Scottish fitba!

[Leo]

Great result last Thursday to beat Feyenoord at Ibrox to get the group stage off to a winning start. Apart from a slow start and a spell near the end when Feyenoord we're going for an equaliser and putting us under pressure it was Rangers game...great tempo, no sitting back and allowing them to play....all in all a fine game and a fitting winner by Ojo who said the goal was his tribute to the recently passed away Fernando Ricksen, a former Gers captain, who succumbed to MND which he had suffered for 6 years...'Can you hear the drums Fernando'...RIP!

Yesterday was a tale of two halfs....first 45 was woeful, no urgency, nothing.....different story second half when we came out firing.....game ended up 0-4 deservedly with Ryan Jack again immense. I still maintain this guy will be a Gers captain sooner rather than later. And to make me even happier I had a tasty £60 on 3 goals or more....

 

[Leo]

Well that was a week of ups and downs albeit 2 wins and a loss. Last Wednesday was a fairly dull affair with a 0-1 at Livingston in the League Cup taking us into the semi finals. Saturday past was against Aberdeen at Ibrox and we swept them aside to win 5-0 and by all accounts it was a great performance. A 5 goal win against any team is excellent but against one of the main rivals, well....a lot of credit must go to the manager and the team. So on the back of that confidence booster it was away to Young Boys Bern & tbh I was quite confident of getting at least one point. Took the lead first half with a fine goal by Morelos who, in the 2nd half, was denied a 2nd (which would have made the score 0-2) by a wonderful instinctive save by Bern's keeper. Unfortunately poor defending by Tavernier twice allowed YBB to first equalise the get a winnet in tao. Sick ? I could have filled a bucket. Home against Hamilton on Sunday....hope the heads have been raised again by Steven Gerrard.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

What a win for Livingston, having another surprisingly good season, just need Rangers to get the job done at home to Hamilton today and they have a nice 2 point cushion at the top.

 

[Super_horns]

Red card was quite right and Celtic didn't seem to know how to react.

Livingston got 2 quick goals and held on easily.

Can Rangers win the title?

 

[Railway Blue]

They can, but I doubt they will.

 

[Super_horns]

Will Clarke be able to find a team that can compete in the Nation league play offs. ?

 

[Leo]

What a win for Livingston, having another surprisingly good season, just need Rangers to get the job done at home to Hamilton today and they have a nice 2 point cushion at the top.

Well they did get the job done mate and it was done emphatically. It was a great pick me up after the loss to YB with great football, excellent attitude and fine goals especially three from Defoe. Nice to go to top of the league.....let's hope we can remain there!

 

[Leo]

Will Clarke be able to find a team that can compete in the Nation league play offs. ?

No! Clarke is finding out that he would have been better remaining at Kilmarnock where he had done excellent work....different world in international football where he cannot speak to/coach the same players on a daily basis.

 

[Leo]

After quite an uninspiring & somewhat lethargic 1-1 draw at Tynecastle against the Jam Tarts last Sunday (Tavernier again with poor defending leading to Hearts opener) Rangers upped a few gears on Thursday and came away from Portugal with a creditable 1-1 draw against Porto. From what I say we have nothing to fear from them in the return at Ibrox....if the team put in the same level of performance or more. Back to domestic tomorrow and it's Motherwell at Ibrox.

 

[Super_horns]

Craig Levein sacked .. well seems to have been pushed aside to the kids .

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50255905

 

[Leo]

After a hard fought 2-1 win at home to Motherwell Gers were away to Ross County last Wednesday and emerged from Dingwall with a 0-4 away victory with 2 goals apiece for Ryan Jack & Alfredo Morelos. Jack is becoming some player, commanding midfield and has an eye for goal when he gets the chance. Eighteen goals so far in all competitions this season for Morelos. Top of the league with Celtic on points and one goal in Goal Difference behind at the moment so not too bad.

League cup semi final against Hearts tomorrow and I fully expect a comprehensive win for the Rangers.

 

[Railway Blue]

Will reaching the League Cup Final be the pinnacle of your season?

 

[Leo]

Will reaching the League Cup Final be the pinnacle of your season?

I don't know if that question is sarcastic, presumptuous or genuine. Rather than reply to all 3 categories, if you would clarify I'd be happy to respond.

 

[Leo]

Great performance against Hearts last Sunday, moreso the 2nd half, However I was really disappointed in Hearts not being interested in the first half of at least trying to play football but resorting to fucking about and time wasting.....didn't expect that from them. Anyway, as I said...excellent performance resulting in a 3-0 win which was god for me also as I had a fair bet on over 2.5 goals. Porto tonight in the Europa League will be a tougher game but after drawing in Portugal Gers have a great chance of a win!

 

[Super_horns]

Very good win from Celtic .

Can Rangers follow them ?

 

[Railway Blue]

I don't know if that question is sarcastic, presumptuous or genuine. Rather than reply to all 3 categories, if you would clarify I'd be happy to respond.

I read that you are seriously stretched on the financial front because of the signing of Ryan Kent. It's your first final since reformation/demotion so is that in itself an achievement. I would expect a tough match in the final, but Celtic have moved up a notch this season with a splurge of team improving signings.

 

[Leo]

Very good win from Celtic .

Can Rangers follow them ?

It was most certainly an excellent win for Celtic and yeah, the Rangers did a great job also in beating Porto 2-0. The first half wasn't too hot from Rangers perspective but a big difference 2nd 45. I did say we had a right good chance of a win and so it proved to be.

 

[Leo]

I read that you are seriously stretched on the financial front because of the signing of Ryan Kent. It's your first final since reformation/demotion so is that in itself an achievement. I would expect a tough match in the final, but Celtic have moved up a notch this season with a splurge of team improving signings.

I agree that reaching the final is an excellent achievement but hopefully NOT the pinnacle of the season. Progressing to the Europa KO stage would be another excellent achievement. As for domestically well, I'm confident (not being overly confident) we can give Celtic a good run for their money in the league....still top equal on points and of course both teams will drop some more over the remainder of the season. There is also the Scottish cup to be played for also. As far as I was aware, the Ryan Kent signing was due to projected income from the Europa League. Don't believe all the shite you read via the media concerning Rangers.....Especially from the BBC mate.

 

[Railway Blue]

I agree that reaching the final is an excellent achievement but hopefully NOT the pinnacle of the season. Progressing to the Europa KO stage would be another excellent achievement. As for domestically well, I'm confident (not being overly confident) we can give Celtic a good run for their money in the league....still top equal on points and of course both teams will drop some more over the remainder of the season. There is also the Scottish cup to be played for also. As far as I was aware, the Ryan Kent signing was due to projected income from the Europa League. Don't believe all the shite you read via the media concerning Rangers.....Especially from the BBC mate.

Believe me I don't get any information from the BBC. In fact I'm considering seeing whether there is any mileage in not paying the license fee and having them blocked. I believe many people have done that.

 

[Super_horns]

Steven Pressley sacked as Carlisle manager - will he go back to Hearts ?

 

[Leo]

Steven Pressley sacked as Carlisle manager - will he go back to Hearts ?

Personally I very much doubt it....I doubt that he would have a chance as from what I have read Hearts are trying to progress and are said to be looking for a 'big' name, perhaps even from abroad. Pressley would, imo, be a backward step for the club.

 

[Leo]

Another three points last Sunday, this time away to Hamilton...1-3 victory with two goals from Ryan Kent. Once again Ryan Jack (who also scored) was immense and runs the midfield. Disappointed with the 2nd half performance but a solid enough display to come away with 3 points. Tonight is a huge game over in Holland against Feyenoord who we beat at Ibrox. This will be a different proposition though but hopefully the team's resolve will be strong and we stand firm. It's certainly going to be a tough one....fingers crossed.

 

[Leo]

Game of two halfs in Rotterdam. First we were poor and went in 1-0 down Second half, what a difference with Morelos scoring twice to put us in front but once again slack defending cost us. However a 2-2 draw is not to be sniffed at. Young Boys at home in our last game and Gers must get at least one point to guarantee getting through to the knock out stages. Don't see why that cannot be achieved. Hearts at home on Sunday....got to be a good win.

 

[blademan89]

Game of two halfs in Rotterdam. First we were poor and went in 1-0 down Second half, what a difference with Morelos scoring twice to put us in front but once again slack defending cost us. However a 2-2 draw is not to be sniffed at. Young Boys at home in our last game and Gers must get at least one point to guarantee getting through to the knock out stages. Don't see why that cannot be achieved. Hearts at home on Sunday....got to be a good win.

Every chance the ground will get closed. Sweet caroline got played at half time and many gers fans decided to sing the add ons unfortunately, hope it doesn't come to that.

 

[Leo]

Every chance the ground will get closed. Sweet caroline got played at half time and many gers fans decided to sing the add ons unfortunately, hope it doesn't come to that.

I agree mate. These fans (?) who indulge in the sectarian chants have been told by the club that it must stop as it is not wanted and only harms the club. These fans (?) have seen the ground partially closed for two games so far which resulted in the club losing out on much needed revenue. But do these fans (?) care ? Not a fucking jot. They are only interested in themselves...selfish people. Personally I don't give a fuck if they want to indulge in FTP or Fenian Bastards chants (because they won't change)....they can fill their boots.....but keep it away from the football. I've actually read on a Gers forum some are even defending the right to use these songs and chants. I truly despair at the brain dead in our support!

 

[blademan89]

I agree mate. These fans (?) who indulge in the sectarian chants have been told by the club that it must stop as it is not wanted and only harms the club. These fans (?) have seen the ground partially closed for two games so far which resulted in the club losing out on much needed revenue. But do these fans (?) care ? Not a fucking jot. They are only interested in themselves...selfish people. Personally I don't give a fuck if they want to indulge in FTP or Fenian Bastards chants (because they won't change)....they can fill their boots.....but keep it away from the football. I've actually read on a Gers forum some are even defending the right to use these songs and chants. I truly despair at the brain dead in our support!

When it came on I just knew what was coming, sing it in the boozers whatever but it has to stop in the ground, if there is a ground closure it will cost the club over 2m , that's a huge sum for rangers to lose out on. In all honesty it's not a minority either it will be so hard to stop.

 

[Leo]

After an excellent performance against Hearts last Sunday which resulted in a 5-0 victory Gers went up to Pittodrie on Wednesday full of confidence and carried on with a lot of fine football, well for most of the first half anyway which ended with us going in at halftime 1-2 in front, Aberdeen having clawed one back near the end of the half much against the run of play. Tbh they had not been in the game to any degree. Second half though, as usual upping their game against Rangers the nicked a 2nd and the half was evenly contested with no further goals. Once again sloppy, sloppy defending cost Rangers at both goals. As much as I admire Gerrard and the way he wants the team to play I feel that he is being too loyal to certain players...Tavernier, Goldson and Ojo who are off form atm and as much as I liked Aribo at the start of his career here I'm still not 100% convinced about him. If Rangers do not get that defence on top form in the League Cup final against Celtic on Sunday then I'm afraid that it could get rolled over.

 

[Railway Blue]

After an excellent performance against Hearts last Sunday which resulted in a 5-0 victory Gers went up to Pittodrie on Wednesday full of confidence and carried on with a lot of fine football, well for most of the first half anyway which ended with us going in at halftime 1-2 in front, Aberdeen having clawed one back near the end of the half much against the run of play. Tbh they had not been in the game to any degree. Second half though, as usual upping their game against Rangers the nicked a 2nd and the half was evenly contested with no further goals. Once again sloppy, sloppy defending cost Rangers at both goals. As much as I admire Gerrard and the way he wants the team to play I feel that he is being too loyal to certain players...Tavernier, Goldson and Ojo who are off form atm and as much as I liked Aribo at the start of his career here I'm still not 100% convinced about him. If Rangers do not get that defence on top form in the League Cup final against Celtic on Sunday then I'm afraid that it could get rolled over.

Celtic huffed and puffed for much of the game against Accies. Accies played well. they kept 11 men behind the ball and broke with pace. Celtic were very predictable and so easy to defend against. I could actually see Hamilton grabbing a goal which they did in 90th minute, which meant that Aberdeen's great comeback was in vain. 3 minutes added and up steps that great player Broonie. Felt a bit sorry for Accies as they'd worked so hard, but pleased that the pull-away from Rangers has finally begun.

 

[Leo]

What can I say about the Cup Final ? Gutted, friggin' gutted. Rangers dominated a large %age of the game but, although they had some excellent chances, near misses and even a penalty they just couldn't get the ball past Forster who had a fantastic game and pulled off some excellent saves especially the shot from Ryan Jack. As it turned out Celtic's goal was offside but in all honesty it was a close call and I've no problems with it because I hate VAR and would rather rely on the ref and linesmen to make decisions. Fair doos to Celtic...but I'm still trying to remember McGregor making a save.
On to Thursday past....home tie against Young Boys and a fine performance saw us making it through to the knock out stages with a 1-1 draw, YB equalising late on thanks to an OG.
Gers have a tough period coming up with 3 difficult away games starting at Motherwell tomorrow, Hibs next Friday then Celtic on the 29th and 1 home game against Killie on the 26th.

 

[blademan89]

What can I say about the Cup Final ? Gutted, friggin' gutted. Rangers dominated a large %age of the game but, although they had some excellent chances, near misses and even a penalty they just couldn't get the ball past Forster who had a fantastic game and pulled off some excellent saves especially the shot from Ryan Jack. As it turned out Celtic's goal was offside but in all honesty it was a close call and I've no problems with it because I hate VAR and would rather rely on the ref and linesmen to make decisions. Fair doos to Celtic...but I'm still trying to remember McGregor making a save.
On to Thursday past....home tie against Young Boys and a fine performance saw us making it through to the knock out stages with a 1-1 draw, YB equalising late on thanks to an OG.
Gers have a tough period coming up with 3 difficult away games starting at Motherwell tomorrow, Hibs next Friday then Celtic on the 29th and 1 home game against Killie on the 26th.

I went on Thursday, I think the late goal is a good thing, obviously it will now be a tougher tie but being at home in the 1st leg suits rangers better I think, the fans were so nervy and on the edge the other night, was the same against legia warsaw, it should be rocking for a 1st leg though. Inter milan hopefully