The Rumour Mill: Thursday’s football news and gossip

Whyte admits directorship ban

Rangers owner Craig Whyte has confirmed that he was once disqualified as a company director, as revealed in a recent BBC documentary. In a statement to the PLUS stock exchange yesterday, Rangers made a “director disclosure” in which it was confirmed that Whyte had indeed been banned. “Craig Whyte was disqualified to act as a director of Vital UK Limited in 2000 for a period of seven years,” read the statement. “The directors of The Rangers Football Club PLC accept responsibility for this announcement.” (Scotsman)

• Whyte also signed off the first set of financial results since he bought control in May. The figures show that the Ibrox club’s net debt has been almost halved to £14 million. (Scotsman)

• Rangers trialists Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua are returning home to India after playing in a bounce match yesterday. The strike duo played on opposing teams and were eager to impress despite the cold, wet and windy conditions. Ibrox boss Ally McCoist has yet to make a decision on the pair. (Record)

Lennon faces up to Europa challenge

After watching his side sink to a 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid last night, Celtic boss Neil Lennon admitted that the prospect of an all-or-nothing match against Udinese away is not one to be taken lightly. “It’s a tall order now for us to go through,” said Lennon. “Udinese are an excellent side and we have not won away from home for a while in Europe. We will go there and give it everything we’ve got but we’ll have to be wary of Udinese who will probably be on the front foot from the off.” (Scotsman)

• Lennon was also forced to defend midfielder Beram Kayal after he appeared to duck out of the way of Atletico’s winner. He said: “I think Kayal misjudged the flight of the ball, Fraser Forster hasn’t seen it until late and couldn’t really do much about it.” (Sun)

Fenlon’s warning for Hibs players

New Hibernian manager Pat Fenlon has warned his players they will have to prove themselves with the January transfer window looming. The Irishman said: “If it is not going right on the park you won’t be here long. That goes for us all.” (Sun)

Southend linked with Dons defender

League Two outfit Southend are reportedly preparing a January bid for Aberdeen defender Rory McArdle. Shrimpers manager Paul Sturrock, who previously managed McArdle at Sheffield Wednesday, has made the Northern Irishman a signing target. (Express)

Mackie reveals Olympic ambitions

Jamie Mackie has become the first Scotland international to state that he wants to play for Great Britain at next year’s Olympics. Despite the fact that the SFA are strongly against their players taking part in a Team GB football team, the QPR striker said: “Obviously to be part of it would be amazing. I can’t talk for any other player, it’s down to the individual, but I’m sure players would be happy to be in that team.” (Sun)

IN BRIEF

• Hearts goalkeeper Janos Balogh will leave the club in January when his contract expires, according to his agent. (Sun)

• Paul Hartley has laughed off Vladimir Romanov’s claim that he was worth £7million when Hearts sold him to Celtic for £1.1million. The Alloa boss said: “I’ve been laughing about it because what he said was ridiculous.” (Record)

• West Brom are reportedly lining up a £450,000 bid for Dundee United youngster Scott Allan. (Sun)

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