The Rumour Mill: Friday’s football news and gossip

Milan Mandaric, the former chief of Portsmouth and Leicester City and current majority shareholder at Sheffield Wednesday has confirmed that he is not interested in taking over Rangers, despite reports suggesting otherwise. The Croatian-born Serb has a reputation for bailing out clubs in difficulties, saving Leicester from potential financial collapse and rescuing Portsmouth from a similar fate.

There has, however, been a note of interest from an unnamed American millionaire, who has previously shown interest in Rangers, but wasn’t willing to take on the debts and tax demands. However, the American has contacted Duff and Phelps, the administrators, asking to be kept informed of developments at Ibrox.

Meanwhile, Ally McCoist has been told he will have to decide who to let go from Rangers. McCoist was involved in discussions with Duff and Phelps yesterday, before the playing staff learnt that their jobs were on the line. The clearout is set to begin by the end of next week, with McCoist drawing up a list of players to present to the administrators. However, Gabon striker Daniel Cousin, whose transfer to the club has been in limbo, could still sign.

Sports Minister Shona Robison today confirmed that no public money will be used to help bail out Rangers. Despite reports earlier this week suggesting that public money might be used, Ms Robison issued a statement today saying: “While we are able to offer support...I want to be clear that no public money would be offered to bail out any football club and this remains the same with Rangers.”

Away from Ibrox, Hearts appear to have beaten both St Mirren and Kilmarnock to the signing of free agent Craig Beattie. The Celtic striker left Parkhead in 2007 for West Bromwich Albion, but found first team football hard to come by at The Hawthorns, and spent most of his time on loan. He was recently released by Swansea City, after a brief loan spell at Watford.

Aberdeen goalkeeper Jamie Langfield has been given a boost by his manager as he makes his comeback from a brain haemorrhage, with Craig Brown saying that the ‘keeper could still win a deal at Pittodrie even if he doesn’t make an appearance this season. Langfield was hospitalised in June of last year, but has recently been on the bench for Aberdeen.

Danny Lennon has urged his St Mirren players to use Steven Thompson’s suspension as a chance to shine. The striker was sent off during St Mirren’s win over Ross County in the Scottish Cup replay earlier this week, ruling him out of Sunday’s game with Dundee United.

Dunfermline will be without on-loan goalkeeper Iain Turner, and recently signed midfielder Mark Kerr as they take on Inverness CT this weekend. Turner was injured during a pre-match warmup a couple of weeks ago, whilst Kerr is suffering an ankle problem. However, long-term absentee Nicky Phinn could return following a lengthy hamstring injury.

Mark Wotte, the SFA Performance Director, has brought in countryman Dean Gorre to take charge of Scotland’s Under-17 side. Gorre, who played for Ajax, Feyenoord, Groningen and Huddersfield. Gorre was coaching at Ajax, working with Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, but insists he didn’t have to think twice before joining up with his old friend Wotte.

News in brief:

• Former Rangers striker and fans’ favourite Nacho Novo has signed for Legia Warsaw, currently second in the Polish top flight, the Ekstraklasa.

• Dundee United have insisted that Rangers fans are still welcome at Tannadice despite the Ibrox club failing to pay the club around £100,000 in gate money from their recent Scottish Cup clash.

• Hibernian’s Jorge Claros has revealed signing for the Easter Road side fulfilled a dream. Claros, who played with Celtic’s Emilio Izaguirre at Motagua in Honduras was set to make the 5000-mile journey home when Hibs stepped in.

• Gavin Rae is set to make his Aberdeen debut after recovering from injury. Rae was signed in January but is yet to make an appearance for the Pittodrie side.

• Staying with Aberdeen, it appears that Ryan Jack was axed for one game following a training ground spat with Craig Brown’s assistant Archie Knox.

• Children’s prices for Celtic’s game with Dunfermline on February 22nd have been slashed to just £5, from £17. The Parkhead side are also selling packages for the Lisbon Lions Family Section.

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