Rangers 0 vs. Hearts 0 - Jan. 27 2007

*Bazza is off so Mr. Nvager is covering*

Well Bazza you did not miss too much. This was Rangers at their frustrating best.

Hearts did not have Gordon or Hartley in their team, but it did not matter.


The pitch was heavy and that did not help.

Rangers made two changes. Svensson was replaced at CH by Ehiougo and Burke was replaced by Sionko.


Rangers opened up quickly and had two corners. Sionko was set up by Boyd but blazed widely over.

Hearts began to come into the game after a while and the Rangers midfield was ineffective. Ehiougo looks a little nervous and gives away free kicks going up for the ball.

Play is generally very scrappy.

Charlie Adam blazes wide with right foot shot.

Hearts successfully playing the offside game. Our final ball is poor.


Hemdani loses possession and gives Hearts an opening, but nothing comes of it.

Hearts taking over the game for a short period.Rangers coming on again and Sionko misses a good chance from three yards out.

Hemdani loses possession again. Novo going through a poor spell. Boyd kept well in check by two Hearts CHs. Lots of pushing going on. Scrappy.

Our midfield is poor. Barry is the only one that is effective . Adams in and out of the game and Sionko easily brushed off the ball.

Murray clears twice from Hearts corners.


Scrappy game. Bad pitch. Poor final balls and lots of offsides against Rangers.

Ehiougo settling down now. Weir steady. Hutton playing well. Murray a little off at times.


2nd Half

Ehiougo gives away another free kick, but Aguilar whips it over.

Novo in good position but slow to react and chance gone , but corner kick. wasted.

Sionko brushed off the ball and Hearts break, but waste their chance.

C Adam whips in good ball for once - three RFC players go for it but no joy. Barry cuts his lip.

Novo in good position in box overdoes it and trips over his own feet. Ball cleared.

Play again scrappy, but Rangers dominate. Final ball is so poor and forwards not in best form anyway. Offsides continue. Goal does not look likely.


Sionko again loses possession and Hearts break. Hearts have had some breakaways but our defence is firm.

Boyd substituted by Sebo.

Burke on a little later for Sionko.


Barry scores but is OFFSIDE!


Rangers press but do not score. Poor final passes.


Ratings:

MacGregor: 6.5 - Not too much to do.

Hutton: 7 - Played to a good standard and never in trouble.

Murray: 6.5 - Ok but could do a little better

Ehiougo: - 6.5 - Settled down after a nervous start.

Weir 7 - Very steady

Sionko - 5.5 - Not good enough

Ferguson - 7.5 MOTM - Always trying only creative player

Hemdani - 6 Struggled at times and lost possession once or twice at a bad time.

Adam - 6.5 - In and out of the game. Poor at times with wasted balls

Novo - tries hard but was not at his best - 6

Boyd - see Novo - 6


Sebo - Tried hard but? 5

Burke - Can be much better - 5

Dunfermline 0 vs. Rangers 1 Jan. 21 2007

A’DAM’ GOOD JOB


Two wins out of two now for Walter and co but this one wasn’t quite as convincing as the last. A Charlie Adam goal on 8 minutes was the only goal of, what was, a pretty scrappy game.
Two changes were made to the side with Prso, out with injury, replaced by Novo and Clement, out with illness?, replaced by debutant Weir. All started well as for twenty minutes we dominated the game and scored the goal but as we have seen over this season, we tend to take the foot off the gas and let other sides back in. The difference today though was that our back line had a more solid feel to it and although Dunfermline had some possession, they never really looked like scoring.
The Walter effect is still in a positive stage and if he can succeed in shoring up at the back, I’m pretty sure we have enough fire power up front to keep us solidly in second place, which for this season will be regarded as short term success.



Today’s team: -

McGregor: - Looking more vulnerable over the past few games but still made his mandatory spectacular save at the end. Cross balls seem to be his problem area but with more practise and training it is not something that can’t be rectified.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hutton: - very-good full backs display with a lot more attention on defending rather than attacking. In saying that he could have rounded off a good day with a cracking run from one end of the park to the other but he ran out of steam at the last hurdle.
Rmed Verdict: - 8 (MOTM every so often he throws in a commanding display.)

Svensson: - Playing for his place again now with plenty speculation on another defender coming in and Webster regaining fitness. Looks to have developed a more aggressive manner since Walt took over. This can only be good.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Weir: - Commanding in the air and looked an excellent foil for Svensson. Got caught a couple of times by trickery on the edge of the box but overall it was a relief to see someone with a bit of presence in the back four.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Murray: - Like Hutton, he offered more at the back than he ever did going forward but that isn’t such a bad thing considering the clean sheet. Made some timely interventions but you feel that he’ll make way when Smith comes back.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Burke: - The Burke of early last year has still to re-emerge as another game went by where he really didn’t get to grips with what’s going on. You could see a lot of the time what he was trying to do, but it just isn’t happening just now.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Bazza: - Tried hard and controlled most of the game. He had a couple of good cracks at goal but they just weren’t going in today. Still a consistent performer and leads by example.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Hemdani: - Moved back into his favoured midfield role and slipped back in effortlessly. Had a very controlled game and never wasted possession. Like Clement, he compliments Bazza very well.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Adam: - Another game and another goal for a player who I think may lose his place if the likes of Gow and McCulloch appear at Ibrox. All he can do though is produce his best in each game and at the moment he is still first choice on the left.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Novo: - The engine was still there, the trickery was still there but the finishing touches deserted him to a certain extent today. Had a great run and cross for the goal but the rest of the game just wasn’t on his side.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Boyd: - Like Novo, nothing was quite falling for him. On another day he would have had a brace but today seemed destined, for all, to be in favour of the defences.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Buffel (On for Burke): - He does cause problems and if Burke doesn’t smarten up Buffel may be back in the starting line up.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Sebo (On for Novo): - Given a minute and a half. Not quite what you’re looking when you need a goal.
Rmed Verdict: - 3


Smith: - Will be very happy with two wins and two clean sheets in two games but will also no that he can’t get too carried away with what lies ahead.
Rmed Verdict: - 7


On another day we could have had a few goals but it was the defence that looked the stronger today and it has been a long time since we’ve been able to say that. It will be Hearts next week and I wonder if there will be any new signings to add to the squad by then…



WATP

Baz.

Rangers 5 vs. Dundee United 0 Jan. 13 2007

WALT A WAY TO START


For the first time in a long time it feels good to be a Bear. It seems as though a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders and a real sense of pride is once more rising to the surface. The day’s events heralded what we all hope to be the re-emergence of the mighty Gers after too many false dawns in recent times.
Ok, maybe I’m getting ahead of myself just a wee bit and maybe this performance has papered over a few cracks, but for too many weeks now we have not been able to express the kind of jubilance that was seen today, not only at the five nil outcome but also to what looks to be the making of a great managerial partnership that has all the pride, passion and desire as its supporters.
I have a good feeling that this is the start of something special for a club that deserves to be at the top.



Today’s team: -

McGregor: - The season’s most consistent performer took a bout of the wobbles in his bid to impress the new management. Didn’t look his most comfortable self and nearly cost us early on.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hutton: - His biggest downfall is his final ball. I’m sure if he could develop that side of his game our need for a new right back may not be so critical. He has the athleticism and his defensive game has greatly improved.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Svensson: - Don’t quite no how to put this, but he was a rock at the heart of the defence today. A new sense of commitment showed in his play to the extent that he actually managed to get a yellow card! His first of the season I may add.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Hemdani: - The press have mentioned him as a strong candidate for joining JRod in the exodus that may leave Ibrox. In my opinion we would be losing an all round good footballer who is doing a decent job in a role that is not his most natural.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Murray: - Had a torrid first half against Samuel but fought hard against the pacey wide man and gave a decent account of himself. Easier game in the second and will be happy to record the clean sheet.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Burke: - Fairly anonymous for long spells but showed he still has the tricks in his locker when he wants to use them. Made a timely run to get on the end of Boyd’s miscue to HEAD home the second.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Bazza: - Contentious issue, but I for one am over the moon that he got the captaincy back and was even more thrilled when he rounded the keeper and drilled the ball home for the fifth. He also had a good game in bad passing conditions, laying on several great balls for Nacho especially.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Clement: - I am very pleased to here that he doesn’t want to up sticks and leave just because a comrade has gone. A gifted young player and one of few legacies that have been left behind.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Adam: - Was actually surprised to see him in the starting eleven today but Walter, like Le Guen, must see something in him and he was proven right as he struck a delightful half volley from way out to open the new regimes account. I just wonder if Walter might see a bit of Albertz in him?
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Prso: - Gave too much effort as he pulled his hamstring midway through the first half. It is a great disappointment to us let alone him.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Boyd: - Compared to Ally on several occasions and now has him first hand. Like the great man himself, a couple of embarrassing blunders mean nothing when you can step up and take two later in the game.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Novo (On for Prso): - Had a terrific impact on the game after being left on the bench. Must feel he has it all to prove again but did his chances the power of good with some great runs and crosses.
Rmed Verdict: - 9 (MOTM, came on and made all the difference.)

Sebo (On for Burke): - If McCoist can make something out of him I will eat my virtual hat. Wouldn’t put it past him though.
Rmed Verdict: - 4


Smith: - He must feel a bit like Midas at the moment as everything he touches turns to Gold. I truly hope that the trend continues.
Rmed Verdict: - 8


Today is most definitely a day for celebrating as the atmosphere at Ibrox proved. Long has it been since the support was as vocal and long may it continue.
There will be transfers to come and transfers to go as Walter really gets to grips with the job in hand but he couldn’t and we couldn’t have asked for a better start.



WATP

Baz.

Dunfermline 3 vs. Rangers 2 Dec. 7 2007

CUP CALAMITY


Talk about getting a kick in the teeth when your down. A traumatic, whirlwind week has ended with a shambolic and quite frankly embarrasing defeat at the hands of a Dumfermline side who are struggling a the bottom of the SPL.
The Gers took the field in what looked like a traumatised state and by the time the third goal hit the back of McGregors net the support was exactly the same. The catastrophy that was our back four would have struggled to grace my pub team let alone the once mighty Gers. The man I truly feel sorry for out of all of this though is Durranty. The man that would "die happy" after leading his beloved Rangers onto the park had to witness the destruction of his heartless side. Credit to him though for picking up the debris at half time and sending his boys back out to at least make a game of it.
There is a complete overhaul needed behind the scenes at Ibrox and lets hope that it is sorted out in the very immediate future.



Today’s Team :-

McGregor: - Needs to be an octopus to save everything that our defence lets through at him. Had no chance at the first two but looked suspect at the third.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Hutton: - I have talked him up in recent games and I am left wondering why. His distrubution was awful and his contribution to the defence was woeful. Didn't close down the crosses that caused us so much havoc.
Rmed Verdict :- 5

JRod: - Reinstated to the heart of the defence before quickly being reinstated to the bench. Looked clumsy and out of touch and must surley be looking for a new club.
Rmed Verdict :- 3

Svensson: - The most nervous man on the pitch and did himself no favours by missing his first few challanges. Don't think he would have won a header against Hamilton even if we were still playing.
Rmed Verdict :- 4

Murray: - The only one of the back four that has any kind of excuse. Still needs games to get fully fit and wouldn't be playing if we had any suitable replacement. Like Hutton he failed to cut out the bombardment of crosses.
Rmed Verdict :- 5

Rae: - Held on to the captians armband but thats about all he did. The right wing just isn't his position and looked, just slightly, more comfertable when moved inside.
Rmed Verdict :- 5

Bazza: - Shackled in the first half and looked way out of touch. Passes went astray and tackles were non existent. Managed to pick himself up in the second half but too little too late.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Hemdani: - Anonymous in the midfield as he didn't do anything wrong or right before being moved back to CB and, as normal, the high balls caused him problems.
Rmed Verdict :- 5

Adam: - Was there any point in him being on the park today? Hardly touched the ball and when he did he did nothing with it. His main contribution to the game was a booking in the first half.
Rmed Verdict :- 4

Novo: - The effort was there but the quality was severely lacking. He is so infuriating at times especially when things aren't going his way.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Boyd: - Was one of the few men on the park that showed a bit of fight. His two goals were typical Boydy and he SHOULD have had his hattrick but for a bad refereeing desicion. Lost marks for his defensive contribution as he lost Hamilton for the first goal.
Rmed Verdict :- 7 (MOTM shame his goals count for nothing.)

Burke (On for JRod): - Added a bit of spark down the right but his delivery could have been more accurate.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Buffel (On for Adam): - Gave us a left hand side that had been missing all game.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Durrant: - Will go down in the Rangers history books but not for the reasons that he would want. Must have given a decent half time talk and wasn't scared to chnge things.
Rmed Verdict : - 6


The revolution must now be revoluitionised and Walter must now be realising the size of the task in hand. The pressure may be eased slightly with the fact that no more domestic silverware is achievable and this could give Smith the time required to start his rebuilding process, but whatever and whoever takes the helm has a mammoth task in hand to restore the reputation of this massive football club.


WATP

Baz.

Motherwell 0 vs. Rangers 1 Jan. 02 2007

CLOAKS AND DAGGERS


A serious bout of football politics is being carried out behind the scenes at Ibrox and I fear that we are about to lose one of the greatest Gers of the last decade to it.
Barry Ferguson and Paul Le Geun have never seen eye to eye and the latter feels that no one man is bigger than the club and that Baz has too much influence on team and tactical matters to the point that instructions are not followed but we have yet to hear from Barry himself. This is the side that will determine what lies ahead in the coming weeks, with the transfer window now open.
My natural instinct, and that of many others, goes in favour of Barry and I feel that, although no one man is bigger than the greater cause, if there is a problem within Ibrox then who else but our captain can make a stand and defend his club. The conclusion now lies in the hands of Mr Murray and for the good of the club, whichever way this turns, it has to be given very quickly and decisively.
Back to the match though and to three points that were greatly welcomed and hopefully a trend that will continue throughout the coming year.



Today’s team: -

McGregor: - On today’s performance, it is not just Le Geun who will have difficulty in leaving him out, but Walter Smith himself now has a big choice on his hands. Made some crucial saves, no more so than a terrific, instinctive block that was close to his body and looked certain to go in.
Rmed Verdict: - 9 (MOTM just a shame he is having to make these saves.)

Hutton: - Had to cover a lot of ground as the play surged from end to end. Always looks more at ease going forward rather than going back and dinked in some nice crosses.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Svensson: - No defence is going to look good with the end to end attacking football that was on display but he did find the Motherwell attack hard to handle and must sometimes long to go back to the easier paced European games that he was used to.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hemdani: - The style was more suited to him today as he wasn’t exposed to constant bombs raining down from above. He likes to read the game and controlled a lot of what came his way.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Murray: - I called for this change on Saturday so maybe PLG does listen to the fans after all…..aye right! Great to have him back and he started brightly enough without ever excelling but the team looked to be more balanced with him out there.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Sionko: - Thought he started brightly enough and even chased a few balls and dived into tackles. Had to come off after a bad, un-punished, challenge in the middle of the park.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Rae: - Got to give the guy his due for putting in a good effort. Chased the ball and tried to control the midfield but I’m sorry, he just isn’t a Barry Ferguson. He faded badly in the second half through lack of competitive games.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Clement: - Excellent, energetic display from the young Frenchman. Tracked back well and used the ball very intelligently. Seemed to up his game for this one. For his manager or just because of the turmoil?
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Burke: - Struggled a bit on a very sticky surface. Still needs games to find his level, but shows enough to no that he still has the ability. Switched wings after Novo came on and looked more comfortable.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Prso: - Imaginative dynamic performance from the big Croat. Held the ball up well and made things happen with his trickery and running. Unlucky not to score and very unlucky to get sent off as I think he was mistaken for Novo of all people!
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Boyd: - Usual stuff from Boydy as he squandered a couple before slotting home an excellent penalty. He is another who looks a little ring rusty.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Novo (On for Sionko): - Big surprise at his exclusion and showed why when he came on. Good direct football.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

JRod (On for Boyd): - Last outing as a Blue? Brought on to shore things up.
Rmed Verdict: - 3


PLG: - On today’s game alone. Some surprise selections and omissions but it worked out ok as we gained the three points. Didn’t agree with the defensive mentality after we scored though, I mean its Motherwell after all.
Rmed Verdict: - 6


Some interesting but crucial days are to come where two out of the three sides of the story will appear. PLG’s view we have heard, Barry’s is no doubt on the way and the third one, the TRUTH, may take a while longer! Whichever side of the fence you sit, at the end of the day we ALL only want what is best, and I hope that the fans unite behind the one thing in which we truly all believe. GLASGOW RANGERS!



WATP

Baz