Rangers v Dumbarton 01-12-15 Programme Preview

OFFICIAL KIT SUPPLIER

OFFICIAL CLUB SPONSOR

TUESDAY 1 DECEMBER 2015

v Dumbarton IBROX STADIUM • KO 19.45

MEET PUMA’S LIGHTEST MATCH BOOT EVER.

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LIGHTWEIGHT

REACTIVITY

Ultra-thin textile upper reduces weight for enhanced speed

Raised SPEEDTRACK spines improve reactivity and torsional stability

SUPPORT

TRACTION

Laser-cut SPEEDFRAME provides support during forward acceleration and quick turns

Mix of conical and bladed studs improves traction and acceleration

RANGERS

FOOTBALL CLUB

Ibrox Stadium, 150 Edmiston Drive Glasgow, G51 2XD • tel0871 702 1972 Chairman DAVE KING

INSIDE

//CONTENTS

tonight’s matchday programme:

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Directors JOHN BENNETT, JOHN GILLIGAN, DOUGLAS PARK, GRAEME PARK PAUL MURRAY

Honorary Life President JOHN GREIG

Managing Director STEWART ROBERTSON

Director: Finance and Administration ANDREW DICKSON

Manager MARK WARBURTON assistant manager

DAVID WEIR

Doctor PAUL JACKSON

Head of Performance and Preparation CRAIG FLANNIGAN

Goalkeeping Coach JIM STEWART

Head of analysis NEIL MCILHARGEY

Head of Recruitment FRANK MCPARLAND

Kit Controller JIMMY BELL

Editor NEIL SMITH

Design GREG JOHN GILFILLAN

Photography KIRK O’ROURKE

Contributors ALICE HEDWORTH, NICK THOMSON, ANDY CAMERON, ROBERT CARMICHAEL Print L&S LITHO

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SNAPSHOT 4 MARK WARBURTON 6 RYAN HARDIE 8 JOURNO’S VIEW 14 FAST FACTS 19 PREVIOUS MEETINGS 20 ON THE SPOT 24 ANDY CAMERON 28 QUIZ/CROSSWORD 30

GEDION ZELALEM 32 LEE WALLACE 36 DAVID MASON 38 ON THIS DAY 42 DAVIE WILSON 46 THE TOP TEN 52 6 32 46 JUNIOR GERS 58 The views in this magazine are not necessarily the views of Rangers Football Club. All material is copyrighted STATS & APPEARANCES 63 and may only be reproduced with the written permission of Rangers Football Club. The appearance of an advert within this publication does not necessarily mean that the goods/services advertised are associated FIXTURES 64 with or endorsed by Rangers Football Club. All facts and information accurate at time of going to press.

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//DUMBARTON • CHAMPIONSHIP

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//SNAPSHOT

CLUB photographer Kirk O’Rourke was in the right place at the right time to capture Jason Holt’s celebrations after he opened the scoring against St Mirren on Saturday.

The midfielder controlled the ball superbly before confidently beating Jamie Langfield and sliding to his knees in front of jubilant fans in the Broomloan Stand.

Holt’s 34th minute goal was just what Rangers needed and they went on to record an impressive 4-0 victory over the Buddies and book their place in the final of the Petrofac Training Cup in April.

Kenny Miller and Martyn Waghorn were also on target for the Light Blues in the second half before Sean Kelly put the ball in his own net following good play from substitute Dean Shiels.

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//DUMBARTON • CHAMPIONSHIP

//RYAN HARDIE

DUMBARTON ROCK-ed HARDIE will never forget his dream double at the Sons’ home ground

WORDS: Nick Thomson PHOTOS: Kirk O’Rourke

I

F there’s one fixture above all others that will always stand out for young striker Ryan Hardie, then it simply has to be Rangers playing Dumbarton.

Pause for a moment and take yourself back to a sultry afternoon on the banks of the Clyde in mid-April of this year.

Rangers are desperate for victory against Ian Murray’s Sons side having disappointed three days earlier in a 1-1 draw at Livingston.

A place in the play-offs is all-but secured, but the target remains to finish as high up the Championship table as possible.

Manager Stuart McCall, looking for inspiration, turns to an 18-year-old striker who has been in red hot form for the club’s under-20s side.

Could the fresh faced attacker rise to the challenge? You bet he could.

A 10th minute equaliser and then a stunning overhead kick set the Light Blues on course for an eventual 3-1 win, and put the name “Ryan Hardie” on the lips of every Rangers supporter.

ON THE SPOT //DUMBARTON • CHAMPIONSHIP

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//ON THE SPOT

Who is your footballing hero? (@biffspark, Twitter) DB: “Growing up, David Beckham, but currently John Terry based on the way he is playing at the moment.”

How do you like your steak? Rare, medium or well done? (@the_shota, Twitter) DB: “Rare all day, every day! I can’t stand a burnt steak.”

If you weren’t a professional footballer, what would you be?

(Mark, Instagram) DB: “I’d probably be a businessman in the City in London – get a suit on and go into work, I like the idea of that.”

Who trains the hardest at the club? (@michaelhethers, Twitter) DB: “Everyone trains hard but Kenny Miller stands out. I’m not sure if it is because he is so sharp or experienced, but he’s one of the hardest trainers I’ve ever worked with.”

If you were to be on a celebrity version of Great British Bake Off what kind of cake would you bake?

(Peter, Instagram) DB: “I don’t really like cake but it would probably be vanilla or strawberry cheesecake.”

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D

OMINIC BALL is a young player with huge potential and the 20-year-old centre-back is clearly enjoying his loan spell at Rangers from Tottenham Hotspur.

The powerful defender has all the attributes to go to the very top but just how would he cope answering a range of questions from fans?

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//DUMBARTON • CHAMPIONSHIP

ZELALEM GLIDES PAST MARK DOCHERTY DURING RANGERS’ 2-1 WIN OVER DUMBARTON ON SEPTEMBER 19

//GEDION ZELALEM

GOING FOR GOAL

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ZELALEM WANTS TO START FINDING THE NET FOR GERS

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games where the opposition have set up in a defensive manner against Rangers in order to stop them from playing their own game, although Zelalem admits such games are helping him to learn different aspects of the game of football.

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W

HILE a supremely talented young footballer, Gedion Zelalem realises one major ingredient is still missing from his game – goals.

The 18-year-old American is yet to net in his 12 Rangers appearances so far, and indeed, he hasn’t yet scored at all in his senior career.

He knows that will need to change if he is to go on and reach his full potential, and while often reminded of that fact by Gers manager Mark Warburton, Zelalem has been thrilled with the impact the Englishman has had on his game so far in this short period of time.

The on-loan Arsenal man explained: “I know I need to add goals to my game if I want to be the player I know I can be, and I need more of an end product too.

“I get told that by the gaffer, and I absolutely agree. I want to improve in every game and every day in training, and he keeps my feet on the ground and helps me along.

“That goes for all the coaching staff and the players too. It helps having so many people around who are of your own age. You can interact with them more, but even guys like Kenny Miller and Lee Wallace, you can talk to them any time you want.”

Zelalem, like every Rangers player, was left frustrated as Livingston held the Light Blues to a 1-1 draw in the club’s last Championship outing on November 21.

It was the latest in a long line of

He continued: “Every game is a different challenge for us. In most games, the opposition have 10 players behind the ball so it’s a case of trying to break them down by moving quickly and passing the ball quickly.

“It was a tough game and they got out to the ball really quickly which was another learning experience for me.

“We worked hard and tried to find the winner, but it just didn’t happen.”

On the international front Zelalem recently enjoyed two games with the United States’ under-23 side as they warm up for an Olympic Games qualifier against Columbia next March.

Playing a double header against Brazil, Zelalem turned in a ‘Man of the Match’ performance in game one where the States went down 2-1, and while the defeat was a disappointment, he thoroughly enjoyed the learning curve.

He added: “It was a great experience to play against some top players – established players who regularly play in the Champions League.

“So it was a good test, and an eye opener because as a nation, we still have a long way to go.

“You could see their quality – their passing was very good, as was their movement off the ball, and when they lose it they try to get it back really quickly.

“So we need to learn from that and improve our passing game. It was a great experience though to see how they play”

//RANGERS CHARITY FOUNDATION

Football Aid 2016

Play at ibrox

the sound of a cheering crowd and step out onto the pitch to represent Rangers in a never to be forgotten 90 minutes of football!

To secure your position visit www.footballaid.com and choose the Rangers game and then you’ll have two fixed price options: OPTION 1 Buy Now - Book your place with a one-off payment OPTION 2 Sponsored to Play - Pay a non-refundable £100 deposit for your place, then pay the remaining balance any time before Friday 29 January 2016.

Rangers fan Scott Cunningham took part in a previous year and told Football Aid all about his experience, he said: “I would just like to say a massive

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H

OW would you like to ‘live the dream’ at Ibrox and take part in a truly memorable 90 minute match on the hallowed turf?

Well, now’s your chance as Rangers Football Club and the Rangers Charity Foundation have once again joined forces with Football Aid to provide fans with the opportunity to play at Ibrox in 2016, while raising funds for charity.

Football Aid offers Rangers fans an unrivalled opportunity to experience a matchday in the same way as the likes of Lee Wallace, James Tavernier, Jason Holt and Martyn Waghorn.

As a player you’ll get the chance to pull on your very own exclusive personalised Rangers replica shirt in the official changing rooms, experience the thrill of walking down the tunnel to

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thank you to Football Aid for making my dream come true to play at Ibrox!

“I was buzzing for weeks for the big day to come and nothing was a letdown! I loved every second and I can’t wait to get my DVD and photos to live it all over again. Thank you so much!”

To find out more visit www. footballaid.com and sign up today! Funds raised from this year’s event will benefit the work of the Rangers Charity Foundation, as well as other charitable projects nominated by Football Aid.

//RANGERS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CO

ROSS LYON Twitter Q&A

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Do you think the new 4-3-3 system has helped your progress?

(Russell Tierney) RL: “It is a brilliant formation that helps us dominate the ball. There is more space in wide areas to get at teams and we can also create more chances.”

What is your favoured position and favourite goal?

(Alan McGlashan) RL: “Anywhere in the front areas, I’m not bothered if it is wide or in the middle of the park. My favourite goal is when I came on against Dundee Utd and scored to make it 3-3.”

Have any of the first-team players given you particularly interesting pieces of advice?

(M Elliott) RL: “Kenny Miller gives me great advice and also Andy Halliday and Jason Holt - I can learn so much from them.”

What was it like being part of the Alloa squad and being on the bench?

(William Smith) RL: “It was an unbelievable feeling - a full stadium on Remembrance Day. I found out in training the day before and it was great.”

What would you do if you were not a footballer, work with your uncle laying floors?

(Kenny Adams) RL: “As much as you would love that I want to pursue a career in sport! Thanks Uncle Kenny!”

It’s early days but what should we expect from you? I’ve heard good things.

(AGersince84) RL: “I look to bring pace and excitement to the team – create chances for others and scoring goals hopefully!”

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R

ANGERS youngster Ross Lyon was the latest Academy player to take part in an exclusive Twitter Q&A session on the Rangers Youth Development Company Twitter account.

Ian Durrant, Liam Kelly, Ryan Hardie and Tom Walsh have all shown their support for RYDC in recent weeks and Ross, who made the bench for the first-team victory over Alloa, enjoyed his time in the hotseat.

Here are the highlights of his session….

Paul Scholes or Iniesta and why?

(Andy J) RL: “Good question - Iniesta – he likes to get further forward, Scholes was class too right enough!”

As a Rangers fan growing up, which player did you idolise?

(Nick T) RL: “I would say Paul Gascoigne he loved the game so much and his banter was unbelievable.”

AND THEN HIS TEAM-MATES GOT IN ON THE ACT! Why do you get called ‘Peanut’?

(Ryan Hardie) RL: “It is a bit of banter from Durranty when I first came in full time - you know what he is like!”

What’s your favourite kind of peanut?

(Tom Walsh) RL: “Salted!”

Barcelona Bear Colin Stein is the latest Rangers great to have a brick panel named in his honour and fans can buy stadium bricks with their own personal messages now for £50.

Supporters can place orders and collect brick certificates in person from the Rangers Lotto Office in Broomloan House at Ibrox until December 23, but to guarantee a postal delivery in time for Christmas then orders must be placed through other sales channels by December 14.

Bricks on the new Stein panel can be purchased now from www.rydc.co.uk, by calling 0141 427 4914, texting RANGERS to 67766 or visiting the Rangers Lotto office in Broomloan House at the stadium.

Stadium Bricks are just one of a number of Rangers Youth Development Company products that help fund the Rangers youth academy - full details on Rangers Lotto, Rising Stars, Scratchcards and other initiatives can be found at www.rydc.co.uk.

//DUMBARTON • CHAMPIONSHIP

CARDS, CHARABANCS, PETER PAN AND A GLIMPSE OF ROYALTY DAVID MASON IS NOW IN HIS 30TH SEASON AS THE CLUB’S HISTORIAN AND, IN A REGULAR SERIES IN THE 2015/16 MATCHDAY PROGRAMME, HE WILL REFLECT ON THE EVENTS - AND PEOPLE - THAT HAVE MADE RANGERS A QUITE UNIQUE INSTITUTION.

//DAVID MASON • RANGERS HISTORIAN

J M BARRIE

ALAN MORTON

//DUMBARTON • CHAMPIONSHIP

//THE BIG INTERVIEW

THE

INTERVIEW On Rangers TV supporters can watch in-depth one-toones with a number of the club’s greatest stars as they discuss their football careers and years at Ibrox.

In this season’s matchday programme we’ll pick a player and publish answers from their must-watch interview.

Today, dynamic winger Davie Wilson, who played for and also managed tonight’s opponents Dumbarton, looks back at his 11 years at Ibrox from 1956 to 1967.

Name

DAVIE WILSON DOB

10/01/39 • glasgow, Scotland Position

Winger Rangers Career

1956-67 • Apps - 373 Goals - 157 Rangers Honours

League Championship – 1960/61, 1962/63 SCOTTISH CUP – 1959/60, 1961/62, 1962/63, 1963/64, 1965/66 League Cup – 1960/61, 1961/62 Clubs

Rangers, Dundee UTD, Dumbarton, Kilmarnock

FOLLOW WITHPRIDE

Rangers Follow with Pride campaign promotes sporting behaviour and friendship throughout football.

The Club will not tolerate any form of unacceptable behaviour and will continue to take action including bans where necessary.

WE aRE aLL PROuD OF RangERs anD WE FOLLOW WIth PRIDE 18

FOLLOW

If you witness any form of unacceptable behaviour please advise a steward or police officer, text ‘RFC’ and details to 66099 or email followwithpride@rangers.co.uk

FOLLOW WITH

PRIDE

//TOP TEN • MOST CAPPED PLAYERS

THROUGH the club’s long and illustrious history, Rangers have been fortunate to have had some incredibly decorated international players in their ranks.

MOST

CAPPED PLAYERS Today, NICK THOMSON takes a look at the 10 most capped players to have played in the famous blue of Rangers.

10. TUGAY KERIMOGLU (2000-2001) • 94 TURKEY CAPS GENERALLY referred to as just ‘Tugay’, the unexpected was usually to be expected from the supremely talented Turk.

Signed by Dick Advocaat in January 2000, he made 20 appearances for Rangers as they claimed the League and Scottish Cup, and scored one goal in a 6-2 humiliation of Motherwell.

38 appearances and three goals – including a long-range stunner against Dunfermline – followed in 2000/01, before he left for Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 2001, where he spent eight terrific years.

On the international front, Tugay was an integral part of the Turkish side which made a surprise run to third place at the 2002 World Cup, and he remains a real legend of Turkish football.

NEXT HOME GAME

//TICKET INFORMATION

TICKET CENTRE AND HOTLINE OPENING HOURS RANGERS V MORTON IBROX STADIUM THE LADBROKES CHAMPIONSHIP Saturday 12 December • 3pm Kick Off Tickets on sale now and are priced from: £18 adults • £13 concessions • £5 juniors*

CONTINUOUS CREDIT CARD SCHEME THE LADBROKES CHAMPIONSHIP RAITH ROVERS V RANGERS • Stark’s Park Saturday 5 December, 3pm Kick Off Payment has been taken and tickets have been posted.

To purchase match tickets please call the Rangers Tickets Hotline on 0871 702 1972 (option 1). Calls cost 13p per minute plus network extras.

For supporter enquires relating to existing purchases only, please call 0371 702 1972.

Rangers Ticket Hotline is open Monday to Sunday from 9am-9pm.

Rangers Ticket Centre is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am until 5pm, Thursday 9am until 6pm, Saturday 10am until 2pm and closed Sunday. *Please note prices quoted opposite are for the Family section where terms & conditions apply.

SUPPORTERS CLUBS THE LADBROKES CHAMPIONSHIP RAITH ROVERS V RANGERS • Stark’s Park • Saturday 5 December, 3pm Kick Off Tickets are available for collection. Ticket prices are £20 adults and £10 concessions.

THE LADBROKES CHAMPIONSHIP RANGERS V MORTON • Ibrox Stadium • Saturday 12 December, 3pm Kick Off Tickets are available for collection.

BLAST FROM THE PAST OFFICIAL KIT SUPPLIER

T

ONIGHT’S programme cover is based on a design from the 1973/74 season when Rangers finished third in Division One. The programme shown left was produced for Dumbarton’s visit to Ibrox Stadium on 27 April 1974.

In front of 20,000 fans a double from Ally Scott and a goal from Graham Fyfe secured a 3-1 victory for Jock Wallace’s side in the penultimate game of that league campaign.

OFFICIAL CLUB SPONSOR

TUESDAY 1 DECEMBER 2015

v Dumbarton IBROX STADIUM • KO 19.45

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OFFICIAL KIT SUPPLIER

OFFICIAL CLUB SPONSOR

GOALKEEPERS 1 Cammy Bell 25 Wes Foderingham 32 Liam Kelly

GOALKEEPERS 1 Mark Brown 19 Jamie Ewings

DEFENDERS 2 James Tavernier 4 Rob Kiernan 5 Lee Wallace 6 Dominic Ball 20 Fraser Aird 27 Danny Wilson

DEFENDERS 2 Scott Taggart 3 Mark Docherty 4 Steven Saunders 5 Gregor Buchanan 14 Darren Barr 16 Calum Waters 20 Michael Hopkins 22 Frazer Wright

MIDFIELDERS 7 Nicky Law 8 Gedion Zelalem 10 Nathan Oduwa 16 Andy Halliday 22 Dean Shiels 23 Jason Holt 45 Jordan Thompson FORWARDS 9 Kenny Miller 11 David Templeton 14 Nicky Clark 19 Barrie McKay 33 Martyn Waghorn 42 Ryan Hardie 48 Tom Walsh

MIDFIELDERS 8 Grant Gallagher 10 Jordan Kirkpatrick 13 Willie Gibson 17 Jon Routledge 18 Jamie Lindsay 21 Scott Brown FORWARDS 7 Kevin Cawley 9 Garry Fleming 12 Steven Craig 15 Donald McCallum 23 Steven Ross 24 Eamonn Brophy