Maurice Edu might be available for the upcoming “little match”
By: j |
6 Comments
Walter Smith commented that Maurice Edu is likely to play in this Sunday’s Old Firm clash with at Parkhead. The twenty-two year-old American is said to be finalizing his work permits in the U.S. embassy in Toronto, Canada and hopefully will be at practice tomorrow.
Walter Smith further commented:
“The good thing is that he has been playing regularly and traveling around the world regularly with the US national team.
“When I first met him he came across as one of these boys who would not be fazed by a great deal. He seems quite a confident lad. If we can get him over in good time I have no doubt he would be involved on Sunday at some stage.”
Category: Team News
Aberdeen match review
By: j | 5 Comments
While the Rangers dominated play in Aberdeen today, the match ended in a 1-1, albeit controversial, draw.
The Rangers struck first as Kevin Thomson’s free-kick was headed to the back of the net by Davie Weir at the twenty-third minute. The Ger’s weren’t able to take the lead to the half as Aberdeen, on their only real offensive threat of the half, scored on Derek Young strike. In many ways it typified Aberdeen of late, out-played in every manner except the score-sheet and a the opposition squandering opportunities.
The match ended controversially with Pedro Mendes feeding DaMarcus Beasley for the go-ahead goal in added-time but was called back with a very late offside call. You’ll likely hear a great deal of (whining) commentary of the call being “questionable” however the truth is, that the Rangers had ample opportunity to win this match without having to score in the last minute and shouldn’t be complaining of calls not going their way. Whether the call was correct or not, usually those who end-up on the wrong side of the match do the most complaining and winners just take it with the territory. The Rangers need Strikers who can finish, pure and simple.
Walter Smith said after the match: “Pedro Mendes put a terrific ball through to Beasley and although Kris Boyd was fractionally offside, I don’t think he could have been deemed as interfering with play.
“I feel we deserved to shade a win, especially based on our first-half performance, but it wasn’t to be.”
No, the match ended in a draw, the Rangers didn’t net the winning goal even though virtually the entire first half was played in Aberdeen’s end with constant pressure and I don’t feel bad for a squad that can’t score from point-blank range. While many want me to strike up the band and simply lie in a Rangers blog, the truth is the stumbling bumbling ways that led to FBK Kaunas looking like a Champions League squad led to this decision. If Strikers can’t score, why are they here? I warrant many loyal fans might not like my matter-of-fact delivery but excuses should not be part of the coaching vocabulary, at least those that are “winning coaches.”
Aberdeen’s force’s should be commended for a yeoman like job today as they found a way to get a point. The supposed reprieve for the Rangers of Charlie Mulgrew missing the match was erroneous as the young Scot proved to me once again, he’s a tough SOB that you can build a club around. Looking for a man-of-the-match, it’s simple because the twenty-two year-old Glasgow native did a great job and I’m hopeful George Burley calls him up for the World Cup qualifiers.
Rangers can take a lot from this match, particularly Steven Davis and Pedro Mendes, as well as the tenacious attacking style that was evident from the opening whistle. Finishing needs to be dealt with and fast because squandered opportunities will continue to cost the club dearly.
Category: Team Newsweek 3 preview v Aberdeen
By: j | Add Comments
In continuation of our review of Aberdeen, the Rangers possibly have a reprieve with The Don’s Charlie Mulgrew likely out of the match after suffering a deep gash in international duty, Scott Severin and striker Tommy Wright facing match-time fitness tests and Zander Diamond definitely out. Those losses will have a huge impact upon the complexion of the match.
The Rangers welcome back Steven Davis to the fold along with Nacho Novo, who is back from suspension and Lee McCulloch returning from injury. New man Pedro Mendes will be looking to repeat his stellar debut last week and he will be instrumental in not only adding a new dimension to the club but breathing-in a slowly emerging sense of confidence. Finishing will need to be their best as Aberdeen’s home is a fortress, where visiting clubs opportunities will be at a minimum.
To defeat Aberdeen, Rangers need to open the play up and not let Aberdeen choke tempo off. This is a challenge at anytime for a club visiting Pittodrie, however with the notable absences for The Don’s the opportunity to come out with three points is never better.
I will be posting a full match review upon its conclusion.
Category: Team Newsweek 3 opponent preview Aberdeen
By: j | Add Comments
Week three has the Rangers off to venture to Pittodrie Stadium to face Jimmy Calderwood’s Aberdeen.
The Dons are an interesting mix of guile, opportunism and potential. They are a club that makes their home an absolute fortress but have had massive problems on the road. Statistically they are a peculiar club to pin down as in the past they have scored too little, given up too many goals and yet they have the grit and tenacity to climb up the ladder and earn a European bid. As someone who appreciates the underdog who just gets the tough job done, that alone makes me appreciate Aberdeen.
The strength of the club or should I say the future of the club starts in the back-line with Andrew Considine and Charlie Mulgrew. These two will be fixtures in the clubs defending core for years to come and Charlie Mulgrew has the ability to push the ball forward in a more attacking position. In the midfield and attacking positions, its likely best to say the club is lacking creativity, confidence and needs to be more aggressive. The midfield of Gary McDonald, Scott Severin, Derek Young and Mark Kerr needs to balance their defensive concerns with greater flanking attacks to create a more advantageous defensive position and are typically losing defending positions in the similar vein.
Their striking threat lays firmly on the shoulders of Lee Miller, who has affirmed his solid finishing ability, along with Darren Mackie and the extremely promising Chris Maguire. As it relates to nineteen year-old Chris Maguire, he has shown tremendous touch and vision around the goal and will reward the club with quality service if given the time. In addition, Aberdeen added Tommy Wright who scored at a formidable pace with Darlington of League Two. He’s a very interesting talent, who if he gains confidence and controls his emotions could go a long way in solving Aberdeen’s goal scoring woes.
Part two of our review will follow with the Rangers approach to the match.
Category: Team NewsSteven Davis deal done!
By: j | 2 Comments
It’s official, the long-winded deal to bring Steven Davis to the Rangers from the tony confines of Fulham is now complete. Said to £3m, he immediately joined the club in signing a four-year contract and will be in the lineup against Aberdeen.
Per the club web-site “I am delighted. It’s been on-going all summer and it’s great that it is finally done and dusted.
“It’s been on and off for the past few months. I kept hearing bits and pieces so it’s terrific that I have finally signed and now I can concentrate on the football.
“It was a difficult time because I was wondering if it was going to happen and that took its toll but thankfully everything is sorted out now.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time here last season. It’s a great club and I’m just glad to be part of it again and I look forward to playing for the club for the next four years.”
Category: Team Newsanother reason to support Partick Thistle
By: j | Add Comments
I think I can safely say that each of us who blogs for the Scottish clubs here possess the common denominator of supporting Football in the region, regardless of the league. With this in-mind I wanted to draw your attention to just another good reason to get to a Partick Thistle match.
The Rangers have agreed to loan their superb young striker, Steven Lennon to the Glasgow club for six months. He’s proven to be quite a prolific scorer with reserves and while I was hoping he’d see time with the first team (given he actually can put the ball into the net) instead of bringing in anyone else, he’ll do a stellar job for Ian McCall’s club.
If you’re in the area, get to Partick Thistle match and support the local talent.
Category: Team NewsRangers defeat Hearts 2-0, match review
By: j | 2 Comments
The Rangers came away with a resounding 2-0 victory over Hearts and a reaffirming statement of heart and intention in front of their fans at Ibrox today.
From start to finish, the Gers displayed the heart and passion that has been absent this summer and were deserving of the victory. Fittingly Kyle Lafferty, who played a stellar match, hard tackling and challenging at every opportunity, scored the winning goal as he sent Madjid Bougherra’s cross past goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald at the thirty-seven minute mark. However while I mention his goal I want to emphasize the many tough challenges he pursued throughout the match because it was evident how Hearts were worked away from their tactical plan as frustration set-in. Equally the striking duo of Andrius Velicka and Kris Boyd were given the starting assignment, played with the passion of “something to prove” and should be rubber stamped into next weeks lineup.
However the day belonged to new-man Pedro Mendes who endeared himself to the Ibrox faithful with not only his offensive creativity but hard-charging play. From the get-go, he flourished in the attack setting up Lee McCulloch at the four minute mark, amongst numerous other moves he initiated and was ruthless defending. Hearts frustration was best typified by Saulius Mikoliunas, who was having a solid match but sent off with his second yellow, the first being for a wonderfully dramatic dive (oh, the agony of it all) and the damning second, a ridiculously late challenge on Kenny Miller. Kris Boyd rounded out the scoring with a added-time penalty strike, after Kenny Miller was brought down in the box by Lee Wallace.
The Rangers now head to Aberdeen in week three of the season, looking to keep their winning streak going.
Rangers: McGregor, Broadfoot, Bougherra, Weir, Papac, McCulloch (Miller 60), Thomson, Pedro Mendes, Lafferty (Beasley 62), Velicka (Darcheville 82), Boyd.
Subs Not Used: Alexander, Dailly, Furman, Fleck.
Booked: Thomson.
Goals: Lafferty 37, Boyd 90 pen.
Hearts: MacDonald, Thomson, Zaliukas, Berra, Lee Wallace, Kingston (Mikoliunas 65), Stewart, Karipidis, Driver, Mole (Cesnauskis 75), Ksanavicius (Nade 50).
Subs Not Used: Kello, Palazuelos, Makela, Jonsson.
Sent Off: Mikoliunas (74). Booked: Kingston, Mikoliunas.
Category: Team NewsWeek 2 Hearts preview, part 2
By: j | Add Comments
Further to the part one of the preview in which we reviewed Hearts, the approach the Rangers will take is a devilish sort. In-fact, I’ll you tell that Walter Smith must be reveling with the opportunity this match provides as a motivator.
First and foremost, this is a gut-check and if the Gers are made of the mettle I believe they are, they’ll be looking hard at the motivational words of Heart owner Vladimir Romanov to FBK Kaunas prior their Champions League match. Each and every day of this past week this should be reinforced and as you get ready to step on the pitch tomorrow, the message of the day should be pay-back. Swift, hard and not very pretty. This isn’t a boys game and the Rangers have to get off life’s canvass and deliver a tough blow to Hearts. The hardest of hard tackles, nothing left unchallenged and don’t give a blade of grass up. Defensively, Hearts will have problems as the match wears on physically if you are the aggressor. Hearts manager, Csaba Laszlo, desperately likes his squads to control the ball but under a well played tactical match-up that limits their possession, they tend to lose focus and make mental errors, particularly in the back-line. Again, attack the ball and when in possession, slowly build up play with patience, don’t be afraid to crash the box and always be aware that Hearts is susceptible to the counter and aerial attacks. Continue to slowly draw Hearts into the middle in a effort to launch flanking attacks and crosses. Motherwell employed the same strategy last week and if wasn’t for some blown defensive assignments they would have came out with three points. New man Pedro Mendes is available for the match and thankfully David Weir is back.
With it twelve or so hours before the match, I’m breathing fire and ready for this to get going. Rangers faithful, show your support - this one is personal.
Category: Team NewsPedro Mendes to Rangers?
By: j | 2 Comments
The BBC is reporting that Portsmouth have accepted a offer in the range of £3m for twenty-nine year-old midfielder Pedro Mendes.
Walter Smith commented:
“He’s very good technically and I hope he will come and improve us,” said Rangers manager Walter Smith. “He is a really good all-round midfield player.
I will update this situation as further information is available.
Category: Team NewsWeek 2 opponent review Hearts
By: j | Add Comments
The second week of the season has Hearts visiting Ibrox in what will surely be a heated encounter, much of it do with their owner Vladimir Romanov, delight with the recent loss to FBK Kaunas which he equally controls. Prior to pre-match preview, that to no-one’s surprise will emphasize the “this one is personal” motivational ploy for the Gers, lets take a quick look at the squad from Edinburgh.
New Hearts manager Csaba László is a distinctive break from the past and he will create a more counter-attack rich squad with great deal of passing flair and flanking assaults. The key to his approach is that his squad will always have an eye towards drawing their opponent into the center of the pitch before launching a counter-attack wave along the channel. Work-rate within a attacking style is key to Csaba László’s approach and as an example, I’m expecting him to have a very pronounced impact upon Laryea Kingston importance and play this campaign. The clubs midfield of Andrew Driver and Michael Stewart along with Kingston is their strong suit and there success relies upon this group. New-man, midfielder David Obua will have a major impact upon the squad but his formal registration from Kaiser Chiefs has yet to be completed so he is unlikely to be in the Ibrox tussle. Captain Christophe Berra is a good leader who possess a keen eye on the pitch and will try to stabilize the back line that continues the up and coming left-back Lee Wallace, however this is the clubs weakness. Twenty year-old Jamie Mole who many will recall for Livingston and Queen of the South, got the nod for the opening match against Motherwell at Striker and if given the chance, he will develop into a quality predator.
Part two of my match preview to come shortly.
Category: Team News
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