Rumour Mill: Gordon to Celtic | Hibs

Craig Gordon has been linked with a move to Celtic. Picture: Getty

Celtic mull over Gordon move

CELTIC could be poised to jump to the head of the queue for former Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

It’s understood that the Hoops are plotting a move for Gordon, who spent most of last season training with Rangers in a bid to reach full fitness.

Gordon has been without a club since suffering two serious injuries during his time at Sunderland, but has finally shaken off the problems and is looking for a new club.

Despite rumours that Ally McCoist was interested in offering the former Hearts No 1 a deal, Celtic look set to nip ahead of both Rangers and Motherwell to offer the 6ft 4 keeper a deal. (The Sun)

Lennon exit looming at Parkhead

HOWEVER, any move for Gordon might well depend on who the Celtic manager is.

Bookies have slashed the odds on a shock return to Glasgow for Falkenbergs manager Henrik Larsson - but the Swedish outfit have denied their boss is going anywhere.

Lennon has been linked with the vacant post at Norwich, along with Malky MacKay and Gianfranco Zola, but Falkenbergs’ sporting director Hakan Nilsson told the Daily Record that there had been ‘no contact’ from Celtic regarding Larsson. (Daily Record)

Hibs half way to Premiership survival after win

HIBS youngster Jason Cummings fired the Easter Road side to a 2-0 win in the first leg of their play-off final at New Douglas Park last night, but Terry Butcher remains wary of an Accies backlash.

Cummings scored a 25-yard screamer six minutes before half time, and added a second early in the second half, handing Hibs a fairly healthy advantage going into Sunday’s second leg.

And Butcher admitted playing the 18-year-old striker had been a huge gamble - because despite 20-odd goals for the Under-20s, Cummings’ brace last night was the first time he’s been on the scoresheet for the first team. (The Scotsman)

Hearts eye duo

HEARTS have been linked with moves for out-of-contract St Mirren defender Darren McGregor, and Morgaro Gomis as they seek to build their squad for the upcoming season.

Already tentatively linked with Marian Kello as they bid to fill the voids left by the departures of Mark Ridgers and Jamie MacDonald, Hearts could face competition from city rivals Hibs for McGregor - who is a big fan of the Easter Road side. (The Sun)

Motherwell set deadline for supporters’ cash

MOTHERWELL fans have been given six months to make their community-ownership scheme work – or else the club will need to call on external investment to head off a financial crisis.

The Well Society were set a target of raising £1.5 million in cash reserves when they launched the fan ownership group in 2012, but less than £450,000 in membership fees has been raised so far, with fewer than a fifth of season-ticket holders joining up.

The club posted losses totalling nearly £780,000 for the seasons 2011-12 and 2012-13 and expect a loss “moderately in excess of six figures” for the 2013/14 campaign despite a second consecutive runners-up spot.

The Well Society was promised the 70 per cent shareholding donated by former chairman John Boyle if it raised the money to protect the club during a period of sustained losses, but the Fir Park board are exploring ways of raising money elsewhere, which could include selling shares to a private individual.

They will push ahead with raising external capital if the Well Society has not managed to collect £800,000 mark by the end of November, with the ultimate aim still £1.5 million. (The Scotsman)

Neil Doncaster defends TV deal

SPFL chief Neil Doncaster has defended the ‘cashback’ TV deal that has cost the Scottish game over £700,000, insisting that there would have been catastrophic consequences without it.

The Daily Record reported yesterday that £250,000 has been returned to TV bosses, with another £250,000 set to follow in the summer in return for showing Rangers matches in the country’s bottom two leagues.

Cash has been handed to ESPN, BT Sport and Sky as subsidies to cover the extra costs involved in broadcasting from minor venues.

And £225,000 was returned at the end of the 2012/13 season as a result of poor viewing figures.

Doncaster and Celtic CEO Peter Lawwell thrashed out a deal two summers ago to ensure a £15 million-a-year deal was in place, with Doncaster adding: “It was more than a decade ago that a clause was built into the contracts ensuring four Old Firm games per season.

“Therefore, when Rangers ceased to be a member of the SPL, the broadcasters had the right to terminate the contracts immediately.” (Daily Record)

Rumour Mill: Gordon to Celtic | Hibs | Hearts