Rumour Mill: Brian Kennedy | Ronny Deila

Brian Kennedy has thrown his hat into the ring alongside Mike Ashley and Dave King to take control at Rangers. Picture: SNS

Brian Kennedy joins three-way fight to take control at Rangers

Rangers’ power struggle took a new twist yesterday as Brian Kennedy threw his hat into the ring alongside Mike Ashley and Dave King to take control at Rangers. Last night the current board met in a crisis session as the next moves were plotted. King’s £16 million offer has been the catalyst for a flurry of activity on a remarkable day for the Championship club. Ashley made an emergency loan offer to the club which prompted the immediate resignation of finance director Philip Nash - with the future of chief executive Graham Wallace in serious doubt too - after Ashley demanded the removal of the pair earlier this month. However in a surprise twist last night former Blue Knights consortium member Kennedy made a return to the battleground and promptly launched a counter offer to Ashley’s. King stated: “I don’t see the offer of a short term loan by Mr Ashley affecting me in anyway. Our offer is for a long term permanent solution that can take the club forward and unite the fans for the first time in many years.” (Various)

Meanwhile Rangers chief executive Graham Wallace caused astonishment last night by deciding to fly out to Greece on holiday in the middle of the bitter battle. A source close to the club told the Daily Record that the decision was “embarrassing”. (Record)

Meanwhile the Easdales are apparently more keen to do business with Mike Ashley after blocking King’s bid. (Sun)

Ronny Deila insists he enjoys the criticism he’s been getting

Ronny Deila insists he has no issue with the critics who have turned their ire on him after four months in the Celtic hotseat. Despite going joint top of their Europa league with a 2-1 win over Astra on Thursday night, his team’s error strewn display put the Norwegian firmly in the firing line. Chris Sutton led the volley of criticism by describing the performance as “pathetic”. However Deila insists he has no beef with anyone taking a swipe at him. He said: “I haven’t seen so much from the critics as I try to avoid anything like that. But I know that at every big club you get this. I’m used to it from Norway as well. I can handle the critics no problem - but if I don’t see the answer, then my brain is starting to work overtime. I’ve been a big mouth myself before. In Norway I upset a few managers and had a lot of arguments. But I was young. I understand the rules now - talk about yourself and your club that’s the most important thing.” (Mail)

Danny Handling vows to ram Prince Buaben’s online taunts down his throat tomorrow

Danny Handling has vowed to make Prince Buaben eat his words in tomorrow’s derby. The Hibs ace has revealed that the Hearts’ stars jibes on Facebook have only riled their rivals up ahead of the crunch Championship clash. Buaben branded the Easter Road club “chasers” after Alan Stubbs men dropped points at home to Dumbarton last month. Handling said: “We saw a comment from Prince Buaben on his Facebook. He said he’s getting bored of these ‘chasers’ or something like that so it would be nice to shut him up. The skipper put it up on a sheet at the training ground so we have all seen it. We want to prove him wrong.” (Record)

Virgil Van Dijk calls Arsenal ‘amazing’ but insists he’s focused on playing for Celtic

Virgil Van Dijk has labelled Arsenal an ‘amazing club’ as they plot a January bid for him, but insisted he was committed to Celtic even though the chance of playing in England does appeal to him. He said: “Arsenal are an amazing club. It is a big club with a great history but so are Celtic - and I’m very happy here just now. There is no rush to leave but you never know what can happen in the future. There are stories but until there are bids then I can’t say anything.” (Sun)

Kilmarnock can’t get credit for good play because of bonus row

Kilmarnock boss Allan Johnston believesthe bonus row engulfing the club has overshadowed a terrific start to the campaign. Killie currently sit fourth in the top flight. He said: “It’s still ongoing and we are trying to deal with internally. Hopefully it will get resolved. It has overshadowed our good start. It’s disappointing for the players because a lot of them have had good performances this year.” (Record)

News in brief:

• Dumbarton’s long throw expert Scott Linton has asked the club to hand out towels to the ball boys to keep the football dry to make it easier to throw. (Sun)

• Stefan Scepovic has been handed the dubious honour of being in the Europa League’s top five players who have had the most attempts off target. (Sun)

• Neil Lennon is remaining tight lipped over rumours he intends to raid Celtic during the January transfer window. He said: “If there is interest in a Celtic player I will speak to Ronny Deila and Peter Lawell.” (Sun)

• Former Arsenal star Robert Pires was allegedly punched during an Indian Super League game. FC Goa said their marquee player was attacked in the tunnel by the coach of Athletico de Kolkata. (Record)

Rumour Mill: Brian Kennedy | Ronny Deila | Prince Buaben