Last week I lost a bet to my friend Paul Steven over at North South Media. While I was a fan of their blog, it wasn't until I ran into Paul on StumbleUpon that I got to know more about him and his company. Among a common passion for SEO, I discovered that we both share more than a passing interest in the worlds "beautiful game" - soccer or Football as it's known across the pond.
It turned out that our favourite teams (Glasgow Rangers and Panathinaikos Athens) were playing in a European UEFA Cup match. One friendly jab led to another and before we could say pass the pint, the first, to my knowledge, stumbleupon transatlantic friendly football bet was made. The prize was a blog post. The loser had to write about the winners favourite team.
Paul graciously beat me to the punch with an excellent post describing the good natured banter we exchanged leading up to the big game.
I researched the Rangers using, what else, Social Media! So thanks to Wikipedia, YouTube and Flikr, here you are Paul: My tribute to your Glasgow Rangers:
History:
Rangers are a professional football club based in the city of Glasgow, Scotland and they are one of the most successful football clubs in Europe enjoying a long and proud history. Originally founded in 1873 Rangers quickly established themselves as a competitive force in Scottish football and since their inception they have developed into one of the two top teams in the Scottish Premier League, along with bitter city rivals Celtic FC. Along with Celtic, their longest and most fierce rivals, Rangers form one half of the infamous Old Firm.
Rangers have achieved unparalleled success domestically lifting 51 League titles, a world record, confirming their place as the most competitive football team in Scottish football. Along with bitter rivals Celtic Rangers dominate the Scottish Premier League and the title race each season is usually a toss up between these two clubs.
In addition to their outstanding domestic success Rangers have also proven themselves as European contenders after lifting the European Cup Winners Cup in 1972. However, since this date Rangers have failed to lift any European silverware despite repeated attempts to impose themselves in Europe. Sorry Paul, this happens to be relevant when speaking about the team!
Scottish League Championships (51)
1891, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1918, 1920, 1921, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1937, 1939, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1961, 1963, 1964, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003,2005
Cup Winners' Cup winners
1972
Scottish Cup winners (31)
1894, 1897, 1898, 1903, 1928, 1930, 1932, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1953, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1973, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003
League Cup winners (24)
1947, 1949, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1971, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2005
Despite the fact that both games ended in a tie, the Gers move on because an away goal is worth more. Congratulations Paul! I'm looking to playing the lads from Glasgow again! 🙂