Latest news with #BrianLaudrup


BBC News
05-08-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Electric wingers' spark exciting Rangers into life
Brian Laudrup's name was not one many would have expected to be evoked when discussing Rangers wide men in the 3-0 thumping of Viktoria Plzen. Former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson did admit it was ridiculously premature to suggest Djeidi Gassama or Oliver Antman could ever make the sort of impact the iconic Dane did at Ibrox. But the comparison served to underline the impression the dynamic wingers had made on him and the Rangers fans as they ripped the Czech side to shreds in this Champions League third qualifying round first has exploded onto the scene since signing from Sheffield Wednesday. His two fabulous goals, one in each leg, helped drag Rangers through a treacherous assignment against Panathinaikos and over the first hurdle on the road to the Champions Antman on the other flank offering similar pace, footwork and eye for goal just one day after joining the club, Rangers looked a team that had found a new gear."I can't remember the last time Rangers had two electric wingers on the pitch at the same time," said former Ibrox midfielder Andy Halliday on Sportscene. "For such a long period of time, it's been such a problem for Rangers." What made them so dangerous? Antman left his prints all over the game on his Rangers Finnish winger - signed from Go Ahead Eagles, where he scored six goals and provided 15 assists in 32 games last term - was unlucky not to score when he saw a goal-bound effort blocked on the line. He was brought down in the box after a surging run that resulted in the penalty that was tucked away by Cyriel Dessers. His cross was measured to perfection for Gassama to knock inthe third goal to give Rangers daylight in the tie. "I think you can see why we wanted to sign him," said Rangers head coach Russell Martin of the 23-year-old, who has agreed a four-year deal. "He's game, he's willing, he's really competitive and he has moments of real quality."Gassama's performance also drew praise from the head Mauritania-born 21-year-old has now scored four goals in as many games since joining from Sheffield Wednesday in July - 50% of what he delivered in 47 matches last of those goals have come in the Champions League, making them even more valuable to the Ibrox club given the potential riches on offer."We spoke about the need for some winger-to-winger goals and Gassama is really stepping up in terms of intensity, he really wants to score," Martin added."We showed him a lot of clips when we signed him where he ends up too far away from goal. He's taken on the information really, really well." What did the pundits say? Former Rangers winger Peter Lovenkrands:"Antman has shown fantastic promise. He's looking very, very exciting and he has a bundle of pace. And I love how Gassama attacks the back post. "I love watching two wingers running in behind and they can make a fantastic partnership. It will definitely get fans out of their seats."Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday:"I was so impressed with Antman. He had everything. His work rate was excellent and he did a great job."You can already see why he got so many assists last season. He doesn't just drive it into the box, he tries to pick players out."Gassama is direct, quick and great 1v1. He was a constant threat and caused defenders a lot of problems."Former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson:"The wingers gave Rangers an injection of pace in the final third was clearly missing against Motherwell. "Antman was sensational. He's very direct and lightning quick and I can't remember him giving the ball away. His decision making was spot on."Former Rangers forward Steven Thompson:"The penetration Antman has brought to this side has been absolutely brilliant. What an impact. They just look so much more dangerous."


BBC News
19-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Rangers' nine-in-a-row trophy sells for £16,000 at auction
An authentic piece of silverware that marked Rangers' ninth consecutive title victory in the 1990s has sold at auction for £16,000 to an unknown Bell's Whisky League Championship Trophy from the 1996-1997 season went under the hammer on Thursday at Glasgow-based McTear's, with bidding starting at £9, Ibrox-side lifted the trophy at Tannadice on 7 May 1997, after a header from Danish forward Brian Laudrup in the 10th minute sealed a 1-0 victory over Dundee result secured Walter Smith's team a ninth Scottish Premier League title in a row, equalling the feat achieved by Celtic from 1965 to 1974. The trophy was presented to Rangers captain Richard Gough on the pitch after the match, while images from the night show star players like Ally McCoist and Paul Gascoigne celebrating with the trophy on the lone goal in the match led to him being named Scotland's Player of the Year for the second time. Neither Rangers or Celtic have ever managed to win the league 10 years in a row, as Wim Jansen's Celtic took the victory the following season for the first time since 1988. 'A remarkable piece of Rangers memorabilia' McTear's, one of the oldest independent auction houses in the UK, said the trophy comes with the original box and paperwork from the Scottish Football Museum, confirming its authenticity. The 21-centimetre wide trophy was estimated to sell for between £9,000 and £12, on sale at the Sporting History, Important Trophies, Medals and Jerseys event was a Rangers Hall of Fame Trophy that was posthumously awarded to Davie Cooper - who died in 1995 after suffering a brain haemorrhage aged 39. Other items in the auction included a rare Rangers programme for a match against Clyde in 1947 and a Coronation Cup Final programme from the clash between Celtic and Newcastle in 1953. A spokesperson for McTear's said: "This is a remarkable piece of Rangers and Scottish football memorabilia that marks one of the most impressive achievements in the Club's history. "We have auctioned a number of important Old Firm items over the years, and the nine in a row trophy sits alongside the highest profile pieces that have gone under the hammer. "The trophy is being sold by a private individual and we are comfortable with both the provenance of the piece and the legitimacy of the ownership."Rangers did not comment. Rangers are set to face Greek side Panathinaikos in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League next match at home on 22 July will mark Russell Martin's first competitive game as the Ibrox-side's head coach, having been appointed earlier this month.


STV News
28-05-2025
- Sport
- STV News
Rangers' nine-in-a-row championship trophy up for auction in Glasgow
The silverware won by Rangers to seal their nine-in-a-row triumph in 1997 is being auctioned next month. Auctioneers McTear's is listing the Bell's Whisky trophy as part of its 'Sporting History, Important Trophies, Medals and Jerseys' auction, scheduled to take place on June 19. McTear's expect the item to sell for between £9,000 and £12,000. Rangers lifted the trophy at Tannadice on May 7, 1997, after a Brian Laudrup header sealed a 1-0 victory over Dundee United. That result ensured Walter Smith's side secured a ninth Scottish Premier League title in a row, equalling the feat achieved by Celtic from 1965 to 1974. The trophy was presented to Rangers captain Richard Gough on the pitch after the match. McTear's says the item will come with its original box and paperwork from the Scottish Football Museum, confirming the trophy's authenticity. Looking at the upcoming sporting auctions at Mctears and came across Bell's Premier Division trophy presented to Rangers when they won 9-in-a-row in the 90s Believed to have been removed from Ibrox during the Craig Whyte era. Now on an auction site 🤦♂️ — Scotland's Coefficient (@scotlandscoeff1) May 27, 2025 A spokesperson for McTear's said: 'This is a remarkable piece of Rangers and Scottish football memorabilia that marks one of the most impressive achievements in the Club's history. 'We have auctioned a number of important Old Firm items over the years, and the nine-in-a-row trophy sits alongside the very best and highest profile pieces that have gone under the hammer. 'We have already received a number of enquiries and we expect interest from collectors and fans alike to continue to build as we approach the auction on June 19.' Rangers have been contacted for comment. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

The National
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The National
Rangers' nine-in-a-row league trophy up for auction
Brian Laudrup's goal in a 1-0 victory for the Ibrox side over Dundee United at Tannadice was enough to seal the SPL title for the 1996/97 season. Rangers captain Richard Gough was presented with a special league trophy on the pitch after the match. Read more: It can now be bought and is up for auction on Bidding starts on Thursday, June 19, with the estimated price sitting between £9,000 and £12,000. The trophy comes with the original box and paperwork from the Scottish Football Museum confirming its authenticity. As we enter the new 2025/26 campaign, Rangers remain on the hunt for a new permanent manager. Barry Ferguson took interim charge of the team following Philippe Clement's dismissal. He won't be getting the permanent gig, though, with names such as Russell Martin, Sean Dyche, and Davide Ancelotti all mentioned in connection with the hotseat. The latter was previously expected to follow his father, Carlo, to Brazil, although that is no longer the case: "Davide is currently in negotiations with a European team, and it didn't seem right to bring him in," said Ancelotti Sr on Monday evening. "If he goes to a club, I wish him the best, and if not, he can come back to us."


The Independent
21-02-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Chelsea handed last-16 Conference League draw with Copenhagen
Chelsea will face Danish Superliga leaders Copenhagen for a place in the quarter-finals of the Conference League. Enzo Maresca's side were handed a two-legged last-16 tie against the Danes in Friday's draw in Nyon, the reward for their 100 per cent group-phase record which allowed them to top the table with 18 points. Copenhagen made it to the knockout stage the hard way, losing the home leg of their play-off against Germany's Heidenheim 2-1 before securing a nail-biting 3-1 extra-time victory in the return to secure their passage. The sides met in the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1998 with the Blues going through 2-1 on aggregate after Brian Laudrup scored the decisive goal in Denmark. However, they last went head-to-head in the last 16 of the Champions League in 2011 when Nicolas Anelka's double in the away leg handed the Blues a 2-0 advantage to take to Stamford Bridge, where a 0-0 draw pitched them into last-eight battle, ultimately unsuccessfully, with Manchester United, who would go on to lose to Barcelona in the final at Wembley. The ties will take place on March 6 and 13.