Rangers 3 vs. Kilmarnock 0 Nov. 26 2006

THR”EASY” DOES IT

There was no European hang over for the Gers as they cruised to their most convincing win of the season so far. Kilmarnock, on recent form, had looked a tough prospect especially after the shambles that was our defence on Thursday but all the worries were swept aside as Adam smashed a rifling shot into the top corner. Boyd forced over the second and Prso fired the third as we played some of the football that we have been threatening to play all season. Even the defence looked solid as we registered our third straight league win and clean sheet.
The corner that we have threatened to turn for weeks seems, now, to have arrived and with Celtic dropping points as well, maybe, just maybe we might be able to put some pressure on them after all.


Today’s Team :-

McGregor: - Dealt well with everything that came to him and looks to be becoming more commanding and vocal with every game.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Hutton: - Always looks better when attacking rather than defending so today suited him well. Offered good support down the right.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Svensson: - 100% better performance from the Swede, not that it could’ve got any worse. His timing in the tackle is his biggest attribute but still needs a lot of work on the more physical aspects of the Scottish game.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Hemdani: - Where was this man on Thursday? Good defensive display from Hemdani. He likes to see the game in front of him where he can anticipate attacks. The ball over the top remains his biggest weakness.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Papac: - Surprisingly, the only change from the Auxere game. Looked good in the Left back role with a strong defensive game and also got forward regularly to support Dado.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Clement: - Patrolled the back line well which allowed Adam and Baz to really push forward and support the front three. Hardly wastes a pass and always tries to move play forward.
Rmed Verdict :- 8

Bazza: - Scotland’s best midfielder by far. Showed his class in the middle of the park again with sublime vision and passing ability. He is the heart beat of this Gers squad.
Rmed Verdict :- 9 (MOTM Another captains performance)

Adam: - Has been reasonably ordinary over the last couple of games, but came to life today with a bullet of a shot for our first goal. If he could find an extra yard of pace he could develop into a really good player.
Rmed Verdict :- 8

Novo: - Another energetic display from the wee man. The movement up top today was a lot better as Novo and Prso interchanged and dragged their defence all over the place.
Rmed Verdict :- 8

Prso: - Announcing his retirement seems to have given him an extra lift. Excellent attacking display which earned him a goal which ended his personal drought.
Rmed Verdict :- 8

Boyd: - Better all round performance aided by having more support around him. Had several good efforts on goal but ended up scoring with a scruffy back post tap in. Doesn’t matter how they go in though, as long as they do!
Rmed Verdict :- 8

PLG: - Has weathered a very severe storm and must hope, like the rest of us, that the clouds are clearing and sunnier times are on the way.
Rmed Verdict : - 8

A good week has just past, with two league wins and qualification in Europe. Le Geun is starting to put things together but has a way to go yet before winning over his doubters. For the time being though we can smile slightly wider than the other half of Glasgow, and long may that trend continue!!


WATP

Baz.

Auxere 2 vs. Rangers 2 - Nov. 23 2006

NO QUALITY BUT QUALIFIED

Two teams low on confidence, two bad defences, two goals apiece but only ONE team that’s qualified. Rangers are once more the FIRST to qualify past the group stages only this time it’s in the EUFA Cup.
The game itself was full of mistakes and poor play and once more our defence filled me full of dread every time they came forward although Smiths injury and JRod playing left back really didn’t help. To come back from a goal down away from home, twice, does show that the team is developing a sense of fight though and on a night of dreadful weather, the point in the bag was THE most important factor.



Today’s team: -

McGregor: - Conceded two goals and has to be fuming at the defence in front of him. Kept us in the game with some superb saves and truly deserves the number one jersey.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Hutton: - Skinned too many times down the right and never looked like coping with their wide men. On a plus note, delivered a good deep cross for our second goal. Has to remember he is a defender first and foremost.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Svensson: - Still young and inexperienced but will have to learn extremely fast if he wants to retain a place in the squad. Basic defensive errors on, all be it, a very tricky surface will have to be rectified.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Hemdani: - Too often did the simple things wrong. He is more instinctively a midfielder than a defender and tends to try and play his way out of trouble rather than hoof a ball into touch. He is filling a gap but this surely has to be temporary.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Smith: - A bad knee twist shortened his evening and I really hope that it isn’t too serious.
Rmed Verdict: - 3

Clement: - Normally loves the European game that gives him a bit more freedom and space. Had a hard game tonight trying to track runs and plug gaps that never ceased to appear in our back four. Links well with Bazza though and shows the making of forming a very good midfield trio.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Bazza: - Once more he took the brunt of the responsibility and led by example. All of our creative play flowed through him and he was the instigator of the first goal and also the man that ran the length of the pitch in the last minute to hold the ball in the corner flag.
Rmed Verdict: - 9 (MOTM Truly gutsy performance.)

Adam: - Links up well with Baz and Clement and was influential in the last third as seen in the first goal that Nacho nicked from his toes. Good work rate throughout as well.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Novo: - Again looked to be our biggest goal threat with a couple of decent efforts before popping up to toe poke the first. His effort and fight for the cause can never be questioned
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Dado: - Struggled to have much effect down the left as he lacked the support which is normally supplied by Smith. Gave his all and looked knackered when subbed in the second half.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Boyd: - Like Prso, he struggled through lack of support at times but how many times does he just appear at the right time to knock the ball home.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

JRod (On for Smith): - Never has been or will be a left back. Tried hard to fill the role but without success. His lack of confidence was contagious when he came on.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Sionko (On for Prso): - Gave us a more direct feel and created two really good chances. Showed glimpses of his early season form.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Sebo (On Novo): - The decision was greeted by boo’s at Novo going off. Sebo can’t be expected to show anything with 5-10 minutes per game.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

PLG: - Got the point that secured European football after Christmas but has a massive headache that’s reappeared in the defence after two clean sheets.
Rmed Verdict: - 7


A terrible night for playing football got what it asked for but for Rangers the point and qualification gives another boost to a squad that is showing signs of developing.



WATP

Baz.

Hearts 0 vs. Rangers 1 - Nov. 19 2006

KINGS OF “TYNE”CASTLE

It wasn’t great, it wasn’t pretty but it was a result. Back to back victories, the first in the league this season, provides a timely boost ahead of the midweek trip to France and also shows that the team is now learning to grind results out.
The fist pumping reaction of the players after the game showed how much it meant to them as well and renewed my confidence in there dedication to the cause. Fight and spirit have been lacking in some games, but the five yellow cards showed there was a bit more edge about this one.
First spot in the league is not mathematically out of the question but second is a must for our season and progression under PLG.


Today’s Team :-

McGregor: - Dropped a couple of catches early on but grew in confidence as the game progressed. Long range shots were the most of his worries.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Hutton: - Defended better today than he has for most of the season. A good all round performance and one that I hope he can replicate for the rest of the season.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Svensson: - Slipped up with a back pass early on which didn’t instil confidence but came onto form and had a solid game after that. Looked physically stronger too.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Hemdani: - Cut out so many of the Hearts attacks by reading the game and seeing the danger early, proves that you don’t have to be big to be a good defender. Clean sheet again from this centre back pairing which can only be good
Rmed Verdict :- 8

Smith: - Not his best game of the season as he was caught out in behind on a couple of occasions. Still, got forward to support as well and as ever and never stopped running.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Clement: - Patrolled the back line and, like Hemdani, reads the game exceptionally well. Like the fact that he always looks for a forward ball even in defensive situations. Kept Hearts efforts to long range ones.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Bazza: - The heart beat of the team and proved it once again with great vision and passing. Very menacing when he gets into the final third and unlucky not to score in the second half. Gives the team much needed drive.
Rmed Verdict :- 9 (Much needed drive in the middle of the park)

Adam: - Quiet but effective in the midfield. You get the feeling that he is more comfortable going forward and is still learning the more defensive side of the game but didn’t let anyone down.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Novo: - Started brightly but faded as the game went on. Was actually looking for him to be subbed when he picked the ball up in the centre, ran forward into the space before drilling the ball into the corner of the net. Thank god I’m not he manager.
Rmed Verdict :- 8

Prso: - Wasn’t quite up to match speed in the first half but came onto a game in the second. Started to drive in from the left and laid on two or three chances in the box.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Boyd: - Kind of frustrating day for him as the game was scrapped out more in the midfield. Must have thought he’d scored in the second half only to see a great save from Gordon.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

PLG: - Will be more glad than anyone that another win was recorded and with just the one change from last week we may just be settling on a starting eleven.
Rmed Verdict : - 7

Life being a bear got slightly easier to bare with this win today and the next step is a winning run in the league starting next week against Killie but for the time being bring on Auxere and lets keep our Euro results rolling.


WATP

Baz.

Rangers 2 vs. St Johnstone 0 - Nov. 11/2006

FORGIVEN BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

After the week that has just past, the very least that was expected from us today was fight and spirit. PLG must surely have asked a lot more from his beleagred “stars” in terms of determination, than has been shown in our last few games.
The result suggests that he got what he asked for but in truth it was another edgy nervous bunch of players who took the field and a more relieved than jubilant one that left it. We got the three points and the win that was deserved just not with the convincing manner that we all hope and want. The “one game at a time” phrase is so appropriate right now as we try and find a kick-start into a run of winning games.
We are all slightly happier bears today than we were yesterday but we have a long a winding road ahead of us until we find the level and consistency that we crave so much.



Today’s team: -

McGregor: - Rarely called into action during a fairly one-sided encounter. Another clean sheet to add to his CV, which is building very nicely.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Hutton: - Always looks good when not under pressure. Was allowed to push forward regularly and contributed well in the attacking moves
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Svensson: - Replaced Papac and will be happy to come away with a clean sheet to his name. Didn’t have much in the way of defending to do and will be hoping for a run in the team to prove himself.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Hemdani: - Cool and composed on the ball but not tested in the air today, which was a surprise, still not sure if this is an idealic position for him.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Smith: - Looks to have worked on his final ball as cross after cross went into the box just crying out to be attacked. Rocket of a goal as well to round off a fine performance.
Rmed Verdict: - 9 (MOTM would run all day down that left flank. Should be our left back for many years to come.)

Clement: - Still wondering if he got a touch of the ball as protecting the back four wasn’t the toughest of tasks today. He will have busier games in the coming weeks.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Bazza: - Sorely missed the other night and showed why as he controlled the flow of the game and started to show up more and more in the opposition box. Unlucky not to grab a goal just before the opener.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Adam: - Better in possession than in previous games and got himself into some good attacking positions. Fully meriting his run in the team right now.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Novo: - Not his best display of the season but still managed to trouble Dunfermline down the right. His highlights were a great cross for Bazza and a 2-yard header that he managed to put over.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Martin: - Has yet to re-live his first appearance of the season as he struggled to get to grips with the game. He’s just back from injury and hopefully can, in time, get back to and beyond his true form.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Prso: - Good game from the big man. Looked more comfortable in the second half than the first where he had Boyd to play to. Laid Smith’s goal on a platter with great touch and awareness.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Boyd (On for Martin): - Was good to see PLG changing something that wasn’t working. Boyd might not be his personal favourite but he does no that he will score goals.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Sebo (On Prso): - With two minutes to go it was just a run out for him.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Rae (On for Adam): - See above
Rmed Verdict: - 4

PLG: - Has endured more than anyone in the last few weeks and deserved this victory today. He believes we are on the right track but is not under any illusion of how hard the task will be. I really, really hope that he comes good.
Rmed Verdict: - 7


The same can be said for the fans as I said for the players earlier, relieved as much as jubilant would best descried the post match bear, what we must now hope for is a back to back win. We really are starting from the bottom and working our way back up.



WATP

Baz.

Rangers 0 vs. St Johnstone 2 - Nov. 08/2006

LE GEUN OR LE “GONE”

What has happened? Where have we gone? Has it really come to the point that we cannot “expect” a win against 1st Division opposition?
I have always been in the pro PLG camp but it is becoming a very hard task to defend the indefensible. There is going to come a point very, very soon where Mr Murray is going to have to take a long look at where we are and where we are going and, more importantly, who is going to take us there.
A defeat against St Johnstone is a very hard pill to swallow and this whole situation is beginning to reek awfully strongly of John Barnes era at the other side of the city.
Being a fan means following your team through thick and thin, and rest assured I will never turn my back on my club, but nobody likes seeing something that they hold dear going right down the gutter.



Today’s team: -

McGregor: - Feel sorry for him being sat behind one of the worst defences in Gers history. Had his share of good saves and was our only commendable player.
Rmed Verdict: - 7 (MOTM who else was there!)

Hutton: - Tries hard but is just not good enough. The right back spot has been a thorn in the side for many years now.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Papac: - Very poor showing got outdone for pace and class on more than one occasion
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Hemdani: - Is not a central defender, although he has acted reasonably well in that role. He would have been a lot more effective in what was a very weak midfield tonight
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Smith: - The only defender to get close to pass marks but even then he didn’t make the grade. Had to cover across and bail out Papac too often.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Clement: - He ended up trying to do two men’s jobs, as Rae didn’t look to be at the races.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Rae: - Hasn’t played a full first team game all season and it showed. Was not the man to be leading the Gers onto the park tonight.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Novo: - Started wide right and tried hard to get the Gers going but to no avail as our end product was inevitably piss poor.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Buffel: - Is fast running out of time to find some decent form. On his game he can be devastating but I honestly, at this moment, can’t remember when that last was. Rightly hooked just after half time.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Sebo: - Expected more from a man starved of first team action. He was let off the leash but barley whipped up a whimper. Again, hooked just after half time.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Boyd: - Did nothing but then again he was given nothing to do anything with. He is not the same man now that finished the season last year.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Prso (On for Sebo): - Slightly more dangerous but not a lot.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Martin (On for Buffel): - Showed the odd glimpse of skill after a lengthy lay off
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Adam (On for Rae): - More of a threat but couldn’t salvage the game.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

PLG: - Has just hit an all time low. He talked in the week about a fighting spirit and by god does he need that now. The ice is getting thinner and thinner.
Rmed Verdict: - 4


It was a disaster for PLG as he was looking to get a run going. Where we go now is anybody’s guess but something, anything needs to be done and needs to be done NOW.



WATP

Baz

Dundee United 2 vs. Rangers 1 Nov. 05/2006

STUNNED PITIFUL AND LOST

That is exactly what the SPL means to Rangers and Paul Le Guen at this moment in time.
Stunned is more aimed at the supporters who follow there team through thick and thin and are, at present, being highly short changed in the League performances.
Pitiful is for how we changed from an excellent game in midweek to the mediocrity that was served up to us this afternoon and
Lost which is aimed at Le Geun in particular as he struggles to understand what it takes to switch tactically from Europe into Scotland.
This season is fast running away from us as we are now closer to Dunfermline, at the bottom of the SPL, than we are to Celtic who are top. A real test of character once more faces the players as they try and figure out what it will take to turn this around.


Today’s Team :-

McGregor: - Must have been glad to see his name on the team sheet at the start of play but maybe not so much so at the end. He would have been hoping for a better result to stake his claim for the No1 spot.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Hutton: -Was ran ragged, especially in the second half, as most of the Dundee United moves flowed down that side. With Bardsley sitting on the bench, you just wonder how long it will be until we see him back in the team.
Rmed Verdict :- 5

Hemdani: - Looked composed and organised for most of the game until the frantic last fifteen minute spell where all the best laid plans went to pot.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Papac: - Like Hemdani he looked comfortable enough for most of the game until we, once more, capitulated late on.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Smith: - like a lot of the team, he seemed very lethargic for big spells of the game. Got forward on occasion just to waste the possession with a poor final ball
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Clement: - Very much like his mentor, Clement is finding that adjusting from European to Scottish football just isn’t as easy as it looks. No where near the form he showed on Thursday.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Bazza: - Good first half where he was very creative but got lost in the second as United stepped up a gear and started to come at us. Again, not the midweek Barry that we were looking for.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Adam: - Looked to have the most energy of the midfield trio but lacks a bit of pace to really hurt teams. Took his goal well and had one or two other chances. One of the few passable players today.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Novo: - Energetic and driven and was our only real threat. The United defence struggled with him as he gave them the run-around. Set up the goal and had one superb moment in the first half as he twisted and dragged the ball back leaving two defenders dumbfounded.
Rmed Verdict :- 8 (MOTM the only player who looked up for the game)

Buffel: - Should have been the most refreshed and determined player on the park after being left on the bench in midweek but he just wasn’t at the races and was deservedly hooked shortly after half time.
Rmed Verdict :- 5

Prso: - Given the role of leading the line and gave a better display than Thursday. Still not at the levels of last season and you just wonder if he will be again. Not a great Birthday for the big man.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Boyd (On for Buffel): - Wasn’t involved enough as United were in full ascendancy when he came on
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Sebo (On for Smith): - Came on to try and salvage a point. Too late by then
Rmed Verdict: - 3

PLG: - Struggling to understand why we are under performing so badly in the League but yet can stand proud in Europe. The answers are not going to be as easily found as he first thought but he will have to come up with them very soon.
Rmed Verdict :-5

I’ve struggled to put this together as I truly was dumbfounded by the time the final whistle sounded today. The biggest question for me just now though is that we spent most of the pre season building up fitness and stamina so how come we are losing so many points in the last fifteen minutes?
We must now wait, it seems, until our next trip abroad before we see the true Rangers re-appear.


WATP

Baz.

Rangers vs. Maccabi Haifa 0 - Nov. 02/2006

MASACRED HAIFA

European football once again proved to be the safety valve as the Gers produced the goods and the form that they find so hard to grasp in the SPL.
A 2-0 victory, against a team that have a good recent pedigree, is a great boost for fans and players alike and one that we have to progress from.
A changed back line was the main surprise at the start of the night but it turned out to be a piece of very good judgment from Mr Paul Le Geun. Out went Letizi, Papac, J Rod and Buffel and in came McGregor, Svensson, Clement and Prso with the main focus coming on Hemdani who was once more moved back into the back four. The defence held strong and the midfield was dominant and put together those two areas won us the game tonight. A game, especially after last nights tic result, which brings back a bit of belief in our beloved Rangers.



Today’s team: -

McGregor: - A surprising yet comforting sight as he strolled onto the pitch. Caught everything that came his way and dealt well with the very few chances that Maccabi threw at him.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Hutton: - Needs to rid himself of the stupid parts of his game. On the whole he coped well defensively but too many passes didn’t find their target.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Svensson: - Very nervy early on but settled more in the second half and put in a decent shift. Would improve with a good run of games but not sure if that’s going to happen.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hemdani: - Has PLG found a way to play Clement, Hemdani and Baz all in the same team. Superb stuff from Hemdani as he read everything that they threw at us and is the epitome of calm in dealing with awkward situations.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Smith: - Strong in the tackle and put in a good defensive rather than offensive performance tonight. It is an area that people are unsure of with him but proved them wrong on this occasion.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Clement: - Literally outstanding in sitting in front of the back four. He covered so much ground in tracking back and moving forward, never missed a tackle and never wasted a pass. Brilliant.
Rmed Verdict: - 9 (MOTM showed so much class and might just be the missing link for us)

Bazza: - Another superb display. He bust a gut all night trying to link midfield and attack, and doing it all with an injured shoulder to boot. Creative, driven and inspirational, Bazza at his best.
Rmed Verdict: - 9

Adam: - Worked hard all game but never quite found his final touch. Got into good positions but all too often the shot was high or the cross was long. Not his night personally but gave enough to see the team through.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Novo: - A tale of two halves. The first where he was given a free license to terrorise the Maccabi defensive, which he duly did, and the second where he was asked to sit deeper and protect the right hand side. In both halves and positions he excelled with another gutsy, determined and, what can I say, a truly Nacho Novo display.
Rmed Verdict: - 9

Prso: - Not a good night for the big Croat. He didn’t seem on top form and struggled through most of the game. He had one tremendous run on the edge of the Maccabi box though which was brought to a halt for a foul against him of which I am yet to understand why.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Boyd: - Like Dado, he didn’t seem inspired tonight. The referee didn’t help his game, as nothing remotely physical seemed to be allowed. There will be better nights for Boyd. (Won’t mention the penalty…ooops)
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Buffel (On for Prso): - Looked lively and created a couple of chances. Was a surprise omission as usually he would be a certainty on Euro nights.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Sebo (On for Boyd): - Got a great cheer when he came on but did little to inspire with his 20 minutes.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Rae (On for Adam): -Basically just saw out time.
Rmed Verdict: - 2

PLG: - Made some changes and once more proved that, in Europe anyway, he does have the tactical no-how.
Rmed Verdict: - 8


With Bazza, Clement, Novo and Hemdani all playing excellently this evening it just goes to show that this team DOES no how to play football when they really have too. All that remains is for the form to be carried forward.



WATP


Baz.