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Friday 29th June 2001

Murray's not finished yet Rangers chairman David Murray has warned rivals Celtic that the anticipated signing of Russell Latapy will not mark the end of the Ibrox club's summer transfer captures. The Rangers chairman is expected to arrive back in Scotland from his French holiday for the official opening of the new £14million Auchenhowie training complex next Wednesday, with meaningful talks unlikely to commence any earlier. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill may yet match the reported £8,000 per week on offer to Latapy from Ibrox - however Murray is already planning further additions to the squad of the deposed champions. Murray said: "We are certainly not finished yet. I sat down the other day and, by my calculations, we have spent something in the region of £40m in the last 12 months - and I'm not doing that for the good of my health. We are always looking for quality signings." Asked if the Latapy deal was complete, Murray responded: "It's an ongoing situation. The player is coming back from international duty next week and it will be down to the two parties to sit and talk about it ." Target Latapy retires from international game Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke and Rangers-bound Russell Latapy have quit international football with Trinidad and Tobago. In a joint statement, they said: "We believe that this is in the best interest of all concerned, and want to thank the fans in particular for their support over the years, and wish the national team every success in all their endeavours." They both cited club versus country conflicts as the reason for their decisions, although a number of recent controversies involving the two, especially Yorke, must have had a big bearing also.

Thursday 28th June 2001

"I'm joining Gers" claims Latapy Russell Latapy claims he will snub Celtic and become a Rangers player this summer. The 32-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international was widely thought to be joining the SPL champions on a free transfer, but like Claudio Caniggia before him, his heart now seems set on Govan. He said: "I'm looking forward to the new season and getting the chance to play in the Champions League. That was an important factor in my decision but my personal goal will be to help Rangers win the domestic title." Latapy's Easter Road career came to an abrupt and acrimonious end in May, when he was dropped by Alex McLeish after failing to turn up for training amid drink-driving allegations. Matters were compounded when he was quoted in the press as saying there was a 'drinking culture' at Hibs, a claim that was furiously denied by the manager. Rangers are refusing to confirm or deny that former Hibs' ace Russell Latapy is about to become a Light Blue. Rangers' official website said: "There is no official comment from Rangers but there's a more than decent chance that Latapy could become Dick Advocaat's third capture of the close season."

Wednesday 27th June 2001

Gers rubbish Fonseca, Savage link Chairman David Murray has rubbished early press speculation linking the Ibrox club with moves for Uruguayan striker Daniel Fonseca and Welsh international midfielder Robbie Savage. Fonseca, who has hardly played for the past two seasons with Juventus, is available on a Bosman transfer but Murray insists that there is no Rangers interest in the 31-year-old whose best days seem to be behind him. Murray also denied any interest in Leicester City tough guy Savage, who has also been linked with a move to Celtic where his old team mate Neil Lennon plays. The Rangers chairman told rangers.co.uk: "The Fonseca story is absolute rubbish. I don't why newspapers bother phoning me if they don't ask me about players they are going to print stories about. What chance do the fans have of learning the truth when things like this happen. The same applies to Savage. There is no truth whatsoever in stories that we want to sign him." Caniggia to fight for place Claudio Caniggia admits he has been given no guarantees that he will feature in the first team at Rangers. The Argentinian was the first of manager Dick Advocaat's new summer signings, but he is under no illusion as to how hard he will have to work to be in the side every week. The former Dundee star said: "I hope to play all the time in the team but there is no guarantee and that is good."

Tuesday 26th June 2001

Nerlinger deal finalised Rangers boss Dick Advocaat believes he has a "real bargain" after Borussia Dortmund midfielder Christian Nerlinger completed his £1.8million move to Ibrox. Advocaat told the Rangers website rangers.co.uk: "For the price we paid it is a real bargain, just the same as Tugay and Reyna, so I'm very pleased with the business we have conducted. The player's agent contacted us about his availability and we took it from there. John Greig went to watch him and we had him watched on other occasions too. People have talked about him being a hard man, but that is not the case. Yes, he can make tackles and he is a strong player but he has good ability and experience in midfield and that is what I'm interested in."

Monday 25th June 2001

Back in training Rangers returned to training today at their brand new complex at Auchenhowie. New signings Christian Nerlinger and Claudio Caniggia joined their new team-mates for the first time as the preparation for the new seaon began, with Dick Advocaat tipping both players to be a success next season saying: "Last season was not our season but I have been long enough in this game to know that these things can happen and I know that we can come back again. I'm pleased with the two players we have brought in because I am sure that they can do a good job for us and with all of the squad fit we have the capability to get back to the top. Both players have good reputations as football players so we know in principle what they can bring and that is important to know. But we still have to see if they can gel with other players so we will need to use all of the pre-season work to do this. Caniggia showed last season at Dundee that he still has the pace and the tricks and I think he can do the job. As for Nerlinger, German players never like to lose and Christian is no exception. He has terrific experience playing for Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund and I'm sure he can use that with us. Every player has to fight for places in the team and he is one of them but he has good qualities for us and I'm sure he can do a good job. I said last year that if everyone is fit then we would have a good squad and that is the case. Some may be surprised that we have only bought a couple of players but I always thought that this was going to be the case."

Friday 22nd June 2001

Rangers face Slovenian trip Rangers will face Slovenian side NK Maribor in the second qualifying round of this season's Champions League. Dick Advocaat's men travel to Maribor, near the Austrian border, for the first leg on July 25, then entertain the Slovenians at Ibrox on August 1.

Thursday 21st June 2001

League Campaign starts at Pittodrie Rangers face a trip to Pittodrie on the opening day of the season (Saturday 28th July) as they begin their bid to reclaim the league title from Celtic. An opening-day away fixture is an unusual event for the Ibrox side, who have become accustomed to a first-day party which usually follows the unfurling of last season's league flag. Full league fixtures are now available here

Tuesday 19th June 2001

Nerlinger coming in Rangers have been reported as having agreed a deal to bring German international Christian Nerlinger to Ibrox. The 28-year-old left-sided midfielder is seen as a replacement for fellow countryman Jorg Albertz as he has similar talents but more steel in his game. Chairman David Murray told rangers.co.uk today: "We have agreed terms with Dortmund for Christian Nerlinger and he is travelling to Scotland in the next few days to discuss personal terms. We are reasonable hopeful of sorting everything out and we will be signing a very strong player who we think will be a great addition to the playing staff. Jan Wouters had a strong influence in the deal. He knew him from his team with Bayern and saw him develop into the type of player who earned six caps for Germany. There were offers from other clubs but Jan convinced him to come to talk to us so he is having an effect for Rangers already. As I said there are still some odds and ends to tie up but we are hopeful that a deal can be concluded before long." Gio out Arsenal have signed Dutch midfielder Giovanni van Bronckhorst from Rangers. The Gunners have paid a fee in the region of £8million for Van Bronckhorst, who has signed a five-year deal. Van Bronckhorst becomes Arsenal's second major signing of the summer, following their £10million purchase of Francis Jeffers last week. The 26-year-old told his personal website on Icons.com: "I am delighted to have signed for Arsenal. The fact is that Arsenal are one of the biggest clubs in Europe and at this stage of my career it is a step forward." Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Van Bronckhorst said: "I had three good years at Rangers. We won a lot of prizes in Scotland, the League twice, and I want to win the League in England as well. I think it's a good opportunity for me to play for Arsenal. They have great ambition - hopefully we can win the League next year." The 26-year-old former Feyenoord player expects to partner Patrick Vieira in central midfield. Although sometimes deployed as a left-back by Holland, it was as a central midfielder that he operated for Rangers. Van Bronckhorst said: "I spoke to Mr Wenger and he sees me in a central midfield role on the left side. Hopefully I can play alongside Patrick Vieira." Work permit hitch for Tugay Blackburn's hopes of signing Rangers midfielder Tugay have been dashed after the Turkish international's work permit application was rejected. Rovers boss Graeme Souness had hoped to bring Tugay to Ewood Park after agreeing a £1.3million fee with Rangers last month. But the Department for Education and Employment has rejected Tugay's application for a work permit as he has not played enough games for his country, although Rovers will appeal against the decision.

Sunday 17th June 2001

Gio may have to sign extension Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be forced to sign a one-year deal with Rangers if his pounds 8.5million move to Arsenal falls through. Ibrox owner David Murray has insisted on the 12-month extension if the playmaker hasn't agreed to join a new club before the end of the season. The Ibrox chairman has adopted the get tough policy because he has no intention of getting his fingers burned under a Bosman. And van Bronckhorst has agreed to Murray's instructions. While Arsenal wait for an answer to their megabucks offer for the Dutch midfielder Murray has explained the facts of life to his wantaway star. The Gers chief said: "I've told Gio I wouldn't be happy if he started the season at Ibrox with just 12 months remaining on his contract and able to sign an agreement with another club on the first of January. That would be an arrangement which means Rangers get nothing back for a player we bought for pounds 4.75m from Feyenoord three years ago. He has got to sign an extension at Ibrox which means he is effectively agreeing to be sold." Jesper planning Klos challenge Jesper Christiansen has fired a warning at Stefan Klos, claiming that he intends to rest the 'keepers jersey from the German. The Dane stresses that he needs first team football if he is to break into his national side for the World Cup. He said: "Any player who wants to play in the World Cup needs to play for their club and I'm no different. I've got to look to be first choice."

Saturday 16th June 2001

Gio has had Arsenal talks Giovanni van Bronckhorst says he has held talks with Arsenal and will decide whether to join the English premier league club by the end of next week. Van Bronckhorst told icons.com on Saturday: "I found out that Arsenal were very interested this week. I have had talks with Arsenal and I'm also aware of strong interest in me from other clubs. Now I intend to make a final decision on my future by the end of next week. I've made no secret of the fact that I'm a big fan of the English premiership, it's one of the toughest leagues in the world and I would love to test myself there." Rangers manager Dick Advocaat said he was resigned to losing the 26-year-old Dutchman. He said: "Of course I'm sad about losing van Bronckhorst because he is such an excellent player. But one year from now he can go for nothing and the money we can get now makes it an easy decision for me - plus the fact he wants to leave the club. I know the fans might wonder what we do now but the answer is simple - we buy one or two midfielders"

Wednesday 13th June 2001

No Champions League safety-net next season UEFA have confirmed that Scotland have lost their second place for season 2002-2003. The European governing body awarded Scotland a second place last year after Rangers had done well in their Champions League campaign. But early exits last season for Scottish clubs have reduced the country's co-efficient ranking for this season. UEFA confirmed that the loss of the second place had been due to the disappointing results of Scottish teams in Europe last season. A UEFA spokesman said: "From 2002-3, there will only be one Champions League place available but there will be three places in the UEFA Cup for Scottish teams. Scotland are just in 16th position which is the first country with only one representative. This is due to the results this season in all European competitions. But this is just for 2002-2003 and Scotland may regain a place 2003-2004."

Wednesday 6th June 2001

Gers interested in County's Seth David Murray admitted that Rangers were keeping a close eye on Derby midfielder Seth Johnson. But the Ibrox chairman insisted that no bid had been made for the 22-year-old, who is rated in excess of £7million. Murray is furious the news has been leaked and accused the Premiership club of "ulterior reasons". Murray told the club's website, rangers.co.uk: "We have definitely made an enquiry about the player but no bid has been made. I just wonder why this story has come out. Has it been leaked for ulterior reasons? It is totally up to Dick Advocaat whether or not we follow up that enquiry with a concrete offer for the player. We are currently looking at all our options at the moment in terms of strengthening the squad." Derby manager Jim Smith claimed he might not be able to resist a big-money offer from Rangers for Johnson.Smith says that Derby are short of money and that he may have to sell some of his best players. The veteran boss, who revealed he turned down a bid from the Glasgow giants last season, said: "Rangers are having a big sniff at Seth. They did not want Seth immediately but tried to reach an agreement to sign him during the summer. We said no. Rangers are coming back now but I am keen to keep Seth. I also recognise in our situation that Rangers might make a bid we'd find impossible to refuse." Schopp interested in Ibrox move Austrian international Markus Schopp has volunteered as a cut-price replacement for Jorg Albertz as he plots an escape from Rangers' Champions League foes Sturm Graz. The goalscoring midfielder is keen on a transfer to Ibrox after rejecting a new contract at crisis-torn Sturm, who have failed to qualify for Europe. With Albertz having returned to Hamburg, Kerimoglu Tugay on the brink of a move to Blackburn and Giovanni van Bronckhorst's future still in doubt, Dick Advocaat is seeking midfield reinforcements. And Schopp - with six goals in last season's Champions League - believes he could be the ideal solution, with his asking price unlikely to top £1million. Agent Christian Flick said: "If there is the possibility of going to Rangers, Markus would be very interested. Markus wants to move to a big club like Rangers. There is no doubt Markus is leaving the club this summer. His contract ends in December, but everyone is agreed that he must leave now." Sturm, who are set to lose 13 players after finishing 13 points behind champions Tirol Innsbruck, have already lined up Schopp's replacement in Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Horst Heldt. Schopp, who formerly played in the Bundesliga with Albertz's new club Hamburg, scored twice in the Champions League qualifying round against Feyenoord. And he netted against group opponents Monaco (twice) and Galatasaray, as well as a second-phase winner against Panathinaikos in Greece.

Sunday 3rd June 2001

Mols on de Boer Michael Mols has a hunch that de Boer is about to become the star of the SPL. Mols said: "I think when you look at his performances in the last two games of the season you can see the kind of player Rangers will have to start with next year. He can be such a creative player, the kind of player who can really makethebigdifference inagame.He did make the difference in the first Champions League game of last season against Sturm Graz, which was one of his first matches for the club. He is a good player for a striker like myself to play alongside because he reads the situations so well and is a intelligent footballer. To the players, he doesn't need to prove himself because we know that he's a world-class footballer. I think he could be the man to stand out in Scottish football next season. And he can also help others because he is a player who can make other players better through his own qualities." De Boer's hunger was questioned on more than one occasion as he toiled to build on his first few displays for Rangers. He was dragged into the row over players' outside interests as his web-site writing was among those broughtup by Dick Advocaat, leaving open the accusation that de Boer was more a double-clicker on the internet than a double-winner on the pitch. However, the lacklustre performances he produced some weeks were through a shortfall in fitness. Yet de Boer put aside worries about his knee to play for Rangers while at 70 per cent of his peak - more of a commitment than was realised at the time. He has won Dutch and Spanish domestic league titles as well as European and World Club Cups and that enviable personal trophy cabinet also raised the suggestion that, at the age of 30, de Boer had come to Scotland to wind down. Nothing could be further from the truth, according to Mols, who was brought through the same Amsterdam youth system as de Boer. Mols added: "He was part of the big group of talent at Ajax when I was coming through from the youth team. There was his brother Frank, Michael Reiziger and others. I was one year younger than them but you could see he had a great desire. 'Everyone was talking about that group of players and Ronald has lived up to the reputation by winning the European Cup and playing in World Cups. But he is with Rangers now and is hungry to win things at Ibrox." With Jorg Albertz already back home in Hamburg, Giovanni van Bronckhorst a certainty to leave for the Premiership or Serie A, Rangers will require de Boer to be a powerful midfield presence next season. De Boer said: "Even though I was ready to play more at the end of the season, maybe it's good for the knee to get a break and then I can do a full hard pre-season. I wanted to show the Rangers fans what I could do when I arrived and I showed it in the first game against Sturm Graz. But I feel I have so much more to offer." Wouters hints at Advocaat exit Rangers new first team coach Jan Wouters has given the clearest indication yet that Dick Advocaat is ready to call it a day at Rangers in 2002. The manager has thus far refused to sign a new contract at the Ibrox club and it looks increasingly likely he will walk away come next Summer. Wouters will officially take up his position at Ibrox later this month has revealed that he has only signed a one-year contract himself. This - it is rumoured - is because he feels Advocaat has made up his mind to leave. Said Wouters: "I have agreed to be the first team coach at Rangers for just one year. However, I certainly have no aspirations to take charge when Dick leaves."