Rumour Mill: Gareth Bale| Rangers| Aberdeen

Published on 21/03/2013 08:32

Gareth Bale injury fears, prank call leaves Rangers red-faced, Pars “last match” to go ahead, Peter Houston’s brush with Hearts, and more.

Bale doubt for Scotland clash

Gareth Bale may not start against Scotland tomorrow night after the Welsh star missed training for a third consecutive day.

The Spurs favourite made life difficult for Scots by scoring twice in October’s win for Wales, but he has been sidelined by illness and injury.

Bale’s ankle complaint was further complicated when he reported feeling unwell upon joining Wales for training.

However, Wales claim Bale will be fit enough to Face Scotland tomorrow. (Daily Record)

Rangers in prank call blunder

Rangers star Francisco Sandaza has embarrassed the club after being caught out by a Celtic fan’s recorded telephone prank, admitting that he only moved to Rangers for the money.

Sandaza was tricked by notorious prankster ‘Tommy’, who pretended to be an agent in the US, into revealing details of his £4,500 per week salary, saying he would move to America’s Major League if the offer came.

Sandaza was tricked into saying that any contract negotiations should go through him as he didn’t want Rangers to know about it.

Rangers are said to be investigating the matter and manager Ally McCoist is discussing it with the player. (Scotsman.com)

Pars ‘last match’ will go ahead

Saturday’s Dunfermline clash against Dumbarton will go ahead despite the fact that the club’s owning company faces liquidation on Monday.

Suppliers for the Pars were worried about providing services for the club amid fears they wouldn’t receive payment, but fans have donated funds to ensure that the game goes ahead.

“People haver underwritten supplier issues so the game can take place,” said Bob Garmory, or the fans Steering Group.

“They are the fans: one has spent £2000 on the pies so that £4000 or £5000 can be raised.”

It is reported that around £20,000 was required to ensure that the game would go ahead.

Talks on a rescue for the club have continued but as yet the fans groups aiming to take Gavin Masterton’s 94% share can not come up with the finances required. (The Herald)

Pair top Aberdeen list

Billy McKinlay and Iain Dowie are said to be the frontrunners to take control of Aberdeen after Craig Brown.

McKinlay is currently both a coach with Fulham, and assistant boss with Northern Ireland, and played under Brown for Scotland.

Dowie Meanwhile has been away from management since a short spell with Hull in 2010. (Daily Mail)

Houston came close to Hearts job

Peter Houston has revealed that he very nearly became the Hearts manager and was even offered initial terms before the board handed the role to Gary Locke.

The ex-Dundee United boss was only awaiting the board’s approval after talking to director Sergejus Fedotovas, but everything went quiet before he eventually learned of Locke’s appointment.

“My agent spoke to Mr Fedotovas and that evening I had an email with regards to head of terms. That was to get sorted out on Monday or Tuesday but I never heard anything.”

Houston reckons that Locke will do well with Hearts next season if he is handed the same budget he was quoted during talks. (Daily Record)