Rumour Mill: ‘Romanov the new Craig Whyte’

‘Romanov’s as bad as Craig Whyte’, says John Brown

Dundee boss John Brown has hit out at Hearts’ majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov, dubbing the Lithuanian a “rogue”.

Brown said: “Hearts’ support have constantly turned out to fill their stadium for a rogue in Romanov basically.

“From day one you could see what he was going to do. So there’s not much difference between him and the Craig Whytes of this world.” (Various)

Doncaster eyeing Levein and McCall

Former Scotland boss Craig Levein and SPL manager of the year Stuart McCall have both been place on a managerial shortlist by League One champions Doncaster Rovers.

The duo are among four peole who have been invited to talk over the role at the club, along with former Scotland international Paul Dickov who left his role at Oldham earlier this season.

In good news for Motherwell, McCall said: “There’s not a part of me desperate to go, one hundred per cent not at all.

“I’m not seeking out any avenues to get away because I’m enjoying my time here.” (Mail)

Leigh Griffiths is no ‘ned’, says Harkins

Dundee midfielder Gary Harkins has defended his former teammate Leigh Griffiths from accusations that he is a ‘ned’.

Harkins, who played alongside the SPL player of the year during his time at Dens, admits that the striker needs to grow up, but says criticism of him is unfair.

Griffiths’ ‘ned’ persona has been boosted by his arrest on accusations of stealing energy drinks from an Edinburgh supermarket, a Twitter row in which he used a racial slur at a follower, and a widely-read spoof blog packed with the striker’s ‘stories’ from the Dens Park training ground.

Harkins said: “People have a perception of him but it’s not true. When he was at Dundee everyone got on really well with him and nobody here would say a bad word about him.

“People think Leigh is a wee ned but he’s just a quiet boy who likes playing his football.”

Yesterday, Wolves took up their additional one-year option on the striker’s contract, which could see him return to the Midlands at the end of the season. (Record)

Former Hearts chief: “SPL can’t throw us out”

Leslie Deans, the former Hearts chairman, has reportedly told the SPL that they do not have the authority to remove the club from the league over the insolvency of major shareholders.

Hearts face an SPL meeting the day after the season ends, and could be slapped with a points deduction that could send them out of the top flight.

However, Deans has questioned whether such a punishment can be imposed when the club itself has not suffered an ‘insolvency event’.

Deans said: “Let me ask you, if Tom Farmer’s company was to become insolvent, would the SPL penalise Hibs?

“The answer is no, because the clubs operate on a stand-alone basis.

“The operator of Hearts is Heart of Midlothian PLC and as things stand Hearts are not in administration. If the league attempted some form of action... then I think Hearts could instigate civil court proceedings.” (Sun)

Celtic trio facing final fitness battle

Charlie Mulgrew is one of three Celtic players facing an anxious wait on their fitness ahead of next weekend’s Scottish Cup final.

Mulgrew, Adam Matthews and Lassad are all out of tomorrow’s SPL finale away to Dundee United, and facing an uphill battle to be ready for the Hampden showpiece.

Neil Lennon, Celtic manager, says the players will be assessed “all week”. (Sun)

Queen’s Park: ‘Stop any more United signings’

Queen’s Park have hit out at Dundee United’s transfer dealings, and called on the SFA to ban the Tannadice side from signing any more of their players.

Three years ago, United signed Barry Douglas from Hampden but reneged on a compensation fee. Now the SPL side seem set to sign Aidan Connolly, as well as being linked with moves for Spiders duo Andrew Robertson and Lawrence Shankland.

Queen’s Park said: “Barry had been with us for a number of years and there was a lot of interest. United had indicated a compensation payment but it didn’t materialise.

“We find ourselves in a similar position (over Connolly)... Until this matter is resolved we have asked the SFA to suspend any transfer of our players to Dundee United.” (Various)

Hibs’ Claros could go to America

Jorge Claros is on the verge of a move to Major League Soccer.

The midfielder is on loan at Easter Road from Montagua, but his parent club admit that there has been interest from the States in their man.

Claros could join former Manchester United man Diego Forlan in the US league - the Uruguyan striker has also been linked with an MLS move. (Record/DeadSpin)

Rumour Mill: ‘Romanov the new Craig Whyte’ | Leigh Griffiths