Rangers 1 vs. 1 Inverness Mar. 31st 2007

CAUGHT CRUISING AGAINST CALEY


Fifteen minutes gone and Barry’s had a great chance, Caley are down to ten and Charlie Adam slots home a great freekick. Game over, blow for time and lets move on with another two points gained on a very jittery Celtic.
That’s what most fans watching must have thought, but no, not us, not this season. The foot came off the gas, the ball was passed around the back and Caley became more and more encouraged to take a chance. Walter must have had a word or two to say at half time but even that wasn’t enough to inspire us out of our lethargic mood and , not for the first time this season, or against Caley for that matter, our non ability to kill a team off came back to bite us in the arse.
Before the game had even kicked off there must have been a few Bears sitting with a “could it really happen again” thought lingering as Dundee United did a Celtic and grabbed there share of the points in the dieing minutes of the game, but all dreams of a suicidal slump disappeared when Caley stuck the ball in our net with just a few miutes remaining. And truth be told, we no more deserved the three points today as we deserve the SPL title. That, my friends must be reclaimed next season.


Today’s team: -

McGregor: - Stood and watched the world go by in the first half. Was tested on his concentration at the very start of the second by a halfway line shot and then again with a decent freekick. Will be unhappy not to have done more with there goal.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hutton: - Full of running once more and careered up and down the right flank. Didn’t put a foot wrong defensively but still needs work on his final delivery.
Rmed Verdict: - 7 (MOTM there wasn’t many with pass marks but he aquitted himself well)

Papac: - Kept Ugo out of the starting line for another week and showed good signs with some decent passing. Wasn’t the most testing afternoon.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Weir: - Was in the process of another solid game before the equaliser came. Won’t be happy at the way it was conceded.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Murray: - Not tested at the back but needed to show more going forward especially with them a man short. Too often his crosses never found there targets.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Novo: - Couldn’t find much to break down a stubborn Inverness back line. We got his usual work rate but it wasn’t his day.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hemdani: - Looked the most composed player on show today. Passed the ball around well and tried to offer some forward momentum. Couldn’t quite make it pay off though.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Bazza: - Started the game very brightly but faded fast. The Italian trip looked to have taken a bit out of him. Rarely will you see him lose possession as much.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Adam: - Terrific free kick which gave us the early lead. Apart from that though, his all round play and delivery was pretty poor.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Prso: - Gave a lot of effort and, like a lot of the team, played very well early on. Held the ball up and made some decent runs. Quickly ran out of steam though in the second half and I don’t think we’ll see another full 90 minutes from him. Good to here Ibrox chanting his name.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Boyd: - Frustrating afternoon for the hitman. Had a couple of chances and played a big part in the sending off. Just couldn’t get onto the end of enough things through no fault of his own.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Burke (On for Novo): - Came on and had a few tricks and flicks.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Sebo (On for Prso): - Got a couple of sights on goal and put himself about well.
Rmed Verdict: - 4


Smith: - Will be as frustrated as the rest of us with the performance and result. With the same team that anialated Aberdeen he would have expected more.
Rmed Verdict: - 6


To win the league back will mean us winning these kind of games next season. Beating the smaller teams on a regular basis is a must and something we have failed to do on too many occasions.


WATP

Baz.

Rangers 3 vs. 0 Aberdeen Mar. 17th 2007

“DON” AND DUSTED


Will the real Glasgow Rangers please stand up? It really is hard to believe that this is practically the same team that took the field in Spain just four days ago. From a team that couldn’t tackle, pass or create, never mind score, to a team that dominated possession, carved open a reputed tight defence and scored goals for fun. Oh, what it is to be a Rangers fan these days!
For the fifth game in this hectic period of thirteen days, Walter made four changes, introducing Papac for the injured Ehiogu, Bazza back in for Thomson, Prso in for Rae and Boyd in for Sebo. We also saw a change of system with the 4-4-2 coming back into play and didn’t Boyd revel in the fact of having a partner. The hat trick came in the first half in which Aberdeen were carved open at will and never looked once like the 2nd place challengers.
This was the ideal tonic after the disappointment of Europe and maybe reinforces the debate of Walter Smith who is criticised on foreign soil but when it comes to the SPL he knows how to get a team playing and especially at this moment in time that is exactly what is needed.


Today’s team: -

McGregor: - One of his quietest days in goal for a while. Had nothing of note to do and won’t get many easier clean sheets.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Hutton: - Typically strong running all culminating in a terrific, determined run and cross to set up Boyd for the third. Strong in defence too. Challenging for Scottish honours?
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Papac: - Showed some good physical strength, too much sometimes but was rarely tested and basically had a comfortable afternoon. Raises the question of where Svensson now fits into things..
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Weir: - I’ve said nearly all I can about his heading and tackling but it’s also his organisational skills that have made him such a terrific acquisition.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Murray: - Will be glad of a bit of respite. Has had a torrid run of games but looked a lot more comfortable in his role today and contributed to the attack when he could.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Novo: - Direct, pacey and caused problems on the right all afternoon. His work rate, as usual was first rate. Quite often pushed well forward to give us a front three.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Hemdani: - Played the lone holding player and it really was all that was required. Had great interaction with Bazza and will hopefully be tied to the club for a longer period.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Bazza: - A great creative influence in the middle of the park and showed what we missed in midweek. Another question raised. Is he better played, as today, as the attack minded midfielder or just behind the lone attacker?
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Adam: - Terrific first half display. Tucked in to make up a solid midfield and made good drives forward. Never scared of taking on a shot and created another for Boyd. Died out of the game in the second half but overall a very good show.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Prso: - His first start for a while and showed signs of the man that we’ve missed for too long. Good physical presence chased the ball into the corners and jinked his way through the Aberdeen defence.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Boyd: - I understand some of the criticism that gets levelled against him but I think a lot of that stemmed from his lack of support. Throw a man up there to assist and he is transformed once more into the lethal hit man that he truly is.
Rmed Verdict: - 9 (MOTM hat trick hero)

Burke (On for Novo): - Came on only to have to come off again. Hopefully it doesn’t affect his cap chances.
Rmed Verdict: - 3

Rae (On for Burke): - Given another run out, just to see things out.
Rmed Verdict: - 3

Shinnie (On for Prso): - Great time to make a debut.
Rmed Verdict: - 3

Smith: - Shook off the midweek hangover to put us well clear in the battle for second. Good move switching to the 4-4-2 as well.
Rmed Verdict: - 8


It was a good days football where we once more showed signs of being, at least, a decent team. Walter has work to do and he knows it but this must give him some encouragement for the future.

WATP

Baz.

Osasuna 1 vs. Rangers 0 Mar. 14th 2007

EUR OUT


The adventure is over for another year and unfortunately it went out with a bit of a whimper. This Osasuna side were just a step too far even for Walters revolution as over the course of the two legs, no matter how optimistically you look at it, we were beaten by the better team.
The scene was set last week with Osasuna passing the ball around and giving us little in the way of possession, and even when we got it we were never given time as they pressed us high up the park. Nothing seemed to have changed, except personnel as the second leg kicked off and the same rhythm of play proceeded. Rae came in for the suspended Bazza but apart from that, the hero’s of the weekend were the same, and if Ugo had managed to stick his size 12 on the end of a through ball, we might just have scraped a result but it wasn’t to be.
The road to Hampden is now closed, along with our last chance of silverware for another season and we must now strive to pick ourselves up for what will be another important game on Saturday.



Today’s Team :-

McGregor: - For all the Osasuna possession and chances, he hardly had a save to make and was unlucky with the goal. Again he looked good coming out to claim crosses.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Hutton: - Was left isolated for large periods as Novo tried to push forward. Had mixed fortunes with some decent defending but also some slack passing. Never got a chance to make his trademark bombing runs.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Ehiogu: - Hero to Villain and nearly back to hero again. Such a mixed bag from the big man. He certainly offers aerial prowess but his passing is dodgy to say the least. Had a tough test against the nippy strikers.
Rmed Verdict :- 5

Weir: - Was in the process of having his usual rock steady game when the cross came over for the goal. His calm deserted him and he misjudged the clearance. Still a decent game from the old guard.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Murray: - Looked nervy when defending and when on the ball. He was up against a tricky young winger and never looked to have the better of him. He too though was isolated frequently which didn’t make life easy.
Rmed Verdict :- 5

Novo: - On home soil and was desperate to impress. We got the usual effort and work rate but he couldn’t put a stamp on the game and cause them problems. Moved further forward as the game went on but to little effect.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Hemdani: - One of too few players to show a touch of quality. Was also the surprise motivator from midfield and tried to drive the team forward. Like the rest though he was afforded little time on the ball and couldn’t quite make things tick.
Rmed Verdict :- 7 (MOMT gave a determined performance.)

Thomson: - Struggled to get to grips with the game. Likes to get time on the ball and that just wasn’t happening tonight. Hopefully the experience will help him for the future.
Rmed Verdict :- 5

Adam: - Had some decent touches and certainly wasn’t the worst player on the park. Tried to drive forward but all too often there was nobody ahead of him to pick out.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Rae: - Replaced Bazza but didn’t make any kind of impact. His touch too often let him down and although he showed some desire he couldn’t step up to the mark.
Rmed Verdict :- 5

Sebo: - Not the same presence as he was on Sunday. The ref didn’t allow for his physical side of the game and he all too often conceded needless free kicks. Never got a sniff of a shot either.
Rmed Verdict :- 5

Burke (On for Thomson): - Brought on to add some trickery and directness. Didn’t work.
Rmed Verdict :- 4

Prso (On for Sebo): - Signalled the start of the long ball sequence. Again didn’t work.
Rmed Verdict :- 3

Boyd (On for Rae): - Did little to make an impact
Rmed Verdict :- 3

Smith :- Looked more and more frustrated As the night went on. Through on all the subs but it was a losing battle.
Rmed Verdict : - 6


A sad night for all concerned as another European campaign ends. The boys now have a longer journey home than they had wanted and it maybe isn’t so bad that we have another important game on us so quickly with a chance to get over this result. At least our seasons goal is now fully in perspective. Second place it is.

WATP

Baz.

Celtic 0 vs. Rangers 1 Mar. 11 2007

THERE UGO!!


Three points…don’t care, second spot….don’t care, good performance…don’t care, beating Celtic…Priceless!! And what a hero to find in big Ugo who sprung to volley home an amazing strike in the second half.
The morning produced a couple of shocks with Burke being dropped completely from the squad but more amazingly, Sebo being reinstated to the starting line up at the expense of Boyd. The changes didn’t look to have done much good as for the first half hour we were outplayed again and struggled to keep any possession of the ball but we started to come back and aided with a half time team talk from Walter we came out with a great deal more fight and passion which led to an excellent second half with a cracking goal to break the hearts of all the Tic fans and there GIRUY attitude.
This feeling has been missing for too long and is it really such a coincidence that Walter has come back and all of a sudden beating Celtic isn’t such an impossible task…


Today’s team: -

McGregor: - Solid as a rock all day. Came for crosses and was dominant in his box. Didn’t have breathtaking saves to make but caught and punched and basically took a lot of onus off his defence.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Hutton: - Aiden Mc who?? Kept him quiet all day and let very little past him. Was even more effective going forward and, along with Novo, gave us an out ball when under pressure and made some surging runs when we were on the offensive. Fine display.
Rmed Verdict: - 9 (MOTM Never put a foot or a pass wrong)

Ehiogu: - Can he defend? How was his passing? Who cares! Give the big man the strikers role! Excellent finish from Ugo to give us the victory.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Weir: - Never gave them a sniff either aerially or on the deck. Thwarted build ups and launched into blocks. Couldn’t have asked more of him.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Murray: - Recovered somewhat from a miserable night on Thursday. Still doesn’t look overly comfortable at left back but dug deep and gave his bit to the cause.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Hemdani: - Neat and tidy in possession and very good back foot defending. The big thing for me though is the change in attitude that seems to be coming through. There seems to be a snarl there that we have never seen before.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Thomson: - Stuck at his task doggedly all afternoon and showed some real stamina. Passed the ball a lot better especially in the second half and will be pleased with his first OF encounter.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Novo: - Had a good game on the flank with Hutton in support. Caused Naylor endless problems with his pace and trickery and was unlucky on a couple of occasions not to assist in a goal.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Bazza: - Ran his heart out by chasing the ball down from the front. Not his best individual display but a great team showing none the less. Kept his passing simple and tackled hard and tried his best to support every attack.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Adam: - Not the best defensively but stuck to his task today. Came to life a bit more in the second half and even tried his quick freekick routine. Another who gave his every effort.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Sebo: - Didn’t think I’d be typing about him much but he came back in and did a tremendous job. Was given the thankless task of leading the line but did it very well. He contested every high ball, made good runs down the channels and chased hard when we didn’t have the ball. Excellent all round game.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Prso (On for Sebo): - Came on when we needed someone to hold the ball up. Had some nice touches
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Rae (On for Novo): - Bit of time wasting me thinks.
Rmed Verdict: - 3



Smith: - His European pedigree is still questionable by some but he sure knows how to put one over the Tic!! Also showed good manager abilities by getting the work out of his players after the midweek shambles.
Rmed Verdict: - 8


It is a great day to be a bear and long may it last. With the confidence boost of this game, Thursday becomes a distant memory and we can look to Wednesday with a little bit more optimism.
But above everything else….Bouncy bouncy, bouncy bouncy, Nah, na nah, na nah!!!

WATP

Baz.

Rangers 1 vs. Osasuna 1 Mar. 08 2007

THE SPANISH INQUISITION


The amount of questions asked of us tonight, it may as well have been. The weather didn’t help the quality of the game, but the fundamentals of playing any kind of level of football were completely forgotten by one side tonight, and it wasn’t the away one.
My one big worry before kick off was of Klos and his kicking ability. The sad truth is that he looked the only one capable of passing especially when you consider that one of the main rules of playing in European games is to keep possession of the ball.
It is strange to imagine that it was only a short time ago that we played on the very same park and blew Hapoel Tel Aviv all the way back to Israel and the one man that they feared the most added to the frustrations of the night by succumbing to the yellow card that sees him out of the second leg.
It wasn’t all bad though and those that waited in the stadium for the final whistle saw the one sublime piece of football that Rangers could muster and saw them gain a small piece of hope. The other consolation is that there is no way on this earth that we can play as badly as that again, and I’m sure that Walter won’t allow it.


Today’s team: -

Klos: - Brought back from the cold and showed, with a couple of brilliant saves, that he still has it. His kicking wasn’t so bad either and he had no chance with the goal.
Rmed Verdict: - 7 (MOTM there were basically no other candidates)

Hutton: - Not the worst on show and defensively wasn’t too bad. His distribution however was woeful and really must improve.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Ehiogu: - Not the easiest night to defend but stuck to his task ok. Good in the air and decent of the deck. Another couldn’t find a pass but he isn’t in the team for that part of his game.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Weir: - Will be very disappointed to have conceded the away goal but on the whole was again our best defender. Used his experience very well especially when he was up against a pacey attack.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Murray: - Had a nightmare on the left and will be more glad than anyone to see a resulting draw from the game. Really not his usually composed defending.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Hemdani: - Rescued the day with what was a terrifically taken goal. Like everyone else though his passing just wasn’t there.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Thomson: - Struggled in the middle with the tight closing down by the Spanish side. Couldn’t put any kind of stamp on events and eventually went off with an ankle knock.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Burke: - Started with the look of someone who wanted to make a mark on proceedings, quickly lost interest though as the night and the weather got worse.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Burke: - Marked out of the game from the first whistle. Dropped deeper and deeper to try and get involved but all that did was leave Boyd more and more isolated. Worst of all though is his now, ineligibility for the second leg.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Adam: - Typical of his performances this season. Comes off a great game and continues to have little to no affect on the game. In all fairness he really isn’t a winger but was rightly hooked at half time.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Boyd: - Was left far too isolated far too often. We know that his hold up play is far from great but we ask him to do it time and again. Needs a strike partner to compliment his game.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Novo (On for Adam): - Injected some pace into the attack but couldn’t quite make it count.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Prso (On for Thomson): - Looked a bit sharper than his last two outings and will be needed in Spain.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Sebo (On for Boyd): - Given five minutes and ran full out for 4 minutes and 59 seconds.
Rmed Verdict: - 3


Smith: - There will be criticism of his tactics, I’m sure, but it was the same tactics that were praised so highly not so long ago. There will be severe words spoken behind the scenes after tonight.
Rmed Verdict: - 6


We now have one week and an Old Firm game to regroup and reset ourselves for the second leg. The one grace afforded us this evening through all the painful watching was that we still managed a draw. One goal over there and the situation will swing right back in our favour. Before that there is the small matter of the trip across the city. If we can win that one then I’m sure this result will be quickly forgotten.


WATP

Baz.

Hibernian 0 vs. Rangers 2 Mar. 04 2007

CAPITALISING ON CALAMITIES



It seems like forever since the glorious night that was the Hapoel Tel Aviv game but the Gers were back in action and were given a sterner test at Easter Road. There couldn’t have been a bigger difference in the two games either. From the sublime football and easy, well worked goals to the battling, solid teamwork that needed one amazing piece of vision and execution and one amazing piece of goalkeeping blunder. The end result though was the same and as they say, a win is a win.
The one major surprise for me was the exclusion of Klos who will more than likely be in goal come Thursday but was not given the much needed match practise that he needs. Other than that the team saw two changes with Novo out for Adam and Rae out for Ehiogu. After four minutes, the tone was set with Adam scoring that sublime free kick Rangers were quite content to soak up the pressure and push forward when they could. The second goal which squirmed under the Hibs keeper sealed the result with Hibs rarely looking like breaking down our sold back line.


Today’s Team :-

McGregor: - Made a couple of good stops in the second half but was very rarely troubled. Still looks suspect with high balls but will be a big miss come Thursday.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Hutton: - Another good showing, and is starting to put a run of form together. Made some surging forward runs and looked composed at the back. Having such experience inside him must surely help.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Ehiogu: - Big Marv but with a bit more footballing ability. He never shirked a challenge and won everything in the air. He just needs to stay injury free.
Rmed Verdict :- 8

Weir: - Has he actually made a mistake since pulling on a proper blue jersey? His biggest asset is his ability to boss “his” back line. Everyone knows there place and know about it if they don’t.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Murray: - Returning to Easter road but will be happy that the Hibs fans had another target to aim for. Was solid at the back and never gave Sproule a sniff. Never got forward much, but the game dictated that, pretty much.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Burke: - Not his style of game weather wise or pitch wise. Nevertheless, his work rate was good and he tracked back to help Hutton very well.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Hemdani: - It was a hard pressed area in the centre of midfield. He tried to keep the ball and play a passing game but ended up with most of his work being done defensively.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Thomson: - Would have probably been looking for a more accomplished performance to silence the boos but will be more than happy with the result. Again a good work rate kept Hibs attacks at bay.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Adam: - We all know that he has a magical left foot but would generally look for more consistency from it. No such complaints today as he scored a beauty and will be sending a thank you card to the Hibs keeper for his second.
Rmed Verdict :- 8 (MOTM Was the hero of the piece today)

Bazza: - Taking a break from his man of the match performances today. Got little change out of the Hibs defence and ended up moving back into central midfield to try and stamp some authority on the game.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Boyd: - Looked a bit keener to track back and showed why he doesn’t as he got booked for several wreck less challenges. Like Baz, he got only scraps to work with though.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Prso (On for Boyd): - Hasn’t found his touch yet and looks like he needs game time.
Rmed Verdict :- 4


Smith :- Tactically spot on again as he tries to work to his teams strengths. Has to be admitted that there is more consistency about the team.
Rmed Verdict : - 7


With seven points now between us and third place we can now give a bit more focus to the Eufa Cup. Osasuna will prove a more challenging game but the same result would go down exceptionally well.
That’s one down and four to go in what really is a tricky set of games.

WATP

Baz.