JULY 2000

Thursday 20th July 2000

Rangers seeded for Euro draw - From the official Rangers Website Rangers have been handed a Champions League boost with the news that Dick Advocaat's side have been seeded for the third qualifying round. The Light Blues face Lithuanian side Zalgiris Kaunas on Wednesday in the first leg of the second round and, if successful, Gers' path to the lucrative group stages has been made a lot easier. Advocaat will found out who Rangers' prospective opponents are tomorrow and striker Billy Dodds is delighted with the news. He said: "Of course it's a good thing. It means we miss out on playing some of the great teams - no disrespect to some of the others. But if you miss out on the likes of Parma at this stage then you stand a better chance of making the group stages. We've still got to beat the Lithuanians before we can look to the future and they will be a danger. But it's every player's dream to play in the Champions League. I've played in Europe before and it will be nice to get a run and hopefully we can now go far in the competition." Mpenza deal dead Rangers appear to have dropped their interest in signing Belgium star Emile Mpenza after his club Schalke 04 failed to accept their bid of £6.5million. Ibrox chairman David Murray gave the German outfit a deadline to report back to them with a final decision as to whether the player would be on his way to Scotland for the start of next season. Mpenza impressed during Euro 2000 this summer and opened the scoring in the championships with a blistering strike in the 2-1 victory over Sweden. He has expressed an interest in joining Rangers and manager Dick Advocaat was keen to make him his latest big-money arrival. However, Schalke stalled on a move, insisting the player was worth more than the bid on offer from Ibrox. But the Light Blues were not prepared to become involved in protracted negotiations for the player and appear to have scrapped those plans. A spokesman for the club said: "There's no news regarding the player and his club have been told that the cut-off point was today. So you can safely assume that's it as far as this transfer goes and that we have nothing to report."

Wednesday 19th July 2000

Rangers 3 : 2 KAA Gent Rangers Scorers: Ferguson, Miller(2) Rangers Team: Klos, Ricksen, Moore[c](Malcolm), Wilson(Ritchie 45), Vidmar(Porrini), Ferguson, Albertz(Kanchelskis), Johnston, Dodds, Miller(Nicholson), McCann Unused: Brown(gk) Schalke shut door on Mpenza - From Sky Sports German side Schalke 04 have announced that they will not be releasing Belgian striker Emile Mpenza, ruling out any possible move to Rangers. The Gers had made a £6.5m bid for the youngster, and Schalke's decision also quashes any interest from Bordeaux and Newcastle in the 22-year-old. Schalke spokesman Rudi Assauer said: "A transfer from Emile is not on the agenda and we are not ready to accept a move." Mpenza was quoted earlier as saying he had set his heart on a move to Glasgow, and had no interest in moving to France. The Gelsenkirchen side, who signed Mpenza in January from Standard Liege, have coincidentally allowed Celtic target Marc Wilmots to go to Bordeaux. The news of the Schalke's snub may mean that David Murray will fight to retain the services of Finnish striker Jonatan Johansson. Murray said: "Wolves have made two bids as have some other clubs. But we are weak up front at the moment. We are not promoting the sale of Jonatan. If we get an offer, we'll have to consider it but not until we sort out what's happening with the strikers."

Tuesday 18th July 2000

Miller ready to fight for his place - From the Sporting Life New Rangers striker Kenny Miller is unconcerned with the club's attempts to bring another top forward to the club. The Light Blues have already made a £6.5million offer for Belgian international Emile Mpenza to compliment their burgeoning forward line. But instead of worrying about his future, the Scotland Under-21 international is looking forward to the challenge as he prepares for his Ibrox debut in the friendly against Belgian club, Ghent. Miller said: "Rangers are always going to be linked with world-class players. The competition is strong but I'm going to take my chance and do my best. There are several great strikers at the club but I don't think many young players would have turned down the chance to move to Rangers at 20 years of age and that's why I came here. I want to learn and improve my game and I feel I can play a part. There was no way I could do anything but agree to join Rangers and, since I've been here, that decision has been endorsed. Everything about the club is so professional and the set-up is enormous. It's a huge chance for me." Schalke to decide on Mpenza - From the Sporting Life Rangers target Emile Mpenza admits that any decision on his future will be made by his German club, Schalke 04, rather than him. The Ibrox club have bid £6.5million for the Belgian international and both chairman David Murray and manager Dick Advocaat insist the offer will go no higher. But Mpenza was keeping quiet over any possible move as he reported back for training with the German side. Mpenza said: "I began training with Schalke at the same time as the rest of the players and I have no reason to presume that I will not be here for the season. But I cannot be 100% sure of anything. The decision is not with me - it is for Schalke to decide."

Monday 17th July 2000

Livingston Vs Rangers Webcast Rangers friendly away at Livingston on Friday 21st July will have live commentary on the web. Visit icScotland for more details. Murray: We won't be stung for Mpenza - From the Sporting Life Rangers chairman David Murray has backed manager Dick Advocaat's assertion that the club would not pay over the odds for Emile Mpenza. The Ibrox side have made a £6.5million bid for the Belgian international striker, who plays his club football in Germany with Schalke 04, but insist they will not offer any more. Murray said: "It's shadow boxing at the moment. We've made an offer but they won't move. They have already been through this with Newcastle but it should be resolved soon and the player is keen to come. The good thing is that we wouldn't have to break the pay structure to get him. We've bid £6.5million but we will not be going back in with another offer. It's now up to the Germans to decide. They got Mpenza for £5.5million but I'm not entirely sure that the player is happy to stay there. We are simply not prepared to put in offers which we regard as too high when you consider that in two or three years there won't be any transfer fees in football." Advocaat: It's Club or Country Seb - From the official Rangers Website Dick Advoccat has fired a warning to striker Seb Rozental that he must choose between club and country. The Chilean hitman is currently on World Cup qualifying duty with his national team and won't return for another six weeks. The Dutch coach is furious that he is deprived of Rozy's services for so long. The Little General blasted: "He will be back at the end of August but we can't go on this way any longer. They play so many games. The lesson for us is not to buy players from that continent again - at least not while I am still the manager."

Sunday 16th July 2000

Alphense Boys 0-12 Rangers Rangers rounded off their Dutch tour this afternoon with a 'double figures' scoreline of 12-0 in the picturesque town of Alphen-on-the-Rhine against Alphense Boys. Rangers started in professional mode as always with Allan Johnston playing a lone striker role through the middle and the new Ranger almost scored with his first touch of the ball, shooting just wide after Jorg Albertz shot had been blocked but the opening strike was only delayed until the 7th minute when a low cross from Andrei Kanchelskis was prodded home by Johnston whose sharpness took the Alphense defence by surprise. It was all on-way traffic as Ranges set about the task in hand and Johnston was again on the spot five minutes later when he played a one-two with Albertz, the German striding through the Dutch defence to lay the ball on a plate for the former Hearts, Sunderland and Bolton player. Ranges were encountering little resistance as they piled on the pressure, a quick throw in by Fernando Ricksen catching the Dutch defence by surprise releasing Kanchelskis who presented Johnston with an easy opportunity to notch his hat-trick. Less than 60 seconds later Barry Ferguson seized on another Kanchelskis opening to chip the ball over Ronald van Koert for number four. Stefan Klos was at least called into action in 20 minutes when he saved a low 20 yard shot from Richard van Iverson. Four minutes later an Albertz through ball found Neil McCann in the clear, his centre being netted yet again by Allan Johnston. Neil McCann has not had the easiest of times over the last 24 hours but at last he got his name on the scoresheet in 34 minutes from a Tony Vidmar cutback - ironically he completely mis-kicked the ball but the goalkeeper was deceived enough to allow it to spin over his head into the net. And four minutes before the break Kanchelskis added number seven when he finished off an Albertz/McCann move. Alphense opened the second half with a clear resolve to do better and in the opening seconds Klos was forced to turn a 20 yard free kick from Iverson round the post. But, it was a false dawn fro the home side as Kanchelskis slotted home number eight from a Barry Ferguson back heel pass in 52 minutes. Rangers seemed reluctant to press home their superiority for much of the second half but substitute Kenny Miller slotted home number nine in 71 minutes from a Johnston pass and within a further two minutes Barry Ferguson made it ten from a McCann cross following fatal hesitancy on the part of the keeper. The hapless keeper was promptly substituted but his replacement Hans Wotters was picking the ball out of the net within five minutes when Fergie played a one-two with Adamczuk before seeing his effort deflected over the replacement keep to complete his hat-trick, and sixty seconds later Tugay lofted the ball over the defence for Johnston to run through and fire home goal number 12 and his own personal fifth. There only remained for offside to deny Kenny Miller goal number 13 when his goal was chopped off in the 84th minute. Manager Dick Advocaat afterwards reflected on the tour by stressing that results had not been important, all that had mattered had been the preparation for the competitive fixtures ahead. The players were now very tired at the end of the tour, having trained every morning even on those days when there were evening games. Advocaat won't be held to ransom Rangers manager Dick Advocaat insists he will not be held to ransom over Belgian striker Emile Mpenza. The Ibrox boss has launched a £6.5m bid for the 22-year-old but the player's club, Schalke 04, want £2m more. Advocaat said: "They asked for too much money and we won't pay more than what we believe he is worth. They either take that or leave it and that's the way it is at the moment." Advocaat also plans to improve Rangers European scouting network. He said: "At the moment we don't have a good enough scouting system. Rangers have one man, Ewan Chester, who goes everywhere on the continent for us. When I was head coach at PSV we had five people who did that job for the club. I've now contacted people I know in Holland, Belgium and France and offered them a role with Rangers. It's cheaper and more sensible to have five men dotted throughout Europe than a handful of scouts in Glasgow who have to fly out to watch players. And the European network will already have their established contacts to help find us the best young players." Advocaat would welcome Laudrup back Rangers boss Dick Advocaat has opened the door for the return of Ibrox hero Brian Laudrup as a coach at the club. The Danish international, who retired through injury, earned the admiration of all at Rangers before he left in an ill-fated move to Chelsea in June 1998. Advocaat said: "His presence would be very positive for the club. If he makes positive noises, there is always a place for him at Rangers."

Saturday 15th July 2000

Mols out for 6 weeks Dick Advocaat announced that Michael Mols would be undergoing a second operation in the next few days and it is expected that he will be out six weeks. Hoogenveen SVV 1 v 5 Rangers Rangers preseason tour of the Netherlands continued on it's merry way tonight with an overwhelming defeat of amateur HZVV (Hoogenveen Saturday Football Club) here in Hoogenveen tonight. The Light Blues started in determined fashion on a dreadful pitch, perhaps mindful that even lowly amateur sides can rise to the occasion - witness Celtic's shock defeat in Leipzig. Hoogeveen's pitch may have left a lot to be desired, but once again their facilities were excellent with six adjacent training pitches. The opening strike arrived as early as the sixth minute when Billy Dodds finished off a move involving Jorg Albertz and Andrei Kanchelskis. Four minutes later the Rangers winger almost added second with a low drive that flew just wide after Jonatan Johansson had back heeled the ball into his path. The Russian was not denied but merely delayed for he cleverly wrong-footed the home defence in 22 minutes by taking a Neil McCann cross and firing a left foot drive home. Even this early it was abundantly clear that Hoogenveen were the poorest side Ranges have met this far yet Lionel Charbonnier almost presented them with a gift-wrapped goal through sheer carelessness in 25 minutes but recover to denied Ben Assambo. The pitch was clearly having an effect - Johansson miskicking while clear in front of goal when presented with absolute sitters but Albertz did add a third in 38 minutes with a right foot shot following a one-two with the Finnish winger and on the stroke of half-time Billy Dodds added fourth with a left foot shot from the edge of the penalty area from an Albertz corner. Four half-time substitutions seemed to have no effect on Rangers domination as Albertz slotted home a penalty ion 46 minutes following a foul on Allan Johnston, and Neil McCann should certainly have noted number six seven minutes later when he blazed wildly over after Scott Wilson¹s shot had been blocked. Hoogenveen pulled one back when Martijn Mellema netted from close range after Charbonnier had fumbled a low shot but the procession continued towards the home goal with McCann incredibly sidefooting over the bar following a Johansson-Johnston move before a delightful Tugay chip for 20 yards in 64 minutes struck the underside of the crossbar. Ranges were forced to play the last 22 minutes with ten men when JJ limped off with what appeared to be a pulled muscle but the handicap effected them little - Neil McCann having a frustrating time in the closing stages as he missed a procession of clear opportunities (perhaps in part due to the condition of the pitch) before having two goals disallowed for off-side in the dying minutes. RANGERS:- Charbonnier, Adamczuk (Porrini 64), Moore (Ritchie 45), Wilson,Vidmar, Kanchelskis (Ricksen 45), Ferguson (Tugay 45), Albertz, McCann, Dodds (Johnston 45), Johansson. Rangers after Mpenza The Scottish Sun reports that Rangers are in the final stages of talks in a £6.5 million bid to sign Emile Mpenza. The 22 year old Belgian international, currently with Bundesliga club Schalke 04, played in all 3 of his country's matches in EURO 2000 scoring 1 goal. The paper reports that Rangers hope to clinch the deal over the next few days allowing the player to be involved in the Champions League qualifiers. UPDATE: Rangers manager Dick Advocaat commenting on the potential signing of Emile Mpenza of Schalke 04 said that nothing would be settled in the next 48 hours as the two clubs are still negotiating over a transfer fee. Advocaat in new blast at SPL set up - From Soccernet Dick Advocaat has again accused his SPL rivals of a 'corner-shop' mentality and calling Alex McLeish too slow to join his chorus for a bigger league with fewer games. In Holland, as he surveyed an incomplete domestic fixture list because of the new split system, he picked up where he left off in his Manager of the Year address and post-Scottish Cup Final outburst against the authorities, even though he says from now on he will bite his tongue. Asked about the split-season, he said: "You know what I think about that but now I see other people like Alex McLeish are saying things about it but the fact is now it starts. He never said that before but does now when it is too late. There is no sense in Rangers sending letters to the SPL and the SFA any more because it doesn't make any difference. They have their rules."

Friday 14th July 2000

Amoruso wants stay and fight for his place. - From the Sporting Life Rangers captain Lorenzo Amoruso has opted against a potential £4million move to Sunderland and vowed to fight for his place at Ibrox. The Italian defender's position at Rangers has been put under threat by the signing of Dutch international Bert Konterman. Amoruso, who will miss the start of the season because of an ankle injury, entered signing talks with Sunderland, but could not agree personal terms. He said: "I have not been able to agree a deal with Sunderland so they will go their way and I will go mine. It's not a big problem because I'm still a Rangers player and have three years of my contract left. I'm kicking the ball again, but I need more work with it. I'm not quite 100% fit, but I am close. The manager has more choices for his line-up now, but once fully fit I will work hard and play for my place as I have always done throughout my career." Mols undergoes knee scan - From the official Rangers Website Michael Mols faces a day of destiny next week when he'll find out if another operation is needed to remove fluid from his knee. The Dutch striker visited a specialist today for a check-up after playing a part in two of Rangers' pre-season games. Mols looked back to his best - scoring in both matches - after recovering from the cruciate ligament injury he sustained against Bayern Munich in November. But now he'll anxiously await the results of a knee scan to see if he can play in part in Rangers' early season plans.

Thursday 13th July 2000

Quick Twente 0 Rangers 6 Rangers crushed Dutch amateurs Quick Twente 6-0 as they continued their run of pre-season victories. Finnish hitman Jonatan Johansson fired a double along with Barry Ferguson while Michael Mols netted again and Kenny Miller hit his first Gers goal. Mols created the opener after 44 minutes when a quick turn fooled the home defence and his cutback was sidefooted into the keeper's bottom right-hand corner from 15 yards by Ferguson. The Dutch ace was on the score sheet himself six minutes after the break when he twisted and turned in the box and fired home from 18 yards. Ferguson added a third in 68 minutes when he curled a right-foot shot from 20 yards before Jorg Albertz and Miller both set up Johansson for his double in the 73rd and 87th minute. New boy Miller grabbed a goal himself in injury time with a drive from 20 yards. Rangers: Klos, Adamczuk, Moore, Wilson (Ritchie 45), Vidmar, Ferguson, Wallace (Johansson 45), Tugay (Dodds 45), Mols (Miller 59), McCann (Kanchelskis 45), Albertz. - From the official Rangers website Michael Mols marked his Rangers comeback with a goal as Gers recored a comfortable 3-1 victory over minnows Bocholt. The Dutch hitman had been out of action since suffering knee ligament damage against Bayern Munich last November but he showed all his old touches as he was given a half-hour run-out. Rod Wallace and Jorg Albertz were the Light Blues' other scorers. Bert van Lingen was delighted with Mols' display. He said: "Michael scored a good goal and worked hard. We always planned to give Michael a game this week. We knew we had to test him in a match situation to see how he reacts to certian things which happen. He has been doing a lot of individual work on his fitness and it was good for him to get a few minutes in a real game situation. That is important for players coming back from injury. Now we must wait and see how he is next week, but for now we are happy with the way things went for him." The Dutch coach also revealed that Marco Negri was left in Glasgow because Dick Advocaat doesn's believe he's fit enough. He added: "We are preparing for the Champions League qualifier so there is no point having him here with us just now as we feel he is not fit after 18 months out." Van Lingen stood in for Ibrox boss Advocaat who was in Lithuania to see Zalgiris Kaunas record an emphatic 4-0 win over Bosnians NK Brotnjo in the first leg of their Champions League first qualifiyng round tie. Kaunas now look overwhelming favourites to face Rangers in the next round. Rod Wallace today outlined his determination to extend his stay at Rangers beyond the end of the coming season when his current deal expires. The former Leeds striker, who joined Rangers under freedom of contract two years ago, is planning to hold talks with Ibrox chairman David Murray in the coming weeks. Rangers are believed to be ready to offer Wallace a further year at the Glasgow club after his prolific goalscoring form since switching to the Scottish Premier League. Wallace said: "I'm keen to stay. I've never had one problem since coming to Rangers. I'm feeling in good shape and I just want to stay injury free and get into the team. Myself and my advisors will sit down with David Murray and have a chat and hopefully we can sort something out." Peter Lovenkrands today revealed why he turned down a host of European giants to join Rangers. The Danish youngster had top clubs like Inter Milan, Valencia, Werder Bremen, and Newcastle all chasing his signature. However, one look round Ibrox convinced the 20-year-old to leave AB Copenhagen for Glasgow. Lovenkrands said: "As soon as I arrived at Ibrox and saw the stadium I new it was the right move for me. I had seen it on TV, but it´s fantastic when you see it for real. I´ve been told the atmosphere is electric at home games and I can´t wait to taste it for myself. When I arrived for a look around I spoke with the manager on the phone as he was still on holiday. I was immediately impressed with everything he told me, and what his plans were for me. Now I just can´t wait for the season to start, it´s an exciting move. I did have a few options, and I went down to Newcastle as well who were keen to sign me. Two or three foreign clubs also spoke with my agent but, as I said, it did not take me long to decide to join Rangers."

Wednesday 12th July 2000

BOCHOLT 1 RANGERS 3 Michael Mols marked his Rangers comeback with a goal as Gers eased to victory against German minnows Bocholt tonight. Rod Wallace and Jorg Albertz were the other Light Blues marksmen but the match belonged to the Dutch striker who showed all his old touches in the half-hour run-out he was given. The former Utrecht striker dispelled doubts about his fitness by opening the scoring for Rangers after only four minutes in a great move involving Wallace and Tony Vidmar. Mols collected a pass from the Australian and completed a one-two with the little Englishman before cracking a 25-yard effort past the Bocholt keeper. After 20 minutes more had passed it was Wallace himself who was on target when the impressive Neil McCann scampered down the wing before firing a high ball into the box. The home goalie punched the ball away but only as far as hot Rod who pounced to make the score 2-0. Jorg Albertz tightened Gers' grip on the match with a third goal three minutes before the break when he hit the target with a typical low, driving shot. Rangers rang the changes at half-time with six substitutions and this seemed to upset Rangers' rhythm. They contained Bocholt without creating too much in the way of chances and the German side pulled one goal back 10 minutes before full-time. New signing Paul Ritchie brought down Jorgen Mier in the box and the home team's Frank Scharf rifled the ball past Lionel Charbonnier for a consolation. RANGERS: Charbonnier, Ricksen, Moore, Wilson, Vidmar, Tugay, Ferguson, Albertz, Wallace, Mols, McCann. Subs: Johansson, Dodds, Kanchelskis, Miller, Adamczuk, Ritchie, Klos, Porrini. - From the official Rangers website Fears that Michael Mols faces another operation on his injured knee were allayed after the Rangers squad arrived in Holand for pre-season training matches. Reports suggested that the Dutch striker's comeback is likely to be delayed for another three weeks after he was given a knee scan when he arrived with his team-mates in Amsterdam. Having conceded on Tuesday that he was still not yet 100%, he admitted on Wednesday: "I may need another operation to clear my knee. The problem is that my knee reacts after every training session. There is a little fluid and the knee always stays warm after I've done some work." However, after paying a visit to see the specialist who had carried out the original opearation on his knee, the need for further surgery was ruled out. The 29-year-old, who moved to Ibrox in a £4 million deal from Utrecht last year, has not played since the Champions League group match in Munich last November, where he damaged cruciate ligaments in a challenge with Oliver Kahn. Mols may however be struggling for Rangers' first Champions League tie, against either FBK Kaunas Lithuania or Bosnia's NK Brotnjo, in two weeks time. Jorg Albertz said last night no-one can make him play better as he generates his own ability and motivation. He was speaking at the team's training camp as he joined in some hefty pre-season work with his team-mates, where reporters felt he was at times having a pop at Dick Advocaat. Nothing new in that as both don't see eye to eye, but it would be unusual for a coach to be loved by all players. Albertz explained: "I train for myself. I just try to do the best for the club, just as Advocaat does. It's up to me to have a good game because if I don't then he will take me out of the team and put someone else in."

Tuesday 11th July 2000

Dutch superstar Ronald de Boer has tipped Rangers to make the second phase of the Champions League this season with a galaxy of Dutch stars. The Barcelona ace was part of the Ajax side that dumped Gers 4-1 and 1-0 in the tournament four years ago but he can't believe the transformation in the Glasgow giants. Now he believes that Dick Advocaat's side - along with his international team-mates such as Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Arthur Numan- can put the cruel elimination of last season behind them and shine in Europe. De Boer said: "Rangers did very well in the Champions' League last year and a lot of people noticed that. I thought they would progress to the second group stage and it was a pity that they didn't. That was down to nothing more than bad luck really. Michael Mols did very well for them until he was injured against Bayern Munich in Germany. I watched that match and Michael caused them all sorts of problems until he was forced to go off. Rangers created good chances to score, particularly in the first 20 minutes, but just couldn't take them. They can do better this year and I believe they will keep improving under Dick Advocaat. At Euro 2000 Gio and Arthur both did very well for us. They played some great football, especially Arthur when he came in for Gio after he had been suspended for the final group game. Gio is great going forward from left-back but when it comes to defending Arthur is a specialist in that position. I wouldn't say that one is a better player than the other: they just have different styles, that's all. Sometimes, though, it suits our system better to have Gio playing at the back. The same thing has also happened with me - I usually play wide right in midfield but I have also been used as a full-back. You always know you can give the ball to Gio. He passes the ball well, he's clever and he uses that intelligence to break down defences. Of course, Arthur is also very attack-minded. He has always been a left-back but even defenders must learn that every attack begins at the back. Unfortunately, like me, he wasn't 100 per cent fit at the start of the competition but he did really well when he came in for the matches against France and Yugoslavia. It was disappointing that he was injured for the semi-final, particularly as the same thing had happened to him at France 98 when he missed the semi against Brazil." De Boer also has high hopes for Gers' other Dutch signings Bert Konterman and Fernando Ricksen, he added: "Bert is a very good footballer with a strong mentality. He is a good passer of the ball and has the guts to play it out of defence rather than kick it long which so many defenders do. He is very strong and difficult to beat and I'm sure he will prove to be a good buy for Rangers. Fernando has massive potential and he can only become an even better player working under a renowned coach like Dick Advocaat. He is a player with a lot of heart and a great engine and, like the others, he will have no problems adapting to the Scottish game." Rangers are poised to strike up a special partnership with Belgian side KAA Gent to enhance their strength in Europe by loaning out their young or inexperienced players. The Belgian side, coached by Dick Advocaat's close friend Henk Houwaart, want to take Rangers players under their wing and use them in the Belgian league in a deal which they believe will benefit both clubs.

Monday 10th July 2000

Dick Advocaat appears to be happy with the squad he has built up over the summer, although his long search for another striker still goes on. His team beat Gent 3-2 in Belgium and will head for Holland tomorrow for a four-game tour. There, Advocaat will step up the pace to ensure his players are fully prepared for the first-round qualifier against Bosnian side Brontjo or Lithuanian outfit Kaunas at Ibrox on July 26. The Dutchman added: "I am happy with the squad, we´ve brought in some good additions. I´m also happy that we´ve signed good, young Scottish players which is crucial for the future of Rangers. We have many options now and a good strength in depth. As for any more signings, we shall wait and see because it´s difficult to find the right man." Advocaat will be even more content with his pool if Dutch ace Michael Mols proves his fitness this week. The striker, missing for seven months with a knee injury, has returned to full training, but Advocaat says he will not be able to judge how far Mols has progressed until he plays a game, and that will happen in Holland. The Gers boss added: "Michael has been training, but he still has some problems with fluid in his knee. That is normal when a player has been out for so long so I´ll give him some half-games in Holland to test him. He has recovered well and worked hard, but I must see him play." Tony Vidmar, who had a minor ear operation in the summer, and Danish signing Peter Loven-krands, who has a thigh strain, missed the trip to Belgium, but will jet out with the squad tomorrow. Dick Advocaat today insisted that domestic success was still at the top of his priority list. The Rangers boss knows there will be massive expectation heaped upon his side to deliver a big European run this season, but he believes winning the league is the main task every year. Advocaat said: "Our first aim has to be the title, that is what we must do again. Of course Europe is important, and we want to do well in that competition. But we play in Scotland and we must win our own championship, or we don´t get a chance of getting to the Champions League. I know there will be expectations, but that is normal at a big club. We´ve made pro-gress in Europe in the last two years, and I want us to do so again this season. All the work we are doing right now is geared towards our first Champions League qualifier. I think we got the taste last season, the players, the fans, everyone. We want to be there again, but if you are asking me what my main objective is, then it is retaining the championship." Brian Laudrup has confirmed he would be interested in taking a backroom role at Ibrox at some point in the future at the personal invitation of Rangers chairman David Murray. The Danish winger spent four years as a player for Rangers before an ill-fated switch to Chelsea and has now retired from the game after a stint with Ajax. Laudrup, speaking on the Scottish Premier League's official website, has revealed provisional contact has been made and he anticipates further discussions in the coming weeks. He said: "The Rangers chairman David Murray called me a while back and asked if I, at some point in the future, would be willing to come back to Ibrox. It would suit me fine if I could use my experience to give something to the young players and that's certainly something I would like to do in the future. The club have given me so much it is only fair I give them something back." Andrei Kanchelskis has vowed to show the Rangers fans what he's capable of this season after firing a double against Gent in the 3-2 win last Friday. The 31-year-old struggled to make an impact at the start of last season but after the winter break the £5.5million capture from Fiorentina turned in some sensational performances. Now the Ukrainian is desperate to play a part in the Champions League this year after missing out last season. Kanchelskis said: "I only played for 45 minutes against Valencia at home. Other than that I was on the bench, playing for maybe five or seven minutes. I'll obviously be trying to play a bigger part this season. It's very important for me, as it is for everyone else, to play in the Champions League." Added pressure has been put on the winger with the arrival of Scotland international Allan Johnston but Andrei shrugged it off. He said: "That is normal. This is pre-season and everyone wants to play in the first 11. It's a decision for the manager. I'm giving 100 per cent in training to be as fit as possible. That's my position."

Sunday 9th July 2000

Michael Mols revealed on Saturday that he may require another operation next week on his troublesome knee injury. The Dutch forward has expressed fears for the condition of his knee, which has caused him pain after training sessions since he returned to Glasgow for pre-season. Mols has yet to feature in three bounce games which Dick Advocaat's team have played but the problem - believed to be attributed to excess fluid in the knee - will be tested in Holland this week when he plays 30 minutes of a friendly. If it flares up once more, then Mols will go under the knife again - a crushing blow to his personal hopes of full recovery and to the European aspirations of Rangers in the early part of the campaign. Mols said: "I am feeling pain in the knee after training and that is a problem just now. Maybe another operation is what is needed. I need an answer about that, to see if it is necessary. Obviously, I hope it's just a problem with power and coordination and not something with the scar tissue. But if it is necessary then I would rather do it now so that I still have time to be fit early in the season. If we do that, then, hopefully, within a month I can get going again. I will see in Holland how it will react when I play." Wolves are hunting Rangers striker Jonatan Johansson with Colin Lee hoping that the Finn may be the odd one out in the wake of Dick Advocaat's summer spending spree. According to reports north of the border, Lee is ready to pay £2 million for the 24-year-old, although he is only likely to have that sort of money at his disposal if Ade Akinbiyi moves on, probably to Leicester. The pacey Finnish international is only on the fringe of the first team at Ibrox and the arrival of the likes of Kenny Miller, plus the return to fitness of Michael Mols, may push him further into the shadows. Johansson has been targeted by Charlton and Derby over the past year or so, only for their bids to falter.

Saturday 8th July 2000

Dick Advocaat's inspired substitutions during the win over Ghent have made the Dutchman believe he has a stronger squad to choose from this term. After the Ghent success, the Rangers manager said: "We tried a couple of things and it is always important to work at different systems. We went with 4-3-3 and then changed it to 4-4-2. Some players suit different tactics but we will see how things progress. I can't say if we will be a better side this season than last, but I do think with the new signings, the youngsters and the Scots we have brought here, we do have a stronger squad." Rangers have confirmed the purchase of a 51% majority share in the Sydney based football club Northern Spirit. The change of ownership gives full operational control to the new board and General Manager appointed by Rangers Football Club. Rangers Chairman David Murray commented: "The acquisition of Northern Spirit by Rangers Football Club provides a tremendously exciting opportunity for both clubs with very similar objectives. When representatives from both parties met some months ago there was definite synergy and ambition both on and off the field. Rangers Football Club have to expand beyond the Scottish marketplace to be able to continue to compete at the highest level of European competition and through partnerships such as this, the potential is vast to promote Rangers as a global brand. Northern Spirit have similar goals to achieve within Australia and while the size of the clubs are very different, the principles are the same. We have recognised the massive potential of the Australian soccer market and believe that by transposing some of our expertise and experience at Rangers to Northern Spirit we can create a very successful and well supported football team over the next few years.

Friday 7th July 2000

Rangers got their pre-season tour of Belgium and Holland off to a winning start with victory over Gent. A double from Andy Kanchelskis in a two minute spell in the second half and a strike from Neil McCann helped Gers to a 3-2 vitory on a valuable excerise for Dick Advocaat's men who made five changes at half-time and six in total. The Dutchamn started the game with a flat back four of new signings Fernando Ricksen, Sergio Porrini, Craig Moore and Scott Wilson. Jorg Albertz led the team out and he was joined in midfield by Barry Ferguson – who was sporting a new David Beckham haircut – Claudio Reyna and Allan Johnston. Marco Negri also made his comeback and was paired up front with Rod Wallace. But it was the Scottish Champions who fell behind in the fifth minute when they failed to clear a Gent corner and Edin Ramcic fired a shot into Stefan Klos' top right hand corner. It was a pretty dull game in the first half with few clear cut chances falling to either side. Rod Wallace went closest for Gers 10 minutes before the break when he latched onto a Claudio Reyna through-ball but the Englishman pulled his shot wide of the target. Advocaat changed things at half-time, bringing on Neil McCann, Jonatan Johansson, Billy Dodds, Andrei Kanchelskis and Paul Ritchie for Jorg Albertz, Rod Wallace, Neil McCann, Allan Johnston and Craig Moore. Kanchelskis turned the game in Gers favour with two goals in quick succession. His first arrived in the 66th minute. From a Gers corner, the ball fell to the Russian's feet and unmarked he fired low into the net. Andrei's second just two minutes later was made by Ferguson who played him in and he raced clear before firing past Gent sub goalie Savic Zoran. That was greeted by loud cheers by the 1,000 Gers fans in the crowd who made the trip – as was the introduction of Kenny Miller who replaced Claudio Reyna. Neil McCann made it 3-1 with 15 minutes left when he tapped home a Johanssen cross into an empty net with the keeper stranded. Then with two minutes to go a mix-up in the Gers defence led to own goal by new signing Paul Ritchie. From the official Rangers website Dick Advocaat yesterday led his Ibrox squad out of Glasgow to begin a five-match tour of Belgium and Holland. Advocaat took 18 players with him including Italian striker Marco Negri. Tony Vidmar and Peter Lovenkrands were left out of the touring party as were Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Arthur Numan and Bert Konterman who are resting after Holland's Euro 2000 campaign. Dutchman Michael Mols also did not make the trip. It is thought that coach Advocaat does not want to rush the £5 million striker who was injured last season against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Tonight's opponents Gent have qualified for next season's UEFA Cup after finishing third in their own league and see this game as an ideal opportunity to prepare for the competition. Gent's coach Henk Houwaart said: "I want to prepare my team for European challenges and I know that Rangers are formidable opposition, even without some of their Dutch players who were involved in the European Championships. The game is ideal for us and we hope that it is going to be the same kind of test for Dick and his squad of players. It is more than just another pre-season friendly it is important for both clubs and for what we might achieve in the new season." After tonight's game at the Otten Stadium they will then take on German side FC Bocholt on Wednesday. After the two games in Belgium, the Light Blues travel to Holland for games against Quick Twente next Thursday, HZVV on the Saturday and Alphense Boys on July 16.

Thursday 6th July 2000

Live SPL football will be seen on terrestrial television next season after BBC Scotland agreed a deal to show six matches throughout the season. This will include the February Old Firm clash between Rangers and Celtic in addition to five other top fixtures. SPL chief executive Roger Mitchell said: "Terrestrial coverage is a vital element of the package and is extremely important for clubs and fans alike." Sunderland boss Peter Reid is confident he will finally land Lorenzo Amoruso after persuading him to open negotiations to join the English side. Speaking from his base in Italy, Amoruso confirmed he had in fact spoken with the English side, but nothing was happening at the moment. He said: "It is true I have spoken to Sunderland but I have made no decision. I don't know when that decision will be made and it is impossible to say anything at the moment." Reid had initially refused to travel to Italy to speak with the Rangers skipper, but he has concluded negotiations with David Murray regarding a fee and now it's down to the player who won't be fit until September at the earliest.

Wednesday 5th July 2000

New signings Alan Johnston and Kenny Miller registered yesterday as Rangers thrashed Livingston 5-1 in a behind-closed-door friendly at Almondvile. Jonaton Johansson (2) and Marco Negri, his second in as many games, also scored to complete a comfortable run out for the Scottish champions. Marino Keith scored Livingston's consolation goal. Livingston chief Jim Leishman said: "Rangers looked very good, and all their new signings look to have settled in well." Gordon Durie claimed he has no agreement to play in Australia for 10 games at the start of their season in September. . He said: "I've never even spoken to the boy who said I was going there to play. I did speak to a few people when I was on holiday in Australia, but there are other things in the pipeline. It's an option, but it is probably the last option of all."

Tuesday 4th July 2000

David Murray's plan to buy a football club on every continent will move up a gear before the end of the month. With Australian club Northern Spirit just about added to his portfolio, the Rangers chairman is now negotiating with an Asian outfit. He expects to make an announcement in around four weeks. Takeover rules prevent Murray from naming the club but the smart money is on a controlling interest being bought in a Hong Kong-based team. When that piece of business is concluded, the sights will be set on Africa and South America. The pins on the map will eventually show that Murray - or Rangers, if you like - will have a finger in every footballing pie on the planet. The Ibrox boss believes the Scottish champions can accrue huge benefits from heading a stable of clubs all over the world. Murray said: "First of all, we have to get final approval for the Northern Spirit situation. Everything is in place but until we get that we can't be presumptuous. We are also well down the line with negotiations to purchase another club but due to confidentiality rules I can say who it is or even what country it is. There are enormous benefits to be gained from this and right now we are working on all continents with a view to ending up with four or five clubs in addition, of course, to Rangers. The benefits are in the economies of scale in our operation, in the sense that we will be managing more than one club while allowing them to retain their own identity. That is vitally important. These teams are not going to have their names changed and they are not going to be wearing Rangers strips. But they will be wearing strips identical in everything other than colour. And, crucially, they will carry the same shirt sponsor. Murray added: "It is important that we don't brand every club as Rangers. They have their own histories and their own fan base, so we won't do that. But on the playing side, Rangers would benefit from sending young players so these clubs and bringing the best of their young players to Scotland. The sharing of training facilities and youth development projects is vital. The benefits on the non-playing side are equally exciting. With the sponsorship deal we have struck with ntl there is nothing to stop us having a worldwide strip with them as the multi-sponsor. By a worldwide strip I don't mean everyone wearing the same blue strip. If one of the teams we buy play in red, they will continue to play in red but the strips will be the same design apart from the colour. The media opportunities are massive as well. A link up with ntl gives us enormous scope and I can see the day when, for instance, all the clubs under our umbrella will come together to sustain a 24-hour dedicated football station on cable television. It's an exciting prospect and I wish I had thought of it earlier. In fact, I wish I had thought of it in the first place but my son David has to take the credit for that. After leaving university, he worked in places like the famous Nick Bolliteri tennis school in Florida and in the David Leadbetter golf school. He has travelled a bit and worked in environments which give him a different outlook from me. He came up with the idea of Northern Spirit. It took off and we are now pursuing other clubs in other areas quite vigorously. Rangers will benefit from this, have no doubts about that." Former Scotland international Gordon Durie is set for a trip Down Under with Northern Spirit. The Australian club, in whom Rangers have bought a stake, will have the Ibrox favourite among their ranks for the opening games of the season. Coach Graham Arnold said: "Gordon will play the first 10 games of the season for us. Our campaign starts in September and we will see Gordon then." Rangers have offered striker Rod Wallace an extra year on his Ibrox contract in a bid to keep their top scorer of the last two seasons. The former Leeds forward's contract runs out next summer and the champions are desperate to keep hold of their man with the Bosman ruling threatening. Chairman David Murray said: "We've made Rod an offer for this year and another year and we're waiting for a decision." Rangers winger Andrei Kanchelskis has ruled himself out of a move to Turkish outfit Besiktas. Russian media recently reported that Italian coach Nevio Scala, who took over Besiktas two months ago, wanted to sign the former Manchester United ace. He said: "That country's championship does not interest me. I am remaining with Rangers, where I have already started training for this season."

Monday 3rd July 2000

There was good news for Rangers new boy Fernando Ricksen after he limped off with 5 minutes to go on his debut on Saturday. It was feared that the Dutchman would miss the start of the season after injuring his knee against Raith Rovers. Ibrox supremo David Murray said after the game: "Fernando is not that bad. He had some ice applied to the swelling and there does not seem to be a serious problem." The news will be a relief to coach Dick Advocaat after Lorenzo Amoruso, Jonas Thern and Daniel Prodan all suffered knee injuries soon after arriving at Ibrox. Negri leapt back into the Rangers first team squad at the weekend with the winning goal in Rangers 1-0 victory over Raith Rovers at Stark's Park. The goal was the Italians first for the Light Blues in 2 years. The striker was in sparkling form when he came to Ibrox from Perugia in 1997 for £3.5m, notching up 32 goals in 28 games before an eye injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. Negri joined Italian side Vicenza on loan last season where he picked up a back injury which kept the player out for most of last year. Negri is now back training with the first team and now has a great chance to impress Dick Advocaat. Yesterday Ibrox chairman David Murray insisted that Advocaat would use the Italian if he showed he was hungry for success. He said: "Marco did well on Saturday. He got a goal and we all know that he is capable of scoring plenty if he is fit. He has a year of his contract to go and if he impresses Dick in training, I have no doubt he'll be considered for the top team."

Saturday 1st July 2000

Rangers beat Raith Rovers today in a closed door friendly. Marco Negri scored the only goal of the game. Rangers lineup: Charbonnier, Ricksen, Porrini, Moore, Wilson, Johnston, Adamczuk, Albertz, Lovenkrands, Miller, Negri Brian Laudrup has admitted he would love a return to Rangers as a coach. The Great Dane has been forced to retire from playing after an Achilles tendon injury picked up at the World Cup in France two years ago refused to go away. Laudrup had enjoyed a fine season last year at Ajax – his third club since leaving Rangers in 1998 – but knew it was time to call a halt. And now Laudrup – speaking in the latest issue of Rangers Monthly – has confessed the lure of a coaching role at Gers would be something he would seriously consider. He said: "If David Murray phoned me sometime in the future then I could be interested in a return to Ibrox in some capacity. There are so many roles at football clubs these days that it would be silly for me to say coaching is all I want to do. But I do think it would be a good thing for me to pass on some of my experience to the kids and certainly that is something I will look towards in the future. I will definitely be at Ibrox a lot more now I have retired. I've already spoken to David Murray a couple of times and he has said that if there is any time I want advice he will be on hand to help me. I told him if I could help Rangers in any way I would because the club gave me so much. I feel it is only right I try and pay them back. I stayed longer at Rangers than any other club and they remain most prominent in my heart."