The Rumour Mill: Wednesday's football news and gossip

Published on Wednesday 11 May 2011 09:48

In today's Rumour Mill: Romanov sanctions return of key pair for Hearts; Derby join the race to sign Bryson; Ibrox lap of honour for Smith; plus the rest of the day's football news and gossip.

• Vladimir Romanov has taken an active role in football matters at Tynecastle again

Romanov stokes tensions

Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov is set to intensify the row between his club and Celtic by allowing Marius Zaliukas and Marian Kello to play tonight at Tynecastle. The Lithuanian businessman will give manager Jim Jefferies the all-clear to play the duo, having sidelined Zaliuskas against Rangers and questioned Kello's professionalism in recent weeks. (Daily Record)

Derby target Killie skipper

Derby County are preparing a 300,000 bid for Kilmarnock captain Craig Bryson. Nigel Clough's Championship outfit will face competition for the Scotland cap, with newly promoted Brighton, Leicester and Hull also tracking the player. (Daily Express)

Ibrox send-off for Smith

Walter Smith savoured an emotionally-charged send-off as Rangers manager at Ibrox but insisted he remains content with his decision to step down from the job at the end of the season. (The Scotsman)

• Manager-in-waiting Ally McCoist called an impromptu press conference following the win to emphasise that the lap of honour at the full-time whistle was purely to celebrate Walter Smith's contribution to the club and not the league title. (Daily Record)

Lennon: 'I was misinterpreted'

Celtic manager Neil Lennon yesterday was moved to accuse his accusers in the row over comments he made concerning the competitiveness of Hearts and Motherwell in their recent heavy losses to Rangers. (The Scotsman)

• Celtic are on the brink of announcing a three-game pre-season tour of Australia. (Various)

McCall to rest players against Celtic

Motherwell boss Stuart McCall blasted claims from Celtic manager Neil Lennon that his players hadn't competed in their recent 5-0 defeat by Rangers at Fir Park - and then revealed that he'll field an under-strength side in Sunday's potential title decider at Parkhead. (Various)

Hibs to drive a hard bargain

Colin Calderwood has warned that Hibernian are ready to play hardball as they seek to strengthen their squad ahead of next season. (The Scotsman)

Three-year deal for Dundee boss

Dundee manager Barry Smith has agreed a new three-year deal - and has urged his out-of- contract players to stay at Dens Park with him. (The Scotsman)

Raith let 15 go

Raith Rovers manager John McGlynn has released 15 players after his side failed to win promotion to the SPL. Striker Gregory Tade, reportedly being tracked by Hibs, Inverness and St Johnstone, and inspirational defender Mark Campbell head the list. (The Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Dundee United are keen to bring Willo Flood back to Tannadice. Hearts are also interested in giving the ex-Celtic midfielder, who has been freed by Middlesborough, a second spell in the SPL. (The Sun)

• Aberdeen manager Craig Brown has been warned about his future conduct by the Scottish Football Association's disciplinary committee after a touchline spat at Fir Park with Motherwell chairman John Boyle, who has been fined over the incident.

• Partick Thistle will confirm the appointment of Jackie McNamara and Simon Donnelly as their new management team tomorrow. (Daily Record)

• Morton boss Allan Moore is interested in signing his former Stirling Albion pair, keeper Scott Christie and defender Ross Forsyth. (Daily Record)

• Falkirk manager Steven Pressley will appeal the SFA's extention of his touchline ban to five games. (Daily Express)

• Livingston have released experienced winger Joe Hamill. (Daily Mail)

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