AlBear. 8,499 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 By Mark HateleyRANGERS have history at Tannadice. Ever since my own playing days it’s been a place that tends to separate the men from the boys.There was such a feeling of hostility in the air every time our team bus pulled up outside the stadium it felt like an electric charge.I always felt there was something about wearing a blue shirt and running out at that particular ground which set the juices flowing. And I’d give my right arm to be there in the thick of it tomorrow.Because this is the day above all others when Ally McCoist will find out exactly what he’s got inside that dressing room. This is judgment day.Now, Alistair and I know a thing or two about what it takes to wear that jersey in the heat of battle in the most hostile of environments. It doesn’t feel all that long ago when we walked out together at Elland Road to take on Leeds United in the Battle of Britain without a Rangers fan in sight.That took a bit of bottle, let me tell you. But I scored one, Coisty got the other and the club celebrated one of its greatest victories. It was a night that will never be forgotten.The same opportunity is about to be presented to the Rangers players of today when they make the trip to Tayside on Scottish Cup duty. If they take United down without the backing of a travelling support – only 300 Rangers fans have bought tickets – they too will be remembered forever.This is the very essence of what being a Rangers player is all about. When you pull that shirt over your head you had better be prepared to take on allcomers. And you have to realise there is no sweeter victory than one achieved against all odds.These players have to understand a win at Tannadice would mean much more than just a place in the draw for the next round. It would be a symbolic strike back and a clear sign Rangers are on the road to recovery.What’s more, it would indicate to all their many doubters that these guys are made of the right stuff after all and really are capable of cutting it at the club.Let’s face it, they could do with sending out that kind of message because right now very few of these guys look like becoming the genuine article. They seem to like the idea of being a Rangers player and all the trimmings that come with it. I’m sure they enjoy driving nice cars through the big iron gates at Murray Park and training at one of Europe’s most advanced facilities. But when push comes to shove, how badly do they want it?How much are they prepared to hurt for the honour of wearing that badge? How much does it truly mean to them? There is no place better than Tannadice to find out.Let’s not forget, this is the ground where nine in a row was secured. That was another of the greatest successes in this club’s history and I can say with some pride I was there that night too.Okay, I wasn’t playing but there was a very good reason for that. I was suspended because of the red card I got at Celtic Park on my comeback game, following my return from QPR.Tensions were running even higher than usual that day in Glasgow’s East End. It felt as if I had returned to go to war and among all the red mist I was sent packing for squaring up to Celtic’s keeper Stewart Kerr. It was an ugly brute of a football match but we won it and in doing so we all but secured a place in history.What I didn’t realise until I woke up with a hangover in my hotel bedroom the next morning, and looked at the papers, was that Jackie McNamara had punched me on the side of jaw from behind.I looked at the photos and then realised my face was a bit sore right enough. He must have caught me with a good one but I’d no idea at the time. That’s focus for you!And guess who will be standing in United’s dugout tomorrow, taking his bow as Peter Houston’s replacement? Jackie McNamara. You couldn’t make it up.Here’s a little guy who likes a scrap, as I found out from my morning papers. Jackie will have United’s players up and ready to go to battle. The place will be rocking because of it.Then Rangers will walk out into the middle of it all without a supporter in sight. That’s when we’ll learn what this lot are all about. They’d better bring their A game and realise the time for playing around at being Rangers players is well and truly over.Kids like Barrie McKay and Kyle Hutton will have to perform like men. It’s part of the growing up process and this is their time.Back in my day you learned your trade playing against big, brutal halfwits who would kick you up and down the pitch in the reserves. These boys are getting a similar education in the Third Division.So they should look upon Tannadice almost like it’s a first-team debut. They’ve got to roll the sleeves up and earn their shirts. They have to prove they belong out there.Being a Rangers player is more than just an ego trip.It’s a responsibility. It’s a constant test of nerve and endeavour. It’s about making sure standards that have been set down the years are not allowed to slip, no matter how challenging the times.Tannadice presents this lot with the ultimate test of character. If these players have pride in themselves and in their club they will know already defeat is simply not an option. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
delamonty 992 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 Great article Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlBear. 8,499 Posted February 1, 2013 Author Share Posted February 1, 2013 Great article Got my juices well and truly flowing. This is the passion and determination the players have to show tomorrow. Go out there with one simple message going round and round in their heads; NO SURRENDER! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
elephants stoned 2,994 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 One of Marks finest Makes you want to fight the whole scumdee united team yourself. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlBear. 8,499 Posted February 1, 2013 Author Share Posted February 1, 2013 Attitude should not be an issue in this game. I'm expecting our players to run out of their skin.Whoever starts needs to show us how much it means to them. That's why I'd be tempted to give the likes of Kal, Robbie, Fraser and Barrie the nod. However the likes of Black, Shiels and Templeton need to show us why they were bought in.Mon Rangers Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allanger 625 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 Stirs the blood.Good article by Mark.Ally knows what it is like to play away in an important match with no fans. If he can impart that knowledge and get the lads into the right frame of mind then it can go a long way.Let's get the battle fever on Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
God save charles green 73 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 Get big Mark in the dressing room tomorrow before the game.What a speech totally motivational in ever sense and as ES said it makes you want to take them all on yourself.GET FUCKIN INTAE THEM RANGERS Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
VERITAS VOS LIBREBETS 3,347 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 Pin this article onto the dressing room wall Ally! and as GSGC says get big Mark to have a 'chat' with the players before the game.Come on Rangers!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Band of Brothers 10,303 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 Epic! Extended line charge :p20: Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackAlex93 11,608 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 Just reading that by big Mark gets the blood pumping!Come on Rangers, cant wait to watch this unfold tomorrow on tv!We Are The People!No Surrender Bears! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonok 1,245 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 Cracking piece from big Mark, he know what it takes what a battler he was as a player. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlBear. 8,499 Posted February 1, 2013 Author Share Posted February 1, 2013 I like the wee dig at McNamara as well.Only found out he hit him in the papers the next day. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drunk and disorderly. 14,677 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 Great article by Mark. Each and every player has a chance to show they are worthy of the title Ranger tomorrow. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
WVB 2,560 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 Great piece of ghost-writing by someone. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
delamonty 992 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 Hits all the right points. He is 100% spot on. All of us, can relate to his article. I love Super -- I do -- Can he deliver this type of message? I hope so. I do Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
delamonty 992 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 Great piece of ghost-writing by someone.Yeah true. These guys say a few words to someone that gets turned into an 'article'.... but he must have said some good stuff Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimmyCR1 1,532 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 This is the one for the players to prove they can hack playing for us, even if we loose they have to show the fight and determination that has made us the most successfull club in the world Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bear78 96 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 What I didn’t realise until I woke up with a hangover in my hotel bedroom the next morning, and looked at the papers, was that Jackie McNamara had punched me on the side of jaw from behind.I looked at the photos and then realised my face was a bit sore right enough. He must have caught me with a good one but I’d no idea at the time. Cracking read, love it if we skelp this lot tomorrow. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyFC 81 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 That took a bit of bottle, let me tell you. But I scored one, Coisty got the other and the club celebrated one of its greatest victories. It was a night that will never be forgotten.The same opportunity is about to be presented to the Rangers players of today when they make the trip to Tayside on Scottish Cup duty. If they take United down without the backing of a travelling support – only 300 Rangers fans have bought tickets – they too will be remembered forever.GOAT - if you really are you one of the 400 300 and you bump into Maverick_Golfer then please rip his head off! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claddie 53 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 Fair gives you that feeling of excitement. Bring it on and may our boys stand proud. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianb1547 3,767 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 Wheres my boots?I want to be part of thisGreat article Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird 0 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 Great article!One correction, Both my brother and I were at Elland Road that magnificent night. Tomorrow is different, my money staying in my deep pockets!2 - 1 to the Teddy Bears at the 'dump Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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