25 Aug 2024 10:36:14
Yesterday was a very good team effort, with some standout performances, and a scoreline we've been crying out for, so it was very pleasing. However (oh no, perspective alert), the next game is where we'll see where we are this season.
Beating R County should be a given considering the gulf in class on the park, and yes, it was everything we've been shouting for, but it's now behind us with the big test next. This game against them is the real acid test! So, on that note, and even though I was over the moon with yesterday, I'm going to keep my powder dry (desist from going OTT) as we've all been here before only for it to fall on it's arse, and lead to more heartache.
PC will be on his 5th game against them, with 3 defeats, no victories, and a draw, so far, which in cold hard light of day, is one of the worst records of all Rangers managers in games against them. Spin that whatever way you want, but that record is terrible! Can he get a victory at the midden? Why not! It's been a helluva long time since we beat them there, and some of the performances have been horrific, but this game is as a good as time as ever, to finally beat them.
So onto the gane. To beat them, we need a starting 11 who will give their all, be on it from the first whistle, and leave every part of themselves on the park, and nothing less. There will be no place for passengers or cowards, so PC needs to start his strongest 11, and resist starting players like S Wright (sorry Seeker) . The tims FB's are not great, and if we can get at them, with Cerny and Tav (I still see him as our weak link defensively, but he will start) down one wing, and Jefte and Matondo (why not, he was on fire yesterday), down the other, I'm certain we can get the delivery needed for Dessers to score the goals.
It's my opinion, If all the players play to their strengths, we can do something, but I still have grave concerns with Tav, and his defensive frailties. Maeda will be licking his lips at the prospect of tearing Tav a new backside, again, so he needs to step up, and deliver a captain's performance against them. My God, he owes us one! If I could give Tav one bit of advise it would be to leave one him early doors. Let him know he's in for a fight and not the usual stroll in the park he's used to. If Tav gets right into him from the start, I can guarantee he'll not be as confident as he usually is.
It all very well beating the likes of R County, but if we fall at the next hurdle, and not lay a glove on them, again, these 6-0 victories will mean sod all in the long run. C'mon Rangers!
25 Aug 2024 11:09:33
Yesterday showed that we are definitely on the right tracks, the addition of a few more (hopefully quality) players and more time to bed in the team and tactics and this season could well be a lot better than some of the doom sayers were thinking. But (and it’s a big but) I feel that next week unfortunately comes too soon. We are still very much finding our feet whilst they are settled as a team and coming from a position of strength. Plus once again playing with no fans won’t help. Getting anything from this game would of course be great and in my eyes a major bonus. What we can’t allow to happen is go back to doom and gloom, slating all the players and manager if the result does go against us. God knows the mhedia will try and do exactly that and try and get our fan base stirred into a frenzy and wanting Clement sacked, as I’ve said before, it benefits only Celtic for us to keep chopping and changing managers and therefore most of our players. This is still just the start of a long rebuild, there will still be many ups and downs. We as fans need to keep our feet on the ground and ride it out.
25 Aug 2024 11:10:41
Good post some valid points Out of curiosity
When was the last time Rangers came from behind to win the league?
To me it doesn’t matter how many games their is over the season fallen behind early on has a massive disadvantage in a 2 horse race so either a win or draw is really needed
If and it’s. an if Celtic win today and then beat us next game to go 5 points behind so early will be a massive disadvantage and not sure when last time we overcame them was it under Stevie they imploded at new year under Lennon?
Can’t remember now or were we always out in front?
25 Aug 2024 11:11:00
I’m still very apprehensive for winning next week, I’m going to hold off judging him until the next one.
Even if we do sign four players this week it’s too little too late for Sunday.
He must beat them this season or he simply isn’t good enough to stay but I honestly feel next week is just too soon.
25 Aug 2024 11:22:06
Good post Sunshine ?????????.
25 Aug 2024 11:25:29
Agreed sunshine, big test in next week mate, I'm not playing Tavernier but he'll start.
25 Aug 2024 11:48:17
Agreed Dado! Any player signed this week does not start. As we know, PC is not the sort to throw a player straight in, and although I'm not always in agreement of that, I don't think this is the game to chuck in a new signing who is just through the door. Remember Sands?
Tav is never getting dropped, My star! Regardless of what you and I think, he starts.
25 Aug 2024 11:52:14
I don’t think we will win next week would take a draw but if somehow we sneaked a 1-0 or something along those lines i'd be buzzing I just can’t see us scoring more than 1 and them not scoring sadly.
25 Aug 2024 12:00:01
Sunshine, very good post. I think we need at least 3 quality players this window to challenge Celtic this season.
25 Aug 2024 12:01:14
Good post sunshine, hopefully the captain steps up and proves that he’s not the weakest link in our team.
25 Aug 2024 12:39:21
Fingers crossed we leather then Sunshine ??.
25 Aug 2024 13:46:11
Good post Sunshine. I'm with dado think this one has just come to soon. We played well yesterday but that lot have been playing well every game basically. One big thing in our favour is the departure of m. o. r the boy played out his skin against us all the time, don't believe they have the depth, 2 or 3 injuries to key players they could implode this season. What will give us a chance is if matondo/ cerny are on it, we also need to score first.
25 Aug 2024 23:12:51
Sam
Bit pessimistic. If PC picks right team, ie no Tav, Davies, and allowing Matondo get at them then can see Gers win. LBH they've played nobody yet. Haven't been tested, Let's keep tight from off.
26 Aug 2024 07:09:58
Stig
Been ger all my life. I remember 76 when about 10. Mid season gers 6 points behind tic came back to win league/ treble. Read a few doomsday posters on here regarding OF game. If we're tight defensively and 0-0 at half time think gers overall got classier side. If Tav out, Sterling in and CH has game am quietly confident. Plus haven't walked down London Road singing like linty long time. Hoping whole team on game. It's obvious PC starting click.
26 Aug 2024 09:38:04
I know we should be thinking of our team but as Boy Blue said, they will miss Oreilly and their new lad Idah looks pants (in my opinion) .
Maeda vs Tav could well be the deciding factor i feel.
However, i do feel a turning of the tides is happening at Rangers. Maybe its a fall over from Saturday against a rather poor side.
Hopefully Big Dessers continues and a few others push on.
Hopefully get more good news regarding outgoings and incoming also.
Have a good week lads! WATP.