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<h1>Rangers' treble triumph in the hands of McGhee's Motherwell men</h1> <p class="standfirst">The Gers' trip to Motherwell this weekend will effectively decide whether or not they get to lift the 2007-08 SPL title</p> </div> <div id="twocolumnleftcolumninsideleftcolumn"> <h2>Ewan Murray</h2> </div> <div id="twocolumnleftcolumninsiderightcolumn"> <div id="twocolumnleftcolumntopbaselinetext">May 16, 2008 12:04 PM</div> <p>Never mind next Thursday night's shoot-outs in Aberdeen and Dundee, tomorrow is the day the destination of this season's Scottish Premier League title is most likely to be decided.</p> <p>Rangers' players shouldn't require any waft of smelling salts to awaken them of the potential perils of a trip to Motherwell's Fir Park. With their European escapades over after a remarkable 10 months, Walter Smith's team are within touching distance of ensuring the SPL trophy crosses Glasgow for the first time in three years. If getting over the finishing line is the hardest part, blue-clad punters should be prepared to shred some fingernails in Lanarkshire.</p> <p>Smith's task is, on paper, a simple one. Three wins before 10pm next Thursday - Rangers travel to St Mirren on Monday night and Aberdeen on the final day - and the championship is his. It would not seem wild to assume that an away win at Love St is close to a foregone conclusion, St Mirren will at best finish ninth in the SPL and have a dreadful home record against both halves of the Old Firm.</p> <p>There has never been any love lost between Aberdeen and Rangers. Nonetheless, with the Dons resigned to missing out on European football next season, their motivations are minimal. In short, if Smith takes his players north knowing that final-day victory secures the flag, it is tricky to foresee any other outcome. The same principles apply to Celtic's meeting with Dundee United, the Hoops' next and final match on Thursday.</p> <p>Tomorrow is an altogether different proposition. Motherwell celebrated clinching a Uefa Cup spot last weekend; Rangers' visit offers Mark McGhee's charges a chance to close their home campaign in winning touch. And so emotionally-fuelled have the last few months at Fir Park been after the untimely death of Phil O'Donnell that they will be anxious to do just that.</p> <p>Rangers toiled to beat Motherwell at Ibrox only nine days ago; the much-publicised troubles of the pitch they will take to this weekend mean even more battling qualities are required. With that in mind, it seems inconceivable that Lee McCulloch and Nacho Novo, somewhat unfairly omitted from the start against Zenit St Petersburg, will not play.</p> <p>The great unknown, of course, is how much mental and physical strain the Rangers squad are under following their exertions in Europe. After a recent domestic upturn in fortunes - albeit aided, not for the first time, by the unfathomable refereeing of Mike McCurry - a tired lot trudged from the field at the City of Manchester Stadium.</p> <p>If Rangers are feeling the heat, they will struggle to sweep aside a Motherwell team who have been the success story of the SPL this season. Mark McGhee, who sadly for 'Well fans appears may well be coaxed to another job in the close season, has genuine claims as the manager of the year; the O'Donnell tragedy aside, he has transformed the unattractive, relegation battlers into arguably the most entertaining team in the league.</p> <p>There have been more defining moments in this engrossing SPL season than many of us can remember. Tomorrow promises to be another one; Gordon Strachan will pin his hopes on McGhee, his close friend, handing Celtic the most timely of boosts. Should Rangers record an away win, their treble is in sight.</p> </div> <div id="comments"> <div class="commentheader"> <h3>Comments</h3> <form id="postacomment" name="postacomment" method="post" action="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/http://users.guardian.co.uk/readercomments/getticket"> <input type="hidden" name="useraction" value="postcomment"/> <input type="hidden" name="url" value="https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.guardian.co.uk%2Fnewmt%2Fcomment_handler.cgi%3Fentry_id=050611"/> <input type="submit" value="Post your comment"/> </form> <p class="note">Please note: In order to post a comment you need to be registered and signed in for guardian.co.uk blogs.<br/><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/http://users.guardian.co.uk/register/1,12904,-1,00.html" target="_WINDOW">You can register here.</a></p> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">horserider</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 12:41 PM</p> <em>Diegem/bel</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>I disagree. The big game is at Pittodrie. Aberdeen would like nothing more than to scupper Rangers' season. That rivalry is as strong as any in the UK outside the Old Firm. </p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1106609, was written by horserider, at May 16, 2008 12:41 PM, and starts with I disagree. The big game is at Pittodrie. Aberdeen would like nothing more than to scupper Rangers' ">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">PaulJarvis</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 1:01 PM</p> <em>Gloucester/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Personally I feel that Rangers will be hard pressed to get the points against Motherwell & Aberdeen. St Mirren should be a win but then after playing 284 games in a season or whatever it is fatigue will play a factor and it'll be up to Walter Smith to freshen up the first XI to get the 9 points required.</p> <p>Can see at least 1 draw in those 3 games and the league title going back to Parkhead.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1106652, was written by PaulJarvis, at May 16, 2008 1:01 PM, and starts with Personally I feel that Rangers will be hard pressed to get the points against Motherwell & Aberdeen.">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">mickeydolenz</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 1:01 PM</p> <em></em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Still think that Nacho Novo will manage a goal tomorrow.<br/> BTW - when did the bitterness btwn Rangers & Aberdeen really start - was it the 80s?</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1106653, was written by mickeydolenz, at May 16, 2008 1:01 PM, and starts with Still think that Nacho Novo will manage a goal tomorrow. BTW - when did the bitterness btwn Rangers ">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">FerencPuskas</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 1:11 PM</p> <em>Edinburgh/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>horserider</p> <p>You're aware who currently manages Aberdeen?</p> <p>Tango and Sash will make sure Rangers secure any necessary points at Pittodrie next Thursday.</p> <p>Having said this Bob Malcolm FTP won't be trying to hard this weekend to upset the orange, I mean, apple cart.</p> <p>Hence Celtic's greatest hope lies at Love Street on Monday - bugger.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1106685, was written by FerencPuskas, at May 16, 2008 1:11 PM, and starts with horserider You're aware who currently manages Aberdeen? Tango and Sash will make sure Rangers secu">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">SpareHoops</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 1:18 PM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Totally agree. As a Celtic fan I have been looking at Motherwell at Fir Park as the potential danger for them. They will hump St Mirren and for all the talk of rivalry between them and Aberdeen, they have a good record at Pittodrie and will beat them if they have to.</p> <p>And let's not forget the two Jimmys factor.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1106699, was written by SpareHoops, at May 16, 2008 1:18 PM, and starts with Totally agree. As a Celtic fan I have been looking at Motherwell at Fir Park as the potential danger">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">misterhooper</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 1:26 PM</p> <em>Edinburgh/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>[Deleted by moderator]</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1106721, was written by misterhooper, at May 16, 2008 1:26 PM, and starts with [Deleted by moderator]">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">horserider</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 1:33 PM</p> <em>Diegem/bel</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Aberdeen fans will demand total commitment and victory so I really don't buy the conspiracy stuff. These are professional managers not football fans, although Bob Malcolm obviously has other designs. </p> <p>Rivalry all stems back to the days of Neale Cooper getting the ashtray in the head at Ibrox and the Durrant tackle.</p> <p>[Edited by moderator]</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1106746, was written by horserider, at May 16, 2008 1:33 PM, and starts with Aberdeen fans will demand total commitment and victory so I really don't buy the conspiracy stuff. T">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">Lasereyedcorgis</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 1:34 PM</p> <em>Watford/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Rangers are warm favourites I think. Three teams with nothing more than pride to play for and who will drop anyone who is in any danger of being suspended for the start of next season. If anything, I'd say Celtic's one remaining game is harder than any of the three for Rangers.</p> <p>Aberdeen fans would love nothing more than seeing Rangers denied the league title, but unfortunately for them their team is not likely to be good enough to stop them.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1106752, was written by Lasereyedcorgis, at May 16, 2008 1:34 PM, and starts with Rangers are warm favourites I think. Three teams with nothing more than pride to play for and who w">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">Geo1664</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 1:42 PM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>there was never any great love between the gers and the sheep but the so called 'tackle' on ian durrant by neil simpson, which effectively finished durrant's career, was the thing that took the hatred to a completely new level....and it has been like that ever since.</p> <p>the earlier post that aberdeen will lie down to us in the final game of the season is utter rubbish...irrespective of who is in charge of them they have NEVER lay down to the gers.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1106777, was written by Geo1664, at May 16, 2008 1:42 PM, and starts with there was never any great love between the gers and the sheep but the so called 'tackle' on ian durr">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">Dixie1979</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 1:44 PM</p> <em>Weybridge/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>IIRC, Rangers have only won once at Pittodrie in the last 3 years of so, I think Thursday's game will be a draw, and somewhat of an irrelevance anyway as I expect Motherwell to take at least a point tomorrow.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1106782, was written by Dixie1979, at May 16, 2008 1:44 PM, and starts with IIRC, Rangers have only won once at Pittodrie in the last 3 years of so, I think Thursday's game wil">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">BillStruthLoyal</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 1:45 PM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>You can all talk about the 2 Jimmy's at Aberdoom but what about Mark McGee two weeks ago when Celtic came to town. What did he do? He rested 3 key players, who coincedentally started the Wednesday after at Ibrox. Interesting squad rotation one would say.</p> <p>Take into consideration the fact that McGee is rumoured to have already accepted the job at Celtic next year...conspiracy...you decide</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1106788, was written by BillStruthLoyal, at May 16, 2008 1:45 PM, and starts with You can all talk about the 2 Jimmy's at Aberdoom but what about Mark McGee two weeks ago when Celtic">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">ChapmanBaxter</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 1:47 PM</p> <em>Aberdeen/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>You are kidding me right?</p> <p>'Motivations are minimal'?!?</p> <p>While its a shame (although deserved) that we won't be playing for a European place I can absolutely guarentee that every Aberdeen supporter and player has the maximum motivation to beat Rangers.</p> <p>Indeed outside of winning the title ourselves, beating Rangers on the last day to stop them winning couldn't be any better.</p> <p>Its six days away and I'm already up for it.</p> <p>And Spare Hoops, as for Rangers record at Todders, the last five games are</p> <p>Aberdeen Won - 3<br/> Rangers Won - 1<br/> Draw - 1</p> <p>I cannot wait to see the sick looks on their face when we stuff them again.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1106791, was written by ChapmanBaxter, at May 16, 2008 1:47 PM, and starts with You are kidding me right? 'Motivations are minimal'?!? While its a shame (although deserved) that ">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">SpareHoops</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 1:57 PM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>CB - I'm surprised but fair play. I really hope this trend continues on Thursday.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1106820, was written by SpareHoops, at May 16, 2008 1:57 PM, and starts with CB - I'm surprised but fair play. I really hope this trend continues on Thursday.">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">DanDee</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 1:58 PM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Will barry the crab cry again?</p> <p>Here's hoping!</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1106827, was written by DanDee, at May 16, 2008 1:58 PM, and starts with Will barry the crab cry again? Here's hoping!">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">FerencPuskas</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 2:00 PM</p> <em>Edinburgh/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>BillStruthLoyal</p> <p>I take your point about Mark McGhee resting players, but two weeks before Celtic pumped Motherwell - a Motherwell side including the "key players" who evidently weren't so key that afternoon.</p> <p>A 4-1 loss down to a tight 2-1 loss would suggest McGhee was very nearly justified in leaving out Hughes and McCormack for the second game.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1106835, was written by FerencPuskas, at May 16, 2008 2:00 PM, and starts with BillStruthLoyal I take your point about Mark McGhee resting players, but two weeks before Celtic pu">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">CelticGod</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 2:34 PM</p> <em>Glasgow/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>BillStruthLoyal</p> <p>If you are suggesting that there is anything untoward going on at Motherwell, then perhaps you might want to review the performance of some players at Ibrox last Wednesday. I refer in particular to Malcolm and Hughes. </p> <p>As for the title race, I just think Celtic are due to pinch one from Rangers after '03 and '05. I think that Rangers will drop points somewhere along the line - they might not concede much but they've not been scoring many goals in recent months and I think that might just tell in the end.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1106933, was written by CelticGod, at May 16, 2008 2:34 PM, and starts with BillStruthLoyal If you are suggesting that there is anything untoward going on at Motherwell, then ">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">Googlymoogly</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 2:51 PM</p> <em>Edinburgh/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>@Mickeydolenz, It goes back to the late 70s when Fergie was the manager. </p> <p>One of the biggest incidents was in 1988 though with a terrible tackle on Ian Durrant leaving him with a serious injury.</p> <p>I have to agree with the bloggers here, the Aberdeen game is the crucial one. Celtic winning at Tannadice isn't guaranteed either. It is an exiting finish all round.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1106980, was written by Googlymoogly, at May 16, 2008 2:51 PM, and starts with @Mickeydolenz, It goes back to the late 70s when Fergie was the manager. One of the biggest incide">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">TheBigE</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 2:53 PM</p> <em>Maidenhead/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>I have a distant memory of Willie Johnston nearly killing, I think, Aberdeen's John McMaster by jumping on his throat at Ibrox back in the eighties. I thaught that's where it all started and 'tensions' were made worse by the subsequent Durrant incident.</p> <p>If it all comes down to the Aberdeen game how many Rangers fans will travel to Aberdeen even if they have no tickets?</p> <p>Also, I thought that the SPL split in two for the last 6(?) games with top half playing each other and the bottom half playing in the same way. If so how come 2nd top Rangers are 3rd bottom St. Mirren? Any explanations gratefully received.</p> <p>Come on the Men of Steel, the Buddies and the Dons! </p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1106987, was written by TheBigE, at May 16, 2008 2:53 PM, and starts with I have a distant memory of Willie Johnston nearly killing, I think, Aberdeen's John McMaster by jump">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">donwendyagain</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 3:02 PM</p> <em>Edinburgh/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>TheBigE, due to Rangers backlog of fixtures they are still playing fixtures which were scheduled to be played before the league split and hence they have to play St Mirren as they have only played them twice this season. A bit of a farce but then I always thought the league slpit for the final 5 games was a joke anyway.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107005, was written by donwendyagain, at May 16, 2008 3:02 PM, and starts with TheBigE, due to Rangers backlog of fixtures they are still playing fixtures which were scheduled to ">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">millionlittlegods</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 3:04 PM</p> <em>Stirling/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>St. Mirren v Rangers is a pre split game being played after the split.</p> <p>As it wouldn't have had an effect on the top/bottom 6 it wasn't crucial that it was played before the split fixtures started.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107013, was written by millionlittlegods, at May 16, 2008 3:04 PM, and starts with St. Mirren v Rangers is a pre split game being played after the split. As it wouldn't have had an e">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">TheBigE</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 3:10 PM</p> <em>Maidenhead/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Cheers don.</p> <p>Follow up question. Just what is the thinking behind this end of season split? I've asked numerous people what it's all about when I visit Scotland and none of my friends or family can explain. They simply shrug their shoulders and say something along the lines of 'Stupid mindless administrators at the Scottish League.'</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107032, was written by TheBigE, at May 16, 2008 3:10 PM, and starts with Cheers don. Follow up question. Just what is the thinking behind this end of season split? I've a">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">CelticGod</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 3:28 PM</p> <em>Glasgow/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>TheBigE - the theory of the split is that it gives everyone something to play for and produces fewer end of season meaningless games. As an example, all top 6 sides were playing for either the title or the UEFA cup spot until last weekend. Indeed, if one spot was not being ridiculously awarded to QOS (I will retract that if they do go on to win the cup) then even the final round of games at the top would be meaningful. Unfortunately with Gretna's plight then there was no real battle to avoid the drop this year.</p> <p>In theory it should mean that games like Wigan v Man U and Portsmouth v Fulham dont happen as both teams are playing for something. In practice it doesn't always work out that way. I like the split - this weeks games wouldn't be nearly so exciting if they were against Gretna and Falkirk.</p> <p> </p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107092, was written by CelticGod, at May 16, 2008 3:28 PM, and starts with TheBigE - the theory of the split is that it gives everyone something to play for and produces fewer">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">AbsoluteZer0</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 3:33 PM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>FerencPuskas "Having said this Bob Malcolm FTP won't be trying to hard this weekend to upset the orange, I mean, apple cart."</p> <p>Seeing as how Bob Malcolm is suspended for the game I don't think he would be expected to do too much. Thanks for the input though.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107112, was written by AbsoluteZer0, at May 16, 2008 3:33 PM, and starts with FerencPuskas "Having said this Bob Malcolm FTP won't be trying to hard this weekend to upset the ora">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">batz</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 3:47 PM</p> <em>Edinburgh/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>I see the MOPEs are out in full force today.</p> <p>Surprised to see no mention from our resident conspiracy theorists about self confessed celtc fan Mark McGhee's decision to rest his number 1 goalie, his best midfielder or his top scorer against ra hoops last weekend. </p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107154, was written by batz, at May 16, 2008 3:47 PM, and starts with I see the MOPEs are out in full force today. Surprised to see no mention from our resident conspira">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">vawn</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 3:51 PM</p> <em>Waldorf/usa</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>The SPL split also insures another Celtic/Rangers match, and the resulting money.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107162, was written by vawn, at May 16, 2008 3:51 PM, and starts with The SPL split also insures another Celtic/Rangers match, and the resulting money.">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">batz</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 3:53 PM</p> <em>Edinburgh/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Deleted by moderator</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107170, was written by batz, at May 16, 2008 3:53 PM, and starts with Deleted by moderator">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">scrap</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 3:55 PM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>I still think Rangers are favourites. Injuries and conservative tactics in Europe mean that they have plenty to choose from upfront, and there's other options throughout the squad. I don't think motivation will be a problem, either.</p> <p>Still, while the club/SFA/UEFA/Daily Record are all brushing it under the carpet, this season will for a long time be tainted by what happened on the streets of Manchester. </p> <p>Ironic, no, that before the game many people were talking about the beneficial effect Ranger's campaign might have on Scotland's coefficient relative to other European leagues, and now we are ruing the setback to the nation's reputation.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107181, was written by scrap, at May 16, 2008 3:55 PM, and starts with I still think Rangers are favourites. Injuries and conservative tactics in Europe mean that they hav">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">scrap</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 4:04 PM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Batz,</p> <p>Of course, it's fine to mock others, but you're awful quick to take offence yourself. Pot, kettle?</p> <p>www.welovefitba.blogspot.com</p> <p>[Edited by moderator]</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107195, was written by scrap, at May 16, 2008 4:04 PM, and starts with Batz, Of course, it's fine to mock others, but you're awful quick to take offence yourself. Pot, ke">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">bitwize</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 4:07 PM</p> <em>Aberdeen/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Theres an 'interesting' song sung by Dons fans about about the Rangers Aberdeen rivalry ; something about wandering aorund slums raking in buckets and finding dead rats a culinary treat. <br/> Having gone out in Glasgow on numerous occassions I have to say you're more likely to come across a half eaten brie and parma ham crepe or pannini these days, but there you go. Mind you Ive never met an Aberdonian whose expressed a sexual desire for sheep either. <br/> Cant we all drop e together and be friends!</p> <p> </p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107202, was written by bitwize, at May 16, 2008 4:07 PM, and starts with Theres an 'interesting' song sung by Dons fans about about the Rangers Aberdeen rivalry ; something ">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">CelticGod</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 4:08 PM</p> <em>Glasgow/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>scrap,</p> <p>I'd estimate that it puts back Scotland's reputation by about 30 years. Those in Scotland or who take a keen interest will know better, but the rest of the UK and Europe tar all Scottish fans with the same brush. Those who know better will know that only Rangers have that element to their fanbase.</p> <p>The sad passing of Tommy Burns has taken some of the heat out the situation as we all reciognise there's more important things in life than watching those hooligans we had to witness the other night. Can you imagine if that was english fans running riot through Glasgow or Edinburgh........</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107207, was written by CelticGod, at May 16, 2008 4:08 PM, and starts with scrap, I'd estimate that it puts back Scotland's reputation by about 30 years. Those in Scotland or">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">CiaranB</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 4:11 PM</p> <em>Dublin/irl</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>"Surprised to see no mention from our resident conspiracy theorists about self confessed celtc fan Mark McGhee's decision to rest his number 1 goalie, his best midfielder or his top scorer against ra hoops last weekend. "</p> <p>Batz,</p> <p>This has already been dealt with above - when said players did play a few weeks back, they took a 4-1 hiding from the Hoops. If anything, Motherwell's performance in last week's was a big improvement. I didn't think Celtic deserved the win but sometimes that's what dogged determination gets you. There's no way you can tell me Motherwell were worse last week than they were a few weeks back with their "number 1 goalie, best midfielder and top scorer".</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107217, was written by CiaranB, at May 16, 2008 4:11 PM, and starts with "Surprised to see no mention from our resident conspiracy theorists about self confessed celtc fan M">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">DanDee</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 4:20 PM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>bitwize,</p> <p>You can't have been to many Dons games if you've never met an Aberdonian that expressed a sexual preference for sheep!</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107235, was written by DanDee, at May 16, 2008 4:20 PM, and starts with bitwize, You can't have been to many Dons games if you've never met an Aberdonian that expressed a ">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">GraemeAFC</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 4:39 PM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>A a Dons fans it would be enjoyable to halt rangers title dreams at Pittodrie.<br/> only for a few minutes though, because then the realisation that by the same act, we have given the title to Celtic.</p> <p>damned if we do, damned if we don't!</p> <p>Seriously though, I reckon Rangers will win against us. Calderwood has let Aluko & Walker return to their clubs from loan spells which weakens us and we're far too lightweight in midfield to cope with Rangers at the moment.</p> <p>I also however, think our result will mean very little, because I think Dundee Utd will take something off Celtic. playing another old firm side after last weeks injustice, I reckon Levein will have his team riled up for their last game.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107285, was written by GraemeAFC, at May 16, 2008 4:39 PM, and starts with A a Dons fans it would be enjoyable to halt rangers title dreams at Pittodrie. only for a few minute">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">batz</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 4:49 PM</p> <em>Edinburgh/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Ciaran - cheers for that - I didn't see the post - and it was just a bit of a wind-up on my part ;-)</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107307, was written by batz, at May 16, 2008 4:49 PM, and starts with Ciaran - cheers for that - I didn't see the post - and it was just a bit of a wind-up on my part ;-)">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">batz</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 4:53 PM</p> <em>Edinburgh/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Scrap - if you think 'mocking others' and hurling sectarian insults are the same thing then then more fool you. </p> <p>If you'd like to point out where I've ever used a sectarian inlult on this board then I'll gladly apologise - in the meantime perhaps you will stop making ridiclous comparisons. Thanks. </p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107320, was written by batz, at May 16, 2008 4:53 PM, and starts with Scrap - if you think 'mocking others' and hurling sectarian insults are the same thing then then mor">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">scrap</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 5:12 PM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Batz,</p> <p>Just because you don't like a nickname, doesn't make it sectarian.</p> <p>I know that Nil by Mouth have condemned the word hun as such a term, but they have their own agenda (ie bringing the Rangers fans on board in trying to end sectarianism for good).</p> <p>It's an odd one, though... suggesting that a large group of Rangers fans in some way resembles a marauding pack of barbarians, bringing destruction and carnage wherever they go - oh, wait a minute.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107359, was written by scrap, at May 16, 2008 5:12 PM, and starts with Batz, Just because you don't like a nickname, doesn't make it sectarian. I know that Nil by Mouth ">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">realdelia</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 5:49 PM</p> <em>Leicester/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Key men for Rangers are John Underhill, Craig Thomson and Kenny Clark. The next few days will show whether this season's Rangers' "pool of talent" is big enough to deal with the absence of matchwinner McCurry. </p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107436, was written by realdelia, at May 16, 2008 5:49 PM, and starts with Key men for Rangers are John Underhill, Craig Thomson and Kenny Clark. The next few days will show w">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">ScottishWildcat</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 5:56 PM</p> <em>Hull/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>"Those who know better will know that only Rangers have that element to their fanbase."</p> <p>Ah, right. So a Motherwell fan in a wheelchair wasn't attacked by Celtic fans when Scott McDonald deprived them of the league title in 2005. And I wasn't hit by a brick from a Celtic fan after the 1991 Scottish Cup semi final.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107445, was written by ScottishWildcat, at May 16, 2008 5:56 PM, and starts with "Those who know better will know that only Rangers have that element to their fanbase." Ah, right. ">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">batz</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 6:54 PM</p> <em></em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Scrap. </p> <p>You of course will know better than anti-sectarian charity nil by mouth - of course they are wrong to say that 'Hun' is a sectarian insult and you are right to defend the use of the term.</p> <p>Like the original poster, you would seek to occupy the moral high ground but there simply isn't room for you and all that hypocrisy. </p> <p> </p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107500, was written by batz, at May 16, 2008 6:54 PM, and starts with Scrap. You of course will know better than anti-sectarian charity nil by mouth - of course they a">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">batz</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 7:01 PM</p> <em></em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>CeltcGod</p> <p>"Those who know better will know that only Rangers have that element to their fanbase."</p> <p>An incredible statement. I can just imagine you masturbating as the news of the trouble broke.</p> <p><br/> For the record, the scum Rangers fans who caused trouble should be prosecuted to the maximum. But to say that other clubs are unaffecteed by a moronic minority and that this is peculiar to Rangers only reveals your one-eyed view.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? 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A">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">batz</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 7:10 PM</p> <em></em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Realdelia</p> <p>After an offside goal against Rangers, a wrongly disallowed goal for Aberdeen and a winning goal from a corner that wasn't all going Celtc's way these last few weeks, one might have thought that you guys might have got off your SFA/CIA/MI5/illuminati anti-Celtc conspiracy trip, but it seems not.</p> <p>Nobody, but nobody, does victim complex quite like you guys.<br/> </p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107509, was written by batz, at May 16, 2008 7:10 PM, and starts with Realdelia After an offside goal against Rangers, a wrongly disallowed goal for Aberdeen and a winni">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">chairsmissing</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 7:35 PM</p> <em>Edinburgh/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>The split is not intended to add excitement to the end of the season (although I think it does do that), it's for reducing the number of games played in a 12 team division. </p> <p>The old Premier Division and later the SPL had 10 teams when they were set up (which is a 36 game season). However many clubs feel 10 teams is too few, it makes it too hard for them to gain a foothold before being relegated. They have therefore voted several times to have a 12 team top division, which meant 44 game seasons. The top clubs resent this, so last time the debate took place a compromise was found, which was that we would have 12 teams but split the table to reduce the number of games to 38.</p> <p>The alternatives to the split are; <br/> 1) go back to 10 teams, which does not have enough support<br/> 2) play 33 games in a 12 team league, which is unpopular because it would mean teams playing each other an odd number of times (the split is not ideal in this respect either)<br/> or<br/> 3) play each other twice in a 16 or 18 team league. This is unpopular because it would mean fewer games against top teams for everyone, which means low crowds and reduced competitiveness.</p> <p>So, for all the people who moan about the split, the question is 'what would you do?', bearing in mind that, unlike pub table pontificators, SPL legislators have to build a consensus that pleases as many people as possible. </p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? 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For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107525, was written by chairsmissing, at May 16, 2008 7:35 PM, and starts with The split is not intended to add excitement to the end of the season (although I think it does do th">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">Repeat3</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 7:49 PM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>I agree with FerencPuskas and fellow realists - aside from those occasions when plucky little Celtic and their 60,000 fans have seen their stylish flowing football win out despite oppression from allcomers, all past previous Scottish titles have been signed off to Ibrox before a ball is kicked in anger.</p> <p>And just in case Motherwell don't fulfill their role in the conspiracy by getting a totally unlikely and ridiculous draw or better tomorrow, there is the fall-back of a last day at Aberdeen, with the usual shooty-in training game for Rangers. </p> <p>If only Calderwood was as honest and professional as McGhee.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107543, was written by Repeat3, at May 16, 2008 7:49 PM, and starts with I agree with FerencPuskas and fellow realists - aside from those occasions when plucky little Celtic">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">terrrifictony</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 8:14 PM</p> <em>Toronto/can</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Repeat#</p> <p>I refer you to the last day of the 85/86 season. St Mirren- with one of the best defensive records in the league that season; a team that beat a good Dundee Utd the week before - capitulating against Celtic to lose 5-0. Celtic take league on GD. St Mirren players seen celebrating Celtic's title victory after the game.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107569, was written by terrrifictony, at May 16, 2008 8:14 PM, and starts with Repeat# I refer you to the last day of the 85/86 season. St Mirren- with one of the best defensive ">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">Repeat3</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 8:36 PM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>terrrifictony -- I'd have to say to you that Scottish teams being hammered by either of the Old Firm is not that rare an occurrence over the years. As for St.Mirren players celebrating on the pitch in 86 - I'd need to see that to believe that it's more than an apocryphal story. I'd suggest that Hearts players freezing in Dundee was the more important factor that day, one without the need for a convenient conspiracy as explanation.</p> <p>The peculiarity of two big teams in a small country results in supporters playing for, or managing their opposition. That some seek to invent agendas to mitigate the failings of their team says more about themselves.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107583, was written by Repeat3, at May 16, 2008 8:36 PM, and starts with terrrifictony -- I'd have to say to you that Scottish teams being hammered by either of the Old Firm">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">chairsmissing</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 9:12 PM</p> <em>Edinburgh/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Terrifictony; I've never heard about St Mirren players celebrating at the end of that game, and I was at school at the time with dozens of absolutely gutted hearts fans; I remember the following Monday very clearly. </p> <p>I agree that an SPL sans the Old Firm would be the best thing; if Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs were fighting out a title race there would be several 20 000 crowds, possible more if stadiums were big enough (if anyone doubts this then look at the number of 20000 crowds there were for Aberdeen games in the 80s against Dundee Utd and Hearts). Falkirk and Kilmarnock showed in 1997 that you can get a 50000 cup final crowd without even needing a team from a city playing. But you would need to have teams playing each other 4 times a season to generate enough money.</p> <p>Since the Old Firm are not going anywhere fast, I don't think a 16 team league would work as a replacement to the current set up. Not only would every team have fewer home games, the average attendance for those games would necessarily be lower for every team in the league, since you spend a proportionally higher amount of the season playing against smaller clubs. No one is going to vote for that. </p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107609, was written by chairsmissing, at May 16, 2008 9:12 PM, and starts with Terrifictony; I've never heard about St Mirren players celebrating at the end of that game, and I wa">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">Repeat3</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 9:22 PM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Chairsmissing -- I agree with you about the attractions of a 16 team league, and the obstacles to it. Despite the imperfections of the split, do you think the league could be manipulated in a similar way to allow for the extra games?</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107615, was written by Repeat3, at May 16, 2008 9:22 PM, and starts with Chairsmissing -- I agree with you about the attractions of a 16 team league, and the obstacles to it">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">chairsmissing</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 9:49 PM</p> <em>Edinburgh/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Repeat3; do you mean how a 16 team league could be made more profitable? I think this might have been the reasoning behind the setting up of the league cup in the 40s. After the war there was a 16 team top division with 30 games; at the same time they started the league cup with all the teams split into groups of 4 for the 1st round. This meant a guaranteed extra 3 home games; I wonder if this was a response to having so few league games?</p> <p>I think this would be interesting now, but I can't see it happening. Personally I enjoy the games after the split, though I can see that the bottom half has not been very inspiring for the teams in it this season.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107636, was written by chairsmissing, at May 16, 2008 9:49 PM, and starts with Repeat3; do you mean how a 16 team league could be made more profitable? I think this might have bee">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">Repeat3</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 10:18 PM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Chairsmissing -- exactly. Perhaps some kind of split, or weighted financial incentives, that would make it more profitable and encourage the clubs to vote for it. Most teams would surely start the season with some kind of optimism that they could finish in a top eight, ten, etc.</p> <p>The lower division play-offs could also be extended to the SPL, possibly with a financial reward for winning a play-off league.</p> <p>I'd even go for the past league cup setup you outlined. Despite the over-complication of a simple game, I do think it would be an acceptable compromise for the benefits an expanded league would bring.</p> <p>Unfortunately I share your doubts about it happening though.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107668, was written by Repeat3, at May 16, 2008 10:18 PM, and starts with Chairsmissing -- exactly. Perhaps some kind of split, or weighted financial incentives, that would m">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">terrrifictony</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 10:40 PM</p> <em>Vancouver/can</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>I can't believe anyone can defend the top 6 split. It's clearly nonsense as it means that out of two clubs going for Europe, for example, eg Hibs and Aberdeen, one could have played a tricky away fixture like Hearts away twice while one played them away only once. With no more games against Hearts after the split, that is clearly unfair.</p> <p>Also, it renders almost every game below the top 6 meaningless, ie decreases crowds and denies the teams that need money from fixtures against larger clubs the most - the poorer teams - income.</p> <p>Plus, we had a situation this year where from 3 to 8 was very close up until the split. This year, Hearts or Falkirk could easily have gone on a run and got into Europe, or at least had a chance of doing that. So we could have had five teams going for Europe instead of 3 which would have been much more exciting and would have put more pressure on the OF.</p> <p>Whatever way you look at it, the split benefits no-one but the OF, if anyone.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107679, was written by terrrifictony, at May 16, 2008 10:40 PM, and starts with I can't believe anyone can defend the top 6 split. It's clearly nonsense as it means that out of two">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">terrrifictony</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 10:46 PM</p> <em>Vancouver/can</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Repeat 3 - "As for St.Mirren players celebrating on the pitch in 86 - I'd need to see that to believe that it's more than an apocryphal story"</p> <p>Hearts going down with flu did contribute. But it's as much an apocryphal story as the OF "tapping up" players through various ingenious ways (Scotland get-togethers, the press...), referees feeling pressured into siding with the OF when they play "lesser" teams, the SFA being more lenient on OF players when it comes to needing to make an example of someone, the media feeling the need to always "balance" their reporting of the OF, etc... i.e., it's widely accepted as true.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107682, was written by terrrifictony, at May 16, 2008 10:46 PM, and starts with Repeat 3 - "As for St.Mirren players celebrating on the pitch in 86 - I'd need to see that to believ">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">Repeat3</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 11:03 PM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>terrrifictony -- I agree with you, but it's the clubs themselves that will defend it. I don't think it really affects the OF much at all, but clubs like Hearts, Hibs and Aberdeen, all aiming to finish in the top six, will surely support it.</p> <p>It is an awkward setup, most obviously highlighted by the fixture anomaly that you gave. I always struggle with the English play offs too, more so when considering past seasons. It seems too unfair that a team finishing sixth, twenty points behind the third placed team, can be promoted.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107698, was written by Repeat3, at May 16, 2008 11:03 PM, and starts with terrrifictony -- I agree with you, but it's the clubs themselves that will defend it. I don't think ">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">Route1Football</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 11:12 PM</p> <em>Renfrew/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>I thought the whole purpose of the split was so that Rangers had to go to Aberdeen 3 times a season?</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107702, was written by Route1Football, at May 16, 2008 11:12 PM, and starts with I thought the whole purpose of the split was so that Rangers had to go to Aberdeen 3 times a season?">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">terrrifictony</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 11:14 PM</p> <em>Vancouver/can</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>I agree about playoffs, although they seem to be enjoyed by everyone expect the losing teams. But they take place outside the regular season, therefore don't affect anyone else - a team can still make the play-offs right up until the end of the season. In Scotland, a team finishing behind the 6th place team on goal difference at the split effectively has its season ended there and then while other teams are still playing, even though they could conceivable catch the teams above them. </p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107704, was written by terrrifictony, at May 16, 2008 11:14 PM, and starts with I agree about playoffs, although they seem to be enjoyed by everyone expect the losing teams. But th">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">Route1Football</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 11:16 PM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>horserider - I was at the United game and I never heard that song being sung? </p> <p>terrifictony - you're the first person on here to acknowledge the unshakeable English thug following that Rangers so sadly attracts. Aside from that, do you not think in time, minus the OF, the SPL would 'grow' replacements in terms of domination - as can be proven by almost every top flight league around Europe?</p> <p>RealDelia - Re;refs - if you watched the Gers v Utd game you would have seen just how shockingly badly the game was handled (and I'm very much including the linesmen/assistant refs) Just as Utd fans would have been dismayed at the Pen not given (The deflected goal I can honestly understand why he flagged) I was aghast at the challenges from Utd players that went unpunished - Hunt particularly - and on 1 occasion in a meaningful Utd attack the ball left the park twice! And yet went unnoticed.. I can't help feeling all the moaning wouldn't have come about had Utd not missed 2 absolute sitters.</p> <p>Batz - good to see you back!</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107707, was written by Route1Football, at May 16, 2008 11:16 PM, and starts with horserider - I was at the United game and I never heard that song being sung? terrifictony - you'r">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">ivangolacsmagic</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 11:18 PM</p> <em>Aberdeen/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>As an arab i hate this time of year , all the weegie conspirists checking every players background and reasons for being motivated /not motivated. at ibrox last week all the media talk was of what this means to celtic chances. (on the subject of last week , did anyone here terry, dial a cliche butcher, say on the subject of forgien refs that,"they would'nt be strong enough ,")i hope they both lose every game.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107708, was written by ivangolacsmagic, at May 16, 2008 11:18 PM, and starts with As an arab i hate this time of year , all the weegie conspirists checking every players background a">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">chairsmissing</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 11:22 PM</p> <em>Edinburgh/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Terrifictony: Although I've said it's exciting I'm not actually defending the split. What I'm saying is that if you're advocating any one of the alternatives you need to come up with responses to the many arguments that will be made against it. Or in short, it's easy to sound wise when you don't have to take any responsibility for your pronouncements. </p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107710, was written by chairsmissing, at May 16, 2008 11:22 PM, and starts with Terrifictony: Although I've said it's exciting I'm not actually defending the split. What I'm saying">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">terrrifictony</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 11:29 PM</p> <em>Vancouver/can</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Routeone</p> <p>Yes, but every team would have a chance of being the replacements and the gap could never be as big as few other teams have the "fan"base of the OF - even in England and Europe. Also, investors who might otherwise be leery of investing in a Scottish club, because of the cash needed to get anywhere near the OF, might take an interest with a more competitive league.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107715, was written by terrrifictony, at May 16, 2008 11:29 PM, and starts with Routeone Yes, but every team would have a chance of being the replacements and the gap could never ">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">terrrifictony</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 11:42 PM</p> <em>Vancouver/can</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>chairmissing</p> <p>I'm not an administrator - that's their job. A 16-team league just provides the right number of games. Yes, teams outwith the OF lose two full houses (against each of the OF) - three in Hearts and Hibs cases, but they can always arrange a couple of East of Scotland Shields matches. So that's several hundred thousand quid.</p> <p>But you have to balance that against a potentially more competitive league, no split, and less familiarity breeds contempt of playing the same teams three or four times.</p> <p>Something has to be done, otherwise fans in Scotland will grow up knowing nothing but an OF team winning, or even challenging for, the league. At least I remember Aberdeen and D Utd doing it and Hearts nearly doing it.</p> <p>Another option is a salary cap in Scotland - also sensible. And a draft system so the young talent gets spread around.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107721, was written by terrrifictony, at May 16, 2008 11:42 PM, and starts with chairmissing I'm not an administrator - that's their job. A 16-team league just provides the right ">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">Repeat3</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 11:43 PM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>terrrifictony -- I only question the St. Mirren story because I was too young to take much notice at the time, and I haven't heard it said before.</p> <p>Tapping up players -- I suspect it's done with even less ingenuity than you state, tt. Friends of agents of players, etc., and it's not a one-way conversation either. Nor limited to the OF - I'm sure I remember Hearts "expressing interest" in Naismith before he joined Rangers.</p> <p>Referees/"lesser" teams -- I agree. But that's a psychological thing, or plain incompetence.</p> <p>SFA leniency -- you'll need to jog my memory on this count, tt.</p> <p>OF reporting balance -- yep, guilty as charged. The media speak to a certain section of OF support, some of them on this page, who relish any opportunity to feel indignant or persecuted. Probably driven by commercial interests.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107722, was written by Repeat3, at May 16, 2008 11:43 PM, and starts with terrrifictony -- I only question the St. Mirren story because I was too young to take much notice at">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">Route1Football</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 11:47 PM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>terrifictony</p> <p>I admire your optimism - especially regarding sponsorship - and your reasonably well considered proposal. I also think the standard of the SPL has risen quite significantly over the last 5 years (improvement in home grown talent through low TV money) making me hopeful of a genuinely more competitive league in years to come - but then we're back where we started, the OF cherry picking the talent. But if it wasn't them it be someone else...</p> <p>Not that many people will care but David Murray proposed a very 'blue sky' (pardon the pun) set up where relegation and promotion were frozen for a fixed period, say 3 years, to give clubs the security of not going out of business while concentrating on developing their training facilities and more importantly, youth academies.</p> <p>Optimistic in the extreme and easy to pick holes in.. but an interesting thought all the same.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107726, was written by Route1Football, at May 16, 2008 11:47 PM, and starts with terrifictony I admire your optimism - especially regarding sponsorship - and your reasonably well c">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">ivangolacsmagic</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 11:56 PM</p> <em>Aberdeen/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>route one football, just when i thought wednesday had restored some of my karma you go and post that pile of horseshit. now im seething but here goes, in order.<br/> 1 first goal. novo grabs kerr, kerr grabs novo , novo falls over free kick to rangers.wrong<br/> 2.novo scores second goal ,mcurry comments ," nice goal nacho ," not the refs duty to pass opinion . wrong, with sick bag attachment.<br/> 3. noel hunt clean through and ready to put the hun to the sword again, when old man wier throws his whitering bones into the back of the brave irishman.penalty!red card!well no actually , this is castle greyskull and the teddy bears need the points.wrong x2.<br/> 4.future scotland internationist and soon to be juventus target ,danny swanaldhinio swanson , lets rip a 35 yard screamer which hits one time scotland ship jumper , david weir and ends up in the net . his reaction is to throw his hands in his head . but wait whats this.?offside.wrong with a flag.<br/> 5. mark de vries towers over scotlands player of the year and powers his header into the net.by refusing to celebrate he gets booked.wrong ,and bizarre.<br/> 6. serial head butter and one time want away buffoun daniel cousin attemp[ts to stick the heid on united captain lee wilkie,but as lee is a good three feet taller than the sponge for a brain frenchman , he connects only in the chest.despite this shortfall it is still violent conduct and early bath awaits the batty bretton.non?yellowcard .wrong beyond farce.<br/> as the great man said just blow the whistle and we can all go home.<br/> i also feel sorry for that police dog in manchester , i hope its had its jabs.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107735, was written by ivangolacsmagic, at May 16, 2008 11:56 PM, and starts with route one football, just when i thought wednesday had restored some of my karma you go and post that">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">Repeat3</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 16, 2008 11:58 PM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>terrrifictony -- The salary cap is similar to something that was, and might still be in place in France - but neither will happen here.</p> <p>The failure of the French national team in the early nineties was treated as the most important issue to be tackled, over and above club interests. From what I recall, each club was limited to a prescribed number of professional players. This was dependent on the quality of a club's youth setup, where a higher rating allowed for more senior players.</p> <p>If an injury crisis hit at any time during the season, clubs were forced to field younger players (this was before transfer windows) and therefore had to make sure that their youth academies were improved.</p> <p>Like I said, it won't happen here, and I'm doubtful it would change of OF dominance in the long run. But it might just bring a few seasons of flux, and a better national team too.</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107737, was written by Repeat3, at May 16, 2008 11:58 PM, and starts with terrrifictony -- The salary cap is similar to something that was, and might still be in place in Fra">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">Fidel260759</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 17, 2008 12:14 AM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Ivangolacsmagic,</p> <p>Nice comment on the police dog. </p> <p>1. I think this is the kind of foul that can go either way when two players are jostling for a ball. Some you will win and some you will lose.</p> <p>2. The comment is clearly not sinister. You could argue it is the sort of comment which goes on during a game and assists man management by the Referee e.g. good save, good tackle etc I am quite sure similar comments will have been made to Utd players previously and will continue to do so. Referees get criticsed for not spekaing to players and here McCurry gets it for speaking to a player. Bit disappointed with Levein's reaction over this one.</p> <p>3. Stonewall penalty not given due to McCurry's blcoked view from poor position. Not a red card as Hunt is moving away from goal and it is not an obvious goalscoring opportunity.</p> <p>4. The offside is clearly wrong. You might not accept it the explanation but at least it was given.</p> <p>5. De Vries was cautioned for dissent by gesturing towards the Assistant referee about his goal clearly implying is it okay to celebrate etc i.e. dissent by word or action.</p> <p>6. Serial headbutter - again nice comment.</p> <p>Repeat 3,</p> <p>I think that each club in France was limited to about 19 senior professionals but an unlmited number of youth players. This coincided with the mass exodus of French players around Europe in the early 1990's onwards e.g. Dindeluex and Cocard at Killie amongst others</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107751, was written by Fidel260759, at May 17, 2008 12:14 AM, and starts with Ivangolacsmagic, Nice comment on the police dog. 1. I think this is the kind of foul that can go ">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">Route1Football</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 17, 2008 12:41 AM</p> <em>London/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>Woah! Ivan - Seething indeed! </p> <p>1. Don't make excuses for your bad marking - mistakes like that are made in every game and you know it. <br/> 2. My lip reading is none too good, esp' from the club deck. It was a beauty though!<br/> 3. Pen yes. Red no. Hunt clearly went in to win the penalty and in doing so booted the ball into the crowd denying himself the opportunity of a goal scoring chance for which Weir would have been sent off for (Last man isn't a red.) But no penalty? Yip, shocking decision. Shocking.<br/> 4. When I said I understood the linesman flagging what I meant was Hunt was in an offside position and I very much doubt that the linesman could honestly tell which of 2 players the ball came off. And don't open the active, non-active, grey-area debate. He's by far the closest player to the keeper and therefore interfering with play.<br/> 5. I did think that was a strange celebration.<br/> 6. Don't get me started on Lee 'Stretch Armstrong' Wilkie. He was almost inside Cousin's shorts. His grappling and pulling and general clumsiness leaves me baffled as to why anyone would sign him. The guy is a semi pro wrestler and literally pulled Cousin all over the park. He is second only to Steven Presley in terms of his hands on tactics.</p> <p>Again, United went unpunished for a series of ugly challenges (as early as the 1st min) and aggressive play and yip, you guessed it, you boys missed 2 seriously good chances in the 1st half. Which if taken, we wouldn't be having this friendly chat.</p> <p>Fair point about the dog though. And what sickening scenes those must have been.<br/> </p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107765, was written by Route1Football, at May 17, 2008 12:41 AM, and starts with Woah! Ivan - Seething indeed! 1. Don't make excuses for your bad marking - mistakes like that are ">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">chairsmissing</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 17, 2008 9:18 AM</p> <em>Edinburgh/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>terrrifictony - I agree that it could make it more interesting to have teams play each other only twice, but I think you underestimate how much gate money would be lost. The idea of replacing it with a few glorified friendlies is not going to work. </p> <p>How is a 16 team league going to be more competitive? You just end up with a string of the smaller clubs visiting Glasgow for 7 and 8 goal humpings, and a higher proportion of meaningless mid table games; remember, it's been tried before in Scotland and rejected. The problem in this country is that the size of club following tails off much more quickly as you go down the league than it does in larger countries. That's why we need a small top division, to reduce the number of guaranteed victories for the top teams. </p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1107891, was written by chairsmissing, at May 17, 2008 9:18 AM, and starts with terrrifictony - I agree that it could make it more interesting to have teams play each other only tw">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">3rduncle</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 17, 2008 2:50 PM</p> <em>Edinburgh/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>This season I think the split has actually worked. Almost all the games played had some meaning. Still, it's clumsy and unnatural. Football fans don't like change and we'd really see that if video was brought in to help refs. Seriously.</p> <p>This blog will descend into embarassing tit for tat at any second but if you can't beat 'em...</p> <p>If I hear one more person mention (FIFA & UEFA award-winning)Celtic fans in regards to the shameful scenes in Manchester I'll...oops.</p> <p><br/> </p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1108089, was written by 3rduncle, at May 17, 2008 2:50 PM, and starts with This season I think the split has actually worked. Almost all the games played had some meaning. S">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="individualcomment"> <div class="commentsleft"> <span class="byline">Arref</span><br/> <p class="dateline">May 18, 2008 6:24 PM</p> <em>Lincoln/gbr</em> </div> <div class="commentsright"> <p>...run through a list of bad behaviour by Celtic fans? ;0)</p> <span class="reportthiscomment">[Offensive? Unsuitable? <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/mailto:sport.blog.help@guardian.co.uk?subject=A problem with http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/16/rangers_treble_triumph_in_the.html&body=Please tell us the problem. For our reference, internally this comment is known as Number 1108679, was written by Arref, at May 18, 2008 6:24 PM, and starts with ...run through a list of bad behaviour by Celtic fans? ;0)">Report this comment.</a>]</span> </div> </div> <div class="commentheader2"> <form id="postacomment2" name="postacomment2" method="post" action="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/http://users.guardian.co.uk/readercomments/getticket"> <input type="hidden" name="useraction" value="postcomment"/> <input type="hidden" name="url" value="https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.guardian.co.uk%2Fnewmt%2Fcomment_handler.cgi%3Fentry_id=050611"/> <input type="submit" value="Post your comment"/> </form> <p class="note">Please note: In order to post a comment you need to be registered and signed in for guardian.co.uk blogs.<br/><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/http://users.guardian.co.uk/register/1,12904,-1,00.html" target="_WINDOW">You can register here.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div id="twocolumnrightcolumn"> <div id="mpu"> <div id="mpuwrapper">  <iframe title="Advertisement" width="300" height="250" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537if_/http://ads.guardian.co.uk/html.ng/Params.richmedia=yes&spacedesc=mpu&site=Sport&section=blogsport&country=usa&rand=3525140&system=blog"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/http://ads.guardian.co.uk/html.ng/Params.richmedia=yes&spacedesc=mpu&site=Sport&section=blogsport&country=usa&rand=3525140&system=blog"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537im_/http://ads.guardian.co.uk/html.ng/Params.richmedia=yes&spacedesc=mpu&site=Sport&section=blogsport&country=usa&rand=3525140&system=blog" width="300" height="250" border="0" alt="Advertisement"/></a> </iframe>  </div> </div>  <div id="overturetextadswrapper" class="blogs-textads-right"> <h2>Advertiser links</h2> <div id="overturetextads" class="blogs-textads-right-body"> <script language="JavaScript" charset="iso-8859-1"> document.write( "<scr" + "ipt src='https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/http://cm.eu.guardian.overture.com/js_flat_1_0/?config=8040846727&maxCount=3&keywordCharEnc=utf8&outputCharEnc=utf8&mkt=uk&source=guardian_js_uk_ctxt_blogs&type=cif&ctxtId=guardian_uk_cif&ctxtUrl="+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+"&cb="+ (new Date()).getTime() + "'></SCR" + "IPT>" ); </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537js_/http://cmhtml.uk.overture.com/d/search/p/standard/eu/js/flat/ctxt/ls/?ctxtId=guardian_uk_cif&Partner=guardian_js_uk_linkspot_implem&NGrp=1&NKw=5&Pg=1&cb=3525140"></script> <script type="text/javascript">  </script> </div> </div>   <script type="text/javascript" language="JavaScript">  </script>  <div class="yellowcolumnwidget"> <h2>Editors' picks</h2> <div class="yellowcolumnwidgettwocolumnlistingleft"> <img alt="scoreboard.jpg" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537im_/http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/scoreboard.jpg" width="128" height="64"/> <p></p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/http://guardian.pickthescore.co.uk/"><b>Pick the score</b></a><br>Play our brilliant Premier League score predictions game to win great prizes</p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/http://guardian.sportinglife.com/GU_Meetings"><b>Racing - live!</b></a><br>We've cards, betting, form and stats for all of today's action</p> </div> <div class="yellowcolumnwidgettwocolumnlistingright"> <img alt="cricket.jpg" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537im_/http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/cricket.jpg" width="128" height="64"/> <p></p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/http://sport.guardian.co.uk/thespin/"><b>The Spin</b></a><br>Sign up now to guardian.co.uk's weekly glance at the world of cricket</p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/http://football.guardian.co.uk/fiver/"><b>The Fiver</b></a><br>Sign up now to our teatimely humorous football email</p> </div> <div class="yellowcolumnwidgetfooterlink"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537/http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/index.xml" title="RSS Feed"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20080519122537im_/http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/site_imagery/webfeed.gif" width="57" height="15" alt="webfeed" class="webfeedimg"/></a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="copyrightsub"> guardian.co.uk © Guardian News and Media Limited 2007. <br/> Registered in England and Wales. 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