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Rangers crash out of Europe
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
enlargeHearts flop Linas Pilibaitis sent hopeless Rangers crashing out of Europe last night — and could have cost Walter Smith any chance of signing Steven Davis.
Last season’s UEFA Cup finalists have stuttered their way through pre-season and last week’s second qualifying round first-leg against FBK Kaunas but were still expected to progress with ease.
Kevin Thompson put the Light Blues in front but a stunning Nerijus Radzius free-kick drew the sides level before Pilibaitis grabbed the last-gasp winner.
Failure to reach the Champions League group stage will cost the Ibrox outfit upwards of £20 million, not to mention the job Smith will have of picking his lacklustre troops up for Saturday’s SPL opener against Falkirk.
Northern Ireland midfield star, Davis, has been a summer-long target for the Glasgow giants but they have so far been unable to match Fulham’s £4 million valuation for the 23-year old.
After being dumped out of Europe however, any potential move is hanging by the thinnest of threads.
Smith (pictured) is still adamant he wants to add to his squad but his hands may now be tied by financial constraints.
Asked whether he needs to plunder the transfer market again and strengthen his squad further, Smith said: “As things look at the moment, I would say yes but we just have to sit down in the morning and see what happens.”
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Rangers/Walter Smith's negativity is their downfall. Last year they were the most boring team to watch. They destroyed the UEFA Cup by being so negative and Zenit punished them, QOS almost did the same and Celtic did it in the league. It's about time Walter and Ally grew a set and learned that attack is sometimes the best form of defence!! I'm so glad Rangers will not be in Europe this season as we will not have to tune into their boring 0-0 draws were they use their usual formation 1-8-1-1.
Posted by Liam | 06.08.08, 15:11 GMT
i dont think anyone can say rangers are a good team i no lots of people are fans but the best rangers can hope for is to finish second and i think they will be pushin it at that.
Posted by Taaffe | 06.08.08, 13:50 GMT
I'm not a Gers fan but I like to see a strong Scottish representation in Europe and it's a shame they are out. Surely even the Celts wouldn't take pleasure in that (although I'm sure the ones with smaller brains will prove me wrong). I don't think Walt is up to the job, simple as that. Celtic need better competition.
Posted by Yip | 06.08.08, 11:37 GMT
Why the suprise
W Smith while undoubitaly a very good and honourable man is a lousey coach and technicitian
Walter made his reptutation buying expensive imports but unfortunatlel bankruptuing Rangers at the same time moved toEverton same story
Writeing on the wall when Fergie got injured and was unable to buy a replacement and did not have the knowhow to beat a
pub team
There should still be a place for Walter at Rangers but not in his current position
Posted by football fan | 06.08.08, 10:52 GMT
Rangers appear to resemble Celtic in the early 90s, broke, in disarray and falling behind the other big Glasgow club in all aspects. As a Celtic supporter myself, I think Scottish football needs both a strong Celtic and Rangers. Its bad enough that the Scottish scene is dominated by two clubs, its even worse when its dominated by one.
Posted by Tony Fearon, Poyntzpass | 06.08.08, 10:34 GMT
Doesn't anyone feel like discussing football's hottest story?
The Rangers fans on here usually have quite a bit to say!
At least they got the new sponsorship deal out of it! Easyjet, In and out of Europe in 3 hours
Posted by Haha, Armagh | 06.08.08, 09:52 GMT