Rumour Mill: Charles Green| Hibs | Celtic

All smiles for former Rangers owner Charles Green. Picture: SNS

Gers internal investigation clears Charles Green

A club investigation is set to clear Charles Green of links to former owner Craig Whyte, however the full details of the findings will not be officially released until next week.

A law firm hired by the club to conduct an investigation into possible compromising links between the two is believed to confirm that Whyte has no connection to the holding company or Rangers assets.

The investigation interviewed key figures in the running of Rangers, and is believed to find in favour of Green who has refuted claims of any link to the disgraced former owner. It was suggested that Green had acted as a front for Whyte during the £5.5 million purchase last May.

It is reportedly unclear as to the extent Green and former commercial director Imran Ahmad co-operated with the internal investigation. Green had resigned his post in the wake of the publicity surrounding the claims. (Various)

SFA chief exec Stewart Regan pockets pay rise

SFA chief executive Stewart Regan has been awarded a £33,000 pay rise.

The SFA’s annual accounts, which were just released to clubs, show Regan pocketed £280,425 this year. That’s an increase of 13.5 per cent on his 2011 salary.

The Daily Record reports that one chairman, who didn’t want to be named said: “More clubs than ever face going to the wall and Scotland have no chance of reaching the world cup.

“It is astonishing that the SFA see fit to award such an inflated salary to the chief executive and take on more staff.

“Regan spoke of ‘Armageddon’ last summer but his concerns ring hollow when he has been happy to accept an increase in salary.” (Daily Record)

Law swayed by McCoist

Nicky Law was sold on a Rangers move after a personal tour by boss Ally McCoist. The English midfielder was swayed by McCoist’s immense pride in the Ibrox club.

Law said he was “delighted and honoured to sign for this great football club” as he was unveiled at Ibrox. And he added: “It was impossible for me to turn down. It was probably a once-in-a-lifetime offer for me to sign here.

“If you say no to it, you are probably not going to get that opportunity again. When I spoke to him [McCoist], I didn’t think I could ever really say no to it. Playing here at Ibrox in front of fantastic crowds, and this crowd is fantastic and the attendances here last season for Third Division football were unbelievable, that was a huge draw for me as well.”

“It would have been easy for me to do that because I could have gone home and been nearer my family,” he said.

“But I’ve had a great time in Scotland – two great years at Motherwell, successful years as well. I was quite settled in Scotland. (The Scotsman)

Leigh Griffiths injury scare

Hibs are said to be sweating on the fitness of Leigh Griffiths after a training ground injury led to the striker being rushed to hospital.

Fenlon is already without skipper James McPake for the Hampden showpiece, and is unsure whether Griffiths will train today before the big game tomorrow.

Griffiths is said to be okay after the knock, but the Easter Road club are wary in case he has any further reaction to the injury. (The Sun)

Punters pick Hibs at 13/2

Hibs are catching the eye of wily punters, as they go into the Scottish Cup final at 13/2 underdogs. A year of upsets with St Mirren and Wigan recently upsetting the odds in cup finals has lead to some believing Fenlon’s men can turn the tables and end their 111 year hoodoo. (The Sun)

Smith pulling for Hibs

Falkirk boss Alex Smith says he’ll be rooting for Hibs to pull off a shock at Hampden tomorrow.

Smith’s side lost out to Hibs in a thrilling semi final, losing 4-3 in extra time.

Smith said: “It would be some slight consolation for us at Falkirk if the Hibs side which defeated us 4-3 in the semi final went on to win the cup.”

He added: “I have a feeling Hibs could really do it this year, if they get the ball forward enough to the likes of Leigh Griffiths who can win any game of football.” (The Sun)

McCall may stay at Motherwell

Motherwell boss Stuart McCall had looked to be on his way out of Motherwell, after having talks with English League One outfit Sheffield United, but fears over the financial set-up at Brammall Lane may put the Well gaffer off a move.

McCall has not yet been offered the job, but is thought to be the top choice for the Blades. (Various)

Lennon’s Kris Commons international plea

Neil Lennon has revealed he tried to persuade Kris Commons not to retire from international football this week and believes the player may yet change his mind and make himself available for Scotland again in the future.

Celtic midfielder Commons made his surprise announcement on Tuesday, citing his desire to spend more time with his young family and a wish to devote his professional commitment to extending his career with the Scottish champions for as long as possible.

Lennon’s own international career was cut short in very different circumstances when he retired from Northern Ireland duty after receiving death threats when he played for his country as a Celtic player. (Various)

Adams extends Ross County stay

Ross County manager Derek Adams has extended his contract until the summer of 2016.

Adams, who was linked with the Aberdeen job before Derek McInnes replaced Craig Brown, has led the Dingwall club to a fifth-placed finish in their first season in the top flight.

The former Motherwell and Aberdeen player, who began his playing career at County, also guided them to the Scottish Cup final in 2010, where they lost to Dundee United.

Adams told Ross County’s official website last night: “I am delighted to extend my stay at Ross County Football Club.” (Various)

Rumour Mill: Charles Green| Hibs | Celtic | SFA