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Tuesday 31st October 2000

Rangers 3-0 Dundee Utd - source Captain Barry Ferguson steered the good ship Rangers back towards calmer waters with a stunning strike to the smooth passage past Dundee United. The midfielder, handed the leader's armband at the expense of Lorenzo Amoruso, rifled in a super second as Dick Advocaat's trouble side ended the rot of three straight defeats. Kenny Miller also weighed in with his first goal for the Gers as Advocaat's unusual step of selecting five Scotsmen proved the right recipe to overcome a United side that had not won for eight games since their penalty shoot-out success over Airdrie in the last round. For Rangers though, the result was always more important than the performance and once Miller had marked his first home start with a goal, the former was never in doubt. Turkish midfielder Tugay was the architect, slipping a precise ball through a shoddy off-side trap for the former Hibs youngster to slot effortlessly past the advancing Alan Combe. Fernando Ricksen and Sergio Porrini then squandered half chances before Ferguson steadied his side's nerves with a spectacular second. Again Tugay was involved, picking up a pass from the midfielder after a corner had been cleared and chipping it back into the box to allow Ferguson to drill first time past Combe. Tugay then shaved the woodwork with an effort of his own while displaced skipper Amoruso sent another Scot, Neil McCann, away but Jim Lauchlan intercepted the cross with Billy Dodds lurking. Although the Gers were not at full throttle, United were still reeling like a reporter at Jim McLean's post-match press conference and escaped again when old boy Dodds saw his header come back off the bar. The closest they came to troubling the scoresheet was midway through the second half when Steven Thompson squirted in a shot on the turn, but saw Jesper Christiansen save with ease. The same man then headed narrowly over before his side were forced to defend in the closing stages, with Tugay forcing a good save from Combe from distance and a goalline clearance denying Peter Lovenkrands a third.

Monday 30th October 2000

Moore needs more time Rangers manager Dick Advocaat has revealed that Australian centre-back Craig Moore is still some way off returning from his knee injury. Moore has travelled to Manchester for a scheduled visit to a specialist. Advocaat said: "You have to understand he's been out for eight or nine months. He has no problems with his knee. He has problems with the side of his knee, which is a little bit strange." Numan appeal successful Uefa has quashed the one-match ban imposed on Arthur Numan following his sending off against Sturm Graz. Rangers successfully appealed against the first of Numan's two yellow cards, and he can now play in the vital Champions League visit of Monaco. Referee Antonio Lopez Nieto had booked the Dutchman for coming on to the pitch without permission, although TV footage showed the official waved him back on. de Boer out Rangers' injury woes have worsened with news that Ronald de Boer will miss Wednesday night's CIS Cup tie with Dundee United. A persistent knee problem, which the Dutchman insists has prevented him from showing his true form in a Rangers shirt, has forced him to miss the Ibrox clash - although Barry Ferguson returns from suspension. De Boer again failed to shine in his side's 3-0 home defeat by Kilmarnock. He said: "I am aware that it has been a long time since Rangers lost 3-0 at home, and Saturday's defeat by Kilmarnock was a terrible result. Normally you expect to win almost every home game. But our opponents were better than us - and that hurts. All credit to Kilmarnock. They deserved to win, but we played very poorly. The combination just didn't come together. Confidence wasn't high, and there were a lot of bad passes. Why that is I don't know. When you play well it just clicks. We are not clicking at the moment. We still have quite a few players out injured but we still have the quality to beat teams. Dick Advocaat didn't say a lot yesterday. It's difficult for him also because he is trying everything to find the solution." De Boer himself knows he needs to do better too. He admitted: "As for me, I had my moments but I didn't play well. I played just behind Rodney Wallace up front, and it was hard for us to create space for each other. Kilmarnock defended with a lot of people behind the ball and closed us down very well. I played a bit better in the second half and put over a few crosses. We play Dundee United tomorrow night in the CIS Cup, and it is a good chance to get back on track. Also if we win we are almost in the final." Win or lose, though, De Boer has decided the time is right to give the Ibrox faithful a vote of thanks. He said: "I must pay a big compliment to the Rangers supporters. Despite the fact that they were losing, they kept screaming for us - and that was a great experience for me. In Spain, you would find that many fans would have already left the stadium or would wave white handkerchiefs at the players. But here the public stays right behind us, and that makes me very proud to play for Rangers. I really hope that we can start repaying that faith very soon."

Saturday 28th October 2000

Post-match comments Dick Advocaat insists he must only be judged as Rangers manager when he has a full squad to choose from. Advocaat was in defiant a mood as is possible when your team has just lost 3-0 at home to Kilmarnock - a result that leaves the champions 12 points behind Celtic in fourth place. It also means that Kilmarnock now have a four-point cushion over Advocaat's men. Advocaat insisted: "People can only judge me if the team is there. They cannot judge me with 10 players out." But he also conceded that the buck must always stop with the manager, especially one who was still able to start with seven full internationals, name two more on the bench and also field two national squad regulars. Advocaat conceded: "I'm responsible for the players on the pitch. It was a poor performance from the team and a very poor result. It was very well deserved by Kilmarnock. They were well-organised, every second ball was theirs and they scored good goals. You can see there is a lack on confidence in the team and also in every individual. The most important thing now is to bring that back and bring results because that's the only way in my opinion to bring confidence back. I cannot say the players did not want to win or their commitment was not there but after 1-0 it was over and out. Kilmarnock we re sharper. We have to sort it out and we will sort it out. This is not an excuse but nobody can replace 10 players. Maybe four or five but not 10. But I can't complain about the players who came in because the ones who are there every week did not perform." Kilmarnock boss Bobby Williamson refused to comment on the Ibrox crisis other than to wish Rangers, and Celtic too, luck in Europe as it boosts the Scottish game. Understandably he was more interested in praising his own players' performances. Williamson said: "It was great getting the first goal so early. It settled us down and really gave us the belief that we could win the game. It is always good to keep a clean sheet and the players were magnificent. It was one of the best performances away from home in my time. It was delighted for the players and the supporters. We defended really well and kept our shape. Credit to the players, they kept their composure for the full 90 minutes." It was the first time Rangers had lost 3-0 at home since January 1996, when Allan Johnston scored a hat-trick for Hearts. Rangers had not lost three successive league games in more than 11 years.

Friday 27th October 2000

Kilmarnock Preview - From the official Rangers Website Dick Advocaat s confident his side can beat off the critics with a sound show at Ibrox tomorrow. After the midweek defeat by Sturm Graz the pressure has been building but the Little General has again shrugged it off with a stinging reminder to the rest of the SPL. He said: "I think a lot of the criticism has been over the top. I don't mind criticism when we lose, but some of it has disappointed me. I suppose they have been waiting for two and a half years for a period like this and now they have it. We are still in all of the competitions, the gap in principle is nine points and I don't think that is much between now and the end of the season. The pressure is here at a club like this all the time. Like Barcelona and like Manchester United we are expected to win every game. We can't win every game no matter how hard we try." Saturdays game will be a difficult one for Rangers especially as they have a number of key players missing. Advocaat said: "We still have ten players out and one player is suspended. Arthur Numan is doubtful, Gio van Bronckhorst, Claudio Reyna, Stefan Klos, Lionel Charbonnier, Craig Moore, Tony Vidmar and Allan Johnston are out. But I've said before that we still have players that are capable of doing a good job. I still believe that." In the last meeting between the two sides Andy McLaren showed just what Kilmarnock can do as he fired two past Rangers. But the Gers fought back to win the match 4-2 and fighting spirit like they showed that day wouldn't go amiss at Ibrox tomorrow. The Little General said: "We were quite lucky there with the 4-2 game but at the end we showed our quality to come back from two down to win 4-2." Kilmarnock currently lie in third place in the league, above Rangers but their good form will not deter Rangers from their target tomorrow. Meanwhile, Advocaat revealed that the deal to bring Raul Tamudo to Glasgow is dead. Despite scoring in Espanyol's match with Austrian side GAK on Thursday, the Ibrox boss refuses to sign him after he failed a strict Ibrox medical. He said: "We have one of the best doctors in Europe and he had fears over the long-term health of the player. We had problems with Daniel Prodan and now if we are paying £11million for a player we won't risk it."

Thursday 26th October 2000

Post-match comments Rangers manager Dick Advocaat hopes he can muster enough fit troops to mount one final Champions League challenge. His side's 2-0 defeat at Sturm Graz means they are, for the first time, now out of the two qualification places. That means they must now beat Monaco at Ibrox in two weeks' time to go through and that will be enough because one of Graz and Galatasaray will knock each other out in Istanbul at the same time. Advocaat said he hoped he would have a number of players back from injury by then, although he also conceded that the Ibrox epidemic could end up getting even worse. He said: "We still have three other games to go against Kilmarnock, Dundee United and St Mirren. You don't know what's going to happen with the team in this time. Presumably we will have players back, but we have to wait two weeks still and something can happen to players, players come back and players go out with injuries." Advocaat had spent a lot of time with his players beforehand emphasising that Galatasaray and Monaco had both enjoyed the lion's share of possession when they came to the Arnold Schwarzenegger stadium - but both ended up losing. That was the case with Rangers and they were caught out twice, first by Sergie Yuran and then deep into stoppage time by Gilbert Prilasnig. He said: "Football is all about scoring goals, you can have a lot of possession but if you don't score what does possession mean? The other side showed you can do it without possession and scored two goals. I think the first goal was a bad one when we lost the ball in midfield, it was a long ball, we waited and we made a mistake. It was a bad error defensively and it was quite an easy goal for them. If you go behind to teams like Sturm Graz who know how to defend it is difficult. We had a lot of possession but we didn't create many chances." The last few weeks have been a real struggle for the Scottish Champions, who had crushed Graz 5-0 in Glasgow little more than a month ago. Now they must rely on Ibrox continuing as a place where away sides rarely prosper. Advocaat said: "Yes we have showed enough in the past that it's quite difficult for the opposition to beat us at Ibrox. It was still a shame we had to play some players who were not fully fit, quality-wise they couldn't do it. The other side were fit and they scored." Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Arthur Numan plus striker Rod Wallace had all come back into the side following lengthy lay-offs through injury, and Numan's tough night was made even worse when he was sent off for two bookable offences. His first card was a farcical incident when he was adjudged to have returned to the field of play without permission after getting treatment for an injury. Sturm Graz coach Ivica Osim now finds his team on the brink of qualifying for the second stage. He said: "The first reason we won is that we scored two goals. It's the only reason. I cannot say Sturm Graz are the better team but after playing in Glasgow, Rangers came here having to win. We knew it and we played especially well so they couldn't win. Rangers were the favourites but the game turned out differently. I was never afraid we would lose the match." Osim said he was surprised how unthreatening Rangers had been to his team's goal and singled out Andrei Kanchelskis as the only Ranger who "tried to score". Numan plans personal appeal Furious Arthur Numan has vowed to make a personal visit to Switzerland as he attempts to overturn the red card in Austria which may rule him out of next month's Champions League group decider with Monaco. The Dutch defender was dismissed by Spanish referee Antonio Lopez Nieto in the 85th minute of a 2-0 defeat for Rangers by Sturm Graz which has seriously endangered their chances of an extended run in Europe this season. Only a victory at Ibrox on November 7, against the French champions who eclipsed Galatasaray, will guarantee progress for Dick Advocaat's under-fire stars. Numan was yellow-carded in the first half for coming back on to the pitch, supposedly without permission from Lopez Nieto, and then was red-carded for a tackle on Gerald Strafner. As he left the pitch, he threw his shirt on the turf in protest. But Numan claims he did ask the referee to come back on and will take his protest to the highest circles of UEFA in an effort to be free to play against Monaco. Bert Konterman is also banned after a booking in Graz. Numan said in the Arnold Schwarzenegger Stadium tunnel later: "It is not difficult for me to talk about this at this moment because the first yellow card was a disgrace. I had treatment after the tackle on the sideline - the challenge was so bad I thought I had broken my foot. I stood up and was waiting to get a signal to come on the pitch. He looked me in the eye and waved with his hands that I could come on. I did that and then he came to me and booked me. He told me I had to go the middle line. Normally you do but he had waved me on. I went to him at half-time in the game and said to him to remember what had happened. I told him he had given me one yellow card for nothing. I asked him to tell me what foul I had committed. I went to see him again at full time but he would not see me. Apparently, I am guilty of unsporting behaviour. He said I should have waited for a signal, but he gave me it. Now we will protest because there is no way I want to miss such an important game as Monaco because of this. The physio and the doctor saw me get the signal and I hope there is video evidence. The second yellow card was for my first foul of the second half and I think he was hesitating. We will do all we can - and if I have to go to UEFA's HQ in Geneva to a panel, I will do that, of course. Everybody saw that the referee waved at me to come back on. He knew it himself and this is all unbelievable. I threw my shirt to the ground because I was so angry. If I'd made a few fouls in the second-half I could understand it better but he sent me off after my first one. We will start the appeal process on Thursday so I can have a chance of playing against the French. We have to win that game and, with all the injuries we have, I would love to play in it. It would be terrible to sit in the stand because of this."

Wednesday 25th October 2000

"Toughen Up" - From the official Rangers Website Dick Advocaat has ordered his players to get tough for tonight's crucial Champions League showdown with Sturm Graz in Austria. The Little General has branded his players "too nice" in the run up to the game following Sunday's dismal display which saw them go down 2-1 to St Johnstone with a lack of fighting spirit. Statistics recently released by UEFA also show that Rangers have made the least amount of tackles in the Champions League so far and Advocaat has warned he won't allow that to continue. The Dutchman wants to see a gritty display from his players this evening in a bid to get that vital victory which they need to ensure qualification for the second round of the group stages. Rangers agonisingly missed out on the second phase last time around with a final day defeat away to Bayern Munich and nobody wants a repeat of that after getting themselves into such a good position. Advocaat's men currently sit on seven points along with Turkish champions Galatasaray and one more win in the remaining two games, aginst Sturm Graz tonight and Monaco at Ibrox early in November, would see them through. Advocaat said: "We are too nice. And I mean that, we have too many nice people in the team. Every player, every individual has to work to get a result. Quality is okay but without hard work to go with it you don't get a result. We must battle. I use the example of Barcelona-Real Madrid, they both have really big stars yet just look at how hard they work to get a result. And they are really big stars. When we played Sturm Graz at home I think it was one of our best performances, even apart from the 5-0 result. We showed what we can do when everyone's fit. But even when some players aren't fit I think we have enough players to do the job and that's why I was so angry on Sunday. Quality wise we are a better team than Sturm Graz but they like to work, as we have seen in their home games against Galatasaray and Monaco. In both those games they had less possession than the other team but they scored and that's what counts. Again, I can't stress enough, we have to work. Every team goes through the type of situation we are in just now, a lot of injuries, doubts over a lot of players and some bad results. But we are still in an excellent position in the Champions League in that we have seven points and if we win just one of our two remaining games we are through to the next stage. There are still doubts over some players - like (Giovanni) van Bronckhorst, (Arthur) Numan and (Fernando) Ricksen - and we will take a late decision on them. For such a big game it is not the best waz to prepare but that is the situation we are in and we have to deal with it. McManaman loan link - From SkySports Rangers are reportedly interested in signing England international Steve McManaman on loan from Real Madrid for the remainder of the season. The Independent reports that Ibrox chairman David Murray has asked agent Dennis Roache to set up a deal for the former Liverpool midfielder, who is currently out-of-favour in Madrid. McManaman, who earns £60,000-a-week in Spain, has rejected previous moves away from Real but is aware of the Rangers interest and is considering his options. Should Rangers fail to qualify for the second stage of the Champions League, then it could be safely assumed that the 'deal' would be dead in the water. Rangers manager Dick Advocaat, and Murray have been frustrated in recent weeks in their attempts to bolster their attacking options, with moves for Wimbledon's John Hartson and Espanyol's Raul Tamudo failing because of medical problems.

Tuesday 24th October 2000

Gio's going nowhere - From the official Rangers Website Giovanni van Bronckhorst today laughed off talk of a mega-bucks move to English Premiership giants Chelsea and insisted he is firmly focused on tomorrow night's crucial Champions League showdown with Sturm Graz here in Austria. The dutch midfield maestro was yet again the subject of newspaper speculation this morning with the suggestion that he was poised for a ten million pound switch to Stamford Bridge. But Van Bronckhorst still has 21 months to run on his current Ibrox contract and, despite having voiced his desire to play in a bigger league at some stage in his career, is happy with life at the Scottish champions. As the dutchman prepared for tomorrow night's crunch tie with Sturm Graz he said: "I read last week I was going to Inter Milan and the week before it should have been Arsenal. But I have been linked with so many clubs in recent months that I don't want to have to keep saying, no this isn't true. Lets just wait until it is the case and then I will comment, but right now I am very happy at Rangers. The most important thing to me at the moment is getting a good result against Sturm Graz so we can put ourselves in a good position to qualify for the second phase of the Champions League. I haven't spoken to the Chairman about a new contract, but why should I? There is still plenty of time." A last minute decision will be made on whether or not Van Bronckhorst features against Austrian champions Sturm Graz tomorrow night after he received an injection for a groin injury last week. The midfielder had been out of action ever since he went on international duty with Holland for a recent World Cup qualifier and the team have missed his creativity and work rate badly. During that time Rangers have drawn at home with Galatasaray and lost to St Johnstone in that dismal game on Sunday with infuriated manager Dick Advocaat. Gio was glad he wasn't there. He said: "Fortunately I was at home on Sunday. But I watched it on the television and I can say that is the angriest I have ever seen the gaffer. I don't know exactly what happened but obviously Dick Advocaat wasn't happy with the performance. He is the type of manager who will say if you played in the wrong way or if you don't give the right commitment. He is honest and lets you know how he feels. When I joined up with the players yesterday they were all very down but there is a game coming up on Wednesday which is even bigger so we can't afford to dwell on it. Of course, we are very disappointed about the St Johnstone result but we have to be confident and the prospect of getting into the second phase of the champions league excites everybody at the club. What the gaffer said on Sunday surprised not only the players but a lot of people as well and hopefully his words will influence the players who run out onto the pitch on Wednesday. I think he did it to try and get the players sharp again and if that is what is takes then so be it." On his own fitness he said: "I'm almost fit. Obviously we made the decision yesterday for me to travel here and we are confident I will be fully fit by the time the game comes around. Hopefully that will be the case. I went to a specialist last Thursday and there was some inflamation around the groin area but we managed to settle that with an injection. It normally takes three to five days until it is totally gone and we are now in the fifth day so hopefully that should be it. It feels much better today than it did last week, I can sprint and kick the ball without any problems which is obviously essential as a footballer. The injury is getting better every day and even if I can't train fully leading up to the game I could still play tomorrow. It's just one of those injuries where you have to wait until the last minute." In safe hands - From the official Rangers Website Rangers Champions League hopes could rest in the hands of a rookie striker-turned-goalkeeper here in Austria on Wednesday night. As exclusively revealed on the Rangers website on Saturday, Jesper Christiansen has signed a five-year deal at Ibrox and will be thrown straight in at the deep end against Sturm Graz. That's despite the former Odense man, who is still only 22, having just played 12 first team games in his short career and having only moved between the sticks in the last five years. Speaking this morning prior to his first ever training session with his new team-mates, the 'keeper said: "It's funny but I used to be a striker and it wasn't until the age of 17 that I became a goalkeeper. I played in some of the best leagues in Denmark as a striker. I was a bit tired playing out field so my own coach told me to try going in goals and I've never looked back ever since. I was playing for Roskield at the time." But what Christiansen lacks in experience he certainly makes up for in confidence and the young Dane isn't fazed in the slightest about the prospect of playing this Wednesday. In fact, quite the opposite. The man who spent three days training at Manchester United recently siad: "Yes the fans will expect a lot from me. I'm very excited and am looking forward to the game but I am not frightened at all. I don't think it matters much that I'm new, I'll have trained a couple of times with them in time for the game. I know some of the Rangers players and I got a team sheet at the game on Sunday so I just sat and tried to learn some of the names. Yes it's a big game but I feel fine. It's not a problem for me. Put it this way, I won't stand at the game and think of all the people who are relying on me. I'll just concentrate on doing a job for Rangers. Everything has happened very quickly but it's okay, it's better that than I have to wait maybe two, three weeks to see where I will play. I first heard of Rangers' interest on Friday night and, of course, the fact I can play for the first team on Wednesday night influenced by decision to join. I could have up to a month to show what I can do with Stefan Klos out injured and hopefully I can take that chance and stay in the first team. I have confidence in my own ability. I trained with Manchester United for three days and it went very well but there was nothing definite and I was very interested when I heard the news from Glasgow."

Monday 23rd October 2000

Tamudo wants Ibrox apology Rangers transfer target Raul Tamudo has asked the 'Gers to apologise to him Before he signs. The £11-million-rated Espanyol hitman is distraught that the proposed deal fell through after a failed medical. Said Tamudo: "I am going to go through the same medical examination here. And if there is nothing, and Rangers want me, they will first have to say sorry. I just want this nightmare to end." The 23-year-old, who was injured in the Olympic final, flew into Glasgow at the weekend. Gers chairman David Murray said: "The deal isn't necessarily dead. He's not ready to pass a medical, but that doesn't mean to say He will be in the same situation in a month's time." "Bigheads and Posers" Rangers manager Dick Advocaat blasted his side for losing at St Johnstone, a result that leaves the champions 12 points behind Celtic and in fourth place behind Kilmarnock. The Dutchman did not attempt to hide his rage following a lacklustre performance against one of the Scottish Premier league's smaller clubs. He said: "I've got a team of bigheads - they think they are better than they are. It was a hopeless performance. I've got Scottish internationals and Dutch internationals and they were very poor. With all respect, St Johnstone are not as good as us individually. My, players have no idea about football. They want to look good in their red and white (away shirts) I'm sick of it." Ibrox is more like a hospital these days such is the extent of the Rangers injury crisis. But Advocaat did not regard that as an excuse as he was still able to start with eight internationals. He said: "I have 12 players injured but I am not Houdini - I cannot fix that."

Sunday 22nd October 2000

Jesper signs on Rangers new keeper Jesper Christiansen is ready to step into the pressure cooker of the Champions League, and put his credentials immediately on the line. The £1.3million capture from Odense will be pitchforked straight into the action in the crucial Group D clash with Sturm Graz on Wednesday, but he insisted on Sunday: "I'm not scared." Christiansen, 22, arrived in Glasgow on Saturday night after the deal was sealed to bring the man in line to Peter Schmiechel's crown for Denmark to Ibrox. He will watch teenager Mark Brown - the only fit keeper Rangers have following the injuries to Srefan Klos and Lionel Charbonnier - take his place between the sticks for the SPL encounter with St Johnstone and McDiarmid Park, and train with his new team-mates on Monday before Dick Advocaat's squad fly out to Austria on Tuesday. But Christiansen, the third choice keeper for the Danish national squad,is not frightend by the prospect, saying: "I know there will be pressure playing my first game in an important Champions League but I am not afraid. This is my big chance. I am positive about this entire move - the club, the city and my prospects in the team. I was excited when I heard of Rangers' interest because they are such a big club with a great reputation in Europe and I am looking forward to playing in the Scottish league because that will help me to improve. I know Peter Lovenkrands from the Denmark under-21 side, so that will be a help that I have one face I know at Ibrox. Everyone in Denmark admires Brian Laudrup and it's important to me that I am moving to the club where he enjoyed some of his best years." Christiansen's rise has been meteoric. He has played only 16 games for Odense and is yet to be capped at national level, but an injury to Schmeichel last week at Sporting Lisbon has pushed him up the queue. He Said: "We play Germany next month and hopefully I will get the place behind Thomas Sorensen, (of Sunderland). But playing in Europe for a big club like Rangers can only improve my international future." Rangers were given dispensation by UEFA to sign an emergency keeper after Klos and Charbonnier's injuries left them with only one person, Brown, on the 32-man list they handed the governing body before the start of the Champions League group stage in September.

Saturday 21st October 2000

Danish keeper on the way - From the official Rangers Website OB Odense, agreed terms yesterday to permit their goalkeeper, Jesper Christiansen(22) to travel to Ibrox today to complete a pre-signing medical and discuss personal terms. All agreements have progressed amicably and contracts signed. The final process is registration with the football authorities which will be completed on Monday, to allow the player to travel to Austria with the team for the Champions League match with Sturm Graz on Wednesday. The Club are delighted to have signed Jesper, who has already been included in the Danish international squad and has been followed closely by a number of top teams, on a five-year contract. Tamudo back in Spain - From the official Rangers Website Raul Tamudo, the Espanyol striker, was at Ibrox today to complete his pre-signing medical. Unfortunately, due to the injury he sustained while playing for Spain at the Olympic Games in Sydney, he was unable to carry out all the tests necessary to conduct the full medical examination. The player has returned to Spain to continue his rehabilitation. It is hoped that this will be completed in relatively short time and he will be able to return to complete the medical examination in the near future. Raul is disappointed that matters have not been able to be concluded today but hopes to return to Glasgow as soon as possible. Sunday's team news Young goalkeeper Mark Brown will be in the team on Sunday after Stefan Klos' latest injury. The young goalkeeper has done well when called upon this season and only conceded his first goal in a Rangers shirt last weekend against Hibs. The youngster came in for some praise from captain Lorenzo Amoruso, although he did say he was too inexperienced to cut it in European competition. Amo said: "Mark is a really good goalie, but there is a lot he still has to learn, particularly in the Champions League." Advocaat revealed he has been looking for a replacement goalkeeper for Rangers' match with Sturm Graz on Wednesday, but his immediate concern is finding 16 fully fit players to play on Sunday. Rangers are without Klos, Numan, Moore, Van Bronckhorst and Mols. There are also doubts over Reyna and De Boer and Advocaat will have his work cut out trying to pick a final eleven. The Rangers manager said: "We have a lot of players out already and we still have training on Saturday to come through. We could pick up even more injuries. It's difficult to say who will come in. Players may recover but some may pick up knocks. We will have to wait and see who can play."

Friday 20th October 2000

van Bronckhorst injury latest Dutch international Giovanni van Bronckhorst is struggling to overcome an injury that is proving trickier to shake off than expected. In his case it is a groin problem and he is unlikely to be back in time for next week's trip to Sturm Graz. He said: "The groin is a bit better every day but we're still not entirely sure what is causing the pain. I was hoping it was just a slight strain and everything would be sorted by now but that isn't quite the case. Until we know exactly what the injury is, I can't really give a date when I will be back." Keeper search latest Rangers search for a new keeper to cover for the injured Stefan Klos continues and chairman David Murray insists it will be a permanent purchase instead of a loan option, which the club took last year when a similar injury crisis saw them borrow Everton's Thomas Myhre. Murray denied that Freiburg's Richard Golz was their first choice. He said: "There is no change in the goalkeeping situation at the moment although stories linking us with the German Richard Golz are nonsense." Murray added that second choice goalkeeper Lionel Charbonnier was not ready for a surprise comeback in Austria. He said: "Charbonnier is not fit to play in Graz next week or in the forseeable future." Mols facing 3rd op Rangers striker Michael Mols could be forced to have a third knee operation to save his career. The Dutchman's comeback from a cruciate ligament injury almost a year ago has been put on hold following a painful build-up of fluid. That has occurred after every game he played and his second attempt at a comeback, which had included stints in all of Rangers' first three Champions League fixtures, is now over. Mols had been confident a two-week spell at an Amsterdam clinic would solve the problem. But now Mols faces the prospect of going under the knife for a third time. He said: "It could be that I'll need another operation to solve the problem. That is a possibility. It's the last option because I wouldn't want to think about the consequences of another operation on my knee. I'm very worried. That would mean another long spell recovering and mentally that would be very tough to accept." Tamudo arrives for talks - From the official Rangers Website Raul Tamudo, the 23 year old striker from Espanyol, is coming to the Club today for signing talks. He played 32 games for Espanyol last season and participated in the Spanish Olympic team in Sydney. Terms have been agreed with Espanyol, subject to the outcome of the current review of the transfer system in progress with the European Commission. An eight day period for negotiations and evaluation has been agreed and the player will train with the Club and undergo a medical over the next few days with a decision made by the end of next week. He will not be eligible to play in Champions League matches until after the next signing deadline of 1 February 2001.

Thursday 19th October 2000

Klos risked career Rangers goalkeeper Stefan Klos could have wrecked his career by trying to help his club into the next stage of the Champions League, his agent has claimed. The German, who is now out of action for six weeks, was told not to risk his damaged ankle by playing against Galatasaray on Tuesday night. But Klos defied the pain to keep a clean sheet before flying back to Germany to check into a Munich sports clinic, where his right ankle has been put in plaster. His agent, Tony Preus, told the Scottish Sun: "Of course his career was in danger. Doctors in Germany told him not to play. He decided to play and I wasn't surprised by that. It is typical of Stefan. He is one of the bravest players I have ever known." Chairman David Murray hailed Klos and told the Scottish Daily Mail: "He knew his situation was a dangerous one and that he could end up doing serious damage to his health. He is a great ambassador for Rangers Football Club." Klos' right ankle had given him pain for a month and he had been warned he risked future arthritic problems if he continued playing. Now the Scottish champions are searching for a replacement keeper in the knowledge that UEFA would be willing to grant them special dispensation. Already they have been linked with Richard Golz of Freiburg and Livingston's Neil Alexander. But the man who is already Klos' number two at Ibrox, Lionel Charbonnier, has surprisingly ruled himself back into contention for Wednesday's trip to Sturm Graz, the match that could decide whether Rangers go through to the second phase of the Champions League for the first time. Charbonnier is back in France recovering from a persistent calf injury that has left Rangers boss Dick Advocaat with just rookie Mark Brown as cover for Klos. And he told the Scottish Mirror: "I don't know if I'll be fit for next week but it's possible. I'm disappointed that I haven't been able to play at a time when there have been problems but I will be back in Glasgow at the weekend and it will be up to Mr Advocaat. I still have a lot of examinations to go through but I am getting better every day, although I am not yet fully fit." Numan wants to extend stay - From the official Rangers Website Arthur Numan is so in love with Ibrox he wants to stay a Ranger for life. The dazzling Dutch defender is desperate to sign a deal to end his career at Gers and has already set up talks with chairman David Murray about extending his contract, which has over a year to run. The Holland star is a key figure in Dick Advocaat's defence and his plea to stay will be a massive boost to the Little General. Talking exclusively to the Rangers News, Numan said: "I have another season left after this one but I have already agreed with the chairman that we'll talk about a new deal as I love life here and at Ibrox. I feel honoured to be playing at a club like this and didn't realise how intense it would be at Rangers. I had been told everyone in Scotland loved football and I would become a known figure but didn't believe it until my arrival. But the attention doesn't bother me because I consider myself lucky to be playing here. I enjoy it so much and my family are also very settled."

Wednesday 18th October 2000

Match Reactions Rangers manager Dick Advocaat revealed that his side had been dealt a massive blow to their European and domestic hopes after the goalless draw with Galatasaray at Ibrox. German goalkeeper Stefan Klos has been ruled out for the rest of the Champions League first round stage. Klos has been struggling with an ankle injury for the last three weeks and was replaced by teenager Mark Brown for the last two Premier League games against Dundee United and Hibs. But Advocaat's gamble on fielding his number one for the game against the UEFA Cup holders has backfired with Klos out until December. The manager said: "For sure, the goalkeeper is out for a long period. Klos is out for four to six weeks." But Advocaat is set to still be without Giovanni van Bronckhorst for the vital clash with Sturm Graz in Austria next week. However the Rangers boss remains optimistic that his team can qualify for the next stage. Advocatt said: "We still have a chance with one away game and one home game. We can still do it. I have to be very pleased with the way the team worked. Tactically, we did an excellent job. At the end, we had a number of possibilities. We controlled the game and did not give chances away against the best team, in my opinion, Galatasaray. We showed quality and the boys worked their socks off to get the result and I'm very pleased with the way it went. I felt we deserved more tonight. Galatasaray destroyed Real Madrid in Monaco two months ago so I cannot complain about the players. I'm very proud of the way they played tonight." Galatasaray coach Mircea Lucescu admitted that his side had come to Ibrox in search of a point but was pleased to have succeeded. But he conceded that the constant rain throughout the game had made true quality football almost impossible - although he credited both sets of players for their efforts. Lucescu said: "It was an exceptional match - fast and high quality. It could have been much better with different conditions. Both teams tried to stop each other and some players could not find enough to produce a better game. It was a physical, modern, technical game. We aimed to get a point tonight and we got that point." But Lucescu admitted that his team and Rangers had to be aware of future opponents Sturm Graz, who have moved into a position of strength in the group. Lucescu added: "People said Sturm Graz didn't have much chance but now we have seen that they can beat other teams in the group. Now Graz have a chance to go to the second phase and we will see how it goes." UEFA would allow new keeper signing Rangers could be asked to prove that second choice goalkeeper Lionel Charbonnier is unable to play if they are to be allowed to sign an emergency replacement for Stefan Klos. The Scottish champions are desperate to sign an experienced goalkeeper in time for their next Champions League fixture, in Sturm Graz in a week's time. Klos played through the pain barrier against Galatasaray last night but now Rangers know his ankle problem cannot be ignored any longer. Manager Dick Advocaat has confirmed that Klos was definitely out for the Graz match and is likely to be sidelined for four to six weeks. Charbonnier has also been out of action with a calf injury that is taking a long time to heal and that leaves Advocaat with just teenager Mark Brown. UEFA allows clubs to sign emergency goalkeepers if more than one senior stopper is injured, providing the newcomer has not already featured in a UEFA competition this season. But they also have the power to insist on proof that the two goalkeepers really are unable to play and that could mean a UEFA-appointed expert being sent to Glasgow to check them out. Klos kept a clean sheet at Ibrox on Tuesday as the joint Group D leaders shared a goalless draw. But his discomfort was plain for all to see and he had real trouble with long kicks. Graz beat Monaco 2-0 to maintain their 100% home record and if Rangers lose in the Arnold Schwarzenegger Stadium on October 25 they will drop out of the top two places. A UEFA spokesman said requests for replacement goalkeepers were usually looked upon favourably. He said: "If they make their request and there are two goalkeepers who are regulars injured then it is possible. There is no time limit but they cannot register a player who has already played for another club in a UEFA competition. UEFA might require a full medical examination of the injured goalkeepers. It has happened before. UEFA would send an expert to Glasgow to check on them both."

Monday 16th October 2000

Make Some Noise Rangers defender Bert Konterman wants Ibrox supporters to prove that Hell can be found in Glasgow, not Istanbul. Galatasaray fans are notorious throughout Europe for their hostility towards visiting teams and have become associated with the greeting "Welcome to Hell''. But Konterman is convinced 50,000 Gers fans can inspire their side to a famous victory on Tuesday night when they look to avenge last month's 3-2 defeat in Turkey and take control of Champions League Group D once more. The Dutchman said: "When I look back to that game I expected some more noise and I think our crowd is better because they will sing all game. Singing for 90 minutes is great for footballers and it will lift us to an even higher level. I hope they will give us the extra push for victory. The Rangers crowd is immense.'' But Konterman believes the Turks, the current UEFA and Super Cup holders, are also the sort of team that thrives in a big-match atmosphere. He said: "I think footballers like some singing and noise in the stands and whether it's for you or against you it doesn't really make a big difference. It will give us an extra push so I think it's better for us than them.'' Rangers boss Dick Advocaat also believes the home fans have a big part to play in Tuesday's proceedings. He said: "The fans can be a big influence on the game. They can lift players - there's no doubt about that. I hope the fans realise the players have to work their socks of to get a result tomorrow. Galatasaray are one of the best teams in Europe.'' Klos in, Gio out Rangers have been rocked with the news that influential midfielder Gio van Bronckhorst has been ruled out of tomorrow's Champions League showdown with Galatasaray. The Dutchman has been in sizzling form for the champions in Europe with three goals but a groin injury picked up on Holland duty has ruled him out of action. Allan Johnston also misses out after breaking a toe against Hibs on Saturday while Michael Mols is still unavailable. But there was some good news for the Light Blues with injury doubts Ronald de Boer, Stefan Klos, Claudio Reyna and Neil McCann all making the squad along with Marco Negri, Kenny Miller, Peter Lovenkrands, Mark Brown and Maurice Ross. The return of Klos, though, is vital, after Rangers were forced to field 19-year-old Mark Brown in the league matches against Dundee United and Hibs. Despite two confident displays by Brown, Advocaat will be pleased Klos has recovered in time for Tuesday's game. Van Bronckhorst admitted he had been desperate to make the game but backed his team-mates to do the business. He said: "It's a very important game for us and the winner could be the side to go through on top. If we beat the Turks we've taken a big step forward, with three games to go. Of course they're a very good side and they showed that by forcing themselves into a 3-0 lead against us in Turkey before we got ourselves together and fought back. We respect them and although we'll show them the right respect, we also know we're well capable of beating them and are confident that will be the result. We have to be prepared right from the start and show the sort of commitment that we did in the closing stages of the game in Istanbul. We have the quality so it's down to our attitude - and I think it will be spot on." Huistra forced to retire Former Rangers hero Pieter Huistra has been forced to retire from the game. The onetime Ibrox winger has failed to recover from an Achilles problem and has quit at the age of 33. Huistra played at Veendam, Groningen, Twente Enschede, Hiroshima San Freece and Lierse but is best remembered for his time in Glasgow. Graeme Souness paid Twente £250,000 for his services in the summer of 1990 and he collected a number of honours, including four championship medals, while in Scotland. Huistra is poised to begin a coaching career in Holland after rejecting the assistant manager's post at former club Hiroshima.

Saturday 14th October 2000

Bosnich loan bid rejected Mark Bosnich's agent, Steve Kutner, has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson refused the goalkeeper permission to join Rangers on loan. Kutner said: "We were approached by Glasgow Rangers for Mark Bosnich to go on loan. We were very interested in the move. However, when the projected arrangement was put to Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson turned it down flat on the grounds that United have very important games coming up and he wants Mark to stay." Rangers wanted Bosnich as a replacement for Ibrox stopper Stefan Klos, who has an ankle injury, and second choice 'keeper Lionel Charbonnier. Kutner added: "There was an enquiry from Rangers about Mark Bosnich but Alex Ferguson was not in a position to let the deal go through. Mark was excited about it but it was taken out of our hands when Manchester United said no."

Friday 13th October 2000

Team News Rangers have an injury crisis on their hands ahead of the game with Hibernian. Stefan Klos, Fernando Ricksen, Arthur Numan, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Neil McCann, Craig Moore, Ronald de Boer, Michael Mols and Rod Wallace all absent. Mark Brown is set to deputise as goalkeeper with Sergio Porrini also set to return. Tamudo deal agreed Rangers and Espanol have agreed terms for the transfer of Raul Tamudo to Ibrox. The two clubs were reported to be embroiled in a disagreement over the way the fee for the £11million-rated striker would be paid ahead of the possible changes to the transfer ruling.But Rangers have confirmed that the terms between the two clubs have been agreed. A club statement said: "Rangers Football Club can confirm that the Club has been involved in discussions with Espanyol regarding the player Raul Tamudo. Rangers and Espanyol have agreed terms subject to changes in the transfer system, which is currently under review. Terms were agreed last week and no changes have been made to that offer since then." Old Firm chase Douglas - From Sky Sports Skysports.com understands that Celtic and Rangers are engaged in a tug of war to sign Dundee goalkeeper Rob Douglas. Douglas, 28, is a regular in the Scotland squad, as rumours are persisting that the Old firm are in direct competition to sign the in-demand stopper. Reports from the west, as detailed in the Dundee Evening Telegraph, indicated that the Scotland international is on the verge of joining Dick Advocaat's side for £1.5 million. But we are led to believe that it is Parkhead which appears to be the more likely destination for the Lanark-born ace, as Celtic boss Martin O'Neill aims to put pressure on current no 1 Jonathan Gould. The Ibrox outfit currently have Stephan Klos and Lionel Charbonnier out injured, and it appears that Douglas is the man they want to fill the breach.

Thursday 12th October 2000

Tamudo deal back on? Rangers chairman David Murray admits he will have to adopt a different style of transfer deal if he is to land striker Raul Tamudo from Espanyol. The Ibrox supremo is concerned the proposed restructure of the transfer market could annul the price on the £11million-rated 23-year-old in the future. Murray said: "We are obviously interested in the player - there is no denying that. However we cannot put the club in a position where financially it could be a disaster for us. We need a striker but I could lose all that money depending on what happens in the transfer market. I'm not going to put the club in debt again." Murray could use a 'play now, pay later' deal with the Spanish side for Tamudo which would mean that the forward would not be ineligible for the second phase of the Champions League should Rangers qualify. Tamudo could come over to Glasgow as soon as possible to settle into the Scottish game while the fine details of the contract are worked out.

Wednesday 11th October 2000

Mols back for Galatasaray? - From the official Rangers Website Michael Mols has given Rangers a lift with the news that fluid from his knee has completely disappeared. The Dutch striker spent last week at an injury rehabilitation clinic at Amsterdam in an attempt to cure his knee problem once and for all. Mols though he'd be out until the end of the month but now he could be set to return for Tuesday's crucial Champions League clash with Galatasaray. He said: "Things are going well and although I don't think there is any chance of me playing against Hibs this weekend, maybe I can play against Galatasaray. It will be up to the manager to decide as he is the man who picks the team but I am making good progress. I want to make sure the knee is 100 per cent because if it is not fully ready then it is no use. I will be speaking to the doctor to see what he thinks is the best thing to do. If I make it back for game against Galatasaray then I will be delighted." Meanwhile, Holland coach Louis van Gaal is set to rest Gers stars Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Ronald de Boer for tonight's World Cup qualifier against Portugal. Van Brocnkhorst has complained of a groin strain while de Boer has hurt his left knee and van Gaal said: "We could play them if we really needed to but they have given us signals that they feel serious injuries may not be far away. I need both of these players for Holland's World Cup campaign and Dick Advocaat needs them also for Rangers."

Tuesday 10th October 2000

More injuries? Dutch midfielders Ronald de Boer and Giovanni van Bronckhorst are likely to miss Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Portugal through injury. Dutch coach Louis van Gaal told Dutch news agency ANP on Tuesday that it was "very doubtful" whether the two would take the field in Rotterdam. De Boer has injured his left knee, while Van Bronckhorst has a groin strain. Neither of the Glasgow Rangers players took part in the Dutch squad's training session on Tuesday morning

Monday 9th October 2000

McCann suffers ankle injury - The official Rangers Website Rangers have suffered a fresh injury blow with the news that Neil McCann is likely to fly home early from Scotland duty with an ankle injury. The Ibrox winger picked up the knock in Saturday's 2-0 win over San Marino and has pulled out of Wednesday's clash with Croatia. Now McCann is set to fly home for treatment at Rangers and he said: "My ankle is still very sore and I don't know how long I'll be out. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed I don't miss too many matches for Rangers." £2,000 fine for Euro bookings Rangers have been fined nearly £2,000 by Uefa for having four men booked during their Champions League victory in Monaco last month. The Ibrox side went to the top of Group D with the win in the Stade Louis II, but they have paid the price for their lack of discipline. Allan Johnston, Ronald de Boer, Stefan Klos and Tugay all saw yellow and have cost the club just over £1,948. A Uefa spokeswomen confirmed: "Rangers had four players shown the yellow card during the Champions League match against Monaco.Whenever a team receives more than four yellow cards, they automatically receive a fine. The fine is 5,000 Swiss francs and it's always been like that in these kind of circumstances. The matter goes to the control and disciplinary panel and as always in these matters a fine is imposed which should ensure fair play in the future."

Sunday 8th October 2000

Ricksen joins injury list Rangers have been dealt a fresh injury blow with the news Fernando Ricksen could be sidelined for several weeks. The defender picked up an ankle knock during training with the Dutch international squad at the weekend and has been forced to withdraw. Ricksen joins fellow countryman Arthur Numan on the Ibrox sick list with both set to miss Rangers' remaining fixtures in phase one of the Champions League. Adam: Murray should go Former director Hugh Adam has called on Rangers owner David Murray to follow him out of the club. Adam wants his old boss to let someone else take over the running of the league champions. He confirmed he would still be on the Ibrox board if Murray hadn't pushed him out last week. And Adam claims the chairman's high-risk method of conducting Rangers' business is no longer the best way to manage the club's affairs. Last night the man whose fund-raising skills were responsible for the re-building of Ibrox in the aftermath of the 1971 disaster said: "It's time for a new sense of direction. A club of Rangers' size should not be hanging on the result of the next match. That's what they are doing in spite of pounds 60million of fresh investment from people like Joe Lewis and Dave King. I don't want to make a nasty or bitter farewell and I don't want to mount a personal attack on David Murray. I couldn't have achieved what he has done on a personal level by overcoming the physical disability he's had to live with from the age of 24. I'd have lain down and died under the same circumstances. David has my total respect for the way in which he has triumphed over that form of adversity. But I don't think it's good business for any man, whether it's David Murray or anybody else, to have 60 per cent control of any business. It only encourages yes-men to surround the boss. There's only one truly self-sufficient club in Britain and that's Manchester United. Rangers have got to become more diverse and go into areas where the football club can be supported by outside business interests." Adam was responsible for the growth of the hugely successful Rangers Development Fund Limited and Rangers Pools over a 25-year period, a fact Murray acknowledged when he announced Adam's departure. It was the owner's decision to release him from his contract as a consultant but Murray had by then also received Adam's letter of resignation. Adam confirmed last night the parting of the ways had not been by mutual consent. He said: "I would still have been happy to serve the board if that had been possible." Last night Murray said: "I am sorry Hugh feels he has to say these things, as he leaves the club after 14 years distinguished service. If one day the supporters and shareholders feel I should go, then that would be another matter. But I honestly feel the club has never been in better shape."

Saturday 7th October 2000

Coleraine want Feeney on loan Young Rangers prospect Lee Feeney is the target of a daring swoop by Irish League outfit Coleraine. The 22-year-old was originally signed by Dick Advcaat from Linfield for £100,000, and Coleraine see him as an ideal short-term signing. His form in the reserves has been excellent and Coleraine manager Marty Quinn said: "Lee would do a great job for us. We jst hope we can do a deal."

Friday 6th October 2000

Advocaat snubs Inter hot-seat Dick Advocaat has pledged his future to Rangers by turning down the chance to take over Italian aristocrats Inter Milan. The Ibrox manager was approached by a third party and sounded out about the possibility of replacing Marcello Lippi, who was sacked after just one match of the new Serie A season. Inter, who have now set their sights on Argentina's 1978 World Cup winning captain Daniel Passarella, made their move this week after recognising the job Advocaat's done at Rangers. However, while the Little General was flattered and tempted by the challenge of trying to deliver Inter's first Scudetto in 10 years, he has remained loyal to Rangers. An Ibrox insider said: "Dick believes he has obligations to Rangers and he is ready to fulfil them." It is the second time Advocaat has rebuffed the chance of taking over one of world's most famous names having turned down Real Madrid two years ago. It is a further indication of his commitment to Rangers, where he is trying to make an impact on the Champions League this season by qualifying for the second phase. 6 Month deal for Ferrari Rangers have signed Samba hitkid Carlos Ferrari on a six month deal from Brazilian side Mirassol. The 21-year-old striker has impressed the Rangers gaffer after a two-week training stint at Ibrox and now has six months to prove he's worthy of a permanent switch. Ferrari holds an Italian passport and is eligible to play for either Brazil or Italy. The youngster's international clearance is expected to arrive on Monday. The striker is reported to have scored 4 goals in a recent closed-door match for the club.

Thursday 5th October 2000

Numan out for 6 weeks Arthur Numan is set to be out of action for a few weeks after picking up a foot knock during Sunday's clash with Dundee United. The left-back did not discover the problem until he met up with the Dutch international squad at their headquarters. He has an injury to his foot and has been sent for an MRI scan and it is anticipated this will take a few weeks to clear.

Wednesday 4th October 2000

Moore looks for November comeback Craig Moore is currently undergoing a belated "preseason" training schedule as part of his rehabilitation programme following his knee operations. The Australian's only competitive appearance this season came against Zalgiris Kaunas when an injury-time double from Billy Dodds lit the path towards a lucrative season in Europe. Moore would certainly like to be involved in the Champions League as soon as possible. He said: "I'm doing a pre-season training routine at the moment which is a bit soul-destroying, but it has to be done. I've had this injury for a long time now and hopefully when I do get back I'll be injury-free. 'I'm making progress but it can be slow. I wouldn't say it will be two or three weeks, it'll be a bit longer." Giovani hits out at exit talk Midfielder Giovanni van Bronckhorst has slammed European cowboy agents who are trying to lure him away from Ibrox for more cash abroad. The player claimed this morning he's been inundated with calls from agents suggesting they can get him a lucrative move to Italy or England, where he could name his own price when it comes to wages and other perks. But the Dutchman said he's not interested and anyway, he has one agent in Holland who takes care of all his personal affairs. The Dutch international believes he is the target of "cowboy agents" hoping to secure him a cash-laden exit route from Ibrox. Manchester United, Arsenal and Roma are all believed to be interested in signing the elegant, left-footed midfielder. He said: "I will never try to force my way out of Ibrox. I know there is a lot of interest in me at the moment but I'm doing nothing about it. The fact that all sorts of agents and cowboys are running around trying to put me in touch with other big clubs doesn't mean anything to me." The 25-year-old added, however, that there may come a day when he decides to move on and leave Scotland. He added: "I know there is a chance that, at some stage in the future, I will move on and right now I am aware there is a lot of interest in me from big clubs." Testimonial for Bomber Rangers long-serving coach John Brown has been granted a testimonial year and will likely have a game against Everton in his honour. And that's a fitting tribute for one of the games hardest, yet nicest blokes. Brown, who was signed from Dundee by former manager Graeme Souness when he scored a hat-trick against Rangers as a defender, has been so long at the club he's part of the fixtures. Now a coach with youths and under 21's, he remains one of Rangers legends and chairman David Murray confirmed the whole club will be right behind him, as they put together a series of events to raise cash for a player who was never one of the best paid at the club during his spell. Everton boss Walter Smith was joined by Archie Knox, Ally McCoist, Andy Goram, Davy Dodds and Jorg Albertz to launch the initiative at Ibrox yesterday. Euro money starts to arrive - From SoccerNET Rangers will take receipt of a cheque for £2million from UEFA later this week as the first instalment in a Champions League bounty which could eventually top £12m. A 'starting bonus' of 1.5m Swiss francs will be paid to all 32 teams on Friday, as well as a further 3m Swiss francs for featuring in the six sectional matches. Under exchange rates, that equates to around £2m. Rangers have also earned another £500,000 as a result of their victories over Sturm Graz at Ibrox and Monaco in Monte Carlo under the UEFA bonus system. Add a further £4.75m in gate receipts, as well as a share of the television income in relation to Scotland's status in the market and it is easy to see why the Champions League has become a golden goose for clubs. Reaching the last 16 and rubbing shoulders with Europe's elite would be worth another £5m at least to David Murray and extend interest beyond Christmas for the first time since 1993.

Tuesday 3rd October 2000

Mols back in Holland Rangers super striker Michael Mols is now back in Holland after failing to fully recover from his knee injury. The Dutchman – who made a comeback after 18 months on the sidelines – wasn't in the squad to face Dundee United last Sunday and fears grew amongst fans about his condition. Mols is now visiting a top specialist in his homeland. An official Rangers statement said: "Michael has been sent back to Holland for a review by his orthopaedic specialist and the team of physiotherapists who took responsibility for his rehabilitation to date. The medical staff of Rangers FC still have concerns about Michael's rehabilitation and are seeking the specialist's opinion on the relevant steps to be taken." Adam leaves board Hugh Adam has resigned from the Ibrox board. The 75-year-old had been a director of the club on three separate occasions since 1983, giving over 14 years of service.

Monday 2nd October 2000

Advocaat's post-match comments Rangers boss Dick Advocaat issued a word of caution to anyone who may believe that the return of Marco Negri has meant a change of heart on behalf of the Dutchman. Negri, was picked in the starting line-up for a competitive game for the first time since April 1998, and said: "It was important to see how his fitness was. We knew he could score goals, but we also knew he must get the right balls. He didn't always get the right ball at the right moment, but he was there. It is important for confidence to get a goal, he was very close in the first half, but again missed out. "He has to show, like the others in training and in games, that he will bring the goals." Advocaat scoffed at a question about his captain, who was taken off after 50 minutes saying: "Lorenzo Amoruso had some problems, but we've got a week off so I don't think it is a big problem." Of the easy 3-0 win, Advocaat said: "We controlled the game from the beginning and scored three goals - although I was hoping to score more than three." Konterman salutes keeper Brown Rangers defender Bert Konterman is tipping young goalkeeper Mark Brown to be a star of the future at Ibrox. The 19-year-old stepped in for the injured Stefan Klos and Lionel Charbonnier against Dundee United on Sunday night and produced a number of top-class saves as his side ran out 3-0 winners to close the gap on leaders Celtic. Konterman, who was on Monday named in the Dutch squad for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers, has been impressed with Brown's ability and believes he can go on to become the first-choice goalkeeper at Ibrox. Konterman told his official website: "Sunday night was the first time I'd played in the first team with Mark Brown. I've always been impressed by Mark's goalkeeping in training and I think he'll be a real talent for Glasgow to be proud of. For such a young boy it was a really good performance and he showed he has a lot of ability. We were ready to help him through the game, but he got through it mostly on his own. He had two good saves, one in the first half that meant we kept a good clean sheet and one in the second half when he got to the ball and it came back off the post." The Dutchman was also raving about forgotten striker Marco Negri, who played his first game for the club in two and a half years. Although the Italian failed to get on the scoresheet, Rangers still blew away the challenge of United with goals from Andrei Kanchelskis, Jorg Albertz and Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Konterman, however, was impressed with what he saw and felt he did well considering that he was desperately short of match fitness. Konterman added: "Marco showed how dangerous he can be in the 18-yard box and he was unlucky not to get a goal. He did have the ball in the net on one occasion but was given offside. When you don't play for a long time it can be difficult to come back in and I think he did well."

Sunday 1st October 2000

Team News Barry Ferguson, Michael Mols, Stefan Klos and Lionel Charbonnier will all miss Rangers' match against Dundee United. Rangers manager Dick Advocaat has more strength in depth in midfield, so he will be more concerned about the loss of both Klos and Charbonnier. Goalkeeper Klos aggravated his already painful ankle against Galatasaray in midweek and his back-up, Charbonnier, had been unable to travel to Turkey with a calf problem. So 19-year-old Mark Brown will start on Sunday against the team propping up the Premier League. Dutch striker Mols, meanwhile, is also out of the Ibrox match and it could mean a place on the bench for long-forgotten Italian striker Marco Negri. Murray reluctant to splash cash Rangers chairman David Murray has revealed the Scottish champions have put their big spending plans on hold because of the uncertainty over the future of the transfer market. Murray is reluctant to sanction expensive signings while it is still unclear whether the transfer system could eventually be scrapped altogether, giving contracted players freedom to switch clubs whenever they liked. Rangers had been linked with a fresh move for Espanyol's £10million-rated striker Raul Tamudo, but Murray quashed that speculation. Murray said: "We won't be moving for Tamudo or anyone else for the time being. I could go out and sign a £10million player just now and find out that he could walk away from us in a few months' time. I don't think that would happen but it would be remiss of me to spend the club's money like that. The fans pay a lot of money to watch us and we have to be careful how we use it. The last ten years have seen football change constantly and I think things will change even quicker over the next ten years. We must be equipped for that." De Boer launches attack on Galatasaray Rangers star Ronald de Boer has re-opened the war of words between the Ibrox club and their Champions League rivals Galatasaray. De Boer has declared that striker Jardel, who scored a stunning goal in his side's 3-2 victory in Istanbul on Wednesday night, is an average player who had just got lucky. And he slated playmaker Gheorghe Hagi for being a defensive liability and ex-Spurs defender Gheorghe Popescu as past it. Hagi missed the game through suspension but has been cleared to play in the Ibrox return on October 17. But the Dutchman insisted: "He doesn't worry me. He can't defend properly and drops out of a game too easily to be of real value to his team.When he loses interest on a bad day it's like Galatasaray having to play with 10 men. Sometimes players who are regarded as the stars are really the weakest link and Hagi is in that category. I watched my old team Barcelona on television when they lost to AC Milan in the Champions League and Rivaldo was another example of what I'm talking about. Everybody raves about him but the crowd in the Nou Camp were howling at him before the finish because of his poor display." Brazilian striker Jardel almost joined Rangers four years ago but could not get a work permit. He has since gone on to score more than 20 Champions League goals but de Boer was not impressed. He said: "He's just an average player in an average team, which is one of the reasons I have such high hopes for Rangers when we meet Galatasaray again. Jardel has one quality which makes him stand out and that's losing his marker. The funny thing is that for an average player he always seems able to produce his one asset against the best teams on the continent.Other than that he doesn't convince me and neither does his team."