Must be a real slap in the face to all those recently converted green and white sympathisers who were hoping that Celtic would wipe the floor with Rangers. Good to see Douglas continue his goalkeeping education courtesy of the David James /Seaman school of Calamity keeping. Ferguson wasn't at his best but he was more involved in the game than Craig Bellend who seemed intent to remain anonymous during the proceedings. Could David Bellamy have been more ineffective ? I doubt it. Nice to see Strathclyde's finest investigating the coin throwing incident where Ricksen was struck on the head. No room in the game for such thuggery - don't you agree lads ? Their first task will be to flush out the Soapdodgers who actually have spare cash - that should leave just the one culprit Don't you just love it when you beat your rivals ? Better ask you that at a later date !!!!!!

Thousands of protestants support Celtic - don't know where the half and half comparison was drawn from - way off the mark. As for regular meetings between the two - Sunday's match will be the fifth Old Firm derby this season but how can any Rangers/Celtic fan not be looking forward to a top of the table clash with so much at stake ?

Amoruso's record v Celtic 5/4/1998: Rangers 2-1 Scottish cup 12/4/1998 Rangers 2-0 20/9/1998 : 0-0 3/1/1999 : 2-2 2/5/1999 : Ran 3-0 29/5/1999: Ran 1-0 Scottish cup final 7/11/1999: Rang 4-2 27/12/1999: 1-1 8/3/2000 : Ran 1-0 26/3/2000 : Ran 4-0 27/8/2000 : 6-2 Celtic 26/11/2000: Ran 5-1 29/4/2001 : 3-0 Celtic 30/9/2001 : 2-0 Celtic 25/11/2001 : 2-1 Celtic 5/2/2002 : Ran 2-1 league Cup semi 10/3/2002 : 1-1 21/4/2002 : 1-1 4/5/2002 : Ran 3-2 Scottish cup final 6/10/2002 : 3-3 7/12/2002 : Ran 3-2 8/3/2003 Celtic 1-0 16/3/2003 Ran 2-1 league cup semi 27/4/2003 : Celtic 2-1 Not too bad a record if we are being honest - enjoying his fair share of success against a team with the Larsson goal machine. Since everyone is of the opinion that football is easier up here then it stands to reason that Amoruso wouldn't be anything as bad as his Rovers career to date - if he did return North.

At 2-1, United hit the post - the ball rolled along the line, whackd the other post and out. Two minutes later, Andrews handle the ball and the ref refused UTD a penalty. We were on the ropes. Third goal went in and they collapsed. Should have seen Barry before the game - all smiles and relaxed. I'd never seen him smile before - I'm not joking.

Spot on. You've also enhanced your "never wrong" reputation by successfully predicting against many doubters that Ferguson would return to his old club. Mystic Jim - I salute you. Bobby G - read the opening quote. Thenodrog Depends on the player. For example, we probably could afford Tugay yet don't give him a second thought even though he's not playing regularly for Rovers and might jump at the opportunity of being a first choice pick every week. Amoruso is another one. Many supporters loved the big man's commitment but once again, we are not interested. Barry Ferguson is different. Fans feel he should never have gone and see him as the playmaker we need if we want to secure our second title in three seasons. He's special for us but nowhere near the class of legends you mentioned. Must be a Rangers thing.. That's the nearest thing we've got to a Player of The Year trophy - so don't knock it ! Joey : You raise some decent points. However, had Barry signed for Sunderland it would have been seen as a backward step. Yet what if they achieve promotion and then consolidate their Premiership status for a few years and reap the benefits that continuos top flight football and a massive fan base generally bring, would it still be seen as a step back ? I agree there's more of a possibility that Sunderland will go up than the Old Firm being invited to into the Premiership but if that happened then we would no longer be paupers in a poor league. Rangers (and Celtic) have the fan base to sell their allocation of tickets for any away match down South without one supporter up here having to cross the border. That's the real benefit of a Nation with only two main clubs - the fan base throughout Britain and indeed the World is massive. We could attract the top players if we were on a level playing field and who wouldn't want to play to home crowds of 50,000 plus. Would Gattuso, Boumsong, Van Bronckhorst etc leave to join teams in superior leagues at such a rate if they were receiving the same sort of cash at Ibrox - I think not ? I go along with the suggestion that we are not one of the biggest clubs at the moment but the potential is there should we ever be invited down South. If that happens then you'll have a better understanding about the size of the club. That's why I think Barry is at home competing with our main rivals for Championships and cups and an opportunity of adding to his medal collection as well as playing regular European football - because he believes that's what players of big teams do. Down Under Rover There's an idea. With Der Goalie injured, we could stand Gramps on the goal line when we play Dundee United in the League Cup Semi Final tomorrow night. I suspect he could be reluctant to come out for cross balls but then it's the same with Klos. StreakyB - We've beaten our rivals twice at home this season in league and cup and managed without Ferguson. We closed an eight point gap without him and still have to play Celtic home and away. We could easily have drawn the first league match at Parkhead but lost to a Thompson wonder goal. We've been trailing by three points for some weeks now but we are hanging in there. Signing Ferguson will help our cause but we were doing well without him considering our finances and player exodus from Ibrox in the last eighteen months. Put it this way, had Ferguson and Bellamy not put pen to paper, I would still have fancied us to win the title. There ye go. So many points to address, so little time...

Murray isn't stupid. I'll bet he knew he'd need to pay more than the original derisory offer - but the moment he put in a bid and Ferguson was interested then Williams was on a loser. Keep Ferguson or lose money - he had no choice and was forced to make a decision. It's that simple. Failure in Europe - something we both have in common then And remember - it's not that long since only two sides were dominating your league now it's just the one ! As for Fergie, I've seen him run the show against, Feyenoord, Paris St Germain, PSV etc - comparable I'd say with at least - the very least - half the Premiership clubs. I do have some sympathy with Rovers supporters as I always like to see them do well but i think it's unfortunate that barry seems to be one of those players who performs better in surroundings he's familiar with.

John Williams may have been holding all the aces but as I predicted in an earlier post, he's sensible enough to know it's pointless holding on to an unhappy player. As for the fee - £4.5 million ? Seems about right given the inflated price Rovers paid in the first place. You've got to hand it to David Murray - he forced the hand of Williams by insisiting Rangers would not pay the asking price for Ferguson. Rover's chairman eventually had to choose between losing money on the deal or keeping a player who had already stated where his loyalties lay. His next decision was easy. Rangers have taken a fair amount of criticism on this forum and the club, player and game up here has been ridiculed over the past fortnight by certain individuals on this forum. Fair enough - you are entitled to your opinions but no doubt some of us will take great comfort knowing that you are hurting at the moment. That's football for you. Just when things are looking up the feet are taken from under you. I believe Barry Ferguson will reflect on his time at Blackburn and realise he made a mistake. He hasn't been the Premiership success that I thought he would be but maybe his heart wasn't really in it. I'm reminded of a quote i posted on here when he moved to Rovers which was taken from a disgruntled Rangers supporter at the time " What has Ferguson given up ? A club with a great history, the Captaincy of Glasgow Rangers, the chance to be an Ibrox legend. For what - Blackburn - a little backwater town and an ordinary side" : Those comments were mocked on here yet probably sum up what Fergie has been missing. He should never have moved in the first place but that has now been rectified. Welcome home, Barry...

Now here are the facts. Michael Ball had been plagued by injury regularly following his move to Rangers in August 2001, and as a result, missed all of the 2002-2003 season. The following term he played forty one matches suggesting that his injury problems were over and did enough to convince many Rangers supporters that he was good enough to make the left back position his own. Unfortunately for the player, Rangers financial problems co-incided with a clause in his contract where Everton would receive a payment of £500,000 when the defender chalked up sixty appearances for the club. There's no doubt in my mind that having almost been an ever present last season that Michael Ball would be a first team regular this term, but the fact is Rangers could not play him because the cash wasn't there to cover the aforementioned clause inserted by Everton. You are entitled to your opinion but I doubt whether the majority of Rangers supporters would agree that he's the worst left back they've ever seen.

It's nothing to do with football. You forgot that his wife doesn't like it down here and wants to go home and wives always have the final say . . . don't they ?? To repeat myself, it will take only a small increase in the offer from Rangers for Ferguson to be on his way. It is unrealistic for Rovers to expect to recoup £7 million for a player they paid too much money for in the first place. As I've already stated on two previous occasions, Derek Johnstone, former Ranger and personal friend of Barry Ferguson reiterated that Barry's wife and kids have settled in well. It's the player who wants to return. I've heard nothing in the past fortnight to convince me otherwise. Phil - apart from Ricksen, Klos and possibly Arveladze, my guess is that Rangers have already shipped out all the top money earners - the reason why we've struggled throughout last season and the early part of this term.

Think the Amoruso/Hendry deals evened themselves out. I was sure Amoruso would excel down there but he struggled after a decent opening game (5-1 Wolves ?) but had a nightmare against Gencerlibigi in Europe. However, once he settled in, got to know the defensive system and became familiar with his fellow defenders, I thought he was terrible. We'll take him back though. Better not. Murray might infuriate Blackburn even more by offering a lot less than you'd be looking for.

One sad aspect of this saga. My wee mate from Oswaltwistle was always hopeful that Rovers would play a friendly at Ibrox and he could show his Blackburn pals the ground he used to frequent for twenty years before moving South. Probably won't happen now. Pre-season I was hoping it could be arranged and Souness, Tugay, Fergie and Amo would return to their old stomping ground. In fact, i was so up for it they could have chucked Ostenstadt on the Rovers bus and I wouldn't have minded

No I don't. As you've stated in previous posts, this is so unlike David Murray and begs the question, why ? He has only gone and aggravated a club and it's supporters even though he realises that he'll need to table an improved offer at some stage if the player's signature is to be secured. That being the case, why didn't he at least suggest a figure that would not be insulting even though it was likely to be rejected as an initial offer. I wonder how much damage has been done and whether other clubs will be wary when dealing with Rangers ?

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.

No, Shillito, I don't. If he is living in the real World - and from what we know about Ferguson he isnt - then he would reluctantly have to agree that he was never a £7.5 million player just because he had a few successful seasons in Scotland.

We were daft enough to pay four million for an ageing 34 year old Colin Hendry. You reaped the rewards then but now it's a case of once bitten twice shy. I believe Rangers can get Fergie for £4 million and make a profit on that particular deal. Ferguson's true value is currently around the £4 million mark - don't think many on here would disagree. If you paid over the odds for him then tough - live with it. Teams make mistakes when buying players - and Rangers should know - after all, we bought Hendry.

To answer your question, Philly Rover. Rangers have a glut of players who can play in the midfield area - Alex Rae, , Mladenovic, Namouchi, Ricksen, Djordijc, Hughes,Burke (mid/right wing) - Gavin Rae when he returns from injury. There will be a place for Ferguson who will no doubt find things easier back home and possibly adopt a more positive playing attitude. Winning ways in the majority of his games will convince him he's fulfilling his potential once again and I doubt if anyone will convince him otherwise. Personally, if familiar surroundings make him a more effective player for Rangers then I can't argue with that since we have other midfielders who are not as influential in our poor league as Barry was. I should add that I'm still not convinced he'd take such a dramatic drop in wages to return North of the Border. Maybe he's Newcastle bound and taking the "Blackburn feeder club" trademark with him - as he joins Boumssong.

I have no problem with a player who, after leaving a club to supposedly better himself , returns home. Sometimes it's a gamble but if it doesn't work out at least he can look back at the end of his career and say at least he gave it a go. Unfortunately for Barry, he'll be remembered by the Rovers faithful as a player who didn't put enough effort into "giving it a go". If you put your heart and soul into the game, give your all even though you may not be technically gifted or as pacey as others, supporters appreciate the effort and I'd imagine winning over fans would provide any individual footballer with a great deal of satisfaction. For example, Paul Dickov may not be the greatest striker in the Premiership but work rate and attitude will not go unnoticed amongst even the Wenger's and Ferguson's when it comes to discussing how to stop the opposition. Now there is a player who will look back on his career and be proud that he gave it his best shot. For some reason, I don't think most of this will matter to Barry. Number one must come first - no one else matters. Sign a five year contract at Ibrox - fans ? - who cares, I'm off. Rovers need him at a crucial part of their season - fans - they mean nothing to me - I'm off. Hanging in there when the going gets tough is the real test of character. Looks like Fergie decided he's a failure.

Another Ferguson discussion by the Radio Clyde team prior to the Aberdeen-Celtic game. Davie Provan (Sky Sports regular) remarked that Ferguson's treatment of Blackburn has been disgraceful and he owes it to the club and supporters to let them know where he stands. As I said, his agent may be taking the flak but some up here believe Barry is desperate to throw in the Premiership towel - and that includes his old chum Derek Johnstone who said he knows Ferguson wants to return home.

Unlike, Philipl, I believe Ferguson has decided he'd like to move and mentioned the fact to his agent - letting Viola take the most of the flak. Cast your minds back to when Barry signed an extension to contract at Rangers. Would a player who was seemingly desperate to get away from sectarian hatred, sign a five year deal ? Of course not. However, it would provide a decent enough excuse to try and save face from the criticism he was sure to receive from Rangers supporters should he take Amoruso's advice and join the wonderful world of the Premiership. Having succeeded with one made up excuse - why not try it again ? Is it a co-incidence that Stevie Crawford has been allowed to pull out of a contract recently at Plymouth and return to Scotland because he's homesick ? Has Barry reached the conclusion that a similar story could earn him a move ? According to the report on Radio Scotland today, Barry's missus has settled in well, one of his kids plays for a local team down there and enjoys it - yet the reporter from the Sunday Mail (?) believes Barry is the instigator. Only time will tell. One difference between playing up here and at Blackburn, I'll bet Barry was enjoying his football more. Mickey Mouse league or not, domestic medals, regular European competition might mean something to some players who are not totally commited or fully ambitious. Is it too unrealistic to think that Ferguson could be one of those players who thinks he's above the regular relelgation dogfight that Blackburn are involved in and not what he expected when he signed for Rovers ? I don't know many players who stay at a club once they indicate they want away - Savage possibly the latest example. If that's the case, then isn't it time Barry made an official statement ? We've heard Williams saying he's not for sale, Murray adamant he won't pay more, McLeish hopeful that Fergie will return. It's all verbal sparring - but Barry Ferguson could deliver the knockout blow at any time by putting the record straight. What of it, Barry - tell the fans the truth.

I remember a few Rangers supporters being laughed at on this board after suggesting that Barry had chosen the wrong option regarding Blackburn if he wanted to improve himself as a player. They'll be saying they've been were proved right should he return to his former club - or go to Newcastle. Some members on this topic have the opinion that Barry seems to be overrated but how much of that is down to the role he has to play at Ewood ? At Rangers, Barry was surrounded by decent midfielders like Albertz, Van Bronckhorst, Tugay , Reyna - players who knew their jobs and allowed Fergie to be more effective in an attacking sense. In that respect, Fergie didn't have to backtrack as often since the Scottish game is more about teams defending at Ibrox and we were never on the backfoot the way Rovers appear to be. That's not a dig at your team - just a fact about the quality players that Rovers face week in, week out. Maybe tracking back is foreign to Ferguson. I just wonder if Blackburn had Savage in midfield alongside Fergie, how more effective Barry would be in an attacking sense. He's no superman but I do think ferguson would benefit from another hard working midfielder sharing the workload.

A very good post - possibly with only one issue which has to be addressed. The technological divide between top flight and lower level clubs already exists and in many cases favours lesser clubs whose games are not televised. How many players this weekend will escape punishment because a punch - or any violent incident was missed because cameras were not present. Should thugs at lower level get off Scot free ? Of course not, just as shots which clearly cross the line in the Mendez case should be given as a goal. You say you accept the decision of the referee at the level at which you play but I'm guessing you'd also accept FA intervention if an opposing player assaulted a Blackburn player in an incident which was missed by the officials but picked up by the cameras. As I said, the technological divide already exists - but let's even it up for fairer play all round - which might not go down well with some of the cluggers who get away with murder.

How about to the tune of "Wild Rover" I've followed the Rover's for many a year And the Jack Walker era holds memories so dear Though those great days under big Jack are gone He may be no more but his memory lives on And there's one Jack Walker etc. Just a slight variation on your usual chant.

Don't be surprised if Souness attempts to do to Rovers what he did with Rangers. From what I've read, Blackburn fans have been quite understanding about Souness leaving - but I wonder what you'll feel like should he return to snap up Ferguson and some other Ewood stars ?

How about - to the tune that usually accompanies the Conga, Who needs Ronaldinho When you've got Steadinho Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na

The point about Ferguson avoiding the ball is rubbish and just to make sure I watched the game again. He quite clearly goes looking for the ball, has his hands up on several occasions asking for a pass, put in a lot of effort, made challenges and found players with most of his passes - although I will admit his tendency to pass quickly and not hold the ball was still there. Equate his performance with that of Tugay whose passing at times was nothing short of woeful. Mind you, it would be better if the two of them actually decided a pass to one another wasn't such a bad idea as they seem to do their own thing rather than work together. Ferguson seemed to have one of his better games and given a bit fortune for the Blackburn strikers in front of goal - you wouldn't even be having this conversation. As for Souness - I wouldn't say the Charlton game showed a lack of passion. I thought - probably like him, that Rovers played okay and there was no need to crack up during the game when possesion wise and chances wise, Blackburn controlled proceedings.