Rumour Mill: Hibs and Petrie | Celtic

Hibs fans gathered at Easter Road calling for Rod Petrie to quit. Picture: Toby Williams

Hibs rebels demand Farmer meeting

DISGRUNTLED Hibs fans are pushing for a meeting with club owner Sir Tom Farmer in an attempt to oust Rod Petrie, according to Paul Kane.

Over 1500 supporters attended a ‘Petrie Out’ rally at Easter Road yesterday, where Kane called for the 58-year-old to quit.

And Kane warned Leeann Dempster that to demonstrate her autonomy, she must tell Petrie to walk.

“If Dempster and Petrie don’t listen to that they are probably thinking they’re more important than the club and that would be a big mistake,” Kane said.

“If she does not act then it calls into question her ability to make decisions.” (Daily Record)

Butcher to learn Hibs future this week

TERRY Butcher will find out this week if he will be kept on at Easter Road.

Butcher is due to meet with Leeann Dempster on Monday.

The new chief executive said: ““I have plans to meet Terry next week and once we have had that conversation and come to a conclusion about the direction of the club then I will be able to come out and talk.” (Various)

Stanton admits Hibs need to learn from Hearts

HIBS legend Pat Stanton told Hibernian fans at Easter Road yesterday: “Hearts players were going into games last season not knowing what the future held, but they still gave 110 per cent.

“The minute things started to go wrong here there was no commitment and nobody there to say, ‘Come on, we need to turn this round’.”

The former Hibs captain and manager also called for fans to be referred to as supporters and not ‘customers’. (The Scotsman)

Deila was lined up as Keane No 2

NORWEGIAN sources have claimed that Ronny Deila had been lined up as Roy Keane’s No 2 at Celtic.

Rune Hauge, the ‘godfather’ of Scandinavian football agents and a close friend of Deila’s representative Tore Pedersen claimed the original plan would have seen the 38-year-old playing second fiddle to Keane in the Hoops dugout.

The news comes after Neil Lennon revealed Deila had also been lined up as Johan Mjallby’s replacement before the Northern Irishman stepped down.

Hauge told Norwegian media: “A week ago, Deila was to be assistant to Keane. Deila was not going as first-choice manager.” (Daily Record)

Godset’s Ghanaian goalkeeper a target for Deila

RONNY Deila has set his sights on Stromsgodset’s Ghanaian goalkeeper Adam Larsen Kwarasey, whom he signed for the Norwegian champions from Valerenga in 2010.

6ft 3in Kwarasey has already knocked back three new offers from Godset, and could follow Deila to Scotland, according to sources in Ghana.

Craig Gordon has passed a medical with Celtic but Deila is still to sign off a deal for the ex-Scotland international, but is believed to be preparing for Fraser Forster’s departure. (The Sun)

Watt: Deila wanted me at Godset

CELTIC striker Tony Watt has revealed that Ronny Deila tried to sign him for Stromsgodset three months ago.

Watt’s loan spell with Belgian outfit Lierse was due to end, and Deila was reportedly keen on taking the 20-year-old to Norway on a short-term deal - until red tape prevented the move.

“It was a move I was very interested in,” Watt admitted. “I wanted to keep playing football before I headed back to Celtic.”

And now the former Airdrie forward - who made headlines round the world when he fired Celtic to victory against Barcelona in the Champions League - is keen for a fresh start at Celtic and the chance to prove himself under Deila. (The Sun)

Miller excited by Rangers return

KENNY Miller has revealed he is looking forward to walking down the street in Glasgow and getting stick from opposition fans following his transfer to Rangers - for a third time.

The 34-year-old believes it is ‘part of the goldfish bowl of Glasgow life’ and believes the 2014/15 Scottish Championship will be a challenge, as it includes Hearts and former club Hibernian along with teams like Livingston, Falkirk and Queen of the South.

Miller also gave his backing to Ally McCoist, adding: “Managers should only really have to concentrate on their team and winning games on a Saturday – especially as a Rangers manager. I can’t imagine what he’s gone through these last three years.

“He’s been a big part of my career since him and Walter [Smith] took over the national squad in 2005. We’re talking the best part of a decade now.

“When I came back here in 2008 and Walter was the manager I could say the same things now as I did then. Had it not been for Walter, and Ally now, then I wouldn’t have had the chance to come back and play at this amazing football club.” (The Scotsman)

News in brief

• Dundee have made their sixth signing of the close season by bringing in Portsmouth midfielder Simon Ferry

• Ross County have also raided Pompey for their new signing - former Birmingham striker Jake Jervis

Rumour Mill: Hibs and Petrie | Celtic | Rangers