SteveJ

This time of year is always a difficult one for clubs, as the transfer fee's are slightly exaggerated due to demand and if you consider what Dave King said previously, he wants to see a squad of players who can progress this year but hold their own next. I do not think MW and DW are anywhere close t that just now, but January may see that change - and I shall tell you for why. January will see the transfer fee's come back to an expected level and some that we may be able to afford. January will also have seen us bed in some of the youth, so we will know which of them could make it to the end and beyond. That theory could see MW keep his squad size down to his expected level and keep the blend of youth and experience - however, some of you will see the potential flaw in that if we do not hit the ground running in August, we could be out of the race before it really begins. As dangerous strategy but one I think MW might be considering.

Have we simply forgot that Clark was a sensational striker in the season before Ally got his hands on him? I would not be putting Shiels or Templeton in front of him for a starting place and I hope that MW can see the potential in the lad. Miller up front with Clark just behind.

He did us proud, regardless of our final hurdle fall. I hope that he finds success elsewhere and possibly returns to the chair in the future.

I would consider the ignore option IF I could find it. In terms of the comment you speak of, re-read his comment - it was he who spoke of the male organ in question, I just used it as a pun and thus kept on his topic.

So I should not sign in because of a minority choosing to turn topics into ridicule? Aye that will be right! I enjoy RangersMedia and have done for some time and nobody is going to ruin that enjoyment or experience without a fight. Those wishing to grab an audience with stupid comments can use the OT forum, as they have done for many years. The only reason they are doing it in this forum is because the admin team seem to be occupied with other things or allowing it. Allow it for too long and this place will end up full of nonsense and the genuine fans will move on.

You sir have become my first ever press of the report button. I am sure your parents will be proud. NOTE: http://forum.rangersmedia.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=265883

Stop acting like a dick on the internet and get out for some fresh air - it might help!

To be fair mate, it is happening far too often. Off topic was the banter zone but it seems that Bears Den is now the same, so topics that are seen as genuine to some, turn into a lot of pish by others who actually do not have anything genuine to contribute. The OP had a genuine question and regardless of whether it was his friend or himself, he deserves a little respect from fellow bears who may have had similar experiences and they deserve to have their question treated with the respect that the Bears Den used to provide. If he wanted a new arse hole ripped, he could have asked it in OT.

Yep, you help too!

Exactly and well said. No offence to Gogzy but if admin allow it to happen, then it will happen. Admin comments stating a thicker skin is required does fuck all to help either!

Lee fits the bill in terms of playing a lengthy career and to have done that he must have looked after himself, coupled with experience in every position other than goalkeeper. That is the only statement you will hear from me in favour of this appointment! In terms of the man, he is no Davie Weir! He is too much of a joker and was never a captain for me.

They had contracts and if that included 35 days holiday and they have not been able to take any holidays, then they deserve the money. The club need to communicate as to why they contest this - if they actually are contesting it.

Never mind the new gaffer, which defender could not get better if they listened to Davie Weir? This is Darren's chance to learn from a legend and I am sure Mark will give him his chance if he proves himself in training.

There have been many moments in Rangers’ not too distant history that fans would like to erase from memory and today is not for bringing them back to the forefront, nor is it to consider how we could have avoided them; that has been done to death. Today is about the future of Rangers and looking at where we are situated today – the dissection of a New World plan; if you like. Many a fan will say that Rangers had a fantastic opportunity to build from youth three years ago, when the club were forced on to the snake that led to a slippery path down to the bottom tier of football. That was the opportunity to build a squad full of passion, youth, skill and leadership. The opportunity to ensure that each small ladder climbed, built strength, built desire and built the quality that would lead this great club back to the European nights it so strongly deserves. Many a fan will debate down the local on whether Alistair McCoist was the right man for the three year journey and we shall leave that debate for another day, month or year. Quite frankly, it is in the past and Ally has handed over the keys of the manager’s office to a young man from the dizzy heights of financial management nonetheless. Quite ironic, considering many fans did not give Ally a chance due to his lack of experience! Rangers failed to qualify for the top flight at the first time of asking, last season, despite a late surge with, the temporary in charge, Stuart McCall. A campaign full of downs and only a few ups thrown in. It was almost inevitable to some that it was a bridge too far with the management we had, the players we had and the board we had. So the new chapter begins, but what about the club; is it ready? The new board have certainly got tongues moving with the appointment of Mark Warburton and David Weir, as manager and assistant respectively. Many fans seen that combination as almost a dream team, where others felt that there were more experienced candidates on the market or available at the right price. So what about the new management team and in fact the new board? Well it was abundantly clear that the club were in dire need of leadership from the chair down. For too long had the club ran on the fumes of the ‘just get on with it’ tank. So have they got that leadership now? Dave King has built a business from nothing. His days of kicking a ball about the streets of Castlemilk in the ‘60s are long gone but he knows what it’s like to live in Glasgow. He knows the expectations the fans put on the club and its players. His previous seat on the board confirms that, but it’s that seat that still worries some fans today and as much as I love a debate, let’s not go there! King swooped in to power earlier this year and changed the clubs fortunes overnight. With almost immediate affect he had his two foes – Paul Murray and John Gilligan – take to the streets and search for the right man to lead Rangers to glory, having lost their edge in the league prior to the EGM. They almost done it too; all but Motherwell fell before them. It’s not Dave King, Paul Murray or John Gilligan who will be in the fans thoughts come match day one of the new campaign, against St Mirren at Ibrox, though. It will be that management team of Warburton and Weir. It will be the team of eleven players that take to the field as the future of Rangers. Yes the board played a part in putting them there but that time will be the managers and the players. Time will tell if the board have got it right but let’s look at what the club needed and what they have got. Firstly the club wanted a director of football. This was highlighted by Paul Murray almost immediately after joining the board. It made sense at the time, as many clubs have this role in place, so the search was on and one name kept cropping up – Mark Wotte; former SFA performance director. Secondly the club wanted a manager who could work within the financial constraints set by the board but still manage to develop a squad worthy of returning the club to European football. That manager had to be researched, interviewed and then recommended to the board, before any appointment was to be made and that was the first move in a very long time that was of note from the Ibrox board room. No more rushing. Time to get it right. Finally the board wanted to invest in players that could add value to the club. Not necessarily for resale but it was very important to pay the salaries of men who could be sold if required, rather than paying excessive salaries to players who wanted a piece of the action. Many candidates appeared on the bookmakers lists and some of them were feasible, with some being pipe dream material. Nonetheless, the debates started and my internet home for all things Rangers – Rangers Media – was no exception. The place was buzzing with chat on who brought what and would the board back them etc., but in the end Mark Warburton was introduced as the 15th manager of this fine club. Interestingly though, through all of the managerial hunting, once the decision was made the board dropped the director of football interest. They claimed that the idea had been shelved but it is my opinion that one man allowed that to happen and that was Mark himself. Mark is an exceptional person on paper, when it comes to a football manager. One that intrigues as much as it does pleases. With Mark the club are getting someone who could almost change the way a club is run and his number two almost fits that bill too. Mark Warburton potentially brings the football director ability with him. He has travelled Europe, learning from major clubs who welcomed him in to their stadia and showed him their standards, their ethos and their training methods. Those experiences are what make a DoF at clubs. Mark also brings with him a sound financial background from his trading days in London – a role he gave up to pursue his ambition to enter football. That will also stand him in good stead not only as a manager, but as a footballing director also. So if Mark assumes certain senior responsibilities within the club, will the squad suffer? Interestingly, not if you look at Davie Weir. Marks’ assistant manager has brief experience as a manager, at Sheffield United, and great experience as an assistant manager. He also has an abundance of coaching experience with youth players and that seems to be a key element with this management team. Can Davie assume some of the manager’s responsibilities from Mark? I have no doubt in my mind that he will. The modern manager in any business must know what to delegate and when. Davie hinted as much in his interview with Rangers TV. Whilst Mark has the financial knowledge, inner club knowledge of top teams and believes in himself and the youth of today, Davie brings to the table a wealth of knowledge from playing, mentoring, coaching and leading teams. Not only does he add that to the pot, he has done many of that at Rangers and that little ingredient is the key factor for me. Davie will bring stability, whilst Mark attempts to ring the changes. Rangers require stability. They require leadership on and off the park, financial management from the pitch up, guidance on footballing matters, youth development and mentoring, but most of all they need all that with as little financial expense as possible. Does that not make it a no brainer then, to minimise your senior management expenses by role delegation? The only question left is – are there any experienced and wise players out there that can add value to the squad in other ways than money, by assuming some of the assistants' duties?

Not to rely on computer games for facts but these rely on football fans to advise on stats and Kiernan is in the top 45% defenders for passing skills on Fifa 15. Wigan claimed the lad to be "one of the brightest prospects at the DW stadium". According to The72 website, "Kiernan has impressed during his 12 games and at 24 is at a perfect age, he is composed on the ball and allows Blues to play out from the back as well as being a real physical presence. If Rowett could bring him to the club permanently, I believe he could form a solid defensive partnership with Michael Morrison." According to ThisNorthernSoul website, "Kiernan had a difficult time this season, but he is still only 24 years old. At his best he is a cultured central defender who can pass the ball. He can also play in central midfield." The above, plus I trust MW.

Nah, Ally is not doing the contracts!

No, it feels like our new manager needs a captain that will hold the team on and off the park. Comparison is the age factor, nothing more.

Was it not only a few years ago that we had Gatusso linked with us and many were rubbing their bells at the thought? He is 37 now!

The leadership qualities might be the paramount factor here. A three year vision, to build a squad that will benefit the club and year one having many youngsters. We need a captain that does not treat the lads to a Nando's or a beer, we need a leader who coaches with experience, whilst leading on the pitch on match days. If MW thinks this guy is the answer, I am all for it.

Gogzy is smoking something, because he is on the money with this one :-)

EDIT: No need to answer, just seen others state the twat said it was not Rob.

Rob Kiernan seems to be the player that Mark had at the top of his shopping list and £200k is quite a big fee for us these days. He has played in Scotland.

You hiding a man crush there?

Isn't that too obvious to tweet in a "I know something you don't" way?

Yes, sorry I get you now. My point in this thread was not to say that I am glad we failed to achieve promotion but as AlBear says - it is bitter sweet and we now have the opportunity to do in one year, what Ally could/should have done over three.