Rumour Mill: Paatelainen for United? | Bilel Mohsni cage fighter | Carlton Cole

MIXU Paatelainen is favourite to take over the manager’s position at Dundee United following the apparent departure of Jackie McNamara from the role

The former Hibs and Kilmarnock boss is favoured to take over at United. Picture: Greg Macvean

Jackie McNamara ‘manages last game at Dundee United’

Jackie McNamara has managed his final game for Dundee United, it is understood.

United have declined to comment on reports that McNamara has been told his time at Tannadice is up, after 10-man St Johnstone came from a goal down to win the Tayside derby at McDiarmid Park.

But it is understood that McNamara’s departure will be confirmed once the formalities of his contract termination and compensation agreement have been completed. (Scotland on Sunday)

Paatelainen favourite for Dundee United job

Mixu Paatelainen and Ray McKinnon are the early front-runners to succeed McNamara as manager of Dundee United, according to the bookmakers.

Both managers used to play at Tannadice. McKinnon is currently boss with Championship Raith Rovers, while Paatelainen is out of work after being sacked by the Finnish national team in August.

Paatelainen was previously manager of Hibs and Cowdenbeath, though he is most fondly remembered for his one season with Kilmarnock where he took a club among the favourites for relegation and led them to the top six.

Mark Warburton: SPFL should extend the top-tier

Rangers manager Mark Warburton believes that the Scottish senior game must be restructured in order to improve the quality of the product and its value to broadcasters.

He argues that an extended top tier is essential to abolish the tedium of clubs meeting each other four times each season in the league and, often, again in cup competitions.

While accepting that the commercial reasoning behind it remains sound (Celtic v Rangers remains the easiest fixture to sell at home and abroad), Warburton argues that the SPFL should be prepared to take a financial hit for the good of the game. (Scotland on Sunday)

Ronny Deila still confident of landing Carlton Cole

Celtic boss Ronny Deila is hopeful a deal can be reached with trialist striker Carlton Cole.

The former West Ham and Chelsea hitman has been training with the Parkhead club recently and Deila is very keen to add him to the squad as he believes the powerful striker gives them another option in attack.

Talks are ongoing between both parties and it looks increasingly unlikely anything will be done in time for Thursday’s meeting with Fenerbache in the Europa League. (Sunday Post)

Ronny Deila aware of threat from Fenerbache

Ronny Deila is acutely aware of the possible backlash from Europa League opponents Fenerbache after the Turkish side suffered a shock loss to Molde in their opening game.

“I think we’ll meet a team hungry for revenge after their last result in Europe and they are a team with a lot of quality. It’s going to be a very interesting game, a very exciting game, something to look forward to.”

The calibre of the individuals at the Turkish club is not disputed, with summer signings Robin Van Persie and Nani bolstering a squad which already boasted a group of international names imported from several of the most credible leagues in Europe. (Scotland on Sunday)

Scott Brown ‘plays up to daft laddie role’ - Deila

Scott Brown plays up to the persona of a ‘daft laddie’, insists his manager Ronny Deila.

“He’s an intelligent boy. That other stuff is just an image sometimes. But it is also good to be self-deprecating about things. That’s very important when you live with this pressure every day, to have a laugh. That makes the group better too. Scott has a lot of energy and he shows that every day.” (Scotland on Sunday)

Bilel Mohsni ‘learned cage fighting to deal with temper’

Ex-Rangers centre half Bilel Mohsni’s hotheadedness was such a problem for former Southend boss Paul Sturrock that he encouraged the Tunisian to take up cage fighting.

The former Dundee United and St Johnstone manager has revealed in his new book what it was like to coach the player during their time together at Roots Hall.

He also tells of a time when Mohsni grabbed a pair of scissors and tried to enter the opposing dressing room following an altercation with a Leyton Orient player. (Daily Record)

Stevie May favoured Preston over SPFL return

Scottish international Stevie May has revealed his reason behind turning down a host of SPFL clubs to make the move to Preston North End.

The striker was available during the summer window following a disappointing season with Sheffield Wednesday after making the switch from St Johnstone.

Having shone in the Scottish top flight several teams, including Aberdeen, Hibs, Hearts and Rangers, were interested in his talents. However, the player remained determined to make a name for himself in England. (The Scottish Sun on Sunday)