RANGERS NEWSROUND
Monday 16th June 2008
by Ron Norris

A look at the new fixture list, our League Cup draw and a round up of recent transfer rumours that have seen us linked with several decent sounding signings.  

Fixtures and Cup Draw

Today was one of those days you always look forward to as a football fan, the release of the fixtures list. Time to find out who we kick off against, what God awful backwaters we have to travel to in the middle of the week, and possibly where we will be planning our promotion party….. 

The dawn of the new era (etc) begins at Loftus Road on August 9th when we welcome Barnsley in our first fixture and the season to remember (etc, etc) ends with a trip to Preston on Sunday May 3rd.

The traditionally evil Boxing Day fixture is a lot more sensible this year with a London derby at The Valley to enjoy to but the road weary travelling fan has to look forward to several long midweek trips this campaign with Tuesday night away games scheduled against Norwich, Swansea, Sheffield Wednesday, Blackpool and Doncaster.  The fixtures computer has also reversed most of fixtures for the home legs to be extra evil to both sets of fans!

October gives us a full month of fixtures against either promoted or relegated sides with home games against Notts Forest and Birmingham and away trips to Swansea, Reading and Birmingham again.

Also it appears the club have dropped the eight o'clock evening kick off for home games that are not cup ties and aren't on the telly, as all evening home games kick off at the more usual, and easier to remember, quarter to eight this season.

Finally last week saw us draw Swindon Town away in the League Cup first round, that tie has been confirmed for Tuesday August 12th. Interestingly this will be the first time Rangers will be able to select seven substitutes after a law change for the cup competitions this season.  

You can view the full fixtures list by clicking here. Expect a few quick changes as I wouldn't be surprised to see some of our early fixtures selected for live coverage on Sky.

Transfer Targets 

Rangers have been linked with every man and his dog this summer but certain transfers seem to be realistic prospects.  

The club has already, albeit a bit oddly, confirmed that a bid has been made for Blackpool defender Kaspars Gorkss and Iain Dowie is keen to finalise that move as soon as possible.  

“He is one we would like to bring here. I really like the look of him as a player and if it happens, then great.” Dowie said today. "Ideally I would like to have the squad in place for the first day of training." 

The pillaging of Blackpool could continue though as The R’s are heavily linked with a move for Seasiders winger Wes Hoolahan. However that move is on hold pending an agreement between Blackpool, Hoolahan’s old club Livingston and FIFA regarding his move south last summer.  

The two most exciting rumours though link us with Palace midfielder Ben Watson and West Ham striker Bobby Zamora.  

Watson looks set for a move away from Selhurst Park after turning down an improved contract and Neil Warnock confirmed that the academy graduate could soon be on his way.

"We have offered Ben a new contract but my first impressions are that he wants to try something different," he said. "He has gone away on holiday now and will let us know when he gets back but to me it seemed like he is ready for a move."

Meanwhile Zamora continues to be linked with a switch to West London, with two stories currently circulating. One has him joining in a permanent move whilst another has it as a season long loan with QPR and West Ham sharing the burden of his salary. Regardless, if it comes off his signing would be a massive tonic ahead of the start of the season.