Rumour Mill: Collins to Hibs? | Celtic

Could John Collins be in line for a return to Hibernian? Picture: Ian Rutherford

John Collins linked with Hibernian job

FORMER Hibernian manager John Collins could be set to return to Easter Road following the sacking of Terry Butcher earlier this week.

Collins, who won the League cup with Hibs in 2007 before quitting in December of that year, is thought to be open to a move to Leith providing certain conditions are met.

Collins joins Dumbarton boss Ian Murray, former St Mirren manager Danny Lennon and Kenny Shiels as being linked with the role at the Championship side. (Sun)

Vine blasts Butcher approach

FORMER Hibs striker Rowan Vine has pointed the finger at Terry Butcher for the club’s demise.

Ex-St Johnstone forward Vine arrived at Hibs under Fenlon, but failed to find the net in 14 league appearances and found himself frozen out under Butcher.

“There was little togetherness between the players and the manager and that was apparent at the end of the season when they needed wins. In my time there I didn’t see a smooth relationship,” Vine admitted.

He added: “[Butcher] alienated experienced players from day one and that was tough on the younger players as well, for them to see guys with thousands of games between them being cut adrift.” (The Scotsman)

Neil Lennon ‘wanted by Gulf clubs’

FORMER Celtic manager Neil Lennon is the target of a number of teams in the Arabian Gulf League, according to the Daily Mail.

The Mail report that both Al Shabab and Al Nasr will attempt to woo Lennon with offers of around £1.5 million-a-year.

Lennon left Celtic at the end of the season, and has since been replaced by Norwegian Ronny Deila. The Northern Irishman is keen to get back into management after forthcoming spells as a World Cup pundit for the BBC and RTE. (Daily Mail)

Safe-standing blow for Celtic

CELTIC have seen their efforts to install safe-standing areas at Celtic Park put on hold after meeting with the Safety Advisory Group but remain hopeful of moving forward with the plans.

The Hoops have been investigating the possibility of becoming the first British club to install designated standing areas, using convertible rail seating as used at many German grounds.

The club have pledged to meet the SAG’s demands in a bid to win its support for the plans. (Daily Mail)

Rangers fans: ‘Tell us who’s in charge’

RANGERS supporters group The Union of Fans have called for clarity over who is in charge of the Ibrox club.

The Sun report fears of a boardroom split following the announcement of a share rights issue aimed at raising around £8m. A Union of Fans spokesman said: “We are extremely concerned there are two distinctly different messages being sent out regarding our club’s finances.

“They show the split in the boardroom and raise the question as to who is running Rangers. On the one hand, Graham Wallace has clearly stated that there is no financial crisis, while on the other hand a PR man is briefing that there is a cash crisis which can only be resolved by an urgent share issue.” (Sun)

McGregor happy to be at Rangers

NEW Ger Darren McGregor has vowed to help take Rangers back into the top flight, after signing for the Ibrox side last night.

Despite approaches from Hibernian and Hearts, the Edinburgh-born defender opted for Rangers, admitting the lure was too good.

McGregor told the Record: “I will work really hard and do everything I can to help this club get back to the top of Scottish football.

“I am sure next season’s Championship campaign will be a successful one.

“I am delighted to get the chance to join Rangers. This is one of the biggest clubs in world football and I can’t wait to play at Ibrox in front of so many supporters. It really is a dream come true for me.” (Daily Record)

Dundee United ‘best club for young talent’ says Bowman

DUNDEE United youth coach Dave Bowman has claimed that the Tannadice side are the best in the country for young talent - as youngsters can expect regular playing time under Jackie McNamara.

Bowman said: “It’s an enticing club to come to at the moment. It’s the most attractive place in Scotland for young players.

“At clubs you can have a load of young players but, if the manager isn’t willing to give them a chance, there’s no point. Credit to Jackie, he’s not scared to throw youngsters in if they’re performing well. They can see the light at the end of the tunnel — they know the manager will give them a chance.” (Telegraph)

Rumour Mill: Collins to Hibs? | Celtic | Rangers