Rangers Banter Archive March 16 2016

16 Mar 2016 23:15:12
Was listening to radio clyde phone in tonight and the lee wallace debate is still raging on, a supporter of the east end mob said that wallace wasn't good enough to be picked to play for scotland and there were currently 3 left backs who were far better than our captain ie. andy robertson, graeme shinnie and kieran tierney, I totally think this biased supporter is deluded and I'm not being biased when I say that lee wallace is a better left back than both shinnie and tierney whereas its a close call between wallace and robertson, this is the same football club who actually tried to sign wallace in 2 occasions from hearts when lennon was their manager.

16 Mar 2016 23:33:56
He's biased, but you're not?

16 Mar 2016 23:43:14
Wallace will prove beyond doubt that he is the best Scottish left back next year in my opinion.
He already has this year just the league he's in stopping him and Strachans inability.

17 Mar 2016 00:21:43
Recbob-

Read that back and you'll see how ridiculous that statement is.

17 Mar 2016 00:47:19
Lee Wallace Easily Best Left Back In Scotland =) doesn't Need A Call Up To Scotland Squad Tbh, Just As Long As he's Playing For The Mighty Gers i'm Happy =)

17 Mar 2016 03:49:59
Scotland needs to pick player playing in the highest quality leagues it can, not because they are better players because they are playing against better players week in week out.

I'm happy our players are not picked just now, our time is coming around again, watch and enjoy the ride.

17 Mar 2016 08:15:33
Wallace will have to wait for another 2 years before possibly getting a call up. By then Strachan will have gone after another failure. Although the SFA will probably reward him for it again.

17 Mar 2016 10:25:55
I'm disappointed that some of you just aren't getting this. Wallace will be 30 next year. Strachan has clearly said he is building for the future. We have two gifted young left backs in Robertson and Tierney and it is more important to drop them in the deep end when there is no risk of them drowning. Everyone knows what Wallace is capable of. He will be picked for Qualifications I'm sure.

17 Mar 2016 11:40:39
Teddyofthesouth

If he is building for the future then why is 35 year old Gordon Greer in both squads?

17 Mar 2016 12:01:49
Spot on Biffo. I've made my case as to why Wallace isn't (and shouldn't be) in the squad - but Strachan's comments are ridiculous and utterly contradictory.

I'm less concerned about the squad than I am about the managers insincerity about why he has/ hasn't pick certain players.

17 Mar 2016 13:16:06
For me Wallace isn't as good a defender as shinnie and for Scotland you must defend first and foremost no matter how good an attacker you are.

17 Mar 2016 14:23:31
Forget Wallace for a minute, how the he'll does he keep ignoring Jordan Rhodes and Ross McCormack, wee Gordon only picks his favourites that is quite clear, and as for no rangers players in the squad that's fine, next year when we're in the premiership that's when they should start getting call ups, but even if that still doesn't happen who cares, I only care about rangers, that's not to say I'm not a Scotland supporter because I am, I will support the national team no matter who's wearing the jerseys.

17 Mar 2016 16:01:20
Wallace's work rate, goals and engine is what makes him better than the rest in my opinion. He looked every inch the international class player when he was in the SPL and scored against a far better Celtic team than what they have now. He ripped them apart down the left that game. And he will do it again in a few weeks. Him and Mckay will be too hot to handle for them.
Robertson has impressed me in some games, failed to deceive in others but he's young and will eventually get more consistent. For now Wallace is the best and should be playing.
I think the journey Wallace has been on with us through the leagues will benefit him when he gets back to the top, he will be trying that little bit extra to prove the doubters wrong. Tony Mowbray did the same with Middlesbrough and it never done his playing career any harm. Loyalty is a good thing not a negative trait to have, and you don't turn into a bad player because you dropped down the league's. Guys like Vardy come up and make the step up all the time.
And Wallace is playing great in front of a sold out stadium every week and the pressure that brings. Kierney could only dream of that.

17 Mar 2016 16:08:24
I only care about Rangers, but I support Scotland too? ; don't get that mate, we should all be supporting Scotland, despite Strachan obvious bias
Tommy.

17 Mar 2016 16:51:10
I agree with TPP it's more concerning the rubbish he has come out with trying to explain why these players were not picked. Seems to have said the first thing he could think of rather than just being honest.

17 Mar 2016 16:52:32
Recbob, did Wallace not play in your clubs semi final against Celtic last year? How did he do that day? After all it's a much more recent example than going back 5 years or so .

17 Mar 2016 18:57:49
Messi would have looked like a Carthorse in that team. No one was more condemning of a team than me last year. Now this year you will see a different Rangers. And don't you know it. I wouldn't be too confident in your shoes right now.

17 Mar 2016 19:23:35
I can assure you messi would have shone like a star in that team or any other for that matter, I'm glad your confident because it will make it all the sweeter, when you find out just how far you still have to climb to get to the very top in Scotland.

17 Mar 2016 20:37:21
Precious if you think it's the same animal you will be facing this year good luck pal. I will openly admit even Wallace had a bad year last year, as did the whole team. Understandable though given the circumstances. My point was he could have moved on when we were relegated but he chose to be loyal. If he had moved on to a EPL or championship team we wouldn't even be having this conversation as he would have been the first choice LB for the last 3 years. He's far, far better than Whittekar and Mulgrew and the boy Robertson has only came on the scene as of late and he has struggled to nail the spot down.
I am thankful our Captain chose to stay because the man is a legend in the making. Scotland's loss is our gain, but I for one will not be supporting the national team while Strachans in charge. And before anyone chirps in with 'we should all support our team' nonsense, no we don't it's a personal choice and while he's picking guys like McGinn over our players who have wiped the floor with Hibs I will not be taking any part. Nothing against McGinn he's a good player just his selection.

16 Mar 2016 11:32:09
Totally agree with the Goalie's interview. Celtic's fans, players and management are running scared.
They can see the false bubble they have been in due to us not being there to challenge them about to burst. They knew it was coming next year but this Scottish Cup draw has brought on the fear.
Lennon being touted as the saviour (lol) , ex players spouting drivel in the papers every chance they get, fans turning up on here meticulously pouring over everything we say (you know who you are) .
I've not met a single Gers fan who is worried one iota about this cup tie or next year. Celtic are about to crumble, I don't think their players will handle playing to a full stadium, it will spook them. At least out teams used to it.

16 Mar 2016 13:04:20
Agreed, they don't fancy this game at all.

16 Mar 2016 14:15:10
I think you are trying to convince yourselves. Maybe if you repeat it enough between you, it'll somehow make it true.

16 Mar 2016 14:35:57
TPP


Are you confident that Selik will turn over rangers in the semi?

I read some of your earlier posts and you seem fairly reasonable in your posts.

Just would like your honest opinion.

I feel that based on form, style of play, manager, team spirit, and bottle, that Rangers will beat Selik and TBH we could be doing you a favour as the sooner your board sack ronny the better for youz!

16 Mar 2016 14:54:12
M3LVO

I'm not sure about "turning Rangers over", but I do think we'll win. I'm always confident. Banter aside, and I mean this genuinely, we are playing a team a division below us. We should win.

I do feel that Rangers are on form, certainly more than Celtic, and have momentum (as it stands) , but I also think that player for player, we have a better group. (whether they turn up as a group is another thing altogether)

I don't subscribe to the team spirit/ bottle talk as it's one of those unquantifiable things that's easy to say, harder to prove.

All in all, I do think we'll win. I don't think it'll be the walk in the park some people (on our side) think it will be, nor do I fear Rangers as some people on your side seem to think.

If, and it's a big if, we are beaten it will be more disappointing that we have lost (another) semi final this year - as opposed to the fact that Rangers have beaten us.

If we play to our capability, we win (for me) but that's been our problem recently.

16 Mar 2016 15:53:58
I think we've got to watch that we aren't getting carried away, i'm not worried about the game but also realise we still have a long exciting road ahead with mw at the helm but we do leak silly goals due to everybody bombing forward and getting caught out though on the other hand bigger teams won't sit back so it might end up 6 each, i'm excited about next season and i can't wait for the old firms return not a feeling in the world like it but we are still building.

16 Mar 2016 15:53:58
I think we've got to watch that we aren't getting carried away, i'm not worried about the game but also realise we still have a long exciting road ahead with mw at the helm but we do leak silly goals due to everybody bombing forward and getting caught out though on the other hand bigger teams won't sit back so it might end up 6 each, i'm excited about next season and i can't wait for the old firms return not a feeling in the world like it but we are still building.

16 Mar 2016 16:58:34
TPP

Fair response and well worded and constructed, u must be the most diplomatic and sensible Selik Fan that has been on this page in a long time so fair play.

All the talking will be done on the pitch in the Semi and we shall see how the dust settles after the war on the pitch is over!

I am all for team spirit and bottle, look at LCFC in the EPL, goes along way in my eyes. Yeh you guys have international standard players, but again does not always mean they are better on the day.

I back to the bears all the way but if you beat us and the gulf is clear I shall openly admit that and hope that we strengthenen.

16 Mar 2016 17:21:59
I think the difference for Celtic with this game as against other games is that they will be more up for it as it is renewing old rivalries rather than just another match against Ross County or whatever. The last OF match doesn't count in my book as we were so far behind that day the result could have been embarrassing. Now it is a different story entirely and I think they realise that we are more than capable of winning the match and winning it well. They will be up for it as will we and both sides footballing philosophy dictates that it has to be an open match. If this does happen I would strongly fancy us as i think we have more pace in our team. I also think we are fitter. And I'll say this - even if Celtic do turn up I think we can still win. I really think there is nothing between the two sides' best eleven. Squad wise Celtic have more options and cover in every position but there is a lot of dead wood in there imo. I would say I was very upbeat and optimistic about our chances - as long as we do not suffer injuries to key players. Fod Tav Wilson Kiernan Wallace Holt Halliday Ball Forrester Miller and McKay would be our strongest side at the moment given that O'Hal and King are cup - tied. This team thumped Dundee 4-0 and I think a similar performance would see us into the final.

16 Mar 2016 22:44:11
Think your spot on there the seeker. I would take our strongest 11 over anything they can muster up on the day no problem. We are definitely light for next year but I'm confident that will be addressed in the summer.
I think this could really be an amazing old firm tie though, as you said the game is certain to be open. If we can keep Griffith relatively quite the rest of their team is pretty toothless. Think the next highest scorer under him isn't even on double figures, we have full backs with more goals. Plus our defence has been pretty solid recently. Also agree with the 11 who played against Dundee starting if all fit and no Waghorn.

16 Mar 2016 23:46:31
Fair points M3LVO.

17 Mar 2016 03:57:35
if football was played on paper selik would win every game, more internations and higher wages/ budget than all other scottish teams, but its not, 1 off cup game anyone can win.

might not even be the best team on the day that wins, i would take backs to the wall, miss after miss, for a last min pen 1-0 game over.

don't see it happening think this may the most open old firm game in a long long time.

17 Mar 2016 08:25:53
I have to agree the TPP I think they are still stronger than us and favourites. I get worried when Rangers fans get carried away with how good they think we are. The over confidence from some people is simply ridiculous. Yes we have a decent chance however i still have concerns over our defence and in particular Tavernier. I think he is really weak defensively and could be exposed against their wingers.

17 Mar 2016 08:25:53
I have to agree the TPP I think they are still stronger than us and favourites. I get worried when Rangers fans get carried away with how good they think we are. The over confidence from some people is simply ridiculous. Yes we have a decent chance however i still have concerns over our defence and in particular Tavernier. I think he is really weak defensively and could be exposed against their wingers.

17 Mar 2016 10:28:45
I think you give them too much credit Biffo. Let's see what happens against a fully fit more or less injury free Rangers. You may be surprised, I won't. Remember this team has capitulated on occasion after occasion. Look at their European record this season against teams like Molde and the like. They are there for the taking, no question about it.

17 Mar 2016 10:54:53
Seeker

They are still playing against teams in the top league though something we aren't. They aren't that good but they are playing at a higher level.

17 Mar 2016 12:58:15
I think it's a higher level in name only. Ourselves, Hibs (beat yet another premier league team last night. How many does that make this season? ) , and Falkirk are all well capable of competing in the top league with Hibs making top six and us challenging Celtic. Especially with the summer transfer window to come. This is not pie in the sky stuff. From what I've seen this season from those in the top flight and from us and occasionally from Hibs, there is NO gap.

17 Mar 2016 16:10:57
Every game a Championship team has played against SPFL opposition this year has been proof that there is no gap. The top league should be 16 teams no question. Even when St Johnstone beat us I thought we still passed them off the park that night, albeit we were a little naive. If we played them again it would be a rout in our favour.
Biffo I don't think anyone is being ridiculous saying we can beat Celtic. They are really struggling just now, anyone can see that. We are back playing really good football so why would you not fancy our chances. Be ridiculous not to really.
Scottish football is a joke, there should never be a scenario when so many of our top teams (Rangers, Hibs, Hearts, Dundee Utd, Falkirk) are all scrapping it out with each other just to get in the top league. We don't have enough good teams for this to ever be happening.

17 Mar 2016 19:02:19
Good post recbob. Couldn't agree more mate.

16 Mar 2016 15:47:54
TPP: I agree that if Celtic play to your best then they will win.

17 Mar 2016 04:47:55
50 years of watching Old Firm games and in all that time possibly exceting a couple of years during Steins 9 and a couple of years during Souness era the games were totally random you cannot predict them.

This applies even more so with this match as the sides do not play 4 times a yea or more as previously and they do not know each other remotely.

They play totally differing styles now and anything could happen

Like so many games I have been to it will mainly depend on 3 factors - 1.Who wants it most, 2. Who's players turn up with their 'A' game and 3. LUCK. you always need the breaks to go your way in a match which is played at 100mph for 90 mins with 50000 fans and one of the best atmospheres in world football.

Personally due to pressure being on Celtic and the pace of the Rangers playing style i can see them giving up a penalty or a sending off or possibly being exposed as a weak defence on that basis I think IF Rangers get fair share luck it will be 2-1 possibly 2-0 Rangers defence with Ball as sweeper is far more solid

That said anything can happen I am just glad it is finally and with Rangers having a chance this time unlike the last game

KT.

18 Mar 2016 11:51:32
Good post kt. Don’t mention penalties and Rangers in the same sentence though. You'll have all and sundry offering their opinions. If we do get a penalty let's hope it's a stonewaller, otherwise the fallout would be of epic proportions.