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Dailly and Weir happy to continue Ibrox careers



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Published Date: 04 July 2008
By LISA GRAY
VETERAN defenders Christian Dailly and David Weir have both signed new deals with Rangers.
The Scottish pair have each committed to staying at Ibrox for another year, after impressing last season.

Dailly, 34, quickly adapted to life at Rangers after joining on a short-term deal from West Ham United in January, while Weir, 38, was brough
t to Glasgow by manager Walter Smith shortly after his own return to the club 18 months ago.

Weir insists he was always going to extend his stay after discovering that a new offer was on the table. He explained: “I’m delighted. I’ve enjoyed every minute since I’ve been up here.

“Football-wise there wasn’t any decision to make. As soon as the manager said he wanted me to stay for another year, I was delighted.

“I didn’t think I’d be here for two-and-a-half years. In football you can’t afford to look that far ahead, especially at my age. So initially it was just a short-term deal, but I’m delighted now that it has stretched and stretched.”

Weir’s partnership with Carlos Cuellar in the heart of the defence was crucial to Rangers’ success last season, as they won the Scottish Cup and CIS Insurance Cup and narrowly missed out on the Uefa Cup and Clydesdale Bank Premier League trophies.

The former Everton man played a total of 68 games for both club and country in what proved to be an epic campaign for the veteran centre-half. Weir is now hoping to have a significant part to play when Rangers’ new season gets under way with a Champions League qualifier against FC Santa Coloma or FBK Kaunas later this month.

He told www.rangers.co.uk: “You want to play every game. As a player you want to be in the team week-in, week-out. I obviously want to be involved and that will be my aim. But it’s up to me to try to do that.”

Weir and Dailly were among a number of big-name players returning to Rangers to prepare for their Champions League qualifiers and the new SPL campaign. Ibrox captain Barry Ferguson was also at Murray Park after being given extra time off following last season’s exertions.



The full article contains 392 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 03 July 2008 10:35 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Rangers FC
 
1

jerrymanders,

04/07/2008 00:13:04
Ah, the summer just gets better, and better.....
2

Barnacle Bill,

04/07/2008 00:15:36
1
Jezza

The weather wasn't that great here today, I take it was nice with you.
3

,

04/07/2008 00:18:28
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
4

jerrymanders,

04/07/2008 00:18:54
#2

The sun always shines on the righteous!
5

Barnacle Bill,

04/07/2008 00:20:05
4
Jezza

That'll be what's wrong then!
6

Big Gorgeous Hugh Hefner,

04/07/2008 00:25:09
"happy' - not much choice but to be happy when your both old and pesh!
7

bring them on,

04/07/2008 00:26:58
This is excellent news. Another rock solid defence this season.

And the weather is great here today, too.

Fourth in the world.......

Just whistle a wee tune.....
8

arthurscross,

04/07/2008 00:31:05
7# Bring them on - Didn't do you much good last year. Lol You can look forward to CP 4 in a row.
9

jerrymanders,

04/07/2008 00:32:22
#7

That would be the "rock solid" defence that conceded 6 more goals than The Champions in the SPL?
10

,

04/07/2008 00:34:28
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
11

bring them on,

04/07/2008 00:35:33
OF

It's not hard to tell in your case. Look at the ., after the name.

Someone has worked out my password, so he posts using my name from time to time (wonder who it might be......)

I wouldnae worry too much about it.

Some of "my" posts were quite good.
12

bring them on,

04/07/2008 00:36:42
Idee

I can sleep well at night knowing you will keep us on the path of truth.
13

,

04/07/2008 00:43:24
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
14

bring them on,

04/07/2008 00:46:53
OF

Wake up. In your case they just add a . after your name and they can open an account with it.

Mine is a little more complicated. But I have to hand it to him, as he's no dumb.

Lots you can do on here, if you think about it. Like my deleted post #54 on the Miller thread yesterday, to prove a point to Rasky.
15

,

04/07/2008 00:51:31
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
16

bring them on,

04/07/2008 00:52:00
old firm,

old firm.,

Two different accounts.

idee fixe,

idee fixe.,

get the idea?
17

bring them on,

04/07/2008 00:53:24
Idee

I would take copyright oot on it while you can.

You could do a roaring trade in t-shirts etc.
18

bring them on,

04/07/2008 00:58:33
#21

So what's your point?
19

Fayneant,

NZ 04/07/2008 00:59:58
Great news, top signings - steady as she goes for the start of the new season.

Here the weather is nice, but looking to get stormy over the weekend.

Eedaay luvs Rangers
20

,

04/07/2008 01:00:50
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
21

bring them on,

04/07/2008 01:04:08
Idee

You're a hard man....

Any news on Davis yet?
22

bring them on,

04/07/2008 01:06:17
OF

Ask yourself. Was he using the same account as you on the same day.

Back to football.

Sir David Weir I reckon.

Services to the fourth best football team in the world.
23

Sir Minty Moonbeams, Casino Royale,

04/07/2008 01:06:48
KOO- EEE !

Sir Minty! Where art thou ?

Sir Minty is deep within his lair, wondering how the hell he's going to get out of this mess.
His team are now synonamous with thuggery throughout Europe and indeed the world and Sir Minty wants someone to shell out £100m just so that he can get his money back.

In our multi-cultural age, who wants to invest that kind of money in a football club that spells hatred, racism, sectarianism, violence, robbery and vandalism ?

Let's have a show of hands.......Sir Minty, you will wear that stone around your neck until you die...upon your death bed, the words "for every fiver they spend we'll spend a tenner" will reverberate around your delirious mind, hanging on to consciousness in those last moments will intensify the regret, shame and horror about what you were part off, what you bought into, what you could never rid yourself off.
24

,

04/07/2008 01:08:16
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
25

jerrymanders,

04/07/2008 01:08:45
#27

SAGA'S new pin up boy.
26

Fayneant,

NZ 04/07/2008 01:10:08
I can see the way this thread is going to go - earlier than usual too.
I'm off to the thread on the story on Celtic's new signing - oh wait, there isn't one!
27

jerrymanders,

04/07/2008 01:14:31
#30

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrsssssssssssssse
28

Barnacle Bill,

04/07/2008 01:14:42
I see the timer has been set. Degeneration will commence quickly.

31
Jezza

We're actually providing tartan travel rugs on the bench now! Still there's many a good tune played on an old fiddle.
29

Mercutio,

FALKIRK 04/07/2008 01:17:20
Celtic Rangers, rangers Celtic, projectile vomit.
30

Barnacle Bill,

04/07/2008 01:19:00
35

Did they both projectile vomit at the same time? Or am I misunderstanding you?
31

,

04/07/2008 01:19:24
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
32

Orange Supreme,

04/07/2008 01:19:48
In fairness, it's a Rangers stories. The Cectarian interlopers were trying to provoke and antagonise.

They're just getting a bit of their own medicine laced with solid truth.
33

Barnacle Bill,

04/07/2008 01:21:26
37
MJ, IF, NN

Your talent at reading between the lines is hitting new heights. You now appear to be able to read between the words. It must be very small typing.
34

jerrymanders,

04/07/2008 01:23:14
#34

BB

Next you'll be handing out sweeties as well. Don't tell me Orange Cremes! The ones with the bitter bit in the middle. They ceratainly aren't supreme.
35

Raskolnikov,

04/07/2008 01:23:29
I burst out laughing when I read this first thing this morning. While Celtic are getting rid of their deadwood, Rangers are offering theirs new contracts.

With Celtic very close to announcing a big new signing, it just gets better and better.

4 in a row coming up.
36

bring them on,

04/07/2008 01:28:03
Rasky

Weir was outstanding throughout the season.

Be daft no to ask him to continue.

Losing your deadwood? Still a long way to go, mate.
37

Sir Minty Moonbeams, Casino Royale,

04/07/2008 01:29:58
I hear that Balde was offered the same wage package at Hull but wants to stay at Celtic.

Either he's mad to think that he can break into the first team OR he loves sitting on his ass.

Whichever...that he has decided to stay at Celtic for another year is undoubtedly a pain in the ass....Bobo ! GTF!
38

Barnacle Bill,

04/07/2008 01:31:18
40
Jezza

I think at that age they prefer pan drops, they don't get under your plate!

41
Rask

The one difference is the players you are claiming are our 'deadwood' played for us last season and actually did a job. As I said on an earlier thread I think their experience will be valuable, especially for bringing on their replacements. What did your deadwood contribute? What do you think they'll contribute next season? Your main drains don't appear to be doing much moving, unless it's to a different seat in the stand.
39

Orange Supreme,

04/07/2008 01:31:30
I had great laughter today on hearing how Balde and Gravesen are insisting on staying for the full term of their 30 and 40k salaries because of the £1m "loyalty bonus" when they finish their contracts and leave on Bosmans.

L1ewell's digging out the old biscuit tin again.

Har! Har! Harrrrrrr!
40

Orange Supreme,

04/07/2008 01:32:49
#43 It's the £1m loyalty bonus they've both got in their contracts. HA! HA! HA!

Bicsuit tin FC!
41

chazbud,

04/07/2008 01:33:16
dailly's a diddy

balde is some banana, let him stay where is earning millions every year..brilliant.

deadwood? i think we both have a fair amount of that
42

Orange Supreme,

04/07/2008 01:36:41
Poor wee jerrymanders has had to hide from the truth. :)
43

chazbud,

04/07/2008 01:37:17
jellyman taking a beating here too? lol
44

,

04/07/2008 01:38:44
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
45

Orange Supreme,

Balde and Gravesen's multi-million pound retiremne 04/07/2008 01:40:42
Come back jellyman. Show some spine and let us toy with your tiny little mind again.

LOL
46

chazbud,

04/07/2008 01:40:50
50 aye only for davis, they are not interested in cousin, hes going to end up at cardiff or hull maybe even wolves...nothing better

and we will pay £4m for davis, although i dont think he is worth it
47

chazbud,

04/07/2008 01:41:36
51 jellyman is so narrow minded...its sad
48

Orange Supreme,

04/07/2008 01:44:11
Oh dear. motley jizt has lowered the tone by reverting to type and indulging in r@c15m.

Tut! Tut!

He'll be throwing his ban@nas at people of different colour again!
49

chazbud,

04/07/2008 01:47:07
54 thats what they do
50

Scotmans Top Pundit!,

04/07/2008 02:13:20
#27 BTO

i still dont understand

?
51

Scotsmans Top Pundit,

04/07/2008 02:19:16
#56 isnt me its spelled wrong lol
52

Daillyman,

04/07/2008 02:21:47
Another rumoured tic target, Kewell(excuse spelling) off to Turkey on a 3 year deal.
53

Scotsmans Top Pundit!,

04/07/2008 02:33:55
#56 wrong spelling
#57 no exclaimation mark

unlucky
54

Fayneant,

NZ 04/07/2008 02:40:58
41 - Hey Rasky. I see you avoided defending your statement that the disapproval directed towards Kenny Miller was 'sectarian'. Guess you know when you've been found out, eh?

Also - you pinched my 'bong' crack which was initially aimed at you. Imitation in the sincerest form of flattery, don't you think?
55

bring them on,

04/07/2008 02:41:46
Dailly

As I said yesterday, they will just have to do with the singing.

Joking apart though, when WGS announces seven major signings in the same week, heads will turn.
56

bring them on,

04/07/2008 03:23:39
OF

Let it go, and maybe he will too.

It happens all the time on here.
57

Fayneant,

NZ 04/07/2008 03:25:29
61 - Celtic's 7 major signings? Would that be;-

O'Dec
O'Ronaldine
O'Fadden
O'Torres
O'Henry
O'Podolski
O'Rooney

Robbing the Irish Bog Bashers Premier League of the cream of their young talent?
58

bring them on,

04/07/2008 03:37:20
#65

If you were married to one of their wives you too would probably

1. Be going crazy

2. Be rude to everyone because your life is a misery

3. Have a moustache

4. Take three sugars in your tea
59

bring them on,

04/07/2008 03:47:28
OF

Dailly is a natural centre forward. SHould always have played there.
60

Fayneant,

NZ 04/07/2008 03:50:12
60 - he's played right back for Scotland too...
61

Colin P,

04/07/2008 04:07:05
You have to laugh at all the Celtc supporters on a Rangers thread.

How sad are you lot?

LOL!!
62

Colin P,

04/07/2008 04:08:07
Even funnier is the Scotsman's editing. Some of the post refer to posts after theirs. I can only assume this is because a lot have been removed.

Pretty sad effort, Scotsman.
63

Colin P,

04/07/2008 04:10:59
I have noticed certain Celtc supporters have gone on and on about Rangers bidding low for players.

Surprisingly(not) today Celtc offers a ridiculously low bid for a player and were told to get real.

You really couldn't make this up!
64

Colin P,

04/07/2008 04:18:26
I think the wee ginger minger is at a loss this year as Walter has kept his thoughts to himself.
Last year, with Celtic being the richer club, WGS has outbid WS for players (who have all been flops btw).

This year Walter (or "Walter" for the fixated one) has kept quiet and left the finding of players for Celtc to WGS.

What has he come up with so far? Some wee lad from the Irish league who is the next George Best, or Aiden McGeady, or...Paddy the tea boy...or something.
65

Daillyman,

04/07/2008 04:22:57
Colin

Bent, Pulyachenko, Leko, Kewell, Deco, Polish midfield player were rumoured tic targets, and the African left back from Hamburg.

More to come.

Well on these threads anyway.
66

Daillyman,

04/07/2008 04:26:55
59 OF/STP

WS should not waste money on a centre half. Weir can play some matches there, Webster when fit can play and Papac is a centre half who played left back because of Smiths injury last season. We need some creativity in midfield that's where the money should be spent.
67

Colin P,

04/07/2008 04:27:46
Daillyman,

Yes, Isn't it interesting how Celtc fans told us that Celtc didn't operate that way. They would keep things close to their chest and only bid what was appropriate for the players they really wanted?

So far, they have a top notch Irish lad who is the next C. Ronaldo (last I heard).

I think what all this tells us is that it`s actually Celtc who are skint.

hehehehe gotta love it!
68

Colin P,

04/07/2008 04:29:19
67 Brian

Davis` signing is a must!
Besides him, who would you want in midfield?
69

Colin P,

04/07/2008 04:31:35
BTW, this mot juste clown..I think he must have a good collection of red noses, in aid of comic relief!
70

Fayneant,

NZ 04/07/2008 04:45:02
41 - Prince Rasky! Where are youoooo???
71

Daillyman,

04/07/2008 04:45:27
69 Colin

Steve Sidwell from Chelsea 25 year old, if the price is to high look to a loan deal. Bullard of Fulham 29 and a workhorse in midfield with some skill, and hits a great dead ball. Playing in Europe might appeal to players who have never done it.
72

bring them on,

04/07/2008 04:48:22
Colin P

Mot Juste is one of the best posters on here. Never offensive, and knows his football.
73

Daillyman,

04/07/2008 04:48:36
35 Rasky

Speaking of deadwood remember Graveson 40k a week, Balde 28k a week, Donniti 20k a week.

Now thats what I call deadwood.
74

Daillyman,

04/07/2008 04:50:28
73 bto colin

Indee is okay, he brightens up the day. He should write for comedy on TV, wasting his talent on here.
75

Raskolnikov,

04/07/2008 06:11:27
#71 - COOOEEEY, I'm here.
76

Raskolnikov,

04/07/2008 06:12:24
What's upset Colin P today? Looks like he's blown a gasket.
77

Fayneant,

NZ 04/07/2008 06:21:08
76 - Rasky baby! About time you showed your face again


I see you avoided defending your statement that the disapproval directed towards Kenny Miller was 'sectarian'. Guess you know when you've been found out, eh?

Also - you pinched my 'bong' crack which was initially aimed at you. Imitation in the sincerest form of flattery, don't you think?
78

bring them on,

04/07/2008 06:32:30
Rasky

We're waiting.....
79

Swordsman,

Dublin 04/07/2008 06:38:15
Morning lads from bright,sunny D...On the above topic,I'm glad that, as a Hoops fan,both players have re-signed (and resigned to 4 in a row ;@) )the question that must be asked is this..Why has Wattie neglected to reinforce a creaky defence? Both players are honest pros, but lets face it,neither are spring chickens and in a league where pace is the most valuable currency,will be found wanting...Any thoughts?
80

Star o' Rabbie Burns,

New Cumnock, CUMNOCK 04/07/2008 06:57:46
Morning Swordsman, glad you're up and about - the standard of debate has been lower than normal so far, while the usual suspects are, I fear, already suffering from close-season melt down.

You raise a couple of good points - perhaps he's hoping to go with Cuellar and Webster or Cuellar and Papac (assuming Smith starts the season at left back), in which case Dailly and Weir will provide solid occasional cover.

Broadfoot is better left-sided rather than right, going on St Mirren form.

What he does need, if Euro 2008 is any guide to the way football is going, is more dynamism in midfield; oh forgot - Captain Fantastic must play, while negates that.

Could be an interesting start to the campaign.
81

bring them on,

04/07/2008 07:00:43
#81

That's too complicated.

We're fine as we are, is the more appropriate answer.

100 degrees today. I'm melting with my tweed jacket on....
82

Swordsman,

Dublin 04/07/2008 07:09:00
Star..Yup the close season brings out the worst in us all.I'm afraid...It's either the taunts of last seasons triumphs/failures or the wild predictions for the season yet to come...
As to the story above,Sounds reasonable that both players will be used spairingly.The problem then is,IF Wattie is going to change that hated 4-5-1 formation to accomodate the plethora of strikers he has bought,surely a tried and tested CH partnership is crucial?As for Broadfoot..nae harm to the boy but he makes ME nervous and I' a Hoops fan!
83

Swordsman,

Dublin 04/07/2008 07:10:40
BTO...Tip for hot weather...If you are wearing Sandals,take aff the socks...
84

Swordsman,

Dublin 04/07/2008 07:12:27
Apropos nothing..Just thinking that the transfer market is unusually quiet,even amongst the big boys..playing canny?
85

Star o' Rabbie Burns,

New Cumnock, CUMNOCK 04/07/2008 07:20:46
Swordsman - With you on the advantages of a solid central defensive pairing. As for Broadfoot, he's just a big daft Drongan boy - I like him. He's the kind of honest Scottish player I feel both halves of the Old Firm sould be encouraging, rather than signing these badge-kissing, fly-by-night foreign imports.

If you look at last season overall - Celtic won the title, Rangers did better in the cups, so there was very litle between the two sides.

Celtic scored marginally more goals overall so deserved the title, WS appears ready to go for more goals this coming season, so it will be interesting.

I feel last season we finally saw the merits of the top-six/bottom-six split in that, in the run-in, with the other European spot in doubt, both teams were pushed by the other Scottish clubs.

A fresher Celtic coped better than a tiring Rangers and this also helped tilt the title their way. But, unless Smith uses his squad better than he did last season, you still have to fancy Celtic to stay in front.

86

,

04/07/2008 07:32:55
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
87

Swordsman,

Dublin 04/07/2008 07:44:31
Star..Agreed on the badge kissers...Never ceases to amaze me that those who do that cant understand that we,on the terraces,KNOW they are playing to the gallery and that the only allegiances they have is to their pay check!
A resurgent Motherwell and Dundee Utd will hopefully mix things up,Hibs might put on a show and Hearts..well,least said,soonest mended lol
88

,

04/07/2008 07:55:41
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
89

Survivor Of Riots,

04/07/2008 07:57:15
88 - i think most supporters of a certain age have matured beyond giving grace to the badge kissers.

It mostly appeals to the younger fans and the new phenomonon of the lady fan

the younger people are the life blood of the game and will grow out of it. However there is no excuse for the female fan.

To erradicate this problem, Riot Survivor would take these immediate steps:

1) refuse Lady supporters access to the toilets until the last man had been
2) refuse Lady supporters access to the pie stalls until the last man had been served
3) refuse Lady supporters season books until the last man had purchased
4) refuse any Lady fan with a season book entry to the stadium until all men were in their seats.

Its the way forward
90

Swordsman,

Dublin 04/07/2008 08:08:31
Survivor...Glad to see that the unreconstructed Scottish male is alive and well!
I once took a girl to a game..(St Mirren V Brechin Scottish cup tie...Rivetting!) and she embarrassed me by asking when the tea break was...
Tina Turner...wake up to yourself...OOps! you probably do that every morning wi that patter!
91

CHUCKY,

04/07/2008 08:08:51
#86 Star, Fair stab at what you thought of last season, I have a different take on it though.

It was nothing to do with tiredness, every single football player will tell you they PREFER playing to training, rangers were incapable of altering their system.

I think rangers problem is that they didn't have the staff to change from the 4-5-1.
Each time they tried to do this they were defeated, even QOS ran them close.
The top 6 teams were able to pick them off in their own patches THROUGHOUT THE SEASON, it wasn't only at the end where they lost it.

I am staggered that Wattie has spent so much in the centre forward position (I think thats 8 players that can play CF now) when it's your defence and midfield that needs attention.

Weir and Cueller have no pace, Broadfeet is a joke and Papac is not a great LB. Ferguson is WAY overdue for dropping, he does not contrebute much at all these days and Thomson is building a HUGE amount of yellow cards for desperation tackles.

I don't see where all the praise is due for Davies, sure he's had a couple of decent games but £4 Mill? I don't even think you have a left midfield unless you count McCulloch, don't rate the fella.

Most teams who are challengers have a matchwinner or two in the side, I look at the rangers team and don't see any. Wattie chose to offload Buffel and I would not be surprised to see him come back and do a Sionko on Scotland for Belgium.
92

Survivor Of Riots,

04/07/2008 08:12:02
91 - thats unfair, I am very much a man of the 21st Century. My plans do not exclude lady fans, just lays down some guidelines.

I would have them all seated together so that you could try and "fire in" at 1/2 time.

Wouldn't let any female ReaRangers fans in though. Being fare to the stewards, its nigh in impossible to tell the difference...so a full ban on ReaRangers fans is required.
93

Swordsman,

Dublin 04/07/2008 08:17:57
93..we could re-introduce those wee light blue cars at each end of the pitch and put them all in there...think of it as "care in the comunity"
94

Survivor Of Riots,

04/07/2008 08:19:21
95 - those cars are still seen as luxury items amongst the affluent people of Larkhall
95

bring them on,

04/07/2008 08:22:05
Swordsman

Nae joking wi the socks. My maw sends me a parcel full once in a while. No exactly ideal. She must think I7m living in the Artic Circle (and their itchy as hell)

Idee

Two centre forwards- twice as many goals

Two centre halfs- half as many goals scored against us

WS has got it all worked oot.
96

,

04/07/2008 08:24:19
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
97

bring them on,

04/07/2008 08:24:51
Women shouldnae be allowed to football matches. And we need more grumpy old men talking about the old days. It's a dying breed...

Mind you, Japan is the only country I know of where punters go to a game to pick up a bird.
98

Swordsman,

Dublin 04/07/2008 08:26:07
Survivor..Surely you meant EFFLUENT?
99

bring them on,

04/07/2008 08:26:25
#97

Hope he managed to get away with something decent. Makes up for the hassle of the court appearnace.
100

Survivor Of Riots,

04/07/2008 08:26:27
97 - thank goodness our society has great pillars of virtue such as yourself. Clearly, the gene pool is the beneficiary of you and your boy.

I'd bring back hanging in this instance
101

Survivor Of Riots,

04/07/2008 08:30:18
97 - the fact that your boy got caught shows he is as good in the chase as your team....

102

Star o' Rabbie Burns,

New Cumnock, CUMNOCK 04/07/2008 08:41:08
Chucky #92:

Some good points there; cannot toally agree on your view of playing v training though. Having to play so many games in such a short period leads to mental rather than physical tiredness.

One of my cousins was a pro, played goalkeeper for a middle-of-the-road English team who got lucky one season and got into the old First Division (now Premiership). He needed treatment at the end of the season for nervous exhaustion, because he knew - if he made one mistake in the game and lost a goal, they were unlikely to come back; that pressure eventually got to him.

Once the head goes, the rest follows.

Agree, Rangers' problems are mostly from the back to just behind the main striker - where the problem is what's (not) inside Boyd's head, the savvy to realise he has to improve his game or he'll be playing for Glenafton Athletic or Auchinleck Talbot before he's 30.

The Old Firm are caught in something of a trap - they cannot compete for the really good players who could play in that unique environment, the SPL and also in Europe, so they're having to buy Grade II and Grade III foreigners or take a risk on Scottish players who may or may not be able to adjust.

They could grow their own better, but, again, it's a mental thing - when you're on first team money with the Old Firm, do you have the incentive/desire to improve and do you want to swap being a king in Glasgow for a squad role elsewhere.

I remember, back in the early sixties, Inter Milan were after Jim Baxter.

Helenio Herrera, the Inter coach, said: "I will make Baxter a Prince in Milan".

Bater replied: "No thanks, I'm already a king in Glasgow".

Current OF players, not fit to lace Baxter's (or Jimmy Johnstone's) drinks - now have that attitude.

So why bother to work at your game, take the money and sh@g whatever comes up.
103

CHUCKY,

04/07/2008 09:12:11
#103 Again, good points.

When your average player comes through the ranks at Celtic or rangers the papers go way over the top and end up destroying the weaker of them.

In the recent past we've had (to name but a few) Hay, Fotheringham, Donnelly, Miller, Burchill and Maloney. These fellas made the breakthrough then either started to believe their own press or failed to maintain or build from the level they reached.

Is it a character thing, a national trait, natural wastage or what?

Thankfully McGeady and McManus look to be balanced individuals who have moved on from the breakthrough stage and are improving by the game. Hopefully the club and coaches have (more importantly the players have) learned some lessons lessons from Miller and Maloney.......Time will tell.
104

Jealousy,jealousy,

04/07/2008 09:15:54
#92 Chucky

I reckon Lafferty's versatility being able to play on the left wing is one of the reasons we signed him.

Dont be surprised to see him play more there than upfront next season. Give him a chance to settle into life at Ibrox with less pressure than playing up front.

Havnt seen much of him for Burnley but against Spain he absolutley battered them, gave the defence a torrid time and he scored a fantastic goal v Sweden showing great feet to cut inside before curling one into the top bin. Looked promising.



105

Bosco Bhoy,

04/07/2008 09:31:16
103 Star

Excellent post and superb assesment of of why many of our young players dont make it or maximise their true potential.

I mean look at the shape of Boyd and young Andy Reid for Ireland who was at Spurs but now struggles to get a game for Sunderland due to his weight.
Tell me that its ot a disgrace these guys cant get their finger out and get into shape eh?
106

Jealousy,jealousy,

04/07/2008 09:34:04
#106 Bosco

Charlie Adam is the worst culprit at Rangers. He is actually a fairly talented player with a great left foot but this is negated by the fact that he couldnt run the length of himself.
107

Bosco Bhoy,

04/07/2008 09:36:29
JJ 107

Agree about Adam, bit like Reid, lovely close control and a very sweet peg but as you say fecking useless over 3-5 yards and the more dynmaic in yer face midfielders know this and as a result are always all over them like a rash.
108

Swordsman,

Dublin 04/07/2008 09:39:22
Bosco...Whilst I agree with your comments...I dont know what I would do if I was 20,on 10 Grand a week and every other bird wanted to sh@g me (well I had the last problem,but then,I WAS gorgeous!)...Too many players read the papers and the assessment of some old hack who,trying to fill a copy page writes the most flowery report on a performance and the dolt falls for it...Remember the new Baggio,Stevie Fulton?
Peter Marinello?,Ad Infinatum...
109

Star o' Rabbie Burns,

New Cumnock, CUMNOCK 04/07/2008 09:46:32
Chucky, BB, JJ - I think we're starting to see a Celt ic thing here (that's with a hard K - Keltic btw); a failure to make the most of talent.

Couple of years ago I was at the Scotland v Turkey Under-21 game at Kilmarnock, Adam got stupidly sent off near the end and I saw him outside afterwards.

Shamed? Repentant? No, first time I'd seen him up close, three chins, beer gut, swagger - I wrote him off then.

That's maybe why Dailly and Weir are still doing it at their ages. Weir went through the American college system, where you perform or you're out.

He and Dailly have both got Highers, they're smarter than your average footballer - so they've looked after themselves, worked and got their rewards.

Barry Robson was released by Rangers as a kid I saw him captain their Under-14 team in the Milk Cup in Northern Ireland in 1993 - he went away with an; "I'll show them" attitude, turned his career around and, while it's taken him a long time, he's now getting his due rewards in terms of money, profile and international recognition.

Just a thought. Why is it the only "world-class" talent to come out of Scottish football in the past 25-years is Gordon Ramsey?

What does that say about our young plaeyrs and our clubs' abilities to nurture and develop talent?
110

CHUCKY,

04/07/2008 09:46:36
#105 JJ I sit next to a Burnley season ticket holder at work here and he is staggered that anyone would have paid that amount of cash for Lafferty.

The reason he played out on the wing is that he was deemed not good enough to displace the incumbent centre forwards, that was the opinion of their two recent managers..........I didn't want him at Celtic on this lads opinion.

The Celtic boys who have come through the ranks and withered seem to have had their heads turned by the agents.
Boyd and Adam have the physiques that tell me their heads are turned by the barmaid.
111

Royalty,

Summerston 04/07/2008 09:52:14
#112

Adam has the same problem as Boyd, in that when their not scoring, they contribute little to the team.

Adam scored some fantastic goals for Rangers, esp under PLG but they dried up last season.

Next season will be decisive for both players but I dont think McCoist is a fan of young Charlie.

McCoist dropped him for the Scottish Cup final & tore into him during the last StMirren match.
112

nineinro,

04/07/2008 09:55:13
I see another Celtic target Harry Kewell has just signed for Galataseray. He now joins Deco in the ones that got away list of targets and is soon to be followed by Pavelachenko as his club just kicked out a £10M bid from Spurs. It`s not looking good bhoys as you may have to settle for Hunt at Dundee Utd or you may be able to lure Ronaldinho away from Barca LOL !
113

Star o' Rabbie Burns,

New Cumnock, CUMNOCK 04/07/2008 09:57:14
Since we've got a bit of agreement going this morning gentlemen - let's pick the Great Scottish Wasters XI.

4-4-2 formation, for starters:

Barry Holland (Kilmarnock, Scotland U-19)
Iain Nicolson (Rangers most-capped Scottish Schoolboy), ?, George Connelly, Jim Beattie (Celtic, St Mirren); Peter Marinello, Stevie Fulton, Andy Ritchie, Mark Burchill, Steven McConalogue.

Cannot think of a second centre half and have left out one or two who did get into double figures in interntional caps but should have had a lot more.
114

,

04/07/2008 09:59:17
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
115

Swordsman,

Dublin 04/07/2008 09:59:32
Relax guys...No rush to