Aberdeen vs Rangers
Whenever I go to Pittodrie, I expect a difficult game. No one can argue with the fact that this mob always turns it on against the Bears, but if anything, that should inspire the team even more and it should never be used as an excuse for a bad performance.
The result at the weekend was poor. Rangers lack lustre performance was terrible. I'd been hoping and hoping for months like many Bears that the Killie game midweek had spelt an end to the terrible season we had had so far. Maybe today I'd have something to shout about. A good convincing win maybe? Anyway…
The first goal was a shambles, god knows what Moore and Ball were doing, have they never heard of shouting for the ball? Communication is imperative in football, especially for defenders. I am seriously starting to doubt Moore's ability as a player; in recent games he had some terrible performances and I don't quite think he has fully recovered from the injury he picked up earlier in the season. In my opinion, the captaincy seems to be a burden to him and he's simply not the man for it. As for Ball, he started off the season with so much promise, but I struggle to remember the last game he actually impressed me in. The boy can't seem to tackle a fish supper nowadays and I'm starting to think our man Nuno could beat him in a race to the nearest nightclub.
Frank deBoer equaliser was too little too late, as the Bears left another away game with a disappointing result.
Let's hope the team can get together for the Hibs game and claim back pride for the team and fans.
Rangers vs Hibs
So, we're back at Ibrox again. Is it just me or does it always seem like it's the first time in ages? Anyway, it was payback time and I was confident the Bears would get a win for us today. The final score I was happy with, but I think it flattered us a bit. Hibs were simply "rank rotten" as my dad puts it, and with only 4 or 5 decent chances, I'm not going to get carried away. Nevertheless, it was an important win for us.
High point for me was the return of Thommo. Before he got injured I thought he was gaining some form and confidence, so it'll be good to have a lad like him back to inject some energy into the team and the dressing room. We also saw the return of Stevie Hughes. The poor lad seems to be awfully injury-prone, but hopefully with a few more matches under his belt he can be a permanent fixture in the midfield, where I seriously think we are lacking passion. I'd rather have a young eager boy like him playing than others who can't wait to be subbed (naming no names Mr Arteta!)
TV Deal
I can't believe the SPL are seriously considering the Setanta (or is it Shitanta?) deal. Although the deal will inject some much-needed cash into clubs it's going to alienate so many fans and potential fans. Also, I'm a bit dubious of the way that payments will be made. While the BBC paid up front for TV rights in August, Setanta will be paying in three instalments.
I get to most almost every game, but I always know that if I struggle for a ticket, I'll get to see it on the box, but for those who don't have the luxury of Sky, it means facing the prospect of hardly any live football next season. I'm only 17 and off to uni soon though, so I'll suppose I'll soon be in that boat as I doubt I'll have the luxury of Sky in the halls!
It's disappointing that the future Rangers supporter might not be able to watch the Gers, but at this point in time, it's all about the money and it will be for a long time to come. So many teams are overspending and not thinking of the consequences, so can you blame them for biting Setanta's hand off when the deal was offered?
Europe
So, the European stuff is starting once again and all I can think of is that dreadful night against the Greeks, but I still love to watch the cream of Europe in action. With Arsenal getting that important victory at Stamford Bridge on Saturday it gave them a good foundation to restart their European campaign on. Although their away form in Europe isn't the best around I still thought they'd sneak this one and I was proved right.
Next up: Man United and Chelsea. In the Man United game we're treated to a Roy Keane red card as well as them losing (stop giggling at the back!). Afterwards Sir Awex came out saying ranting and raving about Porto's diving antics, in particular their goalkeeper. Anyway, he well and truly makes a royal tit of himself, so overall a good night there. Doesn't seem like I missed much in the Chelsea game. A 1-0 win from an own goal- exciting stuff! Wonder if their fans had the catastrophe of getting over a scaffolding bridge before entering the ground though?
Dundee United vs Rangers
I just got paid on Friday. The Bank of Dad now officially closed, so it all gets spent on The Rangers. Was my spending justified? Certainly not.
The game was slow in starting, but Arteta soon livened us up with a shot that so nearly put us in the lead. However, United were showing signs that they thought it was time they taste victory and it was clear that they wanted it far more as we were second to every ball.
After both goals I was so disappointed with Craig Moore, our skipper. He didn't open his mouth once apart from shouting at Ricksen to tell him he should have been marking McLaren! What kind of captain is that? I want someone to be tearing right into his team and getting them in order, but no one communicated. As the free kick for the second goal came in, no one communicated. I could see it, you could see it, but could Mr McLeish see it? Disappointed does not explain how I felt on my way home.
I pay to see the team I love play with a desire to win. If we'd lost 4-0 yesterday but had 15 great chances with the majority of possession, I'd be a happier Bearette.
So, all I want from the players this coming Sunday is for them to show me that they have a will to win. It's clearly a sad day when I'm not bothered about results anymore and am just basing my happiness on whether the players can be arsed putting their all into a game. I've never been so pessimistic going into an Old Firm game before, so please Rangers, prove me wrong.