Not a Rangers fans but for all their obvious deficiencies on and off the pitch they threw away the SPL title last year.
Scottish Football 2024/25
- Thread starter SilentWitness
- Start date
I actually don't agree but I understand why you would think that.
They lost the league by 8 points in the end, hardly throwing it away.
Also, Celtic went to Ibrox in April and were winning 3-2 in injury time and Rangers scored equaliser to keep them in a title race so you can view results through whatever prism you choose. Celtic were genuinely awful for most of last season and still won league reasonable comfortably in the end. I absolutely don't accept Rangers threw it away but obviously fully respect you are entitled to your opinion.
Last season reflects my point about the variances year-to-year. Marginal difference between the sides. Rangers 'threw it away' picking up 1 point in 9 in April. And overall it didn't help by changing manager in the autumn. Again had Clement been in post from the summer I reckon he has a few points of a cushion to withstand a wobble in the April. Boiling that down though, I think they lacked a bit of squad depth there, with Yilmaz's injury a couple of weeks earlier pivotal as he had been crucial to creating chances.
Ifs, buts and maybes. Yee lost 3 of the 4 derbies and got a last minute equaliser in other 1 and lost league by 8 points - how you can come to the conclusion yee threw it away is beyond me. Yee picked 1 point in 9 in April, so what! We had a terrible December, league is won and lost over 10 months. We were poor last year and dropped uncharacteristically stupid points like hearts at home in December but in the end won it by 8 points. When it came to business end of season, yee couldnt get over the line. Similar to Newcastle in 1996 when they had a decent lead for most of the season. With respect, there is an element of blue tinted specs with your post.
As per multiple comments on FF by your fans, that squad time and time again over last 3 years when it came to the absolute crunch, yee were found wanting. Yee didn't deal with pressure in April, yee didn't deal with pressure in Derby games.
Am I correct in saying since Gerrard left, yee have won 1 meaningful derby - Cup semi final under GVB? Yee beat us 3 nil in an end of season dead rubber at Ibrox when league was won also. I think that is indicative that your big players have been found wanting when pressure has been at its most intense.
We'll agree to differ, however.
Don’t really disagree with any of that. You say we relied on a last-minute equaliser in the 3-3, but equally you needed a first-minute freak goal in the wind in the same game. Draw was a fair result either way. The players were unlucky in the cup final and should have won it if not for a mess-up by VAR. But the general point about not being ruthless enough in Old Firms stands.
My point was about the league could have gone either way had Rangers had a bit of luck with injuries in the second half of the season. Or not shot themselves in the foot with an in-season manager change. The final margin was almost irrelevant as we started playing the kids once we knew we’d fecked it. Celtic had a bit more depth and that was the difference in the end.
No. Have been in the past when I lived in Glasgow. And yes been to Celtic Park a few times over the years. But agree it's became petty and both clubs aren't helping.
My only disagreement with your post is your ascertain league could have gone either. Technically true, however, Rangers didn't have the strength in terms of mentality to get over the line and when u pick up 1 pint in 12 in Derby games, it's highly unlikely you are going to win league. Other than that, can't argue with your post.
Hopefully, away allocation will be sorted for March game at Celtic Park.
I feel your pain, having limited posts at the beginning is a bit of a pain if you are trying to engage in conversation.
Despite agreeing with you on a lot of the assertions you say about Celtic and Rangers, and despite you being seen as fantastically run, I do want to point out that basically up to this point, including this summer, the Celtic support have been massively critical of the Celtic regime and Lawwell in particular for perceived lack of ambition, only seemingly being interested in doing enough to stay ahead of Rangers.
Up until this season your results in Europe this past 5+ years have been absolutely shocking considering what is perceived to be a poorer Rangers for most of that time results in Europe. Finally Rodgers has managed to get a couple of good results this season, so perhaps the tide has turned somewhat. I only mention this to point out that despite your domestic success, its not flowers and plaudits all the time.
Despite the money issue, Rangers shouldn't need to spend a great deal to be beating the rest of the teams out with Celtic. That's the reality of Scottish football, and should be the immediate aim. Build a team that wins the 'rest' of the games, then treat the Celtic game as 4 cup finals and see where that takes us. They need to sort that spine first. They need a partner for Souttar, they need an experienced physical presence in midfield, and they need a striker up front that doesn't miss 5 easy chances a game to score 1 goal. Solidify that spine for Scottish football, be a bit more robust, that is needed in this league, and that will go a long way to rectifying the teams major faults. Don't have to spend millions to do so, just be clever. I don't rate him massively, but a Shankland on a free would love to get the chances Dessers messes up on a weekly basis for instance.
Unfortunately, I don't think Clement and Koppen will think this way.
Brilliant result last night, and a good international break. Hopefully Georgia or Estonia do us a favour tonight for WC Qualifying, and then a good draw for the play off in March. Hopefully we will have some of the injured lads back by then too.
Weird mix of happiness and frustration for me. Very glad we restored pride in the last two games and got the job done on our side but frustrating that it's clear this team had more to give in an attacking sense and Clarke hasn't done the best in unlocking that really.
I do agree it is frustrating too. We could have done so much more. Certain players continually being played does my head in, but hoping that is rectified with the injuries lessening. Also we need to be more on the front foot as we can cause problems. I don't know what Clarke's aversion to playing young players is, give them a go ffs. I'd love to have seen Lennon Miller get a game but don't think he will play much under Clarke. I'd probably retain him for the play off but would be looking at the managerial situation afterwards, for the WCQ campaign.
Agree. We have enough to qualify for the WC and I'm worried that Clarke will muck it up.
day 124
these fascinating creatures are developing at an alarming rate. when first observed, you could be forgiven for thinking they did nothing but sit around, drinking brown fire-water and fighting, but the initial sparks of civilisation are there if you look close enough.
they appear to have started playing an extremely primitive version of what we would call football. the main tactic appears to be lumping it towards the tall one that the scotts have unimaginatively called “scot.” he lets out a guttural scream of “an me heid,” which seems to signal to the rest of the clansmen that he wants to throw himself at the ball, so they should pump it in his direction. staggeringly, this appears enough to squeak them past other primitive species who are discovering the beautiful game as well. i am keen to learn more about them.
these fascinating creatures are developing at an alarming rate. when first observed, you could be forgiven for thinking they did nothing but sit around, drinking brown fire-water and fighting, but the initial sparks of civilisation are there if you look close enough.
they appear to have started playing an extremely primitive version of what we would call football. the main tactic appears to be lumping it towards the tall one that the scotts have unimaginatively called “scot.” he lets out a guttural scream of “an me heid,” which seems to signal to the rest of the clansmen that he wants to throw himself at the ball, so they should pump it in his direction. staggeringly, this appears enough to squeak them past other primitive species who are discovering the beautiful game as well. i am keen to learn more about them.
Alot of valid points, however, the club has always been well run in terms of being obsessed with profit. Yes, agreed, fans weren't happy re Lawell and tight purse strings but that doesn't mean the club wasn't well run ( in the sense that it always generated profits year on year ) A club can be both well run ( in a financial sense ) and fans can be critical at same time. This is true of Celtic. Nobody can deny we have been well run ( purely in terms of generating profit year on year ).
Re Europe, yee set up in a pragmatic fashion especially away from home, whereas we set up as if we were playing Ross County at home, it was utter madness against superior opposition. Hence why yee punched above your weight and we got slaughtered. I also think pressure was a factor re yee punching above your weight in Europe. Pressure wise, yee struggled with fans craving to win SPL whereas in Europe, that expectation and demands were not there, hence why yee weren't burdened by the pressure and yee done very well.
Of course with your budget, yee should beat rest of Scottish football but football is not simple, when yee are playing 2 games a week, as well as international football, players get tired and don't perform to their level and opposition ( in most cases ) won't have European games or internationals so they will always have a week to prepare. It makes a big difference. Also, simple fact is, playing for us and yee, as previously mentioned, brings massive pressure whereas opposing teams have only a fraction of that pressure re fan expectation, that makes a massive difference. Rangers proved last season they couldn't deal with it. I completely agree on the spine of team needs improving but I don't think Shankland is the answer, he is slower than a wet week in November. Decent finisher but super slow.
Good result for Scotland, apparently Souter done well. Personally think Souter is decent when yee defend in a low block but at Rangers yee are on the front foot mostly and I think his decision making as well as his lack of pace when defending higher up, is simply not good enough.
Without seeing last night's game, I am assuming yee defended pretty deep for some / most of the game - that suits Souter.
Fully agree. Frustrated Clarke didn't take that handbrake off earlier, but hopefully it's shown him that you don't quite have to be so defensive to get results. I actually enjoyed watching that last night, I don't often say that with Scotland.
We've got some proper talent in certain areas, and poverty in some. In midfield we are kind of stacked, thought McTominay and Gilmour were good, Napoli moved seem to have done wonders for both of them. McGinn playing back into form, McLean looked decent, got the likes of Lewis Ferguson to come back, and talents like Miller and Barron coming through.
We really could do with strikers and central defenders coming through though, I just don't rate Hanley at all, although Souttar done very well.
Indeed. Bit of a worry that there is a dearth of talent in those positions and this campaign will be the last hurrah for a few in the squad you'd imagine.
Yup. I do hope that we manage to make it over the finish line and qualify for the World Cup. We’ve been perennial nearly men.
Similar view here. As much as I think we were an embarrassment at the Euros and Clarke should have gone, the penny has finally dropped. He's stopped fixating on the back 3, he's brought in Doak and Gauld who already look like our most threatening attackers. All steps he could have taken a year ago, but irregardless we are in a good place again. Some of the football last night through the midfield was tremendous. That's exactly what I've been wanting to see for some time given the depth of CM quality we have. Souttar was hugely impressive over the two games in all aspects - his positive use of the ball, his proactive anticipation high up the park, his last-ditch covering. Long time since I've seen a Scottish centre-half play to that standard.
Good day / night for Celtic.
The Bears are either feeling angry or, in a lot of cases, ( which is far worse ) apathy, judging by their forums.
If Apathy sets in, crowds will drop off. If that happens, the club is in even bigger trouble than I think. I think Clement has to beat Celtic in cup final, big ask but it's possible in 1 off game. He needs something huge to happen soon and cup final is his last shot with many of the fans.
We were poor 1st half tonight and should have been behind but we were very comfortable second half as we really got a grip of midfield in 2nd half. Comfortable in the end but far from comfortable in 1st half. Onwards to Brugge.
The Bears are either feeling angry or, in a lot of cases, ( which is far worse ) apathy, judging by their forums.
If Apathy sets in, crowds will drop off. If that happens, the club is in even bigger trouble than I think. I think Clement has to beat Celtic in cup final, big ask but it's possible in 1 off game. He needs something huge to happen soon and cup final is his last shot with many of the fans.
We were poor 1st half tonight and should have been behind but we were very comfortable second half as we really got a grip of midfield in 2nd half. Comfortable in the end but far from comfortable in 1st half. Onwards to Brugge.
Both Edinburgh clubs could get relegated this season.
Hibs have been an absolute mess both at boardroom and on the park for the last few years and now this season has finally caught up with them. Watching them tonight against Dundee, they were absolutely atrocious and don’t like a team that have the fight for a relegation battle.
Hearts only got 3rd last season due to Shankland being in the form of his life and the rest of the teams outside the OF being utter garbage and inconsistent. Now the goals have dried up for Shankland and you can see they are really lacking a cutting edge in the final 3rd.
Hibs have been an absolute mess both at boardroom and on the park for the last few years and now this season has finally caught up with them. Watching them tonight against Dundee, they were absolutely atrocious and don’t like a team that have the fight for a relegation battle.
Hearts only got 3rd last season due to Shankland being in the form of his life and the rest of the teams outside the OF being utter garbage and inconsistent. Now the goals have dried up for Shankland and you can see they are really lacking a cutting edge in the final 3rd.
Aberdeen lost so congrats to Celtic on another title in the books.
Agree on Hibs, unfortunately, I think they could go down. Hope I am wrong but can't see it. They are poor, really poor. Big club in context of Scottish football. Really hope they can get their shot together, but unless they sack their manager, I can only see relegation.
Hearts are actually half decent, they'll finish between 6th and 8th, they have some decent players but are having a poor season with no cutting edge up top, as u say.
U a Shels in Dublin fan? If so, big congrats on league. Tremendous achievement. I like Shels, was delighted they won the league. Damien Duff has done some job.
I am indeed, still basking in the post title win glory.
Doesn't look like Gavin Molloy will pick up back to back titles with Aberdeen but he's one to keep an eye on. Unflappable in defence and good on the ball. Could see him on a similar trajectory to Scales, think he's played almost every minute for Aberdeen this season.
Doesn't look like Gavin Molloy will pick up back to back titles with Aberdeen but he's one to keep an eye on. Unflappable in defence and good on the ball. Could see him on a similar trajectory to Scales, think he's played almost every minute for Aberdeen this season.
Great stuff, was delighted to see yee win it. Always had a soft spot for Shels, I'm from Bray but never go to see the Wanderers, no interest. I assume u are from Dublin? If they had of won play off game, may have went to see them next season against the likes of Shels. Duffer lives quite close to me. I believe the standards he has instilled at Shels are unbelievably high.
It's a great story, a genuine Irish legend managing in League of Ireland.
Will keep an eye out for Gavin Molloy. Hopefully he continues to develope.
Would Foley from Bournemouth take control of Hibs if they are relegated? If so, might be best for them for their long run prospects. Alternatively could someone at Hearts reignite the spirit of the late Wallace Mercer and launch a merger (takeover in all but name)?
No idea who takes over if they are relegated. I can't imagine it being anyone of ant sort calibre.
The fans on both sides would never tolerate a merger, and quite rightly so. Edinburgh needs that rivalry. It's a passionate derby.
I see Roy Keane getting abused for no reason other than he is Roy Keane. I reckon he will quit punditry end of season.
Scottish football is bad enough for the thigs we actually do, without dragging the things that others have done into it as well mate.
Haha, true that! Can't argue mate.Scottish football is bad enough for the thigs we actually do, without dragging the things that others have done into it as well mate.
Don't like seeing any pundit being abused, whether it be in Scottish football or English football, regardless of their affiliations. Some fans are just drunken clowns!
Unless (to appropriate Trump’s comment re: Rosie O’Donnell) it is Alan Shearer on BBC during an FA Cup match who, to be fair to him, takes it all in his stride.
Scottish premier league football has had more than its fair share of NEDs over the years; people need to get a life and put things into perspective.
Plenty of NEDS and drunken clowns in Scottish football alright. Couldn't agree more. Being a media personality in Scotland, particularly if u live in West of Scotland, must bring abuse on a regular basis.
We lost 2-1 at home to Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup today. Pretty expected result.
Another good win for us today - 3-0 away to Stirling Albion. We’re now up to 4th in the table.
Aberdeen's title challenge didn't last too long unfortunately
Happy with a point last night, we didn't play well but if we beat Young Boys at home, we are pretty much guaranteed to bethrough to last 24 with a game to spare. Be a decent achievement.
Onwards to Sunday, it will be a close game against Rangers in the cup final.
Fancy us to nick it but would be surprised if there is any more than a goal in it, 2 absolute max.
Rangers v Spurs tomorrow night. They could be tired going in to Sunday. That said, adrenaline should get them through the Sunday game.
Onwards to Sunday, it will be a close game against Rangers in the cup final.
Fancy us to nick it but would be surprised if there is any more than a goal in it, 2 absolute max.
Rangers v Spurs tomorrow night. They could be tired going in to Sunday. That said, adrenaline should get them through the Sunday game.
If they help get Big Ange the sack they will be on cloud 9. If they get battered by Spuds and lose the final it will be Clement out.
Hard to say on tonight. Spurs are equal parts brilliant and bad. Play like they did against City and we're going to struggle, play like they did against Bournemouth and we should win. We do tend to play better in Europe, but the way Spurs play could cause us problems. We'll do well to get a result with Hagi and Danilo both unavailable given how well both have been playing recently.
I'm a bit more optimistic tonight after Spurs recent struggles but will still be bloody difficult.
Fuming at myself too - I turned down my cousins offer of a ticket for the game thinking I wouldn't have time to get somewhere for the United game then Rangers, managed to work it out, messaged him again and he's sold it. Gutted. At least I'll be at the United v Rangers game which matters most I suppose.