Rumour Mill: Ally McCoist | Neil Lennon

McCoist will now begin to work his 12-month notice as manager of Rangers. Picture: SNS

Ally McCoist remains manager of Rangers

Ally McCoist will remain in charge of Rangers for Saturday’s Championship fixture against Livingston at Ibrox as he continues to serve his notice at the club. The manager had a 45 minute meeting with Derek Llambias and Sandy Easdale yesterday with his immediate departure being the expected outcome. Instead, it will be “business as usual” when Livingston visit Ibrox this weekend. (The Scotsman)

• Mark Hateley and Ally McCoist have had a falling out after the Rangers manager felt he was being betrayed by his old striking partner who has a close personal friendship with the Easdales, according to The Scottish Sun. (The Sun)

• Gordon Strachan insists a strong Rangers would make his job as national team coach a lot easier because it would give him a greater pool of players to choose from who have experience of playing in big European fixtures. (Daily Express)

• Former Rangers defender Bob Malcolm reckons his former club can overcome adversity by going on to win this season’s Scottish Championship. The Ibrox club currently trail Hearts by nine points and have played one game more than their Edinburgh rivals. (Evening Times)

• Rangers’ home matches against Hearts and Hibs in the new year have been switched to Friday night for the benefit of being broadcast live on BT Sport. Ibrox will host Rangers v Hearts on January 16, and Rangers v Hibs on February 13. (Daily Record)

Rangers winger wanted by Neil Lennon

Rangers winger David Templeton is a target for former Celtic manager Neil Lennon. The Irishman is looking to bolster his squad at Bolton Wanderers during the January transfer window and is planning a loan swoop for the out of favour Templeton. (Daily Record)

Aleksandar Tonev: I’m not a racist

Celtic winger Aleksandar Tonev has insisted he is not a racist as he prepares to resume a seven-match ban for abusing Aberdeen full-back Shay Logan. The on-loan Aston Villa player had his ban upheld by a judicial panel who described the Bulgarian as an “unsatisfactory” witness. Tonev issued a statement through the official club website pleading with the fans to believe his version of events, insisting he did not use the language he is accused of saying. (The Scotsman)

• Chairman of the Professional Footballers’ Association Clarke Carlisle has told Celtic to learn from Liverpool’s mistakes with regard to defending players found guilty of racist abuse. The former centre back believe the Merseyside club damaged their reputation when they attempted to undermine authorities rather than disciplining the player following the Luis Suarez-Patrice Evra case. (Daily Record)

• John Guidetti is eagerly awaiting Celtic’s February clash with Internazionale in the Europa League after missing out on the group stage. The on-loan striker completed his switch to Celtic after the summer transfer window had closed, meaning he wasn’t registered in time. However, the Swede is now free to play and hopes to help Celtic advance past the Italian giants. (Daily Express)

Positive outlook for Hearts following AGM

Hearts majority shareholder Ann Budge admits she hopes the club will be back challenging for European football within two seasons. Describing the aspirations as “bullish but realistic”, Budge reckons that a club the size of Hearts should be challenging for Europe every season, regardless of recent struggles which saw them relegated to the Scottish Championship. (The Scotsman)

• Budge admits returning to the Premiership at the first attempt would trigger significant financial dividends after revealing how being out of the top flight costs the club £1 million per season. (The Scotsman)

McNamara wants Hearts-style figurehead for Hibs fans

Hibernian legend Jackie McNamara Snr has expressed his desire to see supporter ownership at Easter Road, however he believes the club’s “fragmented” fanbase need to unite to make his 40-year-old dream a reality. He believes fans need a figurehead the same way Hearts had with Ian Murray MP. Someone the supporters believe in and therefore can start making pledges to build up a pot capable of buying the club. (The Scotsman)

News in brief

• Dundee United star and Celtic target Stuart Armstrong is being closely monitored by English Premier League club West Brom. The Baggies have had the midfielder watched several times and join a growing list of clubs interested in his signature. (The Courier)

• Tony Watt is set for a shock exit from Standard Liege in January just five months into a five-year deal. The former Celtic striker has struggled since his £1.2 million move this summer and hasn’t found the back of the net since October. (The Scotsman)

• Ross County defender Steven Saunders wants to put his injury hell behind him and claim a regular place in the Staggies’ starting XI. (Press and Journal)

• Paul Paton has been offered a two match ban for spitting at Jonny Hayes in Dundee United’s 2-0 defeat to Aberdeen on Saturday. The midfielder will likely fight the charge, particularly as Hayes himself came out on social media refuting the allegation made against his opponent. (The Courier)

• The Argentine consortium which tried, and failed, to buy Motherwell will now switch their attentions to St Mirren. The Buddies have been up for sale for the past five years. (The Sun)

Rumour Mill: Mike Ashley | Ally McCoist | Celtic

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Rumour Mill: Ally McCoist | Neil Lennon | Tonev