Rumour Mill: Scotland - Serbia reaction

Reaction to Scotland, dubbed ‘the worst team in the world’

Reaction has been swift and uncompromising from the nation’s press in the wake of Scotland’s defeat to Serbia.

The national side are the worst in the world, say The Sun. Their conclusion comes from the fact that Scotland are out of World Cup contention before Liechtenstein, San Marino and Andorra.

The paper’s Bill Leckie believes the SFA should refund Scotland fans, including those who helped clear the snow in Novi Sad.

The Record’s David McCarthy said that the side’s poor run appears to have even quelled the spirits of Scotland’s world famous fans. He said: “They sat and watched in near silence and it looks for all the world as if the life has been sucked out of them by the constant diet of failure.”

The Scotsman’s Stuart Bathgate said that the national team seems to have “regressed to the 19th century”, with performance director Mark Wotte now the most important man in the Scottish game.

Michael Grant in the Herald described Scotland as “drab and miserable”, and “seemingly out of their depth”. Hugh MacDonald in the same paper said the side seem “lacking in confidence and short on top quality”. Scotland are dead last in their qualifying group, and currently experiencing a seven-match run of defeats.

Dunfermline players paid with fans’ cash as court showdown with taxman looms

Dunfermline’s players have been paid at least part of their monthly wages - with cash from fans.

Jim Jeffries said yesterday: “The players have just been given envelopes which have come from supporters.

“We’ve been well short of last month’s wages... but what came in on Saturday from donations has been divided up.” The club announced plans to enter administration yesterday, and today a judge will rule on whether that can take place. HMRC, who are owed over £130,000 in unpaid tax, are believed to be pushing for the club’s liquidation. (Various)

Rangers won’t move to Conference, says Scots Kidderminster boss

Rangers’ chief Charles Green’s claim that the OId Firm could move to the English Conference has been rubbished - by the Scottish manager of a Conference side.

Kidderminster Harriers boss Steve Burr said: “The Old Firm would never come into the Conference. They’re two of the biggest clubs in the world and it’s a shame to see what’s happened to Rangers.

“But I could never see it materialising. It wouldn’t make sense.” (Record)

Tonev could cost Celtic £2 million, says agent

Celtic could grab target Aleksandar Tonev for just £2 million, according to his agent.

Gianfranco Cicchetti claims that the Lech Poznan winger could go for well under the £3 million fee quoted yesterday.

He said: “During the winter break several Italian clubs showed interest in him but we could not do a deal.

“Then the price was £1.5m but after his recent displays... I would say the transfer is closer to £2m.

“It’s best to do a deal as soon as possible because prices could rise further.” (Record)

Conroy: ‘‘Bomber’ advice led to derby goal’

Dundee’s Ryan Conroy has credited new boss John Brown for his stunning strike in the Dundee derby.

Conroy said that Brown’s insistence that he get forward more frequently was responsible for his strike which clinched a vital point for the Dees.

“One of the things the gaffer wants me to do is get in the box more and grab a few more goals,” Conroy said.

“He has mad that clear and wants me to do it on a regular basis.” (Record)

Celtic youths could play two sets of European games

Celtic’s youngsters could be forced to play in two European youth competitions next year, according to the Herald.

A planned youth version of the Champions League is being piloted for the next two years, clashing with the continental NextGen competition in which Celtic also compete. Should Neil Lennon’s senior side make it into Europe’s elite again, the youngsters could end up playing both competitions. (Herald)

IN OTHER NEWS

• Celtic defender Thomas Rogne could miss the end of the season after suffering a leg injury in Norway under-21s’ defeat to Holland. (Various)

• St Mirren boss Danny Lennon wants to use some of his side’s League Cup cash to tie up Craig Samson and Gary Teale to new deals. (Various)

• Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara could sign up Chris Erskine from his former side Partick Thistle at the end of the season. Hibs and St Johnstone are also interested in the midfielder. (Sun)

Rumour Mill: Scotland - Serbia reaction | Rangers move dismissed