Aberdeen 2 vs. Rangers 0 May. 20th 2007

FALTERING FINALE


The result today was as disappointing and half hearted as the majority of our season. As Bears, we have had to endure some tough, often frustrating and at times shambolic situations within the last 10 months and this just summed it up perfectly. As the game, from our point of view, had little to discuss, here are my views of the people and the events which have shaped our year.

2006/2007: -

David Murray: - Pulled off a major coup in capturing PLG in front of several other prestigious clubs. Will have been distraught to see it all fall to pieces as he thought he had the ideal man to shape a young an d cheap super team. Had to jump in quickly to bring back Walter Smith to salvage the pieces that remained . The lesson learned should have been that investment in the team is crucial and that bosmans are only papering over the cracks.
Rmed Season Verdict: - 4

Paul Le Geun: - Arrived in a fanfare as the messiah who would lead us into a new era. La Revolution had begun!! Just a few months later he would sneak out the back door as a broken man. He seriously underestimated the standard of the SPL and he seriously underestimated the institution that is Glasgow Rangers.
Rmed Season Verdict: - 1

Smith: - Was called for in our hour of need and even through huge cries of traitor, he came back to help the club which he loves. He has fulfilled the first part of his duties and that was to clinch the Champions League spot, but there is a lot of turmoil and hard work to get through to bring us back up to where we should be.
Rmed Season Verdict: - 8

Letizi: - The French goalkeeper was the teachers pet to a certain degree but had to finally be relieved of his position by Le Geun after the pressure to field McGregor finally reached breaking point. Took off back to France very quickly on the heels of his comrade.
Rmed Season Verdict: - 2

McGregor: - Battled against the odds at the start of the season to claim a spot ahead of Letizi and rightly so. Hasn’t done much wrong between the sticks since and has been one of the seasons consistent performers.
Rmed Season Verdict: - 7

Bardsley: - Looked a very good prospect. Was solid at right back and wasn’t scared to push forward. Could hit a decent free kick as well. It’s a shame he couldn’t control his temper to a greater extent. That raises the question of whether he would have still been here had Walter been in charge….
Rmed Season Verdict: - 4

Hutton: - Probably the surprise package of the season. Started off very shaky and was soon replaced by Bardsley. Was brought back into the fold when Bardsley departed and struggled to win over the support. His poor final ball and his haphazard defending were soon to vanish though as in the later part of the season he came onto sensational form and was very close to contention for our player of the season. More of the same next year Hutton!!
Rmed Season Verdict: - 8

Svensson: - Arrived as one of the best Swedish prospects on the market and quickly confirmed that we really love to over hype our new signings. Struggled to get to grips with our game and had the misfortune of being pulled off the park as a first half substitute. Has got age on his side but his football education may well found away from Scotland.
Rmed Season Verdict: - 4

Papac: - Utilised at both left back and centre back and in both positions he looked suspect, especially left back where his positioning was woeful. Like Hutton though, under Walters guidance, he seems to have settled a lot more and now plays with a touch of confidence. A good squad player to have on board.
Rmed Season Verdict: - 6

Ehiogu: - Brought in in January to help plug some holes. We needed someone who could dominate in the air and dominate he does. A touch suspect on the ground but he has done what was asked of him. Capped it all off with a wonder goal against Celtic.
Rmed Season Verdict: - 6

Weir: - It was clear when he signed that he brought experience to the table. He has strolled through most of the SPL games and has organised his defensive troops around him. A great bit of business and hopefully fit enough to give us a good year to come. Solid.
Rmed Season Verdict: - 7

Murray: - The ultimate utility man was played as a left back for vast amounts of his season, covering for the injured Stevie Smith. He never is and never will be the stand out player in a team but he does his bit quietly and effectively.
Rmed Season Verdict: - 5

Smith: - Stevie Smith was one of the brightest spots in a very dark spell for us and unfortunately we lost him to injury fairly early on. He has pace and a good engine and good awareness at the back. His final ball needs work but he will be like a new signing if we get him back for pre season.
Rmed Season Verdict: - 6

Burke: - Was in blinding form at the end of last season and we had high hopes for a continuation. It wasn’t to be however and a although signing a new contract his habit of getting injured and a lack of consistent performances puts him down as one of the seasons disappointments. We know you’ve got the skills Burkey. We just want to see a bit more of them!!
Rmed Season Verdict: - 5

Novo: - Generally diploid on the right to utilise his pace. Never hit the highs of his first season but continues to deliver 110% to the cause and will always be liked for that side of him. It remains to be seen what lies ahead this summer after very nearly being sent to Coventry, quite literally, last time.
Rmed Season Verdict: - 6

Sionko: - Czech international that was going to deliver pace, trickery and goals to the right of our midfield but too often was found wanting and lightweight for the Scottish game. Another who misjudged our game.
Rmed Season Verdict: - 4

Rae: - Used mainly as back up to the first team which made it even more surprising when he was awarded the captains armband by PLG. It wasn’t his fault, or choice, but it was still bizarre. He has already said his farewells and we wish him the best for the future.
Rmed Season Verdict:- 5

Bazza: - It has certainly been a roller coaster for him. From the release of his book, to the regaining of fitness at the start of the season, to the stripping of his captaincy and the public hanging that followed and on to the re-uniting with his former boss Walter Smith. His on the pitch form though has been very good and very consistent and without him the team would have been in a much worse position than they are now.
Rmed Season Verdict: - 8

Hemdani: - Whether deployed at centre back or centre midfield he was done a terrific job. He has added a little class to a lot of the mediocrity around him and has done it on a week in week out basis. Voted player of the year and deservedly so.
Rmed Season Verdict: - 9 (Player of the season)

Thomson: - The 2 million capture from Hibs on the death of the transfer window seemed to signal some intent from Walter and Murray. He has a way to go to show his worth to the Ibrox legions but has the qualities needed to succeed. There is more to be seen of him next season.
Rmed Season Verdict: - 5

Adam: - Out on loan at St Mirren last year he was one of the first surprise inclusions in the Rangers squad. Has proved to be a very capable addition though as he has bagged more than his fair share of goals, including some spectacular free kicks. Lacks a little in pace to be a winger, but may yet prove to be an excellent central player. Time will tell.
Rmed Season Verdict: - 7

Martin: - Burst into the Scottish game and showed plenty of ability on the ball. Demolished Hearts early on in the season before slowly drifting away into oblivion. Followed Bardsley out of the door fairly quickly in the end and it was another disappointment to add to the list.
Rmed Season Verdict: - 4

Sebo: - What can you say about the guy? A cult hero, for the opposition! Everyone thinks there is more too this lad and that he should be given a chance and I agree, the problem lies though in how long can we afford to wait….
Rmed Season Verdict: - 5

Prso: - A tough season for the big Croatian as injury after injury kept him fairly quiet for long spells. When fit and well, he showed that he had that bit of class and he will be an extremely hard man to replace. Like the fans though, he will be frustrated with how the season has gone. Good luck to you Dado.
Rmed Season Verdict: - 6

Boyd: - One of the most talked about players in the team. One thing that can’t be taken from him is his goals though and so long as he keeps putting them away then I think he will be ok. May have a touch more in the way of com petition next year though.
Rmed Season Verdict: - 6


So here endeth another season and one that we’d be better to forget. We must now wait and see what the transfer widow holds and that when kick off comes around again that we will once more be able to shout for our beloved Rangers who will, hopefully, be in full competition for the reclaiming of the SPL title. So until next season folks, have a great summer and remember…...

WATP

Baz. ws it going?

Appologies for my lack of participation this last few days but i've been feckin busy


Anyways. the last one for the year...

“KILL”I JOYS

The game was played as if it meant nothing, at a pace that meant nothing and with a lethargy that meant nothing and a lot of that is true although today did mean a lot to three players, especially, who will never grace the turf of Ibrox again in a competitive manner. For Prso, Klos and Rae this was to be there last bow in front of the Ibrox faithful and one, that in the end, for one reason or another, none of them actually managed to take part in.
Prso was the main figure of attention after an excellent spell in which he showed an appetite and dedication to the cause that not one foreigner will ever better. It is easy for the short term memory to forget the unbelievable saves and professional conduct of Klos also and to round off the trio the unfortunate nature of Rae’s time at Ibrox where, after a very bright start, serious injury marred his time with the club. Not one of these players will be forgotten though because at the end of it all, they all pulled on the jersey and battled for the same cause, the cause of Glasgow Rangers!



Today’s Team :-

McGregor: - Could only stand and watch as Naismiths volley flew past him. Apart from that, he collected a few crosses and commanded his area ok.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Murray: - Steady and reliable in place of the suspended Hutton and will always be a good replacement but you can never see him claiming either of the full back slots as his own.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Ehiogu: - The big guy even had time to do a wee overhead flick on the touchline so slow was the pace of the game. Generally reliable though.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Weir: - Having recently passed his 37th Birthday he still looked composed enough in our rearguard. Will be disappointed to have lost the goal though.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Papac: - Proving to be an able left back until he was skinned just before there goal. Will have another season to come to prove himself to the Ibrox faithful.
Rmed Verdict :- 5

Novo: - Gave the team the only real bit of pace in attack. Worked the touchline well but never really troubled there back line.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Hemdani: -Passed the ball around but never had any sign of urgency in his play. A lot of games have flowed beneath his bridge this season and he will be grateful of the summer break.
Rmed Verdict :- 5

Thomson: - Worked his way through the game. Tracked back and made flurries forward but all to no avail as inevitably most of the attacks petered out.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Adam: - No stunning free-kicks today and like a lot of the players on show he looked like his mind was on some hot beach in Spain.
Rmed Verdict :- 5

Bazza: - The captain struggled to get his chargers into second gear and all too often he was left with no pass except a back ways one which only added to the frustrations of the day.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Boyd: - Never got a sniff to pile more misery on his old club, in fact he was more than shown up by his ex, but maybe not for much longer, partner in crime.
Rmed Verdict :- 5

Burke (On for Hemdani): - Brought on to add some pace but hasn’t got into any kind of groove this season.
Rmed Verdict :- 4

Lennon (On for Novo): - Given a decent run out and showed some tremendous skill and enthusiasm. Showed the big boys how its done.
Rmed Verdict :- 6 (MOTM One star retires and another is born??)

Shinnie(On for Murray): - Given a run as Walter tried to claw back a draw.
Rmed Verdict :- 4

Smith :- Lost his first game since he returned and although it was a nothing game, he won’t be too happy about losing that record.
Rmed Verdict : - 5


This day goes out to the three departing Gers and may there futures be bright and may they keep the memories of this great club close to there hearts forever.

WATP

Baz.

Rangers 2 vs. 0 Celtic May 5th 2007

WALTERS WARRIORS


His return has seen a steadying of the ship, an unbeaten run that stretches to thirteen game, qualification for the Champions League next season and, maybe most important of all, the sign of getting a strangle hold over our fiercest rivals.
That’s two wins out of two against them with this one being the most convincing. We didn’t just beat them on goals, we beat them all over the park by being first in the tackle, first to the loose ball and so much better in possession and it is this attitude and dedication that has been instilled throughout the team that has propelled us through the dark period and towards a brighter future.
Walter stuck with the same team, although had he had a fit Prso he might have changed it around after the draw against Hibs last week. In saying that the players look to have gelled some more and for the first time in a long time we had a left side as Adam was pushed well forward and Papac was given license to get forward, in fact for a lot of the game we were playing a 4-3-3 with Novo and Adam right up top with Boyd and Bazza, Hemdani and Thomson running the middle of the park. It could have been a lot more than 2-0 at the end of the day with even Sebo coming off the bench to have two very good efforts at goal.
All in all it is a great day to be a Bear and long may these days continue!!


Today’s team: -

McGregor: - Had a wee snooze to himself in the first half, as the flow of play was all the other way. He wasn’t caught napping in the second half though and made a couple of excellent saves.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Hutton: - We just expect good performances from him just now and he didn’t disappoint again today. McGeady never got out of his back pocket and Naylor was shown up more than once as he flew passed him. Unlucky not to score with a tremendous volley.
Rmed Verdict: - 9

Ehiogu: - A lot more comfortable against the big front man rather than the wee nippy strikers he faced last week. Slipped up on a couple of occasions but wasn’t made to pay. All in all a decent display.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Weir: - Tower of strength and intelligence that Celtic couldn’t find a way past. Organised his defence the way he wanted, won everything in the air and crunched a few tackles too. Solid.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Papac: - A changed man since his early days of left back duties. Looked comfortable at the back and shackled the ineffectual “player of the year” with ease. Drove forward when he could and threw in some good balls.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Novo: - His work rate was phenomenal today and he was up and down the right flank more times that I care to count. The Celtic back line didn’t like his direct running and he was another who was unlucky with a cracking shot. His chip through ball for Boyd’s opener was sublime.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Hemdani: - Fans player of the year and showed his class today. Orchestrated things in the middle of the park and passed the ball at will through the hapless Celtic midfield. He also read every Celtic attack and broke up their play before it reached our back line. Superb showing.
Rmed Verdict: - 9 (MOTM a master class in the defensive midfield role.)

Thomson: - Growing in confidence as time goes on. Started the match a bit scrappy but became more and more assured. With Bazza and Hemdani beside him they could have probably passed the ball around all day without giving it away.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Adam: - Was pushed well forward on the left to support Boyd and Novo but didn’t shirk his midfield duties either. He put some good balls into the box, passed it around well and out thought every player on the park by driving a sweet free kick under the wall.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Bazza: - Oozed class as he controlled the tempo of the game. Between him and Hemdani we have the two best ball players in Scotland. Dropped deeper to allow for Novo and Adam but likes to get in the mix and it suited him well. Out shone Lennon on what was supposed to be his day.
Rmed Verdict: - 9

Boyd: - Hoodoo? What hoodoo? Will be thrilled to get that one out of the way and it was extra special since it was his 100th league goal at the same time. Worked hard up front and I even caught him once tracking back into his own half!!
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Sebo (On for Boyd): - Had a couple of decent chances and by his own making too. Might he still have a future at the Gers??
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Burke (On for Thomson): - Added a bit of life for the final few minutes and also had a good strike at goal (move out the way Bazza!!)
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Smith: - Gets the players motivated and he sure wasn’t treating this like an end of season friendly. Got his tactics spot on on the day and will be given a lift from what he saw for the future.
Rmed Verdict: - 8



The final piece was put on our season with the Qualification for the CL, but this day was about beating the auld enemy and didn’t we beat them. The planning can now commence on regaining the title of a distinctively average Celtic side and with Walter and his warriors we are in with a very good chance!!


WATP

Baz.