Rumour Mill: Thierry Henry for Motherwell job | Nir Bitton

THIERRY Henry is the latest name to be added to the list of contenders for Baraclough’s old job; the fallout from his sacking continues as he backs Craigan and Robinson as caretakers; plus more news and gossip in Friday’s Rumour Mill
Thierry Henry is at 8-1 odds to replace Ian Baraclough. Picture: Getty ImagesThierry Henry is at 8-1 odds to replace Ian Baraclough. Picture: Getty Images
Thierry Henry is at 8-1 odds to replace Ian Baraclough. Picture: Getty Images

Thierry Henry joins contenders for Motherwell hotseat

Former Arsenal, Barcelona and France international striker Thierry Henry is rumoured to be in contention to takeover from Ian Baraclough at Motherwell.

Bookies have Henry at 8-1 to replace him but it could be a long shot as Henry currently has a multi-million pound contract with Sky Sports as an analyst.

Thierry Henry is at 8-1 odds to replace Ian Baraclough. Picture: Getty ImagesThierry Henry is at 8-1 odds to replace Ian Baraclough. Picture: Getty Images
Thierry Henry is at 8-1 odds to replace Ian Baraclough. Picture: Getty Images

He is also coaching the Under-21s at former club Arsenal.

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Fir Park have reportedly already had 40 applications in the 24 hours following Baraclough’s exit, with Mitchell van der Gaag, Simo Valakari, Steven Pressley and ex-Hibs and Finland boss Mixu Paatelainen all in the betting. (Daily Express)

Baraclough gives backing to Stephen Craigan and Stephen Robinson

Speaking for the first time since his sacking, former Motherwell manager Ian Baraclough briefly took time to publicly back caretaker management Stephen Craigan and Stephen Robinson.

He said: “All I will say is that Stephen Craigan and Stephen Robinson are good people and good coaches. I have no problem with them moving on with the job.”

Baraclough - backed up by the League Managers’ Association - is now rumoured to be back down south with his family but is now locked in compensation talks with Motherwell bosses. (Scottish Sun)

Motherwell chairman: Sacking Baraclough was right thing to do

Motherwell chairman Brian McCafferty was waded into the storm surrounding Ian Baraclough’s departure, saying it was the right decision for both parties.

Baraclough was sacked on Wednesday evening after Motherwell’s League Cup defeat to Morton. Fans were reportedly heard chanting “You are getting sacked in the morning.”

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Baraclough’s troubled tenure lasted just nine months. (The Herald)

Nir Bitton on cusp of being world star

Celtic manager Ronny Deila reportedly believes Hoops midfielder is just a year away from being recognised as a world star.

Deila made the prediction on Thursday evening, saying that the young Israeli had huge potential but wasn’t quite there yet.

While Deila apparently didn’t know what Bitton could offer to the squad when he first arrived in 2014, Celtic bosses are now rumoured to be anxious to extend the 23-year-old’s contract beyond June 2017. (Scottish Sun)

Dundee United star out of action with hernia

United midfielder Paul Dixon could be out of action until November, dealing a blow to manager Jackie MacNamara.

The defender has been told that his hernia problem will need an operation but apparently won’t go under the knife until next week. (Evening Telegraph)

Darren O’Dea: Commons should get more games

Former Celtic star Darren O’Dea has taken to social media to praise Hoops duo Kris Commons and Anthony Stokes after Wednesday’s League Cup match against Raith Rovers.

O’Dea took to Twitter to say: “Can’t understand how Commons isn’t one of the first names on Deilas team sheet. Won’t defend but scores and makes chances for fun.”

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The Mumbai City FC defender also lavished praise on Anthony Stokes, saying: “People saying stokes has a bad attitude are been sucked in from the media. He’s a good lad and scores for fun. Similar to Griffiths!” (HITC)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Aberdeen’s Graeme Shinnie is set to be named in the line-up for Scotland matches against Poland and Gibraltar. (Daily Record)

• Rangers bosses will fight off Charles Green’s attempts to make the club pay for the former chief executive’s defence against fraud charges. (Daily Express)

• Partick Thistle are hopeful of siging Australian under-23 international Ryan Edwards. (The Herald)