Rangers blamed for 'unfair' deal collapse, Celtic farewell message, Hearts land 'top operator' - transfer news

The transfer window may be closed, but the rumour mill never subsides. Here are the latest transfer tidbits from around Scottish football this Wednesday lunchtime...

Rangers blamed for 'unfair' deal collapse

Rangers decision not to follow through with the loan signing of Southampton winger Sam Edozie on transfer deadline day has been branded "unfair" on the player. Saints boss Russell Martin, who had a spell on loan at Ibrox during his playing career, admitted he felt "gutted" for the 21-year-old as the proposed move to Glasgow collapsed at the eleventh hour. Martin said: “What frustrated me was how late it fell through and it wasn't on our end. It's a bit unfair to Sam really. It's a bit disappointing but it is what it is. Every club has their prerogative and their priorities in the transfer window. I was gutted for Sam because it was too late to then find another opportunity to go and play football."

Celtic farewell message

Mikey Johnston has posted a farewell message to Celtic following his transfer deadline day move to West Brom. The 25-year-old winger spent more than a decade at the Parkhead club rising through the youth ranks before making his first team debut during Brendan Rodgers' first spell in charge and going on to make 93 appearances. "It’s hard to say goodbye," the Republic of Ireland international wrote on Instagram. "I feel very fortunate to have been able to play for Celtic. I’ve lived my dream, playing just one minute would have been enough. Thank you to everyone at the club for helping me grow as a player and as a person throughout the years. Thank you to the fans who supported me through the good times and the bad. Looking forward to a new chapter now and going back to being a Celtic fan again. Hail hail, MJ."

Hearts land ‘top operator’

Hearts have confirmed the appointment of Graeme Jones as their new sporting director. Jones has stepped down from his role as Scottish Football Association performance director take up his new post with the Tynecastle club. Jones will oversee all aspects of the club’s football department, leading on performance, recruitment, academy and supporting both men’s and women’s team footballing matters. Jones fills the void left by Joe Savage, who stepped down as Hearts sporting director in July. Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay said: “I’m extremely pleased that Graeme has agreed to join us as our new Sporting Director. The role is a pivotal one within the football club and, as such, it was crucial that our recruitment process was thorough, not rushed, and focused on finding the right individual. In Graeme, I believe we have that individual. He has huge experience in the game across many different functions, and his reputation within the Scottish FA is peerless. We’re getting a top operator, someone with the determination and the ability to drive standards as high as they can possibly be and I’m certain the club will reap the benefits of having Graeme as its Sporting Director.”