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The Rangers F.C Thread: Season 06/07


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My End of season squad report.

2. Andy Webster

A loan signing who looks likely to be brought on board permanently despite not kicking a ball in the 5 months he's been here. However, with 2 centre halfs in their mid 30s, we need someone in their mid 20s who can be the rock at centre half for the next 5 years. Webster was one of the best defenders in the SPL at Hearts, and is the best Scottish centre half around.

Verdict: Stick

3. David Weir

I and many others had my doubts about signing him, however he has proven to be a revelation. Distribution is not the best, but his most important attribute is his experience, and what he brings to others in the back line - Hutton, Papac and Svensson have all improved playing alongside him.

Verdict: Stick

4. Thomas Buffel

The most infuriating member of the first team squad. He clearly has talent, but has flattered to decieve too often in his 2.5 years in Glasgow. Possibly too lightweight for the demands of the SPL.

Verdict: A reluctant Twist

5. Sasa Papac

Did not rate him at all when he first arrived - has improved a great deal playing alongside David Weir, and has shown enough about him to suggest that while he might not be a regular first team pick, he's good enough to act as cover in a number of positions in the back line.

Verdict: Stick

6. Barry Ferguson

Has caused headaches for the FollowFollow servers with the amount of threads about him over the past 6 months. The pro-Barry camp argue that he is the best footballer in Scotland. The anti-Barry camp cannot see past his behaviour during the dying days of the PLG era. Both camps in my opinion have very valid viewpoints. There is no denying that Ferguson on his day is the best footballer in Scotland bar none: the problem is that his day tends to come when there is a big European game on. The old adage "there is no man bigger than the club" was seriously tested with the events of January, and it may be in the best interests of Rangers if all parties concerned were to be moved on. Ironically, his best form this season came with Le Guen at the helm - since Le Guen's departure he has been average at best. His fitness as he moves towards his 30s has to be in question, as he has never looked 100% fit since returning up the M74 in January 2005, and it looks more and more likely that he peaked as a player 5 years ago.

Verdict: Twist

7. Brahim Hemdani

A calm, composed and professional figure in an otherwise turbulent season, Hemdani's fine form both in midfield and at centre-half saw him voted the Fans' Player of the Year. A simple, yet effective player who rarely wastes a pass, a vital ingredient for any top level European player.

Verdict: Stick

8. Kevin Thomson

My prayers of the last 2 years were finally answered late in January, when Rangers signed the most promising central midfielder in the country. He is without doubt the long term successor to Barry Ferguson, both for Rangers and Scotland, and has impressed so far in his short Rangers career. A good engine, good dig, and great eye for a pass are all qualities any midfielder should possess, and Thomson has these in spades. He is a one touch player who rarely wastes possession, and with the right players round about him, is the perfect candidate for a deep lying playmaking role.

Verdict: Stick

10. Nacho Novo

The ultimate triumph of effort over ability. You know what you get with Novo in your team - heart, effort, pace and nothing less than 100%. As much as these qualities have endeared him to the support in his 3 years at Ibrox, unfortunately Nacho does not have the required ability level to succeed at Ibrox.

Verdict: Twist

12. Ugo Ehiogu

The strangest of Smith's January signings - a stopgap centre half when we'd already signed David Weir, given an 18 month deal when 6 would have done. Has yet to convince me he will be good enough to command a first team spot next season, and doubts linger over his fitness. Will always be a cult hero of mine for THAT goal at Parkhead.

Verdict: Twist

14. Libor Sionko

Showed promise in the opening fixtures of the season, however seems to have disappeared as the season progressed. Similar to Buffel in that he lacks stomach for the fight, and disappears when the going gets tough.

Verdict: Twist

15. Kris Boyd

It is truely a technological marvel that this board has survived given the umpteen threads on both Boyd and Ferguson. Lazy, unfit and with little evidence of any footballing ability besides being able to stick the ball in the onion bag, it is this last quality which will be Boyd's saving grace. Prolific goalscorers are hard to come by, particularly someone as prolific as Boyd who has scored almost 50 goals in his first 18 months at Rangers. His honeymoon period is definately over with the support, and Boyd will have to work on his all round game in order to truely win over the fans. A potential Rangers legend in the making - the goalscoring ability is there - the attitude most certainly remains in question.

Verdict: Stick

17. Chris Burke

On his day, simply unplayable. Burke hit a real purple patch of form after Christmas 2005 when his wing play regularly destroyed any opposition put in front of him. After a promising start to the season, Burke was soon to be re-acquainted with the treatment table, and has struggled to find form since. Inconsistency, combined with injury proneness, suggest that Burke may never fulfill his potential.

Verdict: Twist

18. Ian Murray

Can offer cover all over the backline and midfield, but despite being able to play in a multitude of positions, he is not of the required ability to make any single position his own. With added squad competition next year, Murray should struggle to feature around the first team at all.

Verdict: Twist

19. Karl Svensson

Struggled initially with the more physical Scottish game, however on the evidence of his form since his recall by Le Guen in November and alongside Weir in January before being inexplicably dropped for Ehiogu, he is a very capable defender - good on the ground, reads the game well, and has good distribution. Has age on his side to develop further - no player is the finished article at 23, and his arial ability has come on in leaps and bounds since first arriving in Scotland. Unfortunately, it seems a sizeable majority of the support have him pre-judged on the basis of a difficult start, but time alongside Weir in the Reserves next season may stand him in good stead for the future.

Verdict: Stick

20. Alan Hutton

The most improved player this year in Scotland, Hutton's performances of 2007 and 2006 are like comparing night and day. Tall, agile, athletic and with talent, he has emerged as one of Rangers' most crucial attacking threats in the last few months, and with his defensive game ever improving alongside David Weir, Hutton can now be considered to be in the position of being the first name on the teamsheet. International honours now beckon, and with continued improvement, Hutton could cement the right back slot with Rangers and Scotland for the next 10 years.

Verdict: Stick

22. Alan McGregor

A fine shot stopper, McGregor's all round game has improved sufficiently this season that he can now rightfully claim to be Rangers' number 1. Can still be dodgy from cross balls, but is improving all the time.

Verdict: Stick

23. Filip Sebo

The ultimate enigma. May well turn out to be Nacho Novo Mk II and at times makes Novo look like Ronaldo by comparison. However, he offers pace and power upfront, something no other striker at the club offers, and will always give his all. Has shown brief flashes of ability in a difficult first season in Scotland, and is not the hopeless case some have written him off to be. Having had a year to settle in and with more game time, next season could be the year of Sebo.

Verdict: Stick

25. Charlie Adam

The homegrown version of the free kick "genius" from across the city - yet Adam actually outscores Nakamura from set pieces, with one crucial difference. When Nakamura does it, it's "genius." When Adam does it, our commentators surpass themselves in making up ways in which the goalkeeper was at fault. A dead ball specialist with a fine passing range and vision (check the pass for Sionko's goal at Fir Park, or the ball for Ferguson to head home the 3rd at home to Hibs), Adam's main downside is not ability, which he has plenty of, but fitness. Adam's lack of fitness holds him back, of this there is no question, and must be adressed if he's going to fulfill his potential.

Verdict: Stick

26. Steven Smith

The biggest compliment I can pay Smith is that he reminds me of Arthur Numan; the second biggest compliment I can pay him is that the comparison never tires. If he can sort out his injury woes, the left back position is his for 10 years, and will surely benefit from the experience of Weir in the same way that Hutton has.

Verdict: Stick

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Hairy Coo:

If we accept less than £2m from ANYONE the board should hang. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Was a cracking goal, but there's no way in hell he's worth £2m.

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Hairy Coo:

He is you know </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'd pay £2m in a FM style £750k now, plus money after appearances, goals and international honours.

Not £2m up front.

And Thomson and Brown aren't worth the money being quoted either.

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I feel a bit of sympathy for Nacho. A couple of seasons ago there were clamors for him to be selected for Spain - albeit they seemed to be tongue in cheek.

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Rangers have positioned themselves at the head of a queue of clubs hoping to sign Robbie Fowler since it was confirmed last week that the striker would be leaving Liverpool.

Fowler, who has just turned 32, is expected to have a number of suitors chasing him over the summer, with Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland among those hoping to tempt him to remain in the Barclays Premiership. But sources inside Ibrox confirmed yesterday that Walter Smith would like to add Fowler to his squad for next season.

Smith is renowned for going about his transfer business discreetly, though it was believed last night that Rangers had already opened negotiations with Fowler’s representatives.

With Dado Prso and Stefan Klos, two highly-paid players, both leaving Rangers, the Ibrox club, though not as cash-rich as those in England, could still offer Fowler a lucrative salary to come to Glasgow. If Rangers can also successfully negotiate a prequalifying tie in August, there would be the added incentive of Fowler having the opportunity to play in next season’s Champions League.

Fowler, whose prolific first spell at Liverpool between 1993 and 2001 resulted in Liverpool fans referring to him as “Godâ€, has not figured prominently this season, though he has still managed seven goals in 16 outings. Injury problems have dogged the striker, prompting Rafael Benítez to ponder recently what “a fit and scoring Robbie Fowler†would be worth in the transfer market.

It is believed Rangers are ready to offer the player a two-year deal. Fowler has insisted that, as yet, no concrete offers have been put to him. The striker hopes to make one more Liverpool appearance in next week’s Champions League final in Athens.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Written by our friend at the times icon_wink.gif

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could someone who has been spotted at Homebase actually become a Rangers signing? icon_redface.gificon_biggrin.gif

I dunno if it would be a good idea, would rather get players that are on the better side of 30 and his wages would be probably be a bit big to get him to play here

although there is no questioning the pedigree, but I think maybe a bit too late

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Assuming it's not a bunch of media ********, then Fowler would be a great signing for the younger strikers in our squad to learn from.

His awareness, touch and movement made him the greatest all round British striker in the 1990s. He would have a lot to offer to our younger players.

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by GingerFurball:

Assuming it's not a bunch of media ********, then Fowler would be a great signing for the younger strikers in our squad to learn from.

His awareness, touch and movement made him the greatest all round British striker in the 1990s. He would have a lot to offer to our younger players. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nah, that was Alan Shearer.

Fowler wasa great player when he wasn't injured which was few and far between. I genuinely hope we don't sign him.

Reports of Scott Brown signing for Celtic this morning. Interesting how the story changes half through the article with it being a done deal in the first paragraph then the author(s) giving themselves a get out clause hy saying there was a mystery.

Fact is, if the fee bandied about is now around £5million I'm glad we're not paying it. Brown is a great wee player with a big future and I'd be gutted if we lost out but it would be a case of eggs and baskets for me.

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Fowler is finished. I hope we don't sign him. On his day he was a great striker but those days are long behind him now.

And I'll not be pleased if Scott Brown signs for Celtic, although as Frankie says, the fee being mentioned seems a bit much.

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Shame though would love to see him in our lineup next year, fingers crossed he still will be and not for a stupid fee but its looking less and less likely.

Lets just hope Walter can get some more signings in icon14.gif

Hoping to be able to get up to some more games next year as I'm on my uni work placement, so will have some money, can't wait icon_smile.gif

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Yeah, I'd love to see Scott Brown replace Charlie Adam in the starting line up. If only you could have powerplayers that you could bring on for free kicks icon_frown.gif

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This better not be another summer of bosmans and money spent on unknown Europeans.

Becoming ****ing sick of it. Have always supported David Murray, but this mornings news is going to be a kick in the balls. I would rather spend the money of Scott Brown than some player from the German league who we are getting for cheaper. Theres a reason we will be getting him for cheaper, and a reason he is choosing to come to us - Nae other half decent team in the German league wants him !

We need a proper scouting network.

Fowler can **** off.

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">This better not be another summer of bosmans and money spent on unknown Europeans. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

it's Murray, smoke and mirrors and all that - get used to it as I expect we all have icon14.gif sooner he's away with his money and somebody else in charge, the better

I don't think Brown is worth £5m, but I really wish they'd just say where he's going. Obviously we read the "iron clad" deal with Rangers in January but I can't expect too many believed that one, Thomson is his mate - but as Ter says, money can make the difference

frankly I think he'd be better off going to the Premiership and getting better for Scotland actually, I rate him as good potential and would be pretty happy to see him in our team especially as pish like Burke haven't made anything of their potential - but I don't want us paying anything more than maybe £3m possibly, he's simply not at that standard yet

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I think it is going to be a very interesting summer in terms of transfer activity.

I am happy with the signings so far, Broadfoot and Gow are good Scottish players with plenty of potential. I didn't want Darcheville but we got him for nothing and having read some interesting articles about him he could do a decent job.

Scott Brown will be playing in the Premiership next season, no doubt in my mind. I wouldn't be completely against Fowler but I appreciate the arguments against his signing, I don't think we would be stupid enough to give him a huge salary with his history of injuries.

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ter:

Fowler is finished. I hope we don't sign him. On his day he was a great striker but those days are long behind him now.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Agreed entirely. Can't imagine him playing alongside Boyd either, we'd have a completely non-existant attack for most of the game.

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Vidmar:

If Celtic sign brown for 5milion and 25k p/w for 5 years, they can have him and best of luck to the boy.

I would'nt want us to go down that road again. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's the realisation that we're firmly the number 2 team in Glasgow which really gets my goat over this one.

This isn't the first time Celtic have outbid us for a transfer target either.

Our management have raised the white flag and said that they cannot compete with Celtic.

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I must admit I am very surprised at Browns decision to sign for Celtic. Not because he didn't choose us but because he turned down the chance of playing in the Premiership. Surely that is the place he should be playing his football.

However, good luck to him and I hope he has made the right decision.

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">ian murray was so bad against killie...cant go down the line always cuts in </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Was he not playing at right back? No surprise he wasn't whipping in crosses and cutting inside since he's entirely left footed.

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I feel sorry for Murray because I think he is a really good player but he just gets put where we need an extra body.

We should definitely keep him for next season but give him a chance where we know he can play.

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Benni_McCarthy:

come on you gers. New era of dominance starting soon. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Your right mate..You will dominate that 2nd spot for ages!!

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jorg:

However, good luck to him and I hope he has made the right decision. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Eh?

I hope Thomson goes right through him in August.

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by GingerFurball:

It's the realisation that we're firmly the number 2 team in Glasgow which really gets my goat over this one.

This isn't the first time Celtic have outbid us for a transfer target either.

Our management have raised the white flag and said that they cannot compete with Celtic. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Jesus, really, I wish the negativity would be toned down a bit. Not just you, the whole whinging pile who are jumping on any chance to attack things that aren't going to change any time soon. The window's not even open yet and we're all talking about white flags and defeat. Calm down ffs.

Who says we couldn't afford that price but just didn't think he was worth it? Brown's very good but at £4.5m, its a gamble and at the moment we're in no position to take them.

The developments of the last couple of days should be no great epiphany to anyone. Celtic are financially, structurally and personell-wise superior to us and have been for about six years. Competing with them in the transfer market for the sake of it is stupid and wouldn't necessarily benefit us.

Would much rather we kept things modest, understated and stable and aim to compete with them where it matters - the league. What I've seen of the last six months, I don't see any reason why we can't do that next season.

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by McD:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by GingerFurball:

It's the realisation that we're firmly the number 2 team in Glasgow which really gets my goat over this one.

This isn't the first time Celtic have outbid us for a transfer target either.

Our management have raised the white flag and said that they cannot compete with Celtic. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Jesus, really, I wish the negativity would be toned down a bit. Not just you, the whole whinging pile who are jumping on any chance to attack things that aren't going to change any time soon. The window's not even open yet and we're all talking about white flags and defeat. Calm down ffs.

Who says we couldn't afford that price but just didn't think he was worth it? Brown's very good but at £4.5m, its a gamble and at the moment we're in no position to take them.

The developments of the last couple of days should be no great epiphany to anyone. Celtic are financially, structurally and personell-wise superior to us and have been for about six years. Competing with them in the transfer market for the sake of it is stupid and wouldn't necessarily benefit us.

Would much rather we kept things modest, understated and stable and aim to compete with them where it matters - the league. What I've seen of the last six months, I don't see any reason why we can't do that next season. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well how about the cold hard fact that David Murray told Smith, McCoist and McDowall that no matter the cost, Scott Brown would be a Rangers player for next season.

Put simply, he lied, just as he lied to Le Guen.

Rangers won't win the league with the Flim Flam man in charge.

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If, and it's a big if, that's true (have seen no verifiable evidence to suggest it is), I doubt any three of them would honestly have been so stupid to have believed him until they saw a signed contract. Things happen, circumstances change.

Why would we want to pay over the odds on a 21-year-old when it's the probably the area of the pitch we least need to look at?

Your last paragraph is hyperbolic doomsaying that helps absolutely no-one.

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Why would we want to pay over the odds on a 21-year-old when it's the probably the area of the pitch we least need to look at? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

pretty much agree with this, Brown is potentially good, but he's not proven and £4.5m is just far too much I reckon, people were saying Thomson at £2m wasn't worth it - surely £4.5m for Brown is just insane?

we need to find a striker to hold up the ball and do the general Dado mould and some creative sources, Brown could have worked but again not for the price that he went for, creative sources I mean, not upfront icon_wink.gif

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by McD:

Your last paragraph is hyperbolic doomsaying that helps absolutely no-one. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It doesn't bode well when your chairman can't deliver his manager's top transfer target.

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by GingerFurball:

It doesn't bode well when your chairman can't deliver his manager's top transfer target. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

But it looks like we're getting McCulloch?

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ter:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">ian murray was so bad against killie...cant go down the line always cuts in </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Was he not playing at right back? No surprise he wasn't whipping in crosses and cutting inside since he's entirely left footed. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

have you ever see him do it at left back? I go every home game and haven't yet...at least not a succesful one

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by McD:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by GingerFurball:

It doesn't bode well when your chairman can't deliver his manager's top transfer target. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

But it looks like we're getting McCulloch? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Scott Brown was Smith's top target, and Murray promised to get him.

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