Saints have nae chance? Rangers are like Germany at shootouts from my memory.
Saints have nae chance? Rangers are like Germany at shootouts from my memory.
oh god, paul bloody sheerin.
must be his first goal since he took the Thistle up
YES!!!!!! Good one Hemdani.
Hemdani.
Its the depressing inevitability of it all....
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
Helluva performance though, absolutely proud of them.
Typical.
Rangers are crap
Obviously gutted, but hey QOS are in Europe.
At least we can laugh at the fact that Rangers have a couple of injury problems, and the fact that not only did it take extra time and penalties to beat St Johnstone, but they were 1-0 down and it took a penalty for them to get it to the shootout in the first place.
And the fact that they looked utter jobby.
Utter, utter jobby.
Starting to worry quite a bit now, the legs are slowly going, injuries, suspensions there all starting to creep up on us and I'm not sure we can get through Fiorentina (H), Celtic (A), Fiorentina (A), Hibs (A) unscaved. So many tough games with no rest and already tired players.
The worst that could happen is 2nd in the league, semi final in Uefa cup, CIS winners and finalists of the Scottish Cup. Realistically of that lot I think 2nd in the league, Uefa semi finalists and winners of the Scottish Cup and CIS Cup, as a Rangers fan at the begining of the season I think the majority of us would have taken that. However from the position we are currently in I fear a lot of Rangers fans would be rather upset if this where to happen.
Tough times ahead.
Come on the gers...
You would have taken finishing second in the league at the start of the season?
Looking back, yes I think so. I wouldn't have been over the moon about it obviously but I just wanted to see Rangers progressing, Celtic over the last two years have been pretty dominant the fact that Walter has steadied the ship and actually has us contending this year is a pretty big thing. I never seen this coming and even though Rangers have played some dire stuff this year I will never question Walter again just on the back of what he's achieved this year.
By the way QoS being in Europe next year is fucking nonsense and absolutely NOT a good thing for Scotland.
It's hilarious though.
Even without them, the UEFA Cup is still a joke.
Jimmy Calderwood confirmed at lunchtime that Jackie McNamara has left the club.
Jimmy spoke to the former Celt this morning and it was agreed that he would leave with immediate effect.
"He had a year left in his contract but he has decided not to take it up. It is very sad for us. He is a great professional and it has been a pleasure to work with him."
"I didn't want a knee-jerk reaction following the disappointments of the Queen of the South game and gave him time to discuss matters with his family. However between travelling and injuries it's been a frustrating spell for him and he's decided to leave. He'll certainly be a big loss"
Why the happy face? Was he not a success at Aberdeen?
Also Chris, what is McCoist's role in the Scottish Cup, does he just do the interviews in the lead up to the game? Just that it seemed everyone was say he was in charge of the Scottish Cups games but in the break before extra time it was Smith who was on the field giving instructions.
He was atrocious and took a hissy fit after being subbed in the semi final.
A shame really because I was delighted when we signed him, but he is just totally past it now.
Play more attractive, positive football all you want mate. Come back when it wins you games.Originally Posted by SLARE
You might be better to watch and play better football, but who gives a fuck? It's doesn't make you a better team than us like you claim. The best team is the one that wins more games, not the one that plays better football. There's a difference between better footballers and a better team.
As opposed to the Celtic team who took 94 minutes to beat Rangers with our goalie off injured and our best player sent off?
Rangers are fucking shattered. No excuses, purely because Celtic had a run-in much like this one when they reached the UEFA Cup final and lost the league, albeit without half the team injured. Now it's our turn. I'm still very, very confident of winning the league.
I expected more from Hampden Park, looked alright from the outside but Rangers fans are right, it's a shithole. Would have been good if it was at capacity and we made some noise, it was all Saints fan all game, even when they were singing can you hear the Rangers' sing repeatedly it didn't cause a reaction.
Buffel was far and away our best player I thought, Novo was playing the Anelka role of just being on the wing when he should've been in the box.
Cuellar was way too casual, first twenty minutes he was just making too many mistakes, the whole defence seemed off the pace, for sheer effort I'd have given Novo the captaincy, battled hard throughout, you'd think Cousin would have fucking tried baring in mind he is fighting for his place, and if he's def off in the summer then drop the cunt, he was bollocks.
Good to see Jody Morris' penalty get saved too :d.
Also, on Saturday I am going to attempt to nick the Nakamura song about Ji-Sung Park.
McCoist spent the whole game standing up on the sideline shouting and going mental. Not sure if he was in charge but it did seem he was pulling all the strings.
Always thought Jackie Mac was a hell of player for both Celtic and Scotland, surely he contribute somewhere.
I honestly don't know J, as David said most of us think he has the Scottish Cup games. I'm not entirely sure on this one though by the looks of it he does but when things that happened on Sun (the injuries) occur I'm sure Walter will have the final say on what happens.
He was a fantastic player for Celtic and Scotland, and like I said I was delighted when we signed him.
He just doesn't have it anymore unfortunately and the experience he was going to give us in the UEFA Cup didn't really matter much when he was so poor. It was pretty clear when we played Panatahaikos that he wasn't the same player he was in his last season at Celtic.
Hampden should have been so much better. There should have been at least 70,000 seats. Plus, most of the stands aren't close enough to the pitch.
But when the attendance is 26,000 for a cup semi, is that justifiable? Would you get 70,000 for qualifiers had you been far from qualifying? Not saying you wouldn't, I don't know the answer, I thought the old Hampden held 200k so maybe this should be bigger.
I'm suprised UEFA held a Champions League final there with it's capacitiy.
Yeah think it should be closer too, I didn't like the track around the pitch, that shouldn't be there.
True. Thats one thing that's alright about it, it it wasn't designed to look stupidly impressive.
Yeah like David and Chris said I thought that he was in charge of picking the teams etc though when I saw Walter Smith talking to the players before extra time I just wondered if I had got it wrong.
I'm not a fan of it myself, the distance between the fans and the pitch is too far and I feel Parkhead and Ibrox allow for better atmospheres. I also believe that a Scottish Cup Semi Final should only be played there if its Celtic v Rangers. Although saying that I am not sure where else I would have played Sunday's game, but an empty Hampden for semi-finals has been a problem for the past few years.
I also feel that International games could be toured around Scotland as well, only leave the big games (France and Italy for example) to be played at Hampden. Teams like the Faroes, etc could play up in Aberdeen etc.
He was a great player for us, done well as captain and I was sad to see him leave for Wolves when he did. I seem to remember him picking up an injury down there though that kept him out for a while, perhaps from there he never got back to his best.
I agree with you that there's a bit too much distance between the fans and the pitch at Hampden, but I'd never want the qualifying games moved from there unless there was a good reason for it.
Saying that though, there were 50,059 fans at the Faroes game in 2006 so playing it at somewhere like Pittodrie would be pointless as so many people would miss out on going and, of course, the SFA would lose a lot of money on it as well.
Friendlies are the only games which should be toured around the country I think. There was only 28,821 people at the Croatia game, so that should have probably been moved elswhere to somewhere like Easter Road or Tynecastle.
Semis at Hampden are fine by me as well. There was over 20,000 fans at Hampden for both semi finals this season so I don't see any need for those games to be moved anywhere else.
In saying that though, if the two teams are from the North of Glasgow like we were in the CIS semi against Dundee Utd then there is obviously a case for playing it at somewhere like Tynecastle like we did this season.
It's not often a Scottish team gets this far in Europe, so if they do manage to get there then this won't bother me.SPL prepares for season extension
The Scottish Premier League has decided to extend its season by four days - until 22 May - if Rangers reach the Uefa Cup final.
It has taken the unprecedented step of publishing two sets of fixtures for the final set of games.
Rangers' title rivals, Celtic, had already warned of their opposition to any extension to the season.
But the SPL insists that there was no alternative because of the number of postponed fixtures this season.
Secretary Iain Blair said: "It is well documented that this has been an exceptionally challenging season in terms of fixturing.
"The combination of a number of diverse circumstances has produced unparalleled scheduling problems."
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell had suggested that any extension would threaten the integrity of the competition.
And St Mirren had also stated that they had booked a team holiday and would therefore oppose any change.
But, should Rangers beat Fiorentina to reach the Uefa Cup final, St Mirren will have to host the Glasgow outfit on Tuesday 20 May.
"Our aim throughout has been to protect the integrity of the competition, balance the interests of our member clubs and have regard to player welfare and fixturing precedent," said Blair.
He described the proposal as "a modest extension to the season to enable Rangers FC to represent the SPL and all of Scottish football in the Uefa Cup final".
"It reflects the fact that the outstanding fixtures cannot reasonably be played in the available time and will involve some disruption for a number of our clubs," said Blair.
Rangers face four games in eight days whichever fixture list becomes reality.
If Rangers make the Uefa Cup final on 14 May, the last round of fixtures for the top six clubs - which must be played at the same time on the same day - will take place on Thursday 22 May.
The Ibrox side will also travel to Motherwell on 17 May, while Gretna's hosting of Hearts will be moved forward to 8 May.
If Walter Smith's team lose to Fiorentina, who visit Ibrox for the first leg on Thursday, Rangers will travel to face St Mirren on 13 May then Motherwell two days later.
Rangers, who won the CIS Cup in March, meet Queen of the South in the Scottish Cup final on 24 May.
Still don't want them to win it.
Sad day for Scottish football if what I have heard is true.
Not really fair to say as I do not know for certain but I have been told a true legend of Scottish football died yesterday. I hope I have been informed wrong.
Thanks for telling us.
The rumour was that Tommy Burns had died. But, thankfully, it appears to have just been a rumour.
Officially there has been no update on his condition.
Last edited by J; April 24th, 2008 at 7:16 AM.
What a fantastic game. Celtic thoroughly deserved it with their second half performance, I think.
yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaassssssssssssssssssssssssssss
What a fucking game, even better than last week.
Jesus christ.
ITS ALL GO NOW YOU DIRTY HUNS.
Realistically it's over, is it not?
It's a very hypothetical scenario that would see Celtic winning the title by my understanding, can't see Rangers dropping points in two of their games.
How many points do they need to win the title?
Right, so if Celtic win their 3 remaining games, that will see them sat on 89 points.
Rangers are currently on 75 points with 6 games to play, which could give them a possible 18 points.
So, with Celtic's superior goal difference, one loss and one draw for Rangers would hand Celtic the title?
A lot closer than I thought then, carry on.
Easy! Rangers are muck. Slack defending as usual on set pieces or we'd have battered yas.
Fuck off, Jay. How the fuck can you say that? We were far better in the first half. Second half was tight. That means we should win. Yeah? It was a joke. Hesselink should have been sent off. Hartley should have been sent off. Broadfoot should have been sent off and a free kick given. We were the better side today. Celtic are so so bad. It's unreal. We will still win the league, but fucking hell
You lost two games against them in a week and THEY are so so bad?
Surely the excitement of MASSIVE OLD FIRM GAMES wears off when they play each other about 87 times a season.
Surely the excitement of watching fucking Brentford against fucking Bradford wears off. Seriously, if you knew anything about fucking football, you would fuck off. Tit.
Friday is a bit drunk.
Its more exciting than participating in a 2 team joke league where you play Dundee four times a season and then having a game that's already happened about 50 times the highlight of that pathetic season, you fucking twat. Celtic beat you twice but ITS UNREAL HOW BAD THEY ARE. Yeah right mate, I know nothing about football.
Second half wasn't that tight. Celtic were the better team in the second half. Boruc barely had anything to do in the second half. And even though you were the better team in the first half, like I said, you still found yourselves at 2-2 at half time, so you can have no complaints, really. And while some of the decisions did go in Celtic's favour, quite a few went in your favour, as well. Over the ninety minutes, I think the referees decisions evened themselves out. Celtic deserved it.
Well put Jay.
Great game today, thought we done enough for the three points in the end, especially with our second half performance. Apart from a Novo shot after a Rangers counter attack I can not remember them ever really troubling. It also seemed like they chucked it at the end as well, we found space and kept control of the ball rather easily at times, especially when we took it into the corner. Pity McDonald squared the ball to Hesselink instead of hitting the shot himself as it would have been great to see him get a hat-trick.
It was poor defending at set-pieces that cost us Ranger's two goals but I have to say Gary Caldwell had a good game for us today, something I never thought I would say! When McManus went off he showed a lot more confidence and won nearly every header and tackle he went for. Man of the Match has to be Skippy though, in the past few weeks he has seemingly went off the boil but he was great today, right to the very end, especially in holding the ball up.
With our goal difference we can win it if Rangers drop 4 points, so if they draw 2 of their last games then we are in with a shout. All we can really concentrate is winning our remaining three games, if we get 9 points then it's a possibility.
GOD BLESS THE POPE!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...ic/7370125.stm
And here's Damien Duff, Robbie Keane, and Stephen Carr celebrating the result.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFhHzNBRXlo
Last edited by wardy; April 28th, 2008 at 6:53 AM.
Can't say I remember him much from when he was at Kilmarnock, but hopefully he'll turn out good.Originally Posted by afc.co.uk
Congrats Rangers.
You lucky, jammy, flukey bastards.
Fucking hell.
Did not see that coming.
Fair play Rangers, well defended. Cuellar is a fucking beast.
Fucking hell.
AAAAHAHAHAHAHA COME OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON
Question for the Rangers fans, I know you are still on course for winning all four trophies and I think this semi-final win could give you the legs and confidence to go on and win the league, but how do you feel about your style of play?
In all seriousness, If rangers win this cup, it is almost all down to Cuellar, Weir and McGregor.
Immense defensive work, and goalkeeping up to the injury.
Jesus Christ. We'd have walked the Uefa Cup this season.
AHAHAHHAHHAHAHHAHHAHAHHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Nae mate, the referees aren't in your back pockets in Europe.
lol1
Losing Cousin for the final can only be a good thing, the guy doesn't show that his hearts in it and you'd have to be an idiot to do what he did tonight. Good justice that the twat that playacted then missed his penatly.
No chance of a ticket although my mate got two in the ballot, in hindsight I wish I'd enetered it.
Well done rangers. and I can't believe I'm saying it. I hope fernando ricksen defeats you in the final.
Amazing. I have to be honest, just before kick off, I didn't think that we would go through. But as the match went on, I started to think that we might just do it. They could still be trying to score against right now and I still don't think that they would break through. People can claim that it's anti-football and maybe it is. But for Rangers, it's intelligent football.
I must have watched the penalty shoot out about ten times now. The likes of Papac and Hemdani aren't great finishers, but they have bottle. Papac has never scored for us, but he was so calm. Hemdani missed against St. Johnstone, but he showed great courage and scored with probably the best penalty of the lot.
After going out of the Champions League, I was gutted. I didn't think that we would do anything in the UEFA Cup. But Rangers have proved everybody wrong this season. Now the team can become legends and win four trophies.
Fair point, Davis has also been terrific, but the fact is, he could play his heart out and still be let down with any average defence, which would've leaked a good number of goals.
Your back four right now, particularly the two in the middle, are phenomenal.
Well played rangers.
To be honest, Id fucking love to win the league against them, but I wish them all the luck in the world in Manchester.
Honestly I think Davis and Hemandi have contributed a lot with a weaker midfield the defense has even more to do. Also Steve has so much quality in keeping a ball and making the right pass he's always taking pressure away.
The lad is brilliant.
He has been outstanding. I am desperate for him to stay. He will be a key player in the final. He wasn't even fit last night and he still put in a good shift.
It's still not as good as the last 16 of the Champions League anyway, so who cares?
Nice result that.
Going right down to the wire. Another wee draw against Motherwell/Dundee utd would be lovely.
Rangers will probably win it on penalties.
When was the last time Rangers won in open play?
St. Johnstone
Celtic
Celtic
Fiorentina
Hibs
ITS A DOWNWARD SPIRAL.
Well it's going to go right down to the wire. Celtic don't have a couple of bankers left to play, so there will be a few twists and turns yet. If we score a couple of goals early on against Motherwell, Dundee Utd or St.Mirren, we need to keep going. We could catch up on the goal difference. But as long as we win every game, that won't matter anyway.
At least it's exciting.
Rangers are crap.
I won't deny that I'm shitting myself. But it's not like Celtic fans can be confident either. We have it in our own hands though and next up is a couple of home games.
Very exciting.
I think Rangers will struggle with having to consistently attack, as they know now they cant really afford another draw (assuming we will beat Dundee Utd and Hibs).
Cousin offers very little, and Novo looked pretty uncomfortable today for some reason.
Wednesday night is a biggie.
We have won every single game at home this season in the SPL, apart from one. So I am confident that we won't slip up against Motherwell or Dundee Utd. Motherwell away is a different kettle of fish and that could be tight. St.Mirren is going to be tricky because of the lack of breathing space. On the last day, I am sure that Aberdeen would love nothing more than stopping us winning the title. Plus, they might still be in with a shot of finishing 3rd.
Hibs have a decent record at going to Celtic Park though, don't they? They aren't going to be push overs. Dundee Away is then a tough one and it's not like Celtic don't have a history of bottling it on the last day.
Every game is a cup final now.
Celtic will win their last two games. On form at the minute and winning games, instead of sitting back and defending like Rangers. It's hard for them to get out of that anti football style they have. I think they'll struggle.
The league is Celtic's.
Indeed, a lot of our fans seem to be thinking that its down to what Rangers do, but we still have two very difficult games. Tannadice is going to be difficult, and Hibs at home wont be pish easy either.
As you say, I expect Rangers to pick up maximum points at home, because they just dont lose there, but Motherwell and St. Mirren away will be potential banana skins.
Still, its Rangers to lose.
I believe they do.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/f...in-591164.html
That makes it sound like that Rangers/Pars game was more of a game than the "laying down" everyone was accusing them of at the time.
Ill buy you a season ticket mate.
I have a season ticket for another team, I can rarely go to matches as it makes more sense to watch Chelsea away then Rangers at home but when a game doesn't clash next season I will go more.
Plus I'm at uni in Portsmouth right now, I couldn't be much more southern in England and I do have a life outside of football.
It was a joke, BUT OK.