Murray Interview

Redevelopment Announcement

 

SIR DAVID MURRAY has revealed Glasgow City Council are set to rubber-stamp Rangers’ plans to transform the land surrounding Ibrox Stadium.

They should give the green light to a project which sees the flats at Hinshelwood turned into a complex that includes hotel accommodation and retail outlets tomorrow.

Speaking at today’s club AGM, chairman Murray revealed the redevelopment also encompasses the football pitch at the Ibrox Community Complex.

Once plans are given the go-ahead, the Light Blues will seek appropriate partners to work with as they strive to significantly improve the area.

Murray said: “We are very pleased to announce that belatedly, there will be a statement and rubber-stamping by Glasgow City Council tomorrow.

“It will confirm they have agreed to pass the ownership of certain grounds across to us for development.

“I apologise for the delay but it was outwith our control. I believed it was being signed legally in May, June and July and even went to the City Chambers with Martin Bain.

“We went there in July expecting it to be signed, only to be told the paperwork wasn’t ready.

“I accept there have been delays but we still believe there is a viable plan to develop.

“Martin and (director of finance) Donald McIntyre have worked very hard on this for the last year and we are assured it will be approved tomorrow.”

Murray stated there are also plans to redevelop the stadium but conceded in the midst of the credit crunch, it is likely to be some time before Rangers can put them into action.

Instead, he chose to focus on the exciting announcement due to be made that will place Gers amongst the most forward-thinking clubs in Europe.

Murray added: “A year ago, Martin and I had been looking at Lyon’s plans as they look to build a new stadium.

“But at the moment our plan, to be quite honest, doesn’t stand up financially in this climate.

“With that said, we still have a plan to redevelop the stadium and we will do that in consultation with our supporters.

“Regarding tomorrow’s announcement, let’s be positive and hope both that the economy is in better shape and we find suitable partners to work with us.

“We have a masterplan which will hopefully be of financial benefit to Rangers. The funds will go to the club, nobody else.”

Citizen Partnership

RANGERS Football club today welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Government of a new partnership to promote positive citizenship through football.

The new group “Promoting Citizenship through Football - A Government and Football Partnership” will be chaired by Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith and will promote positive citizenship such as alcohol and drugs misuse, anti-social behaviour,  violence, domestic abuse and continuing work on sectarianism and other bigoted behaviour

A club spokesman said: “We welcome the new focus from the Scottish Government, particularly in tackling issues such as anti-social behaviour, violence, alcohol and drugs misuse.

“We also welcome the fact that the issue of sectarianism is regarded within the wider context of anti-social behaviour and is not singled out as being the only issue to be confronted.

“This is the approach we have advocated for some time and also reflects the extensive work that the club already does with its partners through a wide range of community programmes - work which has been widely recognised at Scottish and UK level.”

Accept The Surcharge

MARTIN BAIN has urged SPL clubs to accept the merits of the 5% away ticket surcharge implemented on them by Rangers and Celtic this season.

The Old Firm announced their intention to impose the handling fee for the distribution of their fans’ tickets at other grounds on behalf of opposition clubs in the summer.

While some agreed to the plan, others have added to the price of away seats to supplement the new expense or begun selling the briefs themselves to avoid paying it.

Gers chief executive Bain has stressed the levy was introduced to lessen the price of following Rangers and Celtic for supporters when they go on the road.

While it has had the opposite effect in some cases, he still believes it is a scheme clubs that are currently against it could soon go along with.

Bain admits a rethink may be needed to bring the situation to a satisfactory conclusion which suits all parties.

But for the moment, he is intent on persevering with the Old Firm’s stance as he feels it is one which is best for all concerned.

Bain has previously stated he would be happy for other clubs to charge the same cost to the Old Firm for selling away tickets at Ibrox and Parkhead on their behalf.

Speaking at the club’s AGM today, he said: “The 5% levy was introduced and promoted by this football club to advantage Rangers supporters, not disadvantage them.

“A total of £2.5million worth of tickets is sold (by Rangers) on behalf of other SPL clubs which benefit them and their economy.

“Rangers supporters, in recent times, have paid for that by way of a booking fee and it was our sole intention to alleviate that cost to our supporters.

“We also want to make other clubs in the SPL wake up and smell the coffee and realise this football club and our supporters will not subsidise them without recognition.

“SPL clubs do not recognise what the number of travelling Rangers supporters bring to the economy.

“It is about time they did and it is my intention to make sure they stop disadvantaging our supporters by putting prices up.

“If they can’t recognise that is not the way to go, they need to have a long, hard think to themselves.

“At the weekend, for St Mirren to put prices up for Rangers supporters with a difference of £6 or £7 to other parts of the ground was shocking.

“You have my absolute assurance that I’m trying to hold firm with the other clubs on the 5% levy.

“I have spoken to the SPL about this issue and to many other directors of other football clubs.

“Now I am sitting at the juncture where I either persevere in the hope clubs recognise what I’ve set out to do or have to revisit the 5% levy in relation to prices.

“It is all very well at the start of the season when the weather is a little better and clubs can sell debt to our supporters.

“But when the winter comes and our supporters don’t have the convenience of a ticket delivered to their doorstep things could change.

“These clubs could then look at numbers and a possible drop in sales - which I hope doesn’t happen - and they’ll then realise the 5% levy is a good deal.”

Bain also promised to look into the allocation of tickets for major matches following questions about the distribution of UEFA Cup final seats.

Offical 3rd Kit Launch

THESE are the exclusive first pictures of the new Rangers third kit for season 2008/09 - and you can get your hands on it from next week! 

The change strip will be launched on Thursday 16 October and as you can see in these snaps of Pedro Mendes, it’s one everyone will want to buy.

The design is predominantly red and features a vertial blue and white stripe thatruns down the centre of the shirt.

Reminiscent of one of the recent Lyon outfits, it also has a white trim around the collar and sleeves.

The strip features the same zonal body map mesh as this term’s home and away strips, along with a Saltire on the back of the neck.

The shorts are red, while the socks are the red and white ones worn in the away matches at Hibernian and St Mirren in the last nine days.

Rangers’ new third kit will be available at JJB Rangers Megastore Ibrox, JJB Rangers stores and selected other JJB Stores.

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We first posted these pictures July 8, 2008, so much for an exlusive Rangers.co.uk

Rangers to pledge 300,000 to Unicef

RANGERS have joined an elite group of clubs after teaming up with UNICEF in a ground-breaking charity collaboration.

The Rangers Charity Foundation became the latest to team up with the international children’s charity, adding their name to a list including the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and AC Milan.

Charity Foundation and Club Chairman Sir David Murray, Charity Trustee and Rangers Chief Executive Martin Bain and Charity Champion and Club Captain Barry Ferguson joined UNICEF UK Director of Corporate Fundraising Anne Shinkwin to formalise the agreement today by signing a pledge to raise £300,000 by 2011.

UNICEF will be the Rangers Charity Foundation’s International Charity Partner for an initial 3 years in which period the Foundation will fund a UNICEF education project in India across 15 states, reaching over 45,000 children in over 200 schools.

In India, approximately 5 million children aged between 6 and 11 miss out on a school education. The majority of these are girls with many of them coming from poor, disadvantaged communities.

Many schools have inadequate learning facilities and teaching materials, with classrooms often over crowded and children unable to complete their studies.

Money raised by the partnership will support a public campaign aimed at increasing school admissions, buy books, teaching materials and classroom materials, improve the learning environment and teaching facilities in over 150 schools, fund a campaign that identifies and helps young girls who have been unable to complete primary school, provide training to teachers and improve the water and sanitation facilities in over 200 schools.

Club and Charity Foundation Chairman Sir David Murray was pleased to see the collaboration set up.

He said: “It is a huge landmark for the Rangers Charity Foundation to establish this partnership with UNICEF and join some of the biggest clubs in the world as one of their football partners.

“Rangers is a club known across the globe and it is great to see our charitable activities expanding on an international scale, whilst we increase our work at a more local level in Scotland.

“The Foundation launched a Community Grants Scheme in 2007 and recently announced a new Community Charity Partner. We are also set to unveil a National Partner within the next few weeks.

“Our agreement with UNICEF adds a different dimension to our charitable work and builds upon the activities Rangers already delivers to communities throughout Scotland, not just within the charitable sector but also in education, health and wellbeing and social equality.”

UNICEF UK Executive Director David Bull was also delighted to seal the partnership with Rangers.

He said: “I am delighted that Rangers has chosen to support UNICEF’s education work in India. Access to education is something we often take for granted. For thousands of children, this project will bring the precious opportunities an education can offer a step closer.”

UNICEF is the world’s leading children’s organisation, reaching young people in more than 150 countries around the world.

It works with local communities and governments across the globe to help every child realise their full potential by providing health care, nutrition, education and by protecting children affected by crises including war, natural disasters and HIV and AIDS.

The partnership with Rangers will be the first relationship of its kind for the charity in Scotland and Charity Foundation Champion Barry Ferguson will head to India to see the partnership in action

He said: “The education project in India is an exciting development for the Foundation and I have agreed to visit the area to see first-hand the work that is being done.

“Everyone at the Club is very proud of this new venture and I believe that we can make a real difference and that the power of sport can help us to spread UNICEF’s message of hope for vulnerable children.”

The new partnership is one that Anne Shinkwin, UNICEF UK Director of Corporate Fundraising is hoping will help to raise both awareness and funds.

She said: “To have the commitment of Rangers, a club of international standing, is testament to the importance we both place on giving children the opportunity of an education and a future.

“Together, our partnership will make a real and decisive difference to whole communities across India. We look forward to many successful years working together.”

The Foundation’s appointment of an International Charity Partner comes as a result of a strategic review of its activities following the growing success of its charitable and fundraising concerns.

It also aims to match this level of funding within Scotland, donating £100,000 per year to local projects via a National Charity Partner and Community Charity Partner and the Foundation’s ongoing Community Grants Scheme.

It broke through the £1million barrier in 2007 in terms of cash and in-kind donations made to charities and other worthwhile organisations.

Fairbridge in Scotland has already been named as the Foundation’s Community Partner for this season and the new National Charity Partner will be announced in due course.

Rangers SPL Fixture Changes

RANGERS will be involved in two lunch-time showdowns before and after Christmas, the SPL announced today.

The match at Tannadice against Dundee United on Saturday, December 13 has now been given at 12.30pm kick-off.

And it will be the same time for the eagerly-awaited second Old Firm clash of the season.

The visit of Celtic on Saturday, December 27 will also kick off at 12.30pm.

Both matches will be screened live on Setanta Sports.

St Mirren 1 - 0 Rangers

FT: St. Mirren 1 Rangers 0 - Rangers suffer their first defeat of the season and their first to St. Mirren in 22 years. Stephen McGinn’s strike on 76 minutes secures three points for the Buddies who were rarely in the Gers half in the second period. Walter Smith’s men had four efforts cleared off the line in the latter stages of the game which underlines how frustrating a day this was for the Light Blues. 

92 min - Broadfoot drives into the box and appears to be brought down. Ref lets play continue and Lafferty is booked for dissent.

92 min - Adam crosses from a corner and Broadfoot’s header is cleared by one of five defenders on the goal line. It’s been one of those days!

89 min - Fourth official indicates three minutes of additional time.

88 min - Great chance for Gers. Adam curls a corner into the danger area and Boyd’s header is cleared off the line. David and Lafferty then try to force the ball home but there is too many bodies on the line and the ball is somehow cleared to safety,

87 min - Papac crosses from the left and Boyd’s header hits the post with Howard well beaten.

86 min - St. Mirren substitution - Hugh Murray on for Gary Brady.

84 min - Brady booked for foul on Mendes.

83 min - Davis finds space 25 yards from goal but his shot is miles over Howard’s bar. Just not happened for Gers today.

77 min - McGinn is booked for a late foul on Papac in front of the Saints’ dug-out.

76 min - GOAL! St. MIrren 1 Rangers 0 - Stephen McGinn picks up the ball from 25 yards and swerves a curling shot beyond Allan McGregor who was helpless. Stunning goal but Gers need something special now.

75 min - Broadfoot crosses deep but Boyd’s header from 12 yards is straight at Howard.

71 min - Double St. Mirren substitution - Craig Dargo on for Andy Dorman and Stephen McGinn replaces Dennis Wyness.

67 min - Davis takes a corner kick but plays it out to Mendes 30 yards out. The midfielder’s shot lacks the power he generated at Parkhead and trundles past Howard’s goal.

66 min - Rangers substitution - Kris Boyd on for Darcheville.

65 min - Darcheville wins a corner and Adam swings it deep. Weir attempts to head the ball back across but it hits a defender and goes out for another corner.

60 min - Mendes and Davis link up before the latter plays an inch perfect pass through to Darcheville who scuffs his effort. 

58 min - Rangers substitution - Kyle Lafferty on for Thomson.

57 min - Thomson and Brady go for a 50/50 in the centre circle and the Gers’ man comes off worse. Treatment is required and physio Pip Yeates signals to the bench for a substitution. Thommo is carried off by Mendes and Adam.

53 min - Adam pass to Darcheville on the half way line and the striker drives at the Saints defence before hitting a powerful right-foot shot from long range which the keeper does well to hold.

51 min - Broadfoot plays the ball into the 18 yard box and when it falls to Miller his shot is deflected over. Davis’ corner is disappointing.

48 min - Darcheville wins a corner. Adam sings in a great cross but Bougherra heads over from six yards. Great chance for Gers.

45 min - Rangers start the second half. No changes made to either team although Kris Boyd and Kyle Lafferty are immediately told to warm-up in front of the away support.

HT: St. Mirren 0 Rangers 0 - Frustrating opening 45 minutes for Gers who have enjoyed a lot of possession but not created enough chances in the last third. Gus McPherson’s 3-5-2 formation is working so far with very little space in midfield for creative players such as Mendes and Davis to show their flair.

44 min - Darcheville shot deflected wide for a corner. Davis takes and Adam’s near post flick is wide. Ref surprisingly awards a corner but evens things out by awarding a free-kick in Saints favour from the next cross.

39 min - Thomson plays a one-two with Charlie Adam 30 yards from goal. He then beats side steps a Saints defender before blasting a shot which Howard tips over his bar. Good play from Thommo.

35 min - Referee has a word in Charlie Adam’s ear after his late tackle leaves Andy Dorman sprawled on the Love Street turf. No card is shown. 

29 min - Wyness wins a corner for Saints but Bougherra clears the cross to safety with a powerful header.

26 min - Brady attempts to play the ball to Andy Dorman but Thomson intercepts and fires a powerful shot which Howard can only palm away.

25 min - Adam hauled to the ground by John Potter 25 yards from the Saints goal but referee William Collum waves play to continue. Shocking decision from the official.

20 min - Neither keeper has been truly tested at this stage of the game, bit of quality required. 

19 min - Great cross from Robb is cleared by Papac and Gers counter attack. Davis plays a perfect pass to Darcheville on the right wing but his dangerous cross is headed behind Howard’s goal by Haining.

15 min - Miller does brilliantly to wriggle out of a tight position at the Saints corner flag by dancing past Haining and Robb. His cross is equally good but their are no takers in the box. Great play from Kenny.

13 min - Corner to Gers. Adam takes and when it is headed clear Mendes unleashes a powerful low drive from 25 yards which is blocked. 

11 min - Miller plays a neat pass to Darcheville but the Frenchman is brilliantly tackled by Will Haining just as he was about to shoot.

9 min - Steven Robb plays a free-kick into the Gers- 18-yard box. The ball fall to Steven Robb but his shot hits the side netting. Allan McGregor had it covered.

8 min - Early booking for Pedro Mendes after he fouls Dennis Wyness and halts a dangerous Saints attack.

5 min - Darcheville spins his marker before darting down the left flank. He cuts inside but his pass to Kenny Miller has too much power and runs through to Mark Howard.

2 min - Jack Ross finds space on the right after a bit of slackness from Bougherra and delivers a decent cross into the box. Danger is cleared by Davis. 

0 min - St. Mirren get today’s match underway from the kick-off.

RANGERS: McGregor; Broadfoot, Bougherra, Weir, Papac; Davis, Thomson (Lafferty 58), Mendes, Adam; Darcheville (Boyd 66), Miller

Subs: Alexander, Beasley, Dailly, Aaron, Loy

ST. MIRREN: Howard; Haining, Potter, Cuthbert; Ross, Dorman (Dargo 71), Mason, Robb, Brady; Mehmet, Wyness (McGinn 71)

Subs: Smith, Murray, Brighton, Hamilton, McAusland

Referee: William Collum

St Mirren v Rangers (Sun)

St Mirren’s Franco Miranda is suspended while fellow defenders Will Haining and Jack Ross are injured. 

David Barron and Stephen O’Donnell are still out, but striker Craig Dargo has recovered from a knee problem.

Rangers are encouraged by Steven Whittaker’s progress although the defender is struggling to play.

Lee McCulloch played in the reserves this week following his knee injury, but the versatile midfielder may not be rushed back for the clash in Paisley.

Match Odds St Mirren 8.5   Draw 5.0   Rangers 1.3 

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St Mirren: (from) Howard, McAusland, Potter, Cuthbert, Dorman, Mason, Brighton, Brady, Robb, Mehmet, Wyness, Hamilton, Smith, Murray, Gilerao, McGinn, Dargo, McCay.

Rangers: (from) Alexander, Broadfoot, Bougherra, Weir, Dailly, Davis, Mendes, Thomson, Beasley, Novo, Boyd, Miller, McGregor, Edu, Lafferty, Aaron, Fleck, Papac.

 

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St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson: 
“The confidence is there and the training has been of an excellent standard, the tempo has been good.

“But we need to keep showing that confidence when we play in a game.

“You have to be close to your best, if not at your very best, to get something against Rangers.

“It’s unfortunate that we’ve been hit in the one area in defence through injury. But, if they don’t make it, it just becomes an opportunity for guys that have been frustrated and are desperate to play.”

Rangers manager Walter Smith: 
“A lot of people outside say that, because Celtic and Rangers always win, there is not much of a challenge.

“But when you are here, there is. It’s not easy playing teams four times a season.

“Even when you take a new season, the knowledge of your team is there for the opposition to make it very difficult for you.

“That’s the case with all the games with Rangers and Sunday will be no different.”

 

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Last season: Rangers 2-0 St Mirren, Rangers 4-0 St Mirren, St Mirren 0-3 Rangers

CLUB FORM

ST MIRREN

Last five league matches: L L W D L

Top scorer: Billy Mehmet - 3

RANGERS

Last five league matches: D W W W W

Top scorers: Kenny Miller - 4

 

REFEREE

William Collum

Alexander Focused

NEIL ALEXANDER insists he isn’t even thinking about a Scotland call-up after two good performances since replacing Allan McGregor in goal for Rangers.

George Burley names his pool for next weekend’s World Cup qualifier with Norway tomorrow and some are tipping the 30-year-old keeper for a recall to the squad.

Alexander made a string of fine saves against Motherwell and Hibs, playing a key role in obtaining maximum points from those SPL fixtures.

Some are speculating that as a result, he could also go on to claim McGregor’s place in the national squad as back-up to Craig Gordon.

But Alexander is adamant his sole focus is on establishing himself as Walter Smith’s first choice at Ibrox and he isn’t giving much thought to adding to his three international caps.

He said: “It is not something that has crossed my mind if I’m honest. My attentions are just on playing well for Rangers.

“They’re the ones who pay my wages and they are my first priority but if I’m chosen in the squad, that will be fantastic.

“If I’m not, I won’t lose any sleep over it and I’ll just concentrate on doing well in our next game at Rangers which I’m hopefully selected for.

“Obviously, you want to play for your country as a boy growing up and I’m very patriotic and very proud of the three caps I have so far. I would love to add to them.

“I knew when I came to Rangers as a number two that my place in the Scotland squad was maybe in jeopardy as I wouldn’t be playing first-team football.

“Now that I’m in the side, I don’t know what the manager is thinking. It would be hard for him to leave Allan out as he has only missed a week and a half of first-team games.

“He might be back in the squad and I might not be. Whatever the manager decides, I’m fine with it.”

Alexander’s good form means McGregor, who signed a five-year deal in the summer, could find himself out of the Gers line-up for some time to come.

But the former Ipswich player maintains he won’t allow himself to relax into the position because he feels doing that will only lead to his own downfall.

Alexander added: “I’m loving being in the team and it is nice to get a chance on my own merits rather than because Allan is injured.

“It is tough for him at the moment but for me, I just need to try to make the most of the opportunity I’ve been given.

“We are great friends and train well together so I’d like to think the competition between the two of us will make me a better goalkeeper.

“But I know one thing I can’t afford to do is start relaxing into the position if I keep the starting jersey.

“You just can’t do that at Rangers. There are too many important games and if you relax, you make mistakes and lose games.

“With Allan breathing down my neck and wanting his jersey back, that’s the last thing I will be doing and that’s a good thing. It keeps me on my toes.”