Rumour Mill: Dave King | Ronny Deila

Dave King has acquired a 14.6 per cent stake in Rangers. Picture: PA

Dave King joins battle for control at Ibrox

DaveKing snapped up 15 per cent yesterday following Laxey Partners’ decisions to sell their 16 per cent to the group known as the Three Bears while Taylor already held nearly 4 per cent.

Dave King and the consortium of Douglas Park, George Letham and George Taylor now control around 35 per cent of the club and are expected to make significant moves in the coming week.

King said last night: “I would like to specifically record my disappointment that, if I hadn’t been blocked by the present board in favour of a lesser and commercially disadvantageous offer by Mr Ashley, the money could have gone into the club and not into the pockets of existing shareholders.” (Scotsman)

Ronny Deila says Celtic are still the best team

Ronny Deila insists his side have proven they are the best team in the league.

It’s the first time in 22 years a team other than Celtic or Rangers have led the league at this stage – Hearts in 1992 – but Deila is confident his side are still the ones in control.

He said: “So far we have been the best team in this league. We have scored most and conceded fewest.

“If we win our game in hand we will be two points ahead. We know what we have been doing is the best in the league but we have to keep progressing.

“It is still in our hands, if we win all our games we’ll be league winners.” (Record)

Alan stubbs: Hibs can’t afford to lose Edinburgh derby

Alan Stubbs has accepted that the Championship race could be all but over unless Hibernian win today’s Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle. He said: “I think it’s going to be very difficult if we lose the game and it goes to 22 points,” he continued when asked to assess the gap between the two capital clubs. “You’re looking at least at eight games to try and haul that back. That’s a huge ask for anyone. (Scotsman)

Kenny MacDowall: We haven’t thrown in the towel

KENNY McDOWALL accepts his players deserve to be criticised in the wake of some pitiful displays this season.

However, the Rangers caretaker boss vigorously denied his under-performing stars have thrown in the towel.

McDowall said: “I don’t accept the players are lacking heart. Whether it’s a combination of what’s going on at this present time I don’t know.

“I wouldn’t sit here and have a go. They are willing to work hard and they want to go and win games. They want to try to get promotion.” (Record)

Neil Lennon: I have to sell players before Commons bid

Bolton boss Neil Lennon admits his side will have to sell players on before he can strengthen as he eyes up a move for Celtic star Kris Commons

He said: “The situation right now is that we haven’t got any money to spend, only what we generate from selling players on.” (Record)

Derek McInnes believes Dons can handle the heat

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes believes his players can handle the pressure of being top of the Scottish Premiership.He said: “It’s nice to be there and I honestly never felt that that [handling the pressure] was going to be an issue,” (BBC)

News in brief:

• Aberdeen’s Ash Taylor says he qualifies to play for Scotland and hopes for a call up. (Express)

• Steven Gerrard set to be offered £20m to join the MLS next season. (Various)

• Tony Pulis is ready to sell £25m rated Saido Berahino (Mirror)

• Willie McStay has rejoined Celtic’s backroom staff. (Sun)

SEE ALSO:

• http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/books/alan-bissett-s-souness-an-exclusive-extract-1-3649777|Alan Bissett’s Souness: An exclusive extract|link to article}

• Consistency is key for Aberdeen, warns Cammy Smith

Rumour Mill: Dave King | Ronny Deila | Hibs