Rangers fans adore McGregor’s interview after he wins John Greig award

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Loads of Rangers fans have been sharing their views on the club’s award ceremony, which took place on Sunday night.

Rangers got back to form last week with two clinical and professional performances.

After the Old Firm heartbreak, the Gers responded with a 3-0 domination of Hearts at Ibrox before a trip to Motherwell, where a Scott Arfield hat trick was enough for all three points again.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals he would have snubbed Tottenham for Arsenal if they’d come knocking in 2005…

Following Sunday’s game, the players attended the club’s yearly award ceremony, the results of which you can find here.

Unsurprisingly, Alfredo Morelos swept up top goalscorer, player of the year and players’ player of the year, while Ryan Kent won young player of the campaign and Ryan Jack claimed goal of the season with his effort in the Old Firm.

Meanwhile, fan favourite Allan McGregor was handed the John Greig Achievement Award, an extremely prestigious achievement.

As a player and manager, Greig racked up five league titles, eight Scottish Cups and seven Scottish League Cups at Ibrox.

The club spoke to McGregor after he collected the award, and he appeared to be stumbling over his words as he expressed his delight.

Fans are heaping praise both on his clear passion for the club and the award, as well as the fact that he seems to have had a little bit too much fun at the ceremony.

Either way, you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

Make or break: Tottenham talks must lead to something special

Mauricio Pochettino to commence talks over transfer policy following damaging lacklustre performances in previous windows.

It’s a tale as old as time Tottenham Hotspur not spending big in the transfer window, but it doesn’t make things any easier for fans to digest when it happens, and Mauricio Pochettino knows all too well that this must change if they want to shake the club’s disastrous reputation both on and off the field.

As per the Telegraph, the Argentine is due to hold talks with chairman Daniel Levy over his future in charge at the club, and we don’t doubt that, within these conversations, the topic of transfer expenditure will be broached.

Indeed, Pochettino, like everybody else, sees the opening of the new stadium as a symbolic beginning to a new and exciting chapter at the club – one where they are willing to spend big to bring in the most iconic names in world football, and challenge their rival ‘big six’ members, all of whom have benefited from investing heavily in the market in recent years.

“I am happy and proud to finish a chapter this season, competing the way we compete, helping the club, the fans, the players to be better,” said Pochettino (via the Telegraph). “We are not in Chigwell any more, we are not at White Hart Lane with 36,000. The magnitude of the club has grown ten times, 100 times, we are in another dimension. We cannot operate in the same way as five years ago.

“It is about Daniel Levy, it is about talking and whether I am going to be involved or not – that is the decision of the club.”

“Now it looks like a big club when you arrive here. Before you could say ‘But the stadium only holds 36,000’. But now, when you arrive here, there is no point in thinking like a small club. You must think like a big club if we want to challenge the big clubs in Europe.”

The Spurs boss has hit the nail on the head when he discusses big club and small club mentality. Too long have Tottenham sat back in the market, teetering between huge marquee signings and recruiting for the future, without any real obvious intention of short term or long-term success.

They’ve played it too safe and they’re suffering because of it. Levy needs to accept the fact that money is a pre-requisite for success; that flops will inevitably happen, but for the good of the club, he must commit and make sacrifices, otherwise they will find themselves in the same position over and over again. Premier League purgatory – no one wants that.

Tottenham fans, who would you like to see moved in and out of the club this summer? Let us know in the comments below…

قبل الكلاسيكو.. مفارقة غريبة لـ ريال مدريد وبرشلونة لأول مرة في الليجا مُنذ 17 عامًا

سقط قطبا الدوري الإسباني، ريال مدريد وبرشلونة، بهدف نظيف سكن شباك كل منهما، حيث هُزم الأول أمام قادش، والثاني تلقى خسارة على يد خيتافي.

ريال مدريد فرط في إمكانية الحفاظ على صدارة الدوري الإسباني، بعدما سقط على ميدانه “ألفريدو دي ستيفانو”، بهدف لوزانو الذي كتب لـ قادش انتصار تاريخيًا، هو الأول في تاريخ النادي الأصفر.

الجميع ظن أنّ برشلونة سيحاول استغلال الفرصة، وخاصًة قبل كلاسيكو الأرض، ولكن النادي الكتالوني هُزم هو الآخر، بهدف خويمي ماتا، خارج قواعده.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كورتوا عن هزيمة ريال مدريد: من الصعب شرح ما حدث.. قادش تفوق علينا في كل شيء!

شبكة “أوبتا” العالمية للأرقام والإحصائيات، كشفت عن مفارقة غريبة وهي أنّ آخر مرة خسر فيها ريال مدريد وبرشلونة كلاهما في الليجا، قبل الكلاسيكو، ذلك كان في أبريل 2003.

الأغرب في الأمر أنّ ريال مدريد خسر أمام أتلتيك بلباو بنتيجة 4-2، بينما برشلونة خسر أمام ديبورتيفو لاكورونيا وبنفس النتيجة أيضًا.

وفي نفس السياق ذكرت شبكة “ميستر شيب” الإسبانية، أنّ ريال مدريد وبرشلونة لم يخسرا في نفس اليوم دون تسجيل أهداف، لأول مرة أيضًا مُنذ 20 عامًا و164 يومًا، عندما حدث ذلك في 6 مايو 2000، حين خسر برشلونة 2-0 أمام رايو فاليكانو، بينما الملكي هزم أمام ألافيس بهدف نظيف.

Newcastle United: Dubravka must repay Rafa’s faith amid Juventus interest

Martin Dubravka has built up a reputation as one of the Premier League’s top goalkeepers since his initial loan arrival at Newcastle from Sparta Prague last January.

Newcastle made a shrewd move in negotiating an option to buy the stopper at the end of his temporary deal, and the Slovakian has gone from strength to strength this season.

His ability had come into question in recent weeks after some high profile errors, but on the whole, his contribution to the Magpies has saved many more points than it has cost them.

But although Dubravka’s contract at St James’ Park is not due to run out until 2022, the Newcastle Chronicle worryingly report that his agent, Pavel Zika, while speaking to the Czech media, has insisted there is interest in his client from European giants Juventus, as well as other Premier League clubs.

He also added, however, that both his, and the player’s, preferred option is to sign an extended deal at Newcastle.

It is easy to see why players would have their heads turned when the likes of Juve are among their admirers, but Dubravka arrived at Newcastle as a relatively unknown figure, and it was Rafa Benitez who gave him the platform in the biggest league in the world.

Any thoughts he may harbour of playing in the Champion’s League, or for a European elite club, should be placed on the back-burner, and his sole focus should be on repaying the faith Newcastle had in him.

Obviously, down the line, his Champion’s League dream will almost certainly lie away from Gallowgate — unless some, as yet unknown, multi-billionaire transforms the Magpies into the next Manchester City — but for now, he should continue building his reputation exactly where he is.

He is adored by the legion of Toon fans who sit behind him in either the Leazes or Gallowgate Ends, singing his name game after game, and he will not be idolised in the same way at many other clubs.

Of course, playing contract negotiations out in public is an old trick, and we believe the likelihood is simply an agent trying to frighten a few extra pounds out of the club when his improved deal is offered.

What are your thoughts on Dubravka? Will he sign a new deal and stay at Newcastle in the long term? Let us know below…

Great banter: Fans react as Chilwell shares video from England training

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A video posted on Twitter by Leicester’s Ben Chilwell from England training has gained traction with many fans laying into Dele Alli who was the centre of attention in the footage.

The focus was on Alli’s small calf muscles as Tweeters hammered the Spurs man for having skinny legs, or as one fan put it – the calves of a ten-year-old. A certain Leicester fan meanwhile said that Chilwell’s reaction reminded them of David Brent from television programme The Office.

Supporters of both Leicester and Spurs used it as a chance to bicker over Chilwell’s future, urging the Foxes man to join Alli in north London. One Spurs fan said it was great to see them making friends whilst another claimed it would be great banter with the pair of them in the same squad next season.

However, one member of the Foxes faithful sarcastically commented that the left-back would rather play for a team who knows how to win the Premier League, something that Tottenham have not experienced since 1961.

Here’s the best of the reaction:

Bryan Oviedo could be the man to potentially replace Tierney

Celtic fans must be getting bored of winning trophies as their side continue to dominate in Scotland, with yet another treble on the cards in the current campaign. 

The Hoops have plenty to be pleased about in terms of how their season has panned out but one thing that could spoil the mood is a summer departure, as according to Daily Record, Kieran Tierney has been on the radar of Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

Of course, losing the youngster would be devastating as he has the potential to become a superstar if he continues to develop. But, selling the defender would result in a large fee, which would help the Glasgow club massively as they look to strengthen in the summer transfer window.

One player who could come in as a replacement for the Scotland international is Sunderland’s Bryan Oviedo.

Interestingly, Celtic were linked (as per AS, via Read Celtic) with a move for the Costa Rica international back in the January transfer window, but nothing developed.

The South American has produced six assists in League One this season with his attacking style constantly causing problems down the left-hand side. He shares a similar playing style to Tierney as he loves to bomb forward and influence the game in the final third, as well as being able to track back and put a tackle in.

Oviedo’s experience could work wonders for the Hoops in Europe as their current squad lacked experience in this year’s competition. And, he’s at the peak of his powers at this moment in time, so now would be the best time to bring him to Parkhead with Tierney possibly leaving this summer.

Celtic fans, would you like to see Oviedo replace Tierney if he leaves this summer? Join the discussion by commenting down below! 

Lesson learned? West Ham set to take major Hugill hit

West Ham United could be set to sell Jordan Hugill for a fee of £5million in the summer, per Claret and Hugh.

The striker joined the club in a £10m deal from Preston North End in January 2018 but the Irons are reportedly ready to cut their losses when the transfer window reopens.

What’s the word?

Hugill has played for the Hammers three times and has never featured for more than 10 minutes in a competitive game – an epic transfer flop if there ever was one.

Since moving to the London Stadium, he has been loaned to Middlesbrough, scoring seven goals in 34 games.

And Claret and Hugh claim that manager Tony Pulis does not particularly want to keep Hugill at the Riverside Stadium.

Nevertheless, the report states that, should Boro change their mind, the Premier League club would be willing to accept between £4m and £5m for a permanent switch.

The 26-year-old also struggled for goals at Preston, scoring 30 times in over 110 appearances for the Deepdale club.

A regretful incident

The deal for Hugill was a ridiculous one from the outset.

David Moyes secured the deal during his time at the London Stadium.

Hugill did not and does not appear ready to make a breakthrough in east London and is a prime example of a player who is adept at playing in the second-tier but not in the top-flight.

This summer, the Hammers should focus on promoting a player from the youth team, such as Toni Martinez, instead of taking such a punt.

Their transfer strategy has been scattergun in recent years and West Ham should ensure that they are more focused this time around.

Manuel Pellegrini cannot afford to be saddled with another flop from the beginning of next season.

Confidence booster: Rangers fans heap praise on Barisic

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Loads of Rangers fans have been reacting to an impressive international performance, as Borna Barisic grabbed his first Croatia goal on Wednesday night.

It feels like Rangers have been waiting all season for Barisic to come into his own, as the 26 year-old clearly has a lot to offer.

After joining from NK Osijek for a fee of around £2m, the left-back showed glimpses of his potential, impressing early on with his wicked deliveries into the box, particularly in the Europa League where he racked up a goal and three assists.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

His form has since fallen off a cliff though, repeatedly being caught out of position, showing poor defensive awareness and often just not looking up for the fight and pressure that comes with donning the famous blue shirt.

The Steven Gerrard signing may just have got the boost he needs though, grabbing his side’s first goal in a comeback win against Azerbaijan on Thursday.

The World Cup finalists fell behind when Ramil Seydaev put the 108-ranked visitors in front, but the Gers ace levelled before Andrej Kramaric scored the winner.

Loads of fans have been running the rule on Barisic’s goal and performance, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

Cult heroes: Stuart Pearce at Nottingham Forest

It’s not often a player is given the nickname ‘Psycho’ and thirty years after their retirement that name still strikes fear into rival fans and for former pros, but for Forest supporters and Stuart Pearce, that’s a privilege they are given.

Pearce is one of the quintessential working man’s footballers. Juggling playing for non-league Wealdstone and working as an electrician at 16, the talented fullback got his move into professional football after five years with Alliance Premier League club by signing for Coventry City.

Two years under Bobby Gauld’s side and Pearce was on the move again, this time to Forest, and although we now know the combative fullback would go on to spend 12 years with the Reds, the 23-year-old Psycho at the time was so unsure of his future as a football player that for some time he advertised his electrician services in Forest’s matchday programme.

But alas, we know the story now. Pearce went on to become an icon for the club, as well as for England. In a 12-year career at Forest, the England international went on to make over 500 appearances for the Reds, scoring 95 goals. Psycho also led the club to two League Cups as well as the Full Members Cup.

As well as the highs, Pearce remained at the club for some of its lows. The defender stayed at the club following relegation to League Division One, what is now the Championship, in 1993, and Pearce was involved in the FA Cup semi-final match between Forest and Liverpool in 1989 at Hillsborough, where 96 fans tragically lost their lives.

It was Pearce’s time in League Division One with Forest that immortalised him as a legend at the club. As well as helping the Reds gain promotion on the first attempt, their returning season in the Premier League saw Nottingham finish third in the league, qualifying them for European football for the first time in over 10 years.

Sadly, this was to be Pearce’s last hurrah with the club. Following the resignation of manager Frank Clark in December 1996, the now 34-year-old defender took up the mantle of caretaker manager, which resulted in Psycho leaving the club entirely the following March due to the appointment of Dave Bassett.

Pearce would return to Forest almost 20 years later as manager of the club he is so beloved at, however, this was also to end badly. With the Red sitting in 12th place in February and elimination from Rochdale in the FA Cup being a low point, Pearce was sacked by the club.

His managerial stints might have damaged his reputation at the club slightly, but there is still no doubt that Pearce is an icon of Nottingham Forest, the working-class player who became captain and led them back to success and to European football.

تشكيل ريال مدريد أمام شاختار.. الملكي بدون ظهير أيمن وبنزيما بديلًا

أعلن زين الدين زيدان المدير الفني لنادي ريال مدريد الإسباني، عن تشكيل الفريق لمواجهة شاختار الأوكراني، ضمن الجولة الأولى من دور المجموعات بدوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويعوض إيدير ميلياتو غياب الدولي الإسباني سيرجيو راموس الذي يغيب سبب الإصابة.

واستبعد زيدان، كريم بنزيما من هجوم الفريق الأساسي، ويتواجد على مقاعد البدلاء، في ظل اعتماد المدرب الفرنسي على لوكا يوفيتش الصربي.

بالإضافة إلى بنزيما، يتواجد توني كروس أيضًا على مقاعد البدلاء، مع تفضيل زيدان للاعب الوسط فيدي فالفيردي.

ويدفع زيدان بالثنائي فيرلاند ميندي ومارسيلو دا سيلفا، وأحدهما سيكون في مركز الظهير الأيمن واستبعد ناتشو مونريال، رغم إصابة داني كارفخال. تشكيل ريال مدريد أمام شاختار

حراسة المرمى: كورتوا

الدفاع: مارسيلو، ميليتاو، فاران، ميندي

الوسط: مودريتش، كاسيميرو، فالفيردي

الهجوم: رودريجو، اسينسيو، يوفيتش

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