Windsor Park was a sea of blue and what a lovely sight it was. There has been sone talk of Rangers making the Belfast jaunt an annual event and, regardless of what nonentities like McNee might say, this has to be a good thing. The club has to build bridges between itself and the fans and, knowing the NI crowd to among our most passionate supporters, it is right that they are rewarded with a visit from the team.
My one reservation surounds Linfield always getting the benefit. I've nothing against the Blues but I'd like to see Rangers spread the jam more evenly, playing against Glentoran, Glenavon or Portadown, although games at smaller venues like Mourneview or Shamrock Park could result in tickets being less freely available.
My one reservation surounds Linfield always getting the benefit. I've nothing against the Blues but I'd like to see Rangers spread the jam more evenly, playing against Glentoran, Glenavon or Portadown, although games at smaller venues like Mourneview or Shamrock Park could result in tickets being less freely available.
As always, the ferries to Larne and Belfast were bouncing with Bears and it was brill to renew so many old acquaintances across the water. Our packed black hack headed straight for the Shankill Rangers Club but, with so many fans still milling around the Seacat terminal, the driver was ordered to make a rapid return so those of us planning to drop in on the Horse Shoe on the Oldpark had to endure a white knuckle ride through Ardoyne. A not so subtle hint that the lie of the land might be different came with a change in the colour of the kerbstones and the lamposts. It was foot to the floor stuff between the ramps and I couldn't help thinking that a Provo gunman out for a casual afternoon stroll would be quick to twig that we were where we shouldn't be.
Never mind, we got there safely (phew!) and I enjoyed sharing a few shandies with the guys on the front-line. The first thing to strike me is that the Norn Iron lads are much more positive, showing more optimism about the season ahead than I've tended to find closer to home. As they see it, Sellick are the ones playing catch-up, they are the team with everything to prove, if we stay cool under pressure we will see them off. If only... My view is that we are weaker this time around, while the Mhankies are unchanged so, remembering how tight it was at the finish, we simply can't cross our fingers and hope for the best. But with every faith in Big Eck's abilities, I'm hoping for a late signing flurry to ease my worries.
The game itself was fairly predictable. Rangers called the shots but, surprise surprise, could not convert overall superiority into goals. Big Bob's penalty kick was little more than a solidly struck pass-back, MM always seemed intent on taking an extra touch and it took a long range effort from RdB just before the break to edge the Gers in front. Linfield rallied briefly in the second half, with a Glenn Ferguson header forcing a brilliant save from Allan McGregor, but our guys soon regained control and late strikes from Andy Dowie and Steven MacLean put a more realistic slant on the scoreline.
It was a very worthwhile exercise and not just a flag-waving trip. Our NI Bears were happy, especially as the team seemed to be more up for it than they were for last July's stroll in the park, the players looked like they are getting closer to the level required for the season ahead and one or two of our younger individuals did their prospects no harm whatsoever. And Captain Fantastic made a trouble free return to action and showed all the signs of being our main man once again. Strange though it may seem Mr McNee, there were perfectly valid FOOTBALL reasons for this match and, as football is the business they are in, Rangers were 100% right to undertake the trip.
Of course, homeward journeys tend to be more low-key, with most of our hyped-up lot being puffed out (nae stamina!), and no breakfast time swally would be complete without a bit of doom and gloom. Young keeper Allan McGregor was, by all accounts, very impressive on the recent tour of Germany and he certainly did all that was asked of him at Windsor. It was suggested that his emergence as a keeper of some quality might result in Der Goalie being deemed surplus to requirements and a roleplay Ibrox board meeting was duly called to order.
A smarmy with a collar and tie and nice shining shoes (from Argentina?} played the part of Martin Bain and, after greeting about how financial problems meant he could not buy a round, he came up with a great idea to raise some dosh. "What would I get if I put Stefan Klos on the transfer list?" he asked.
"LYNCHED!" we replied in unison.
LITTLE BOY BLUE