Rumour Mill: Hearts | St Mirren | Richard Gough

As Hearts battle to avoid administration, and with it their SPL status, former Rangers captain Richard Gough backs ex-director Dave King to take the helm at Ibrox, plus all the rest of today’s football news and gossip
Richard Gough: Backed Dave King to take over at Rangers. Picture: SNSRichard Gough: Backed Dave King to take over at Rangers. Picture: SNS
Richard Gough: Backed Dave King to take over at Rangers. Picture: SNS

Court wrangling may see Hearts avoid SPL relegation

Hearts may escape relegation to the First Division, even if the club plunges into administration. The Tynecastle outfit are at the mercy of court proceedings in Lithuania, where Vladimir Romanov’s Ukio Bankas were yesterday declared bankrupt. Though administrators acting on the bank’s behalf could demand Hearts pay the £15 million owed to them, protracted legal negotiations mean that this would be unlikely to happen before the end of the season, which has been brought forward from 1 June to 20 May under a revised timetable for the allocation of SPL clubs’ golden share. However, Hearts are still expected to begin the 2013/14 season with a points deduction. (The Sun)

Richard Gough backs Dave King for Rangers helm

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Richard Gough has backed Dave King to take control of the Ibrox club. King, a former director, would have the club’s interests at heart according to the former Rangers captain, saying King would not be out to make a “fast buck.”

He also criticised Sir David Murray for relinquishing ownership to Craig Whyte so easily.

Gough said: “It’s been very disappointing. Right from the start Sir David Murray allowed Whyte to get control without doing the necessary checks. I hope he looks back and thinks that was a big mistake because for the last two years it has been a tough time for the club.”

He added: “I hope people who come in here don’t just try to make a fast buck. It is the people’s club.” (Daily Record)

Marc McAusland lauds John Brown’s St Mirren mindgames

St Mirren defender says that Dundee manager John Brown’s mindgames have been “laughed off” by team-mates as he insisted the Buddies could beat the drop.

Despite “insulting” accusations that St Mirren had “put the tools away” after their League Cup win, McAusland also expressed admiration for Brown’s tactics, admitting it was good management.

“Everyone knows what he’s trying to do. It’s annoying but it’s good management from him.

“If I was in that position I would want my manager to do the same.” (Daily Record)

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Rangers ‘need just £350,000’ to win Second Division title

Queen of the South chairman Billy Hewitson has urged Rangers to follow his club’s winning example. The Doonhamers won the Second Division title at a canter, with a 25-point gap at the top of the table and plaudits for playing an attractive brand of football under rookie manager Allan Johnston.

“Rangers will be required to do what we have done this season - or even better,” Hewitson said.

“I don’t know how you get much better but we achieved what we did on an annual playing budget of £350,000.

“Allan Johnston didn’t even use it all at the start but eventually did because when injuries and suspensions kicked in, we had to sign a couple of players for cover.

“Apart from that, he was within his budget. And Rangers could do the same - they don’t need players on huge money. Why sign players at that level? Play to the division you’re in, move up and spend again. And you’ll probably find the youngsters will grow with the club.” (Daily Record)