The Resurgence of Rangers

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Results
​


1st​ January 2013
Scottish 3rd​ Division

View attachment 342130

Montrose (1-8) Rangers
Att: 2,588
Links Park

Goals: Donnelly, Hutton, Perry, Shiels, McKay (3), Gasparotto

----------------------------------------------------------------------

6th​ January 2013
Scottish 3rd​ Division

View attachment 342131

East Stirlingshire (1-3) Rangers
Att: 3,776
Ochilview Park

Goals: McCulloch (2), Donnelly

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12th​ January 2013
Scottish 3rd​ Division

View attachment 342132

Rangers (4-2) Clyde
Att: 47,383
Ibrox Stadium

Goals: Donnelly (3), McKay

----------------------------------------------------------------------

19th​ January 2013
Scottish 3rd​ Division

View attachment 342133

Queen’s Park (0-5) Rangers
Att: 25,019
Hampden Park

Goals: Shiels, O’Hara (2), Aird (2)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

26th​ January 2013
Scottish 3rd​ Division

View attachment 342134

Rangers (2-0) Annan
Att: 47,333
Ibrox Stadium

Goals: Telfer, O’Hara

----------------------------------------------------------------------

30th​ January 2013
League Cup (Semi Final)

View attachment 342135

Rangers (2-2) St Johnstone
Rangers win (6-5) on penalties
Att: 52,063
Hampden Park

Goals: Donnelly (2)
​

Transfers

The January Transfer Window has been a quiet one for Rangers. My primary targets, Ryan Gauld and Callum Paterson, were both unwilling to negotiate with the club, much to my disappointment. They shall remain long term targets for the club, with plans to purchase Gauld upon promotion.
​
The club has had interest from Hibernian, over the possibility of signing both Barrie McKay and Luca Gasparotto. However, no bid was forthcoming. If they had bid for McKay then I might have been tempted to sell him, and replace him with Cammy Smith or Billy King.

Other News

The club is pleased to announce the league debut of Charlie Telfer. The young midfielder made his debut against Clyde as a substitute; the team were 1-0 down at the time and went on to win 4-2, with Telfer assisting in 2 of the goals. He has kept his place in the team, now boasting 3 league appearance with 2 assists and 1 goal.
​
Rangers have renegotiated three contracts for the first team. Captain, Lee McCulloch, has extended his contract by one year to 2014, with the option of an extra year if he features in 5 games. McCulloch has agreed to a £5,000 pay cut, and his appearance fee has been reduced from £5,000 to just £650. The veteran striker, Kevin Kyle, has also agreed to a year extension, on the same pay. Finally, Scott Gallacher has agreed to stay at the club till 2016, taking an £100 pay cut in the process. Unfortunately, Ryan Donnelly has had his contract increased to £1,000 a week after his 20th game for the club, which was accidentally left in during contract negotiations.


​
Summary

The club has returned to winning ways this month, boasting an impressive 5 league victories. However, there is cause for concern after conceding 4 goals this month, thankfully the club is able to out score most opponents, and scored an impressive 22 goals this month. The club now boasts a 27 point lead over their promotion rivals.
​

With 22 goals scored this month, including 4 from Barrie McKay, it is unsurprising that he has been picked for Young Player of the Month, and came a close second for Player of the Month. He is finally fulfilling his potential, despite playing on the wing.

​

The players continue to lag behind their rivals when it comes to individual statistics, with the club being unable to boat the leading goalscorer or assister. However, the gap is narrow and I have full faith that the players will be able to catch up if their current form continues, and more importantly their goalscoring.
​

The club has continued its proud tradition in the League Cup, recording a hard fought victory over St Johnstone to reach the final, and the chance to win the cup for the 28th time. Rangers had to resort to penalties after Patrick Cregg scored a 20 yard scorcher in the second half.
​





​
 
Was pretty flukey really, relying on penalties after they had gone down to 9 men, but yeah, watching every draw in the cup just hoping I do not draw Celtic.
 
Results​
5th​ February 2013
Scottish Cup (5th Round)

View attachment 342265

Hamilton (1-2) Rangers
Att: 6,078
New Douglas Park

Goals: Donnelly (2)
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9th​ February 2013
Scottish 3rd​ Division

View attachment 342264

Rangers (3-0) Berwick
Att: 47, 344
Ibrox Stadium

Goals: Donnelly (3)

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13th February 2013
Scottish 3rd​ Division

View attachment 342266

Stirling (0-3) Rangers
Rangers secure a playoff spot
Att: 3,808
Forthbank Stadium

Goals: Hutton, Templeton, McEwan (OG)

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16th​ February 2013
Scottish 3rd​ Division

View attachment 342267

Peterhead (1-1) Rangers
Att: 2,807
Balmoor Stadium

Goals: Donnelly

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23rd​ February 2013
Scottish 3rd​ Division

View attachment 342268

Rangers (5-0) Montrose
Rangers win the Scottish 3rd​ Division
Att: 47,331
Ibrox Stadium

Goals: Black (2), Donnelly (2), MacLeod

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27th​ February 2013
Scottish 3rd​ Division

View attachment 342269

Elgin City (0-2) Rangers
Att: 2,814
Borough Briggs

Goals: McCulloch, Telfer

​
Internationals
​

This month 8 Rangers’ players featured for their countries at international level, at variety of age groups. It is disappointing to see that regulars, such as Lee Wallace, Lewis MacLeod and Mark O'Hara, not feature for their countries. However, this is partly because this international break did not feature any competitive fixtures. Of the players featured, there were three standout performers: Bocanegra (7.2), Grimmer (7.0), McKay (7.0).

​
[TABLE="class: grid, width: 500, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD]Country[/TD]
[TD]Squad[/TD]
[TD]Players[/TD]
[TD]Result[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]U.S.A[/TD]
[TD]Main[/TD]
[TD]Bocanegra[/TD]
[TD]Jamaica (1-1) U.S.A[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Scotland[/TD]
[TD]U-21[/TD]
[TD]Grimmer, McKay[/TD]
[TD]Italy (2-1) Scotland[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Russia[/TD]
[TD]U-21[/TD]
[TD]Kundik[/TD]
[TD]Ireland (2-1) Russia[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Holland[/TD]
[TD]U-21[/TD]
[TD]Burrows[/TD]
[TD]Holland (3-1) Australia[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Scotland[/TD]
[TD]U-19[/TD]
[TD]Walsh[/TD]
[TD]Scotland (2-1) Russia[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]N.Ireland[/TD]
[TD]U-19[/TD]
[TD]Gibson, McGregor[/TD]
[TD]N.Ireland (2-1) Romania[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

Other News

The club is proud to announce that a number of players have reached milestones this month. The most significant milestone is Dean Shiels, who is made his 250th​ league appearance. As well as this, a number of played have achieved their 25th​ league appearance for Rangers, these include: Kyle Hutton, Ryan Donnelly, Benjamin Siegrist and Barrie McKay.

​
View attachment 342277

One player, Tom Walsh, has made his league debut this month, coming on as a second half substitute against Elgin City and setting up Charlie Talfer to score his 3rd​ goal of the season. The club is hopeful that Tom Walsh will agree a new contract with the club over the coming months.

​
View attachment 342276




Summary

The club is pleased to announce that they have gained promotion from the Scottish 3rd​ Division this month. The club had a minor blip this month, drawing with Peterhead after a dire performance from all involved. A number of changes were forthcoming for the next game and the team performed well, scoring five without reply against 2nd​ place Montrose.

​
View attachment 342278

Despite the blip, the team has performed well this month, scoring fourteen goals and only conceding one in the league. It is not surprising that the club has managed to win the Manager of the Month, Player of the Month and Young Player of the Month awards.

​
View attachment 342279 View attachment 342280 View attachment 342281


In terms of individual statistics, the club is pleased to see Ryan Donnelly has moved up to the league top goalscorer after scoring six goals this month, and now sitting on twenty-three goals for the season in the league. We are still just behind in terms of assists, but I have every believe that Lewis McLeod can catch up.
​

View attachment 342282


The club continues to compete on two cup fronts, the League Cup and the Scottish Cup. This month we achieved a hard fought away victory at 1st Division Hamilton Academical, which has pushed the club into the Quarter-Finals of the Scottish Cup.​

View attachment 342283​
 
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Results​


2nd​ March 2013
Scottish Cup (Quarter-Final)

View attachment 342311

Rangers (1-0) Inverness
Att: 48,597
Ibrox Stadium

Goals: Donnelly

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9th​ March 2013
Scottish 3rd​ Division

View attachment 342304

Clyde (0-2) Rangers
Att: 6,608
Broadwood Stadium

Goals: Templeton, Black

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13th​ March 2013
Scottish 3rd​ Division

View attachment 342305

Rangers (4-1) East Stirlingshire
Att: 38,104
Ibrox Stadium

Goals: McKay, Graham, MacLeod, Templeton

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17th​ March 2013
League Cup (Final)

View attachment 342307

Rangers (6-0) Kilmarnock
Att: 52,063
Hampton Park

Goals: Shiels (3), Perry (2), McKay

----------------------------------------------------------------------

30th​ March 2013
Scottish 3rd​ Division

View attachment 342306

Rangers (5-0) Queen’s Park
Att: 46,618
Ibrox Stadium

Goals: Donnelly (3), Templeton, Gasparotto
​

Youth Intake

Rangers Football Club is pleased to announce the intake of sixteen youth players. These players will have the opportunity to continue the clubs long history of producing excellent youth prospects. There are two standout young players who have signed for the club: Garry Graham and Lewis Donaldson. Graham has already featured for the club, scoring on his debut as well as picking up a League Cup winners medal. In so doing he has broken Billy Davies record for being the youngest capped player.
​

Internationals

This month nine players featured for their countries at a variety of levels. There was no call up for Lewis MacLeod or Mark O’Hara, which is just shocking, and they, unlike many who were playing, at least play first team football. The only standout was Lee Wallace (7.8).

[TABLE="class: grid, width: 500, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Country[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Squad[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Players[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Result[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Scotland[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Main[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Wallace[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Serbia (0-2) Scotland[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]U.S.A[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Main[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Bocanegra[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]U.S.A (0-2) Mexico[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Scotland[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]U-21[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]McKay, Grimmer[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Scotland (5-1) Armenia[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Ireland[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]U-21[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Smith[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Ireland (1-2) Montenegro[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Russia[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]U-21[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Kundik[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Russia (1-1) Iceland [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]N.Ireland[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]U-19[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Gibson, McGregor[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]N.Ireland (0-0) Norway[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Holland[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]U-19[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Burrows[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Holland (3-0) Slovakia [/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

Other News

The club has had a busy month trying to renew several contracts of both first and youth team players. So far the club has renewed Fraser Aird, Charlie Telfer, Tom Walsh, Stuart Urquarth, Blair Currie and Kyle McAusland. These contracts have cost the club an extra £370 on the wage budget, but keep the players contracted to the club to at least 2016.

Unfortunately several players remain contract rebels, with many wanting unrealistic potential salaries if they manage fifteen appearances for the club. An example is one young player wanting nearly £2,000 as a future salary, despite never even starting for the game. The club shall not be held hostage in this way, and these players are welcomes to leave if they feel they can get better contracts elsewhere. The players include Jamie Burrows, Craig Halkett, Jamie Mills and Greg Pascazio.

Several players have reached milestones this month. Three players, David Templeton, Jack Grimmer and Barrie McKay have achieved 25 league appearances for the club. Also, Ryan Donnelly has achieved his 25th goal for the club, which brings his overall total for the club to 40 this season, which works out at £2,000 per goal.



Summary

A good month, no slip-ups, and not even any games that were particularly close in the league. Despite already winning the league, the club has kept pushing and has managed to increase their lead to 39 points.

​

Due to cup commitments this month the cub has played one less game than their league rivals, therefore it is not surprising that the club has missed out on the Player of the Month and Young Player of the Month Awards. However, I have achieved Manager of the Month yet again, mainly because I was the only unbeaten manager of the month.

​

The club again this month has failed to push ahead in term of individual statistics, with the club only being able to boast the joint top goalscorer. However, in terms of average ratings, the club remains tops of the cut.
​

The club has managed to win the League Cup this month against all odds. The team claimed a surprisingly easy victory over Kilmarnock, with the club managing to score six without reply. Unfortunately, Ryan Donnelly was unavailable for the game after picking up an injury against East Stirlingshire, resulting in Barrie McKay playing up front, instead of the wing. The club also progressed to the Semi-Final of the Scottish Cup, where they will meet Celtic at Hampton Park.

​
 
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Results

6th ​April 2013
Scottish 3rd​ Division

View attachment 342344

Rangers (4-0) Stirling
Att: 38,560
Ibrox Stadium

Goals: Donnelly, Hutton, McKay, Aird

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10th​ April 2013
Scottish 3rd​ Division

View attachment 342345

Annan (1-3) Rangers
Att: 2,192
Galabank

Goals: McKay (2), Black

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14th​ April 2013
Scottish Cup (Semi-Final)

View attachment 342346

Celtic (2-0) Rangers
Att: 52,063
Hampton Park

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20th​ April 2013
Scottish 3rd​ Division

View attachment 342347

Berwick (1-2) Rangers
Att: 3,081
Shieffield Park

Goals: Black, Graham

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27th​ April 2013
Scottish 3rd​ Division

View attachment 342348

Rangers (6-1) Peterhead
Att: 48,428
Ibrox Stadium

Goals: McCulloch (2), McKay (2), Telfer, Kyle
​

Other News

The club has offered me a new contract, which I have accepted, keeping me at Rangers Football Club till 2016, on £4,600 per week, an increase of just £100 per week. Unfortunately, the contract rebels of last month remain, despite some negotiation.

This month has also seen some of the youth team given the opportunity to feature in competitive matches, many of them, such as Telfer, Kundik and Walsh, have previously featured in the team. However, Darren Ramsey made his professional debut against Berwick, but failed to impress.
​

The club has also made three new signings, who will be joining the club at the start of the next transfer window. The players, David Humphries, Stuart Hoult and Daniel Bromage, are all from Wales and are joining the club on youth contracts, cost the club nothing except their combined £90 wages.
​

Summary

The club has continued to play well in the league, winning all of their games in the league, despite playing a number of youth players. Due to this excellent form the club has managed to break the 100 point mark, as well as having a massive 108 goal difference.


The club has done well in the league, therefore, it is unsurprising, the club has picked up the Manager of the Month and Player of the Month awards. I would like to point out what a turnaround McKay has had in his season, from nearly being sold in January to winning Manager of the Month this month and playing well recently.
​

The club has not performed well in terms of individual statistics, with Ryan Donnelly falling behind his rivals to be the leagues top goalscorer, although MacLeod is now level on assists in the league. Overall an impressive display considering the squad rotation this season, and the prolong cup run.

​
The club has finally lost its first game of the season. Rangers were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Celtic in a one sided match, which ended 2-0 at hampton Park. Although it is disappointing not progressing in the final, it must be considered that the cup was never on the cards, and I feel lucky to have won the League Cup this season, and hope to defend it next season.
​
 
May
End of the Season

View attachment 342457

​
Results
​

11th​ May 2013
Scottish 3rd​ Division

View attachment 342458

Montrose (0-4) Rangers
Att: 4,504
Links Park

Goals: MacLeod, Donnelly, Graham (2)

​
International

This month the European Under-19 Championship Qualifiers 2nd​ Round takes place, featuring the Scottish Under-19s. Only one Rangers player Garry Graham, will feature in the games, partly due to injury to Mark O’Hara. Long-term target, Ryan Gauld, will also take part in the Qualifiers. Russian, Sergey Kundik, has also been called up for the Qualifiers.
​

[TABLE="class: grid, width: 500, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD]Player[/TD]
[TD]Date[/TD]
[TD]Result[/TD]
[TD]Rating[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Kundik[/TD]
[TD]13.5.2013[/TD]
[TD]Russia (2-0) Cyprus[/TD]
[TD]6.9[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Graham[/TD]
[TD]15.5.2013[/TD]
[TD]Scotland (1-0) Wales[/TD]
[TD]7.0[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Kundik[/TD]
[TD]15.5.2013[/TD]
[TD]Russia (0-0) Italy[/TD]
[TD]6.4[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Kundik[/TD]
[TD]18.5.2013[/TD]
[TD]Russia (3-1) Israel[/TD]
[TD]7.8[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]


During the end of season break, five players were involved in other international games. Of these players there were two standout performers: Lee Wallace (7.0) and Jamie Burrows (7.8) who scored two goals.

[TABLE="class: grid, width: 500, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Country[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Squad[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Players[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Result[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Scotland[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Main[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Wallace[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Scotland (0-0) Croatia[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Russia[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]U-21[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Kundik[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Russia (1-0) Cyprus[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Scotland[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]U-19[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Urquhart, Graham[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Scotland (3-1) Iran[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Holland[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]U-19[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Burrow[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Holland (4-0) Bosnia[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

​
A few days later a second round of games took place, this time featuring ten Rangers' players. This sudden increase is partly due to the arrival of the three new Welshmen. The standout performers were: Garry Graham (7.6), Daniel Bromage (7.6) and Jamie Burrows (7.8) who again scored.

[TABLE="class: grid, width: 500, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD]Country[/TD]
[TD]Squad[/TD]
[TD]Players[/TD]
[TD]Results[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Scotland[/TD]
[TD]Main[/TD]
[TD]Wallace[/TD]
[TD]Scotland (2-2) Iceland[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Scotland[/TD]
[TD]U-21[/TD]
[TD]McKay, Grimmer[/TD]
[TD]Scotland (2-0) Georgia[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Russia[/TD]
[TD]U-21[/TD]
[TD]Kundik[/TD]
[TD]Russia (3-1) Norway[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Scotland[/TD]
[TD]U-19[/TD]
[TD]Urquhart, Graham[/TD]
[TD]Scotland 3-1 Slovakia[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Wales[/TD]
[TD]U-19[/TD]
[TD]Bromage, Hoult, Humphries[/TD]
[TD]Wales (1-1) Iceland[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Holland[/TD]
[TD]U-19[/TD]
[TD]Burrows[/TD]
[TD]Holland (3-1) Czech Republic[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]


​
Other News

The club is pleased to announce the last round of contract renewals this season, with Greg Pascazio, Aaron McGregor, Jamie Mills and Craig Halkett. These four players have all signed till 2016, and have actually decreased the wage bill by £100.

Several players shall be leaving the club as their contract runs out as they are simply not good enough to remain at Rangers Football Club. The players are: Gregor Fotheringham, Jamie Burrows, Glody Ntumba, Liam Kelly, Ryan Sinnamon. Dylan Dykes, Travis Gregory, Alan Smith and Kane Hemmings. This will remove £3,720 per week from the wage budget, thus £193,440 per season.

End of Season Summary

The season is finally at an end. Rangers have run away with the league, remaining unbeaten and only dropping four points. Elgin City managed to claim promotion after progressing through the playoffs.

The end of season statistics made bad reading for Ryan Donnelly, missing out on the league top goalscorer to Martin Bavidge, a player whose previous goalscoring record was 16 goals in a season. The club at least boasts the player with the leading assists in Lewis MacLeod.

The end of the year awards have been given out, with Rangers picking up Player of the Year for Lewis MacLeod and Manger of the Year. The club can also boast eight of the eleven players who featured in the Team of the Year.



This seasons team statistics are:

[TABLE="class: grid, width: 500, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD]Games[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]53[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Goals Scored[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]172 (3.2)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Goals Conceded[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]30 (0.6)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Yellow Cards[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]95 (1.8)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Red Cards[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]4 (0.1)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Average Attendance[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]43285[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Average Attendance Percentage[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]84%[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Sellouts[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]2[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]


The end of season overview is below. I am pleased to see that Ryan Donnelly managed to win signing of the year in the 3rd Division, when you consider he only cost £80,000, it is remarkable how many goals he scored for the team, and without him promotion would have been a lot harder.



The fans decided that Lewis MacLeod was their player of the year, which is a huge achievement for someone so young, he has been outstanding all season, and I would have given him the award myself. The Best Eleven is also below:


 
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@Safc-mad-scotty - I am going to play in him in the league, but not 100% if I should in cup games, so might not play him there, problem is I have Black, McCulloch and Hutton as well, so have to try and mix it up quite a bit. But he should get quite a lot of games, Wigan are after him
 
XerJames21 said:
@Safc-mad-scotty - I am going to play in him in the league, but not 100% if I should in cup games, so might not play him there, problem is I have Black, McCulloch and Hutton as well, so have to try and mix it up quite a bit. But he should get quite a lot of games, Wigan are after him
Click to expand...

Yeah sounds good, think he'll be a top class SPL midfielder by the time you get to the SPL.
 
Team Evaluation
2013-2014

View attachment 342534

​
Finances

​
The finances are not brilliant, last season the club only made £3,761,559, which I imagine would have been even worse if I had not cut the wage budget and made money from home friendlies. The club will continue to cut the wage budget when possible. It should be noted that the finances below are taken in late July, and therefore some player’s wages do not agree due to their sales. Also Neil Alexander is no longer being paid £5,250 per week by the club.

The club plans to reduce player’s wages even more, which unfortunately have increased for Lee Wallace, David Templeton, Dean Shiels and Ian Black due to promotion pay rise. The club has two high earners, Dorin Goian and Carlos Bocanegra, who have returned from loan. Both players are on £14,000 a week, so together will cost the club £1,456,000 a year. It is therefore important to remove them from the clubs wage bill as quickly as possible.

The Team

The squad is healthier than it was twelve months ago. As well as getting rid of several mediocre players, the club has been able to develop young players and get the best out of them. An example is Ross Perry, who was previously was the 3rd​ best centre back, but now boasts of being the best at the club.

​

The three standout players at the club are Lee Wallace (Vice Captain), Benjamin Siegist and David Templeton. Lee McCulloch is still an excellent player, however as he continues to age his attributes continue to drop, but is still one of the best player at the club. Siegist has made massive strikes over the last season in terms of his attributes. I plan to attempt to sign the young keeper when his loan is over at the end of the season.
​

The club has excellent young players, which have pushed to get into the first team. The three standout young players for the forthcoming season are Lewis MacLeod, Mark O'Hara and Garry Graham. MacLeod made excellent progress last season, and I hope it continues this season. Mark O'Hara's development stalled slightly last year, he was unfortunately injured several times on international duty, halting his progress. Finally, Garry Graham is an excellent midfielder, who will become a first team regular this season.
​
The Staff


The staff at the club remains the same as last season, as they are excellent and, more importantly, very cheap. Several members of staff have progressed well over the last season; in particular Arthur Albiston and Andrew Cole have improved their attributes drastically.

​
It is therefore unsurprising that I shall not be making any drastic changes to my staff over the forthcoming season, although I might bring in another Youth Coach.​
 
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Pre-Season

View attachment 342546

​
Friendlies

Once again I have taken advantage of Ibrox Stadium’s large capacity, 50,987, to play several pre-season friendlies. This has brought £755,000 into the club, an increase of £20,000 from last season.
​

Friendly

Rangers (4-0) Cambuslang Rangers
Att: 15,602
Ibrox Stadium


Friendly

Rangers (2-3) Lyon
Att: 35,272
Ibrox Stadium


Friendly

Rangers (5-2) Blantyre Vic
Att: 15,601
Ibrox Stadium


Friendly

Rangers (0-3) Chelsea
Att: 42,727
Ibrox Stadium


Friendly

Rangers (5-1) Fort William
Att: 15,607
Ibrox Stadium
​

Unfortunately, I was unable to arrange the big friendlies at the start of the fixture list, so I had to arrange them in between easier friendlies. I am pleased to mention that attendances are up this season compared to last season, although only by 600 people for the the lower profiled friendlies.


Affiliations
​
The club is pleased to announce that they have affiliated with Scottish 3rd​ Division side, Berwick Rangers. The link costs Rangers just £21,590 per season and enables us to send youth players out on loan, giving them the opportunity to gain first team experience.

​


Staff Changes

The club has brought in two members of staff during pre-season. Former Scottish international, Alan Rough, has joined the club as the Under 19s Goalkeeping Coach. The club has also signed the Scottish Under-19 Manager, Ricky Sbragia, as an Under 19s Coach. Hopefully this will mean more Rangers players will now be noticed at Under-19 level.

​

The two new members of staff have joined on a combined salary of £610 per week, so £31,720 per year. A relatively small amount, especially if they help develop future stars, and players who can be sold off for profit.


Transfers


The club has again struggled in the transfer market. Despite being given an transfer budget of £1,200,000, and a wage budget of £113,000 (the club is spending £76,000), the club has struggled to attract players of a high enough calibre. This is partly because the club still has transfer embargo, so we are only able to sign players under-17. Bearing this in mind, the club has managed to sign four young players on free transfers, each with the potential to, at the very least, be good SPL players.
​

With Barrie McKay being redeployed as a winger last season, and playing well in that position, it was important to sign a replacement striker. The club found a young 16 year old, Robert Adam, to fill this void. He cost the club £200,000, but has the potential to be a Scottish international in the future.

​
The club has once again failed to sign my primary target, Ryan Gauld, this time he was willing to negotiate but being completely unreasonable, demanding over £2,000 a week and add ons. I shall try again in January, although I am running out of patience with the lad.

This club also off loaded high earners Bocanegra and Goian for £300,000. Although not a great deal, the club were able to save £1,456,000 in their wages. The club also sold Kyle McAusland for £28,000 and 50% of any future profits if sold. It was shame having to sell McAusland, but he was not going to get enough games as I was unable to get rid of Anestis Argyriou, even on a free. Although Argyriou is a good player, I find it hard to justify £4,000 a week on a backup player.​
 
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Superb story! I'll try keep up on this but I'm not often on the forum.

One thing, read the OP and seen you mentioned Rangers are a new club - it's a confusing mess we were put through but we came out of it the same club, just a different company housing the club and it's assets. It's a stomach churner when people mention we're not what we used to be!

All in all, I'm enjoying your story, it's a good read! ;)
 
July-August

View attachment 342589

​
Results

​
27th​ July 2013
Challenge Cup (1st​ Round)

View attachment 342590

Falkirk (0-2) Rangers
Att: 7,781
The Falkirk Stadium

Goals: O’Hara (2)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

3st​ August 2013
League Cup (1st​ Round)

View attachment 342591

Rangers (4-2) Queen of the South
Att: 25,099
Ibrox Stadium

Goals: Donnelly (3), Black

----------------------------------------------------------------------

10th​ August 2013
Scottish 2nd​ Division

View attachment 342592

Rangers (5-0) Stenhousemuir
Att: 48,483
Ibrox Stadium

Goals: McCulloch, Templeton (2), Adam, Hutton

----------------------------------------------------------------------

18th​ August 2013
Scottish 2nd​ Division

View attachment 342595

Dumbarton (0-1) Rangers
Att: 2,025
Dumbarton Football Stadium

Goals: Graham

----------------------------------------------------------------------

21st​ August 2013
Challenge Cup (2nd​ Round)

View attachment 342593

Rangers (5-0) East Stirlingshire
Att: 45,137
Ibrox Stadium

Goals: Adam (3), Little , Shiels

----------------------------------------------------------------------

27th​ August 2013
League Cup (2nd​ Round)

View attachment 342594

Kilmarnock (2-4) Rangers
Att: 6,969
Rugby Park

Goals: Donnelly (2), McCulloch, Graham

----------------------------------------------------------------------

31st​ August 2013
Scottish 2nd​ Division

View attachment 342596

Rangers (6-0) Brechin
Att: 48,430
Ibrox Stadium

Goals: Donnelly (3), McCulloch, Black, O’Hara
​


Other News

The club has only achieved two milestones this month. Young centre back, Mark O’Hara, achieved his 25th​ league appearance for Rangers, scoring in the same game. Robert Adam made his first professional league appearance, coming on as a substitute for Ryan Donnelly and scoring.

​

Summary

The club has performed well in the league this month, winning all of their three games without even conceding a goal. The league seems much the same as the year before, with a few more standout player, but with my squad developing all the time, I think we are looking set for another whitewash.

​

With such a good start to the league it is unsurprising that the club has managed to win Manager of the Month and Young player of the Month. We came close to Player of the Month, but Mark O’Hara just missed out, once again showing what an excellent young player he is.
​
It is early days in terms of individual statistics, but I hope the team push to get top assister and top goalscorer. The team can currently boast the best pass completion rate of 89% with Lee McCulloch.
​

The club has progressed well in cup competitions this season, progressing into the 3rd round of the Challenge Cup and the League Cup. To achieve this the team had to overcome Kilmarnock in a one sided game, the only spark of brilliant from Kilmarnock was from Rudi Skacel, who performed amazingly, I hope he is retired by the time I am back in the SPL.
​
 
D93J said:
Superb story! I'll try keep up on this but I'm not often on the forum.

One thing, read the OP and seen you mentioned Rangers are a new club - it's a confusing mess we were put through but we came out of it the same club, just a different company housing the club and it's assets. It's a stomach churner when people mention we're not what we used to be!

All in all, I'm enjoying your story, it's a good read! ;)
Click to expand...

The same club but technically reformed just because of the liquidation. It is the same club though, same history and same fans, hope it did not cause offence. It is a shame that it looks like Coventry City might be going through something similar soon, and that is coming from a Villa fan.
 
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Results


​
4th​ September 2013
Scottish 2nd​ Division

View attachment 342661

Rangers (2-0) Elgin City
Att: 48,441
Ibrox Stadium

Goals: Donnelly, McCulloch

----------------------------------------------------------------------

14th​ September 2013
Scottish 2nd​ Division

View attachment 342665

East Fife (1-4) Rangers
Att: 2,000
New Bayview

Goals: Donnelly, McCulloch, Gasparotto. MacLeod

----------------------------------------------------------------------

18th​ September 2013
Challenge Cup (3rd​ Round)

View attachment 342664

Rangers (3-0) Cowdenbeath
Att: 45,148
Ibrox Stadium

Goals: Shiels (3)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

21st​ September 2013
Scottish 2nd​ Division

View attachment 342662

Alloa (0-1) Rangers
Att: 3,142
Recreation Park

Goals: Donnelly

----------------------------------------------------------------------

24th​ September 2013
League Cup (3rd​ Round)

View attachment 342663

Hibernian (0-1) Rangers
Att: 9,752
Easter Road Stadium

Goals Black
​

International

The club had ten players involved in international duty this month at a variety of levels. Two of the players involved, Sergey Kundik and Charlie Telfer, are both currently out on loan at Berwick Rangers. There were two standout performers: Jack Grimmer (7.0) and Barrie McKay (7.0), both featured for the Scottish Under-21s.
​

[TABLE="class: grid, width: 500, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD]Country[/TD]
[TD]Squad[/TD]
[TD]Players[/TD]
[TD]Results[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Scotland[/TD]
[TD]Main[/TD]
[TD]Wallace[/TD]
[TD]Scotland (0-3) Belgium[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Scotland[/TD]
[TD]U-21[/TD]
[TD]McKay, Grimmer[/TD]
[TD]Scotland (1-1) Italy[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Russia[/TD]
[TD]U-21[/TD]
[TD]Kundik[/TD]
[TD]Russia (2-2) Wales[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Scotland[/TD]
[TD]U-19[/TD]
[TD]Adam, Teller[/TD]
[TD]Scotland (1-1) Qatar[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]N.Ireland[/TD]
[TD]U-19[/TD]
[TD]Gibson[/TD]
[TD]N.Ireland (0-2) Italy[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Wales[/TD]
[TD]U-19[/TD]
[TD]Bromage, Hoult, Humphries[/TD]
[TD]Wales (2-3) Albania[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

Transfer
The club is pleased to announce the signing of Craig Gordon on a free transfer. Gordon has been unemployed since leaving Sunderland in 2012. He has joined the club on a £500 a week deal till 2018. He shall also take up Goalkeeping Coaching duties under the guidance of Jim Steward.​

View attachment 342669 View attachment 342670


Other News​

A quiet month in all respects, with the only notable piece of news being the renewal of Lee McCulloch's contract, which will keep him at the club an extra year for the same money. He has performed well this year, forming an excellent partnership with Garry Graham.

Summary

The club has continued to progress in the league, remaining unbeaten and increasing our lead to four points with a game in hand. The club is scoring freely, scoring an average of three goals per game, whilst remaining tight at the back. However, the club faces the prospect of playing without Benjamin Siegist in the coming month.

​

As a result of the clubs excellent league form they have picked up a number of awards this month, including Manager of the Month and Player of the Month. Unfortunately we missed out on Young Player of the Month on virtue of Mark O'Hara playing one less game than the eventual winner.
​

A better month in terms of individual statistics. Ryan Donnelly is the joint highest scorer and Barrie McKay is second in the assists table. The club still has the best pass completion in the league, which is good with my fast passing, free flowing style.
​

View attachment 342679

The club continues to progress well in cup competitions, with the team progressing to the Semi-Final of the Challenge Cup and the Quarter-Finals of the League Cup. To reach the quarter-finals of the League Cup, the club has to beat Hibernian, which was the hardest game of the season thus far. The club was saved by a Ian Black strike from the edge of the area.

View attachment 342702

​


​
 
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Try and keep Faure he turns out a beast! On my rangers save i played him untill 2018 when i sold him for 5.75m. I would seriously consider playing him cm aswell.
 
Ryan Gauld is a must buy, don't give up on him! Macleod,Gasparotto and Faure all turn out amazing and are still in my team in 2018.
 
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