Numan: Flair play to grafters

May 11 2008 By Mark Guidi

ARTHUR NUMAN reckons the current Rangers team doesn't match up to his classy old side - but they'll be legends if they win the UEFA Cup.

Numan played in two treble winning sides - 1999 and 2003 - and will cheer on his old club in Manchester on Wednesday.

The Dutchman insists Rangers under Dick Advocaat were full of flair but knows results are what matters and Barry Ferguson and Co. can make history against Zenit St Petersburg.

Numan said: "The first two seasons with Dick were brilliant. We tried to entertain and create chances. The fans said it was the best football they'd seen in years.

"Ours was a stronger team because of the prices paid for the players but what the current squad has achieved is fantastic.

"It may not be pretty but they get the results and can make history by winning the UEFA Cup. And winning is all that matters."

Numan has been impressed with Advocaat's Russian champs and said: "I like the way they play.

"Advocaat's sides are always well organised with players behind the ball then attacking in numbers with great pace.

"It could be a real game of cat and mouse. The first 20 minutes will give us the answers."

Regardless of the result Numan reckons Advocaat will always have Rangers in his heart despite being moved "upstairs" in 2001 after a poor season.

Numan said: "There may be some regret at the way it ended for Dick at Ibrox but this sort of thing happens everywhere in football.

"Dick is still proud of his first two years at Ibrox and happy to be associated with such a great club."