rangers.cc

Just thought I'd write a wee note after tonight's marvellous win at Killie, one that could define our season.

I managed to watch the game via the web and it perhaps summed up our season - not always pleasing on the eye but gutsy and the team got the goals required to win the game. Tonight's victory comes after a similarly workmanlike performance against St Mirren on Saturday. I, and the rest of the stadium, might have had a bout of brown trousers syndrome when the Saints took a shock lead but we stormed back, equilising within a couple of minutes, and went on to win fairly comfortably in the end.

No-one can fault the effort and performances of our boys this season during difficult circumstances and, in my humble opinion, HM herself should be saying "arise, Sir Walter" in the 2011 New Year's Honours List for the boss's stewardship during such troubled times as well as his contribution to British football in general over the years. Back in September/October I was fearing the worst given our financial situation, but the squad has found incredible inner strength and team spirit to put the Gers within touching distance of retaining the title. Almost as pleasing as the team's performances has been the loyalty shown by the members of this great RSC. Early on this season it looked as though things might not go as we might have hoped, but the team has rewarded us for lots of full buses and great attendances at matches, so well done everyone (even you Sebo).

We now need only six wins to retain the title...let's try to do it in record time eh! Mon the Bears!

I think most will agree that Rangers' start to 2010 has been a little underwhelming. A good point at Parkhead in the derby was followed by three tricky matches against Hamilton in which at least four of our players picked up injuries (will we ever have a fully-fit squad??) and we face a tough game against Hearts on Saturday with a paper-thin squad to choose from.

And today we have had the worrying news that Aston Villa and Birmingham have put in bids for Kris 'the Goal Machine' Boyd to join them in the summer, although he also has a contract extension from our very own Gers on the table. I think the vast majority of fans hope that Boyd re-signs for Rangers and goes on to break more records - who knows, he could one day better the scoring exploits of one Ally McCoist MBE - but only time will tell. So we must do the only thing we can do - keep the faith!

One bit of good news is that a Harrogate True Blues lapel badge will be available for purchase on the way home from Saturday's match, priced at just £2. I will be doing the rounds on the coach with Stephen 'Sebo' Reid, who has kindly offered to model the badge so you can all see just how good it looks (even on him). So, even if Saturday's result doesn't go our way (I'm trying to remain optimistic despite our injury crisis - honest), at least you will have something to put a smile on your face!

I was on the coach that went to Ibrox for last night's hammering of Dundee United and it's a pretty good thing that we won so convincingly - because anything less would have made the journey back even harder!

The well-documented winter weather conditions made for a difficult passage away from Glasgow and the closure of the A66 from Penrith to Scotch Corner delayed our progress still further. My dad and I travel from Lincoln to meet the coach so you can bet that we didn't fancy the drive home after arriving in Leeming at after 2am!

It must be said, however, that the 560-mile round trip is always worth it when the Bears are victorious, and particularly so when they win in the same style as last night. After a slightly tricky opening, the boys really took control of the match, with Boyd putting in what was arguably his best-ever performance in a light blue jersey. United pulling one back and Miller being sent off (and I hope the appeal is sucessful so the dynamic duo can face Celtic on Sunday, but I won't hold my breat for a second!) made it appear as though we might have a difficult second half on our hands, but the inspried introduction of Stevie Whittaker, who netted the fourth, paved the way for Boyd to break Henrik Larsson's SPL record and Bougherra to grab a classy solo effort. It was not just a great win but history in the making due to Boyd's exploits. Now I hope we can press home the seven-point advantage and beat Celtic on Sunday to start 2010 with a bang.

Happy Hogmanay to you all and see you in the new year.

I don't know about anyone else, but the last three home matches have been the just the ticket after draws at Ibrox to Aberdeen and Hibs.

The games against St Mirren, Killie and yesterday versus St Johnstone have yielded nine points, seven goals and only one conceded, and this has kept us in touch right at the top of the SPL. The hard work starts now, though, with December's remaining fixtures consiting of a double header against Dundee Utd, an away visit to Hibs, and Motherwell at Ibrox.

While this may well not be borne out in reality, maximum points will see us go into the OF game at Castle Doom at the top of the tree and with the chance of taking a stranglehold on first place. Many frustrated words have been spoken over recent weeks, mainly due to the Aberdeen and CL debacles, but I firmly believe that Walter is the right man to hold the team together until a new buyer comes in. Few other managers would work under such difficult cirumstances and he deserves great credit for his professionalism and dignity during trying times. Let's stay behind the boys and we'll pull through.

Just in case you haven't read the website forum lately, a new HTB badge sporting the current club logo is being produced and will be available in January. Badges are a great way to promote the club and will be available on organised club travel and, thanks to Marion, will also be up for purchase via the club website. Thanks also to Andy and John for giving the go-ahead to this project. Merry Chritmas to all and let's hope the fesitve period is a good one for the Gers.

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