Details
Date: Summer 2000
Ref: Spiky Golf Shoes, spiky new golf shoes, spikey golf shoes
Summary: Infamous hubristic article by prominent Rangers fanzine author on the cusp of a new golden age for Celtic
Article author: ‘The Gub’ from Follow Follow fanzine/forum
Background
It is, in retrospect, a curious take on the hubris & arrogance that was the standard view amongst the Rangers support from the time, heralding what they believed to be just the start of a new stage in their dominance to now advance in Europe. In contrast, Martin O’Neill was taking over at an admittedly demoralised Celtic.
As it was to transpire, Martin O’Neill really did make the author of the article eat his words, as it was Celtic who were to begin a new golden era. Unknown to all was that Rangers were beginning their financial antics that led to their implosion and death!
Additionally, there are some very odious elements at the end of the article which demonstrated the disturbed mentality of the deluded author, who likely wished later on he’d never written it. He was to look quite foolish as Celtic won the domestic treble and then make if into the Champions League.
It became a much referenced and parodied article, and explains the background to the oft quoted ‘Spiky Golf Shoes‘ reference on social media over the years by Celtic fans.
Article
Author: ‘The Gub’ from Follow Follow forum & fanzine
Whilst Liverpool’s achievements, over a quarter of a century and more between 1963-1990, are part of footballs folklore. It should be remembered that in 66-72, when Shanks couldn’t see by the group of players, who originally catapulted Liverpool into the spotlight. The mighty reds won hee-haw.
Somehow I dont see that state of affairs being tolerated at Ibrox whilst `the little general` [i.e. Rangers manager Dick Advocaat] is in charge. And that is the way it should be. There is no room for sentiment in football. And that is not a modern view of things, by any means.
For those of you who want to bask in the glory that was last season, buy the video, crack open a bottle before the new season starts, watch it all again and then forget it.
The season ahead is shaping up to be one of the most important in our history. Super colossal just about sums it up. And on two fronts at that.
First off, Europe. There is absolutely no doubt that this is the place where we belong. In with the big boys. And progress is being made. Advancement in this area year on year will probably be a determining factor in whether DA feels it is worthwhile staying longer than his present contract.
But do we forsake the League title for the pursuit of European glory? After all, the Chairman in his wisdom said at the start of last season, that he would gladly sacrifice the title in exchange for European success and was roundly condemned by the fans.
Since then Van Br has said much the same and even DA has been quoted as being in the same frame of mind as the Chairman. I would urge them all to think again.
Quite simply European football at this moment in time is hooked, rotten to the core. At present it is well nigh impossible for us to win the big one. (Not that weve ever really been that close before)
Man Utd winning it in 99 was bad enough, but if anything, Real Madrid lambadaing off with the prize this year was even worse. How can you play a team 4 times in a cup competition lose to them 3 times, yet still go through to the actual final at that teams expense? Corrupt doesnt even begin to sum it up.
And Real Madrid should be a warning to anyone who wants to sacrifice the league, just to have a right good go at the CL.
Imagine miracles of miracles, getting to the semi finals, but at the expense of domestic success? (Too many points have been dropped in the league) Imagine being handily placed from the first leg and then have the second leg at home? This is it. After all the years of pain. This is going to be our year.
And then being put to the sword by one breathtakingly, outrageous, sublime piece of skill, ala Redondo at Old Trafford earlier this year? So our season would be finito, that mob brought back from the brink, because WE didnt give our own league enough respect. I for one, hope that never happens.
I am as desperate for European success as any fan, but for now, making the second knock out phase in the CL is as much as we can hope for. And that is why the news that we are to be seeded at the third qualifying round( which is what is perceived at time of writing) is the best possible news we could have. And it is well deserved too.
I firmly believe that the biggest pressure on us European wise is making the CL sections proper. Getting through to the first phase and then winning our first CL match has to be our immediate aim. And that will do nicely for starters.
But enough of Europe for now. Ever since the league was sown up last season, (Mar 8th) my thoughts have been channelled towards this term. I could well be wrong, but I do believe we are nearing the old firm equivalent of endgame/checkmate/ game, set and match, thank you very much.
It is hard, to see the appointment of ONeill, as anything other than the last throw of the dice for that lot.
For how many years now, have we been subjected to absolute pish that Big Caesar, Brady, (if he has even a fraction of the talent as a manager as he had as a footballer?) the `cappoci man`, ehpopepiousofcelticfootballclub, Dr Dracul (I just loved that accent), and the calypso kid were going to leave Rangers trailing in their wake?
Youll notice that I never mentioned `Wim the tim`. Well funnily enough, the curly headed Dutchman, has even got the experts on the septic list, split 60-40, straight down the middle. There are some who believe he won the league purely by himself.
For those who are interested by such things, Jansens stats (head to head) Vs Walter are as follows. Played 5 Won 1 Drawn 1 (thanks to Rowbotham) and Lost 3.
We have to assume that the yahoos will be an altogether more serious threat this time around. Quite frankly (Mr Shankly) they cant get any worse!
As for O’Neill? He may or may not be the answer to the depraved ones prayers. But I find it truly astonishing (and delightful) that he spent the first few weeks as manager, commentating at Euro 2000 instead of turning in a 15 hr a day shift at Torbett Towers.
Quite simply, if the roles had been reversed and we had finished miles behind last season. Had saw our rivals strengthen an already far superior squad still further. Had put in a new manager in place, only for him to swan off to an International tourney, then I would be in a white jacket with 5ft sleeves by now.
Our greatest advantage undoubtedly, is the fact that the yahoos are so filled with a hatred of all things Rangers FC, that they cannot admit (even among themselves) that we are possibly a halfway decent side. And I f****** love it!
So when we start to pull away from them in the league, the yahoo brain, (or what passes for grey matter) goes into overdrive. The frustration and the poison take hold, and hey presto another manager, the latest green dope, is put under the most terrific pressure.
That lot can sing to the cows come home that they will give O’Neill all the time in the world to catch us up. Who’s kidding who? Rangers winning the league again and maybe this time around, qualifying for the second CL sections will have that lot demanding blood once more.
To sum up my aims for this season? Well, my wee buddy from Cumbernauld says that if we could keep our feet on the yahoos throats for another couple of seasons then `mass` suicides will be the order of the day at Torbett Towers.
As for me? I just hope we are wearing spiky new golf shoes while we are doing it! This is shaping up to be a mega season. Enjoy.
[Note: DA – Rangers manager Dick Advocaat, van Br – Rangers player van Bronkhourst]
Post-note
Completely separate to the above article is the below comment from the Daily Record Phone In from July 2000.
Another example to the hubris amongst the odious Rangers support at the time.
Apparently this is believed to be a former Ulster based councillor who was convicted years later of some egregious offences… and then later spotted at a race hate march in England wearing his Rangers hat on in the match, https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/area/down/news/paedophile-former-dup-councillor-is-spotted-at-race-hate-march-in-england/a/142400345.html [‘March for Unity’ in England, which was organised by an anti-immigration group]
To be clear this man’s offences is thankfully not reflective of all the Rangers support, or our societies in general. He is solely responsible for his heinous crimes.
