Rumour Mill: Roy Keane and Celtic | Hibs

Roy Keane is set to stay in Edinburgh if he takes the reins at Celtic. Picture: AFP/Getty

Keane would ‘probably stay in Edinburgh’

ROY Keane is expected to be unveiled as Celtic manager within the next few days but has revealed his plans to live in Edinburgh rather than Glasgow.

Former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady claims the current Republic of Ireland assistant boss has drawn up plans to live in the capital and commute along the M8 to avoid the intense spotlight in Glasgow.

McGeady, who said Keane had lived in Edinburgh during his time as a Celtic player, added: “He said if it did happen, he’d probably stay in Edinburgh. He thought that would probably be his best option.”

Sources close to Keane in Ireland believe he is intent on taking the reins at Celtic Park, although no definitive answer has been forthcoming. (Daily Record)

Larsson denies ‘secret’ Celtic talks

HENRIK Larsson has poured scorn on rumours that he held talks with Celtic officials who flew into Sweden, as speculation continues in his homeland.

Larsson, currently manager of Allsvenskan side Falkenbergs, told reporters that he didn’t know anything about talks with Celtic Park chiefs, but added: “[Celtic] is a fantastic club where I became the player I was.

“When I got into the coaching profession, I knew the manager’s job would always be associated with me.” (The Scotsman)

Hibs in good hands on Dempster’s watch

LEEANN Dempster is the best person to guide Hibs through a turbulent period, as supporters call for Rod Petrie’s head, her former colleagues have said.

Motherwell general manager Alan Burrows described Dempster as ‘probably the best equipped chief executive in the country o go and meet the challenges Hibs face and the position in which the club finds itself.’

Burrows believes the disgruntled Easter Road support should give Dempster a chance to show why she was headhunted from Fir Park, and said: “I understand from speaking to her that she has been given full control and the running of the place. Going on that I am really confident she will make a big difference.”

He added that Dempster was likely to ‘ruffle some feathers’ and ‘challenge people’ ahead of plans by a section of the Hibs support to protest against Petrie this weekend. (Daily Record)

Hearts hopeful over admin exit

HEARTS hope to exit administration within the next two weeks, nearly a year after the club’s financial woes set in.

BDO administrator Bryan Jackson is keen for the process to be signed off by a court in Edinburgh within the next fortnight.

The club are still under a transfer embargo while they remain in an ‘insolvency event’ and exiting administration will allow new head coach Robbie Neilson to begin signing players.

Exiting administration would also ensure Hearts are not hit with a further 15-point penalty for next season. (The Scotsman)

Rangers chief faces grilling by North American fans

RANGERS chief executive Graham Wallace is to sit down with North American fans of the Ibrox side next weekend.

The Union of Fans group has challenge the board of directors to reveal how many season tickets have been sold amidst ongoing fears over finances.

In a statement over the weekend, the Union of Fans called for answers on cash raised, the club’s ability to repay a £1.5 million loan, and how the board planned to strengthen Ally McCoist’s squad.

Rangers have said they will confirm the number of season tickets sold in an announcement via the AIM stock market.

And Wallace is to meet fans in Toronto next week at the North American Rangers Supporters Association convention, and is expected to offer reassurances on the club’s future. (Daily Mail)

McCoist stunned by Telfer exit

ALLY McCoist has been hit with a blow ahead of the new season after highly-rated youngster Charlie Telfer snubbed a new Ibrox contract and joined Dundee United.

Telfer, 18, had been offered a new contract as McCoist battled to keep the midfielder in Glasgow, but the Scotland Under-19 star is expected to be unveiled as a United player today. (The Sun)

Rangers linked with McGregor

McCOIST is also set to make a move for St Mirren’s Darren McGregor, who could join the Ibrox side on a Bosman.

The out-of-contract Buddies defender now tops McCoist’s list of targets as he looks set to miss out on Motherwell’s Shaun Hutchinson, linked with Birmingham, and Sheffield Wednesday target Gavin Gunning, currently at Dundee United.

McCoist is also believed to be close to finalising a deal for Kenny Miller but is keen on strengthening his side’s defence and could beat off competition from Dundee and Hearts for the former Cowdenbeath stopper. (Daily Express)

Falkirk eye temporary stand to cash in on ‘big three’

FALKIRK are planning a 1000-seat temporary stand this season as they seek to capitalise on the visits of Hearts, Hibernian and Rangers it has been revealed.

Officials at the Falkirk Stadium are anticipating ‘large away supports’ and are keen to ‘maximise attendances and minimise the disruption’ to Bairns fans.

A club insider added: “It would be similar to the stand we used when we were in the SPL.”

The temporary seating would be placed on the east side of the pitch, opposite the main stand and would increase the capacity of the ground to 9750.

Martinez pays tribute to Motherwell

EVERTON manager Roberto Martinez has revealed his stint in Scottish football as a player helped shape his managerial career.

And the Toffees boss has admitted that his ongoing admiration of the character of Scottish players still influences his transfer activity.

The Spaniard has signed James McCarthy, James McArthur, Shaun Maloney and Aiden McGeady during his spells at Wigan and Everton, and is reportedly keeping tabs on Dundee United and Scotland left back Andrew Robertson

Rumour Mill: Roy Keane and Celtic | Hibs | Hearts