Walter post Hibs

September 30, 2008


Rangers Charity Foundation gift arrives

September 30, 2008


SCHOOLKIDS in Malawi were overjoyed after Glasgow MP Ian Davidson travelled to the poverty-stricken country to deliver footballs and strips donated by the Rangers Charity Foundation and Provident Financial.

Further gifts included tracksuits, drinks bottles and boot bags as well as pens, pencils and other writing material supplied by the Glasgow South West MP.

Mr. Davidson passed on a goodwill message from Rangers after collecting the kit supplied by the Rangers Charity Foundation from captain Barry Ferguson.

He then watched as pupils from Milonde Community Day Secondary School played a match against each other - one team wearing the jerseys supplied by Rangers and the other in the financial company’s strips.

“The kids love their football and enjoyed wearing proper kit, they were absolutely delighted to get it,” he said after his visit.

“Most of them were playing in bare feet on a hard surface, probably just as tough as red blaes.

“I am no football expert but the skill level seemed pretty high.”


Kenny wants to win

September 30, 2008

KENNY MILLER doesn’t care where he scores for Rangers or how many goals he gets - all he wants is for the team to keep winning. 

The Scotland striker netted twice at Easter Road on Sunday to set the Light Blues on their way to a 3-0 victory over his old side Hibernian.

Miller’s double brought his tally to four goals since he returned to Ibrox, with the remaining pair coming against his other former club Celtic in August.

Each of the 28-year-old’s efforts have come on the road and he now has his sights set on grabbing the first Ibrox strike of his second spell with Gers.

But he admits he would quite happily go through a whole season without a home goal if it meant the team stayed on right track.

Miller said: “The boys have been saying they are just going to play me against my old teams from now on because I keep scoring when we go to play them.

“All joking aside, I went into the weekend feeling good because I’d had a few chances last week against Motherwell and played well without scoring.

“At Hibs I was able to get on the end of Kirk Broadfoot’s cross then his lay off and I was delighted to finish them both off.

“If I’m honest though, I don’t care where the goals come and I’d take 50 away from home instead if it helps the team to do well.

“I just want to stay in the team because we’ve got a lot of good players and the manager has used a few different partnerships so far.

“It’s my aim to do enough to stay involved and I’ll happily take goals if they come along as well.”

Miller was thrilled with the result three days ago for a number of reasons, not least because of the manner in which Gers won.

Celtic had gone top of the SPL the previous afternoon with a win against Aberdeen but Walter Smith’s men overtook them again with a ruthless showing in Edinburgh.

Miller added: “I suppose there is always a wee bit of pressure on you when your rivals go above you in the table the day before you play.

“But getting three points was the most important thing on Sunday and for us to go to Easter Road and win so well was great.

“It’s a tough place to play at and Hibs produce some cracking football so it was pleasing to do a good job.

“You could see how good we are in the first half. We passed the ball about well and created some really good chances.

“We did the hard work before the break and managed to go two goals up through some really good play.

“After half-time we had to weather the storm because we knew Hibs would come back at us and we were able to do that.

“Neil (Alexander) made a couple of good saves and that gave us a platform to go on and settle the game through Madjid (Bougherra) when he scored.

“I’m over the moon with the way things are going and barring a controversial decision, we’d be sitting with maximum points from seven games.

“We were happy to go to Easter Road and win to go right back to the top of the league again. It shows the character and mentality we have in our side.”


Asian Football Tournament at Ibrox

September 30, 2008

THE 10th annual UK Asian Football tournament took place in Glasgow last weekend with Ibrox Stadium playing host to the final between London APSA and Punjabi Utd Derby. 

The match proved to be a very exciting contest with the team from Derby running out 2-1 winners after a last minute goal. 

This was the fourth time Rangers have hosted this event which is run jointly by SEMSA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Sports Association) and Glasgow City Council Education Services and at the post event dinner in Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel the contribution of the club in this regard was recognised by the organisers. 

Kenny Scott, Rangers Head of Security and Operations who represented the Club and spoke at the Dinner, said: “Once again Rangers Football Club are delighted to be associated with this event which has become such a fixture in Glasgow’s sporting calendar.

“It is yet another indication of the club’s commitment to the promotion of social inclusion and understanding of the interests of all sectors of the community.”


Rangers in partership with Ebel

September 30, 2008

RANGERS chief executive Martin Bain has heralded a new partnership with luxury Swiss watch brand Ebel 

Rangers have joined Ebel’s ever-expanding portfolio of long-term sponsorship agreements with top-class European football teams.

Last year Arsenal became the first member of what is rapidly becoming the most exclusive family in football and since then Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Ajax and Lyon have joined them. Now Rangers will represent Scotland among this elite group of clubs who are the first to sign comprehensive partnership agreements with a high-end Swiss watch company.

Chief executive Bain said: “Ebel has strong brand values around quality, tradition and professionalism. When we started discussing the partnership it was clear these are as important as football success. In today’s times, global brand owners are researching partners much more and it is pleasing that Rangers have become partners with Ebel as we pride ourselves on quality and tradition.

“Arsenal, Ajax and Bayern Munich are three of Europe’s biggest clubs so it is pleasing that Ebel looked across Europe and felt comfortable that Rangers sat equally alongside such icons.

“Sponsorship is increasingly about creating a partnership and with Ebel it’s not just about cash. They have also funded some of the media enhancements which improve the football experience and have donated watches for club charitable events.

“They also took a sophisticated approach to targeting and acknowledged it was better to install a quality display case at Ibrox and Murray Park than go for a broad brush approach due to the nature of the product.

“By doing this, Ebel has immediately imbedded itself in the Rangers environment and moved beyond simple badging to creating opportunities that fans will appreciate and respect. We are seeing similar approaches being adopted by other global brand owners that we are in discussions with.”

In the early 1990s a giant Ebel clock was mounted at Ibrox Stadium. This season a new digital Ebel clock has been positioned in exactly the same spot.

The production of a special limited edition Ebel watch, to be launched in November 2008 and featuring a discreet Rangers insignia is already at an advanced stage and Head of Commercial Affairs for Rangers Stuart Cain said: “We are delighted to begin this partnership with Ebel as our Official Timekeeping Partner. It’s an exciting new chapter for football and I’m convinced of the long-term benefits that Rangers can derive from such a prestigious association.”

Ebel is producing a watch from its new 1911 Tekton range featuring an exclusive movement specifically designed for football and issued in limited editions bearing the insignia of each club.

The Caliber 245 times each half of a match (”245″ standing for 2 x 45 minutes) and also indicates extra time. Reading off elapsed time is easy thanks to the oversized 45-minute counter while the crystal case-back will feature an exclusive skeleton oscillating weight in the shape of a football.

The Caliber 245 is a world première as it is the first proprietary movement ever to keep step with football match time. Each special edition will be sold in a customized and luxurious box and Ebel has worked closely with the clubs in developing highly emblematic versions for each one.

The Rangers limited edition, along with those of Bayern Munich and Arsenal, will be the very first Ebel football watch to be launched worldwide this autumn, while the Ajax, Real Madrid and Olympique Lyonnais watches will be launched in 2009.


Adam interview

September 29, 2008

CHARLIE ADAM believes Rangers have proved they are a force to be reckoned with after yesterday’s terrific 3-0 over Hibs. 

Kenny Miller grabbed a double and Madjid Bougherra scored the third as the Light Blues returned to the top of the table.

Celtic had been there after Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink’s last minute winner against Aberdeen on Saturday but Rangers answered back in the best possible way.

Adam said: “You can always improve and as the season goes on we can get more passing and flowing football.

“Celtic got a fantastic result, coming from behind and we know it’s going to be a tough season, there is a long way to go.

“As long as we are prepared to scrap and battle, I can’t see us being anywhere but hopefully at the top of the league at the end of the season.

“Some of the football we played was great and if we put the chances in front of goal, we have good enough strikers to score. We did that and Kenny got two fantastic goals.”

Miller clinically finished off two Kirk Broadfoot assists, first glancing a diving header home and then curling the ball into the far corner with his left foot from 20 yards out.

Adam believes the former Celtic player is relishing playing under Walter Smith again following their successful spell together with Scotland.

Adam added: “He is a very good player. He is intelligent and works really hard for the team.

“You saw it for Scotland, the manager was able to get the best out of him. Kenny is happy playing here, he loves playing here, end of story. Whatever went on in the past is in the past.

“Walter is an exceptional manager, he has been over the course and come back again and he seems to be enjoying it. The guys love playing for him and hopefully we can keep the run going.”


FT : Hibs 0 - 3 Rangers

September 28, 2008

 A fantastic away day for Rangers who dominated this match from start to finish. Two excellent finishes from Kenny Miller got Walter Smith’s team gave Walter Smith’s side a half-

 time lead and again they were hugely impressive in the second period.

Bougherra secured three crucial points when he netted a third on 73 minutes in this one-sided capital clash.

Man of the Match: Kenny Miller - Worked tirelessly throughout and both goals underlined his quality.

90 min - Two additional minutes announced.

89 min - Miller misses a great chance to net a hat-trick. Broadfoot finds the striker through on goal but his right foot shot across Ma-Kalambay is inches wide.

88 min - Hibs substitution - John Rankin on for Derek Riordan.

87 min - Rangers substitution - Kyle Lafferty on for Charlie Adam who put in a good shift on his return to the team.

85 min - Nacho Novo shows great determination to win a corner but Gers can’t add to their goal tally on this occasion.

77 min - Papac is floored by a late challenge from Hibs substitute Steve Pinau. Bosnian looks in trouble as he hobbles from the pitch but makes a return after treatment. 

73 min - GOAL! Hibs 0 Rangers 3 - Thomson swings in a dangerous near-post cross from a free-kick and Bougherra is there to fire the ball home for his first goal in a Light Blue jersey.

72 min - Papac wins a free-kick on the left and Thomson takes.

70 min - Rangers substitution - Nacho Novo on for Darcheville.

68 min - Broadfoot wins another corner. Adam takes low and almost catches Ma-Kalambay sleeping at his near post. Cheeky effort from the Gers’ no. 11 and his second delivery is cleared.

62 min - Murray fouls Kevin Thomson 25 yards from goal and Adam stands over the ball. The midfielder’s swerving effort back across goal goes wide. 

59 min - Hibs substitution - Steve Pinau on for Joe Keenan.

57 min - Sitter missed by Darcheville. Miller plays a inch-perfect pass through to his on-rushing teammate who skews his effort wide of goal with only the keeper to beat. Been a disappointing day for the Frenchman.

53 min - Joe Keenan swerves a left-foot shot towards goal but Neil Alexander is there to make a superb diving stop.

47 min - Darcheville wins a corner for Gers but Jones again uses his aerial advantage to clear.

46 min - Rangers get the second-half started from the kick-off.

HT: Hibs 0 Rangers 2 - Two well-taken goals from Kenny Miller have given Rangers a deserved lead at the interval but the home side have shown on a couple of occasions that they are more than capable of scoring themselves. A very good half nevertheless from Walter Smith’s men who will be looking to turn on the style and grab a third goal which could kill the game.

40 min - Darcheville and Jones are both booked after an altercation on the half-way line. The players are quickly pulled apart and the action continues.

39 min - GOAL! Hibs 0 Rangers 2 - Brilliant from Miller again. Mendes and Broadfoot combine before the latter back heels it to Miller who is 25 yards from goal. The striker looks up before swerving a delighful effort into the opposite corner of the net with his left foot. Class from the Scotland ace. 

35 min - Fletcher wins another corner for his team. Riordan takes and the ball is cleared but Joe Keenan launches it forward again. The ball looks to be going out for a goal kick but Riordan again crosses and Murray smashes it off the post from close range.

30 min - GOAL! Hibs 0 Rangers 1 - Only 30 seconds after clearing the ball off their own goal line Rangers produce a fantastic counter attack which results in Broadfoot crossing low from the right. Miller finds acres of space and glances a delightful header beyond the helpless Ma-Kalambay. Terrific goal full credit to Kenny for a brilliant finish.

29 min - Fletcher wins a corner for Hibs. Riordan crosses and Adam has to clear a Bamba header off the goalline.

27 min - Broadfoot booked by referee Callum Murray for a late foul.

25 min - Broadfoot crosses into the box and Jones heads clear for a corner. Davis takes but the giant no. 5 is there again to meet the ball.

20 min - Darcheville uses his strength to hold off Rob Jones but his ambitious shot from 25 yards is high and wide of target.

18 min - Darcheville brought down by Chris Hogg but Charlie Adam blasts a long-range free-kick into the Famous Five Stand. Poor attempt.

13 min - Excellent chance for Hibs. Riordan feeds the ball through to Shiels who is one-on-one with Alexander but the keeper makes a fine stop. Scare for Gers against the run of play.

12 min - Charlie Adam is given a bit of space 25 yards from goal. His effort is powerful but fails to trouble Ma-Kalambay.

10 min - Positive start from Walter Smith’s men who should be looking to make the most of their early possession and Hibs’ slackness at the back.

6 min - Suicidal defending from Hibs almost gifts Gers a goal. A poor clearance lands at the feet of Darcheville. He plays it on to Miller and the striker’s low shot from 20 yards narrowly misses the target.

2 min - Good early move from Gers. Miller shows great pace down the left and crosses low into the box. Ma-Kalambay spills and Adam looks certain to score until former Ger Ian Murray produces a saving tackle.

0 min - Steven Fletcher and Derek Riordan get the action underway at Easter Road.

HIBERNIAN: Ma-Kalambay, van Zanten, Jones, Hogg, Stevenson, Keenan, Bamba, Shiels, Murray, Fletcher, Riordan.

Subs: McNeil, Yantorno, Thicot, Rankin, Hanlon, Chisholm, Pinau.

RANGERS: Alexander; Broadfoot, Bougherra, Weir, Papac; Davis, Mendes, Thomson, Adam; Miller, Darcheville.

Subs: McGregor, Boyd, Dailly, Novo, Lafferty, Aaron, McMillan.

Referee: Callum Murray.


Pedro Mendes post Partick Thistle

September 27, 2008


Hibernian v Rangers (Sun)

September 26, 2008

Venue: Easter Road Date: Sunday, 28 September Kick-off: 1400 BSTCoverage: BBC Radio Scotland & BBC Sport website. Highlights on Monday’s Sportscene, BBC One Scotland @ 2235 BST


Hibs v Rangers

Hibernian’s Colin Nish faces a late fitness test on an ankle knock, but fellow striker Steven Fletcher has recovered from his bout of flu.

Sol Bamba is free from suspension and Steven Thicot came through a midweek reserve outing, but winger Alan O’Brien is sidelined after knee surgery.

Rangers add Andrius Velicka and Lee McCulloch to their squad.

Velicka has recovered from a bug while McCulloch has returned to training following a knee injury.

Match Odds :  Hibernian 4/1    Draw 5/2    Rangers 8/11

 


Hibernian: (from) Ma-Kalambay, Van Zanten, Hogg, Jones, Stevenson, Keenan, Murray, Rankin, Nish, Fletcher, Riordan, Shiels, McNeil, Pinau, Hanlon, Chisholm, Bamba, Yantorno.

 

 

 

 

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

 

CLUB FORM

Last season: Rangers 0-1 Hibernian, Hibernian 1-2 Rangers, Rangers 2-1 Hibernian, Hibernian 0-0 Rangers

HIBERNIAN

Last five league matches: W D L W W

Top scorers: Colin Nish - 3
 

 

RANGERS

Last five league matches: W D W W W

Top scorers: Kris Boyd - 3


Walter: Looking For Capital Gains

September 26, 2008

 

WALTER SMITH is calling on his players to maintain their excellent start to the SPL season by securing three points at Easter Road on Sunday but he anticipates a tough day in the capital.

Smith is unbeaten on five visits to Hibs’ ground since returning to Rangers but three of these matches have finished in a draw, including a costly stalemate in the frantic climax to last season.

Having taken 16 out of 18 points in the first six league matches of this season, the Rangers manager wants the maintain the momentum but he knows Mixu Paatelainen’s side will pose problems.

He said: “After a traumatic start to the season we seem to be picking up momentum and we have to keep that going in the coming months.

“We will find out on Sunday whether this is a flash in the pan so we have a bit of pressure on us to keep going.

“Hibs had a bit of a shaky start to the season themselves but they have settled down now.

“For us, Easter Road always seems to be a very competitive place to go and there is a good atmosphere there.

“If you do manage to get a win there you always feel as if its a really good one and one you have had to fight hard for.”

Smith pinpointed returning hero Derek Riordan as a man to watch. He said: “He had a successful period there before and he will be hoping to do so again. He is a bit like Boyd in terms of his finishing.”

It seems certain that Neil Alexander will continue in goal having performed well against Motherwell and Partick since replacing Allan McGregor and it was against Hibs that he made his first appearance for Rangers, coming on for Brahim Hemdani after McGregor was sent off in February.