Rumour Mill: Rangers agm | Ally McCoist | Fletcher

Darren Fletcher reveals doubts over career-saving operation; Rangers chief Graham Wallace says Rangers won’t go bust as Donald Findlay calls for board to be removed; Everton to bid for Dundee United youngster, plus all today’s football news and gossip
Rangers chief executive Graham Wallace, right, says the club are not under threat from administration. Picture: SNSRangers chief executive Graham Wallace, right, says the club are not under threat from administration. Picture: SNS
Rangers chief executive Graham Wallace, right, says the club are not under threat from administration. Picture: SNS

Darren Fletcher tells of career-saving operation

Darren Fletcher has revealed when he went for the last of his three operations to solve his debilitating medical condition, he did not even know whether he would be able to live normally again, let alone play football.

“I couldn’t leave the house,” he said. “Simple stuff, like taking my kids to the park, going for a meal with my wife. The nature of the illness meant I just couldn’t do it. There was the exhaustion side as well.

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“There was a day in May when we said ‘this is it’. Once I came out of that operation I would know whether it had worked or not,” added Fletcher. “There were no guarantees. If the operation was not a success there was no way I would be able to play football and my everyday life would have been very difficult. (Scotsman)

Donald Findlay: Clear whole Rangers board out

Former Rangers vice-chairman Donald Findlay has backed calls for boardroom change at Ibrox, and claimed the directors who have overseen the shambolic past 12 months should be “ashamed” of their reign.

The QC, who served during former owner David Murray’s tenure, attacked the plc directors who have presided over a £14.4 million loss during the 13-month period up to June.

Findlay said: “The squabbling has gone on too long. It’s time to clear the whole lot out and only have people in who want to take the club forward and who do not want to take a penny out of it.

“The way the club was floated was mucked up from the beginning. The wrong people did it, the wrong people invested, the wrong people are now in charge.” (Scotsman)

Paul Murray hails Ally McCoist shares gesture

Ally McCoist’s decision to give the proxy vote for his Rangers shares to his local supporters’ club has been hailed by former Ibrox director Paul Murray as an example of solidarity with the fans that others should follow.

“Ally McCoist’s decision to proxy his shares to the fans is a fantastic gesture and typical of the man,” Murray said in a statement released yesterday. “We urge the board and all shareholders to listen to the views of the fans.

Murray, one of the so-called requisitioners who are locked in a power struggle with the present Ibrox board, has also announced that he will give up the fight to get back on the board if Thursday’s annual general meeting goes against him and his colleagues. (Scotsman)

Graham Wallace says Rangers won’t go bust again

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Rangers chief executive Graham Wallace has insisted that Rangers will not go under as he refuted claims by Paul Murray that the club would risk sinking into financial ruin if it retained the present board.

Ahead of Thursday’s agm, Wallace said: “There has been comment made externally that the business is teetering on the verge of yet another administration. It is important to say that is categorically not the case.”

“Looking at the financial position of Rangers as I have in detail there is sufficient cash in the business t meet our short to medium term needs.” (The Sun)

Georgios Samaras, Joe Ledley deny Celtic exit talk

Celtic pair Georgios Samaras and Joe Ledley have not expressed a desire to leave the club, according to a Celtic official.

The duo, who are out of contract in the summer, have both been linked with moves away from Glasgow, with Ledley on Cardiff City’s radar and Samaras wanted by MLS outfit Toronto and Hull City.

However, the Daily Express are reporting that neither player have indicated their intention to leave and that talks are ongoing over contract extensions. (Scotsman)

Everton primed for Dundee United’s Andrew Robertson

Everton are preparing a bid for Dundee United youngster Andrew Robertson. The Daily Record, among others, report that Robertson will be at the centre of a £1 million January deal after glowing reports on his performances at Tannadice.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez is hunting for a replacement for Leighton Baines, who is said to be moving on from Merseyside. One Dundee United youngster who, for now, is staying put is Ryan Gauld, who has signed a deal to extend his stay at Tannadice to 2017. (Daily Record)