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Impressive Rangers rise to summit



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Published Date: 06 January 2008
RANGERS 2 - DUNDEE UTD 0 RANGERS have the bit between their teeth in this championship race.





Yesterday's victory over a sedate Dundee United side extended their unbeaten run to eight games and in turn propelled them to the summit of the SPL, a point ahead of Celtic.

The encounter bore resemblance to Walter Smith's first match of his second tenure at Ibrox just under a year ago. Then, his side walloped the same opponents 5-0 to signal the start of a period of rejuvenation after the mishaps under Paul Le Guen. Although Rangers only breached the United rearguard twice yesterday, the performance epitomised how home victories have become standard fare since he returned to the Govan hot seat.

If there was a normality to on-field proceedings then, that could never be true of the build up to the game following the death of Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell after he collapsed on the Fir Park pitch during last Saturday's match with Dundee United. The tragedy consumed life in the country far beyond the football world. On Wednesday the Tannadice club had their request to postpone Wednesday's encounter with Hearts denied by the Scottish Premier League. On Friday, the entire United squad attended O'Donnell's funeral in Hamilton.

Barry Ferguson was one of the countless luminaries of the Scottish game who also attended, and, as a fellow resident of the Lanarkshire town, was personally affected by O'Donnell's passing. Yesterday he added his own poignant tributes to the emotional outpouring witnessed this week. At the request of the O'Donnell family, his captain's armband was marked out with the Motherwell crest and a No.10 in honour of the 35-year-old, whom he spoke warmly of in his programme notes.

"Like me, Phil was a Hamilton lad and because of that, I got to know him well over the years," he said. "Our wives are close. A great player for both Well and Celtic, a loving father and a thoroughly decent bloke, coming to terms with the fact he is gone is so difficult. It was a privilege to be his friend but while we have mourned his loss, he would want each of us to come back from it in the right manner."

With a glancing header at the back post from a diagonal cross launched from the left by Chris Burke in the 37th minute, Ferguson produced a goal that he will consider was that "right manner" to return to football matters. His team's second, it ended as a contest a confrontation that had never risen to such lofty heights following a ninth minute opener from Steven Naismith.

In doubling that advantage, the Scotland captain was one of several blue shirts who rushed the backline to meet Burke's ball in. At least one team-mate strayed into an offside position, prompting assistant Gary Sweeney to raise his flag and referee Mike McCurry, initially, to cut short the home side's celebrations by signalling for a goal kick. McCurry then opted to consult with Sweeney and, after contenting himself that no player in an offside position had been interfering with play, reversed his decision and allowed the strike to stand.

Ferguson pays tribute to friend with armband

BARRY FERGUSON was one of the many in the Scottish football personally affected by the death of Phil O'Donnell, each man hailing from Hamilton and their wives friends. Yesterday, having attended O'Donnell's funeral the previous afternoon, the Rangers captain added his own poignant tributes to the emotional outpouring witnessed this week, as Ibrox remembered the player with a minute's applause.

In beating Hearts 4-1 in midweek while Rangers were inactive because the SPL acceded to Celtic's petition to call off the Old Firm derby, United had appeared able to concentrate on professional concerns in the face of extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Yesterday, however, they appeared drained and with little appetite for the challenge facing them at Ibrox. Perhaps, though, that might have been the perception because Rangers, for as long as they required it to be the case, had a zing about them.

At kick-of a minute's applause for O'Donnell gave way to choruses in praise of Alan Hutton from the home legions after the full-back rejected a move to Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday that would have banked his club in the region of £9m. He cut a confident, assured figure. As did the rest of a home team. Indeed, those on the field seemed to feed off the buoyancy of the Rangers support; a constituency who patently believe that the decision of Hutton to stay – for the rest of the season at least – can be regarded as an omen where the destination of the title is concerned.

Hutton has been an integral performer for the club, though ultimately he might have been worth more as a sold asset, and yesterday he produced several of those mazy forward gallops that make him such an complete modern-day full-back. He probably got bored sitting back when there was nothing for him to do, mind you, with United showing absolutely zilch when it came to attacking enterprise. They didn't show much when it came to stoic defending either and though Burke's arrowed cross in from the right after nine minutes was a curling, teasing and hanging extravaganza, Naismith didn't require to transform into Mr Universe to shrug off left-back Shaun Dillon and plant a header wide of keeper Euan McLean.

After Ferguson made it 2-0, the encounter because desperately tedious. Rangers continued to make chances without exerting themselves, United continued to be there and nothing more constructive and, as a result, the minutes dragged on without any edge or intrigue. It was in keeping with the day as it developed that an 89th minute penalty for a foul on Nacho Novo should be missed by replacement Kris Boyd, McLean diving to his left to block.

Smith's side will care not a jot about the fact they weren't at their best because they weren't extended, as is perfectly right. In part, yesterday was supposed to be about whether they could handle having to make the running in the title chase. They did so at a canter.


At the request of O'Donnell's brother-in-law, Ferguson wore an armband marked out with the Motherwell crest and a No.10 in honour of the 35-year-old, of whom he said in his programme notes that "it was privilege to be his friend".

"Phil's brother-in-law asked me when I was up at Fir Park with Lee McCulloch and Stephen McManus to put flowers down and it was no problem," Ferguson said. "It was sad what happened. I got to know him over the past couple of years and got close to some of the members of his family.

"The armband was just a way of remembering what kind of guy he was, what kind of player he was and the person he was. It is has been a difficult week for the whole of Scottish football and you just have to shut it out and get on with your job."

In the programme, Ferguson spoke of the need for all in football to mourn O'Donnell's loss but also expressed his conviction that the late Motherwell captain "would want each of us to come back from it in the right manner".

Rangers and Ferguson did that with the midfielder netting in a 2-0 victory over Dundee United that moved the Ibrox men one point above Celtic at the top of the SPL table. The victory opens up the possibility of Walter Smith's side establishing a seven-point lead with games away to St Mirren, on Tuesday, and Gretna the following Wednesday, before Celtic are next in league action.

"St Mirren and Gretna are fighting for their lives and the matches are away so they will both be difficult. But we know these are the games you need to win to win the championship," said Ferguson.

The transformation in Rangers' fortunes since Smith returned a year ago this week as the club languished 17 points behind Gordon Strachan's reigning champions could hardly be more complete. Ferguson admitted yesterday the turnaround had surprised even him.

"It has been quicker than I thought it would. There have been a lot guys coming in and a lot of guys moved out," he said. "But I think we are ahead of schedule and I just think we need to continue that. Things are looking good for us."

The full article contains 1424 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 05 January 2008 9:50 PM
  • Source: Scotland On Sunday
  • Location: Scotland
  • Related Topics: Rangers FC , Dundee United FC
 
1

Wee Pal Joe,

06/01/2008 00:05:34
Another good win for the Gers. Some very good football at times. More goals should have been scored - but let's not be greedy!
2

BEMUSED EXILE,

06/01/2008 00:12:37
It is surprising that Rangers have come so far with regard to re-establishing themselves as the main domestic force in Scotland in only one year, but it only confirms the fact that Walter knows how to succeed in the bread-and-butter of week-in and week-out league football.

That, and the fact that Celtic were never as great nor as far ahead as their followers wanted us to believe. The battle is now well and truly joined, with Rangers in pole position, and justifying thie tag as bookmakers favourites.
3

psycho,

edinburgh 06/01/2008 00:38:09
The next few weeks will be Rangers only glory this season -they will stumble as injuries in a threadbare squad will inevitably appear.
Celtic will win the league -I have placed a hugh quantity of monash on that and I never lose
4

Tony the Tiger,

06/01/2008 00:47:28
If we ever needed confirmation the Scottish media was full of crap, sensationalist, inaccurate balls with more than a hint of smoke and mirrors, we've been given it the last 2 days.

Alan 'good 6 months' Hutton valued at £8m, £9m, £10m, £12m etc etc.

Artur 'he definitely wants to leave, he's going to do a Webster...blah...blah...blah' Boruc commits till 2011.

Moral of the story. Read nothing. Believe nothing.

Hail hail for 3-in-a-row!
5

Wee Pal Joe,

06/01/2008 00:55:30
Spurs came up with the valuation of Hutton.

How about when the papers said there was a £9m bid for Scott Brown?
6

scottish sin,

at home with a huge smile on my face 06/01/2008 01:03:50
come on....

all i hear is waaaaa waaaaa rangers are on top of the table lets act like there not going to win the league soo we dont have to listen to them for a few more weeks LOL!!

take care boyz
mon the gerss
7

Industrial-EBM Bhoy,

Germany..., mostly 06/01/2008 01:16:45
#5
Spurs (chairman best friends with Minty) would not have been pulling a publicity stunt for rangers now, would they? It stinks of the gers Ronaldo bid in the 90s.
Newcastle made the move for Brown. And they don´t do us very many favours.
#4 Tony
Spot on there! Don´t forget the Hinkel transfer too. He´s going to Dortmond! Is Naka still here?
I wrote an article on the bbc 606 forum about 4 months ago and said that the Scottish press would try to unsettle or drive a wedge betwen JVoH before Christmas.
I was not proved wrong. He´s still joint second best goal getter in the league.
Hail Hail
S McD will be the next for a bout of unsettlement.
If Aiden doesn´t get it first.



8

Industrial-EBM Bhoy,

Germany..., mostly 06/01/2008 01:18:16
#5
Spurs (chairman best friends with Minty) would not have been pulling a publicity stunt for rangers now, would they? It stinks of the gers Ronaldo bid in the 90s.
Newcastle made the move for Brown. And they don´t do us very many favours.
#4 Tony
Spot on there! Don´t forget the Hinkel transfer too. He´s going to Dortmond! Is Naka still here?
I wrote an article on the bbc 606 forum about 4 months ago and said that the Scottish press would try to unsettle or drive a wedge between JVoH and fans before Christmas.
I was not proved wrong. He´s still joint second best goal getter in the league.
Hail Hail
S McD will be the next for a bout of unsettlement.
If Aiden doesn´t get it first.



9

Seamus,

On the crest of a wave... 06/01/2008 01:18:19
#4 And your comment has what to do with the article above?

Explain please?

Easy win for Rangers yesterday by all accounts, out in front now and thats where I expect them to stay. FF
10

Seamus,

Looking down on the Celtic from the top! 06/01/2008 01:22:38
#7 Please try to post the same comment just once. BTW any comment on the game? You know, the Rangers v Dundee Utd one?
11

Waspy100,

06/01/2008 01:34:27
#4 Tony
Getting a bit boring again arnt we, arnt we, arnt we,
12

Waspy100,

06/01/2008 01:38:09
End of the day
Who gives a sh!t
13

sonofcosmos,

glasgow 06/01/2008 01:40:38
nice touches by ferguson...and hoprfully his words and actions will shut up the hate filled minority of rangers fans trying to point score over the death of odonnell.
14

the boke,

06/01/2008 01:49:53
#13 Sonofa
Unlike T Steel who posted a song about how "them" used his death as a cypher to put one over on the Royal Blues. Yes indeed yous are without sin eh?

15

Seamus,

Top o the league ma.... top o the league... 06/01/2008 01:51:20
#13 Examples please of point scoring.

Sounds like Rangers hardly needed to moved out of second gear today when faced with a 4 - 5 - 1 starting formation, funny how I never heard it reffered to as anti football today...
16

notabhoy,

06/01/2008 01:58:45
Well, top of the league, and it's nice to be here. Hopefully, we'll win on Tuesday to put more daylight between us and Celtic.

Already, though, over on TerroristMinded.com, they're trying to say that the Hutton bid never materialised, and that it was a figment of our imagination. Mind you, Celtic and their fans have a habit of trying to pretend things didn't happen, don't they?! Hmmmmm.......!

Here's a hint, bhoys: WS wouldn't be talking about it, unless it was real, would he now? Also, you'll find that, like most clubs, the sporting / football directory handles transfers......maybe you hadn't considered this? I mean, what does Peter LieWell do for a living, eh? I mean, apart from keeping the biscuit tin in his drawer.......!

Top of the league, and feeling good, bhoys! Fail, Fail!
17

notabhoy,

06/01/2008 01:59:17
(*) Directory = Director. I cannae type.
18

notabhoy,

06/01/2008 02:00:32
It was a nice 4-3-3 formation today. Utd tried to play a 4-5-1 to flood the midfield, and it didn't work. Credit, though, to their keeper, who made a couple of right good saves. Was impressed with him.

See? Credit where credit's due. That's the Rangers way.
19

sonofcosmos,

glasgow 06/01/2008 02:06:55
#14..boke i said minority..and ihave posted plenty on the fact that both sides have their embarressments,,so telling meabout naughty celtic fans aint shocking x
#15 celtic used odonnells death to get the old firm game postponed because we were "running scared" x
20

Seamus,

Where you aren't... and boy I'm glad! 06/01/2008 02:18:56
#19 Hardly point scoring, from your previous posts I assumed that you were talking from the lofty moral high ground taken by so many of your bretheren.
21

Billy1690,

06/01/2008 02:23:13
Get used to it Bhoys:the natural order in Scottish football is being restored. The appointment of that ar$ehole John Reid to chair the Celtic board is having the reverse effect of Murray with the Gers. In pubs, Tims are shocked and demoralised that a Nazi-type war criminal the boss of what started out as a Catholic charity. Some of us who know a wee bit of history arnae surprised.
22

Tony the Tiger,

06/01/2008 02:39:37
ESPN running an interesting account of the Hutton story - Spurs boss Juande Ramos doesn't even know who he is! Just old chums Murray and Levy at it again. Oh dear!

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=495911&root=england&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos1&cc=5739
23

anti hun,

Fortress Ibrox...ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha 06/01/2008 02:42:56
You'd think this lot had actually won something. The league will remain in paradise, we will horse this lot in the next 3-games we play them (if they make the cut) and order will be restored.

"No-one likes us, we don't care"! Aye right! You lot care alright.

Rangers, the shame of Scotland.
24

notabhoy,

06/01/2008 02:45:01
#23. Sweep sweep. Just keep sweeping, bhoy.

We're top of the league, and we welcome the chase.

Indeed. We don't wear the "persecuted" badge, even in the face of disgraceful posts like yours.

And you think you're NOT a bigot, eh?

Ratbag.
25

Industrial-EBM Bhoy,

Notagerland 06/01/2008 02:56:39
Sad name # 24.
When the hate of another club is greater than or is equal to the love of your own, stop for a second and think.
Is this why you support your club? So you can fill your time with hate for another. Your name reeks of a fear to be confused with "one of them".
Take a break. Go on a holiday. Do someting you always wanted to do, but never could.
Come back refreshed. Get yourself a good user name. Talk to other gers. Say "Celtic? I don´t want to talk about Celtic. I´m a ger. Let´s talk about them."
Bye


26

KingKenny,

06/01/2008 02:57:18
Burke play is great. He will be BIG Star and Big Value Player.

Dundee Utd Not Rest and play Away game. This is not good. I hope Dundee Utd Revenge Next Home Game.
27

Industrial-EBM Bhoy,

06/01/2008 03:04:58
Burke is a right good player. He´ll be better in a few weeks when he´s really fit. Knocking on the National teams door in a year or two.
I think rangers have had it a little easy through injuries to DU and Hibs players. I wished we played the same Hibs team you just did. 3 points there for the taking(but a beter game always when teams are full strength). Only the Sheep really gave you a game of late.
28

Colin P,

06/01/2008 03:59:49
#25 hypocrite
You might want to read your post at #25, then go back to your post at 7 which you must have liked so much, you posted it again at 8. Pot...kettle..anyone?

Rangers looked quite good against United. Burke and Hutton made some nice interplay down the right side. Burke even got adventurous and tried a C. Ronaldo style switch to the left. The boy wants to stay and he's out to prove it. He's unlucky he's not been 100% fit through most of his Rangers career.
Naismith is looking better all the time. I think I'd still like to see him and Boyd play a whole game together.
29

Colin P,

06/01/2008 04:02:10
#22 Tony
It's a shame you also blur your own vision with your hate of all things Rangers....if you'd read a little further in the article you would have seen
"Clearly Tottenham Sporting Director Damien Comolli is up to his old tricks by trying to sign players without telling the club's manager. It is yet another pathetic example of why this former North London giant is a long way away from being run like a top four club."

Come on guys, if you can't get your facts right, go post on your own team's thread....lol
30

bring them on,

japan 06/01/2008 05:15:10
A wee summary guys, before we get carried away.

Rangers are in great form, and winning all their games. Top of the league.

Players are staying loyal, and not about to run off.
BF is scoring goals, and playing a true captain's role. Did I miss anything?
31

bring them on,

japan 06/01/2008 05:22:38
Sorry, I did miss something.

Tim has a new expensive PC
32

mac1888,

06/01/2008 05:48:12
http://www.grapheine.com/bombaytv/index.php?module=see&lang=uk&code=12851f65966df39fc17c8d7f549c6eca
33

mac1888,

06/01/2008 05:48:19
http://www.grapheine.com/bombaytv/index.php?module=see&lang=uk&code=12851f65966df39fc17c8d7f549c6eca
34

mac1888,

06/01/2008 05:48:25
http://www.grapheine.com/bombaytv/index.php?module=see&lang=uk&code=12851f65966df39fc17c8d7f549c6eca
35

Starchief,

06/01/2008 08:20:38
Burke is something special. If only McGeady hadn't turned traitor on his country. What width the Scotland team could have had.
36

Scotcelt,

Sheffield 06/01/2008 08:30:03
Well done, Barry Ferguson, in displaying the appropriate spirit following the death of a fine fellow professional. That event makes most of the above comments sound hollow & rather sad. Celtic & Rangers players and fans stood together throughout the past week in common shock & tribute. That's as it should be. As regards the football, may the better team eventually triumph. It doesn't really matter that much......
37

bring them on,

japn 06/01/2008 08:38:46
Ok guys,let's sttle down a wee bit.
#35
McGeady will get his game for Scotland, if he has some width. They wee runs to no where intae the middle of the park, will no help Scotland.

#36

What's your issue with BF?
38

Starchief,

06/01/2008 08:44:02
#37 McGeady won't. He's chosen to play for the Rep. of Ireland, even though neither himself nor his parents are from there. Nor was he raised there.

I'm not an OF fan but I do support Scotland and I think he would have been excellent for us. Let McCulloch batter them for half the match then bring on the silky winger to destroy the tired full-back. Ideal!
39

Rabbie Burns,

Down South 06/01/2008 08:44:25
Rangers are looking better every match. The defence is solid and Whittaker is now confirmed no.3 - at least for now. The return of Burke and the inclusion of Naismith have given the team a lift. With options in midfield (and Hemdani now getting a run) they are well-placed to pull away from Celtic in January and have a real go at the UEFA Cup KO stages. As for Celtic, WGS has lost the plot. They'll finish a distant 2nd in the SPL. Take a look at their summer signings and compare them with those made by Walter Smith.
40

Pax V,

06/01/2008 08:50:09
Starchief, 38

Aiden McGeady made his choice entirely within the FIFA\UEFA rules, for reasons he has made public.

He was qualified to play for the Rep of Ireland.
He chose to play for the Rep of Ireland.
He plays for the Rep of Ireland.
41

Pax V,

06/01/2008 08:53:38
Rabbie Burns, 39

Has the RFC won anything yet?
What was the last trophy they won?
How are the Gers gettin on in the CL?
Any Gers players being investigated re "financial irregularities"?
Has The Rangers FC been condemned by the Football Authorities for secftarian singing\chanting?
42

Rabbie Burns,

06/01/2008 08:54:43
#40. What the **** has your comment got to do with the article, i.e. Rangers vs Dundee Utd?
43

Pax V,

06/01/2008 08:55:08
Starchief, 35

Traitor?

Really?

Isnt that a criminal offence?

Was Aiden arrested? Please update us re the status of criminal proceedings.
44

Pax V,

06/01/2008 08:56:49
Rabbie, 42

If you want to unilaterally assess whether a comment is appropriate to the story, could you list ALL those that fit.....and ALL those that dont?

Otherwise, shut up.
45

bring them on,

06/01/2008 08:57:40
#40

I love Ireland, but twenty wee runs to nothing might look good, but nae goals.

It's up you lads
46

Pax V,

06/01/2008 08:59:28
BTP, 45

Aye....the player gets to choose....as long as its within the FIFA\UEFA rules.
47

Starchief,

06/01/2008 09:07:22
#42 Read back. It's developing conversation based on how well Burke did. And as an afterthought, Naismith is probably the natural replacement for a Scotland-McGeady role.

#43 Not necessarily. Try contacting your local police officer if someone 'steals' a yard from a throw-in, or 'steals' a goal. Maybe even an 'assault' on goal. McGeady turned his back on the country he was born and raised in. It also makes him a turncoat (but, no, that no more means he literally turned his coat inside out). I wish he hadn't!
48

Pax V,

06/01/2008 09:18:25
Starchief, 43

But in the theft example you chose, no crime was committed.

And Aiden did NOT turn his back on the country he was born and raised in. Does he still live here? Does he still contribute a huge amount to the Exchequer in taxes? Is he still a decent, law abiding adult?

No, Aiden chose to play a GAME (it involves kicking a bit of leather around a field?) for another country. He chose within the interantionally agreed and recognised rules.

Talk of "traitor" is just plain stupid.
49

Just a footbal fan - nothing else,

Tunbridge Wells 06/01/2008 09:55:18
#48 Pax V

When I was a kid I dreamed of scoring for Rangers against Celtic and for Scotland against England.

Surely it is the ambition of any player to represent his country at international level? If so, then McGeady clearly sees his country as the ROI and NOT Scotland. In this sporting context he can be nothing other than a traitor to his, and his parents country of birth. I for one am disappointed and saddened by his decision.

Having said all that, does it really matter. I mean, does it really?
50

Gordon100,

Edinburgh 06/01/2008 09:57:01
Looks good -let's make it last:

1 Rangers 19 10 0 1 30 5 4 2 2 15 11 29 44
2 Celtic 20 7 3 0 28 2 6 1 3 23 15 34 43
--------------------------------
3 Motherwell 20 5 2 3 18 14 6 0 4 12 11 5 35
--------------------------------
4 Aberdeen 22 6 3 2 19 10 3 3 5 9 19 -1 33
5 Dundee Utd 22 7 1 3 15 7 3 1 7 17 23 2 32
6 Falkirk 22 5 3 3 13 11 4 2 5 21 24 -1 32
7 Inverness CT22 7 0 4 19 17 3 1 7 12 18 -4 31
8 Hibernian 21 4 4 2 20 15 3 3 5 9 13 1 28
9 Kilmarnock 22 3 3 5 14 15 2 4 5 9 17 -9 22
10 St Mirren 20 3 1 6 8 20 3 3 4 5 11 -18 22
11 Hearts 22 3 3 5 19 18 2 3 6 13 22 -8 21
------------------------------------
12 Gretna 20 1 2 6 8 19 1 2 8 8 27 -30 10
51

I-Mac,

06/01/2008 10:11:08
Oh dear, Tony the Tiger has shot down his own supposed big story. It is well known that Damien Comolli picks out players for Spurs.
52

Starchief,

06/01/2008 10:14:22
Come on #50. Have a bit more hope. We're only one point off Falkirk and going well.
53

idee fixe,

S.W.A.L.L.Y.SirWantawayAbsenteeLandLordYes !! 06/01/2008 10:16:12
Ragz are such a joy to be involved with and such a lively tight family that the daddie of the group,Sir Wantaway,iz doing a runner.

Wally "TT"s problems in getting shot of Huttonthug pale into insignificance when you consider that Sir Wantaway cannae get shot of his "beloved " Ragz F.C.

The whole kit and caboodle.
Lock stock and two smoking(Mirrors)barrels.

No one likes you and you dont care ??

Just as well...initt..

...BAWhahaWAHha...go on ...pweez put in an offer...its goin cheap...HAWhahawwah...hohoho KAK.


Then comes the only retort of interest from the back of the room.....GET STUFFED....HAWhaha...hohoho KAK..
54

Pax V,

06/01/2008 10:24:14
Just, 49

You appear to take YOUR aspirations and impose them on Aiden.

Why?
55

Pax V,

06/01/2008 10:25:38
Gordon, 50

You're top of the bigotry league too!

Still...that's not a new position for you lot, eh?
56

The Sheriff,

06/01/2008 10:37:47
Congratulations to Rangers FC for finally after three years in the wilderness offering some kind of a challenge to Celtic,it's been a long time coming.

Such a long time in fact,it can been seen in the desperate over reaction by some Rangers fans as an act of total salvation.

Whilst they proclaim their team for reaching the summit halfway through the season,they should note well both Celtic and Rangers have showed their failings and will continue to do so until the final outcome is arrived at.

Mr exile posted yesterday in confidence of the next few games coming up for Rangers including ST Mirren,Gretna,Inverness to name but three.If I were reading him incorrectly I'd say he was boasting of easy points,which under the circumstances chickens counted and all that show shade of disrespect to those teams.Both old firm teams have come unstuck against teams they might have expected to roll over and I am sure both teams will come unstuck on more than a few times before the season ends.

For once its good to see a competitive league.but Rangers fans.....calm yourselves until its done and dusted for goodness knows what the reaction might be from some on here if Rangers fail to deliver again...egg on face and all that eh?
57

celtc r atrocious,

sydney 06/01/2008 10:44:25
#56 sheriff
i guess you're speaking from experience " the helicopter is changing direction "
does it still hurt?
58

Pax V,

06/01/2008 10:44:28
Sheriff, 56

Perhaps their reaction reflects salivation rather than salvation?

Indulge them....for they are unaccustomed to success.
59

Starchief,

06/01/2008 10:44:47
I'd be surprised if the OF thought getting 3 points from Inverness was easy. Aberdeen fans might do though...!
60

Pax V,

06/01/2008 10:46:25
celtic, 58,

Any pictures of John Greig being awarded the ECWC in Barcelona in 1972? The dirty Club's proudest moment?

Does it still hurt?
61

Pax V,

06/01/2008 10:47:04
S, 60

Aye.....true...but the stupidity of Gers fans is legend here!
62

Pax V,

06/01/2008 10:55:55
Dallas, 65

You mean you want footage of those affectionate strokes on Bazza's erse?

Or Gers players participating in a huddle?

Or is it just the bigoted hordes singing the joys of wading knee deep in the blood of Catholics and €ucking the Pope you want to hear again?

Let us know....
63

Pax V,

06/01/2008 10:56:56
64,

ahh...your deteriorating eye sight?

Do you know what's causing that?

It makes you go blind, you know!
64

celtc r atrocious,

sydney 06/01/2008 11:00:54
# 61 pox v
we won the ECWC ! def did not hurt
however, septic and their GFITW have had their share of pain
the 8 million that went to UEFA final for example must have bben spewin about wastin their giros
were you one?
65

The Sheriff,

06/01/2008 11:03:21
#58Your contribution to the debate is noted, so sorry for making you read a sensible post.BTW,why is it that so many of your ilk like Mr exile choose to post here yet choose not to live here?

66

idee fixe,

R.U.I.N.S.RefsUndueInfluences GatherPace !! 06/01/2008 11:06:28
Alan Dick was the referee appointed and displayed on the SPL Official Website from 31/12/07 till AFTER kick off yesterday at 3 p.m.

Only thing wrong with the SPL Offuicial Website is that he was NOT.

And who actually reffed the Ragz game yesterday,i hear you ask...
And WHY did the SPL make their change to the original appointed ref in SECRET.
And why are the SPL so incompetent that they cannot even keep their OWN Official Website,their main method of keeping the public up to date with happenings.
Especially a change of official of the biggest game of that week-end.

What is going on at the SPL.


Oh and by the way the referees position was changed over in secret and handed to,wait for it....

The Very Reverend Mike McCurrupt...Baw hahaha....whit do you mean linesman,how can you dare claim that Ragz 2nd goal wiz affside......GOAL....screams the Very Reverend.......BAWHahaha

Dundee United just never stood a chance from BEFORE the getgo.

Sad.
Isn`t it.
67

celtc r atrocious,

sydney 06/01/2008 11:06:34
# 67 pox v
we don't wade knee deep in the blood of catholics
" it's up to our knees in F* inian blood"
and as we are constantly reminded they were made up of many prods
you lot take the biscuit for being two faced
why not post on your own celtc threads?
68

The Sheriff,

06/01/2008 11:07:55
Winning the ECWC is a poor substitute for the real deal, I feel your pain.
69

The Sheriff,

06/01/2008 11:10:16
#71 I can now see why you are in sydney....deported for being a bigot.
70

celtc r atrocious,

sydney 06/01/2008 11:13:37
# 69
am part of the scottish diaspora
listen to the proclaimers " letter from america "
but will always be a bear
support the true scottish team
71

G...,

Scotland 06/01/2008 11:13:43
Well well ..top of the league..the blue chip-over by halloween-summer seems a while away now.

We've won nothing.... but are on top..hence you'll have (like after the 3-0 game) a day of Pax talking about ANYTHING but the present day football...

good performance yesterday, without breaking sweat..thomson deserved MoM..hemdani excellent..both covered while ferguson has had a quiet few games...but Cuellar again showing why he has been IMO our player of the year so far.
72

Dr No,

Glasgow 06/01/2008 11:14:48
One year gone and the "massive" gap between the clubs has been closed. Wee Chesney is running from pillar to post signing defenders. Is he going to play all his centre halfs and full backs to save his team from another humping 1-0, 2-0 and 3-0. Will the next game be 4-0. The Gers rebuilding has only just started and the hooped horrors are running scared.

Just look at Chesney's high profile signings and it tells you everything you need to know about his ability to sop a player.

Gravesen? Jarosik? JVOH?? Brown???

Give him more money please Mr Liewell
73

Waitin´and hopin,

On top 06/01/2008 11:17:49
# 70 another bileous post. Even Levein had no problem with the decision or is he part of the anti Begger conspiracy too. You are a sad individual!
74

Dr No,

Glasgow 06/01/2008 11:17:51
One year gone and the "massive" gap between the clubs has been closed. Wee Chesney is running from pillar to post signing defenders. Is he going to play all his centre halfs and full backs to save his team from another humping 1-0, 2-0 and 3-0. Will the next game be 4-0. The Gers rebuilding has only just started and the hooped horrors are running scared.

Just look at Chesney's high profile signings and it tells you everything you need to know about his ability to sop a player.

Gravesen? Jarosik? JVOH?? Brown???

Give him more money please Mr Liewell
75

Dr No,

06/01/2008 11:19:07
70- Yes, you are indeed sad! Don't be playing with anything sharp now!
76

celtc r atrocious,

sydney 06/01/2008 11:35:13
# 70
what are you on ?
Refs Undue Influences Gathers Pace
how do you get R.U.I.N.S. out of that?
methinks you're havin a wee fixee before you post
make sure it's a dirty needle!
77

Waitin´and hopin,

On Top 06/01/2008 11:37:58
Just an innocent question.........How is Coelho ( the latest Brazilian superstar to feature at Parkhead) going to get a work permit? He´s played one game for the national side in a non game!
78

GersFanOfFitba,

06/01/2008 11:39:31
#70. You'll note that Mr McCurry was absolutely inept for BOTH sides.

I can't believe that you're STILL harping on about referee bias. You're deluded, son. I bet you think that the world is flat, too!

Proper, decent fans of their club would be appalled and embarassed by you, idee......
79

scottish turk,

Belfast 06/01/2008 11:43:32
So the Rangers are top of the league with a game to spare and fatboyjim(pax v)is up to his usual old tricks,as i have said before fatty if you want to come over here i will show you the country you love to talk about,yes no the choice is yours.
80

GersFanOfFitba,

06/01/2008 11:44:34
PS Top of the league, top of the league, top of the league, and you're no!
81

GersFanOfFitba,

06/01/2008 11:46:58
By the way, idee. You're not exactly shy to spread lies: see

http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:46qSWa7q2CgJ:scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/sport.cfm%3Fid%3D1521962007+scotsman.com+idee+fixe&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=14&gl=uk&client=firefox-a

Post 2. That should show that you're happy to lie.

Be ashamed of yourself, pal.
82

Richardinho,

06/01/2008 11:53:27
All these Rangers fans declaring victory should think again. Celtic are not about to give up easily. Had it not been for the fixture rearranging Celtic would still top the table-(and to think that it was US who were supposed to get an advantage!)
83

Arthur Teak ,

Edinburgh 06/01/2008 11:54:42
#4 Tony te Tiger

Artur Boruc commits till 2011. I'm so glad to hear this wonderful news. With his propensity to throw a couple in on a regular basis he will prove to be even more of a liability as time goes by. The £20m goalie, aye right! Where were all these offers from AC Milan, Bayern etc? Made up as per usual by the lkes of Guid, Martin, Culley and the rest of the Celtic-minded rhat pack.
84

GersFanOfFitba,

06/01/2008 11:54:46
Idee: you can run, but you can't hide.

That is all.
85

bring them on,

06/01/2008 11:55:10
Rangers are great, Celtic are not.

Did I miss anything?

And Tim doesn't work on Sunday, so we should be safe there
86

Rednose Harry,

Wallasey 06/01/2008 11:55:14
"Dignity and respect over the passing of Phil O'Donnell" and "perhaps the yobs and bigots might refrain from etc etc"I posted yesterday.
Not much evidence of any improvement if the foregoing is to be the norm.
Can we stick to the football in future??
Doubtful!!
87

GersFanOfFitba,

06/01/2008 11:55:31
#86. How'd you work that out. We've still got a game in hand over you. Are celtic going to get 4 points for a win, and 5 for a draw, maybe? :)

Bwahahahahahaha
88

sonofcosmos,

glasgow 06/01/2008 12:02:06
no wonder rangers fans are excited..top of the league ..keeping alan hutton (a player who ramos has never heard of ) and soon to be playing in their new £700 million stadium x good old sunday mail and the lapdog journos bless x
89

Richardinho,

06/01/2008 12:03:24
A Celtic win in midweek and yesterday would have kept Celtic top of the league today I think you'll find. Maths never was you buns' strong point.

Who's top now doesn't really matter. Celtic will keep working away whilst Rangers are busy celebrating the championship in January, and we'll see who's top come May.
90

celtc r atrocious,

sydney 06/01/2008 12:13:19
# 93 richardinho
see post #58
must still hurt
long way to go but rather be in our position than yours
91

G...,

Scotland 06/01/2008 12:15:53
desperado stuff...

gers fans simply enjoying being top of the league, but fully aware prizes are given out in May...cue celtic fans claiming we are celebrating winning the thing

bragging rights have lasted a weeks top this season..and its been all the more enjoyable because of these swings

take it on the chin bhoys and act like men..
92

The Truth Hurts,

06/01/2008 12:16:52
Regardless of who wins the league this year, the fact that Celtic progressed in the CL would give them a hell of a lot more creditability as a team, at home and especially across Europe. Celtic are currently one of Europe's top 16 clubs. If rangers were to win the league, and this would only be possible due to Celtic's Euro run, this would not change opinion's of non-partizan supporters, who do not carry an agenda. Quite simply Celtic are one of the big boys now, rangers are, and will be for some time to come, playing second fiddle. It would probably be best for the rangers supporters to recognise this, instead of taking satisfaction at being top of the league in January. It's a bit sad and pathetic to read their fans taking solace in this... Sad indeed!
93

sonofcosmos,

glasgow 06/01/2008 12:17:33
#95..of course you have the bragging rights just now..and we have the bleating rights...football fans dont take things on the chin x
94

Plonker,

06/01/2008 12:18:35
I always thought it was the placings after the last game of the season that decided who would be champions. Never mind.

The truth is that Celtic are failing to properly exploit the financial advantage they have, for whatever reasons. Maybe it's because they don't want to give too much money to a manager who has presided over the worst period of form displayed by a Celtic side for many a long year, despite their somewhat fortunate achievements, and who, I suspect, is not very well respected by his charges.

We've made it easy for a very poor Rangers side to reach the top of the league. It's far from over and Celtic only have to achieve ordinariness to prevail. Mr Strachan. Once again I ask you, prove me wrong about you.
95

big dunky,

06/01/2008 12:20:09
rangers have announced that they are looking at plans for a £700m regeneration of ibrox and surrounding area.
the plans include a new stadium of at least 70,000 seats !!the new stadium to be designed along the same lines as the super stadia at the 2002 world cup in korea !woo hoo ! the future is bright ,in fact it is blue and white , mon the gers ,let the others follow we welcome the chase !
96

,

06/01/2008 12:21:53
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
97

Pax V,

06/01/2008 12:24:05
dunky, 99

Hamilton Accies have announced that they're looking at a player from Saturn. Apparently, he's got three legs, 7 foot tall, twice as fast as Alan Wells at his peak, and more skilful than Pele.

They're looking at plans to buy him for 20p.

Impressed?