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WALTER WALTER WALT.. SMITH SMITH SMITH

The one man in the whole of Scotchland (apart from Fish) with no second name, The Gaffer; The Main Man; The Big Cheese; Walter, can today be sensationally revealed as having a surname.

We know it’s difficult to comprehend, however some journalist have let slip over the last couple of days and revealed that Gers’ manager, Walter, is indeed in possession of a surname!.

Following horrifying performances for Gers’ in pre-season friendlies and Champions league qualifiers, the man known to all of Scotchland as “Walter” has finally said enough is an enough and adopted a surname; “Smith”.

The gaffer realised that it was time to adopt a second name and bizarrely chose the undignified, general hotel reservation sounding, surname “Smith”.

It is with interest that we note that “Walter” is now being referred to as “Smith” by the main stream Mhedia.

Happy new surname, Walter, eh… Smith!

P.S. Were Back!. We enjoyed our summer break in The Golden Last, Benidorm but are glad that the new

season is finally upon us.

RANGERS READY TO UNLEASH THE YOUNG DOGS OF WAR

Murray Park is a hard place to find, Auchenhowie on the outskirts of Glasgow to be exact.

Tucked away from intrusive gaze, this state-of-the-art complex, offers the club’s players the very best in training and rehabilitation facilities.

Of more importance to the club is the fact that it also bases its new youth academy at Auchenhowie - a move Sir David Murray, the club’s chairman believes will provide huge benefits for Rangers’ future.

“Rangers are no longer in the business of scouring Europe for the very best, though obviously we are still keen to pick up any bargains, if they are to be had. Equally, we will not be held to ransom by greedy footballers and their agents who are trying to extort money by demanding ridiculous salaries.

The emphasis is on youth, Scottish youngsters who know and share the club and country’s culture are the way forward. Were we to bring in a crop of young Africans, we would be taking a huge gamble plus we would have a nightmare scenario with visas and immigration regulations. The red tape is horrendous and quite frankly, not worth the hassle”.

Murray’s words are echoed by club coach Ally McCoist, who fully endorses the dynamic entrepreneur’s words.

“We signed Kyle Lafferty for one reason and one reason only, he is young, quick to learn and is full of potential. He is a long term investment and given time and patience, will repay the transfer fee threefold. He will learn from the likes of Kenny Miller who brings a wealth of experience to the club, hopefully they can feed off each other. The 2.75 million for Kyle was by Scottish standards a lot of money but we are confident that we will see a return on our money.”

It’s only when we start talking about the Rangers youngsters who are set to be unleashed this season, that I see a steely glint in McCoist’s blue eyes;

“Look, I am telling you here and now we have some awesome talent ready in the wings and this season they will burst through and create genuine excitement in the Scottish football world. For example, John Fleck, Steven Lennon, Dean Furman, Craig McShea, Stephen Forbes, Kyle Hutton………..the list goes on and on and on.”

It’s evident that the Rangers strategy is based on sound financial judgement and given time and a slice of good luck, they could well prove the template for other Scottish clubs to follow. Buying big name foreigners can be a case of hit and miss, but sticking with home produced talent makes much more sense in the long term.

By Darrell Kling

Original by Steve Clark

FIFA RE-WRITE HISTORY TIMMY STYLE

In a move likely to cause permarage amongst the Ibrox faithful, FIFA today attempted to rewrite history Timmy style by publishing an article entitled: Classic Clubs; Celtic Spirit Shines On.

Whilst the front page article on the official FIFA.com website heaps praise on Celtic Football club the author neglects to even mention the Glasgow club’s dubious connections with Irish terrorists and Nazi Germany.

“Unlike their great rivals, Celtic had never employed a sectarian signing policy, but Stein, as the club’s first Protestant manager, was nevertheless an historic appointment”. FIFA.com

Nor is there any mention of the fact that the main stand at Parkhead was build with the cheapest materials and is unlikely to pass a safety inspection from any council bar Glasgow City.

No one from the Federation of International Fenian Football Associations was available for comment.

Original Article Link

THE HISPANIFICATION OF RANGERS

Last night with their feet up in front of the television, both Carlos Cuellar and Nacho Novo would have felt an acute sense of what might have been.

Their feelings would no doubt have been ambiguous, on the one hand pride at the accomplishment of their albeit less talented countrymen, and on the other satisfaction that they are in the vanguard of the Hispanification of Rangers football club.

Still feeling the pains and aches of a despicably extended season, both men would have no doubt had a wry smile on their face. Europe’s loss is Rangers gain, the mere fact that two Spanish aces were not put on view in the shopping window, has meant that Rangers have in fact saved millions of pounds. Inadvertently, the SPL more by accident than design have aided Rangers in their quest for more domestic and European glory next season.

Rangers supporters throughout the world can no doubt sleep securely in their beds, safe in the knowledge that their two Iberian aces will lead the assault on trophies and titles next year. Complemented with astute signings, Kyle Lafferty and Kenny Miller, it promises to be a bumper season for the men in light blue.

But behind the smugness, we see not for the first time the astute long term strategy of David Murray at play. It was David Murray who several years ago followed a similar strategy by enlisting the aid of several Dutch players. Then the Orangeification of Rangers took the shape of Michael Mols, Fernando Ricksen, the De Boer brothers and of course Bert Konterman.

David Murray sees the big picture, hence his disdain for parochialism and his insistence in scouring the European markets seeing trends before they happen. He knew Spain was the place where it was at years ago, so naturally he plundered La liga long before Spain finally achieved European glory. These are the actions of a visionary.

by Darryll Broadfeet.

Original by Steve Clark

ALAN GOW: LEGEND WITHOUT A TEAM.

Obituary.

Alan Gow’s brief time at Ibrox will remain the highlight of a glittering career.

Gowser (born 9 October 1982 in Glasgow) made his way through the ranks from Airdrie to Falkirk before finally signing for his boyhood idols, Glasgow Rangers in January 2007.

Alan made his Rangers debut in a post-season friendly match against LA Galaxy at the Home Depot Center, coming on as a half time substitute for Nacho Novo.

After that his career bloomed and his first competitive match, was four months later when he played in a League Cup match against East Fife on 26 September 2007.

This was to prove the highlight of his legendary career at Ibrox. People still rave about his run down the left wing in the fifty-sixth minute leaving the East Fife full back, Wilkinson trailing in his wake.

Sadly Gowser could not maintain that level of excellence and was substituted in the seventy-fourth minute. He never recovered from the ignominy of being substituted by Filip Sebo and after a long illness and died of a broken heart

“Here Billy, buff up the brogues, we’ve a funeral to attend.”

KENNY MILLER HAS A SCORE TO SETTLE

Kenny Miller declared himself to be ‘delighted, honoured and proud to be once again back at Ibrox with his ‘ain folk’.

Kenny also made it clear that he had a score to settle with Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell, who he accuses of ” humiliating and belittling’ him, by forcing him out at club where he was happy and felt at home.

Miller also feels that he has the mental strength to take on the few doubters at Ibrox who question both his ability and his loyalty to Rangers.

Kenny believes that his dynamic pace coupled with Kris Boyd’s predatory instincts will go a long way to addressing Rangers goal drought.

Nacho Novo was unavailable for comment as he is away on international duty in Austria with the Spanish squad. However, Miller’s signing gives Walter Smith an embarrassing richness in goal scorers.

Daniel Cousin, Jean-Claude Darcehville, Kris Boyd, Chris Burke, Kenny Miller, Lee McCulloch and we still haven’t included the youngsters poised to jockey for the two front positions at Rangers.

It seems that Gers have thrown down the gauntlet, just how will Celtic respond?

Original by SB

RANGERS TARGET DUNDEE UTD’S LEE WILKIE

Rangers are preparing to sound out Dundee Utd about the availability of defender Lee Wilkie.

The Evening Telegraph reports that “Ibrox boss Walter Smith has been impressed by skipper Lee Wilkie’s form over the last year”

It would appear Wilkie could well be Gers 3rd major signing of the close season as Walter Smith looks to strengthen his squad.

Having signed the fabulous Kenny Miller and Andrius Velicka within the last few days, Ibrox boss Walter is hoping to make Wilkie, his third summer capture.

This is not a hoax. It can be verified here: link

SIR DAVID MURRAY IN GERS EURO SUMMIT

Gers Chief in Summons to Top Club Bosses to Thrash Out New League Plans.

Rangers supermo, Sir David Murray has not been seen or heard from in recent weeks, since jammy Celtic won the league and rioting Chelsea fans trod all over the Gers Euro dreams in Manchester, but that doesn’t mean Britain’s most respected football ubermeister hasn’t been busy.

In fact, we can exclusively reveal that Sir David has summoned many of Europe’s top club supremos to a high-level meeting at the European Championships, to set out his vision for European Football.

Also on the agenda are plans for Gers to join an elite group of Europe’s largest and most respected football teams in a new super league with top level discussions at an advanced stage.

Sir David flew out in his private jet only last week, after ordering his lieutenant, Martin Bain, to request attendance from the big cheeses of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Milan and Ajax at the summit.

However after a series of late call offs which could not have been avoided, Bain turned his attention to some clubs slightly lower down the pecking order. It is thought such high-profile, dignified clubs as Rot-Weiss Klagenfurt, Dinamo Tirana, Saschen Leipzig and Rotor Volgograd may turn up.

Chief amongst Sir David’s demands will be the creation of a new European super-league, where only Gers are allowed to choose referees, and where any team who have ginger-haired, aggressive-type midfielders will not be allowed to play.

Sir David does not only have European domination on his agenda. It emerged last night that Gers are on the verge of completing an audacious bid that will see a Rangers player head for Siberia, with one of Russia’s top defenders heading in the opposite direction.

Late last night, negotiations with FC Tom-Tomsk were at an advanced stage. It is thought Kirk Broadfoot may be heading there in a multi-million pound swap deal that will see a top-level Russian defender arrive at Ibrox, rocking Scottish football and preparing the way for Rangers’ assault on Europe.

Original by Oscar.

WALTER A BUSY MAN AT EURO 2008

While the atmosphere in Manchester was tinged with disappointment, the setting sun that evening also brought closure to Rangers’ spell as European also-rans.

A European trophy final says much about a team, but most simply it says :‘Footballing Giants’, and it is against this backdrop that Walter Smith struts into Europe’s premier tournament brandishing Sir David Murray’s chequebook, and with a burning desire to take Rangers back to where they belong, Europe’s Roll of Honour.

With Rangers re-established as one of Europe’s top teams, Walter has the luxury of time that his rival, studio-bound and locked into a time-consuming BBC contract, does not.

Were it not for circumstance, and a sordid affair over the SFA’s refusal to accommodate Rangers’ success, choosing instead to penalise them for it, Rangers would rightly be summering as Champions of Scotland.

With a championship winning side at home, Walter knows only too well that he can afford to hold off and wait for the very best in Europe to become available.

With rumours abounding in Edmiston Drive that Walter and his backroom staff are running their eye over Fabio Grosso and the highly rated French striker, Thierry Henry, the Rangers support have much to be excited about this summer, despite the failure of England to qualify.

While Europe’s top teams squabble with agents and stubborn counterparts, the cucumber-cool business sense of Sir David Murray, one of the most impressive figures in European industry, is well placed to stamp his mark on the transfer market this summer.

If justice is done, his footprints will be all over this competition, and the finest players it has to offer.

Gordon Strachan, watching on detached from a stuffy studio, will be worried.

– by Campbell Stewart

Original by GB

KIRK BROADFOOT SET TO MAKE GIANT STEP

Rangers are considering a £9million offer from English giants Tottenham Hotspur, for their swashbuckling full-back Kirk Broadfoot.

The pacey, intelligent full back, renowned for his long throw-ins, joined the Gers from St Mirren in the close season last year, and in a glittering start to his Ibrox career, just missed out on making the shortlist for the SFA Player of the Year awards.

An Ibrox source confirmed that Spurs agents had been seen at Ibrox in the past few months of the season, though rumours that they were trying to give Alan Hutton back were quashed by Sir David Murray—who was apparently tucking into a platter of guinea fowl, potatoes dauphinoise and petit pois—as ‘nonsense.’

“We are probably now the biggest institution in Scotland due to the falling numbers of the established Church in Scotland and as such, we can never look back,” said Sir David. “Therefore, rumours that Alan Hutton was being smuggled into Ibrox under the cover of darkness; that we had to prise his fingers from the marble staircase and had to pay for a cheap SPT berth for him back down to London is complete nonsense.”

Spurs are also said to be mulling over bids, thought to be in the region of £9million for Allan McGregor, Sasa Papac, Dean Furman, Billy the Groundsman and Sammy the tea-man. When asked of Spurs interest, a spokesperson for Juande Ramos declined to comment. Although he did started laughing, then convulsing, before hanging up on myself. The man clearly has no dignity.

by Campbell Brown Williams III

Original by BB

RST DEMAND FUTURE FIXTURE SHAKE UP

Gers’ fans group, the Rangers Supporters Trust today outlined a number proposals for next season in order to avoid a repeat of the chaos which wrecked the Ibrox side’s quest for an unprecedented quadrangle.

RST spokesman, David Edgar told the Daily Hun: “One solution would be to start with 19 home games in a row.”

“The Trust is aware this may lead to complaints about having to play 19 away games in a row at the end of the season but the other SPL clubs should do the decent thing and give up home advantage and play all their games against Rangers at Ibrox.”

“However this may cause problems with the pitch at Ibrox having so many games played on it. Therefore some games may need to be moved to Hampden. The Trust feels Rangers should be compensated for this loss of home advantage by being given a 3 goal start in these games.”

Edgar continued: “Moving these games to Hampden may disrupt Scotland’s World Cup qualifying campaign but the SFA should also do the decent thing and withdraw the national team from the World cup as a precaution.”

Another option discussed involved Rangers being given a “wild card” entry to the CIS & Scottish Cup finals to avoid further fixture congestion. The Trust proposes the dates of the final should be decided by a special panel made up of a RST representative, Donald Findlay, David Murray & Walter Smith.

Edgar said: “In the event that no date can be decided Rangers should be awarded the trophy.”

Original by L_67

MISS RANGERS WINNER 2008 REVEALED

Miss Penny W Hore , age 19, can today be revealed as the winner of the prestigious title of Miss Rangers 2008.

Penny works from home and is also a part-time model.

Penny is no stranger to modeling competitions after coming third in the 2006 Miss Rangers competition.

We wish Penny all the luck with her new title.

BARTON REJECTS RANGERS ADVANCES

In a strange twist, incarcerated racist Joey Barton has turned down a golden offer to join Rangers after completing his demanding six months stretch at Her Majesty’s pleasure.

Barton, who allegedly has a tattoo of King Billy on his arm, is a self confessed thug, bully and alcoholic, gave an in-depth interview from the narrow confines of his prison cell.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Record Hun, Barton looked drained and in discomfort after serving a painful initiation ceremony in the shower room with “Mr Big” and “Pass the talcum Malcolm”.

” I have no intention of ever signing for Rangers, I have my self-respect to think about. It’s one thing attacking sixteen year old kids and racially abusing Asians, but playing for Rangers?”. Said Barton (25)

“The scenes from Manchester were horrendous and really turned my stomach. I never ever want to be associated with such scum”.

Such comments from Barton are sure to infuriate Gers chiefs. Walter Smith had hoped to persuade the Premiership ace to join Rangers and believes Barton would fit the bill at Ibrox.

Martin Bain was unavailable for comment.

Previous controversial Rangers targets.

- Lee Hughes (West Bromwich Albion): six years’ jail for causing death by dangerous driving

- Peter Storey (Arsenal and England): three years for fraud, plus 28 days for attempting to import pornography

- Tony Adams (Arsenal and England): jailed for drink-driving

- Gary Charles (Nottingham Forest and England): jailed twice, for drink-driving and for cutting off an electronic tag so that he could go on holiday

- Mickey Thomas (Manchester United and Wales) jailed for fraud

- Graham Rix (Arsenal and England): sentenced to a year in jail for having sex with a minor

Original by Steve Clark.

TRANSFER NEWS - PAUL SCHOLES TO RANGERS

In an audacious bid Walter Smith has set his eyes on signing veteran Manchester United midfielder, Paul Scholes.

Walter, who is known to be a huge fan of the flame haired Lancastrian, will use some of the money he has garnered from Rangers heroics in Europe to secure the signature of the man from Oldham.

Scholes’s mother who hails from Larkhall is keen that her son should fulfill a family wish and join her childhood favourites.

Paul has been told privately by Sir Alex Ferguson that he cannot be guaranteed a starting place next season.

Ferguson is keen to rebuild his squad with new young foreign talent and Scholes is seen by Sir Govan as surplus to requirement.

Wages may be somewhat problematic, however the DailyHun understands that Smith is ready to dangle Lee McCulloch and Charlie Adam’s sister’s pants as bait for Sir Alex.

It may well be an offer that Sir Govan cannot turn down.

WE’LL TURN DESPAIR INTO FLAIR NEXT SEASON

Rangers livewire striker Nacho Novo last night rounded on the club’s critics. The Ibrox men, inspite of the soaring success they have achieved this season, have endured a torrent of mocking and abuse from opposition fan’s in regard the style of play Walter Smith has deployed this season.

The little Spaniard was indignant and took umbrage to these mischievous claims. “People have claimed we have been defensive all season, but how many times have a team scored three goals in consecutive cup finals? Tell me,” Novo boldly plowed on, “when did it last happen?”

The chain of thought here could be that the diminutive wingman come forward is still simmering with resentment at his ordering off at Pittodrie nary three days hitherto, so much so that when I pose this question to the former Huesca goal hero, I might have expected him to squirm in the plush leather couch, and possibly even let the expensive Ibrox fabric engulf him completely.

Instead Novo surprises, as he courageously crouches forward, a steely glint in his eye whilst he jabs out a finger. “You show me a good loser, and I’ll show you a loser,” as he gestures expansively and histrionically with his dancing fingers.

It is this show of bravado, some may convey it as arrogance, that marks the ex Dundee hitman out as the classic pantomime villain to all football supporters bar his own.

Such confidence is crystallised when Novo admits he still harbours hopes of one day representing his country. “It’s a dream, and dreams never die. There’s little to no chance of (Luis) Aragones picking me, my face doesn’t fit, or he doesn’t fancy my style of play. I’m not stupid though, I realise there is a lot of competition for striking places.”

The Ibrox darling, whose cool and nonchalant dispatch of the final penalty in Florence sent Rangers to their first European final in more than thirty years, derives confidence from friend and former Dundee team mate Claudio Cannigia. “Claudio phoned me the other day and told me not to be disheartened, that nobody expected him to be picked for Argentina, but he was, and he went on to have a great world cup in 2002.”

When I enquired whether his desperation for recognition from natives in his homeland was borne more out of hope than expectation, Novo, enigmatic as ever, shrugged his shoulders and let his body creep forward once again, whispering, “what will be, will be. My only concern is achieving success with Rangers, and I’m sure this will continue to come next season.”

And with that, he was gone, as quickly as one of his vaunted exocets that nearly burst the net this season and, sadly, Novo would concede, as hastily as Rangers championship challenge perished.

Original by Diego Jimbo

GERS MANAGEMENT END OF SEASON REVIEW

Ian “Durranty” Durrant has been revealed as the man behind Gers’ CIS Cup success.

Durranty learned some harsh lessons due to his cup experience last season and promised Walter that he would help Gers win a major honour this time around. The fast, flowing attacking style of Durranty’s team was the reason they lost 3 goals but the football was mouth-watering.

But it wasn’t just Ian who played his part, it has been sensationally revealed that each Gers’ coach had been assigned a specific task over the course of the season.

Ally was key to the glorious Scottish cup run destroying the likes of Partick, St.Johnstone and QOS on the way to a historic cup and cup double.

Kenny McDowall was responsible for away games, which turned out to be a steep learning curve whilst settling into management the Glasgow Rangers way. Kenny has made good progress.

That leaves Walter, who was in charge for Gers’ home matches. Out of the 19 games played, 18 were won with only one defeat and a UEFA Cup Final.

Walt could have taken the Gers to league glory but he is looking to the long-term and wants a management team ready and experienced enough for the challenges the bares face for the next 2 or 3 decades.

By the look of things, the glory days are coming back to the Brox. Champions League beware!!

Original by Ringtone

PLAN TO DEAL WITH FAN’S MISBEHAVIOUR

Sir David Murray is privately fuming at the behaviour of a small group of drunken yobs who have brought the good name of Rangers into the gutter.

He is also ashamed that the disgraceful antics of a handful of yobs has damaged Scotland and Scottish football.

However, he has acted swiftly in his usual manner to limit the damage and has already implemented a series of measures which should restore the good name of Rangers football club.

I can exclusively reveal that in the wake of the disturbing scenes which featured just a few ’supporters’, he has already contacted Alex Salmond with a view to setting up a summit to get to the bottom of the alarming behaviour of the few who tarnished the good name of Scotland.

He has also summoned Celtic chairman John Reid to his luxurious home in Edinburgh, in an attempt to get a joint response by Scotland’s two biggest clubs to the ongoing crisis.

Murray is shrewd enough to realize that the fundamental causes of the rioting were not just too much booze and too few facilities. Deep down, the factors that caused the trouble were poverty, ignorance and a lack of opportunity.

A Rangers spokesman who wished to remain anonymous said;

“At the summit everything is up for discussion, from segregated schooling to mixed marriages, we will leave no stone unturned to get to the source of this cancer which continues to plague Scottish society”.

Original by Steve Clark

RST: WE APOLOGISE FOR NOTHING

Gers’ fans group the Rangers Supporters Trust today insisted that the Bares are not to blame for the violence which marred the UEFA cup final and believe the finger of blame lies elsewhere.

They released the following statement:

___________________________

On behalf of The Rangers Supporters Trust, I have been asked to make a statement regarding last night’s game in Manchester.

First of all, I would like to pay tribute to the players and coaching staff that got Rangers all the way to the final of a European Cup only to fall at the final hurdle.

I would also like to recognize the achievement of Zenit and their supporters in winning the UEFA cup, in a closely contested but fairly fought game, they prevailed.

In addition, I would like to pay tribute to the people of Manchester who made us so welcome. The vast majority of Rangers supporters were impeccably behaved and that simple point needs to be noted. Of the 200.000 people who were located in the environs of Greater Manchester, a minute fraction got themselves involved in some naughty scraps with the authorities.

However, it has to be said that the organization by Manchester City Council left a lot to be desired. Despite repeated approaches by the RST, the council refused to open the Old Trafford Stadium which is much more suitable for receiving vast numbers of fans than open, public squares which are close to commercial premises.

Secondly, the attitude of the local police left a lot to be desired. It was clear from a very early stage that they wanted some sort of confrontation. Our record speaks for itself. During our long and exhausting trips through Europe this season, we have not experienced any real violence to speak of, whether it be Germany, Spain, Portugal or Greece. Why was Manchester so different?

Whether they were acting under instructions from above or there is some innate anti-Rangers sentiment within the GMP service, I don’t know. But what was clear was that, when a few minor incidents arose, they were quick, perhaps too quick to exploit and worsen an already tense situation.

How else do you explain their over-the-top violence against unarmed and innocent Rangers supporters.

Thirdly, alcohol. Why were local traders selling vast amounts of alcohol to so many people without adequate checks? This was a simple case of exploiting the Scottish visitors who poured vast amounts of money into local coffers.

Rangers and its supporters have nothing to apologise for, not least when the culpability lies elsewhere.

By Daffyd Edgar

Original by Steve Clark

MANCHESTER WAS TOO CHEAP AND CLOSE

The pain is still etched on his face, a full two days after the shameful scenes that disgraced a club and outraged a nation.

In the spartan but smart living room of David Edgar, fast, rapid stacatto sentences are occasionally punctuated with eery pregnant pauses. Edgar himself looks slightly dishevelled, decidely pale and sounds extremely angry.

For Edgar the last seventy two hours have been a voyage of self discovery and a deep examination of the Rangers psyche. The psychos may determine the Rangers psyche, but their moments of mindless barbarity in Manchester will take a generation at least to erode from the national consciousness.

Just as Peter Mandelson represented the new face of New Labour, David Edgar was the face of “New Rangers”. Articulate, photogenic and media savvy, Edgar’s performance to date as the frontman of the Rangers Supporters Trust has been outstanding.

In recent months David Edgar could be regularly seen and heard on the national media, putting across his message that Rangers was a club in transition, refuting old prejudices and adopting a new more tolerant approach to people who don’t normally fit the profile of a ’stereotypical’ Rangers supporter. Ethnic minorities have been courted and bilateral projects with bitter rivals Celtic have won praise from governmental organizations.

“I could be really flippant and start by saying ’some of my best friends are Catholics’, but the cliche is true, I do actually have many Catholic Celtic supporting friends! I also know many other Rangers supporters who have similar relationships with Celtic supporters. The point is we really want to move away from that dangerous stereotype of the bigot who follows Rangers. We really want to destroy that horrible caricature”.

There is no doubting the man’s sincerity, he is genuinely angered that a large section of his fellow supporters are depicted in such a negative way. However, as I painfully point out the images from the streets of Manchester earlier in the week did not exactly help destroy the myth of the Rangers bully boys.

“Absolutely true Darryl, and I am not going to use this interview as means of excusing the inexcusable. We were largely to blame for the disgusting scenes we saw on Wednesday night. To be fair there were other factors too; the role of the police, some of the decisions taken by the city council, the lack of facilities, non-Rangers supporters intent on violence,the weather, etc.

However the bottom line is that we as Rangers supporters have to face up to our responsibilities and continue to root out those who bring shame on our great institution.”

It is heartening to see that Edgar has not taken the easy route and sought to point the finger of blame elsewhere, he recognizes that there still remains much work to do at Ibrox in changing primitive attitudes. David Edgar in his quiet understated way then moves onto a theme which he says the various media have failed to deal with.

“Society. You have to put the actions of last Wednesday into some sort of context. Context is everything with regard to what happened in Manchester. We live in a yob society, not a day goes by without us hearing on the news more disturbing reports on under age drinking, stabbings and random violence, drug abuse, teenage pregnancies, and so on. What I am trying to convey to you is that no man is an island, we are animals, social animals albeit and at Rangers we are no different.

There is much about Margaret Thatcher that I admired, but she once came out with a disgraceful statement that ‘there is no such thing as society’. Frankly, coming from such an inspirational leader that was a huge faux pas. A very rare mistake from a conviction politician, but a major error nonetheless. What we witnessed on the streets of central Manchester can be seen in just about every medium sized town or big city at pub closing time anywhere in Britain.

Admittedly the scale is different, but in essence the problem is the same, drunken behaviour fuelled by cheap booze and a hatred of authority in the shape of the police. Frankly, Rangers cannot and will not be held responsible for society’s ills”.

It’s a very spirited defence from a man who refuses to be backed into a corner. I feel obliged to contrast the behaviour of Celtic and Rangers in the respective UEFA Cup finals. Edgar visibly winces before answering.

“Look I really don’t want to go down the path of comparing and contrasting the two sets of supporters. I have said it before and I will say it again, in Seville the Celtic supporters were magnificent. However, we are not comparing like with like. Celtic brought significantly fewer supporters to Spain, than Rangers took to Manchester.

That is a huge factor which needs to be emphasized. Related to that fact is that to get to Seville, you had to have a pretty good income to afford a flight, accommodation not to mention a ticket. Frankly, only relatively rich and well to do people could afford such expenditure. I am not trying to turn this into a class issue, but let’s just say a certain section of the Celtic support went to Spain and another very different section of the support stayed at home. Had Rangers gone to Seville, the result would have been identical, of that I have no doubt whatsoever.

Manchester was close by, it was cheap, it was accessible and the lower sections of Scottish society with a tenuous link to Rangers tagged along to cause trouble”.

There is no faulting his logic and a man whose innate intelligence shines through, has given an economical and sociological explanation for what happened in Manchester. I predict that we will be hearing a lot more from this young visionary in the future.

Original by Steve Clark

QUADRANGLE OFF AS GERS ARE PUMPED OUT

MANCHESTER - Tonight Rangers were beaten 2-0 by Zenit St Petersburg in the UEFA Cup Final to instantly kill the dream of winning a historic, unprecedented quadrangle of 4 trophies .

More to followfollow…

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