Rumour Mill: Old Firm England move ‘inevitable’ | Dundee United want Alan Stubbs

DERMOT Desmond believes it is ‘inevitable’ that Celtic and Rangers will one day be playing among the elite of English football, Dundee United want Hibs boss Alan Stubbs to take over the vacant managerial role at Tannadice, and Simo Valakari is believed to be the front-runner for the manager’s job at Motherwell.
Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond insists the English Premier League will one day relent and allow the Old Firm to join. Picture: SNSCeltic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond insists the English Premier League will one day relent and allow the Old Firm to join. Picture: SNS
Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond insists the English Premier League will one day relent and allow the Old Firm to join. Picture: SNS

Dermot Desmond: Old Firm move down south is ‘inevitable’

CELTIC majority shareholder Dermot Desmond believes it is “inevitable” the Old Firm will play alongside the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in a “British Premiership”.

Both Celtic and Rangers have been trying, without success, to find a route into English football and the far greater revenue opportunities such a switch would bring.

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However, Desmond believes England will eventually be forced to relent and invite the Glasgow clubs to join.

He said: “Rangers and Celtic are among the top 10 teams in Britain and some of the biggest teams in the world and they should be competing at the highest level. It’s inevitable there will be changes.” (Daily Record)

Alan Stubbs a surprise contender for Dundee United job

DUNDEE United could make a shock move for Hibernian manager Alan Stubbs, according to the Daily Mail.

Stubbs is among the candidates at the top of United’s wish list as they look to replace Jackie McNamara, who was sacked on Saturday.

Hibs will likely put up a fight to keep their man, and while Stubbs would be moving up a division with such a move, it remains to be seen whether the 43-year-old would be keen on leaving Easter Road for Tannadice. (Daily Mail)

Mark McGhee keen on return to Motherwell

FORMER Motherwell manager Mark McGhee wants to return to his old job after applying for the vacant post at Fir Park.

McGhee left the club in 2009 to take over at Aberdeen after two successful years in Lanarkshire.

After suffering through a dismal time at Pittodrie he had a brief tenure as manager of Bristol Rovers in 2012. He’s now assistant manager to Gordon Strachan for the Scottish national team, though is apparently keen to get back into management. (Daily Express)

Simo Valakari a front-runner for Motherwell role

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FORMER Motherwell fans favourite Simo Valakari has emerged as one of the favourites to take over as manager at Fir Park.

The Finn enjoyed four stellar years in Lanarkshire from 2000 to 2004 before winning a move to the English Premiership with Derby County.

It is understood he is one of around 80 candidates to apply for the job and his success with minnows Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerh - who he is on the verge of leading to the Finnish title - has intrigued the Motherwell board. (The Herald)

Stuart McCall admits interest in Dundee United job

STUART McCall, the former Motherwell manager, admits becoming Jackie McNamara’s successor at Dundee United is something that “interests” him but he has ruled himself out of a return to Fir Park.

McCall has been linked with the currently vacant posts at both clubs and his strong emotional ties with Motherwell, where his side twice finished second behind Celtic in the league, meant many presumed he could be persuaded to return.

However, McCall, speaking in an interview with Sky Sports yesterday, confirmed he had ruled himself out of the running for the Fir Park post. (The Scotsman)

Spartans and Hibs end development agreement

SPARTANS and Hibernian have agreed to end a landmark arrangement which had seen the Lowland League side and the Championship club combine resources to help develop the next generation of promising young footballers.

The Transition Academy has only been up and running since last summer but, less than 18 months into the collaboration, the clubs have agreed to go their own way in terms of youth development.

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“Unfortunately it has become clear that ourselves and Hibs have different approaches to the development of young players,” said Spartans chairman Craig Graham. (The Scotsman)

Kris Commons eyes 2nd Scots Player of Year prize

KRIS Commons has revealed his ambition to prove he remains a key figure for Celtic by becoming Scotland’s Player of the Year for a second time.

The midfielder won the award two seasons ago but is determined that will not prove to be the high point of his career with the Scottish champions.

Injury curtailed Commons’ start to this season but the 32-year-old has reclaimed his place in Ronny Deila’s starting line-up and shone in their 2-2 draw away to Ajax in the Europa League two weeks ago.

“I don’t like sitting on the bench,” said the 32-year-old. “I don’t like watching my team play. I get paid to play football and I want to play. (The Scotsman)

Deila: Fenerbahce will meet ‘turbo-charged’ Celtic

HAVING seen Celtic concede 26 goals in 21 European matches under his guidance so far, Ronny Deila might be reasonably expected to at least ponder adopting a more cautious approach against continental opposition.

But, whatever doubts may be expressed about Deila’s record beyond domestic level with the Scottish champions, no-one could ever accuse the Norwegian of lacking the courage of his footballing convictions.

As Fenerbahce roll up at Celtic Park for tonight’s potentially pivotal Europa League Group A fixture, Deila is refusing to give any thought to a safety-first or counter-attacking approach. (The Scotsman)

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• Ronny Deila has expressed his appreciation of Dermot Desmond’s public declaration of support for him as Celtic manager and says the Irish billionaire provides him with the inspiration to succeed in the job. (The Scotsman)