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Latest NewsWeek Beginning 20 September 1997 27 September 1997 Clubs like Rangers, Celtic and Manchester United are like brand names now. And even though they are going through a difficult time Torino are probably the fourth biggest club in Italy. I am simply looking at commercial activities and possibilities there." Joe Lewis who invested £40 million in Rangers earlier in the year has concluded a £8.5 million deal to buy 79 per cent of shares in Greek club AEK Athens. He now has a financial interest in Rangers, Vicenza, FC Basle and AEK. Joachim Bjorklund is hoping that another good defensive display today will set Rangers up for European victory on Tuesday night. He said, "it has been nice to play two games in succession with the same defence and the same system. It obviously helps a bit and we hope to build on it. We slipped up against Aberdeen, but we have been performing well otherwise. It is the European situation which has been bothering us, and we hope to straighten that out on Tuesday. We didn't play very well in France, but we managed to get a decent result. The away goal is very important and if we play properly, we can get through. There's a fair bit of pressure on the team for this game, but that pressure comes from ourselves as much as anyone. We desperately want to do well in Europe this season." Walter Smith has warned his players that today's match with Motherwell will be tough. He said, "we are in the middle of four games in a ten day period and I will make sure we use our pool of players. We will have to keep our run of form going if we are to win this match because Motherwell always seem to rise to the challenge when they come here. Andy Goram is the major doubt for the match. He's touch and go in terms of overall fitness but there is still a little stiffness in his hips and groin after his injuries. If he is not fit for the Motherwell game, he will almost certainly be ready at some stage next week.
Motherwell manager Alex McLeish has warned his players to beware of Marco Negri in tomorrow's clash at Ibrox. He said, "I watched Negri closely and it's obvious that the guy comes alive as soon as the ball is moved into the wide areas. He is so quick upstairs and I felt sorry for the Kilmarnock defenders because they looked like they were containing him. Suddenly he had peeled off and scored a couple of goals. I know Bobby Williamson predicted Negri could score 50 goals this season, but I don't know if it is possible for anybody to do that. But if Laudrup is weaving his magic, he will get chances and he looks capable of taking more than his fair share. We'll be trying to keep him out of the box as much as possible and obviously he have to cut off the supply to him." Gordan Petric is set to miss Rangers' game against Motherwell. The defender needed stitches for a wound on the bridge of his nose after a clash of heads in a reserve match against St Johnstone last weekend. Staale Stensaas hopes that Rangers can overcome Strasbourg next week. He said, "there has been criticism of the team and that is understandable because we failed to qualify for the Champions' League. But we are now top of the league and although we lost in the first leg of the UEFA Cup in France, we have a very good chance of qualifying." Stensaas also admitted he will be happy to see Richard Gough back at Ibrox. He said, "I'm very pleased Richard Gough is coming back because, although I've never met him, I know of him by reputation. Everyone has told me he was brilliant to have around the club and very important for the team on the pitch.Maybe he is the type of player we don't have at the moment." French striker David Zitelli is confident that Strasbourg can knock Rangers out of the UEFA Cup. He said, "I had to watch the first game in Strasbourg but it was a good night for my side and not so good for Rangers. Brian Laudrup and Paul Gascoigne are very good players but did not play to their best in France. I hope it will be the same in Glasgow. I do not know why Marco Negri did not play in Strasbourg, but we know he will be dangerous at Ibrox. Much will depend on how Laudrup, Gascoigne and Negri play, but I think we still have a good chance. Like last season, we get better the more games we play and scoring a goal would be a dream for me."
MLS vice-president Sunil Galotti said, "we have, in principal, agreed a deal with Rangers. I would rather not disclose any figures or possible transfer fees. All that is required now is for the agreement to be put on paper and for Rangers to obtain permission from the Scottish authorities. It is Richard's preferred option to move back to Rangers and we will support him in his decision." Graeme Souness admitted last night that he had lost out in his bid to sign Gough for Torino. He said, "I have spoken to Richard since Rangers made their interest known and he has told me that he wants to return to Ibrox. Of course, I am very disappointed because we were well down the road to him coming to Turin, but it is not going to happen now. I understand his position. It's a big opportunity for him to go back to Rangers and I've no doubt he'll do well there." Marco Negri scored another two goals for Rangers last night and celebrated with a smile. Scottish media hack Gerry McNee has been speculating over the past few weeks that Negri is unhappy at Ibrox because he has shown no emotion after scoring his goals. Negri said, "I've heard people say these things about me but it was not a problem to me before the game and it is not a problem now. I smile tonight for the fans. I am quite happy with my start but I must say thank you to my team-mates because they have helped me to score so often. I know we are doing things better and we are getting better with every game. It's normal for many new players to have problems playing together in the first month but now the players are getting to know each other." Kilmarnock manager Bobby Williamson admitted he was hugely impressed by the Italian striker's contribution. He said, "this guy's going to break all sorts of records. I think he'll score 50 goals this season. He's got Brian Laudrup creating them for him and Paul Gascoigne to come back, so there's no doubt he'll keep scoring. The guy is a rare talent and he can't just score with his feet. He knocks them in with his head, his knees, his backside, you name it. He's been a great signing by Walter." Walter Smith said, "I hope that Bobby's assessment of the number of goals Marco will score is correct but it is difficult for any player to reach that level of goals. He's doing really well for us and I'm happy with the way he's playing. I've heard criticisms of him but I don't care what type of player he is as long as he keeps scoring." The Old Firm are involved in a bust up over tickets for their double header in November. Rangers were only allocated 3000 tickets for the Parkhead match in September because a temporary stand had been removed to make way for a pop concert. The match was subsequently postponed after the death of the Princess of Wales and the stand has now been rebuilt. Rangers have now been told that they will not receive any additional tickets for the rearranged fixture and are believed to be considering a similar cut in tickets for Celtic fans for the Ibrox fixture. Celtic spokesman Peter McLean said, "the Police have informed the club that should appropriate permission be granted, it would only be available to Celtic fans for safety reasons, with regard to segregation and access." Rangers secretary Campbell Ogilvie said, "the Scottish League rejected the club's claim that the original allocation was unreasonable. We understand that supporters can't be split into two different ends and agree with Celtic on that. But the damage was done when we were given such a small allocation in the first place. We will decide soon how many tickets Celtic should get for the November 8 game."
Rangers Snelders 6 Cleland 6 Stensaas 6 Porrini 7 Vidmar 5 Bjorklund 7 Gattuso 7 McCall 7 Negri 7 Albertz 6 Laudrup 6 Gascoigne 2 (Sub) Man of the Match: Sergio Porrini Falkirk Follower
Walter Smith has spoken for the first time about his attempts to re-sign Richard Gough from Kansas City Wizards. He said, "we've opened discussions and we hope to hear from them in the next few days. Richard is a player who can come in and help us. He's what we need. I wanted him to stay for at least another season before he left Rangers, and I've never doubted his ability to play at the top level. We've had a lot of injury problems and it's been disappointing but we have to get on with it." Richard Gough was quoted in a Kansas paper yesterday as saying, "I don't want to say anything until it's official what we're doing. But I know I'm here for the rest of the season, I'm committed to winning the championship for the Wizards." Paul Gascoigne will return to the Rangers side for tonights visit to Kilmarnock. Gordon Durie is still struggling with a hamstring injury he picked up playing for Scotland a fortnight ago and is rated as extremely doubtful. Gordan Petric broke his nose playing for the reserves on Saturday and will be missing for at least three weeks. Walter Smith looked forward to tonight's match against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. He said, "this is an important game. We dropped a couple of points at Aberdeen, and we can't afford a repeat. Killie drew with us at Rugby Park and beat us at Ibrox last season, so we have to be on the top of our game. It would be asking a lot of the same players to play in all these games and we may switch things around."
Rangers chairman David Murray would not comment on whether Gough's return would involve a coaching role when his playing days are over. He said, "I can state categorically that we have not discussed that, but you can never rule out anything. But at this particular moment that is not on the table. We always had a gentleman's agreement that if we had a problem and the manager saw it as one, there was an option on Richard coming back. I have spoken with Richard and he doesn't have a problem about coming back. It may or may not happen. It's up to Walter and Richard to decide but it's obvious that his direct replacement, Lorenzo Amoruso, will not play until January or February. There is no point waiting until then to realise you may or may not have a problem, so Walter and I discussed the situation. We believe he can help us out in a certain area in the short term." Kansas general manager Tim Latta said, "there is absolutely no chance of Richard Gough just walking away. We do not want to stand in his way if that is what he wants. However, it would be good if we could find a replacement of his calibre, Richard is a class player. We have not heard anything from Rangers, or Richard for that matter. We will try and speak with him later today to see what the situation is. I think if we needed talks about his future, and the MSL would also have to be involved, then I imagine those would have to take place at the end of the season, possibly on October 28." Richard Gough refused to comment. He would only say, "no, I don't want to say anything. Call me in a couple of weeks." Gary Bollan has gone to Wolves on loan for a week with a view to a permanent move. The 24 year old left back did not play for Rangers last season after picking up a knee ligament injury. Bollan has not figured in the first team this season and has decided that it is time to move on - if he can secure a move to Molineaux. Rangers turned down a bid for Andy Goram from Sheffield Wednesday last week. David Pleat wanted the Scotland 'keeper on loan for tomorrow nights' match with Derby but moved for Bruce Grobbelaar when Walter Smith turned down the offer. Andy Goram is set to be hammered by Rangers after failed to report for treatment on his damaged groin since last Thursday. The Scotland 'keeper is certain to be heavily fined by his exasperated club. Rangers are currently being forced to use third choice keeper Theo Snelders in goal as Goram and Antti Niemi are injured. Craig Brown is also believed to be unhappy with Goram's behaviour. Goram left the Scotland training camp in Aberdeen before the Belarus match saying he had to return to Ibrox to have his knee checked, but he didn't see the club doctor. Instead, he travelled to London and missed the final training session.
David Murray has launched an attack on Rangers fans who have criticised the team over the past few weeks. He said, "there is an incredible arrogance about some Rangers fans. I wish some of these people would learn to take hiccups more gracefully. Glaswegians have a lot to say for themselves. I find them very loud and vociferous. If I ever lived in Glasgow, I'd be diving for cover all the time. It probably says something about my attitude that in my nine years at Rangers, I've been out just twice socially in Glasgow. Look even at the Celtic fans. Look at Fergus McCann. He's brought Celtic more success, he's revived the club's fortunes and all they do is moan when they have their AGM." Murray also admitted that the club were considering legal action against the Harley Street surgeon who performed Lorenzo Amoruso's second operation a month ago. Rangers have discovered injury was incorrectly diagnosed by the surgeon and that the operation did more harm than good. Rangers have rejected a £3.5 million bid from Hamburg for Jorg Albertz. Hamburg general manager Bernd Wehmayer said, "I have spoken with Rangers officials because we would love to have Jorg back here, but the problem has been the amount of money he would cost us. I am sure I will speak again with David Murray and Walter Smith. Albertz is still very popular here." Albertz may welcome a move back to Germany in a bid to get into the national team for the World Cup. Marco Negri has denied claims that he is unhappy at Rangers. He said, "I am not happy with this. In fact, I am getting so fed-up with it all. Why do people have a problem with this? The next time someone asks me if I am OK at Rangers, I think I will scream. Of course I am all right. Why wouldn't I be? I am very happy here and I want all the Rangers fans to know that. This story is rubbish. I accept anything the manager tells me and I have good relationship with Walter Smith. He is a good man and all the foreign players will tell you that. It has become annoying. I am here to do a job and I will." "When a defender makes a tackle to save a goal does he get up and jump about? When a keeper makes a great save does he celebrate? No, because it is their job, and scoring goals is mine. Of course I enjoy scoring, but it is for the team, not just me and I am happy with that. I will continue to try and score as many as I can because I want to be a winner with Rangers."
Walter Smith admitted that he was quite pleased with the team's performance. He said, "Saints have struggled with injuries and that made it hard for them. It was slightly disappointing that we didn't score more goals. Paul Gascoigne has a slight groin strain and has missed a few days' training. He could have played at a push, but we have a heavy programme coming up and it was wiser to err on the safe side." Rino Gattuso has played eight first team games for Rangers this season and Walter Smith admits that is eight more than he had planned for the 19 year old to have made at this stage. Smith said, "Rino's already broken all the rules I set out for him. His first team call-up has called a halt to his learning process in the reserves. There's no way I expected him to be where he is at present. But the injury to Jonas Thern, and others, has forced my hand." "Everything, in fact, was against him being where he is today when he first arrived in Glasgow. Rino couldn't speak a word of English, and still has problems. He also didn't know the first thing about the game in Scotland. But, in his favour, he's proving to everybody that he doesn't look out of place in a Rangers jersey at the top level. He still burns up far too much energy running around the park, and diving into tackles. But he's a quick learner, and as soon as the others are all fit, we'll put him back where we always intended he should be at this stage, in the reserves." Gattuso admits he was nervous at replacing Paul Gascoigne in yesterday's match in Perth. He said, "I enjoyed the game and was pleased with my performance because it was a chance for me with Gazza not starting the match. It's not easy playing in Gazza's place because he is a legend but Stuart McCall is an experienced player and it was important to have him beside me. It was good to be part of a winning team today and I was happy for Marco to score more goals for Rangers." Paul Gascoigne has lept to the defence of Walter Smith. He said, "I feel sorry for Walter, given all the criticism which has come his way. All the flak he has taken from his critics is an absolute joke. I am fed up with it. The players should think about how the manager sticks up for them. We have to show respect for him and be more honest with each other on the pitch. Walter Smith gave me my life back and put a smile back on my face. I'm enjoying my football more than I have done for a long time and hopefully I've repaid him. We sat in the dressing room on Tuesday night and we all knew. We didn't need the gaffer or Archie Knox to tell us. We simply must have more confidence in ourselves in Europe." "It's going to take time yet. When the gaffer buys a lot of new players that is one thing he is never given. It's a disgrace. I would ask the fans to give us that time. If we win our game in hand then we will move to the top of the league and that's a start. The manager drills it into us that we're playing for a massive club and everyone will want to put us down. And the sooner the new foreign guys know that the better. It's up to us who have been here a while to teach them." Jonas Thern admits he was extremely disappointed to miss out on Rangers UEFA Cup match on Tuesday. He said, "it is sad that I had to miss the match but my knee was getting more painful all the time and I can't train. After two months of that the inevitable happens and your form drops. It hit a peak of pain after I'd helped Sweden win 1-0 against Latvia and I had to speak to Walter Smith who agreed we had to settle this injury. Three weeks rest could cure me because I don't want an operation which could keep me out for two months." Scotland defender Colin Calderwood insists he is the last player Rangers would be interested in buying. Newspaper speculation down south had linked the Spurs player with a move to Ibrox last week. Calderwood said, "I think Rangers have a lot of players they would look at before me." Richard Gough has vowed to try and help Craig Moore get over his current crisis in confidence. He said, "I've spoken to a couple of pals in Glasgow over the last few weeks and they've told me Craig's taking terrible abuse from the fans. The minute I heard that I tried to call him to have a chat but I haven't managed to track him down. People are different types and handle the abuse in different ways. I was always a fairly confident person and coped as best I could. Maybe Craig doesn't have quite the same belief in himself, although his recent marriage will help him." "It's difficult when you're criticised in newspapers and radio phone-ins. Even if you don't hear it or see it yourself, you'll always have someone telling you about it, even if they are trying to help you by commiserating with you. When I do speak to him I'll tell him to get the head down, play through it and he'll come out the other side a stronger person. I'll also tell him to concentrate on winning the ball and making simple passes. The temptation in young players is to try to make hundred dollar passes to win the crowd back. But if it doesn't come off and you lose possession, the stick just gets worse." "I remember watching Steven Pressley after he went to Coventry in a game on TV and he was running about daft trying to do everyone's job. I rang him and suggested he'd be better off concentrating on doing his own job. I told him it was hard enough for me as an experienced player and the team captain to look out for other players without a young man like him taking on the responsibility. It's the same with Craig. If he grits his teeth and gets on with it, he'll come through it. Because, despite what I hear people in Scotland are saying, I have no doubts Craig will make it at Ibrox. He's a good central defender who's currently lacking in confidence, but people should remember he is still young." "I just hope he has someone in the dressing room he can confide in. You have to be thick skinned, but if Craig wants a real example of how to do that, he needs only look at Coisty. He was the guy who had to walk off with a 40,000 crowd shouting terrible abuse at him, and now he is the main man. It's a fact that there are some players who come in for more stick than others from the Ibrox crowd. Last season, Ian Ferguson was coming in for a particularly hard time of it and I had a chat with him. He said he was having trouble blanking it out and I suggested he use cotton wool or earplugs so he literally couldn't hear what was being said. He had misgivings because that would mean he couldn't hear his teammates. I told him to concentrate on his own game and that I'd make sure he heard me. Maybe Craig needs to try something similar to blot the crowd noise out."
Rangers went to Perth looking for a much needed boost after two draws and two defeats in their last four games. St Johnstone made it difficult for Celtic a few weeks ago so it looked like a tricky match for Rangers. Rangers took the lead after only seven minutes. Brian Laudrup made an intelligent run into space on the left and was found by Jorg Albertz. The Dane squared the ball across the box and Negri put it into the net from six yards at the second attempt after almost losing control of the ball with a poor first touch. The goal seemed to settle Rangers and the midfield took complete control of the match. Only some fantastic saves from Saints goalkeeper Alan Main stopped the Ibrox side from increasing their lead. A minute into the second half Rangers scored again. Albertz found Sergio Porrini at the edge of the St Johnstone box and the Italian played a wonderful pass to Laudrup on the right before moving intelligently into the area. Laudrup's return pass was perfect and Porrini drove the ball across the goal for Negri to slide in at the far post and score with his knees. The Ibrox side should have increased their lead five minutes from time after Main had brought down Negri inside the box. The Italian striker stepped up to take the penalty himself but was thwarted by a fantastic save from the 'keeper. Rangers got back on track with a workmanlike performance. They really should have scored more goals but the result and performance were the most important aspects. Marco Negri has now scored 10 goals in four league games for his new side and again looked hungry for goals. If Rangers can beat Kilmarnock in their rearranged fixture on Wednesday then they will move back to their customary position at the top of the table. It has been a tough few weeks for Rangers but hopefully now they can put all that behind them and overcome Strasbourg next week. Sergio Porrini seemed to be given more of a free role in defence today and he responded with a great performance. Hopefully the players are beginning to settle in which should, in turn, lead to better overall performances than those of the last two weeks. Rangers Snelders 5 Cleland 6 Stensaas 6 Porrini 7 Vidmar 5 Bjorklund 6 Gattuso 7 McCall 8 Negri 7 Albertz 6 Laudrup 6 Gascoigne 2 (Sub) Durie 1 (Sub) Man of the Match: Stuart McCall Falkirk Follower
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