Rumour mill: David Somers| McNamara

Rangers new Chairman given bumper payment

Rangers apparently handed their new chairman a £20,000 contract for just four days work, when he first took up the post last year. It is alleged he was paid £10,000 a month from November 8th to December 31st last year and that was before expenses. It then emerged that the contract terms for the job only required for Somers to work only one or two days a month plus preparation for meetings.

Somer’s wages then dropped to £5000 a month in January following the uproar surrounding mispent cash at the club. The protest group Union of fans said: “It’s another example of our cash being paid out to benefit the regime.”

Rangers say that though they may have anticipated that level of commitment when Somers first joined, he has worked on a daily basis ever since. (Sun)

Dundee United reject Blackpool’s McNamara advances

Dundee United have rejected an approach for their manager Jackie McNamara. The English Championship side wanted the Tannadice manager to replace care taker manager Barry Ferguson in the Bloomfield Road hotseat. United Chairman Stephen Thompson refused to allow Jackie McNamara and his coaching staff, Simon Donelly and Darren Jackson, permission to speak to the English club.

McNamara, who has only recently signed a new contract which runs until 2017 confirmed his commitment to the club, he said: “While flattered at the interest shown, I am very happy at Dundee United and wish to continue the job and build upon the foundations laid down over the last 18 months or so.”

The manager is now concentrating on securing his first piece of major silverware as a manager and getting ready for next season, he added: “All of my focus is on the forthcoming William Hill Scottish cup final and preparations for the new season.” (Various)

Rangers fans groups ticket snub

Rangers fans group the Blue Order has indicated that they will not be buying Ibrox season tickets. The group which is affiliated with the Union of fans, is backing the campaign to snub season ticket sales in protest over the actions of the current board.

The Order say they will pay for tickets on a game by game basis instead of paying up front and this will remain the case until the club accede to the Union’s demands for the Board to engage with fans more and listen to potential investors such as South African businessman Dave King.

A Blue Order spokesman said: “we strongly urge Rangers FC to engage openly with concerned supporters and potential investors to safeguard the club’s future.” (Various)

Meanwhile, Barry Ferguson has backed Jackie McNamara to fill his boots as Blackpool boss but says it will cost a small fortune to turn the Championship club around. He said: “I don’t have a bad word to say about the club. In fact, I’d go as far as to say I could see why the job might be of interest to a great young manager like Jackie. The Question Jackie has to ask himself is: Is this the right job at the right time for himself? It’s a hard one as he’s building a great young team at United and it may depend on how far he thinks they can go together. Only he will know the answer to that.” (Record)

Danny Lennon could be on way out at St Mirren

Danny Lennon could have just one game left in charge of St Mirren. The manager’s contract expires at the end of the month and the St Mirren board met to discuss Lennon’s future. Chairman Stewart Gilmour emerged from the talks and confirmed the manager’s position had still not been decided and won’t be until they meet again next week.

A statement from the board read: “Regarding the manager’s contract, no decision was made and the Board will reconvene next week.”

Though Lennon has guided St Mirren to safety from the relegation play offs, with a potential finish in seventh place, the lack of board backing could mean the end of season game against Hearts could be his last. (Sun)

Teemu Pukki could be leaving Celtic

Bundesliga outfit Freiburg are interested in Celtic’s Teemu Pukki and could give the striker the chance for first team football back in Germany, where Celtic bought the Striker from Shalke last summer. Pukki, who scored in the 3-3 draw with St Johnstone, has only scored seven goals this season has failed to shine in a Celtic shirt. Though Pukki still has made no mention of leaving it is clear the striker is sliding further down the pecking order in manager Neil Lennon’s plans after the arrival of Leigh Griffiths and Holmbert Fridjonsson in January. (Sun)

In Brief:

SFA refs chief John Fleming insists Kylie McMullan has earned her chance as she prepares to become the first female official in a Scottish top-flight fixture. He said: “Kylie’s appointment is justifiable having graduated in the same way as all male officials.” (Record)

Hearts midfielder Jamie Hammill has been hit with a four game ban after barging over Ross County boss Derek Adams. This could mean the player, who is out of contract in the summer, has kicked his final ball for the club. (Express)

Former Celtic player Victor Wanyama is on Inter Milan’s radar as they look for a midfield enforcer. The Kenyan quit Celtic for Southampton a year ago but has failed to settle in England. (Express)

BBC Scotland will show Scotland’s friendly with Nigeria on May 28th live, the match will be played at Fulham’s stadium Craven Cottage. (Various)

Belgian club Oostende have confirmed they’ve made a move for Celtic ace Tony Watt. The Celtic striker has returned to Parkhead after a loan spell in Belgium with Lierse. Oostende technical director Luc Devroe said: “We have talked to watt. But Celtic are still to decide.” (Record)

Dundee are set to prepare for their top flight return by playing a glamour pre-season friendly against Manchester City at Dens Park on July 13. Manager Paul Hartley said: “To have a challenge match against a team of that calibre shows exactly how big our club have been thinking recently.” (Mail)

BT Sport Q&A: Rangers tickets/bonus | Hearts/Hibs

THIS week’s question and answer session includes Chris Sutton, Peter Grant, Owen Coyle and Stephen Craigan on the panel.

Topics up for discussion include the plan by Rangers fans to withold season ticket money, Rangers chief executive Graham Wallace’s bonus with the fate of Hibs boss Terry Butcher and his Hearts counterpart Gary Locke also up for discussion.

Email your Scottish football question

for the BT Sport panel to answer. The next show will be recorded on May 11 after Aberdeen v Motherwell with the video available on The Scotsman website the following day. You can also tweet your questions to @TheScotsman.

A line-up of experts will handle your questions after each BT Sport game. Most match days, the team includes Darrell Currie, Derek Rae and Gary McAllister.

• T&C We can not guarantee which presenters will answer your questions. Questions are vetted and no correspondence will be entered into.

Rumour mill: David Somers| McNamara | St Mirren