Crvena Zvezda 0 vs. Rangers 0 Aug 28th 2007

GOLD STAR NOT RED STAR



Solid, professional, tough, resilient are all decent work to describe the gritty performance shown by our boys tonight. It is also a very well rewarded performance as the guarantee of Champions League money is now in the bank.
Walter set out a very physical team and one that was fairly easily picked for most Gers Fans. The 4-1-4-1 worked exceptionally well and saw Cousin, Boyd and Beasley all replaced by Hemdani, McCulloch and JCD and the presence of this team was vital in the final outcome.
Belgrade were a tricky obstacle to overcome and had some good possession but thanks to a huge team effort and a couple of brilliant performances we saw them off well and had a few chances of our own to put the tie to bed. In the end though it was very pleasing to see Bazza and Beasley counting down the clock in the corner with some neat wee passes that could only infuriate our opponents and put there bragging and wind up words firmly to bed.



Today’s team: -

McGregor: - Came into the match without having really to get out of first gear so far this season, but had to up his levels tonight and did so with ease. From a fantastic low save just minutes into the game he continued that vein to the end. Caught well, punched well and pulled the big saves off too.
Rmed Verdict: - 9

Hutton: - Given a very hard time down the left and had to deal with wave after wave coming down his flank. He coped fairly well but was given a stern lesson of what to expect when we enter the group stages.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Cuellar: - The Rock crumbled just a bit in the first few minutes, but recovered to put in an absolutely excellent performance. Won countless headers, through himself at anything-fired goal ward and infuriated there strikers all game.
Rmed Verdict: - 9

Weir: - Complemented his partner very well and all pre-match talk of the pace of the opposition troubling him were put to rest. Used all his experience to guide his defence through a tough night of football.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Papac: - When he covers in and takes up a more central role, he does a good job but you always worried when they had a run at him tonight. Despite that though he came through unscathed and with another clean sheet.
Rmed Verdict: - 6


Hemdani: - How would he handle the constant uncertainty of his future or the fact that he has been dropped from league games? The answer was in his football. Magnificent in the hole between defence and midfield and nullified countless Belgrade attacks. The calmness in possession was also a big factor tonight and he has just posted the question to Walter of, can you afford to let me go??
Rmed Verdict: - 9 (MOTM his football brain and experience were vital tonight)

Whitaker: - Tracking back quelled his natural impulse to get forward tonight, and he had a huge amount of grass to cover. Was asked to be far enough forward to receive the goal kicks but also had to make sure and give Hutton the cover he needed. His passing was also a bit wayward but will take vital experience from this game.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Bazza: - Like Whitaker was asked to be more curtailed tonight and he put his shift in. Every time we got the ball we looked for him and his calmness in possession was needed. Tried very hard to support JCD as well.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Thommo: - The tireless closing down and dogged defence was what his game is all about and stuck to the task manfully. We’ve lacked this kind of player for a while and its good to see him fitting into the side.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

McCulloch: - A tower of strength on the left and a very good release ball all night. Never hid for a minute and worked tremendously hard. Got forward as much as possible and was unlucky with a long-range effort.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

JCD: - If any team needed a player to play the solo role up front then they surely wouldn’t look much further than JCD. He was the epitome of what the job is all about. Strength, determination, tireless running and an eye for goal when the chance arrives. Terrific shift by the Frenchman.
Rmed Verdict: - 9

Cousin (On for JCD): - Came on when we were under a bit of pressure and didn’t really get into the game.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Beasley (On for Whitaker): - Great lesson in ball retention, really took the pressure off us at the end.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Smith: - Some might say that this kind of game plays right into his defensive hands, but he stayed strong, stuck to his guns and got our boys through into the Champions League. Excellent show Walter!
Rmed Verdict: - 9


We now have a bit of money to play with, does that mean that Hemdani might stay? Naismith might arrive? Even another new signing to appear?
Quite frankly, who cares! The boys did us proud with an excellent performance and the money can be thought about another day.


WATP

Baz.

Kilmarnock 1 vs. Rangers 2 Aug. 25 2007

DARCHEVILLE, IN FOR THE KILL


There are times in football where you walk away as a supporter happy with the fact that, despite the past 90 minutes, your team has won. They did that today, for without playing their best football, Rangers managed to apply enough pressure to come up with a winning goal that was provided by our super sub of the day, Mr Jean Claude Darcheville.
After the midweek internationals, Rangers made just two changes to the squad that won so convincingly against Falkirk. McCulloch, the victim of illness, was given time to recover fully for Tuesday by Beasley, while Boyd came in for Nacho Novo. For all of Beasley, and supposedly Cousins, pace the first half seemed completely starved of it though as we tried to use the physical presence of Boyd and Cousin to link and hold up play. This suited Killie down to the ground as they dealt easily with the highball tactics.
The game changed for the better in the second half as Cousin limped off and JCD took to the field. His directness, strength and pace changed the team completely and it wasn’t long before the chances were coming. Beasley fired home the first before fluffing a corner and watching the resulting break away end in a Killie goal which left the stage open for the second half sub, Darcheville, to step up to the mark and fire home the winner and increase his days “hero” status.
As alluded to earlier though, the fight and battle saw us through today as opposed to the silky fluent football but whatever way it was played, the three points and winning streak continue on.



Today’s team: -

McGregor: - Most of his work was provided from distance as he had to pull off a couple of very good saves to keep the scores level. He couldn’t be blamed for the goal though as he was left very isolated by the speed of the Killie breaks.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Hutton: - Was kept on the back foot a lot and we never saw the trade mark forward thrusts. The game was crying out for the width he could provide as well since everything was going very narrow.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Cuellar: - Not his best day at the office but even then, he wasn’t bad. The clean sheets have disappeared over the last couple of games and with a huge game on the way on Tuesday, we could do with him re-finding that formula.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Weir: - He covered in well for Cuellar today. The big man was been out of the limelight since his partner arrived on the scene, but proved he still has the concentration and experience to match the Spaniard.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Papac: - Was given a bit of a torrid time down the left, especially by Naismith, as he was left exposed on more than one occasion. Pulled it together better in the second half where he was even seen in the Killie penalty area!
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Whitaker: - Another good performance by the new man. It wasn’t so much wide play today as he was tucked in a bit to try and pick up the pieces that came from Boyd and Cousin. He was never afraid to have a crack at goal though and his shots to shots on target ratio must be about 100%
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Bazza: - Was in and out of the game a fair bit, as he was generally looking sky word as the ball soared over his head. Found a bit more joy in the second half as we started to play a bit more footie.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Thommo: - Always the battler and was never afraid to put himself about. With the rumours of a departing Hemdani, he has a bit more expectation on him now to provide that defensive midfield role.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Beasley: - I must admit to being frustrated at him after 45 minutes and was looking for an early second half switch to Novo, but thank god it didn’t happen as he started putting himself about more and seemed to like the faster pace that JCD injected. Rounded off his afternoon with a very well taken goal.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Cousin: - He showed some very nice touches and an ability to hold the ball up and bring others into the game. He didn’t look to have the turn of pace that I initially thought, but had the technique to offset against it. Shame to see him hobble of at half time.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Boyd: - I thought he tried hard today and never got much change out of the Killie back four. He won most highballs but his overall link up play wasn’t great. Again, he seemed to like playing better with JCD and it’s a balance that Walter has still to find.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

JCD (On for Cousin): - I’m told that he still isn’t 100% fit. Well god help the rest of the SPL when he is. Game changing display from the Frenchman today and I’m thrilled he got the goal to cap it off.
Rmed Verdict: - 8 (MOTM His kind of power running will scare any defender!)

Novo (On for Beasley): - Time wasting exercise only by Walter.
Rmed Verdict: - 3

Smith: - Another game and another victory will keep Smith reasonably pleased but it was done without the swagger of last weekend. I thought we lacked something in the first half and his, not intentional, inclusion of JCD for the second won the three points.
Rmed Verdict: - 6


This game, although important for us and the surge towards the SPL title, will now diminish into insignificance as the lads board their plane for Belgrade and a game that will prove vitally important to us as a club. Best of luck to Walter and the boys on Tuesday.


WATP

Baz.

Rangers 7 vs. Falkirk 2 Aug. 18 2007

SEVENTH HEAVEN


You would nearly think that Walter was trying to prove a point. For a long time I have heard people talking about his negative tactics, about how defensive minded he is and how the team lack penetration, well today was his day to answer the critics.
It started positive with the deployment of a 4-4-2 system, carried on with an attacking line up, including first starts of the season for Whittaker, Novo and Cousin, and finished off with a superb seven two score line. That meant the exclusion of Hemdani, JCD and Beasley from Tuesdays squad and another place on the bench for Birthday boy Boyd. The changes worked wonders though and within seconds of the game starting the ball was in the back of the net and Cousin was celebrating his second, shortly to be followed by his third Rangers goal. It must have been the day for first goals as well as Cousins’ two were added to by one for Whitaker, one for Boyd , two for JCD and one for Broadfoot. Its actually very good to see all these players getting off the mark especially Boyd. Who celebrated like it was his first goal ever, the goals may have dried up, but the passion certainly hasn’t died.


Today’s Team :-

McGregor: - Conceded the first goals of his campaign, the first of which was unstoppable and probably the one goal that you wouldn’t mind losing your clean sheet record to. Made one very good save in the first half that he turned round the post but in general hadn’t too much to do.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Hutton: - Excellent full back performance and revelled in the fact of having a new partner. He looked a lot freer as Whitaker was comfortable slotting back in every time he rampaged forward. He was good defensively as well and has recovered his form from last season.
Rmed Verdict :- 8

Cuellar : - Will be disappointed at losing his first goals of the season but still managed to put in a solid enough performance. This was a lot more open and fast paced than he has seen so far and will do him no harm in preparing him for future games.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Weir : - Looked fairly comfortable until he got caught flat footed for the through ball for the second Falkirk goal. He won’t be happy at how it was conceded, but will be happy that it was more than compensated for at the other end.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Papac: - Another game passes and the same comments appear. Had a good defensive game and tucked in well to cover for Weir. The problems arise when he receives the ball going forward as he rarely found his man and gave McCulloch little in the way of support
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Whitaker: - Brilliant debut that saw him reek havoc down the right flank with strong powerful running and linked very well with Hutton. Capped off a fine performance with a debut goal as well. It couldn’t have got much better.
Rmed Verdict :- 9 (MOTM Just about the perfect first appearance)

Bazza: - Nearly the complete midfield performance, just needed a goal to round it off. His full range of passing was on display as well as the surging runs from deep that caused no end of problems. Even without the goal the assists fairly mounted up today.
Rmed Verdict :- 9

Thomson: - Does the hard, unsung work in the middle of the park and was a good foil for Bazza today. He is never scared to mix it up with any opposition and is learning to break up moves all the time. He even managed to support the front on occasion too and had a rasping shot just put wide.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

McCulloch: - Not his most effective afternoon on the left but never really had the support down that side. Contributed in his normal way as his effort and commitment couldn’t be faulted. Will have to get used to this role too if Whitaker keeps up as he has started.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Novo: - I still feel that his best use is from the bench but was given his chance in the starting eleven today. He tried hard and did play his part but his memorable contribution was his complete (deliberate) miss to allow Cousin to score his second.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Cousin: -A very Boyd esc performance from the big man. Scored two good strikers goals and will be very happy to get the full ninety minutes under his belt. His work rate over and above that was minimal but, like Boyd, that doesn’t really bother me too much.
Rmed Verdict :- 8

Boyd (On for McCulloch): - Scored the goal that hopefully kick starts his season. Celebrated like it was his first ever.
Rmed Verdict : - 5

JCD (On for Cousin): - Can’t get much better than coming from the bench and banging home a double.
Rmed Verdict : - 5

Broadfoot (On for Papac) : - Rounded off a very good performance.
Rmed Verdict : - 4

Walter : - Got the tactics spot on and proved he can sent out an attacking side. Will be pleased at the goals and the goalscores.
Rmed Verdict : - 8

Kept the top spot in quite emphatic fashion. The seven goals show that we are capable of going out and playing good attacking football and we must trust in Walters judgement of the times that this is a good option and when caution is best served.


WATP

Baz.

Rangers 1 vs. Crvena Zvezda 0 Aug 11th 2007

S’NACH’ED AT THE DEATH


The last minute had just notched up on the clock, the final effort had just been missed as Bazza rippled the side netting and the stadium was slowly emptying after a tactical nil nil battle had just unfolded in front of our eyes, BUT NO, it wasn’t over yet, the ball came chipped through the midfield, Cousin connected with a sublime flick on, right into the path of the on darting Nacho Novo who meticulously fired the ball round the on rushing keeper into the bottom corner of the net! Cue the instant bedlam around the stadium as Nacho pumped the air in unison with Ally and Walter who had rushed from the dugout. The elation flowed and an ok European night had just been transformed into a brilliant one.
Walter had certainly taken the cautious approach, presumably wary of the away goal, and had set us up in a 4-1-4-1 formation in the hope of catching them with the pace of Beasley and JCD. We were up against a very well drilled and also very physical Red Star side that were set up in the exact same way as ourselves. In fact the whole night seemed to be organised into a “nullifying each other out” strategy. For Red Star they looked to have and must have been sure they had gone away with a job well done until the superb sub of the moment decided to throw a spanner into the works.
I know we have only done half a job and that it will be a very tough time in Belgrade, but we’ve just got to wallow in a wee bit of smugness after what turned out to be a very good night!


Today’s team: -

McGregor: - Would have been extremely happy to see the number of shots going flying over the bar from over 30 yards out with little to no pressure on him for the entire match. Had one heart in mouth moment as a cracking volley rippled the top of the net.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hutton: - Had his hands full with his opponent tonight and was pinned back for a lot of the first half. Seemed to get to grips a bit more in the second and managed a few forays down the line. Defensively though he has extremely sound.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Cuellar: - Once more he proved to be a real quality buy for us as time after time he nicked possession, tackled strongly and won nearly everything gin the air. He even found the time to flick the ball back over his head to clear the on rushing attacker. So composed and cool at the back.
Rmed Verdict: - 9 (MOTM Fantastic defensive display again)

Weir: - Had to keep an eye on his left back a wee bit but used his experience to coax him through the game. Ever the professional in his own play also, as our back two, once more, looked impenetrable.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Broadfoot: - After fifteen minutes I was very worried about our left hand side, as they seemed to sense the nervousness that Broadfoot showed. He did extremely well to pull himself together though and came through the match with a fairly decent performance.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Hemdani: - Probably his best performance of the season so far. Kept possession well, read the game and cut out numerous attacks from Red Star. He hardly missed a pass, and in Europe that is invaluable.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

McCulloch: - Strong and physical display that more than matched his opponent. His work rate tonight was excellent and he must have covered more ground than any other player. Maybe he doesn’t have a great attacking flair, but he showed what he is all about tonight. Never lost a header either.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Bazza: - As others excelled around him he was fairly quiet in comparison. I’m not sure if he was targeted but he was certainly marked out of the game until near the end when he managed a good run and shot in the box.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Thommo: - The best work horse of our midfield by a long way. He never shirks a tackle and doesn’t mind taking them either. His range of passing is very good too. He is starting to show where the two million pounds went.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Beasley: - It was just too physical a game out there tonight, not one that suits his style at all. The game was very stop start and he needs it flowing in order to get in behind defences. Had one good run that cut inside but that was about the height of it.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

JCD: - Worked his socks off as the lone front man and came in for some nasty treatment. I must admit I thought he was going to clock someone at a stage, but the Gaelic temperament stayed down. Had some very good direct running but really needed some extra help.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Novo (On for Beasley): - What can I say, the wee man is just priceless and his super sub feats are mounting up all the time. He took his goal tremendously as well!!
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Cousin (On for Boyd): - Impressed again from the bench and showed a willingness to have a go for goal. Has all the attributes, one of which is height, which he used very well to set up Bazza and then Novo.
Rmed Verdict: -

Smith: - Did he play too cautious and negative? Or did his European style play work out just perfect? Whatever the answer, his substitutions worked a treat and his side are in a good position to qualify.
Rmed Verdict: - 8


These nights bring an amazing feel good factor with them which are unbeatable, unless of course Spartak to us a very big favour tomorrow night as well!!!


WATP

Baz.

Rangers 2 vs. St Mirren 0 Aug 11th 2007

TABLE TOPPERS


For the first time in far too long, the name of Glasgow Rangers sits proudly on the top of the SPL table. Once more we are leading the way domestically and once more we are in the position to say. “Let others come after us, we welcome the chase!!”
The opening game of the season at the Brox was by no means an easy one though as St Mirren came to frustrate and for a long part of the game they succeeded but once the breakthrough was made there was no way back for them.
Walter reverted back to a more attacking 4-4-2 by dropping Hemdani for the re-introduction of Boyd. It didn’t start of perfectly as St Mirren were well organised and very tight as we tried too hard to play the ball through the middle and it took a half time talk and a bit of tactical adjusting before we finally looked like taking control of the game. It took an excellent move to open up there defence with JCD, McCulloch and Hutton all involved before Ferguson swept the ball home and from there we were home and dry, especially with the rock solid back four that we have put together. All that was left then was for the introduction of Cousin to seal the game with his debut goal.
We are back where we belong and don’t look like being too easily shifted!


Today’s team: -

McGregor: - Very little for the McGregor to do today and must be over the moon with the watertight defence that sits in front of him. Four games gone and four clean sheets, can’t grumble at that.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hutton: - Back to some of his best stuff after a slightly indifferent start to the season. Great bursts forward and contributed well for the goal. Gave another hint of temper as he had a lunge of a tackle in the second half.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Cuellar: - What can I say; the guy was immense again today. There were a lot of high balls launched his way and I think he won every single one. The step from La Liga to the SPL is proving all too easy for the big man.
Rmed Verdict: - 9 (MOTM “The tackle” looks our best central defender for years)

Weir: - Having an easy time and seems to play a bit more care free with Cuellar taking on a lot of the responsibility. Good to see such a strong partnership.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Papac: - His job is to defend and he does it very well. Still not enough shown in an attacking sense but overall, so long as we’re winning and scoring, it doesn’t really matter.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

McCulloch: - Another show of strength and power. Struggled a bit in the first half but was a lot more involved in the second. Played his part in the goal and caused plenty problems for the saints defence.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Bazza: - Excellent showing, especially in the second half as he was pushed further forward to help his strike force. Took his goal superbly which takes his tally to two in three and he looks in very good form.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Thommo: - I must admit that I thought that he would have a hard job ousting Hemdani from the team, but he has hit the ground running this season and put in another good shift today. Even managed a cracking strike, which was just turned round the post.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Beasley: - Very good in flashes although he’s still to get used to the rough and tumble of the SPL. He wasn’t scared to have a crack however and came close on a couple of occasions. Set up Cousin nicely for the second.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Boyd: - A lot of hard work that deserved a bit of reward today. It wasn’t to be though as the net just didn’t want to ripple for him. He’s getting into the positions and you get the feeling that he just needs the one to get the ball rolling.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

JCD: - He still has to form a partnership with Boyd and was rather out of the game in the first half. Started the second a lot better as we saw the direct running that caused them problems. Subbed for Novo.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Novo (On for JCD): - Again showed his trickery and work rate, not quite with the same dramatic effect as the last showings.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Cousin (On for Boyd): - No better way to start your career at a new club. Showed power, pace and touch and ultimately, goal scoring ability.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Smith: - Had to fire home a half time talk but it worked wonders as we came out with a more attacking approach and a bit more tempo. Will be happy with the result.
Rmed Verdict: - 7


A new season, four games, four wins, none conceded and a top of the table position. Ahhh, its good to be a bear.


WATP

Baz.

Zeta 0 vs. Rangers 1 August. 7th 2007

BEASY DOES IT


Questions will be asked once more as to Walter’s European tactics, whether it was a completely defensive, back foot, hope-we-don’t-get-scored-against attitude or whether he deployed a good keep possession, keep it tight and strike on the counter Euro style. For me, it was the latter and although not a great spectacle, the one and only aim of the evening was to make sure of being in the next round and securing the financial benefits of continued involvement on the continent. We now have the safety net of UEFA Cup football if things go drastically wrong in the next round. Job well done Walter!
The team sheet saw Broadfoot make his first start in place of the suspended Hutton and JCD in for the injured Boyd. The one surprise of the night was the non-inclusion of Novo in the starting line up, considering his performances in the last couple of games. The game itself saw very little in the way of action as both teams seemed happy to play for the draw, quite surprising when you consider that the Montenegrins were two goals behind. Rangers midfield trio controlled, pretty much, the tempo and style of the game and just as we thought it was petering out to a bore draw, Beasley popped up to tidily fire home his first goal in proper blue. All in all it was a solid and professional performance.


Today’s team: -

McGregor: - An unusually nervy night for our number one. It started with a mis-judged catch of a high ball and never really recovered. Made a decent save to deny Zeta, but it was a case of “must do better”.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Broadfoot: - First start of the campaign for the versatile big man. He looked to have been targeted by them for the first fifteen minutes but coped reasonably well. Made one or two forays forward but never really got tested too much. Thankfully!
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Cuellar: - Strolled through another easy game. I really want to see the Spaniard up against some good strikers to show what he really can do.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Weir: - Like Cuellar, had very little to push himself for and rarely needed to get out of first gear. Still, it’s another clean sheet for our defensive dream team.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Papac: - Strange night for him. At some stages, he looked good, reading the game and stealing possession and at other’s he looked like Bambi on ice as, several times, he lost balance or fell over. Made one memorable run over the halfway line but quickly looked lost as he realised where he was!
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hemdani: - A slightly more comfortable night as they seemed to lack the pace that troubled him so much in the first leg. It was his style of football with a lot of slow, easy possession.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Bazza: - Like the back four, he strolled through the night. Controlling the flow and movement without having the pressure of making things happen.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Thommo: - Followed up the weekends display with another assured performance. He’s the one man in the midfield that likes the bite of a good challenge. Is growing in stature and confidence with every passing game.
Rmed Verdict: - 8 (MOTM Good all round midfield show.)

Beasley: - Surprisingly started on the right of midfield and still looks a touch on the light side but made some good runs and didn’t shirk any defensive responsibility. Rounded off the night by giving us a goal to celebrate too!
Rmed Verdict: - 7

McCulloch: - Gives us a dimension that we were lacking last year. His strength and power are a challenge to any defence. He didn’t get too many sites of goal but his contribution to the team is good, especially for this type of game.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

JCD: - It was never going to be a night of chances galore and can actually be very frustrating for the lone man, but he played his part, tracked back and managed to get a couple of decent runs in behind. I think Walter played him just to scare the living daylights out of their keeper again, and it worked!
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Novo (On for JCD): - Once more came on and added directness to our play. He’s always willing to try something different and never lacks in commitment.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Smith: - Although the arguments about his tactics will fly, he will have to be judged further down the line. He set his team up to control and control they did. Progress was his one and only goal.
Rmed Verdict: - 7


We now await the outcome of tonight’s game to see where our travels will take us next, no matter who though, we certainly won’t get just an easy a ride as we did last night.


WATP

Baz.

Inverness 0 vs. Rangers 3 August. 4th 2007

BARRY “ILLIANT”

This was a big day of firsts for the club. We had the 1st game of the season, the 1st start for De Marcus Beasley, the 1st clean sheet of the campaign, the first win over Inverness for far too long, but it was also a very special 1st for the creator of Rangersmedia, this was the 1st time he has been able to witness the might that is Glasgow Rangers on the soil of which the club was built and in doing so has been able to watch the game with many of the members who frequent, and make RM the special place that it is. So here’s to you CanadaReady :beer: and if the Rangers are going to get results like this when your in town then you may never be allowed to leave!!

Smith sent out a side with two changes, to what had looked his settled side, replacing the injured JCD with Beasley and also Adam for Thomson. This also signalled the referral back to a 4-3-3 from what looked like the preferred 4-4-2, but the changes worked and for decent spells of the game we looked solid, compact and creative. Some might say that its only Inverness but they are a hard nut to crack and a very tough, especially on recent games there, side to bring points away from. So for a season’s opener and a long round trip, all in all it has been a dam good day.


Today’s team: -

McGregor: - Looked a touch nervy at a couple of early corners, but settled into a game that saw him take very little part. One game, one clean sheet.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hutton: - Straight back into action after his midweek walk of shame, had a few flurries forward but looked to have been asked to hold a slightly more defensive role than normal. Like the rest of the defence though, had little to cause him problems.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Cuellar: - Looking better and better each time I see him. He has this uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time when he is needed. He got his 1st glimpse of the Scottish “long ball” tactics and he just cruised through the game.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Weir: - He’s waited for a while, but has now got someone beside him that he can truly call a partner. The two central defenders both look composed and easy and dealt with the few challenges that came their way. Will have tougher days, but you can only play against what’s in front of you.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Papac: - Once again, defensively sound. Covered in well and guarded his flank. He is certainly a Mr reliable in that department, but has to offer slightly more support to his left sided attacker.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hemdani: - Looked a lot more comfortable player against the lack of midfield pace in the Caley ranks than he did in midweek, but still looks a wee bit short in form. He kept things neat and tidy though which really is his forte.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Bazza: - Played in, what he claims, is his more favoured forward role. He has lived with the monkey of that twenty-goal season on his back for too long now, maybe this is the season that he proves that he is capable of running a midfield and banging in some goals to boot. Excellent display and show of intent from the captain.
Rmed Verdict: - 9 (MOTM Two cracking goals to start the campaign!)

Thommo: - Back from injury and showed a real hunger to be involved in the play. Tackled hard, tracked back but also managed to push forward and help the attack. It was a good showing and a more confident showing by the man that has taken a few months to settle.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

McCulloch: - Praise goes to the big man for his work rate and his versatility, as he was once more shifted position just after the break. Looked more comfortable as the lone striker and set up Nacho beautifully for the second goal.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Beasley: - The first competitive sighting of the talented American and he showed a little of what he is all about today. Some good pace that scared the life out of the Caley defence, who then decided to revert to just hacking him down at any opportunity. He managed to whip in some nice crosses and was also seen digging into a couple of challenges in midfield.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Boyd: - Seems desperate to answer his critics, and nearly did with a shot that deflected onto the bar and agonisingly bounced just wide. Had to be taken off shortly after the break with what looked like a twisted ankle.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Novo (On for Boyd): - Becoming an extremely useful sub. Dare I say, our very own Ole Gunnar Solskjaer? Cracking strike for the second goal.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Smith: - Changed the tactics and the personnel around and will be pleased with the outcome. You really can’t do better than played one, won one and conceded none.
Rmed Verdict: - 7


It’s the start that we were all looking for and hopefully this bodes well for the forthcoming season. We have a strong squad with a good manager and can rightfully expect a lot more than what we have been used to over the last while.


WATP

Baz.