Rumour Mill: Ally McCoist fears

Ally McCoist could follow Graham Wallace out of the door, should Mr Ashley decide it is warranted. Picture: Robert Perry

Ally McCoist faces uncertain future under Mike Ashley tenure

Ally McCoist faces an uncertain future after Mike Ashley seized control of Rangers. The Newcastle United owner had his emergency loan accepted by the under fire Rangers board early yesterday morning. Graham Wallace’s position as chief executive is now untenable and question marks hang over boss McCoist’s prospects. In a move which is set to spark massive outrage with fans, Rangers are set to announce their acceptance of Mike Ashley’s loan proposal to the London Stock Exchange. Ally McCoist last night insisted he knows nothing and is still in the dark over his future. He said: “I haven’t spoke to anyone about any issues, in terms of what’s happening. It’s not my position other than to look after team affairs - and that’s what I aim to do.” (Sun)

Meanwhile Stephen Mucklow is set to be the man Mike Ashley wants to join Derek Llambias on a new-look Rangers board. The Essex based businessman is a long-time associate of Ashley’s and a close friend.

Ronny Deila hopes to extend John Guidetti and Jason Denayer deals

Ronny Deila is trying to keep John Guidetti and Jason Denayer at Parkhead for a prolonged period. The Celtic boss would love to sign both permanently or extend loan deals from Manchester City. And Deila believes reaching the knockout stages of the Europa League would be a massive boost for his recruitment plans in January. Talks have already taken place about extending the loan pairs deals. Deila said: “ The players are doing well and we want to keep players like that. We are talking with them all the time. We will see what we can do.” (Express)

Scotland women have it all to do in World Cup play-off semi-final

Scotland have it all to do after losing 2-1 to Holland in the first leg of their Women’s World Cup play-off semi-final at Tynecastle.

Lieke Martens gave an impressive Dutch side the lead after 10 minutes when she sidefooted the ball past Gemma Fay after the Scotland goalkeeper parried a long-range shot from Vivianne Miedema.

The visitors doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when Manon Melis scored with a penalty awarded for an infringement in the box by Frankie Brown on Miedema.

Only a fine save by Fay when she denied Melis from close range prevented the home side going further behind by the interval.

Anna Signeul’s home side came out determined to make amends at the start of the second half and in the 49th minute they got a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty by Ukrainian referee Kateryna Monzul after Stefanie van der Gragt handled Brown’s cross into the box. Kim Little slammed the ball low into the corner of the net past Loes Geurts and suddenly Scotland were back in the game.

The Dutch goalkeeper then made a superb save from a Jenny Beattie header following a Jane Ross free-kick but the visitors withstood the pressure, slowly composed themselves and again began to threaten. As Scotland pressed for the leveller in the dying embers of the game, Melis galloped clear of the home defence, only to strike the post with her shot. That left the Scots with only a one-goal deficit for the return game in Rotterdam on Thursday. (Various)

Morgano Gomis claims boss Robbie Neilson has undergone anger management

Morgano Gomis claims boss Robbie Neilson is a very different person from the “angry” full-back who used to kick him all over the pitch. He said: “I played against him for Dundee United against Hearts and he kicked me plenty! I remember it well because I was playing on the left wing and I couldn’t get past him because every time I had the ball he was kicking me. As a coach he can shout sometimes when things aren’t going the way he wants, but generally he is a very calm person and the players take confidence from that. Everyone gets on with him and it’s nice the way he treats the players.” (Express)

News in brief:

• Luis Suarez’s Barcelona debut was ruined by a rampant Real Madrid who won 3-1 at the Bernabeu last night thanks to goals from Ronaldo, Pepe and Benzema after Neymar had put Barca ahead early in the first half. (Various)

• Alex Neil has challenged his players to raise their game for the midweek cup game with Aberdeen and told them to take their hurt out on the Dons. (Mail)

• Neil Lennon is hoping to bring Scotland midfielder Barry Bannan to Bolton on loan. (Sunday Mail)

• Liam Palmer is hoping his displays at Sheffield Wednesday has caught Gordon Strachan’s eye and will perhaps earn him a call up to the Scotland squad. (Mail)

Rumour Mill: Ally McCoist fears | Ronny Deila