Rumour Mill: Rangers season tickets | 4-6-0 | Hibs

THE Union of Fans say the Rangers board must deal with fans after it was revealed season ticket sales were down by half on last year; Craig Levein admits that his infamous 4-6-0 formation was wrong; Hibs say they are close to narrowing down a shortlist of 40 manager applications.

Craig Levein during his spell as Scotland manager. Picture: TSPL

Union of Fans warning to Rangers board

The Union of Fans have told the club to engage with the fans or face going under after they announced that only 17,000 season tickets had been sold which is half that of last year. It is understood the drop could lead to issues with auditors Deloitte as they signed off half year accounts based on assurances that similar numbers of season tickets would be sold this year.

A Union of Fans spokesman said: “It is clear that 17,000 season tickets is not sufficient to see the club through the coming season.”

4-6-0 was wrong says Craig Levein

Former Scotland manager Craig Levein says that the 4-6-0 formation he installed against the Czech Republic in which he played no strikers was a wrong move.

The now Hearts director of football also admitted that his stubbornness led to a damaging bust up with Steven Fletcher. He said: “I put attacking players in defensive positions in the hope that when we got the opportunity we could break forward and try to get a goal.”

Hibs drawing up manager short list

Hibs have received more than 40 applications for the vacant post of manager and expect to start talking to candidates within the next few days, chief executive Leeann Dempster said last night. (Scotsman)

• The Easter Road side have confirmed George Craig as their new director of football operations

Barry Ferguson named as Clyde manager

Barry Ferguson was appointed player-coach of Clyde tonight after agreeing a three-year contract for his first managerial job in Scotland. The former Rangers and Scotland captain replaces Jim Duffy and will be assisted by Malky Thomson at the League Two club. (Scotsman)

Hibs form partnership with Spartans

Hibernian and ambitious non-league outfit Spartans are to examine “further collaboration” after announcing a unique tie-in aimed at nurturing some of the nation’s top youngsters.

The two clubs are to work together at coach and director levels to run a “Transition Academy”, which will initially focus on the development of the most promising eight to 11 year olds identified by the pair. (Scotsman)

Ross County sign Liam Boyce

The Staggies have made their third signing of the season with the capture of Northern Ireland international attacker Liam Boyce. The 23 year-old has signed a one year deal and has made the move from Cliftonville. (Press and Journal)

IN BRIEF

• Paul Sheerin has quit as Arbroath to take up a coaching role at Aberdeen

• Dundee are lining up a move for ex-St Mirren star Paul McGowan