I dumped Slavia with a famous goal for Hearts, I hope old mate Gary gets same result for Gers
Snodin eyes repeat for Leeds pal v Prague
WATCHING Rangers in Europe this season should come with a health warning after some epic heart-stopping encounters which have had locked-out fans on the edge of their armchairs.
But they have a lot to live up to when it comes to matching the drama of their next opponents Slavia Prague’s last visit to Scotland almost 30 years ago.
The Czech side faced Hearts in the UEFA Cup first round in 1992 and played their part in a second leg Tynecastle thriller which saw them crash out of the competition.
It is one of the most memorable games witnessed in Gorgie with Glynn Snodin netting a stunning free kick winner 14 minutes from time of a 4-2 victory to take Joe Jordan’s men through to the second round.
After a 1-0 defeat in the Czech capital which Snodin missed due to the three foreigner rule, Hearts were going out on away goals after strikes from Gary Mackay, Ian Baird and Craig Levein had them 3-2 in front.
But full-back Snodin’s long range effort crashed in off the underside of the crossbar to send Tynecastle wild and send sickened Slavia – who brought on a young Patrik Berger that night – home.
The Czechs, whose only previous encounter with Scots opposition also ended in defeat to St Mirren in 1985, are now preparing for a return to Scotland when they face Rangers in their Europa League last-16 clash.
Hearts lost to Standard Liege in the second round after beating Slavia and Gers have also faced the Belgians in the group stage this season with a 3-2 win in a ding-dong Ibrox battle.
That was nothing compared to the drama of fellow Belgian outfit Royal Antwerp in the last round where they came through 9-5 on aggregate in a crazy game and Gers also drew 3-3 in Benfica on another bonkers night.
Hearts hero Snodin – now a scout for Sheffield United – has been watching closely with his friend and former Leeds United team-mate Gary McAllister in the Ibrox dug-out as Steven Gerrard’s assistant.
And the 61-year-old Yorkshireman said: “Given some of their games this season, I wouldn’t put it past Rangers to produce a thriller like we did in 1992 against Slavia Prague but the big difference is there will be no fans and that’s such a shame.
“The crowd really made it at Tynecastle that night, it’s not the same without punters, and our game against Slavia Prague was made for fans. You felt the atmosphere even in the warm-up. You could feel the buzz and sense there was something different in the air.
“When Slavia Prague played Leicester in the last-32 last Thursday my mind drifted back to that famous game at Tynecastle and again when they were drawn against Rangers.
“It happens every time I hear their name. It’s usually Sparta Prague who are more prominent so it’s nice to see them emerge again.
“Slavia were a good team back then. All the continental sides we faced then were technically good and they were no different but it’s nice for me to think that I could go to a club and leave them with a memory, even if it it was just one goal and especially in a European game.
“Every so often I get the goal sent to me. It was a fantastic game, especially as we were 1-0 down from the first leg. We brought it back but they were going through on away goals until my goal.
“There was about 16 minutes to go and the place erupted. The noise level was incredible. You can’t sleep after a game like that and the adrenaline is still pumping as you think about having sent so many people home happy.
“I was one of those players who was part of that and it gives you a good feeling. It was one of my best goals because it was important for the club at that time to get us into the next round of the UEFA Cup for financial reasons.
“It was the first time I’d played in Europe which was one of the reasons I joined the club. When I was at Sheffield Wednesday when we finished in a European position but English clubs were banned at that time due to the Heysel Stadium riot. I joined Hearts from Leeds United and at that time I was just going to sign for my local club Rotherham from but Joe Jordan came to watch me and gave me a call.
“Billy Bremner had been manager of Leeds United when I was there and Joe had a good relationship with him. He invited me up for a chat and Edinburgh was a lovely city and with European football it was a no brainer.
“I absolutely loved my time in Scotland - great club, great city - and it’s just a pity they find themselves out of the top flight because they’re such a great club.”
Snodin spent five years as a player at Elland Road where he helped them win promotion to the top flight which they then won in 1992, although he had spells on loan at Oldham and Rotherham as Tony Dorigo was first pick in his position.
He returned to the Yorkshire club as assistant manager to Simon Grayson who replaced McAllister as boss. Snodin played alongside the Gers No. 2 and said: “He’s a diamond fella and has done brilliantly alongside Steven Gerrard at Rangers and I’m pleased for him.
“When you consider where Rangers were when they went in there it’s absolutely magnificent to
get to where they are now.”
RANGERS have still to clinch this season’s title but Celtic fans are already looking to the next campaign and how they can stop their rivals.
When the Hoops halted the Ibrox side’s bid for 10 in a row in 1998 the Light Blues responded by hiring Dick Advocaat and won five of the next six trophies before he wheels came off.
And some Celtic fans on the Hotline are predicting success for Rangers will be flash in the pan and the Parkhead side will return to being the dominant force.
But the question is how they will do that with no permanent boss in place and a chief executive who doesn’t start until July 1 in Dominic McKay, a move criticised by Record Sport columnist Chris Sutton.
Following an underwhelming 1-0 win over Aberdeen under interim gaffer John Kennedy at the weekend, Jim Molloy, Kilsyth, said: “Sutton’s comments in his column were spot on.
“Celtic are a shambles top to bottom. Our best players can’t get out the door quickly enough and now we learn new CEO McKay won’t be available until July 1. Yet another disastrous Peter Lawwell legacy.”
colin Mcardle, lanarkshire, said: “A shambles under Neil Lennon as manager and now the same shambles under Kennedy. Surely the board of directors must see what is wrong on the pitch and within the club.”
But Seamie gallagher, govan, said: “As a Celtic fan I’m already turning my thoughts to next season with our magnificent quadruple Treble fresh on the history page.
“Rangers are deservedly closing in on the championship and rightful acclaim that goes with that but we