Grounded Wingman

Apparently they hope to name McLeish's successor after the 2nd leg against Villarreal. This arguably makes sense as Rangers season could be over by then (although Villarreal are hardly going great guns just now either). If the new man is not currently in a job then McLeish will walk (or get pushed out) before the season's finished I reckon. As for naming the stadium - I always think it's a great idea for any club. Money for nothing really.

Very unusual move. I just hope Benitez doesn't go for Steve McManaman or Ray Houghton as the new right midfielder.

Nalbandian choked again. He's got the game to be up there with the likes of Federer (or just below that level) but mentally he's not cutting it. I'm hoping Baghdatis isn't a flash in the pan. I've really enjoyed watching some of his matches this week. Clijsters was my pick for the ladies title pre-tournament but she has had trouble with injuries and just didn't last the pace.

Personally I feel that Scotland's infrastructure is still not good enough. Sure, there are a few decent youngsters coming through but nowhere near the quality needed. Scotland, as a nation, also lack ambition and are happy with the "Glorious failures" tag. For a nation of supposed fighters we sure accept loss easily. There is a total overhaul needed, which won't come because those in the SFA are busy with their individual agendas. It also doesn't help that any half-way decent prospect that comes through ends up ruining their career by leaving the club that nurtured them and, subsequently, they either kick heels in the Old Firm's stiffs or go to a club in one of the Nationwide divisions and flit in and around the fringes of the team there too. One final point - it should be more important, to a Scottish player, to play for Scotland rather than to play for their club.

There's a bright side to Scotland not qualifying. At least the press can't say any violence is caused by "British" hooligans if only England are at the World Cup. Having said that, England fans get it pretty harsh if someone steps out of line. Turkey, Italy, Spain etc get away with things that are just as bad or worse. Oh, and this St Johnstone fan would like to point out that Scotland will be at the World Cup. He'll be playing up front for Trinidad and Tobago. The big worry is England are certainly capable of winning the World Cup. The positive is that Eriksson's so stupid that they'll have to do it in spite of him, rather than because of him.

Harrison Ford - 3 Indiana Jones films, 3 Star Wars films, The Fugitive, Blade Runner, Air Force One, Witness, Presumed Innocent, Force 10 from Navarone, Frantic, Presumed Innocent, Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, Regarding Henry. Tom Hanks - Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, Philadelphia, Saving Private Ryan, Joe vs the Volcano, Batchelor Party, Toy Stroy 1 and 2, The Green Mile, Castaway,Road to Perdition, Catch Me If You Can. John Cusack - Grosse Point Blanke, Pushing Tin, High Fidelity, The Sure Thing, Grifters, Con Air, The Grifters, Thin Red Line, Bob Roberts, Serendipity, Being John Malkovich.

Nalbandian played brilliant today, and apparently so did Lopez.

I'm a Scotsman yet I am glad to see Nalbandian seems to be finding some form again. Now he's a player who could be a future grand slam winner. Murray isn't fit to last 5 sets, until he sorts that out he'll get nowhere. He's 2 or 3 years behind Nadal in terms of development. Nadal started getting recognised for his talent at 15 but he's worked on the physical side and it's paying off big style for him. Murray needs to do the same - he has the game, he needs the build and stamina.

Nalbandian will be a level up for Murray from today's game. I just watched Nalbandian beat Kucera in straight sets and Nalbandian looked damn impressive. 3 years ago Nalbandian was a Wimbledon finalist, that's what Murray is up against. Any win from now on (even today's) is a massive win for Murray.

That's some result for Murray.

Apparently the Reina deal is close to being done. 1st and 2nd round draws for Champion's League qualifying is tomorrow (Friday 24th June) and players have to be signed by the 6th July to be eligible for the 1st qualifying round.

Nope, he turned 19 on June 3rd. ←

Murray has a very unBritish mentality, he seems to be confident in his ability and expects to win - I hope he can keep that up. However, when you consider that Safin's 25, Hewitt's 24, Nadal is 19, Federer is 23, Coria's 23 and Roddick is 22 then you realise that all those guys should be around for years and it would take a miracle for Murray to be better than any of them. On a side note, can I just say how great it is to have Safin and Hewitt back playing well after both have had some dodgy times in recent years.