Manager's Welcome
CHAMPIONS
LEAGUE
Everyone at Ibrox extends the warmest of welcomes to our vis
itors from Amsterdam this evening.
Our clubs were in opposition two weeks ago in the first
part of our double header in the UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE.
We were on the receiving end of a heavy defeat then and
will be looking to reverse our fortunes tonight.
But we know we have a tough task on our hands as Louis
van Gaal's side have an outstanding European pedigree.
Ajax have taken part in the last two European Cup finals
and are one of the finest teams on the continent. This is our
fourth outing in Group A and we have yet to pick up a point
unfortunately.
Admittedly, our chances of progressing to the quarter
final stages are slim but we have plenty to play for tonight.
There is a lot more than simply pride at stake and we want to
put on a good performance for our loyal supporters.
Their backing was simply marvellous in the Amsterdam
Arena and we owe it to them to open our account in this sea
son's UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE.
As things stand we are six points behind the other three
teams in Group A and require results to go our way from now
on.lt is certainly difficult but by no means impossible and we
will not give up the fight in the upcoming three matches.
We are badly affected by suspensions for this evening's
encounter, with the likes of Richard Gough, Paul Gascoigne,
Alex Cleland and Craig Moore forced to sit it out.
However, it is up to those who take the field to do their
utmost to ensure we achieve the correct result.
I can assure you we will be giving our all and I know I can
count on your full backing as we face up to the challenge of
this supremely talented Ajax side.
Enjoy the game.
Walter Smith
Manager Rangers FC
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