Rumour Mill: Malky Mackay | Celtic | van Dijk

Malky Mackay’s future uncertain after text sent during Cardiff tenure probed; Newcastle ponder deadline-day move for van Dijk; Celtic ‘should have beaten Maribor’ says Ronny Deila and Robbie Neilson happy to let Hearts kids earn experience
Investigation: Malky MAckay, pictured during his time at Cardiff. Picture: PAInvestigation: Malky MAckay, pictured during his time at Cardiff. Picture: PA
Investigation: Malky MAckay, pictured during his time at Cardiff. Picture: PA

Mackay misconduct probed as ex-Celt out of Palace running

THE English FA are Cardiff.html">launching an investigation into claims that former Celtic defender Malky Mackay sent ‘sexist, racist and homophobic’ text messages during his time at Cardiff City.

The conduct of Cardiff’s ex-Head of Recruitment Iain Moody is also being examined following the report of alleged misconduct compiled by Bluebirds chairman Vincent Tan, who asked London law firm Mischon de Reya to conduct a full-scale investigation into Moody and Mackay.

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The report is believed to contain information on transfer dealings, along with thousands of text messages and emails that are offensive and explicit, including one making a derogatory reference to South Korean international Kim Bo-Kyung.

Mackay, who has been heavily linked with the vacant managerial position at Crystal Palace now looks unlikely to secure the job, while Moody - who joined the Eagles after leaving Cardiff - also appears to be on the way out with sources saying his position as technical director at Selhurst Park was ‘untenable’.

The 42-year-old was widely expected to be paraded as Palace boss on Wednesday after two interviews with the board, but co-chairman Steve Parish abandoned the move after news about the FA probe came to light. (Daily Mail)

Magpies mull over deadline-day move for van Dijk

NEWCASTLE have emerged as strong favourites to sign highly-rated Celtic stopper Virgil van Dijk, with the Magpies reportedly weighing up a deadline-day bid.

Alan Pardew is believed to be a big fan of the £8m-rated 23-year-old, who impressed at the heart of Celtic’s defence last season.

Signed from Groningen in June 2013 for a bargain £2.5 million, van Dijk has attracted interest from Swansea, Southampton, Tottenham and Hamburg, and could leave Glasgow before the transfer window slams shut.

However, if Celtic make it into the Champions League group stages, Ronny Deila may find it easier convincing the Dutchman his short-term future lies at Celtic Park. (Express)

‘We should have beaten Maribor’, admits Deila

RONNY Deila was happy enough with his side’s draw with Maribor, after Callum McGregor’s vital away goal gave Celtic hope going into the second leg, but conceded: “We were closing to win more than they were.”

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The Norwegian boss added: “I am very pleased with the performance. The players were fantastic for 90 minutes today.

“We also created chances, 1-1 was a good result but we could have won the game.

“I think we have to be the more satisfied team - the away goal is vital.”

Deila added that the Hoops had learnt a lesson after their 6-1 crushing by Legia Warsaw, which was eventually overturned following the Polish side’s fielding of an ineligible player, handing Celtic the second leg 3-0, and thus the victory on away goal. (Various)

Hearts kids ‘will learn’

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson said that his side’s Petrofac Training Cup defeat away to Livingston will only help develop the club’s youngsters.

Neilson made ten changes to the side that recorded a 2-1 win over rivals Hibernian at the weekend, with Jordan McGhee the only player to retain his place.

Newly-signed goalkeeper Lee Hollis made his debut, while ex-Partick Thistle ‘keeper Bryn Halliwell sat on the bench after signing a short-term loan deal from Sauchie.

The Jambos also lined-up with Liam Gordon, Angus Beith, Liam Henderson and Liam Smith, while Brad McKay took the captain’s armband.

McGlynn surprise at rookie Jambos

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LIVINGSTON boss John McGlynn admitted he was surprised by Hearts fielding a largely inexperienced side for their Petrofac Training Cup clash.

The former Hearts boss told The Scotsman: “Never in my wildest dreams did I think there would be so many changes.

“I thought the young lads in the Hearts team did very well – they were passing the ball well. But we were coping with that and on the counter attack we were dangerous.

“Certainly I was very, very surprised [at their team]. I did not think [Robbie Neilson] would change as much as that. But that’s up to him.” (The Scotsman)

News in brief

Dundee boss Paul Hartley won’t rush skipper Kevin Thomson back to action after revealing the ex-Hibs midfielder is nursing a calf strain

• Clyde manager Barry Ferguson has admitted to sleepless nights, following the Bully Wee’s 8-1 mauling at Ibrox.

• Kenny Shiels has said Burnley’s Scottish midfielder Scott Arfield can spark a new generation of talent, after his goal against Chelsea.

• Gary Mackay-Steven has insisted he is focusing on Dundee United despite speculation over his future.