Rumour Mill: SPFL play-offs | Rangers | Hearts
Rangers’ Paul Murray passes fit and proper test
Paul Murray has been passed as ‘fit and proper’ by the SFA to serve as a director of Rangers.
A former director of the Ibrox club in the period preceding their financial collapse in 2012, Murray has been interim chairman of Rangers since the general meeting of shareholders in March which ousted the previous boardroom regime. (Scotsman)
Rangers on collision course with SPFL over play-offs
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Hide AdRangers and other clubs who will allow their season ticket-holding supporters in for free to watch their play-off games will be fined, the SPFL have warned. Despite allowing Hibernian the dispensation to allow their fans in for free last season, the money at stake has forced the SPFL to reconsider their position, and will be expected to levy from teams who defy them the equivalent they would have received from gate receipts. (Scotsman)
Alan Stubbs and Peter Houston resolve differences
Hibernian manager Alan Stubbs has said his feud with Peter Houston, the Falkirk manager, has been dealt with amicably. The pair fell out after the Scottish Cup semi-final between the two sides, which Falkirk won 1-0 last month, but the duo met at a midweek fixture between their sides’ under-20 teams and resolved their differences.
“I’ve seen him already and I’ve shaken his hand so that takes that one out of the equation,” said Stubbs.
“I’ve got no problem. I never have had a problem.” (Scotsman)
Stuart McCall wants Rangers job permanently
Stuart McCall has said he would like to become Rangers’ manager beyond this season as they push for promotion to the Premiership via the play-offs. McCall, who replaced interim boss Kenny McDowall earlier this year, said: “I don’t think there are any guarantees either way. People might think if you don’t go up you won’t be there – and if we do you will. But I don’t think it’s as cut and dried as that. I honestly don’t know. But I’m not sitting thinking, ‘will I be here or not?’ I’m more thinking about the play-offs and the next game.” (Scotsman)
SPFL is outdated product, says Ann Budge
Hearts owner Ann Budge has criticised the SPFL, branding it an “outdated product” with a “negative image”. When asked whether, as a businesswoman, she would back an organisation that has been without a major sponsor for the last two years, her answer was an emphatic no. She said: “Would I want to be associated with an outdated product, something with such a negative image and an organisation where relationships are clearly going to be difficult to nurture? No.” (Daily Record)
Top six finish ‘would be better than Championship win’
Hearts boss Robbie Neilson has said that breaking into the top six of the Scottish Premiership next season would be a more significant achievement than his side’s runaway championship success. He said: “There is a big difference between Premiership and Championship. There are better players in the Premiership – better organised with bigger squads. They are fitter, stronger, faster.” (Scotsman)