Forgotten who remarked that the current stand off between both Chairmen resembled a game of Poker - but that's how it looks. John Williams obviously holding the better hand yet wondering if David Murray will eventually call his bluff. Who will fold first, that's the question.

Not sure about Dado, but I wonder who needs Ferguson most - us or Blackburn. It would be great to see Barry return to Ibrox, but if the move doesn't materialise can we still challenge Celtic this season ? I believe we can.

What of Rovers though ? No one can blame the club for demanding a decent return on their investment, but if Rovers stand their ground, is it worthwhile in the long run if you have an unhappy player on your books ? Would it effect moral if he was chosen at the expense of other players who have commited themselves to Blackburn ?

I think it's a difficult decision for John Williams and I wouldn't like to be in his shoes.

Bottom line mate, do you think we'll see him back in a Rangers jersey for the game on Saturday? Honestly?

thing is prso

It is well documented that Rangers cannot AFFORD Barry Ferguson at the going rate. Murray for all hismoney is NOT willing to put up or shut up, he just expects that a previous relationship with BRFC is just the same as when Souness was in charge.

The story has changed. John Williams will stick to his guns although I do expect fergie to return home to Glasgow.

I Rangers truly wanted him then they would pay the going/asking rate. Rovers have further made it clear that the final payment is not an issue in these dealings. Rovers will have already budgeted for the August payment due to Rangers and on that basis we will want the fee to be as near as dammit to our valuation of the player.

Its simple really. You dont pay you dont get.

ps

by the way can we not give you Amoruso as a lightweight in the transfer, I mean you pay us 5 million and we give you him for free

You might not believe this, but most Rangers supporters including myself, would have Amoruso back in a flash mate.

He's known for making the odd costly error, he in effect put us out the Champions League when we only had twelve minutes to see out to go through to the next Group Stage!

The thing is though, he a dominant figure in defence, can play the ball on the deck, and is a threat at set-pieces. I think the Rovers fans have seen nothing like the best of him thanks to injury and the fact part of him is still at Ibrox.

His tears at the end of the Scottish FA Cup Final in 2003, when he knew Rangers wouldn't be extending his contract ... the guy was devastated. He offered a massive wage cut, and the club still didn't take him up on his offer. But again, this was more than likely due to the Banks putting pressure on us.

One thing to realise though bud, Rangers CAN afford the going rate for Ferguson. The only problem is that Blackburn's version of the "going rate" varies to Rangers version. It's that which is the problem. And finally, don't think for one second that Murray means what he says with regards to the £3 million bid.

He's a highly successful, rich, businessman ... he knows how to play the game. At the beginning on this saga, Rovers were not even willing sellers. Through Murray's talk and Ferguson's own request, they have become willing sellers. You may remember, he threatened that if Rovers didn't reply by January 21st, we'd look elsewhere ... it's now January 25th, and here we are. A bluff by Murray, just like the rest of his "threats".

This is very much a game of Poker ... but one I feel with no positive outcome for either Rangers or Ferguson.

Cheers.

Who knows what's going on.

As I said, I'm 80% certain Ferguson won't play for us on Saturday ... the other 20% lives in the hope that my club can take the proverbial finger out it's deal".

Worry ye not.

Ferguson will sign for you on Friday.

You seen extremely confident.

I'm not doubting you mate, people have told me about your track record with transfer news, etc.

Could you possibly give me any more information on what you've heard, without naming names, obviously. If not, then I'll reserve judgement till Friday!

I doubt it , Dad . Fergy's doing no good to anyone staying at Ewood now . I predicted about 20 pages ago (or was it 20 days ago ) that a 4mill sum would secure his "services" by FeB . I stand by that.

Funny you should mention the "20 days" thing, cause as you probably know, it's been 20 days that this whole "saga" has rumbled on for.

It's gone beyond a joke now. The Rangers fans are sick of it, the Blackburn fans are sick of it, and quite frankly we just want to get on with enjoying our football eh?

The only bonus of all this is that I've found a cracking forum with some "rival" fans, with some brilliant folk and decent conversation.

Even when this whole thing ends, I may well stick around this forum, unless anyone truely objects.

Cheers.

I doubt any move will take place this month due to Ferguson's injury. He has a history of groin problems and had a major op a few months before joining Rovers. One of the newspapers last week referred to him as having a "fragile chassis". The fact he's had nearly 3 weeks out and has been sent for a scan suggests this is not a minor problem.

The injury he had before signing for Rovers was a nasty hip injury mate. It was a hip operation he had made his comeback from before signing for yourselves.

He took painkilling injections and some "space-age" painkillers to play every game over a three month period, and in turn led us to the title.

The painkillers lined his stomach will some nasty coating, which in turn made him sick after games, and then the drowsy after effects of the injections kicked in.

The guy played through the pain barrier for us, and yet our board can't seem to show some respect by bidding a decent price for him. Sure, this is like a game of Poker between both Clubs, but surely Rangers have to meet Rovers somewhere near the middle at least?

Who knows what's going on.

The problem I'm sure, is the timing of all this. I reckon most rovers fans would be prepared to see Ferguson leave Ewood in the summer - given of course that Rangers were prepared to offer a reasonable price.

Thing is mate, I cannot see why we cannot give a reasonable price now. Some of you may have a go at me for this, but those who like my posts will hear me out. I feel Rangers are right not to offer a deal worth £6.5 million for Ferguson. On the other hand however, the deal worth £3 million was the single most embarrassing act I've seen conducted by my club. Derisory does not do the £3 million bid justice. Pardon my language, but I prefer to call it a bad f**king joke.

I think a deal worth £4.5 or even £5 million is fair. The exact amount owed by Rovers is somewhere between £2.1 and £2.5 million ... this will be waived as you know, and Rangers should be decent enough to add at least £2 million cash to this.

I have heard quotes from people with "sources", and from people at the games who "have mates who know's someone who knows someone at Ibrox". All of them insist Ferguson will be a Rangers player again before the week is out, and will play for us this Saturday. Sorry, but I cannot see this happening!

Anyway, back to the "bid". Why can't we give a decent offer now? Even give £1.5 million now, and waive the £2.1/£2.5 million owed. Then, depending on appearances, which he would make, we pay a further £1.5 million?

I am only 25 years old, so my memories of Rangers during their heavily successful days are filled with nothing but big money signings and big names. This new era of penny pinching is a culture shock to even, I feel, the most ardent Rangers supporter.

As I said, I'm 80% certain Ferguson won't play for us on Saturday ... the other 20% lives in the hope that my club can take the proverbial finger out it's arse, and meet Rovers somewhere in the middle with this "deal".

Probable side this weekend:

1 - Klos

2 - Ricksen

4 - Buffel

5 - Andrews

8 - Rae

9 - Prso

10 - Novo

12 - Malcolm

21 - Ross

23 - Djordjic

24 - Vignal

See .... no Ferguson.

Another day comes to an end with no conclusion to the Barry Ferguson saga.

It seems pretty obvious to me that Rovers are merely holding Rangers at bay until the window closes and nothing further can be done. Whether this is wise is up for debate. Do Rovers and their fans really want an unhappy player being paid megabucks for not wanting to play for the club? I think Craig Bellamy could be a target for Sparky, and he does after all have an excellent relationship with him, as he does Robbie Savage. A total deal from Rangers worth £4.5/£5m would see Ferguson leave Ewood I think, although I still cannot see a bid worth £4.5/£5m forthcoming from the Ibrox hierarchy.

At the end of the day, John Williams did say that the coming and going of players rests ultimately with Mark Hughes. I think it's safe to say Hughes will be keeping a watchful eye on events at St James' Park, and could even tell John Williams to sell Ferguson for £4.5m in order to chase the signing of Bellamy.

However, with four days to go till the end of the window, and counting .... I think I'll have to stick with the new BUFFEL 4 home shirt I bought last week!

I feel that, unfortunately from a Rangers standpoint, Ferguson will still be a Rovers player come February 1st lads (and ladies).

Really unlucky tonight lads, cannot believe Diouf conned the ref into that penalty decision. Friedal was unlucky that the save came right back to Diouf, for a split second I thought justice had been done.

So, what you're saying is that I could go out tomorrow and buy a new Rangers home shirt, with Ferguson 6 on it, and I wouldn't be wasting my money on a shirt for no reason?

Is it me of does this Dado guy appear to a bit of a arrogant c o c k judging by his posts.

You obviously have seen this single post and decided to reply. Go back to page 38 and read my posts from that page onwards.

The post you've picked up on was a reply to one of the forum members who apparently works in the press, and who claims Ferguson will be at Ibrox come Friday. While I am still extremely sceptical of this, I was merely asking the question regarding a new Rangers shirt.

I think you should chill out a bit mate, take a step back, and stop reacting to posts which were a ) none of your business, and b ) not offensive or "cocky".

Cheers.

Right, Diouf to be sent off before half-time anyone?

Savage has started well.

So, what you're saying is that I could go out tomorrow and buy a new Rangers home shirt, with Ferguson 6 on it, and I wouldn't be wasting my money on a shirt for no reason?

Sky Sports 1 have just read out the teams.

Barry Ferguson does not play, and is not even on the bench.

....because he has played his last game for the club.

He will be back at Ibrox by Friday, if not before.

There's more chance of Hell freezing over.

And this is coming from a Rangers season ticket holder! Murray will not up his bid and sell us short on this one. There's going to be some very unhappy Gers fans this weekend.

Sky Sports 1 have just read out the teams.

Barry Ferguson does not play, and is not even on the bench.

If he plays, Barry has got to produce as big a performance as he has ever done for Rovers- then he'll be fine with the fans.

After all, with Savage making his debut and the w**** Wanderers on the Park, its hardly as though the crowd are going to have nothing to think about except boo Barry.

If we are at the point of awarding medals:

Heroes

John Williams got the timing right, brought the issue into the open in the first place, some wonderful calm professional statements using just the right language.

Mark Hughes took up the public relations phase since Friday- handled it perfectly. Now has to smooth Barry's way back into the Rovers' squad and the acceptance of the fans.

Big Villains

John Viola- middle man wind up merchant. Selling hot air rather than a business deal. Should stick to buying plots in Bothwell with Margaret Ferguson.

David Murray- got suckered by the Viola guff when most in the SPL would treat it with much more circumspection. As a result made a fool of himself getting the timing of when Ferguson would be on a Bosman wrong. Unforgiveably shoddy treatment of Barry Ferguson- encouraged him to make a transfer request then was then totally lacking in funds and loyalty to buy Barry out of Ewood.

Little Villain

Barry Ferguson- would have been a big one if he hadn't consistently said he is happy at Ewood. Understandably failed to realise that David Murray's statements were not negotiating ploys- he actually said the truth about not increasing his offer!

Stooge

Eck McLeish- sloppy talk about Ferguson when Murray reduced Rangers' debts started this whole thing. Rab Nesbitt performance on the radio but not as lucid as the string vest, not got his Bazza lifebuoy to help save his job.

Mate, the other geezer who said this was right.

You ARE obsessed with this. You've made these points upteen times in this thread. I don't know if you feel somewhat compelled to have the "definitive" word, but you're going in circles, creating circumstances, and winding yourself up.

Let it go, you can do nothing to alter what happens, regardless.

Dunno bout Brian but I didn't know that.  Anyway rather than courage I think that 'determination' would be a far more appropriate description of his character. 

'Courage' would be a more applicable adjective to describe Douglas Bader who lost his legs in a warplane and went straight up again to face the Luftwaffe as soon as his false ones were ready. 

Anyway was it Murray / McLeish or Viola who came up with that ridiculous bid?  Thats what pisses us off!  It's not the fact that you do or dont want him its the fact that you want to pull our necks out with a combination of blackmail and a stupid bid.

Agreed, the bid was derisory ... and this is coming from a Rangers Season Ticket holder.

I think that Rangers have acted on the advice of Viola. I've never seen us deal in this manner before .... quite disappointing.

He's not even in the squad according to the BBC

I think Barry will play, and thus signify the whole thing is OVER.

Thank God.

Of course I didn't know about that.

It's not something I would've joked about. And in any case, it's not something that's ever been publicised down here.

Is he in a wheelchair then?

He walks with artificial legs, as he lost both below the knee, and crutches, and when Rangers win the league, he always comes down the tunnel onto the pitch to raise the League Flag at the first home game of the following season.

He's being painted in an extremely bad light down South, while Viola sneaks around in the background laughing at us all.

Murray acted on what he was told. Yes, he did make a silly comment regarding Ferguson's value, but don't think for one second he meant a word of it. He's on of the UK's most successful businessmen, he knows what to say and when to say it. This deal will fall through, and we'll move on.

Anyway, looking forward to the game tonight. Hope you stuff Bolton, I cannot stand Sam Allardyce.

Why don't we offer Ferguson to Newcastle in a straight swap deal for Craig Bellamy?

Souness gets his man and Hughes gets a class striker who he's managed for Wales. 

That'd do nicely. Soft arse can be home a bit quicker from a base about 50 miles north of Newcastle and we get a better player and quality striker (although he's trouble with a capital T) that we need...... and Murray and Rangers get f*c%ed right off.

Stop blaming Rangers, and start blaming Viola.

In Scotland, Blackburn are being painted as the enemy, and in England it's Rangers who are being painted as the enemy.

This whole transfer thing has gone too far, and it's annoying the hell out of me now. The sooner Rovers come out and give the official line that the Transfer Request has been declined, the better. That way, both our clubs can move on from this useless ranting and rumour mongering.

He's painted himself into a right corner! What a prat.

He might have to take a transfer somewhere else now, as the fans will probably get on his back, and given the rumpus caused, may not forgive even with the passage of time.

And unless David Murray does some sponsored wlaks or something, maybe sells his dirty underwear on ebay as well, then Rangers won't be buying him.

What a mess.

David Murray won't be doing any sponsored walks.

He lost his legs in a car crash in his twenties, but still showed the courage to go on and become on of Scotlands most successful businessmen through his Murray International Metals firm.

And, if you knew about his leg injuries, and made that comment regardless, I'll be very disappointed.

Anyone calling themselves a footballer surely just has to relish this game whatever their personal circumstances might be.

Sorry, but while to the people of Blackburn, this is a local derby, and it excites you all. I cannot, via your situation mentioned, see the likes of Del Piero, Zidane, Beckham, Figo, or Ronaldinho "relishing" Blackburn vs Bolton Wanderers.

And the last time I checked, those guys were footballers.

Sorry, but I found that comment, while understandable from a Rovers point of view, somewhat baffling.

Rangers moving onto Plan B. They are scouting a French midfielder.

No, we are scouting in France for a new midfielder. His name is Teemu Tainio. He's a Finnish International midfielder, who is out of contract with French side Auxerre at the end of the current season. He played in the Auxerre side who came to Ibrox in the UEFA Cup and won 2-0, and on arriving in Scotland he claimed, "I'm here to put Gers out of Europe ... then join them". He's been one of Auxerre's best players for two seasons now (at least), and has a decent reputation.

The only decision Teemu has to make is whether or not he passes up the rest of the UEFA Cup and French domestic season with Auxerre to move to Ibrox now, or does he sign a pre-contractual agreement to join the squad in the summer. If he moves now, we could get him for around £1 million.

I have to agree with some other folk on here, you do seem a touch obsessed with this topic. Ferguson is NOT returning to Rangers!

On another note, we were also scouting in France to take a look at Monaco striker Shabani Nonda who is also on a Bosman in the summer and can sign a pre-contractual agreement now. You may remember his as the man who scored into Chelsea with his first touch in the 1st Leg of the Champions League Quarter Final last season.

Barry Ferguson will play tonight, will get booed by the fans, will turn in a decent performance, and help defeat Bolton.

Sorry Stuwilky, but I don't think Ferguson will be back at Ibrox ever.

Barry has come out and told Hughes that he "only wants to play for Rangers".

He also said he was happy at Rovers less than a month ago. If the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, ManU or even Newcastle came in for him, then I have no doubt he would choose them over Rangers.

The "homesick" nonsense is just as bad excuse as the one Savage had about being closer to his parents.

Barry came to Rovers thinking we could challange for a Champions League spot, we finished 15th. Just face it, the guy don't have the bottle trying to turn things around as he would rather play in a team where he could literally sit down on the pitch and have lunch before someone tries to close him down...

Go back to page 38 and read my posts from then on.

Once you've read and understood them, come back and try and have a civilised conversation about football, instead of having lame, and over-exhausted pops at the SPL.

My point is, you have no idea about Scottish football, except what the media tell you. This is in more detail in the aforementioned pages.

Got that? Good.

While it's true that Blackburn can accept any offer from another team, they cannot make Ferguson talk to them or even sign for them. Barry has come out and told Hughes that he "only wants to play for Rangers". So, at the end of the day, he's made this extremely difficult on both himself and the Club.

At this time, he said that!

But if any other big club came after him, he could like that possibility.

Btw, Dado, maybe the reall Dado could come as part of the deal

Not on your life son.

We're rebuilding our team after three years of selling the best players we had. I don't think our big Croatian international striker will be going anywhere. Well, he seemed perfectly happy when I last met him at Ibrox.

In that case you will have seen the quotes appear twice on page 38- once on Soccernet and once on Teamtalk.

I am not saying you are forcing any views but look at the end of your link. "(c )hannel=Scotland" is the give away of what version you are looking at!

Sorry, but I can find the exact same story, when clicking on Premiership, then the Blackburn Rovers club crest to go to their stories:

http://skysports.planetfootball.com/list.a...l=Football_Home

I got the previous link by going to Scotland, and clicking on the Rangers club crest. The site is run in England, by both old Planet Football workers and new Sky workers, and features columns from people such as Guillem Balague, Andy Gray, Martin Tyler, Rodney Marsh, and Chris Kamara. In other words, most of Sky Sports regulars.

And yes, I have seen "other quotes" from other stories. And, just like this one may or may not have been edited to suit a Scottish point of view (extremely unlikely from Planet Football ... trust me), the same can be said for the other links, containing stories catering (or not) for an English point of view. If anything it may be lazy reporting, but as I said earlier, I've read every quote going on this story. Trust me.