I’ve been trying so hard to think of something that could be my first blog entry. I’ve been reading through the previous entries and I’ve noticed that my predecessor left off just at the end of last season, but so much has happened since then. We’ve lost a lot of players. The words “crisis” and “turmoil” are being bandied about by the tabloids in regards to our financial situation on an almost daily basis. Sir David Murray stepped down (again) as Chairman and the will they/won’t they buy the club debate about every millionaire that has even the most tenuous link to the club rages ever onwards.

Then, this week, after a long time coming, George Burley was sacked as Scotland manager. Since then a lot of memories of his disastrous tenure as boss came flooding back, many of them surrounding our own players. Lee McCulloch announced his retirement from international football; Kris Boyd declared himself unavailable for as long as Burley remained manager; Kirk Broadfoot got a bit upset and then “Boozegate.”

Now, reports of the past couple of days suggest that should Kris Boyd decide to get over himself he’ll be welcomed back into the fold. More controversially, in a staggering display of backpedalling (serving only to make themselves look idiotic), the SFA have decided that “Banned for Life” means only the managerial lifetime of George Burley when it comes to Allan McGregor and the recently-departed-from-Ibrox Barry Ferguson. My own personal opinion is that they shouldn’t have even been banned in the first place, a hefty fine and a suspension would have been more than sufficient but in a blatant case of shooting themselves in the foot, the SFA lost arguably three of the best players who could currently be playing for their country when they were needed most.

I can see Boyd and McGregor going back into the set-up. McGregor, especially, given his recent performances for Rangers has proven his worth and ability. However, Ferguson made it perfectly clear in interviews following his move to Birmingham City that he would no longer consider being part of the Scotland team even if the bans were revoked. Maybe he’ll change his mind, maybe not.

Of course, as soon as the news broke that Burley was for the off, heads started turning towards Ibrox for another reason: Walter Smith. Though today, thankfully, Smith has pledged his allegiance to Rangers once again, stating that he has no intention whatsoever of going back to Scotland. In a further statement he has cemented his loyalty towards the club in his intention to remain manager even when his contract expires in January. Whatever your opinions of Walter may be, and as stressful as some of his decisions sometimes are, (4-5-1, anyone?), I think it would be difficult to argue that there could be a better manager to get Rangers through the current difficulties which the club faces.

Setanta has until next Monday to pay the amounts owing before going into formal default. Should this occur, each SPL will be faced with some highly problematic cash flow situations and financing credit lines are likely to be tightened considerably.

While this problem is shared by all Scottish Premier League sides, the Gers face a number of balance sheet woes that must be dealt with. Should the existing broadcasting contract go into default the Rangers will likely need to expedite cost cutting measures.

After considerable thought and debate this will serve as my final post on the this blog. If you care to apply for this blog please contact Daryl with The Offside (click here) after reviewing the blogging guidelines at www.theoffside.com/bloggers.

The winning strike came from Nacho Novo a minute after the break as he collected a throw-in from Saša Papac and sent a surprising dipping effort to the far right corner from outside the box. The goal seemed to have caught Falkirk ‘keeper Dani Mallo off the line as was left flat-footed by the simple turn and half-volley strike. The lead would certainly leave Falkirk supporters feel hard done by as they were the debatably the dominant side in the opening forty-five minutes. However after the break, Walter Smith ushered in Nacho Novo for Kris Boyd and the result was immediate. For the balance of the match fortune fall the Rangers way as Falkirk threatened on numerous occasions, even having a goal called by with a debatable offside call. However it was not be for the Falkirk side and Walter Smith and company completed the miraculous double.

If champions are born through adversity, the Rangers answered that call loud and clear. Through a year of much torment and surrounding with a heavy weight of financial problems lingering, the Gers fought back to enter the final weekend with tight lead over Celtic. Still there was the final match day, a nerve racking test against Dundee United in which only a victory is acceptable.

Any questions were answered without haste as the Rangers came out with blood-thirsty intent. However five-minutes in the Rangers had their lead as Steven Davis linked the ball to Kris Boyd, whose misfire was turned in by Kyle Lafferty from close range. Further changes came and went unfullfilled but just before the break the margin was doubled as Pedro Mendes pounded the ball in from twenty metres after Saša Papac free-kick was blocked by the wall. If there was any doubt to the outcome, seven minutes after the re-start Steven Whittaker crossed to Kris Boyd for a close range finish. As time ticked down, the Rangers incredible comeback to the campaign was dotted with the SPL championship.

Reaching the pinnacle of the SPL cannot be debated however for the Rangers it could very well have a massive positive impact upon their financial situation. That of-course is for another time as celebration has begun as Walter Smith’s men can hold their heads high as Scottish Premier League champions.

Two points about Celtic, the Rangers can end their rivals three year hold of the SPL title with a victory. Fortune has certainly fallen the Gers way as their tumultuous season, starting with the fallout from the loss to FBK Kaunas in Champions League qualifying to the endless financial rumours has them on the cusp of the championship. However a late season swoon by Celtic opened the door for the Rangers and they quite took advantage of the situation.

However the task will be great for the Rangers as Dundee Utd can book a date to the Europa League with a point. In the end this comes down the the classic test, two sides with much on the line going toe-to-toe. It is a well-worn story-line but in matches such as these but the victor will be the side who “out-wants” the other.

From the disappointing mid-week draw to Hibs, Walter Smith included Saša Papac, Kyle Lafferty and Kenny Miller into the starting eleven. After a series of fine attacking advances by the Gers, Charlie Mulgrew was shown a straight red-card for violent conduct or at least intent for violent conduct because contact was minimal with Kyle Lafferty likely pursuing his SAG card shortly given his brilliant thespian abilities. Presuming the calls needed to be “evened-up” Madjid Bougherra was sent off five minutes before the break in another harsh red-card. After the restart, with the referee assured he was the centre of attention, the Rangers continued to with a modest edge in momentum but were far from finding the mark. At the hour Barry Ferguson returned to the fold coming in for Pedro Mendes and only five minutes later the Gers had the lead as Richard Foster redirected Kenny Miller’s cross in as a own goal. Two minutes later, Nacho Novo’s corner was sent in by Kenny Miller to provide the Rangers a goal margin. However in dire need to closing down Celtic lead in goal differential, the Gers were denied by Aberdeen and with thirteen minutes remaining in regulation Michael Paton accepted Gary McDonald’s provision before sending in.

The Rangers await next Sunday’s final match against Dundee United with a very likely goal outpouring needed.

While some of the news dealt with the hearty issue of Kirk Broadfoot’s “injury” when he was scalded by a poached egg when opening the microwave door, the Gers will need to find a mental toughness to power through an attacking binge over the next two matches. Starting with Saturday’s difficult test against Aberdeen at Ibrox they are in the unusual position of not only playing for three points but to continue to press for a full ninety minutes.

Although Kirk Broadfoot was already excluded prior to his dreadful culinary injury and Andrius Velička will miss due to illness the Gers have Kenny Miller, Saša Papac and Barry Ferguson available. Lest anyone fall victim to a late gardening accident, the Gers have ample forces available for the match.

Prior to Saturdays match, Walter Smith said of the Dons:

“Now we have to concentrate on Aberdeen but it won’t be easy. They’ve been difficult opponents for us over the period of time I’ve been back at the club.

“It will a hard game but we have to approach it looking to take advantage of the fact we’re at home and try to win the game.”

Of Wednesday’s missed opportunity he added:

“If you look at the way we approached the match the other night, I didn’t think there was that much wrong with it.

“We could have been doing with being a bit brighter in the first half but we imposed ourselves in the second.

“Of course, we left ourselves a little bit open with the way we played after the break and Hibs had an opportunity to go 2-0 up before we scored.

“But any team that has to score goals is going to taker risks. This weekend we have to be positive and if we play well enough, we’ll hopefully win the match.

“We’ve only lost one league game since the turn of the year and we go into the match with a level of confidence.”

With Andrius Velička back into the starting grid due to a flare-up in Kenny Miller’s hamstring problem the Gers showed early attacking promise. After early chances by Pedro Mendes and Kris Boyd were squandered Derek Riordan gave Hibs the shocking lead four minutes before the break. Receiving the ball from Steven Fletcher at the top of the box, he created the smallest amount of the space before sending a pinpoint touch effort into the top right corner of the net. At the break Walter Smith summoned Kyle Lafferty and Nacho Novo to spur the attack on and while the chances were forthcoming, finishing was painfully off-course. Nacho Novo had two strong chances somehow escape the net and with twenty minutes on the clock he seemed to have put the ball over the line before being being played back in by Ross Chisholm with the referee waiving the play on. Finally with ten minutes on the clock Nacho Novo provided the equalizer as he poached on a close range rebound but despite the Gers attempts the winner, it wasn’t to be and the match ended with a draw.

The only significant change to the lineup was Kenny Miller’s return to the starting eleven with Andrius Velička pushed to the bench. The addition of Scottish international to the fold proved vital as his attacking pulse showed early on and ultimately it was his cross that led to Stephen Davis plunking in the winner eight minutes before the break. To the surprise of many the pacing of the Old Firm derby was decidedly up-tempo. With both sides choosing to attack opportunities began to emerge with Shunsuke Nakamura forcing the best out of by Gers ‘keeper Neil Alexander twenty minutes in. Moments later a Steven Whittaker attempt rang off the post and the back and forth pace continued until seven minutes past the half-hour when Kris Boyd’s provision to Kenny Miller resulted in the fine cross being sent pass Celtic’s Artur Boruc by Steven Davis. Prior to the break Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink came within a whisper of equalizing the match however Steven Davis proved to be up to the task on the other end as he cleared the former PSV man’s header off the line. After the break Kris Boyd’s misfortune in the Old Firm continued as he was unable to add insurance goals on two separate occasions. As the match turned to this final quarter-hour Aiden McGeady beaded down on the leveler but his effort rattled the woodwork before falling to safety. Without further mark concluded with Rangers victorious and head towards Hibernian on Wednesday with the SPL crown before them.

While the financial future of the Rangers is far from a cheery tale, Saturday is “personal”, a chance to race towards the crown with the added pleasure of wrestling it from Celtic. As can be expected the Ibrox faithful will sing out and urge their forces on in a highly spirited Old Firm derby.

On the injury front Walter Smith as Saša Papac and Madjid Bougherra although Kirk Broadfoot is unavailable. Kris Boyd has been scoring at remarkable pace and will look to unlock his troubles against the Bhoys. Walter Smith’s attacking options remain wide open as both Kenny Miller and Kyle Lafferty are available but Andrius Velička has been unstoppable over the last month.