Rumour Mill: Ally McCoist resignation

Rangers have confirmed Ally McCoist's resignation. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Rangers have confirmed Ally McCoist’s resignation and say his wages will rise to £750k

Rangers have announced Ally McCoist’s resignation in a statement to the London Stock Exchange, confirming he will now serve 12 months notice.

The Ibrox club also confirmed that McCoist’s wages will increase to £750,000 a year during those 12 months, he was reported to have been being paid around £400,000 a year following a wage cut in October, last year.

The statement read: “The Company announces that Alastair McCoist, manager of the first team squad, has resigned. His service contract dated 28 December 2010, which was subsequently amended, has a 12 month notice period.During the Notice Period, Mr McCoist’s salary will increase significantly to £750,000 per annum.” (Scotsman)

Rino Gattuso and Steve Clarke on Rangers shortlist

Rino Gattuso and Steve Clarke have been identified by Rangers as potential successors to Ally McCoist as the Ibrox club attempt to resolve the future of their current manager this week.

Former Scotland defender Clarke, who has been out of football since being sacked as West Bromwich Albion manager 12 months ago, is regarded as one of the brightest coaches in British football in light of his work at Newcastle United, Chelsea, West Ham and Liverpool.

Italian World Cup winner Gattuso, who spent a season at Rangers at the start of his playing career back in 1997-98, is also believed to under consideration.

The 36-year-old is currently in charge of Greek top flight outfit OFI Crete, ironically despite tendering his resignation, which was refused, two months ago. Gattuso was previously dismissed from stints in charge of Swiss club Sion and Palermo in his homeland.

While a trio of other ex-Rangers players – Terry Butcher, Stuart McCall and Billy Davies – head the betting market to replace McCoist, the Ibrox board must settle the current manager’s position first of all. (Scotsman)

Ian Ferguson says Ally McCoist was ‘sabotaged’

Ian Ferguson has said that Ally McCoist couldn’t succeed at Ibrox because of ‘boardroom backstabbers’. He said: “It has been the first time in the history of Rangers that any manager has had to go through a period like this. The board don’t seem to have given him the backing he needed. If you work with people who put a dagger in your back it is not easy.” (Times)

David Somers could be next high profile departure at Rangers

Rangers chairman David Somers could be the next high profile departure at the Ibrox club. Influential shareholders believe he could leave after the club’s agm next week. (Express)

Les Hutchison warns Motherwell fans there won’t be a ‘spending spree’

Motherwell owner-in-waiting Les Hutchison has warned supporters not to expect him to throw his millions at new Fir Park boss Ian Baraclough.

Hutchison revealed he’ll not be investing fortunes of his own personal wealth in the Steelmen and says the days of millionaires bankrolling football clubs are long gone.

He said: “Supporters can no longer look round to someone else on a big white charger coming across the hills to save them all.

“It’s been proven across Scottish football that that’s no longer the case. If we can have lots of people involved in a small way then we can achieve the objectives we are talking about. No one has to spend a fortune.

“The clear message which has to go to the fans and to sponsors and to everybody is that the club and project will not succeed without their active involvement.” (Record)

Stewart Regan wanted by English FA

Stewart Regan has emerged as a shock candidate for a coveted post at the English FA. The SFA chief is in contention for the general secretary role. Alex Horne is set to leave the position on January 30th. Regan has not applied for the job but the Record are reporting that he is on the shortlist. (Record)

Ronny Deila: We should have scored ten

Ronny Deila last night claimed Celtic should have hit double figures against St Mirren as the Hoops moved six points clear at the Premiership summit.

But he said: “I find it hard to sit here and be too critical when we won 4-1 and could have ended up winning by 10.

“But that shows the potential in the team.

“It was a slow start from us but we improved towards the end of the first half. We kept possession, created chances and scored three good goals.

“We then created a lot of chances in the second half and got to 4-1. After that we controlled the game.

“Overall it’s a good win, an important win. That’s us six points ahead so I’m very satisfied.” (Record)

Celtic set to find out their last 32 opponents

Celtic will find out who they face in the Europa League knock out stages when the draw is made at 12pm today. (Various)

Ronny Deila unsure on severity of John Guidetti injury

Celtic manager Ronny Deila admits he is in the dark over how bad an injury suffered by John Guidetti is.

Guidetti was forced to come off in the 59th minute of Celtic’s 4-1 win over St Mirren, which sent the Bhoys six points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

Deila admits the injury could just be the result of a kick, however he admitted the full picture will not be known until the striker has a scan.

Deila told a press conference: “They think it’s just a kick, but you never know with this kind of thing so we need to see the scans.” (Insidefutbol.com)

Ian Baraclough emphasises positivity at Motherwell

Motherwell striker Henrik Ojamaa has revealed new manager Ian Baraclough began his relationship with his players on a positive footing despite watching them concede an injury-time equaliser moments earlier. Ojamaa said: “He was positive, which was good. He said he saw enough positives out there to show that we will be fine and will start climbing the table.

“Obviously, we have to look at what we have done wrong but he sees a good opportunity to work with us and get good results.

“It’s a new chapter and we can start working towards climbing the table. We have a lot of games and it’s straight in there.

“I hope he can help us get results and personally help develop me as a player. It’s good that the transitional period is behind us and we can start using our energy to work with the new manager and show that on the pitch.” (Scotsman)

News in brief:

• Real Madrid are willing to sell record signing Gareth Bale in order to sign Chelsea ace Eden Hazard. Manchester United are eager to sign Bale and are willing to offer the European champions a staggering £90m. (Daily Star)

• Steven Gerrard could be offered a lucrative deal at MLS club New York Red Bulls if he fails to sign a new contract at Liverpool. (Daily Mirror)

Rumour Mill: Ally McCoist resignation | Rino Gattuso