Rumour Mill: Rangers AGM | Celtic targets
Craig Brown: Rangers should ‘beg’ for Walter Smith
Former Scotland manager Craig Brown believes that Walter Smith is the man best placed to rescue Rangers as their season appears in danger of unravelling.
He said: “If I were the chairman of Rangers I would get down on my bended knee and beg Walter Smith to come back as manager.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“He’s 66 but he certainly isn’t too old. Look at Harry Redknapp and Sam Allardyce, who are still managing in the Premier League.” (Scotsman)
‘Arrogant’ AGM angers Rangers fans
An Annual General Meeting described by one former Rangers chairman as the “most arrogant” he had witnessed in over 30 years of attending such events, saw the Ibrox club’s board jeered by nearly 2,000 shareholders yesterday.
“It is the most arrogant display I have ever seen in a third of a century of attending AGMs,” Malcolm Murray said. “There was complete disregard for shareholders and fans. They say they will operate without fans. We actually ended up knowing less than when we started, which takes a bit of doing.” (Scotsman)
CONNECT WITH THE SCOTSMAN
• Subscribe to our daily newsletter (requires registration) and get the latest news, sport and business headlines delivered to your inbox every morning
‘Shambolic’ David Somers should give up role - Paul Murray
Rangers shareholder Paul Murray has called on David Somers to quit after drawing much of the anger of supporters over his handling of the club and his conduct at yesterday’s hostile AGM. Somers upset fans by asking them to refrain from any “disruptive behaviour,” and later said: “When you get to be chairman of Rangers, you get to do it your way.”
Murray said: “David Somers has to take a long, hard look at himself. It was a shambolic performance as chairman. Whatever happens to the club going forward, he has to go in my opinion.” (Daily Express)
Ian Durrant demoted following coaching reshuffle
Rangers’ Ian Durrant, part of the senior team coaching set-up, has been demoted following Ally McCoist’s exit. Durrant has been replaced by Lee McCulloch on the first team coaching staff, and will now oversee the Under-20 team at Murray Park. The former Rangers and Scotland midfielder was one of Ally McCoist’s closest friends and allies. Gordon Durie has also been promoted to the first team coaching setup. (The Scottish Sun)
Celtic eye Genk’s Senegal international Kara Mbodj
Celtic are in the hunt for Senegal international defender Kara Mbodj, who plays for Alex McLeish’s Racing Genk.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdRonny Deila is looking for reinforcements next month after a stuttering start to his first season in charge. And 25-year-old Mbodj, who can play as a defender or a holding midfielder, has been targeted.
However, Celtic will face competition from England, with Crystal Palace and West Ham also credited with an interest in the 25-year-old. (Scotsman)
Ryan Christie lined up by Celtic for January move
Celtic could be set to move for Inverness’ Ryan Christie. The son of former Celtic star Charlie Christie has impressed club scouts, and has played 19 games for the Highland side this season.
The 19-year-old is tipped for a big move by boss John Hughes, and impressed John Collins at a match against St Johnstone last Saturday, which Inverness lost 1-0. (The Scottish Sun)
Alan Pattullo: Somers stokes fans’ anger
“Boooo! Boooo! Boooooooooo! Welcome, then, to the 2014 Rangers Annual General Meeting. Peace and goodwill to all men and women were conspicuous by their absence.
“A shareholder later stood up to complain that this ‘wasn’t the Rangers way,’ and that maybe the continued vacancy for the post of club chaplain was a reason for the slipping in standards. Perhaps.” (Scotsman)
SEE ALSO
SCOTSMAN TABLET AND IPHONE APPS