Rumour Mill: Rangers| Alex Ferguson| Hibs| Hearts

Walter Smith is reportedly ready to quit Rangers over boardroom rows. Picture: SNS

Walter Smith has threatened to quit Rangers over the latest boardroom row.

The news comes as club directors passed a vote of no confidence in chairman Malcolm Murray, and fans’ favourite Smith is said to be on the brink of storming out.

A source is reported to have said of Smith: “He’s unhappy at the state of affair sat the club. This is as close as he’s come to leaving.” (The Daily Record|The Sun).

• It looks like Rangers won’t be able to afford former Hearts star Christophe Berra. The Wolves man looks certain to move at the end of the season. (The Sun)

Fergie to retire?

Sir Alex Ferguson is standing down as Manchester United boss, as the news of his retirement broke this morning.

The 71-year-old Scot has led the club for 26 years, grabbing 13 premier league titles, and rumours began circulating after a football players versus coaches golf match in which some players reportedly suggested Ferguson would make an announcement ahead of Sunday’s final home match of the season against Swansea City.

Rumours are already circulating as to the identity of Ferguson#s replacement, with some daring to whisper Jose Mourinho, and Ryan Giggs getting odds of 33/1. (The Scotsman)

Griffiths future clouded

On-loan Hibs star Leigh Griffiths has been left in limbo as his future has become unclear following the sacking of Wolves boss Dean Saunders.

Griffiths had been due to meet with the manager to decide his future after it seemed likely that he would be recalled to Wolves next season.

However, the departure of Saunders puts everything up in the air for the PFA Young Player of the Year.

Hibs boss Pat Fenlon said: “We are doing the best we can to hold on to Leigh. I can assure fans of that. We are doing as much as we can but it’ll come down to Leigh and his present club.” (The Sun)

Celtic rest plan could backfire

Neil Lennon’s plan to rest Celtic players ahead of the Scottish Cup Final could backfire, according to Craig Brewster.

The Dundee United hero saw the same thing happen to Rangers in 1994 when he struck the winner.

Brewster warned against breaking form and resting players ahead of a crucial match.

“Sometimes it’s difficult for footballers to just switch form on and off,” said Brewster.

“When you’re on form for instance, scoring goals and then suddenly not playing for a few weeks, it can have an effect. When you’re fit, playing well, and scoring goals, you don’t want to stop playing. Any player will tell you that.” (Daily Record)

Walker keen for derby distraction

Hearts starlet Jamie Walker is keen to put the club’s terrible financial state behind him and focus on football for this week’s Edinburgh Derby.

The cash woes have seen the club hit the headlines a fair bit over the last few months, with talk of administration and bankruptcy rife in the media.

However, Walker, 19, has his game face on for the derby.

“Hopefully the fans will get behind us, and we can grab the win we’ve not had over Hibs so far.

“Obviously the off-field things are in the back of our minds but you can’t beat a packed Tynecastle with a good atmosphere.”

More than 14,000 tickets have already been sold for what will be Gary Locke’s first derby in charge of Hearts. (Daily Record)