Rumour Mill: Hibs ownership | Steve Simonsen

Hibs chief executive Leann Dempster has launched a fan ownership scheme. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Hibs fans group criticises fan ownership plan

Mike Riley, chairman of the Hibernian Supporters’ Association (HSA), has added his voice to the opposition to the Hibs board’s attempts to move towards fan ownership.

Supporter movements BuyHibs and Hands on Hibs have both criticised the creation of Hibernian Supporters Limited (HSL), which will allow fans to purchase shares in the club for a minimum of £18.75 per month.

However, Riley insists it does not represent a move towards fan ownership. (Scotsman)

Steve Simonsen charged over football betting

Rangers goalkeeper Steve Simonsen had been charged with breaching Scottish football’s strict rules against gambling on matches.

With the Ibrox club already reeling from boardroom turmoil it was further rocked last night when the news emerged that the 35-year-old Englishman had become the second Rangers player, following Ian Black, in just over a year to face such accusations. (Scotsman)

Celtic target Martin Odegaard signs for Real Madrid

Norwegian Martin Odegaard has signed for Real Madrid on a deal that will see him pocket wages of £80k a week.

Ronny Deila had hoped to convince the 16-year-old to come to Celtic after mentoring him during his formative football years. (Scotsman)

•Ronny Deila has not ruled out a potential loan deal with Real Madrid for Odegaard

• Craig Thompson will referee next month’s league cup clash between Celtic and Rangers

Adam Rooney says pressure all on Celtic

Aberdeen’s Adam Rooney is confident the Dons can return to the top of the table tonight with victory over St Johnstone with Celtic not in action against Ross County until tomorrow. (Express)_

Barry Ferguson urges Rangers fans to turn out for Ricksen

Barry Ferguson wants the Rangers support to put aside their anger at the club and turn out in massive numbers to support Sunday’s charity match in tribute to his old team-mate Fernando Ricksen. (Scotsman)

Martin Canning set to become Hamilton Accies boss

Hamilton Academical are set to announce Martin Canning and Guillaume Beuzelin as their new management team today.

Defender Canning has been in caretaker charge for three consecutive defeats since Alex Neil left for Norwich, including a 5-0 defeat by Partick Thistle, but the club have a recent history of promoting from within. (Scotsman)

Darren Fletcher’s future still in the balance

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has refused to rule out a January departure for Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher.

The 30-year-old, who has only made four Premier League starts this season, has been linked with Celtic, West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion and Spanish top-flight outfit Valencia.

(Scotsman)

Stubbs keen to keep key players

Alan Stubbs has begun negotiations with key members of his Hibernian squad who are out of contract in the summer, and is very optimistic that they will agree new deals.

Liam Craig, Scott Robertson and Lewis Stevenson are among those whose current contracts expire at the end of the season, and, although the manager’s budget will be determined by the outcome of Hibs’ fight for promotion from the Championship, he believes that those players and others are eager to stay. (Scotsman)

Pascali in bust up with fans

Kilmarnock’s Manuel Pascali has denied swearing at the club’s supporters when going off the pitch and instead said his cursing was down to frustration.

Pascali conceded a penalty which gave Dundee the win and as booed by supporters as he left the pitch. (Record)

IN BRIEF

• Celtic midfielder Beram Kayal is at Brighton undergoing a medical with a view to signing a two-and-a-half year deal

• Former Celtic forward Georgios Samaras is to leave West Brom and go on load to Saudi Arabia side Al-Hilal

• St Mirren have won their appeal against Yoann Arquin’s red card during his side’s match against Ross County on a technicality which centred on the ball being out of play

Rumour Mill: Hibs ownership | Steve Simonsen | Martin Odegaard