Rumour Mill: Rangers future fear

Deila was left feeling the pressure after the Maribor result saw them drop out of the Champions League for the second time. Picture: TSPL

Rangers have staved off imminent threat but pressure mounts on their financial future

Rangers have staved off the imminent threat of administration as pressure mounts on their financial future beyond 2014. The Ibrox club raised £3.13 million from their latest share issue. This was short of the £4 million target but keeps the club afloat.

Intriguingly Newcastle owner Mike Ashley did not invest in the share issue, although he and David King remain key in the future of the club. Rangers sold around 79 per cent of the 19 million shares available, including £500,000 of stock to the Easdales to see it over the line. Supporters, led by The Union of the Fans, still have their doubts over the acumen of the current board and have fears for the future of the club under their tenure. (Record)

Celtic profits are up but board won’t splash out

Celtic chairman Ian Bankier last night insisted the club will continue to act prudently despite posting a pre-tax profit of £11.17 million - an increase of more than £1.3 million on the previous year’s figures. The board has been criticised of late over their reluctance to spend but the Celtic chairman is adamant the long-term stability of the club is of paramount importance. Bankier stressed that in order to keep Celtic on a stable financial footing there will be no unsustainable spending. In a statement by the club over the results, the board re-affirmed their stance: “Whilst the short-term objectives of the company are dominated by our day-to-day success as a club on the park, the chief role of the board is to ensure that the long term future of the club and the company, are secured.” (Various)

First ten weeks of Celtic job leave Ronny Deila feeling drained

Ronny Deila last night confessed his first ten weeks at the club have left him feeling drained. Deila has been under huge pressure after being knocked out of the Champions League twice while the team has also struggled domestically. The Norwegian’s appointment in June stunned the football world - and Deila admits the challenges of the job surprised him. He said: It’s a situation I don’t think anyone can put themselves into. I had only been to Scotland once before and it’s hard coming into a new culture and a new team, and then you also have the Champions league coming very quickly. And also the transfer window that takes alot of energy. There were so many tasks, you have to know your staff, you have to put your ideas in - there’s an unbelievable amount to do. Of course there has been alot of pressure. Though I think it is Chapter two now for me.” (Sun)

Craig Brown insists Celtic will have regrets about letting Niall McGinn go

Craig Brown insists the winger’s transformation from fringe Hoops player to a goal scoring star at the Dons means he would now be coveted by Celtic. He said: “Niall is a different player to the one who left Celtic. He has grown with confidence at Aberdeen and Northern Ireland and he would fit very well into the Celtic team now.” (Record)

News in brief:

• Ryan Jack says he has been impressed by Callum McGregor’s meteoric rise this season but that he hopes to contain him today. (Mail)

• David Clarkson says he cant wait to get started for Dundee and wants to impress Paul Hartley. (Mail)

• Ronald Koeman has urged Atur Boruc not to give up the fight for the number one jersey at Southampton, the Pole has seen himself fall out of favour since Fraser Forster’s arrival. (Record)

• Hearts new boy Miguel Pallardo says he’ll treat the Dumbarton game like it’s a Real Madrid fixture. (Mail)

Rumour Mill: Rangers future fear | Celtic profits