Rumour Mill: Stewart Regan takes on FAI | Mark Warburton

SFA boss Stewart Regan hits back at the Irish FA, Rangers put pressure on Mark Warburton; Nir Bitton wants to stay at Celtic, plus more news and gossip in Wednesday’s Rumour Mill
Chief Executive of the SFA, Stewart Regan. Picture: PAChief Executive of the SFA, Stewart Regan. Picture: PA
Chief Executive of the SFA, Stewart Regan. Picture: PA

SFA chief slams Irish FA

SFA boss Stewart Regan has broken his silence over a simmering row with Irish FA chief executive John Delaney.

Regan branded Irish football bosses insulting and their conduct ‘ludicrous’ ahead of Saturday’s 2016 Euro qualifier clash in Dublin. Scotland fans have been allocated 3,500 tickets at the Aviva Stadium.

Chief Executive of the SFA, Stewart Regan. Picture: PAChief Executive of the SFA, Stewart Regan. Picture: PA
Chief Executive of the SFA, Stewart Regan. Picture: PA
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Relations have been strained since the FAI complained that the SFA had created the potential for crowd discorder at the previous Euro 2016 encounter at Celtic Park in November by allowing Irish fans access to parts of the stadium designated for home fans.

Delaney is currently defending allegations the FAI pocked £5 million to stop an appeal against Thierry Henry’s handball in a 2010 World Cup qualifier, which he claimed was a ‘good and legitimate deal’.

Making a swipe at the alleged payment from Fifa, Regan said last night that “in Scotland, we do things professionally, we do things the right way.” (The Scotsman/The Scottish Sun)

Rangers swoop on Mark Warburton as competition heats up

Rangers are reportedly in talks with Brentford manager Mark Warburton over a possible summer move to Ibrox.

Warburton is in demand as he weighs up his future, with Fulham also trying to lure him away to Craven Cottage with a multi-million pound deal. English side Burnley also reportedly have him high on their managerial prospects.

The Brentford boss emerged as the bookies favourite to take over from interim manager Stuart McCall and is reportedly in discussions about moving to Glasgow with sidekick Davie Weir.

Rangers are likely to press him hard for an answer with the first team squad urgently needing attention.

Chairman Dave King has said the board are considered a five-man shortlist, reportedly including Aberdeen’s Derek McInnes. (Daily Record)

Nir Bitton happy to stay at Celtic

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Celtic’s Nir Bitton has reportedly said he is not interested in moving away from Parkhead in a boost to manager Ronny Deila.

The midfielder was a key part in the team’s double success this year in the League Cup and Premier League.

He said: “All I want to do is stay at Celtic and keep improving myself as a player. This club is the best option for me. A huge club with an enormous fan base.” (Evening Times)

Aberdeen’s Shay Logan attracts attention of Bolton

Reports are circulating that Bolton Wanderers are preparing a £150,000 bid for Aberdeen’s Shaleum Logan.

The Dons’ star is a target for cash-strapped Bolton with manager Neil Lennon looking to strengthen his team’s full back position.

The former Manchester City defender helped the Dons finish second this season behind champions Celtic and was named in the SFA’s Team of the Year. (The Bolton News)

Jon Daly hits out at Dave King

Former Rangers striker Jon Daly has hit back at chairman Dave King over comments he made over eleven departing, out-of-contract players.

King reportedly slated the players, saying that they had ‘failed miserably’ last season in the Championship and were a waste of money.

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Daly has reportedly said that he did not get a fair chance to earn a new deal after being dogged by injury with surgery on his knee.

He said: “I knew I wasn’t getting a new deal because I wasn’t getting minutes, that’s football.

“But I left Rangers having played 660 minutes of football last season and feel I deserved more of a run than I got.” (Daily Record)