The Heart of the Matter

As pre season in Scottish football hits its peak, it approaches the one year anniversary of the biggest decision the SPL – or perhaps Scottish football as a whole – has ever made. As Rangers Football Club was forced into the ‘newco’ option to keep the club alive, the SPL took the decision to deny Rangers entry into the SPL for the 2012/2013 season, forcing the ‘Gers to start a historic journey in the Scottish Third Division.

Depending on your perspective, it was quite a bold decision. Whereas some SPL fans who backed a “No to Newco”  campaign citing “sporting integrity” as the main reason for refusing Rangers entry, some of the Light Blues fans felt spite and anger motivated the decision; a chance to kick the bigger club whilst they were down. The decision will always be open to interpretation as some felt it was financial suicide, and others felt it was a necessary evil. Before the vote, the majority of SPL clubs came out to clarify their position to their fans that were eager for a decision to be made.

Amongst those clubs were Hearts of Midlothian, who issued their statement through controversial and divisive owner, Vladimir Romanov. For those of you that have somehow managed to forget this statement, here is a reminder. In typical ‘Mad Vlad’ fashion, he launched into a tirade that left no one uncertain of his position. Romanov stated that the “football mafia” of former Rangers owners and Rupert Murdcoh were to blame for the problems in Scottish football, and that Rangers “should not be allowed back in under any circumstances”. He also went on to explain how he believed Scottish football would be able to create its own self sustaining company without Rupert Murdoch or the help of Rangers. Now, of course the merits of this statement are up for debate, but one thing that cannot be denied is that they were allowed to state their position. It was a similar line to other teams in the SPL, but few others brought such a slant to it.

At the end of the day, it is not something that can be changed. SPL teams took up their stance for whatever reasons they took them up for, and many were more than satisfied with it. Rangers also had to accept this decision, and the fans flocked to back the club in Division Three. Both sides of the matter had to accept the division and move on with life.

However, almost one year on, this is proving difficult to do.

Today as Hearts released a statement stating their financial hardship – something that an onlooker of the situation would feel they have been staving off for quite some time now – the club listed a number of reasons as to why they had hit such hard times and amongst them was this gem;

“Other factors that hit revenues include the absence of Rangers Football Club from the SPL…”

The hypocrisy of this statement has been difficult to escape. How can Hearts state one year that they feel it is in the best interests of the game that Rangers aren’t in the SPL, then state that the decision they helped to make is one of the reasons for their problem? When Hearts and the other SPL clubs made their decision last year, they knew the factors that came into it. They knew the issues they would face without Rangers and what impact it would have, and should have been taken account for at the time. One year on, the club cannot refer back to this decision with the use of hindsight, and to use a bit of a clichéd statement, they cannot have their cake and eat it.

There are a lot of people involved at Hearts, and supporters of the club who do not deserve what the club may be facing. Only a year on from such financial catastrophe, Rangers fans should know this better than anyone, but when a club like Hearts are willing to cast doubt on the decision they played their part in, it makes the ongoing healing process between Rangers and Scottish football a bit more difficult to stomach for some Rangers fans that are still hurting. When Neil Doncaster stated that a line had to be drawn under the situation and all clubs had to move on, it is appearing a fickle statement. When Rangers agreed to accept their place and move on from the situation, how would it look if Rangers were to issue a statement blaming the SPL for finances or other such problems?

This has to be a two way street, and using hypocritical hindsight will help absolutely no-one in this situation.

A Team of Davie Weirs

On my daily rummage around the depths of social media for all news related to Rangers Football Club, on yesterday’s trip, two different points caught my eye.

One was a picture of the legendary Rangers manager, Bill Struth, with the words, “Dignity” and “Pride” beside them. I think just about any ‘Ger can agree that these two go hand in hand. Struth his one of the pillars on which this club has been built. The way in which The Rangers worldwide appeal is very much built up by the legacy of Bill Struth, a man whose name is treated with the utmost respect along the corridors of Ibrox.

The second piece that caught my eye was the news of David Weir making the step into management at Sheffield United, and the thousands of people, Rangers fans and otherwise, wishing him the best of luck in his new job. And the fact is there is simply no coincidence that Weir is so universally liked and respected; as I paid my own well-wishes to him, I tweeted that he was one of the genuine good guys in football, and one of the best Rangers representatives of my lifetime. I doubt there are many of my age group and older that cannot help but echo these sentiments. To link it back to the picture, is there many others in the modern era that represent the words “Dignity” and “Pride” any better than David Weir does in Rangers attire?

And is it more than a bit disheartening that in recent times some areas of our club have lost their way in these regards?

It is difficult to argue that in the downfall and rebuilding, many figures in the boardroom and beyond have been devoid of both pride and dignity? Whether it be the shameful actions of a man like Craig Whyte who pillaged the club of just about everything it had, or some of the figures linked to the club that have acted in a manner that lacks any sort of Rangers class in every sense. The leaking of sensitive information, videos of board members drunk, and the use of racist language to the press have fallen so far short of the mark of what is expected of those representing Rangers that at times appears a shadow of itself. Beyond this, attitudes have also been wrong at a playing level – players who in the past have shown that they are capable of so much more have fallen way short. It would seemingly appear a lack of effort on the part of some players, which can never be accepted. There is also the conduct of players off the park, the way that some have interacted with fans over social media websites such as Twitter has disappointed many at times, and simply reflects that there is an element currently at the club that continues to drag Rangers Football Club down.

The rebuilding of Rangers back to what it once was has to take place on many levels. The very basis of the on-field brand is a given, but as important is the way in which the club is perceived off the park. An institution like Rangers requires more than simply scraping by; it requires an identity. It starts from the greeting someone gets when they enter the club to the second they leave, and it is something that is required from head to toe; from the way a player conducts himself on social media websites (check Nicky Law’s Twitter for evidence of what it should look like) and it carries on into the boardroom, and to the way each employee treats each other and the way it portrays the club to others. It needs a philosophy that means can stand the test of time, and it needs to be something that everyone from casual fans to employees of the club are instantly aware of. Rangers as a football club have excellent foundations for it; from the work of the Gallant Pioneers, to the legacy of Bill Struth, to the work of men of the modern era such as Walter Smith and Davie Weir, who have embraced and built upon these traditions. The people that have the club at heart are not currently running the club, but with a figure like Walter Smith as Chairman, can an imprint of these traits like “Dignity” and “Pride” start to take pride of place once more? Representatives with the dignity, yet the passion and the fire that it needed for the battles are what this club needs just now. It is what the club is built upon, and if Rangers wish to return to the top of the pile, it needs to once more embrace these foundations. A charter could be required, as long as it is something that makes each and every person that wears the badge of Rangers fully aware and responsible for what it is they are taking on. They need to know that it is more than just a way of earning money, but a commitment.

And if that can happen, the years of success will come and go, but the philosophy remains – something everyone attached to Rangers can be proud of.

Welcome to Rangers, Jon Daly

 

This past Friday, there was a joy of some sorts to be found by Rangers fans. After weeks of embarrassing leaks and downright disgraceful behaviour from those who have been supposedly running the club over the past year, there was finally some positive press as a trio of players were unveiled to the support.

Nicky Law, Cammy Bell and Jon Daly all signed up for “Stage Two” of the journey back to the top. The first two passed by with barely a word, but the third one is signed following months of discussion, forced controversy and anger. The proposed move of Daly, a football whose roots are based in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, was surrounded by page after page of tabloid coverage, with as much Internet squabbling to match. There was the Scotsman article that was forced into an apology over unsubstantiated claims about Rangers from the 1930’s. There has since been the Morning Star article that stated that Daly was “brave” for his move to Rangers. Just about everyone has been queuing up to give their opinion on the matter, just waiting for the cracks of issues with the signing to appear.

It has been a shame that there has been a very small minority that have shown themselves and the club up in expressing an issue with the signing of Daly for reasons other than footballing talents. This small minority is backdated many years; their stone-age opinions based on religion and nationality are nothing but a small blemish on the vast majority who see no issue with the signing. And why should they have an issue? Why should pre-determined, non-adaptable traits of Jon Daly in anyway affect the way he is treated by fans of Rangers? Daly should be welcomed in the same way any other player who walks up the marble staircase of Ibrox is treated. Nicky Law has been inundated with messages of welcome through Twitter, and if Daly was on the same site, I have no doubt he would be warmly greeted with the same gusto. When thousands upon thousands of fans claim to have an allegiance to Rangers Football Club, it is inevitable that there will always be an element willing to drag down the majority with their actions, and these actions will always be highlighted ahead of the majority. It is what the media and those with deep-rooted issues with the club thrive upon, and it most certainly is a shame that they give them the opportunity to take aim.

However, as is the case with most stories in life, there is another side to it. Over these past few months, a worrying trend has emerged; fans of opposition teams have expressed an issue with Jon Daly signing for Rangers. They have stated the historic links of an “Anti-Catholic” vibe, problems embedded into society that date back hundreds of years. Many have viewed and described Daly as a “turncoat”; some seemingly opposed to Daly’s free will to sign for whoever he wishes. Daly’s complimentary comments on his reasons for signing for Rangers and on the way he has been treated have also went down like a lead balloon in some quarters; the afore-mentioned Morning Star article felt it knew better than Daly over his move to Rangers. The player himself described it as a “no-brainer”, yet someone posing as a journalist was happy to say that it wasn’t; how dare Jon Daly have his own opinion?!

The majority of these discussions by those opposed to Daly’s signing seem stuck somewhere in the early twentieth century. There are the Rangers fans that have an issue with the signing, and there are the largely overlooked section of fans that cannot allow this signing. They talk of Scotland being trapped in a vacuum of bigotry stemming back many decades ago, but what they do not seem to realise, is in opposing this signing, they are the ones holding back society. Catholics have come and went from the Rangers setup for many years; not one has had an issue as far as I am aware. Why should Daly be any different to this? Because of his nationality to match? In a civilised society, this should matter little, and those willing to drag up the conversation and relate it to the Daly situation are showing bitterness in droves. Those willing to tar the name of Rangers by opposing Daly’s signing based on religion or nationality are well-publicised, but those opposing the signing from the opposite spectrum are just as much of a strain on society. If those who bark about Rangers having issues with Irish Catholics continue this trend in relation to Daly, how can the club be expected to move on? By the time September 1^st comes, Rangers will have as many players from the Republic of Ireland as Celtic do. I couldn’t tell you the figures now, but at times in the past, Rangers had more Catholics in their team than Celtic have had. Yet the discussion and the outrage still carry on? In reality, those who wish to have a problem always will have a problem. Bigotry blinds the minority, and it would appear that some are simply unwilling to want it to change. Those wrapped up in hatred are certainly tightly wrapped in it, and don’t appear to want to let go anytime soon.

Jon Daly; welcome to Rangers Football Club, and welcome to the West of Scotland. Buckle up for the ride.

The Walter Effect

 

 

There is an old saying in football that “no man is bigger than the club”. Of course, although everyone wants that to be true, in such an egocentric time of football, plenty of personalities give it their best shot. In the time of the “Charles Green Show”, Green himself once referred to “Charles Green’s Rangers”, and although that may simply have been a throwaway line that annoyed the fans more than it should have, it certainly summed up what was happening at the time.

 

Of course, the “no man bigger than the club” should always apply, but at a club the size of Rangers, there will always be men that sum up what it is to be “Rangers”. Just look down at the shockwaves caused by the announced retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson. If Rangers have a modern-day equivalent, it is Walter Smith, currently in the middle of his third spell at the club after his first two spells changed the face of the club. His role as a non-executive director is not born out of a business acumen, or a desire to make money out of the club. Walter Smith is there out of a love for the club, and his appointment and endorsement of the Charles Green consortium brought comfort to many. It was also his presence that brought comfort to many when the board met over allegations about Charles Green and Imran Ahmad.

 

However, as board relationships have broken down since then, and resignations have been demanded, a murky cloud sits over the boardroom. Fans have struggled to know who to believe. The most recent news from Monday’s board meeting is that non-executive chairman, Malcolm Murray, has been given a vote of no-confidence, and has been asked to step down. Since then, it has been reported that Walter Smith has threatened to resign over the handling of the matter.

 

The news is most certainly an eye-opener, and the matter has two sides to it. Walter Smith is currently the bridge between the fans and the boardroom. There is currently no one else in a position of power that fans would feel has earned their trust. Even in the case of “lifelong ‘Ger”, Malcolm Murray, it is believed that Smith’s issue is not with the potential resignation of Murray, but the way in which it was handled. The rest of the board remain faceless except from one interview with interim Chief Executive, Craig Mather. In a time of such uncertainty and reported in-fighting, can the board really afford to lose the one man fans can relate to? Such a vital time lies ahead in relation to season ticket sales; the pivotal moment for the men holding the purse strings. What happens if an icon of the club is forced to quit at this vital time? Is it anything other than a vote of “no confidence” in those currently in charge?

 

The other side of this situation lies in the hands of the fans. If one of the biggest figures of the modern era walks away from the club, do alarm bells start ringing? If that bridge between the board and the fans is taken away, large sections of the support will start to feel as isolated as ever, myself included. The proper questions will need to be asked. Who is it that the fans can trust to steer Rangers through the stormy seas? With Charles Green’s direct association with the club coming to an end on 31^st May, who is it that is pulling the strings at the moment? Will we ever know? If Walter Smith was to leave, who will be the person that can represent a sense of trust and understanding on the board?

 

Just over a year removed from one of the darkest days in the club’s history, the fans should be as vigilant as ever at this present moment. Under the watch of Craig Whyte, another icon was allowed to walk away with barely an eyelash being batted. The fans cannot allow this to happen again. At the moment, the fans need a strong board as much as the board need the support of the fans. At a time where stability is required like never before, Rangers cannot afford to lose a figure such as Walter Smith. It is time to start healing the wounds that currently exist, rather than ripping fresh ones open. Undoubtedly change and development is required on the board, fresh ideas are needed and a more united front is required. But right now, to lose a man that knows Rangers Football Club better than just about anyone cannot be an option. As a club, we cannot allow this.  

Who Said it Would be Easy?

 

The start of the Rangers Third Division journey came with a real boom. Stadiums sold out, and the place was rocking. It was a great time and the fans loved every moment of it; the “#thisisfun” era, if you will.

 

As the season progressed, there was more to smile about. Charles Green, the one man army on his white horse taking on everyone the fans felt had wronged the club. There was then the successful floatation of the club on the stock exchange, and the £22 million windfall that came with that. There was then the feeling of vindication that came from the outcome of the “Big Tax Case” and the SPL independent commission.

 

After twelve months of off-field chaos, fans’ thoughts were starting to turn towards the football itself again – discussions of football philosophies and managerial capabilities became prominent once more. However, over the period of a few weeks, this did not take long to change, and the focus was thrown back off the field.

 

The “#thisisfun” era was brought to a startling end. A handful of staff were made redundant, and allegations started to fly. Deranged ex-owner, Craig Whyte appeared back on the scenes staking his claim for the club, and bringing serious allegations calling into question the integrity of Chief Executive, Charles Green. It was soon back to the case that there were more questions than answers – concerns started to grow, and boardroom rifts became evident. More allegations of extremely unprofessional behaviour started to surface as well, and fans began to turn on each other. The announcement of an independent investigation into Charles Green’s dealings with Craig Whyte was swiftly followed by Green’s departure and attempt to sever all ties with the club within the space of a couple of days. This was shortly to be followed by associate, Imran Ahmad’s departure.

 

As the season comes to an end, just about every shred of optimism that existed at the start of the season has been drained from the fans. A feeling of hopelessness has been allowed to ferment as the support attempts to work out who they can support. And yet it is something that has become such a familiar feeling; not entirely sure who to trust, and who really is “right” in the boardroom battles and the off-field jostling.

 

But should we really have expected anything different?

 

When Charles Green and his consortium took the “newco” route for the club last year, followed by the drop to the Third Division, it was the start of one of the toughest journey the club have ever faced. Although the fans looked to focus on the positives of the new experiences, it is difficult to argue that there were always going to be issues with new owners and uncharted territory. Beyond the rhetoric of Charles Green, there was a group of businessmen looking to make money from this club in any way possible. Along with this, there is still the spectre of Craig Whyte which hangs over Ibrox. Only days after being hit with a whopping £18 million bill by Ticketus, up stepped Whye to produce evidence he has supposedly been sitting on for almost twelve months. Although fans may realise this is not simply coincidental, after the tribulations the fans have suffered over previous times, it is not difficult to see why fans have swiftly started to raise questions. The same goes for the people involved with the club that stand accused by Whyte and subsequently others, and the concern raised by their departure.

 

For now, however, there is little that fans can do. Panic levels may have risen over the events of recent weeks, but for now, it may be time to calm down whilst keeping a watchful eye over proceedings. The next key date will rise when the findings from the independent examination are concluded, and everyone involved can analyse what comes from that. Until then, is there much that can really be discussed? Do we really know what we are accusing those involved of doing until we have answers? All discussion until that time is simply speculation, and if Rangers fans should realise anything by now, no one should stand pre-judged.

 

The other area of interest lies in potential buyers. As James Easdale has made his intentions to buy Charles Green’s shares public, it is a possible sale that has been met by extremely mixed reaction; some unsure that Easdale would be the correct figure to lead the club forward. After this, other familiar figures are making their positions known within the press, with Paul Murray and Dave King expressing their interest. Beyond this lies the ever silent yet seemingly ever-present figure of Jim McColl, who a number of journalists have reported still remains interested. Who is it that the fans trust hold the power of Ibrox in their hands? Can figures that some view as having let the club down last summer really be in a position to re-enter the frame? What about the fans themselves? Do they have it within them to make a further stake in the club following on from their investment in the IPO? If Dave King is right that the ownership of the club may be changing in recent months, it is time the fans start to work out who they want to see in charge.

 

And finally, there is also the publishing of the audited accounts. In an interview with the Sunday Mail, Financial Director, Brian Stockbridge described the accounts as still being in “double figures” in terms of millions. Is there anything to suggest the fans cannot trust him? Has scaremongering over the club’s finances come from anyone that possesses any real knowledge on what is going on behind the scenes? Until this can be proven otherwise, does the rhetoric of the likes of Keith Jackson really mean a thing at all? The facts can only lie within the accounts, and until they are published there is little that can be done.

 

No doubt some difficult and challenging times may lie ahead, but there are some things that never change. Where some will always be looking to lay out doomsday scenarios and scaremonger, the actual fans of the club itself must remain vigilant and take the facts for what they are. Questions can be asked without the worst being assumed. As for mixed feelings on staff leaving, the people may come and go but only the club remains. And for that reason, when season ticket renewal forms come out, remember you are investing in a club and an institution; a love and a passion, not the people that are running it. Without the fans, the club is nothing. Clarity will come, and a better understanding will appear, but until then, there remains only one common shared interest amongst the support; the best interests of Rangers Football Club.

Sanity and Unity

These weeks have been far too regular an occurrence in the recent history of Rangers Football Club. The weeks where the club is on the front page more than it is on the back pages. “Scandals”, “Dramatic tape recordings”, “Racism row” and even police raids.  It is something every Rangers fan should be used to by now, but these weeks still hurt as much now as they did at the very start.

With such negativity, division and debate surrounding the fans, it is very easy to get caught up in our own furore. The short-term outweighs the long term, and individuals start to take more importance than the club itself. Let’s set it out straight; has this been a damaging week? Undoubtedly, division lines have been set up, and it is fast turning into whether you’re “with” or “against” Charles Green. It has been one of those weeks were friction has been caused, kickings have come from all angle, the price of shares has plummeted and scrutiny has been brought down upon the club’s dealings in all too familiar a manner.

However, yesterday, the week was drawn to a close by one of the most positive and heart-warming stories to come out of Ibrox in quite a while. As Hernán Pacheco completed his 7,000 mile trip from Argentina to Glasgow, he has made it to his first match at Ibrox, completed the Ibrox tour, and found himself embraced by a hug from Rangers legend, icon and manager, Ally McCoist. The feelings, emotion and passion that will have gone into the journey are traits that just about every Rangers fan can relate to, and I cannot be the only one that has felt them rushing back as Hernán’s story has become more clear. The emotional bond built with the club is something that cannot be broken, and it is what has kept each and every fan fighting for the club over the past year and longer. 

In amongst the courtroom battles, dodgy recordings and whatnot, it is often difficult to remember that there is still a club. It is a club that is going through some difficult times, but we have to remain focused. Quite frankly, as the SFL3 title has been wrapped up, the only possible way forward is to move further up. The fans cannot lose sight of this. It is the club both you and I love – you just have to look today at the passion shown by Hernán to see how far it stretches, and it is a healthy reminder of the way in which this club reverberates around the world.

Are there questions to be asked? Scrutiny to be brought upon the figures currently involved at the  club? In my eyes, there’s little question that this has to happen, but how much can we really learn from arguing amongst ourselves? Opinions change, but the passion rarely differs, and it is why emotions can run so high when discussing the matters.

In reality, there is very little us “ordinary” fans can do until the feedback return from the discussion amongst the board. If there are not figures on the board that fans cannot trust, we may be in a bigger mess than some imagined. But it’s what makes a figure such as Walter Smith so comforting to see – there has to be people there that we know have the best interest of the club at heart; people that will do right by the fans. It is also why when the findings are returned to the support, we need to back it and show a united front. It is as important as ever that we can return to the focus on the club as a whole. There is much work to be done, and weeks like this simply distract us from the overall picture.

It cannot be allowed to slip from us that we all have the same common goal. Debate is healthy, but ultimately the time has to come when we step aside and let the board do their job. However, regardless of the outcome, it is time to start bringing back a bit of sanity to the situation. It’s something we all need.

A Change is Gonna Come

 

As Stuart Leslie dragged home a penalty at the home of Scottish football this past Saturday, a wave of celebration passed around the Glasgow area and further. Rangers were champions once more.

 

Was the title secured on a dramatic last day to stop their bitter rivals winning? Did it send fans to Ibrox in their thousands to savour the victory? Did it secure a place in Europe’s finest competition? The answer to these questions is of course, no. The title victory followed on from Rangers’ very poor draw with Montrose, and the way in which the title was secured very much reflected the underwhelming attitude the Royal Blue support has felt towards their side in recent weeks – some for even longer. But nonetheless, the line had to be crossed at some point, and as McCoist has been eager to point out, the outcome doesn’t change whether it had been done through a 5-0 victory, or through a result going in their favour elsewhere. This was as monumental step, and it is arguably a title which had to be won more than any other in the past.

 

As fans and club have said alike, “Stage One is complete”.

 

It has been made clear in recent times that the task for this season was to simply win the league. Some have questioned whether this has been quite enough for a club such as Rangers and few can question that there is an urge for change moving upwards. A section of fans have been pondering whether McCoist is the manager is the right person to take the club forward. At the same time, some fans have questioned whether this squad of players has the right attitude or even quality to play for their club. The matter of change delving further than what the fans actually see when they attend the football has also been discussed. New coaches, scouting networks, and more modern ideas have been exchanged and examined.

 

And if recent proceedings are anything to go by, the hierarchy at Ibrox also share this desire for change.

 

In a matter of weeks, a number of personnel have moved on from Ibrox; Neil Murray, Pip Yeates, Tommy Wilson have departed from the coaching staff, and Francisco Sandaza of the playing staff most recently has had his contract terminated. For a number of reasons; some unknown and some well-publicised, one has to question where this is heading. Although all departures may not have been planned, the short period of time in which they have taken place it would be difficult to pass it off as purely coincidental.

 

If the last couple of weeks have shown anything, “Stage One” was pretty straightforward; “Stage Two” looks like it may be something completely different.

 

As already mentioned, a need for change is felt by many, but what type of change is it that lies ahead? The current model is bringing very little gain, and as Charles Green is quoted as saying recently, the club needs to “tighten the ship”.

 

So the big question that remains at the moment, is the change fans have in mind the change the owners have in mind? When the fans want a model based on youth-development and to build a new football philosophy, are we really heading towards the aggressive, ruthless business side of Charles Green rearing its head? Are the recent departures simply a step towards progressive change, or is it cuts that Green deems necessary? And if more are to follow (with some expecting they will) is it really the image we want to be giving off from the club with a large number of staff being let go of in a short period of time? There is a fine line between widespread change and cuts for the necessity of the club – should and will the fans be made aware of which of the two lies ahead?

 

The fans also have to question whether Green’s recent moves have indicated what direction the club is heading in. With Sandaza being, in essence, sacked, the decision has provoked various reactions throughout the support – was the decision correct, or was it harsh and opportunistic? And what does it mean for the future? Is an iron fist running the rule at Ibrox at the moment? It also brings up the case of Neil Murray – is this case passing by with any clarification as to why he has been removed from the club? On top of this, will the Neil Alexander conflict develop any further than what is being spread around the tabloid newspapers? There may be differences in the cases, but it is difficult to argue against the fact that a pattern is emerging.

 

Of course, most of this discussion is simply speculation at the present moment. Although nobody knows what is to follow behind the scenes at Ibrox, the developments in recent weeks have shown that radical changes may be afoot. However, there is little doubt that this change should be closely watched by the fans. The more time goes by, the more Charles Green tends to morph from the quick-witted defender of Rangers to a hard-nosed businessman; is further development in this change coming? Can anyone truly say they believe Green to be the trustworthy figure to lead the club forward?

 

The finishing touches are currently being applied to “Stage One”. It may be time everyone takes a step back and has a good think as to what they want “Stage Two” to be.

The Legacy

I never did have the pleasure of seeing Ally McCoist in his prime at Ibrox. I can imagine watching the finest finisher to ever pull on the Royal Blue jersey each week was quite a pleasure, though.

 

His name rings around the corridors at Ibrox as one of the best players ever. Fifteen years of his career, the top goalscorer of the modern period and a key role in the historic 9 in-a-row leaves behind quite a mantle. Is it a legacy that will ever be matched by another player? To say I am disappointed to have never seen McCoist as a footballer is a bit of an understatement, but last year, I certainly didn’t miss out on what Ally McCoist had to offer this football club. As he battled through the toughest time of the club’s financial history, taking not a penny for his efforts, he quickly resembled a heroic figure – sometimes seemingly carrying what remained of the club on his own shoulders as he no doubt suffered what was a tumultuous period in his personal life. When years and decades go by, and new generations of Rangers fans come to support the club, there is little doubt that they will be told of how it was Alistair McCoist that was the central figure of keeping the club together.

 

So, there are two sides to McCoist; the great player and the memorable leader, showing qualities on and off the park that make him one of the finest ever representatives of the club. This season, a new role was taken by Super Ally. Of course, although McCoist was already manager last season, he most certainly won’t be remembered, or judged, for what his players did on the pitch. This season, however, was a completely different kettle of fish. Although there were still off-field issues related to the club to be resolved, they were not issues that directly affected the playing and coaching staff. What McCoist has done, is build up a lead over the rest of the league which now sits at approximately twenty points. However, this is nothing that wasn’t expected, and with the budget the coaching staff had to work with, any other outcome would have been a complete catastrophe. And now as we reach the end of this season, with a squad that can’t seem to find the motivation to crawl over the line to the title off their own back, it has left a growing section of the support wondering if Mr. McCoist can quite possibly be the person to lead the club forward as manager.  The side has a record of a loss, a win and two draws in their previous four games, but this is simply the tip of the iceberg. Standards have been extremely poor this season with a small yet well-paid band of players failing to impress in the majority of games. Attitudes have been horribly wrong, and players that have achieved success on a much higher level than the Scottish Third Division have been reduced to shells of their former selves. If the Montrose game from this Saturday can be taken as an example, it was by and large a very equal match – Montrose offered as good as they got and most certainly looked on a similar level to this Rangers side. This can be tolerated on a one match basis, but when this becomes the norm, one has to start raising serious questions of the side on wages their opposition could only dream of, and a coaching staff that should be far more equipped.

 

The scary reality, however, is that in the majority, the playing staff will be similar next season. Those players that have failed to flatter the paying fans week after week, and at times have disgraced the famous jersey they wear, in the whole currently sit upon long contracts on high wages. There is no obligation upon them to leave, and to be frank, what clubs would be willing to buy these players out of their contracts? Who would be willing to pay money for the likes of Black, Cribari, Shiels or Sandaza – let alone offer the wages that Rangers have offered these players? Add to this the fact that the manager is limited to what he can do by a transfer embargo, and this summer does not look an attractive prospect. Bosman transfers can be registered on September 1, but remember, a squad still has to be there to see Rangers through the first month or so of the season. This is not the time for wholesale changes as there simply isn’t a platform for them to be made.

 

So the question is very much prominent; does Ally McCoist have what it takes to see this squad of players (with some changes) through another season? He has shown a lack of ability to drag this group of players through the season, and Saturday’s tactics shows he has little faith in what they can offer. During his after-match analysis, he looked worn-out, defeated and devoid of ideas. Does he really have what it takes to see this club through another season as manager? What if next season dawns, and McCoist still cannot motivate these players? If the attitude that has manifested it way into the team carries on, how do performances pick up? How do you attract the fans to the ground? And most importantly, how can you assume that it will be enough to win Rangers promotion once more?

 

Or could he hold his hands up at the end of this season? When Rangers finally do win the league, the trophy is expected to be handed to them on the on May 4. Imagine a busy, vibrant and colourful Ibrox being there to salute his efforts as he holds that trophy aloft, before McCoist is allowed to walk away with his head held high? The hero, the icon and the legend, but perhaps not the manager. Who could judge McCoist – he gave it one hell of a shot, and he was there for us at our darkest hour? But could his iconic role be carried out in perhaps a different part of the club?

 

The fact of the matter, is that McCoist has shown very little evidence that he can be an efficient manager. At the moment, the decision to carry on in that role lies in his own hands.

 

For the future of the club, Ally, please think long and hard before making a decision ahead of next season. If there is any doubt that McCoist cannot fulfil the job better than someone else could, it is time he did the honourable thing and hand the baton over to someone else. With a legacy intact, McCoist will simply be remembered as the one that crossed the first hurdle on the road back to glory.

Keeping the Customer Happy

At quarter to two today, there were roughly ten thousand football fans who poured out onto the streets of Govan. Ten thousand fans that braved the weather and actually found the strength to stay until the referee put them out of their misery.

 

Ten thousand very disheartened and disgruntled Rangers fans.

 

And after the ninety minutes of football they had endured, they had every right to be. As Rangers attempted to crawl over the finishing line in the Third Division, the team produced a flat and lacklustre display with positives extremely difficult to come by. Those who stayed until the end voiced their discontent, but the number of fans that decided not to attend today’s game spoke just as loudly.

 

Despite the other circumstances, and the bizarre official attendance handed out, there were many empty seats at Ibrox Stadium today. With the club’s season ticket numbers sitting at 38,000 at the present moment, it is obvious many chose not to take up their seat today, and who can honestly blame them? The last two games have now ended in the team dropping points, but this is simply the tip of the iceberg as standards simply haven’t been sufficient all season, and if this worrying dip continues the fans have to start seriously pushing the questions. If season ticket holders aren’t turning up when they have already paid for their seat, what is there to suggest they will renew their ticket next season?

 

Right now, the club will realise they may have a difficult task to shift season tickets during this pre season. Reasons such as a transfer embargo and the bizarre league reconstruction plans are already making the task more difficult. These are circumstances that are out with the control of the club, but can Rangers truly risk making this task even more difficult for themselves?

 

As things stand, a large section of the support is extremely disillusioned by what they are witnessing on the pitch. Although many will of course renew their ticket out of loyalty and a love of the club, there are many that will put serious consideration into the renewing of the season ticket. Is it representing value for money? Are they getting any entertainment out of it? And can the club truly justify increasing the price of the season tickets? In general, it is a ritual for many to spend their Saturday afternoons at Ibrox, but what happens when fans stop enjoying the product? The fact is what is being produced at the present moment is nowhere near the standard that would be expected. Although expectations have needed to be adjusted, the lack of determination and ideas coming from the team at the moment is not tolerable.

 

When the time for season ticket renewals come, the fans need something to convince them that it is right for them to continue on. Change is needed. As many have stated, there could have been room for a complete overhaul of the system at the start of this season. This opportunity has not been taken yet, but the chance is still there. If a clear and succinct structure showing how the club can progress on the pitch is made evident, it can give the fans hope – something that many are lacking in at the moment. The fans deserve the right to know what it is they are spending their hard-earned money on. They need to know that there is a plan; a plan to rectify the slump the team has entered.

 

Of course, there have been years where season ticket numbers have slumped – it is the sort of issue that comes and goes every now and then. However, the club finds itself in a unique position. This is a time where revenue is needed like never before as the club continue the re-building of this fine institution. It is much needed income, and Rangers must realise they cannot afford to allow season ticket numbers to drop.

 

What the fans are receiving at this present moment is simply not good enough – the club cannot afford to let the fans down. When season tickets flew out the door last season, it was a show of loyalty and solidarity. These fans don’t want to hear talk of “£100 million turnover” plans, they want to know how they can be entertained on a Saturday afternoon, as right now it is proving extremely difficult.

The Manager and the Legend

 

“The Greatest Ever Ranger” is quite the title. An organisation such as Rangers Football Club can be matched by few others in terms of prestige and tradition. A true giant of an institution, and to be declared as the greatest ever employee of this club is an accolade that can be compared to few others.

 

Sure, as things stand, John Greig is officially crowned as the “Greatest Ever Ranger”. As an excellent ambassador on and off the field, few could argue that at the time, he truly merited this award. However, although this must be respected, as times have changed, and tales have unfolded, many would argue that we now have a new unofficial holder of the title.

 

In the first part of last year, Alistair McCoist spent his time battling for the very existence of our club. He was the very glue that held together what remained of our club, and represented the sanity that remained amongst the months of madness. After this, he has been the foundation of the rebuilding process. Without his backing of Green and his consortium, the whole process may not have been possible. His role is invaluable and cannot be underrated. No Rangers fan who lived through this period will ever underestimate what McCoist done for the club when he could quite easily have “walked away”.

 

However, as the season has progressed, and football has returned to the top of the agenda, we now find ourselves in a difficult situation. McCoist has had many difficult obstacles to overcome in building his team for this season. As Rangers battled through a turbulent summer, it led to an extremely irregular pre-season, with an uncertainty of whether a license to play football would even be granted. Since then, Ally and his coaching team have had to battle through an unlawful transfer embargo that has made their task no easier.

 

McCoist may have been forced into some extremely difficult circumstances in his second full season as a manager, but this must also be put into context. Although Rangers sit comfortably with a 20-point cushion at the top of the Third Division, this is the very least of what should be expected. It cannot be forgotten, that Rangers still have the second highest budget in the country. In proportion, we almost certainly have the biggest budget gap between ourselves and the rest of the league than exists anywhere in the world, so to win the league at a canter should be inevitable.

 

This is not an indicator, and it is getting to the point that we can no longer ignore the glaring issues that exist within the club.

 

This season, we have shown a great many deficiencies that remain prominent, and have shown very few signs of improvement. Quite honestly, I believe the team has played well, or at least of the standard that would be expected, on no more than a few occasions. Games have been won mainly through the sheer difference between a professional and an amateur footballer. It hasn’t been at all pretty to watch, and this could possibly have been accepted if the club had been trying something different, but they simply aren’t. A sheer lack of motivation and interest have manifested their way into the team, and it is a difficult slump to recover from. The “young squad” myth has been blasted apart already; Rangers were torn to shreds by a Dundee United team with a younger average age, and in reality, only two youngsters have truly impressed this season.

 

There also seems to be a lack of fitness. For a team of so-called professionals, one honestly would be forgiven for mistaking them for the teams they play against, who train no more than a couple of evenings per week. What is the top-of-the-range training facility being used for? There is close to no evidence that this is being effectively used, which is extremely worrying.

 

Beyond this, and perhaps most importantly, there seems to be a complete lack of structure to the whole process. Many have made the point that the only positive of dropping to the bottom tier of football, was that it would give the club a chance to completely rebuild. A time out where the pressure wasn’t so great, youngsters could be blooded into the team, and a philosophy and style could begin to take shape. Many have suggested the likes of Ajax as inspiration, but this is a million miles away at the present moment. There simply is no structure that would appear to be taking place; no effort to bring in a new scouting network (that we know of), or any other similar programmes. It appears to have been completely forgotten that this is a long-term project – it should not be treated as simply the easiest route back to the top. We need to be sure that when we do return to the top tier of football, we are a self-sufficient, structurally-sound club. Right now, we are completely bereft of this.

 

The matters discussed above are all very real, and all very concerning. There can be no doubt that McCoist has represented the club almost impeccably off the field in the past year, and it has shown that there will always be a place for him at Rangers Football Club. But is that role as manager? As time passes by, and (a lack of) plans develop, many seem less convinced that this is the case – faith is being lost at a rapid rate. It really isn’t about the results such as Saturday, as in the grand scheme of things, they matter little. What does matter in the long-term are fitness-levels and the structure of the club. Right now, we have very little of either of these, and fans are correct to express their concern over this. Is McCoist the right man to sort these issues out? Patience is running out for some. Or could it simply be that he needs better coaches around him to help address these questions?

 

What I believe we all agree on is that Ally should not be sacked. What he has done for the club cannot be forgotten, and there is simply no way he can be treated with such disrespect. If McCoist leaves, it will be on his own terms, and with the best wishes of every fan of the club. My personal opinion is that McCoist’s future lies in the Rangers boardroom. He is the embodiment of everything this club represents, and a great representative, but I doubt he is the long-term answer to the managerial role. However, if he carries on with the club, changes have to be made. The building of the club for years to come has to start now, and it currently isn’t happening. If both the club and Ally believe he is the right man for the job, serious discussion needs to take place this summer to address the glaring deficiencies.

 

Either way, change is needed – it needs to be fast, and it needs to be radical.