PLG revolution. Whatever is said about his play, he is an influential figure with leadership qualities that are not readily found in the present squad.
And the game itself. The Gers have found some momentum after a stuttering start and the signs are good, especially with four tough away games coming up. Four good goals, spread through the side, gives us a confidence boost in front of goal as well!


Today’s team: -

McGregor: Must have been the loneliest man on the park at times as he had very little to do. Clean sheet will do him no harm.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Bardsley: - Terrific performance capped with a stunning free kick. Solid at the back and useful in possession, the signs are bright for the young man.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Svensson: - Some solid tackles from the Swede and looks to be forming a partnership with J Rod. Bit of pressure from the bench might be forcing his hand a bit??
Rmed Verdict: - 7

JRod: - Our best centre back at present. Between him and Svensson they kept a lacklustre Falkirk attack at bay. There will be tougher times ahead.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Smith: - Mr consistency. Gives the same to the team every time he takes the field. Great bursts forward and assured at the back
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Sionko: - Decent shift for the one half. Was sacrificed in the second for Bazza through no fault of his own.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hemdani: - Amazing what can happen when the club captain is breathing down your neck. Great performance and effort from Hemdani who looked like he was laying down his intent on keeping his place.
Rmed Verdict: - 8 (MOTM for the mere fact that he crossed the halfway line more than once!!)

Clement: - Love his style of play and is another who seems to be a very consistent performer. Controls the midfield.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Burke: - Good to see him back so quick after injury. Made some terrific runs that scared the Falkirk defence witless. Was very unlucky with a thirty-yard screamer that cannoned off the bar.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Prso: - Powerful effort capped with a well-taken goal. Showed how much it meant in his celebration. Felt kind of bad for him when he had to hand over the armband.
Rmed Verdict: -

Boyd: - Quiet game from Boydy. Can’t complain too much though as he bagged his standard goal.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Bazza (On for Sionko): - Great to see him back on the pitch and showed some nice touches.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Sebo (On for Burke): - Must be frustrating for the big man as he missed another sitter.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Buffel (On for Prso)- Who says he can’t score?? Stunning goal to round off our victory.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

PLG: - Demanding is not the word for the man who warned his team that more is expected! You’ve got to love him!!
Rmed Verdict: - 8


Good solid victory from the Gers today gives us a good platform for the forthcoming games. The day should be for the one and only Bill Struth though. May his achievements be long remembered and savoured by all Gers Fans!!


WATP

Baz.