OCTOBER 1999

Saturday 30th October 1999

Jonatan Johansson hit a superb hat-trick as Rangers smashed Aberdeen 5-1 on yet another catastrophic afternoon for the Dons. Despite an encouraging opening for Aberdeen, in which they took the lead through Thomas Solberg after Tony Vidmar had handled, the Dons succumbed to a bombardment from the champions. Johansson hit a post before turning and firing in, Paul Bernard was then sent-off for hacking Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Michael Mols hammered a deflected shot, sub Gabriel Amato finished a well-executed move, Johansson then tapped in an inch-perfect Andrei Kanchelskis cross before curling in his third.

Friday 29th October 1999

Jorg Albertz and Rod Wallace will miss the game at Aberdeen tomorrow through injury. The SPL have confirmed the game at Tannadice against Dundee United in two weeks has been switched to February. But they did insist the fixture switch will be the last change to the already confused fixture list. The SPL certainly won't endear themselves to those travelling supporters who have already bought tickets for trains and planes. It would seem fair to the fans that once a fixture list is in place, then no further changes should be made, except in exceptional circumstances like the forthcoming Scotland v England match that wasn't planned.

Thursday 28th October 1999

Rangers midfielder Claudio Reyna has been requested for national duty in the New Year, which will see him miss an important part of the Scottish Premier League season. The American national side want the 26-year-old to take part in the Gold Cup competition, which is scheduled for February. The dates however could clash with the Old Firm fixture¹s that are scheduled for that point in the season. The influential midfielder is currently injured after being withdrawn from Rangers Champions¹ League match against PSV with a hamstring injury but it is unlikely that US coach Bruce Arena will allow Reyna to miss out due to the importance of the tournament. Brian Remodo, US soccer's chief press officer, said, "The Gold Cup is a significant tournament for us and we will require our best players. While Reyna may be permitted to miss the occasional friendly match, in tournaments of this importance his presence is certainly required." Derby are waiting for Colin Hendry's knee injury to clear up before signing him after they agreed terms with Rangers and the centre-half. The two clubs have settled on a fee, believed to be £1.5million and rising to £2million depending on appearances, for Hendry. However, the Scotland international is currently sidelined with a knee problem and Derby are reluctant to conclude the transfer until he shakes off the injury.

Wednesday 27th October 1999

Stefan Klos said he was happy at the prospect of facing Munich in Germany as it's his lucky ground to play on. He was very disappointed to have lost two goals at home to the Spaniards last night, but was in a positive mood as he faced up to the prospect of taking on the mighty Munich at home. He said: "I believe we can go to Munich and throw them out of the competition. All of the pressure is on them because I think everyone would have thought that they would make it though without too much of a problem. However, they are the side with the problems and they are not as strong as they were when they played Manchester United last season." Bayern Munich will face Rangers without their influential midfielder Jens Jeremies who was red-carded last night against PSV. He was found guilty of stamping on Arnold Bruggink and that almost started a riot with the PSV players. The once mighty Germans went down by 2-1 and looked a shadow of their former selves, but will still be an extremely difficult hurdle to overcome on their own patch. Colin Hendry is in Derby discussing a move to Pride Park. The clubs have agreed a deal for the player, who has been told that he is surplus to requirements at Ibrox.

Tuesday 26th October 1999

Dick Advocaat was in reflective mood after his side again suffered defeat at the hands of Valencia. The Dutchman was pleased that his side were still in with a good chance after a helpful win for PSV against Bayern. "We are happy to still be involved. The expectation was high after beating PSV Eindhoven 4-1. The teams are close, everyone can beat each other. We have still a chance and we have to do it next week." The coach was not happy with his side's display in the first half that saw them fall two goals behind. "I think in the first half we were poor. We were not sharp enough and we gave the goals away against a team who have two excellent front players. They scored their second goal on 45 minutes which made it hard. I think in the second half we pressed them more from the beginning and I think we deserved more than 2-1." Rangers lost their undefeated home record as they again fell at the hands of Spanish cracks Valencia. But the welcome news from Eindhoven, that PSV had overcome their two defeats from Rangers to beat Bayern Munich 2-1 means the Ibrox club must now only avoid defeat in the Olympic Stadium to progress to the next stage. The fall from top spot in Group F, though had as much to do with Rangers poor display on the night as it did the undoubted quality in the Spanish side. Rangers fell behind in the first half with a display that showed no sign of the previously excellent levels of performance in the competition do far. With the defence looking uncertain and the forwards showing little in the way of holding the ball Rangers were in trouble for much of the first 45 minutes. The animation shown by Dick Advocaat as he watched his team turn in another poor display against the Spaniards displayed his wish to get the players into the dressing room and reorganise them. He had begun the match with the same eleven players who so emphatically swept aside PSV 6 days ago, but not one looked like producing that form again. After ten scrappy minutes, it was Valencia who began to look the more dangerous. With just a Craig Moore header from Giovanni van Bronckhorst's corner in an attacking sense, Rangers started to give the ball away easily. That is a crime in Advocaat's book, and it showed why as the home side spent long periods chasing the ball as Valencia dominated possession. Rangers had resigned PSV to that fate less than a week ago when they held the ball and gradually broke down the dutch side. But Valencia are very obviously a superior side and that eventually paid off for them in the 34th minute when Captain, Mendieta put the Spaniards in front. The ball was loosely cleared from a corner and as it dropped Mendieta controlled it and fired it low past Stefan Klos from the edge of the box. The silence around Ibrox was broken only by a few hundred Valencia fans and a row of extremely exuberant Spanish commentators all trying to produce the longest shout of Gooooooaaaaaaaalll any stadium has ever heard. That riled the Rangers support but, in truth it was no more than Valencia deserved after a comprehensive period of dominance. Rangers continued to look shaky and by this time Advocaat must have been desperate to get them in for half time to steady the ship. But before he had a chance to give his input Valencia doubled their advantage in injury time. Rod Wallace gave the ball away on the half way line and as Mendieta sent Lopez forward the Argentinian slipped the ball round Amoruso and advanced to beat Klos low to his left. It turned out to be the killer blow for Rangers but with Advocaat's words ringing in their ears Rangers emerged for the second half with renewed vigour. And after 14 minutes of the half Craig Moore to hit home to put Rangers back into the game. That also signalled the introduction of Jorg Albertz to add to the home side's attacking options. The newly lifted crowd then thought Wallace had pulled Rangers level but his header from Neil McCann's pin-point 64th minute cross slipped just wide of Palop's right hand post. Albertz first contribution was a free kick that flew straight into the wall, but his second effort, in the 70th minute, was well saved by Palop as it curled round the wall. Rangers nearly threw away any chance they had of getting a point from the game when they allowed Lopez to advance into the area and coast past Stefan Klos, but Amoruso charged back to launch into a superb goal saving tackle in the 73rd minute. With gaps opening up as Rangers tried to find an there were chances for both sides, but neither could find the net. Now Rangers must travel to Munich for a winner takes all tie. Whilst a draw would see Rangers safe, a win for the Germans will see them leap-frog the Glasgow side into second and condemn them to only a UEFA Cup place. Scant consolation after the effort that has gone into getting this far. Arthur Numan returns to the squad from injury tonight but must wait and see if Tony Vidmar is dropped first. The big Aussie has been playing superbly but the pace of Numan could be crucial - especially if Neil McCann can't recover from a dead-leg he suffered last week. Apart from Claudio Reyna who has a long-term injury, the worry over McCann is the only one to concern coach Advocaat, who once again faces the decision over Jorg Albertz and whether he pays or not. That is an easy question to answer if McCann was definitely out, but as he's on the fringe, Advocaat may prefer once again to play Derek McInnes in the man-marking role he did so well against PSV last week.

Monday 25th October 1999

Rangers are in dispute with Italian side Vicenza over their claim that striker Marco Negri was uninsured after returning injured from a loan spell with the club. Negri was on loan at Vicenza last season and returned for the beginning of this season unfit and nursing a back injury which has kept him out of action. Rangers however have still had to pay him £300,000 in wages. David Murray said: "We will be making a claim to Vicenza for what we've paid Marco since he returned to us in June."

Friday 22nd October 1999

Barry Ferguson has signed a new 6 year contract with the club. The 21-year old midfielder said: "I am delighted but I'm still only 21. I've signed for another six years but I've still got a lot to learn. It's the only place I wanted to play and I am delighted to sign. I don't want to play for any other club because I feel my game will continue to get better and better under Dick Advocaat. We're going places at this club and I want to be part of it and do my bit to help us achieve as much success as possible." Rangers today announced the finalised plans for their state of the art, £10million, Training and Development Centre at Auchenhowie in Milngavie. The training complex includes six full size pitches, including one floodlit grass practise pitch and one synthetic pitch. A goalkeepers training pitch, medical and physiotherapy suite and a managers office and secretarial facilities. Rangers believe the complex, which should be complete and operational in around 12 months time, will provide the perfect base to develop the cream of young talent in Scottish Football. Chairman David Murray said: "It has taken a long time to find the perfect site for the Training Centre but we believe we will soon have an excellent facility that will set new standards in Europe. Together with the team Manager, Dick Advocaat, and other representatives from the Club, I have examined the facilities of other clubs, both in the UK and abroad, and we are confident Rangers is producing a facility that will contribute immeasureably to the future of the Club and the game in Scotland. The Centre will not only benefit our professional players and coaches, it is also our aim to considerably improve the development of young talent in Scotland. If we are to continue to be successful and have the ability to compete at the highest level in Europe, it is crucial we make a significant investment in youth development." Images and more details can be seen at http://www.gha.uk.com/Rangers_Contents_Page.htm

Thursday 21st October 1999

The Celtic v Rangers league clash which was postponed on September 18 will not be played until next February. Scottish Premier League officials toyed with the idea of a December 15 fixture but with another Old Firm match scheduled at Parkhead on December 27 they felt it was unwise. The game is now set to go ahead in midweek on February 23 - around the time of the Scottish Cup fourth-round matches and the semi-finals of the CIS Cup, with both clubs still involved in that competition. Dick Advocaat remained focussed on his next match against Valencia while taking time out to praise his players last night. As they say in football, it's never over until it's over, and there are still many twists and turns in this league as there are still tow games to go. But the statistics say a win is enough, and a draw might still be a good result anyway as PSV reckon they will beat Munich. Advocaat said after his sides demolishing of his old team: "Of course we are very pleased. We are top but it is more important we are top after the next game and at the moment it doesn't count." PSV coach Eric Gerets added: "I don't know where to start, the difference between the two teams was enormous. I was very surprised at the attitude of my players. We have played some wonderful football in Holland but tonight we were nowhere near our best level. The enemy were very strong. We were very weak and given a lesson in how to play football." Skipper Lorenzo Amaruso tried to play down last night's win saying Rangers are still behind Manchester United and Barcelona. But there is no getting away from the fact his side are fast improving as the rest of Europe raised more than a few eyebrows at last night's pummelling of PSV. He said: "We have to keep going like this and if we can capture this form we can go through because this team is good enough. I think if we play that well of course our League chances are good. They were before this game and are still very good, but we have more games and the first of them means an awful lot if we beat them, but otherwise it will go to the last game. We'd rather sew it up in our next match. It will be difficult for both Valencia and ourselves but it will be tough for them because they have to come here and try to win the game. If we get through to the next round we have to win that game - if we play like we did tonight we have a massive chance." Derek McInnes refused to add to the speculation he was about to leave Rangers for Sheffield United today. And his coach would only say when asked about his situation: "Derek is paid by Rangers and that was why he was selected last night." The player himself tried to play down any talks of an imminent move, only to say he was surprised but delighted at being picked ahead of Jorg Albertz last night and any move to Sheffield would have to be taken up with Advocaat. But when Reyna returns, he will surely be just another fringe player and may take the opportunity to leave on a high.

Wednesday 20th October 1999

Rangers now top their Champions League group after two goals from Michael Mols helped Dick Advocaat mastermind a 4-1win over PSV. The Gers' completed a double over the Dutch to overhaul Bayern Munich and Valencia who drew in Spain. Despite some nervy moments just before the break, the champions hit Eindhoven with a double first half strike to establish a commanding lead at Ibrox - then see it almost immediately cut. Lorenzo Amoruso claimed the first with a near post header from Giovanni Van Bronckhorst's inswinging corner while Michael Mols bagged the second on 38 minutes from Neil McCann's pinpoint far post cross. Rodney Wallace wasted numerous chances to make it three, his efforts were either saved by Ivica Kralj or fizzed wide of the mark.But Craig Moore was adjudged to have brought down Luc Nilis on the stroke of the half-time whistle, leaving Ruud van Nistelrooy to slam the spot-kick home. Rangers quickly recovered and scored two second half goals from McCann and Mols again. The PSV keeper spilled Van Bronckhorst's free kick into the path of Wallace who missed with a hack at the ball but McCann didn't as he raced in to plunder the all-important third. Mols rode the challenges to hit the fourth and send the Ibrox crowd home very satisfied.

Tuesday 19th October 1999

Dick Advocaat has warned his players they must perform 100 per cent better than they did against Kilmarnock when they face PSV on Wednesday. PSV are bringing their strongest squad to Glasgow and expect to win the tie - especially as they must now try to qualify for the UEFA Cup by finishing third. But Advocaat claimed today: "We may have beaten them in Holland three week ago, but that counts for nothing now. This is a totally new situation for us and they have a number of key players returning for them, and that will make them stronger and they will be coming to Glasgow for a win. If we want to win the game, we have to play 100 per cent better than we did at Rugby Park." Arthur Numan remains the clear doubt for tomorrow night, with Andrei Kanchelskis also on the injured list. An obvious replacement for the Dutch defender is Tony Vidmar, but there is no clear-cut decision on whether to play the Russian winger with a knock or settle for an unbalanced midfield which seems the more likely. Barry Ferguson, Gio Van Bronkhurst, Jorg Albertz and Neil McCann seems the likely option for Dick Advocaat, with once again Wallace and Mols up front.

Sunday 17th October 1999

League Cup Quarter-Final draw: Aberdeen vs Rangers Celtic vs Dundee Dundee Utd vs Motherwell Kilmarnock vs Hearts Ties to be played on 30th November or 1st December. Rangers' young midfield sensation Barry Ferguson is set to sign a new contract with the Ibrox club. Ferguson's agent John Viola is currently in talks with Ibrox officials but the player insists he has no desire to leave Glasgow, despite apparently receiving overtures from big-spending Serie A outfit Parma, who were knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers by Rangers earlier this season. "I'm delighted and I'm sure John Viola will sort it out," said Ferguson, who will line up for his club side against PSV Eindhoven at Ibrox on Wednesday. "I don't want to play for any other club because I feel my game will continue to get better and better under Dick Advocaat. We're going places at this club and I want to be part of it and do my bit to help us achieve as much success as possible."

Friday 15th October 1999

German 'keeper Stefan Klos could be the shock recall for Saturday's match against Kilmarnock.He's back training with the first team after an absence of seven weeks and with French keeper Lionel Charbonnier still a major doubt, coach Dick Advocaat may be forced to ply his number one ahead of schedule. Mark Brown, the 18-year-old who did so well against Dunfermline the other night also stands-by. Missing will be Claudio Reyna, Colin Hendry, Barry Ferguson and Neil McCann with Arthur Numan also a doubt. Daniel Prodan has returned to full-time training and may play for Rangers on Monday night at Love Street.It would be the first step in the Romanian defender's fitness battle now that he seems to have recovered from his knee problem. He's training with the first team but it has to be said still looks very sluggish, and that's not surprising since he hasn't kicked a ball in anger in over 16 months. Rangers face Kilmarnock in the under 21 clash in Paisley on Monday night and he is being pencilled in for a game, but won't be rushed say the club.

Tuesday 12th October 1999

Rangers had to rely on Rod Wallace for the only goal in a tight 1-0 victory over Dunfermline in the CIS Insurance Cup on Tuesday night. The home team had to field fourth choice keeper Mark Brown on Tuesday becasue of injuries and will be happy to have gotten through a tricky tie. The goal that sealed the game came on the 25 minute mark when Wallace beat the offside trap to burst through for a one-on-one with Westwater, which saw him neatly put the ball into the back of the net. The Gers were pretty good value for the victory albeit that the margin looks slender on paper. In reality there was a catalogue of chances and the game was rarely in any doubt. Young keeper Brown had little to do, although he did manage to make two good saves one a one handed effort from a Jason Dair the other a tip over from a Jamie Dolan shot over.

Monday 11th October 1999

The SPL have confirmed the September postponed Old Firm match will be played on February 23, 2000. And that means the sides will meet twice in the space of a few weeks as following the Tuesday night rearranged fixture, they play again at Ibrox on Sunday, March 26. It seems the fixture list just isn't throwing up any more suitable dates as the SPL are keen to avoid any repetition of the shameful events at Celtic Park last season.

Sunday 10th October 1999

It has been reported that Rangers' defender Colin Hendry could be on his way back to Blackburn Rovers. Hendry, who left Rovers to join Rangers for £4 million over a year ago, has accepted that a move from Ibrox is virtually certain. Hendry has been left out of Dick Advocaat's side recently and a move to another club could be the best step for both parties. Hendry has always said he wouldn't play in the First Division but according to the reports he may have changed his mind.

Wednesday 6th October 1999

Rangers held out the hand of friendship to Scottish rivals Hearts on Wednesday after the Edinburgh club aided their Champions' League quest. Hearts have agreed to rearrange their trip to Ibrox, scheduled for October 23, to Wednesday, December 22. In an unprecedented move it means the Scottish Treble winners will have a free weekend between their two vital European matches against PSV Eindhoven and Valencia. If Rangers win both Ibrox encounters they will qualify for the second stage of the tournament. Rangers will not join Old firm rivals Celtic in a bid to break away from the Scottish Premier League according to their chairman David Murray. The Celtic AGM held on Monday their chief executive Allan McDonald put forward ideas to link with major clubs from Holland, Belgium and Portugal to form a 'super-league' that could compete with the top leagues in Europe in terms of TV rights. The involvement of Rangers in such a deal would be important, as the two Scottish teams in such a league would be of crucial interest - given the rivalry that exists between the clubs. David Murray has poured cold water on Celtic's plans though and committed himself and Rangers to the Scottish Premier League. Murray said: "I would see the main priority being to ensure that Scotland is one of the countries which get two representatives in the Champions League, which would be a great incentive to all clubs. Celtic are entitled to their opinions and have their own vision for the future, but I don't think it is very practical."

Tuesday 5th October 1999

Michael Mols won't get another ban following his summons to the ref's room at the weekend's clash with Dundee. The Dutch striker was called for by referee Stuart Dougal's room following a tousy match against Dundee, but no mention of his talk with the player was evident in his report which arrived at Park Gardens last night. However, it's a different story for Giovanni van Bronkhurst as he gets an automatic suspension and that will be for the match against Dunfermline in the League Cup we understand. The SPL have reacted angrily at Celtic's suggestion they and Rangers should form a new European league. Their new chief executive Allan MacDonald insisted such a move is just five years away. While Rangers have already said they will remain in a Scottish League, the SPL insisted it would never happen. Spokesman Roger Mitchell said last night: "I am sick of dealing with these stories because under UEFA guidelines it cannot happen. The SPL is still in its infancy, and there are many more advances we can make with Celtic and Rangers on board. These two clubs are obviously huge in their own right but they have to look at themselves and judge precisely where they are coming from. They feel they are big clubs because the are constantly challenging for the title and playing in Europe. Yet, if they played in another competition, it is unlikely they would be as successful on the field as they currently are." Rangers will be given a helping hand in their attempt to reach the last 16 of the Champions League as the SPL grant them a domestic postponement between crunch Ibrox games against PSV Eindhoven and Valencia. The Scottish champions are to appeal that their home league fixture against Hearts on Saturday, October 23, be called off because it is sandwiched between their crucial European ties against the Dutch and the Spanish. David Murray and Dick Advocaat will lodge the request believing every effort should be made to help Rangers in Europe, with Premier Division rivals the ultimate beneficiaries the further our clubs progress. Gabriel Amato was defiant last night as he claimed he's still 100% behind Rangers despite being for sale. He hit the all-important winner against Dundee on Saturday at Dens Park, and many feel he's just playing out time waiting on a move which may never happen. He said: "I was a very happy man to score at Dundee and hit the winner also. It was my first league goal of the season and more importantly it got us three points. I always do my best every time I play for Rangers as I don't know any other way. It's difficult for me not starting games, but the manager knows I will always try my very best for him when he calls on me."

Monday 4th October 1999

Barry Nicholson can't get into the Rangers side at the moment but you won't hear the 21-year-old midfielder complaining too loudly. He said, "Ibrox is the best place to learn your stuff. The training is excellent and the senior pros are very helpful." The Dumfries-born player is so highly thought of by Rangers manager Dick Advocaat he was rewarded with a new three-year contract in the summer. "It is difficult getting into the side so that was a massive boost for my confidence. I had one year left on my old deal and had no hesitation in signing. All I can do is carry on giving it 100% in training. The manager keeps a close eye on what goes on there, so it is important not to let your standards drop." Dick Advocaat says midfielder Giovanni van Bronkhurst claims he did nothing wrong, with the Dutch coach insisting that he wasn't that bothered. The incident seemed to upset Rangers more than their Tayside rivals, but a calm Dutchman said afterwards: "The sending off is not that important. The important thing is that we won the game. It was a well-deserved victory. We dominated the game and played the better football. We had a chance to make it 2-0 then went 2-1 down. But we did an excellent job after beating PSV in midweek."

Saturday 2nd October 1999

A late goal from substitute Gabriel Amato saw Rangers beat Dundee 3-2 and maintain their unbeaten league record. Dick Advocaat chose to start with the defensive partnership of Craig Moore and Lorenzo Amoruso and not even give Scotland defender Colin Hendry a place on the bench. Dundee started much the better and put Rangers straight onto the back foot. McSkimming put a header into the crowd after a good cross by Steven Boyock. Rangers found their feet as the half went on and registered chances from Rod Wallace, Mols and Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The first of Gers three came just before the half hour when Andre Kanchelskis was unleashed by Ferguson, and then obligingly put the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Controversy reigned just before the break when van Bronckhorst and Wilkie were sent off for clashing when Wilkie brought down Barry Ferguson. The second half brought Dundee's equaliser off a mistake by 'keeper Charbonnier let McSkimming fire in an effort. Dundee then took the lead when Falconer had his shot go in off the post. Two goals in the last ten minutes saved Rangers however. Mols set up Wallace to fire home to equalise before a corner by Albertz saw Amato connect and snatch the winner. SKY TV have announced a further live Rangers match. The away fixture at Dundee Utd has now been put back 24hrs to Sunday 14th Nov with a 6.05pm kick-off.