Boyne Posted September 18, 2019 Author Posted September 18, 2019 Great tribute from the club. https://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/fernando-ricksen/ RANGERS is deeply saddened to announce that former player Fernando Ricksen passed away this morning following his battle with motor neurone disease. Fernando spent six trophy-laden seasons at Ibrox having initially joined a number of other Dutch players under manager Dick Advocaat in the summer of 2000. Signing from AZ Alkmaar, he endured a difficult start to life in Glasgow, but in typical Fernando fashion, he worked hard in the face of adversity to become a mainstay in the side when Alex McLeish took over as manager in December 2001. He played in both the League Cup and Scottish Cup finals of that season, as Gers defeated Ayr United and Celtic respectively to claim a cup double. The following season, he was an outstanding performer as the Light Blues went one better to win the domestic treble with Ricksen again playing in both cup finals. Season 2003/04 was a disappointment for everyone at Rangers, but season 2004/05 was to be another memorable campaign, with Fernando named captain of the side in January 2005 following an injury to Stefan Klos. He was truly wonderful in that campaign, particularly after being handed the armband, and began adding goals to his game, claiming a total of nine in that season, while he was named as Rangers’ Player of the Year and joint-SPFA Player of the Year with John Hartson. In a crucial game at Hearts in the title run-in, he remained calm under intense pressure to net a 94th-minute winner from the penalty spot to keep Gers in the hunt for the big prize. He also scored a terrific free-kick against Motherwell in a 5-1 League Cup final win as he lifted his first trophy as captain, but the main event of the season was still to come. Trailing Celtic by two points going into the final game of the season, a defeat for Martin O’Neill’s side at Motherwell coupled with a win for Gers at Hibs meant McLeish’s men sensationally claimed the title – with Fernando being the man to lift the trophy on one of the most iconic days in the club’s history. Fernando left for Zenit and, in a twist of fate, was an unused substitute for them against Rangers in the 2008 UEFA Cup Final. He left Zenit in 2009 and wound down his career at his first club, Fortuna Sittard until his retirement. In October 2013, he revealed he was suffering from motor neuron disease, and since then, has fought a terrific battle against the condition, raising awareness and funds for the Fernando Ricksen Foundation which aims to help others suffering from the illness. A benefit match was held at Ibrox in January 2015, and attracted over 41,000 fans to Ibrox. It raised £320,000 with the proceeds split between Fernando, his daughter Isabella, MND Scotland and the Rangers Charity Foundation. A member of the Rangers Hall of Fame, he also won 12 caps for his native Holland. The thoughts of everyone at Rangers is today with his wife Veronika, his daughter Isabella and all his family and friends. Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson said: “Everyone connected with Rangers will be distressed by Fernando’s passing. He fought so bravely against a terrible illness and our thoughts are with his family. “Fernando will never be forgotten by his teammates or Rangers fans. His place in our history is secured.’
Boyne Posted September 19, 2019 Author Posted September 19, 2019 Paying respects to Fernando outside Ibrox. By the statue of the legendary John Greig. strider6004 and carrickblue 2
carrickblue Posted September 19, 2019 Posted September 19, 2019 Best 45 minutes I've seen from Rangers this season. Could easily be 3 up. Praying they can keep this going in the second half. Londonisblue and Boyne 2
carrickblue Posted September 19, 2019 Posted September 19, 2019 Second half's been a nail biter but a win is a win. Think we could beat these guys in Holland too. That one was for Fernando.... Boyne 1
Boyne Posted September 20, 2019 Author Posted September 20, 2019 12 hours ago, carrickblue said: Best 45 minutes I've seen from Rangers this season. Could easily be 3 up. Praying they can keep this going in the second half. 11 hours ago, carrickblue said: Second half's been a nail biter but a win is a win. Think we could beat these guys in Holland too. That one was for Fernando.... Agree, a great first-half. Second-half was more tense but in the comfortable win in the end. Rangers could and should have scored more. A great strike from Ojo and he could have scored a couple more. Thought Morelos worked really hard. Great performances from Arfield and Helander. Some fine saves from McGregor. A wonderfully observed minutes silence. When the applause started at the second minute and the crowd stood up and players joined in with the applause I confess that I had a tear in the eye. I am honoured to support Chelsea and Rangers. WATP.
carrickblue Posted September 28, 2019 Posted September 28, 2019 closing the gap today; good performance again
Boyne Posted September 30, 2019 Author Posted September 30, 2019 A great result for the 'Gers against Aberdeen. Some fine goals. And with the lot from the dark side drawing at Hibs a fine day all around. It was the perfect day for me with Chelsea, Rangers and my local non-league team, Welling United all winning.
Boyne Posted October 6, 2019 Author Posted October 6, 2019 Slightly off subject but the latest Rangers badge from Poppy Scotland. https://www.poppyscotlandstore.com/poppyscotland-charity-pin-badges/scottish-league-football-pins/rangers-football-pin-badge-poppyscotland.html @carrickblue @Upsetter @Scott @Larky Blue One to add to your collection? Upsetter and Scott 2
carrickblue Posted October 6, 2019 Posted October 6, 2019 Right come on Rangers. Today is the day - no mistakes WATP
Boyne Posted October 6, 2019 Author Posted October 6, 2019 Come on Rangers. Make these two even more miserable. Ugly bastards. WATP.
carrickblue Posted October 6, 2019 Posted October 6, 2019 the natural order of things is restored - happy days HOME AWAY POS. P W D L GF GA W D L GF GA GD PTS 1 Rangers 8 4 0 1 19 4 3 0 0 7 1 21 21 2 Celtic 8 3 0 0 13 2 3 1 1 9 5 15 19 Boyne and Scott 2
carrickblue Posted October 6, 2019 Posted October 6, 2019 4 hours ago, Boyne said: Slightly off subject but the latest Rangers badge from Poppy Scotland. https://www.poppyscotlandstore.com/poppyscotland-charity-pin-badges/scottish-league-football-pins/rangers-football-pin-badge-poppyscotland.html @carrickblue @Upsetter @Scott @Larky Blue One to add to your collection? and of course the missing club is up the 'RA Sellick - pathetic
Scott Posted October 6, 2019 Posted October 6, 2019 Rangers these days are playing a lot like Chelsea these days. Wouldn't a Blue double be the best thing ever! Boyne and carrickblue 2
Boyne Posted October 7, 2019 Author Posted October 7, 2019 10 hours ago, Scott said: Rangers these days are playing a lot like Chelsea these days. Wouldn't a Blue double be the best thing ever! A Blues double would be brilliant. Lots of drinking! Scott 1
Boyne Posted October 8, 2019 Author Posted October 8, 2019 9 hours ago, Scott said: Might be worth the three day hangover. Indeed. I'd go up to Scotland for a few days and stay with my Rangers supporting family. Two of my cousins are ST holders at Ibrox. I think that even if I offered one of them large amounts of money they wouldn't give me their ST for a title winning game. It could be the biggest drinking session since Chelsea won the CL! Scott 1
Boyne Posted October 8, 2019 Author Posted October 8, 2019 Alfie is looking happy alongside the ugly sisters.
Boyne Posted October 25, 2019 Author Posted October 25, 2019 A great result for the 'Gers last night. A draw but they could have easily won it. A great strike from Alfie and from a brilliant pass by Barisic. Thought Rangers controlled the game and Helander was superb in defence. A brilliant double save by McGregor. Didn't think much of Porto and can see Rangers beating them at Ibrox. WATP Scott 1
strider6004 Posted October 27, 2019 Posted October 27, 2019 How is Defoe faring at Rangers, I see he scored today?
Boyne Posted October 31, 2019 Author Posted October 31, 2019 Another good result for the 'Gers last night. Two goals for Morelos and two from Jack. Semi-finals of the Scottish Cup this weekend. Here's to the 'Gers beating Hearts.
Boyne Posted November 3, 2019 Author Posted November 3, 2019 Great result for the 'Gers today. Through to the Scottish League Cup Final. Here's to them beating the lot from the dark side in the final.
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