Rumour Mill: Negri | Templeton | McNamara

Rangers' David Templeton (left). Picture: SNS Group

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

RANGERS legend Marco Negri quit because of AIDS fears; David Templeton says the current Ibrox management puts Ally McCoist to shame; Dundee United admit Jackie McNamara received a bonus for Armstrong and Mackay-Steven sale; Stuart McCall thinks Hearts match will be the acid test for his new regime, plus more news and gossip in Saturday’s Rumour Mill

“I quit because I feared I had AIDS”

Rangers legend Marco Negri has revealed in a Daily Record exclusive that he quit Ibrox because he feared he was HIV positive.

He quickly became of the side’s greatest legends scoring 33 goals in his first five months at the club. The Italian striker, 44, abruptly quit Rangers following injuries to his eye.

Blood tests later carried out showed that the properties of his blood cells were similar to those of an AIDs patient which prompted urgent treatment and an amicable dissolution of his contract. (Daily Record)

McCoist couldn’t coach

Rangers winger David Templeton has accused former skipper Ally McCoist and his coaching staff of failing to prepare the team for a return to the Premiership.

When asked about the differences between McCoist’s regime and current management style, Templeton added they weren’t being coached well enough until Stuart McCall arrived at Ibrox.

He said: “I don’t think we were being coached the right way. We weren’t going into games working on the stuff we should have been working on.” (Daily Record)

Top six finish is right

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson insists Ann Budge is right to demand a top six finish from Hearts next season but admits it will come down to him to find the players to deliver it.

He said: “A top-six finish for a club like Hearts should be the bare minimum acceptable.

We have good players. We have bags of confidence and a massive fan base backing us to the hilt.” (The Scottish Sun)

McNamara did get bonus

Dundee United admitted last night that Jackie McNamara did get a bonus from the sales of Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven to Celtic.

Chairman Stephen Thomson came under fire from fans when the duo were sold on the transder deadline day, further invoking their wrath yesterday when it was revealed the Dundee United manager is entitled to a cut of the profits of player sales. (Daily Record)

• QUIZ: can you name these former Scotland internationals?

McCall revives Rangers season

Stuart McCall may have revived Rangers fortunes of late with two wins and two draws in charge but has admitted that the acid test for his new squad will be the match against League title winners Hearts at Ibrox on Sunday.

He said: “Yes, it will be the acid test, but I’d say there was little in the two previous games.

I was at Tynecastle working for the TV and Rangers were well in it before the sending-off changed things.”

Hearts wrapped up their title win with seven games to spare and will receive a guard of honour tomorrow at Ibrox. (The Scottish Sun)

Second place failure no big disaster

Hibs midfielder Scott Robertson has insisted that failing to secure the runners up spot will not be a disaster for the side.

Currently clinging on to second place on goal difference ahead of Rangers, Robertson hopes the Easter Road side can keep up their momentum ahead of the crucial play offs.

He said: “Everyone wanst to finish second but I don’t think it’s major.

It just eliminates that one chance of getting knocked out early doors which you’d obviously rather avoid because that match between the third and four teams will be a tense, tough game.” (The Herald)

IN BRIEF

• Ronny Deila has slammed the state of Scotland’s pitches and has demanded more plastic surfaces in the SPL. (Daily Express)

• Manchester United are making an audacious move for Raheem Sterling in a bid to attract the first player in over 80 years to cross to the club from rivals Liverpool. (The Scottish Sun)

• Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal scored their biggest victory this season by snatching Alexis Sanchez ahead of Liverpool. (Daily Mirror)

• Red Bull are in advance talks to buy Leeds United for a reported £60 million with hopes a deal can be finalised in two to three weeks according to sources. (Daily Mirror)

Rumour Mill: Negri | Templeton | McNamara | McCall